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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Wright Salisbury, September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
home: 781-652-8307

9/11 and Military Families Oppose Afghanistan Escalation

As part of national "Days of Action" 9/11 families, Military Families
and Faith Leaders meet with Congressman Capuano to say "No Military
Solution: Stop Escalation in Afghanistan"

WHAT: Constituents meet with Congressman Michael Capuano to present
alternatives to the Obama Administration's "new strategy" in Afghanistan
WHEN: Tuesday April 14, 2009 1:30pm and Thursday April 16, 2009 at 10:30am
WHERE: 110 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02141-2109

WASHINGTON

As part of national "Days of Action" 9/11 families, Military Families
and Faith Leaders meet with Congressman Capuano to say "No Military
Solution: Stop Escalation in Afghanistan"

WHAT: Constituents meet with Congressman Michael Capuano to present
alternatives to the Obama Administration's "new strategy" in Afghanistan
WHEN: Tuesday April 14, 2009 1:30pm and Thursday April 16, 2009 at 10:30am
WHERE: 110 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02141-2109

As part of a national campaign organized by United for Peace and
Justice, a national coalition of over 1400 organizations, concerned
constituents of Representative Capuano are meeting to present three
recommendations relating to US involvement in Afghanistan:
- A halt to the escalation of US troops
- A focus on regional diplomacy
- Devotion of funds towards Afghanistan-led reconstruction, not war profiteers

They will also present Congressman Capuano with a copy of "Afghanistan:
Ending a Failed Military Strategy" produced by September 11 Families
for Peaceful Tomorrows as well as other information on the real
situation in Afghanistan.

Chief amongst the participants' concerns are the financial,
humanitarian and security costs of the conflict. Says Wright Salisbury,
whose son-in-law was killed on 9/11, "It's outrageous that in a time
of financial crisis, billions of our tax dollars are spent on military
operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan." Adds Sara Fuhro, whose son is
currently serving in Afghanistan, "These military actions just make
more enemies for the United States. We need to devote our tax dollars
towards the needs of our own people and the Afghan people, not war."

Over the past few months, constituents have held similar meetings with
the offices of Senators John Kerry and Ted Kennedy and Representatives
Barney Frank, Ed Markey, Niki Tsongas and James McGovern. Further
meetings are scheduled for later in April and May, 2009.

For more information, please call Wright Salisbury - home: 781-652-8307; cell: 339-223-2858

Names and affiliations of participants in the meeting:

Wright Salisbury and Terry Greene of September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
Rev. Beulah Koulouris Chairwoman of Peace and Justice Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
Sarah Fuhro of Military Families Speak Out
Rachel Williams of United for Justice with Peace (a local coalition and member organization of United for Peace and Justice)

Download links:
Peaceful Tomorrows Report on Afghanistan
https://www.peacefultomorrows.org/article.php?id=914

Peaceful Tomorrows is an organization founded by family members of those killed on September 11th who have united to turn our grief into action for peace. By developing and advocating nonviolent options and actions in the pursuit of justice, we hope to break the cycles of violence engendered by war and terrorism. Acknowledging our common experience with all people affected by violence throughout the world, we work to create a safer and more peaceful world for everyone.