[haw-info] National Call-In Day: Fund Diplomacy, Not the Wars! Tuesday, May 12

[Jim O'Brien]

*This message is sent on behalf of Carolyn (Rusti) Eisenberg, a member of
the HAW Steering Committee and of the legislative task force of the anti-war
coalition United for Peace and Justice, which issued this appeal.
*
  *National Call-In Day: Fund Diplomacy, Not the Wars!*
*Tuesday, May 12*

The Obama Administration has asked Congress for another $83.4 billion in
Supplemental funding for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. As it
stands now, the House Appropriations Committee has actually increased this
amount to $94.2 billion. Members of Congress need to hear from their
constituents that this war funding bill is not acceptable!

Voting on the Supplemental will be happening as early as next week. It is
vitally important that people across the country send a clear rapid message
that this bill continues and extends the failed policies of the past
administration.

*On May 12, join the National Call-In
Day<http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=OsS7VpDjMA9Ijw1GutvkI7NpH79fA4YJ>and
let Congress know that while we support funding for the safewithdrawal
of troops, and for diplomacy, economic assistance and humanitarian aid, we
oppose more money for war.* While making that call, urge them to co-sponsor
a bill by Congressman James McGovern that would require President Obama to
provide an exit plan for Afghanistan no later than December 2009.

Last week, Secretaries Clinton and Gates testified before the full Senate
Appropriations Committee to explain their strategies and budget needs in
preparation for a vote on the Supplemental. Although both senior officials
repeatedly said economic assistance and diplomacy are the keys to stability
and security, only 8% of the funding in this bill is for non-military
activities -- the remainder for military operations. There is no military
solution to the problems of Iraq, Afghanistan or Pakistan. The American air
strikes inside Afghanistan and Pakistan are stirring up more suffering, fear
and hatred towards the United States, while decreasing the prospects of a
negotiated settlement. Congress needs to re-think and re-direct American
resources.

*Key Talking Points:*

   - At a time of economic crisis and multiplying domestic needs, the 2009
   Supplemental is an appalling waste of our money.
   - The Supplemental funds the increase of troops to Afghanistan,
   escalating the war rather than ending it.
   - The Supplemental places no restrictions on American bombings in either
   Afghanistan or Pakistan, despite the disproportionate harm to civilians.
   - The Supplemental maintains a high level of American troops in Iraq for
   the duration of FY 2009.

 *Join the National Call-in Day on Tuesday, May 12! The Congressional
switchboard number is 1-800-517-5696.* Let them know that you reject another
'blank check' for war!

Go to the National Priorities Project for information on the local costs of
the war in Afghanistan:
www.nationalpriorities.org<http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=ZBXYtoKuFbvON6HDXydSLQzng20zO02F>
.

Click here to see the OMB
analysis<http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=NQbfX23bhlqIAaUUw2woZbNpH79fA4YJ>of
the War Supplemental funding request (in PDF)
and click <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=bJTzDN77AkGL%2BThgjnvy9bNpH79fA4YJ>here
for analysis of the
Supplemental<http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=J9zmZu0RQWBrvGQno8JejbNpH79fA4YJ>
from
the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation.
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