Michael Munk submitted this action call from the American Friends Service Committee:
Nov 23-25 call Obama: No more troops for Afganistan
Dear Friend, VIA"Peace and Justice Works"
Today, we have much news to share about our Afghanistan peace campaign and an opportunity for action.
First, thank you all for your calls to the White House last week -- and for your photos and comments on our Facebook Postcards to Obama initiative.
This week, we are redoubling our efforts. AFSC is joining with many other peace and justice groups for White House Call-in Days, Monday through Wednesday. And we need your help.
Last week, the White House held three meetings to reach out to academics and peace activists, development agencies, and representatives from faith communities to elicit their views on Afghanistan strategy. An AFSC colleague of ours in Washington attended the faith communities meeting, and tells us that the Obama Administration is clearly listening.
So, this week's call-in days are all the more important.
Please take action today and join with the pro-peace majority in calling for an end to this war.
Call the White House to Say "No More Troops in Afghanistan"
National White House Call-In Days
Monday, November 23 - Wednesday, November 25
We are at a cross roads. President Obama will soon announce the U.S. strategy for Afghanistan, including the role of U.S. troops. Call him and tell him that more troops will not bring more peace.
This situation needs a strategy based on diplomacy, the rule of law, government accountability and development. This long-term vision requires transparent and sustained support for civilian led and accountable community institutions. Investment in civilian institutions helps citizens strengthen their communities, which will help to prevent rather than escalate violence. It also costs a fraction of the price of a military surge. This would mean more money at home for job creation, prevention of foreclosures, healthcare and other human needs.
Previous U.S. governments have shown that the U.S. is prepared to invest lives and treasures in war. Encourage this administration to invest in peace.
White House comment line:
202-456-1111
Talking points:
1. No additional troops to Afghanistan.
2. A timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops and for diplomacy and dialogue with all parties to the conflict, without preconditions.
3. Badly needed development aid provided, to be coordinated by civilian-led organizations, not the military.
4. Redirect the more than $44 billion spent yearly on war to supporting real human needs in Afghanistan and at home.
Help President Obama make the best decision on Afghanistan. Please take a moment and make your call today.
The National White House Call-in Days are being jointly organized by United for Peace and Justice, American Friends Service Committee, Peace Action, CODEPINK, Just Foreign Policy, Voters for Peace, Pax Christi USA, Common Dreams, Historians Against War, and others. Please forward this action alert to your group or community.
Thank you for taking the steps to support a more peaceful world and have a happy Thanksgiving.
Peace,
Peter Lems and Mary Zerkel
American Friends Service Committee
P.S. While you are at your phone, won't you call to your Representative and Senators? They approve the money for war and will be asked for additional funds if more troops are sent. United Against Afghanistan Escalation is an excellent companion to this effort that
provides contact information for your representative, bills to support, and a grid that will allow you to post the response you receive.
P.P.S. For more ideas on what a better strategy for Afghanistan will look like, see AFSC's op-ed in the Huffington Post. If you'd like, take a moment to share your thoughts on the site as well.
American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
visit my website: Michael Munk
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