|
September 30, 2009
|
Dear CODEPINKer,
 During our last few days in Afghanistan, we've heard over and over again how the surge of US troops in Afghanistan will simply feed the endless cycle of violence. From women struggling to get an education to Ministers in the Karzai Government, to UN workers, members of the Parliament and leaders of civil society, the surge of US troops is seen as a waste of precious funds and creating more targets for the Taliban. "We had so much hope for Obama," a woman NGO leader told us. "We don't understand why he is considering a move that will lead to more deaths of both U.S. Soldiers and Afghan civilians."
 Most of the people we have spoken with at all levels of Afghan society feel that General McChrystal's suggestion to have more direct interaction between the U.S. military and those in rural provinces will be a further disaster. They suggest the military is best used training the Afghanistan Army and Police. We learned today that the cost of supporting ONE US soldier in Afghanistan is equivalent to funding SEVENTY Afghan soldiers.
Call your member of Congress today and say STOP!!!! We have poured good money and lives down a hole. We need to create a strategy for the Afghan people and not at gunpoint. If there is no military solution, let's start to act like it and invest in their real needs.
Jodie, Medea and Ann Wright
Kabul, Afghanistan
September 30, 2009
|
Follow Jodie, Medea and Ann's lead and join today's National Call-in Day to protest war funding!
 Call your Members of Congress (Senators + Congressional Representatives) at 202-224-3121 and tell them to vote NO on the 2010 Defense Appropriations bill. Tell them to stand firmly against escalation and to co-sponsor Congressman James McGovern's H.R. 2404 that would require President Obama to provide an "exit plan" from Afghanistan.
Use our talking points for guidance.
Let us know how your call went by clicking here.
Next week marks the 8th anniversary of the war in Afghanistan. We hope you'll join us in protesting the war and educating your friends, family and community about why we need to get out of the quagmire. You can bring our tools to a local vigil or host an Afghanistan Movie Night House Party to raise awareness about the situation in Afghanistan, especially for Afghan women.
 With love, hope and action for an end to the violence,
Dana, Farida, Gael, Gayle, Janet, Jodie, Medea, Nancy, Paris, Rae, Suzanne, Tracy and Whitney
|
