Letter Sent to Sen. Stevens by Juneau VFP Chapter

Veterans for Peace –

Chapter 100 · Juneau, Alaska

Via Facsimile: 202-224-2354

Hon. Ted Stevens

United States Senate

522 Hart Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Stevens:

Attached to this letter are seven questions to which the members of Veterans for Peace (and other organizations) here in Juneau would appreciate your response. As you will see, they address critical issues of war and peace in these difficult times.

The questions are posed in all sincerity. We are grateful for your many contributions to the development and welfare of our beloved state, and we respect you for that steadfast commitment. On the other hand, we have occasionally been puzzled by your apparent support of our nation’s almost constant commitment to bellicosity, and we believe this is a good opportunity for you to help us to understand your reasoning on these matters.

We are aware that you are scheduled to visit Juneau on March 19 (for your annual address to the Legislature). That may give you opportunities to meet with our group, and with our many friends, to address these questions. May we suggest that either (choose one or more):

• you attend, and speak at, our gathering at Marine Park at 4:00pm on Sunday, March 18; or,
• following your Legislative address on March 19, you speak to the group gathered on the steps of the Capitol (who will be reading the names of American soldiers who have died in Iraq during the last year); or,
• you agree to appear as a guest on our monthly radio program on KTOO (“PeaceTalk” at 7:00pm on March 19); or,
• you agree to be interviewed by the undersigned, at a time of your choosing, with the interview being played on PeaceTalk; or,
• you respond in writing to these questions in time for us to disseminate your responses at the named events.

Please let me know how you would like to proceed. I can be reached at the numbers below.

Thanks very much, in advance, for your thoughtful responses to our questions.

Sincerely,

Veterans For Peace, Chapter 100

Philip J. Smith, President

1782 Evergreen Avenue

Juneau, Alaska 99801

907-586-1175 (home)

907-723-1369 (mobile)

907-586-1586 (facsimile)

philips@alaska.com (e-mail)

cc: Connie McKenzie

Via Facsimile: 586-8922

Questions for Senator Ted Stevens

by Veterans for Peace , Chapter 100 · Juneau, Alaska

[March 9, 2007]

§ Senator, we were gratified by your recent comments in support of obtaining adequate funding to provide medical care and benefits to America’s veterans. It has recently been alleged, however, that (in February 2006) you voted against a $19 billion appropriation for military medical facilities, intended to be paid for by rolling back the President’s tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. Is that true? Please explain. On a related topic, are you familiar with the recent study by Linda Bilmes of Harvard University that estimates that the costs of providing medical care and benefits to veterans returning from the Global War on Terror (to effectively address such tragic ailments as Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and conditions associated with exposure to Depleted Uranium) could amount to well over $600 billion over the next forty years? Do you believe that study is accurate? If so, where do you propose to find the money?

§ On more than one recent occasion, Alaskan groups (including Military Families Speak Out, Veterans for Peace, and others) have asked for your position on establishing and maintaining “enduring bases” in Iraq. You have not yet clearly responded, from which many have inferred that you support the establishment of such bases (and, by implication, the indefinite military occupation of that nation). Can you now tell us whether you support the establishment of such bases and the continuing occupation? And why?

§ In the fall of 2005, you were one of only 9 U.S. Senators to support the President by voting against the McCain amendment to the Defense budget that would have unambiguously outlawed the use of torture by any element of our Armed Forces, against any person, in any venue, and for any reason. Would you please explain that vote?

§ The military budget of the United States for the current fiscal year is estimated to be somewhat over $600 billion, not including the extraordinary expenditures for the war in Afghanistan and the occupation of Iraq. This amount is greater than the combined military budgets of all the world’s other countries (including alliances, such as NATO). As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, you have had an important role in shaping these budgets. Therefore, will you explain to us how you believe our nation can justify these massive military outlays, especially in consideration of the many compelling, but tragically unmet, humanitarian needs that exist throughout the world and here at home?

§ The Bush administration has recently awarded a contract to Lawrence Livermore Laboratories to develop a “new generation” of hydrogen bombs. This appears to be a gratuitous proliferation of atomic weaponry and it surely weakens our nation’s arguments against other nations attempting to obtain such weapons (e.g., Iran and North Korea). Do you support this acquisition? Please explain.

§ We are aware of your steadfast support for the so-called “Star Wars” missile defense system, including the construction of numerous missile silos at Fort Greeley. Other than the short-term economic benefits that may result from the construction activity, do you believe that the system, which has thus far failed every test of its effectiveness, can reasonably be expected to defend our state and nation from a missile attack (or to deter such an attack)? Why/How?

§ The Iraq War has given rise to many charges of egregious war profiteering by the private sector (in particular the Halliburton Corporation and its several subsidiaries). Indeed, it is charged that billions of dollars intended for operations in Iraq have simply disappeared -- and that no one has been held accountable. Would you support a special Congressional investigation to root out the truth of these allegations, and would you further support severe sanctions if wrong-doing is demonstrated? Why or why not?

Thank you very much for your time, and for your candor.