Veterans for Peace-Ernest Gruening Chapter

Body of War at Bear Tooth on Mon. eve. 5/26

2008-05-22T16:08:00.002-08:00

Times: 5:30 pm & 7:45 pm Bear Tooth Movies

body of war

Body of War is a documentary following Tomas Young, an Iraq War veteran paralyzed from a bullet to the spine, on a physical and emotional journey as he adapts to his new body and begins to question the decision to go to war in Iraq. From soldier to anti-war activist, the film takes an unflinching view of the physical and emotional aftermath of war through the eyes of an American hero. The film unfolds on two parallel tracks. On the one hand, we see Tomas evolving into a powerful voice against the war as he struggles to deal with the complexities of a paralyzed body. And on the other hand, we see the historic debate unfolding in the Congress about going to war in Iraq.

FW: VFP Action Alert - Call on Senators to End the War

2008-04-09T19:18:00.000-08:00

From: Veterans For Peace [mailto:vfp@veteransforpeace.net]
Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2008 5:10 PM
To: jon4paz@acsalaska.net
Subject: VFP Action Alert - Call on Senators to End the War

Join VFP \| Renew Membership \| Donate \| Chapter Contacts \| Online Store

The following is an email from our partner organization, Military Families Speak Out. Please do what you can to help oppose this war and occupation by taking action! There is a way for Congress to end the war in Iraq NOW. Military Families Speak Out is launching a campaign this week to call on Senators who claim to oppose the war in Iraq - including Senators Clinton and Obama -- to lead and sustain a filibuster that will prevent the Senate from passing President Bush's latest funding request to continue the war in Iraq. This week General Petraeus will come before Congress with the kind of mistruths that facilitated the U.S. invasion of Iraq and have served to keep this unjustifiable war going. Within days or weeks, Congress will be voting on President Bush's most recent war funding request. Elected officials who say they are opposed to the war in Iraq are telling us to elect a new president and in January, 2009 there will be a new strategy to start bringing some troops home. Meanwhile, every day this illegal, immoral war continues, more of our troops' lives and lives of Iraqi children, women and men of Iraq are lost or put in jeopardy. The time to end the war is NOW, and the only funding that is needed is funding for the swift and safe return of all of our troops, and the care they need when they get home. Here is what you can do NOW to help: Call Senator Clinton, Senator Obama and your own two Senators and tell them you want them to filibuster the war spending bill. (Phone numbers are below.) Click here to sign MFSO's online petition supporting a Senate filibuster, and get others to sign on too by forwarding this message to everyone you know.. Click here to download our leaflet from our website and pass it out at meetings, concerts, baseball games, the post office -- anywhere people gather in your town. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper calling on people in your community to press Senator Clinton, Senator Obama, and your Senators to filibuster the war spending bill. If you have a blog or a website, add a links to MFSO's "Call to Action" and the petition. Click here to make a donation to help support this campaign and all of the work of Military Families Speak Out. No Senator who says she or he opposes the war should continue to fund it. The filibuster is a tool that all Senators are familiar with, and that can now be used to block the funding that would allow this war to continue. Speak out now and let these Senators hear the powerful voices of military families from across the country, and the voices of our families, neighbors, co-workers and friends delivering the clear message that funding the war is killing our troops! In Peace and Solidarity, Nancy Lessin and Charley Richardson Co-founders, Military Families Speak Out mfso@mfso.org www.mfso.org _____________________________________________________________ CALL TO ACTION! CALL ON SENATOR CLINTON AND SENATOR OBAMA NOW TO USE THEIR LEADERSHIP TO END THE WAR IN IRAQ! "Let me be clear: there is no military solution in Iraq, and there never was. The best way to protect our security and to pressure Iraq's leaders to resolve their civil war is to immediately begin to remove our combat troops. Not in six months or one year - now." -- Sen. Barack Obama,September 12, 2007 "Our message to the president is clear. It is time to begin ending this war -- not next year, not next month -- but today." -- Sen. Hillary Clinton,July 10, 2007 On the campaign trail, Senator Obama and Senator Clinton both say that the war in Iraq needs to end. Military Families Speak Out has one question for them: *what are they doing now* as sitting United States Senators, to bring our loved ones home from Iraq? Military Families Speak Out is an organization of almost 4,000 military families with loved ones who are serving in Iraq, ready to deploy or re-deploy, have been wounded physically and/or psychologically, or have died as a result of the war in Iraq. We know first hand the devastation of this war. We are more than five years into a war that Clinton and Obama say should never have begun. Over 4,000 U.S. troops and, by some estimates, over a million Iraqi children, women, and men have died in this unjustifiable war. Countless more have sustained devastating life long injuries to their bodies, minds, and spirits. More are killed and wounded every day. The suicide rate among active duty and returned Veterans is skyrocketing. We simply can't wait nine more months for a new President to begin a process for ending this war. And we don't have to: Congress has the power to end the war in Iraq now. The President can't spend a dime on this war without the approval of both houses of Congress. A single act of bold leadership by Senator Clinton or Senator Obama could be instrumental in ending this war. When the Senate takes up the next war funding bill, either one of them could lead a filibuster, refusing to stand down until their colleagues agree to vote against any bill that provides funding to continue the war rather than funding specifically for the swift and safe return of all our troops from Iraq. They wouldn't even need a majority of their colleagues to back them up -- all they need is 40 Senators prepared to unite behind their leadership and block additional funding to continue the war from making it through the Senate. Democrats and Republicans alike have routinely used filibusters and the threat of filibusters around important issues. What could be more important that ending the war in Iraq? If Senator Clinton and Senator Obama aren't willing to use the power they have now as U.S. Senators to end the war, what makes anyone think they will exercise bold leadership on January 20, 2009? If they fail to take action to stop funding the war that is killing our troops and the Iraqi people, we can only conclude that when their campaigns talk about ending the war, they are just using the memory of the fallen, the sacrifices of our troops, and the grief and pain of our families, for political gain. As military families, we appeal to the American people: Call Senator Clinton, Senator, Obama, and your own two Senators and urge them to use the power of the filibuster to block any bill that continues to fund the war in Iraq rather than funding the swift and safe return of our troops. We also call on Congress to appropriate the funds needed for our troops to get the care they need when they return. Senator Hillary Clinton -- (202) 224-4451 Senator Barack Obama -- (202) 224-2854 Senate Switchboard -- (800) 828-0498 Click here to find out who your Senators are. Click here to sign our online petition. MILITARY FAMILIES SPEAK OUT** mfso@mfso.org http://www.mfso.org

VETERANS WORKING TOGETHER FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE THROUGH NON-VIOLENCE. Veterans For Peace, 216 S. Meramec, St. Louis, MO 63105, 314-725-6005 www.veteransforpeace.org Veterans For Peace appreciates your generous donations. We also encourage you to join our ranks.

FW: [Fwd: Request to Show "Body of War" in Anchorage]

2008-04-08T22:58:00.000-08:00

Vets,

I am forwarding a message I received from a local vet who is interested in
working with veterans. I am leaving town on Apr. 10 for a couple of weeks.
If any of you are interested in the suggested direction, please contact
Barbara. Why don't we shoot for a meeting in early May to just touch base
and see if we have any ideas on which to work.

My friend Harry Brod is working with Move-On to get to the congressional
delegation on the cost of the war sometime in April--watch for it.

-----Original Message-----
From: barbara@efn.org [mailto:barbara@efn.org]
Subject: [Fwd: Request to Show "Body of War" in Anchorage]

---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------
Subject: Request to Show "Body of War" in Anchorage
From: barbara@efn.org
Date: Wed, March 26, 2008 9:19 pm
To: info@bodyofwar.com
Cc: barbara@efn.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello all,

I am a service-connected disabled veteran (at 40% due to orthopedic
problems) living in Anchorage. The Veterans clinic here (we have no VA
hospital) grossly under serves or just plain does not serve the many Alaska
veterans I have come to know or know about. In particular, I am concerned
about women veterans who experience military service and sexual trauma,
while on active duty, differently from veterans who are men. I have a heart
for the many women veterans who experienced PTSD due to MST (military sexual
trauma) and who have disappeared themselves, largely due to their inability
to arrange VA treatment and compassion because of their invisible wounds and
injuries. Many of these veterans simply cannot manage to put their lives
back together on their own; they just need assistance in arranging the
services they need. The Anchorage VA is just awful.

The circumstance for these women is a problem in my state, but also in our
country. Many women cannot cope after initial attempts at the VA are
followed by humiliating and disrespectful behaviors from VA staff members,
"patient advocates", service organizations, our congressional delegation,
etc.. I haven't even mentioned the misinformation that some VA personnel
perpetrate, so veterans will go away.

In response to all of this, I am working with the Anchorage Small Business
Administration to develop my business. We agree that women are not treated
equitably at the VA and that this is harming a significant number of
returning veterans.

Last evening I learned about the film "Body of War" while listening to
Democracy Now. I was "blown away" as kids say these days. Now I wonder
whether we (me and others in Alaska) could put together a plan for Tomas
(Phil and others?) to visit Anchorage, give a presentation, and show the
remarkable film "Body of War". Such a program would be a fabulous experience
for many of us who who strongly oppose the war (the winners in our primary
elections were Barak Obama and Ron Paul). Not only would this be informative
about something we as voters must know, but it could also serve as a way to
raise money for the many veterans' unmet needs. Does this sound do-able?

I'd like to hear back from you after you are able to consider my request.
I think it is terrific idea that would "work" in Alaska.

Thank you very much, Barbara Bachmeier

FW: Please Help, Winter Soldiers - Alaska

2008-03-26T20:17:00.000-08:00

From: Rob Mulford [mailto:mulford.rob@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, March 21, 2008 1:14 PM
To: Michael McPhearson; Betsy Reznicek, VFP; Phil Smith; John Dunker; Jon Lockert
Subject: Please Help, Winter Soldiers - Alaska

Peaceful Friends,

The recent Winter Soldier hearings will prove, i believe, to be one of the most significant events to date in the antiwar movement.

The North Star Chapter (146) of Veterans for Peace is initiating an outreach campaign to engage service persons stationed in Alaska.

We will do what ever we can to facilitate the resistance up here. If there is anyone who cares to share with us their experience, advice or anything useful please contact me at mulford.rob@gmail.com or 907-457-5578.

Check out Alaska Public Radio Network news link: http://aprn.org/2008/03/20/fairbanks-peace-group-reaches-out-to-service-personnel/ .

Thank You for Your Service,

Wage Peace,

rob mulford, North Star Chapter (146) Contact, VFP

Body of War

2008-03-26T20:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.bodyofwar.com/

new film about Iraq veteran by Phil Donohue

Stop Loss

2008-03-26T20:12:00.000-08:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/23/movies/23onst.html?ex=1207108800&en=f0e0dc354569b8f6&ei=5070&emc=eta1

5th Anniv. Vigil on Wed. 3/19

2008-03-16T12:01:00.000-08:00

The candlelight vigil on the early evening of the 19th is being organized by
my friend Harry Brod as part of a nationwide effort sponsored by MoveOn. I
certainly plan on going. However, I find it curious that MoveOn is now
appealing to our economic self-interest--the billions could be better spent
here at home. Maybe this is the angle that will get the people's attention.
Apparently 5 years of clueless military occupation (to say nothing of the
immorality) isn't enough.

For those of you who missed Rory Stewart's talk on his experiences in Iraq, he
quietly urged humility. I took this to mean that we have to be willing to
accept that we cannot fix what we have never understood, despite having broken
it with a vengeance.

Wednesday, March 19, 5-6 PM

CONTACT: Harry Brod, 351-2710

ANCHORAGE RESIDENTS Gather to Mark 5 Years of Devastating War

MoveOn Members in Anchorage urge Congress: "Invest in America, Not Endless War
in Iraq"

Candlelight vigil participants will gather in front of Café Felix in the Metro
Mall on Benson Blvd at 5 PM. They will then proceed to the corner of Benson
and New Seward to honor the sacrifices made by our military personnel.

ANCHORAGE Residents of Anchorage will hold a vigil Wednesday to mark the
end of the 5th year that the US has been mired in the devastating war in Iraq.
The event will honor the sacrifice of American soldiers killed in Iraq and
participants will read personal accounts written by veterans and members of
military families affected by the war.

In the past five years, our nation has lost nearly 4,000 American
soldiers--and many more Iraqi civilians have been killed in the fighting. With no political
progress in sight and a sinking economy, American voters are questioning the
priorities of leaders who squander billions of dollars in Iraq while leaving
basic needs at home unmet.

"It is time to end the war in Iraq and set new priorities for America" said
Harry Brod, a MoveOn.org Political Action member. "We urge Senators Murkowski
and Stevens to pass legislation to begin redeploying American troops out of
Iraq this year and start investing to help folks who are hurting at home."

People will gather at candlelight vigils holding signs that say "Invest In
America, Not Endless War In Iraq" and "Keep 'em safe, Bring 'em home."

Vigil details:

Who: Residents of Anchorage, members of MoveOn.org, members of Alaskans for
Peace and Justice

Where: Outside Café Felix in the Metro Mall on Benson Blvd; procession to
Corner of Benson and New Seward

When: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 5-6:00 PM

Excellent visuals. People gathering with candles, signs, flowers, and photos.

Winter Soldier Hearings

2008-03-16T11:55:00.000-08:00

Winter Soldier Hearings

Here is how you can listen in (thanks for the info from Tom & Dan):

kwmd fm 87.7 and 104.5 fm broadcasting in anchorage

online live http://warcomeshome.org/wintersoldier2008

on line KPFA pacifica radio from Berkley, Ca. is broadcasting March 14-16

the winter soldiers testimony and proceedings from Silver Springs Maryland.

How to watch and listen to Winter Soldier

(http://ivaw.org/wintersoldier/faq)

Winter Soldier will be broadcast live. Here's how you can watch and listen:

Live Video

Satellite TV Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14
Get satellite details
Streaming video on ivaw.org Thursday, March 13 through Sunday, March 16

Live Audio

Streaming audio at KPFA.org Friday, March 14 through Sunday, March 16
Radio broadcast on KPFA in Berkley California and other Pacifica member stations Friday, March 14 through Sunday, March 16

Video and audio archives of Winter Soldier will be available after the event

Winter Soldier Schedule

All times below are Eastern Time. Schedule subject to change.

Thursday, March 13 Streaming video only

7:00PM-9:00PM Winter Soldier and the legacy of GI Resistance

Friday, March 14 Satellite TV, internet video, internet audio, radio

9:00AM – 10:45AM Rules of Engagement: Part One

11:00AM – 12:30PM The Crisis in Veterans' Heathcare

2:00PM - 3:30PM Corporate Pillaging and Military Contractors

4:00PM - 6:00PM Rules of Engagement: Part Two

7:00PM - 8:30PM Aims of the Global War on Terror: the Political, Legal, and Economic Context of Iraq and Afghanistan

Saturday, March 15 Satellite TV, internet video, internet audio, radio

9:00AM – 10:30AM Divide To Conquer: Gender and Sexuality in the Military

11:00AM - 1:00PM Racism and War: the Dehumanization of the Enemy: Part One

2:00PM - 3:30PM Racism and War: the Dehumanization of the Enemy: Part Two

4:00PM - 6PM Civilian Testimony: The Cost of War in Iraq and Afghanistan

7:00PM - 8:30PM The Cost of the War at Home

Sunday, March 16 Internet video, internet audio, radio

10:00AM - 1:00PM The Breakdown of the Military

2:00PM - 3:15PM The Future of GI Resistance

More information

The following documents may be useful to you as you organize your local screening of Winter Soldier: a national press release and flier with information about Winter Soldier and some specific language about the purpose of the event.

"Those who make peaceful evolution impossible make violent revolution inevitable." -- John F. Kennedy
Think globally, act locally: http://www.plansbsolutions.com http://www.yesmagazine.org/
Volunteer for progress in America: http://www.cis-elsalvador.org/election_observers.htm

Park/sell your car: http://www.santabarbaracarfree.org/
Bring the troops home: http://www.libertytreefdr.org/guard.php

Tools for wholeness: http://! www.emot ionsinc.org/

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

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Donation from VFP to Friendship Village in Vietnam

2008-02-21T07:42:00.000-09:00

Vets,

I received the following request for donation from one of our members, Judith Moss. Let me know if you have any objections to donating the $100 she is requesting. -- Jon

I am traveling to Vietnam next month for our biennial International Board meeting and 10th anniversary celebration for Friendship Village. I am hoping VFP could donate a small sponsorship so that I might bring some gifts with me (this is importnat protocol for the Vietnamese). We have $395.00 in our account, $100.00 would be nice but any amount would be appreciated. I would tell everyone that our chapter helped! Let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Judy

FUND NOTIFICATION DEPOSIT.

2008-02-17T15:59:00.001-09:00

DR. BRIAN ADAMS
Manchester M27 5FX,
United Kingdom.
Tel:+44 70457 19965
An official notification of funds deposited in your name. This fund is already deposited with a security company in Malaysia as a family treasure / Family valuebles for security reasons.Therefore we now wish to inform you that the funds of US$15 Million has been approved for immediate delivery to you as a diplomatic relief package through the help of a diplomatic courier company.
The Requested Information is to ensure that no mistake or error is made and it should be forwarded in the manner stated below:

Your Full Name: __________________________________

Your Complete Address : __________________________

Name of City of Residence: ___________________________
Name of Closest Airport to City of Residence:__________________
Direct Telephone Number: ___________________________

Mobile Number:___ ________________________________

Fax Number:______ ________________________________

Copy of int'l passport,drivers license,or any valid ID card.with Zip Code so that there will be no error during the delivery of the funds to you in your country of residence.

Thank you and I sincerely remain

DR BRIAN ADAMS.

VFP AK December Update

2007-12-20T21:59:00.000-09:00

Vets,

It has been too long since I have been in contact with you. I have really been agonizing over what we can do and I am feeling paralyzed. It looks like we are going to have our war for another year. I think the American people have concluded that we are will just have to wait for the next president to clean up the mess. I don't agree with this assessment but I have grown weary trying to get more folks to see it our way.

I didn't call for a meeting this month because I honestly don't know what direction to go in. Let's hope for some renewal in the new year that will show us our way.

I hope you all have a chance to relax with friends and family over the holidays.

I appreciate all the good energy we have shared as we try to steer the imperial ship away from the icebergs. Maybe the neocons see it as well except that they are using global warming to try to melt if before we hit it. At the rate it is going, maybe they have something. As Naomi Klein has recently written, global crisis are good for disasters capitalism.

I just posted Paul Krugman's piece on Obama/Edwards on the Peace Coalition blog. It boils down to Obama's charismatic gradualism vs Edwards' claim that he will confront corporate power. Let me know what you think.

Jon Lockert

Jon4Paz@AcsAlaska.net

Peace Events: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=qcq21ir6k6f56vll38aorgltic%40group.calendar.google.com
Veterans for Peace: http://akpeacevets.blogspot.com
Peace Coalition: http://alaskans4peace.blogspot.com
Eyes Wide Open - Alaska http://ewoak.blogspot.com/

Stay Informed

2007-12-19T12:46:00.001-09:00

Dear Nation Reader,

We're writing because you've sent a Nation article to a friend and we wanted to let you know about the best way to stay abreast of timely new Nation editorials, essays, reports and blog posts. if you're not interested in keeping up with The Nation, then delete this letter immediately.

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All Best,
Peter Rothberg
Associate Publisher, The Nation

the Marlboro Marine

2007-11-17T16:17:00.000-09:00

My friend Tom sent this to me:

This is a video from the LA Times "the Marlboro Marine" that tells a bit of the story of one Marine from Kentuky's struggle with PTSD from an embeded reporter who knew him in Falluja and has tried to help him in the U.S. I found it poingiant and illuminating and I think that many vets and friends and families of vets will recognize the situation.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/marlboromarine/la-na-marlboro12nov12,1,5613373.story?coll=la-news-marlboromarine&ctrack=1&cset=true

It leaves me thinking that we who have opposed the war since before it started are the ones who really supported our troops. We did not want to see friends and family members chumped, pimped and punked by moraly depraved, mentaly ill,profiteering, chicken hawks and judas goats. I am sorry that we were not able to mount enough of a resistance to keep them all safe at home with their friends and loved ones.
TakeCare BeWell DoGood Tom

VFP Meeting, 11/15 My House

2007-11-13T21:14:00.001-09:00

Vets,

I just found out from St. Mary’s that they do not have room for us on Thursday night. So I invite you all to my home at 7 pm on Thursday, 11/15.

I am at 1576 Karluk St (Fairview). Going east on 15^th, make a right onto Karluk and then make the first right on to the little street Tyonek. Turn left at the first driveway—it is a log house with an attached garage.

Call me with any questions.

As for an agenda, let’s make this less formal and just talk about where we think we would like to take the chapter.

Jon Lockert, 250-4986

jon4paz@acsalaska.net

Breathe, smile & work for Peace

The Real Iraq We Knew

2007-10-25T21:50:00.001-08:00

The Real Iraq We Knew

By 12 former Army captains

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/15/AR2007101500841.html?referrer=emailarticle

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the authorization of force in Iraq. As army captains who served in Baghdad and beyond, we think it's time to make a choice.

Anti-War Demo Sat. 10/27 1-4 pm

2007-10-22T21:56:00.001-08:00

Let’s discuss on Thursday at our meeting.

OCT. 27^th

On this day 5 years ago, the U.S. Senate voted to give George W. Bush the authorization to go to war in Iraq.

If you agree that this war needs to end then join us

This Saturday Oct. 27^th

On the corner of Lake Otis and 36^th from 1:00 to 4:00pm

United for Peace and Justice

National mobilization

www.oct27.org

Jon Lockert

Peace Events: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=qcq21ir6k6f56vll38aorgltic%40group.calendar.google.com
Veterans for Peace: http://akpeacevets.blogspot.com
Peace Coalition: http://alaskans4peace.blogspot.com
Eyes Wide Open - Alaska http://ewoak.blogspot.com/

Agenda for VFP 10/25

2007-10-16T21:38:00.000-08:00

Ernest Gruening Chapter (Southcentral Alaska), Meeting Agenda

Thursday, October 25, 7 pm, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Tudor & Lake Otis, Room 3 (downstairs)

Introductions & Discuss Agenda
Chapter Business-Finances
Eyes Wide Open Recap

See photos from Oct 13 event in Town Square (http://ewoak/blogspot.com)

Anchorage Truth in Recruiting - NEXT MEETING--day, October ?, 7 pm

I’ll find out and let you all know
2621 Redwood Street (Rogers Park near Northern Lights & Seward Hwy) Contact: Mel 277-5751
http://akcountermilrec.blogspot.com/

IRAQ FOR SALE The War Profiteers (Documentary)

WHEN: Wed. Oct. 17th, 6:00 PM (NOTE: Early Starting Time)
WHERE: Café Felix - Metro Books
The director compiles a horrifying catalog of greed, corruption and incompetence among private contractors in Iraq. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article15096.htm

VIETNAM FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE - 3RD ANNUAL SILENT AUCTION

WHEN: Friday, 10/19/7, 6:00 to 9:00 pm, Video Slide Shows
WHERE: Loussac Library, Public Conference Room, Snacks, Oyster Bar (don’t miss this!)
All proceeds will help build a new hospital and improve treatment and education programs for children affected by Agent Orange.
Join our international circle of friends in support of this unique village outside Hanoi built by war veterans and peace makers from six countries.
Bring auction items as donations at 5:30 pm. There is a $5.00 donation expected from the other participants to defray expenses.
For more information contact: Judith Moss 345-5351, E-mail: mossjudith@netscape.net

Upcoming Events

No War, No Warming (October 21st -23rd);
FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE, NOT WARS FOR OIL! Join a global movement rising up against war and global warming by participating in a massive intervention in Washington DC or your own community. The Declaration of Peace is working with many other anti-war initiatives this summer and fall -- to consolidate our actions to end the U.S. occupation of Iraq. http://nowarnowarming.org/article.php?list=class&class=20
October 27 Massive Regional Actions to End the War in Iraq Regional Mobilizations being planned by United for Peace and Justice and member groups http://www.unitedforpeace.org/

Pressure on Politicians/Congressional Delegation- What can we do?
Next Meeting WOULD BE on Nov. 22nd (4^th Thursday of every month) but that is Thanksgiving—Let’s discuss whether to meet earlier or later.

Jon Lockert

Jon4Paz@AcsAlaska.net

Peace Events: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=qcq21ir6k6f56vll38aorgltic%40group.calendar.google.com
Veterans for Peace: http://akpeacevets.blogspot.com
Peace Coalition: http://alaskans4peace.blogspot.com
Eyes Wide Open - Alaska http://ewoak.blogspot.com/

Questions from the bootless & shoeless

2007-10-14T15:23:00.000-08:00

All the boots & shoes from the Eyes Wide Open Exhibit got wet in the light rain at the end of the day. I took six tubs of boots to dry in my garage. I spread them out and turned up the heat.

This morning I checked and they were all dry. But in handling them this morning it sank in as I looked at the tags & ages. Young lives wasted for what? How are we honoring their ultimate sacrifice?

As history has shown, wars are easy to start and extremely difficult to stop. We don't have a clue as to how we are going to stop this one. The pile of boots will grow larger as the needless deaths & suffering continues.

We almost all say we don't like this war but responding to a poll or signing an online petition entails NO responsibiltiy to do anything about it. We are all much too comfortable and unburdened by this war. Most of us do not know anyone serving and so the war is abstract--something for the politicians/candidates to blab about and hack at each other with.

The deadly concoction of fears, delayed costs & uncertain responsibilities inevitably points to this war continuing until our vague grasp of what our country is descending toward changes.*

Do we really think we can kill all the people who oppose our arrogance & greed? Is cheap oil worth the price of destroying a country? Who will pay the price of our inattention and refusal to be true citizens?

It is often said that those who served in the military did so to protect our freedoms. Many suffered and died so we could be citizens of a democracy (not the ungrateful and unconscious inheritors of all that came before). How do we explain to them that we were just too busy with all the details of our affluence (managing it or being managed by it?).

* Historical Note. While the German military was putting the final touches on their plans to make war on France in 1914, there was a large and active peace movement in Germany and throughout Europe that had arisen due to the continued buildup of military power in Germany and other countries. But the German military had the ear of the Bismark and he couldn't resist the urge to go to war to restore Germany to its rightful place at the top of the heap. It was all so well planned it was supposed to last only 39 days! Think of the glory of being able to proclaim "mission accomplished."

Of course, what was set in motion led to the deaths of millions of soldiers and civilians throughout the 20th century. The war that was billed as the War to End All Wars did nothing of the kind.

My main source on this is Barbara Tuchman's Guns of August (also August 1914). Here is link to the Wikpedia entry on the book -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Guns_of_August

Talk about history being written as we speak--the following is the final paragraph:

"On Semptember 30th 2007, former United States Senator from Alaska and 2008 Democratic presidential candidate, Mike Gravel wrote "It's easy to imagine a "Guns of August" scenario that draws in Israel, Saudi Arabia and potentially Pakistan, India, Russia, and China." in a blog post for the Huffington Post. The statement was in regards Hillary Clinton's laughter in response to Gravel's objection to Clinton's yes vote for declaring the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization which Gravel predicts could draw the United states into a wider global conflict."

The following is from an essay on the peace movements in the world

"Today, however, the rhetoric of military action seems to have made a comeback amongst the liberal democracies. An example of this would be the optimistic and "macho" stance adopted by the US and Britain towards Iraq. It has been said that perhaps each generation needs to personally experience war in order to see through political fictions. Today, situations that allow the rationalizing of war abound such as punishing dictators/terrorists or re-establishing legitimate boundaries. In dealing with these situations, the lengthy and often difficult processes of negotiation and non-violent resolution of conflict seem woefully inadequate."

Like all of you, I am just trying to sort out my feelings and what I can do about them. The world has slipped into chaos too easily many times before. Never again?

Eyes Wide Open Pix

2007-10-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all the VFP members who supported this event.

Former Top US Commander In Iraq Calls War "Nightmare With No End In Sight"

2007-10-12T21:45:00.000-08:00

I know I am preaching to the choir but this might be a good one to send to anyone you know who is still holding out for winning the war. Let me know your reactions to the Eyes Wide Open Exhibit.
Former Top US Commander In Iraq Calls War "Nightmare With No End In Sight"

Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/10/12/former-top-us-commander-i_n_68301.html

In a sweeping indictment of the four-year effort in Iraq, the former top American commander called the Bush administration's handling of the war incompetent and warned that the United States was "living a nightmare with no end in sight." In one of his first major public speeches since leaving the Army in late 2006, retired LtGenRicardo SSanchez blamed the administration for a "catastrophically flawed, unrealistically optimistic war plan" and denounced the current "surge" strategy as a "desperate" move that will not achieve long-term stability. "After more than fours years of fighting, America continues its desperate struggle in Iraq without any concerted effort to devise a strategy that will achieve victory in that war-torn country or in the greater conflict against extremism," Mr ... Read the rest at HuffingtonPost.com

Eyes Wide Open Reminder OCT 13

2007-10-04T23:04:00.001-08:00

This is what I just sent out to the folks on the Alaska Peace Coalition list serv.

At our last VFP meeting, the idea of a forum on the war before the demonstrations being called for around the country on Oct. 27 was brought up. We will need lots of help to make this happen. Let me know your thoughts

TO THE LIST SERV --

Is anyone out there? Does history just keep repeating itself over and over? Will we never learn? Are we just too damn comfortable to speak up about things we have convinced ourselves we can’t do anything about?

I know it is depressing to see no end to this war. I keep trying to tell myself not to give up just because we don’t yet have a mass movement. To build a mass that Congress will pay attention to, we need YOU! Wars don’t end just because they don’t make sense, Wars don’t end just because lots and lots of innocent people suffer needlessly, Wars don’t end because people tell pollsters that they would like to see the troops come home, some day.

No, wars end when people act collectively to say NO! You can bet the war profiteers are acting collectively (and all too effectively) to keep us frightened and isolated. Our biggest power is coming together--RIGHT NOW!

Here is your chance to do SOMETHING--The Eyes Wide Open Exhibit will be mounted in Town Square in Anchorage Oct 13. I apologize for not explaining what the exhibit is about in my previous messages. Here it is:

The Eyes Wide Open exhibit, created by the American Friends Service Committee, is a living memorial to the military personnel and civilians killed in Iraq --and a stark reminder of the human cost of war.

The exhibit is designed to be reflective—no signs are allowed into the exhibit area. No matter what someone may think of the war, we want them to face the price we all pay for our violent approach to working out our differences.

WE NEED HELP IN GETTING THE WORD OUT

To see the publicity materials, go to http://ewoak.blogspot.com/

Or you can go directly to http://jon4paz.googlepages.com/EWOFlyer.pdf for the Eyes Wide Open - Alaska poster (PDF file -- need Adobe Acrobat Reader)

http://jon4paz.googlepages.com/EWOFlyerTri.pdf for 3-panel flyer.

http://jon4paz.googlepages.com/EWOFlyerQuad.pdf for 4-panel flyer.

Here are a couple of easy ways for you to help with this exhibit:

1) Print copies and post at work, school, church etc.

2) Email the poster/flyer (either the links or the actual files) to EVERYBODY on your email list and ask them to do the same (this is called grass roots organizing and we need a lot more of it).

3) Click on the PayPal link for donations. We are collecting money to place the poster in the newspapers or buy radio time (or both). Our goal is to raise $2,000 for publicity. As of 10/3 we are only half way to our goal. We have enough to pay for an ad in the Anchorage Press and three of there other free papers. WE DO NOT have enough funds to put an ad in the Anchorage Daily News. If you would like to see it in the AND, please consider a donation (a down payment toward stopping a war that has cost countless lives & about $500 billion so far).

The blog also charts the progress of bringing this exhibit to Alaska by your fellow concerned citizens in this time of seemingly unstoppable war. The blog also has links to the national EWO website.

Photos—please bring your camera on the 13^th and help us document this history making event. We will post your photos on the blog after the event. The organizers are planning to mount the exhibit again to keep reminding us that we are at war and our tax dollars what is keeping it all going.

Please tell us what you think of the proposed exhibit and how we are making it happen.

Jon Lockert

jon4paz@acsalaska.net

Breathe, smile & work for Peace

Pledge of $500 for Eyes Wide Open Exhibit

2007-09-27T22:18:00.000-08:00

At their meeting this evening, the members of the local Veterans for Peace (Ernest Gruening Chapter) pledged $500 toward publicity for the EWO exhibit to be held on Oct. 13. In addition, several members will be volunteering on the day of the exhibit.

The members also pledged $100 for the purchase of the brochures beings stocked in the area high schools by the Truth in Recruiting folks. We take our hats off to the dedicated volunteers who have made great strides in reigning in military recruiting in our schools.

National Demo 10/27

2007-09-26T21:39:00.001-08:00

National Demonstrations planned for Oct. 27 -- Click Here

Movie Co-Sponsorship 9/28: WHEN I CAME HOME

2007-09-24T22:38:00.000-08:00

Movie Co-Sponsorship w/ Alaskans for Peace & Justice

WHEN I CAME HOME, FRI, 9/28/7, 7 PM

WHERE: UAA, Social Sciences Building, Room 118

Iraq War veteran Herold Noel suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and lives out of his car in Brooklyn. Using Noel's story as a fulcrum, this doc examines the wider issue of homeless U.S. military veterans-from Vietnam to Iraq-who have to fight tooth-and-nail to receive the benefits promised to them by their government.

Dan Lohaus is the maker of the film: click here

VFP Meeting, Thursday, Sep. 27, St Mary's Episcopal

2007-09-24T22:37:00.000-08:00

Vets,

Ernest Gruening Chapter (Southcentral Alaska), Meeting Agenda

Thursday, Sep. 27, 7 pm, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Tudor & Lake Otis, Room 3 (downstairs)

Introductions & Discuss Agenda
Chapter Business-Finances
Coordination with Eyes Wide Open

Plans for the Eyes Wide Open exhibit around the state—Anchorage Oct 13 (http://ewoak.blogspot.com) are underway. See national site (http://www.afsc.org/eyes/ ) Next meeting ?, 7 pm at the home of: Taylor and Terry Brelsford 5909 Lynkerry Circle, phone 338-5520, or cell 244-2992 (near Northern Lights and Boniface)
Financial help with publicity

Anchorage Truth in Recruiting

NEXT MEETING--Thursday, October 4, 7 pm, in Rogers Park
2621 Redwood Street (in Rogers Park near Northern Lights and the Seward highway) Contact: Mel 277-5751
http://akcountermilrec.blogspot.com/

Movie Co-Sponsorship

WHEN I CAME HOME, FRI, 9/28/7, 7 PM
WHERE: UAA, Social Sciences Building, Room 118
Iraq War veteran Herold Noel suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and lives out of his car in Brooklyn. Using Noel's story as a fulcrum, this doc examines the wider issue of homeless U.S. military veterans-from Vietnam to Iraq-who have to fight tooth-and-nail to receive the benefits promised to them by their government.
Dan Lohaus the maker of the film: "When I Came Home" www.whenicamehome.com

Upcoming Events

SEPT 22- 29: Encampment in front of Congress - Cut off the War funds - Build a People Peace Congress--Congress will not end the war, Marches alone will not end the war, It's time to shut down Washington DC -No more business as usual! http://www.troopsoutnow.org/sept2207call.html
No War, No Warming (October 21st -23rd);
FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE, NOT WARS FOR OIL! Join a global movement rising up against war and global warming by participating in a massive intervention in Washington DC or your own community. The Declaration of Peace is working with many other anti-war initiatives this summer and fall -- to consolidate our actions to end the U.S. occupation of Iraq. http://nowarnowarming.org/article.php?list=class&class=20
October 27 Massive Regional Actions to End the War in Iraq Regional Mobilizations being planned by United for Peace and Justice and member groups http://www.unitedforpeace.org/

Pressure on Politicians Congressional Delegation- What can we do?
Next Meeting on Oct. 25th (4^th Thursday of every month)

See you on Thursday—let me know if you are coming on the 27th.

Jon Lockert, 250-4986

Jon4Paz@AcsAlaska.net

Peace Events: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=qcq21ir6k6f56vll38aorgltic%40group.calendar.google.com
Veterans for Peace: http://akpeacevets.blogspot.com
Peace Coalition: http://alaskans4peace.blogspot.com

From: Taylor Brelsford [mailto:brelsfot@alaska.net]
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2007 7:49 AM

Friends,

All the components of the Alaska Eyes Wide Open exhibit are now in place. Those of us who gathered last week to attach name tags to the military boot and civilian shoes have some idea of how powerfully this exhibit will touch the people who come to "engage in the encounter." The first showing is late this week in Fairbanks at the Veterans Memorial Park, (September 20 - 22). The Anchorage Eyes Wide Open showing is just four weeks away, and we are well underway with our focus on soliciting volunteers and implementing a wide publicity effort.

Thanks to all,

Taylor Brelsford
for the Anchorage Host Committee

The War Tapes

2007-09-21T19:03:00.000-08:00

From: Anchorage Museum Movies [mailto:newsletters@movie-previews.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2007 1:51 PM

Subject: Anchorage Museum Movies for Your Mind

September 22-23 at 6 PM

The War Tapes

USA documentary 97 minutes

MPAA RATING: Not Rated (language, gruesome scenes of carnage)

Starring Zack Bazzi, Duncan Domey, Ben Flanders, Mike Moriarity, Steve Pink, and Brandon Wilkins

Directed by Deborah Scranton

In March 2004, just as the insurgent movement strengthened, several members of one National Guard unit arrived in Iraq, with cameras. THE WAR TAPES is the result – a uniquely collaborative film from a team that includes Director Deborah Scranton, Producer Robert May (THE FOG OF WAR) and Producer/Editor Steve James (HOOP DREAMS). Straight from the front lines in Iraq, THE WAR TAPES is the first war movie filmed by soldiers themselves. It is Operation Iraqi Freedom as filmed by Sergeant Steve Pink, Sergeant Zack Bazzi and Specialist Mike Moriarty and other soldiers. Zack is a Lebanese-American university student who loves politics, traveling, and being a soldier. Steve is a carpenter with a sharp sense of humor and aspirations to write, which he does with insight and candor. Mike is a resolute patriot and father of two, who rejoined the army after 9/11. All of them leave women at home—a mother, a girlfriend, and a wife.

While they battled unconventional forces, they recorded events that conventional journalists have been unable to capture. They mounted tripods on gun turrets, inside dashboards and used POV mounts on their Kevlar helmets and vests. They filmed all of the footage in Iraq, which amounted to over 800 hours of tape.

Zack, Steve, and Mike’s unit, Charlie Company, 3rd of the 172nd Infantry (MOUNTAIN) Regiment, was based at LSA Anaconda in the deadly Sunni Triangle, under constant threat of ambush and deadly IED attacks. They traveled, as a unit, 1.4 million miles during their tour, and lived through over twelve hundred combat operations and two hundred and fifty direct enemy engagements. That’s almost one a day.

The soldiers were not picked by casting agents or movie producers. They selected themselves. One hundred and eighty soldiers in Charlie Company were given the opportunity. Ten chose to take it on, and ultimately 21 soldiers filmed for the project, volunteering to share their eyes with America, not knowing where this experiment would take them. “There was something incredibly profound about the soldiers being the ones to press the record button in Iraq that allows us into their world in a never before seen way,” said director Deborah Scranton Producer Robert May adds, “These soldiers were doubly courageous—as soldiers at war, and as human beings willing to share that experience in an honest, powerful and personal way.”

The filmmaking team shot an additional 200 hours of tape documenting the unfolding lives of the soldiers’ families at home, both during deployment and after the soldiers returned home. The families and girlfriends and mothers had also signed on, ensuring that THE WAR TAPES—like any true story about war—is not just about life inside the war, but the life left at home, and the always difficult and sometimes beautiful way the relationships develop and change.

Finally, the prodigious task of distilling over 1,000 hours of tape into the finished 97-minute film took an entire year. “We had to figure out how to preserve the complexity and rawness of their experience in the course of telling their story—a story we truly believe has not been told before,” said producer and editor Steve James. Although five soldiers filmed their entire year’s deployment with one-chip Sony miniDV video cameras, in the end, the film follows the lives of three. “We wanted to tell a compelling, cohesive story—to focus on just a few soldiers so that, most importantly, audiences will truly get to know the soldiers seen in the film,” said producer Robert May. “After watching this film, we want people who don’t know soldiers in their personal lives to feel as if they know Zack, Mike, and Steve. And to accomplish that, we all had to cut scenes and soldiers that we loved.”

In the end, THE WAR TAPES is a complex, heartbreaking, and completely unique opportunity for millions to witness first-person experiences of war—a modern-day Odyssey—and the experience of homecoming. –Official Website

September 29-30 at 6pm

Snow Cake

Drama Canada/UK 112 minutes

MPAA RATING: Not Rated (language and sexual situations, a car crash scene)

Starring Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver, Carrie-Anne Moss, David Fox, Jayne Eastwood, Emily Hampshire, and James Allodi

Directed by Marc Evans

Marc Evans' small-scale drama focuses on the offbeat relationship between a chronically depressed man and an autistic woman, and with a lesser cast it would be insufferable. But Sigourney Weaver and Alan Rickman imbue screenwriter Angela Pell's characters with a quiet authenticity that's surprisingly moving.

Middle-aged Englishman Alex Hughes (Rickman) is having a quick lunch before resuming his drive across Canada to meet a former girlfriend when aggressively offbeat teenager Vivienne (Emily Hampshire) sits herself down at his table and initiates a largely one-sided conversation. His efforts to freeze her out fail, and he eventually agrees to give her a lift to Wawa, the tiny town where she lives with her mother. Alex is growing to like Vivienne's cheerful, prattling company — much to his own surprise — when, in an instant, it's snatched away. As they wait at an intersection, the car is broadsided by a truck and Vivienne is killed on the spot. Though he's not to blame in the accident, Alex is so guilt-ridden at having walked away unscathed that he forces himself to look up Vivienne's mother, Linda (Weaver). Vivienne had alluded to the fact that her mother was unusual, but Alex is unprepared for how unsettling her behavior — the product of autism — is. Though Linda is, with help, able to live on her own, she's obsessive, easily distracted, self-centered, impulsive and subject to disconcerting verbal and physical tics. She seems more disturbed that Alex is tracking dirty snow into her home than at Vivienne's death, and Alex's intense aversion to confrontation and excessive displays of emotion render him particularly ill-equipped to deal with her eccentric outbursts. But Linda's own parents are on a hiking trip and can't be reached, and Alex can't in good conscience leave her alone to plan Vivienne's funeral. So he agrees to stay for a few days. During that time, he comes to admire Linda's intelligence and fierce independence, and even forges a tentative relationship with her next-door neighbor (Carrie-Anne Moss).

Taking her cue from Pell's screenplay (Pell's son is autistic), Weaver doesn't play Linda's eccentricities as cute or charmingly childlike — her performance is authentically abrasive. Rickman has the less showy role, but his Alex is just as damaged and their prickly relationship feels awkwardly real. The story comes to an end that is as inconclusive as life itself, gently buoyed by a glimmer of hope that Alex, at least, has taken a step towards engaging with the world. --Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide

Anchorage Eyes Wide Open Exhibit October 13 - Town Square

2007-09-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

Vets,

Several VFP members have been working on the Eyes Wide Open Exhibit that is touring the state and will be mounted in Town Square on Oct. 13. I would like to devote a considerable portion of our upcoming meeting at St. Mary’s Episcopal on Thursday, Sep. 27 to figuring out how we can best support this effort.

For more info on: Eyes Wide Open - Alaska http://ewoak.blogspot.com/

I am attaching the PDF of the Fairbanks poster (which we hope to run in the ADN) and a piece from the Fairbank’s News Miner.

In addition VFP will be co-sponsoring a movie on Sep. 28:

WHEN I CAME HOME, FRI, 9/28/7, 7 PM

WHERE: UAA, Social Sciences Building, Room 118

Iraq War veteran Herold Noel suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and lives out of his car in Brooklyn. Using Noel's story as a fulcrum, this doc examines the wider issue of homeless U.S. military veterans-from Vietnam to Iraq-who have to fight tooth-and-nail to receive the benefits promised to them by their government.

Dan Lohaus the maker of the film: "When I Came Home" www.whenicamehome.com

See you next week.

Jon Lockert, 250-4986

Jon4Paz@AcsAlaska.net

Peace Events: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=qcq21ir6k6f56vll38aorgltic%40group.calendar.google.com
Veterans for Peace: http://akpeacevets.blogspot.com
Peace Coalition: http://alaskans4peace.blogspot.com

From: Taylor Brelsford [mailto:brelsfot@alaska.net]
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2007 7:49 AM

Film: WHEN I CAME HOME

2007-09-10T22:21:00.000-08:00

WHEN I CAME HOME

WHEN: FRI, 9/28/7, 7 PM

WHERE: UAA, Social Sciences Building, Room 118

Dan Lohaus the maker of the film: "When I Came Home" www.whenicamehome.com

COSPONSORED BY VETERANS FOR PEACE

The Dog Days of War

2007-09-10T22:20:00.000-08:00

beneath the radar by Gary Younge

The Dog Days of War

[from the September 10, 2007 issue]

On Friday morning, August 17, Nick Travis protested in Crawford, Texas, as George Bush arrived for a barbecue. "We were making sure there was some kind of protest," explains Travis. "That he at least saw a sign. It was a presence." There were four of them. One was arrested.

It's been two years since Cindy Sheehan set up Camp Casey outside Bush's ranch to protest the war in the name of her son, who was killed in Iraq. In those two years we have seen the Democrats take back both houses of Congress; the Iraq Study Group call for a pullback of US troops; and the public, punditocracy and political class all reverse their position on the war.

In that time we have also seen an escalation of US troops, no letup in the vast number of civilian and combatant casualties (including US troops) and the exodus of Iraq's professional class. In short, in the past two years most people's views about what needed to happen changed and what actually happened did not.

Given the outlook in August 2005, even this is no small feat. Back then, demonstrations in Crawford were about more than just a physical presence. They marked a political moment. All the polls suggested that public sentiment on the war had shifted from frustration to despair but had found inadequate and inconsistent expression in Congress and the press. The mainstream had effectively been marginalized.

Then along came Cindy. Packaged as an Everymother just looking for answers, she made the cable shows and supermarket magazine covers. She had in fact been around for quite some time. (The Nation had featured her on the cover four months earlier.) But now the word was flowing beyond our ideological shores. In the space of a month, Sheehan went from being an activist with energy and a compelling story to a household name who could spark 1,627 local vigils in solidarity.

In the absence of a cohesive, media-savvy antiwar movement, she became the face of protest. As such she did not so much lead public opinion as embody it. Her prominence illustrated the actual weakness of the left as much as it did its potential strength. In the American public, progressives had a receptive audience; but we have failed to meaningfully reach them. "It's rare when people seriously publicly engage," Leslie Cagan, national coordinator of United for Peace and Justice, told me after Bush announced the "surge." "They watch it on TV. They read about it in the newspapers. They get angry, but that doesn't necessarily mean they engage."

That disconnect remains both our greatest challenge and our weakest link. We may toast Karl Rove's departure and Bush's woes and tout polling figures that show increasing backing for withdrawal and against occupation. But the fact that the Republicans are losing public support for the war doesn't necessarily mean that we have won the argument against it.

For the mounting opposition is primarily informed less by a mass conversion against imperialism than by a far more basic factor: America is losing. "The most important single fact is that the public perceive the mission as being destined for success," says Christopher Gelpi, a professor of political science at Duke University who studies US public opinion and war. "The American public is partly casualty-phobic, but it is primarily defeat-phobic. You can muster support for just about any military operation in the US so long as you can get enough of the defeat-phobic people on board."

True, it would be churlish not to delight in the demise of the neocons and the now-dominant consensus that this war was a mistake. But it would be equally deluded to pretend that we got here by dint of our reasoning and rallying alone. Opposition to the war is broad, but it is not deep. A change of fortunes for the United States in Iraq would erase much of it. The fact that such a change is unlikely is shaped by military reality, not political persuasion. In short, the opposition to "this" particular war has grown, but support for the principle of American-led intervention has barely shifted. The percentage of those who think the war in Iraq was justified stands in the low 40s, but support for the war in Afghanistan stands at 70 percent.

"We are all capable of believing things which we know to be untrue," wrote George Orwell in his essay "In Front of Your Nose," "and then, when we are finally proved wrong, impudently twisting the facts so as to show that we were right. Intellectually, it is possible to carry on this process for an indefinite time: the only check on it is that sooner or later a false belief bumps up against solid reality, usually on a battlefield."

Which brings us back to Cindy Sheehan. Exposed and increasingly exasperated with the lack of political leadership following the Democratic midterm victory, Sheehan recently retired from campaigning, only to return to the fray soon afterward. But this time she transformed the object of her ire from Bush to House leader Nancy Pelosi, whom she is running against in San Francisco.

This is a strategic error. Not because Pelosi should not be confronted--"Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will," said Frederick Douglass--but because the most effective confrontation the Democratic leadership will understand at this point is not electoral; it is political.

Democrats have already proved themselves an inadequate and ineffective vehicle for our antiwar hopes--most of their senators, including all of those now running for President who were there at the time, voted for the war. But they are also the most responsive to pressure from the antiwar movement. Pelosi may prove to be an obstacle--but she is not the enemy. It will take the engagement of the angry at every level to force the conversation in Washington from virtual opposition to the war to actually ending it. Sheehan should learn from her own example; 2005 was not an election year. She has already shown us that, whatever the limitations, our only way to reach those who will only go to the polls and raise funds is by taking to the streets and raising hell.

Agenda for VFP 8/23

2007-08-23T08:40:00.000-08:00

Ernest Gruening Chapter (Southcentral Alaska), Meeting Agenda

Thursday, August 23, 7 pm, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Tudor & Lake Otis, Room 3 (downstairs)

Introductions & Discuss Agenda
Chapter Business-Finances
Coordination with Anchorage Peace Coalition

Next meeting 8/28, 7 pm Immanuel Presbyterian (near N. Light & Boniface—same place as Alaskans for Peace & Justice)
Truth in Recruiting Training session: Wednesday, September 5, 7 pm, at 2621 Redwood Street (in Rogers Park near Northern Lights and the Seward highway)
Our next Truth in Recruiting meeting will focus on training for adopt a school volunteers. Instead of meeting August 23, I've rescheduled for Wednesday, September 5. That will give us time to the word out and try to get at least one person for every high school.

Upcoming Events

Plans for the Eyes Wide Open exhibit around the state—Fairbanks in Sep. and Anchorage in Oct (http://ewoak/blogspot.com) are underway. See national site (http://www.afsc.org/eyes/ ) The next meeting will be tonite! at the home of: Taylor and Terry Brelsford 5909 Lynkerry Circle, phone 338-5520, or cell 244-2992(near Northern Lights and Boniface)
Sept. 14-21: Declaration of Peace -- a week of coordinated nonviolent actions. http://vcnv.org/project/the-occupation-project
September 15: Turn Up the Heat Protest in Washington, D.C.! http://www.pephost.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8553&news_iv_ctrl=3361 (sponsor ANSWER)
National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance (D.C. action - September 20th);
The Iraq Moratorium (a monthly day of action beginning September 21st); The THIRD FRIDAY of every month--Wear and distribute black ribbons and armbands, etc. http://www.iraqmoratorium.org
SEPT 22- 29: Encampment in front of Congress - Cut off the War funds - Build a People Peace Congress--Congress will not end the war, Marches alone will not end the war, It's time to shut down Washington DC -No more business as usual! http://www.troopsoutnow.org/sept2207call.html
No War, No Warming (October 21st -23rd);
FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE, NOT WARS FOR OIL! Join a global movement rising up against war and global warming by participating in a massive intervention in Washington DC or your own community. The Declaration of Peace is working with many other anti-war initiatives this summer and fall -- to consolidate our actions to end the U.S. occupation of Iraq. http://nowarnowarming.org/article.php?list=class&class=20
October 27 Massive Regional Actions to End the War in Iraq Regional Mobilizations being planned by United for Peace and Justice and member groups http://www.unitedforpeace.org/

Pressure on Politicians Congressional Delegation- What can we do?
Next Meeting on Sep.13th (2^nd and 4^th Thursday of every month)

Jon Lockert

Jon4Paz@AcsAlaska.net

Peace Events: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=qcq21ir6k6f56vll38aorgltic%40group.calendar.google.com
Veterans for Peace: http://akpeacevets.blogspot.com
Peace Coalition: http://alaskans4peace.blogspot.com
Eyes Wide Open - Alaska http://ewoak.blogspot.com/

VFP Meeting Reminder and Idea from IVAW

2007-08-22T07:54:00.000-08:00

Hello Vets,

Just a reminder about our first meeting in awhile Thursday night at 7 pm at St. Mary’s Episcopal (Lake Otis & Tudor). We will be downstairs. Please bring a friend so we can build our organization to step up our efforts to stop the war. It is clearly going to take a lot of work as the stalemate in Washington becomes more evident.

As for ideas—here is one I received from the Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW). Also check the link to the Eyes Wide Open project link at the bottom.

Dear IVAW Supporter,

I'm sure that, like me, you are angered and saddened by the mounting violence and chaos in Iraq. We watch in frustration as more U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians lose their lives in a misbegotten occupation that is well into its fifth year. We all want this war to end now. To achieve this goal, IVAW has developed a strategy that will directly challenge military support for the war, but we can't do it alone.

This summer IVAW members toured bases from Georgia to New York hosting BBQs for veterans and active duty service members to spread the word about the organization and its work to end the illegal occupation of Iraq and bring the troops home now. Our members were greeted with "Semper Fi" by active duty Marines at Camp Lejeune's mess hall in June, helped expand our largest on-base chapter at Fort Drum in New York, and celebrated July 4th with a fundraiser and concert in Philadelphia.

Now it is your turn. We are asking our supporters to host Bring Them Home House Parties to spread the word about IVAW's strategy to end the war now and to help us raise money to implement this strategy. IVAW plans to more than double our budget in the coming year as we expand our organizing on and near military bases and step into a larger leadership role within the anti-war movement. In order to do this we need to enlarge our base of supporters.

Please consider hosting a house party. You can read more about it and sign up at http://events.ivaw.org. We have done our best to make it easy by creating a simple guide, which includes materials for the event and ideas for different kinds of house parties. (You can find the guide here: http://events.ivaw.org/moreinfo ). But ultimately the success of this effort relies on the commitment of supporters like you.

If we have 50 house parties that each raise $500, that would pay for one full-time organizer. If we have 500 house parties it would allow us to hire 10 IVAW members as full-time organizers who would be trained to organize in every region of this country. Our membership could grow from over 500 to more than 5,000 and our capacity to build coalitions and strategic alliances would also grow, enabling us to be far more effective in our efforts to end the war now.

House parties are a great way to support our national strategy to end the war. Please host a Bring Them Home House Party so we will have the resources we need to get the job done.

Sincerely,

Kelly Dougherty

Former Sergeant, Army National Guard

Executive Director

Iraq Veterans Against the War

www.IVAW.org

Our postal address is

PO Box 8296

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101

United States

Jon Lockert

Jon4Paz@AcsAlaska.net

Peace Events: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=qcq21ir6k6f56vll38aorgltic%40group.calendar.google.com
Veterans for Peace: http://akpeacevets.blogspot.com
Peace Coalition: http://alaskans4peace.blogspot.com
Eyes Wide Open - Alaska http://ewoak.blogspot.com/

Stevens Defends New Weapons--

2007-08-13T22:32:00.000-08:00

New cutting-edge warplanes will lift Alaska's economy

ADN Compass By SEN. TED STEVENS, Published: August 8, 2007

MY COMMENT:
Uncle Ted keeps hauling it in--the only problem is we have to agree to be part of the unprecedented buildup of weapons and those who feel compelled to use them. Are we buying our comfort by playing our dependent role to the military-industrial-political complex at the expense of the lower-48 taxpayers? It actually is not too complex--weapons and war-making is profitable (therefore we need more weapons and more wars to use them in...). You have to ask yourself--is an F-22 or the Missile Defense System going to reduce the threats we are facing from the blowback to our current and future imperial wars?

The following is from the article

"Besides increasing the strength of our military, these planes will benefit all of Alaska, and Anchorage in particular. Elmendorf's economic impact -- more than $800 million per year -- touches almost every sector of our economy: It bolsters our real estate market, and boosts sales for everything from automobiles to consumer goods. F-22-related projects are expected to generate more than $300 million in new construction, and will create hundreds of new jobs for local residents."

Is the war machine our new growth sector (in case we don't get a gas line)?

Below are the top 12 donors to Sen. Stevens. The familiar names in bold are likely looking for support for MORE weapons systems.

Boeing Co
BP
Veco Corp
AT&T Inc
Lockheed Martin
News Corp
General Dynamics
National Cable & Telecommunications Assn
Cassidy & Assoc/Interpublic Group
Teamsters Union
General Electric
Northrop Grumman

Article from The Nation on Soldiers in Iraq

2007-07-29T23:08:00.000-08:00

Over the past several months The Nation has interviewed fifty combat veterans of the Iraq War from around the United States in an effort to investigate the effects of the four-year-old occupation on average Iraqi civilians. They described a brutal side of the war rarely seen on television screens or chronicled in newspaper accounts.

The abuses documented in the article, often fatal, usually go unreported and almost always go unpunished, according to these veterans. Those interviewed, who stress that these acts were perpetrated by a minority of US troops, describe a military operating without clear rules of engagement and without adequate training.

Reported by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Chris Hedges and Laila al-Arian, The Other War is a 15,000 word special issue of the current issue of The Nation. Read the report here.

Truth in Recruiting Meets Aug 5

2007-07-29T22:57:00.000-08:00

Moving forward on Truth in Recruiting!

When: Sunday August 5 6:30-8 pm

Where: Kaladi Brothers on Brayton Drive

To some who haven't made it to recent meetings - we have been working

with the Anchorage School District on developing procedures the high

school administrators must follow when dealing with recruiters

(military and college) in the schools These procedures will be

implemented this school year. We have made progress, but we still

want to see the rubber meet the road.

Here are some topics for our August 5 meeting - to discuss and figure

out where we want to put our energies:

1. Where we're at on school district procedures

2. Moving from procedure to policy:

* Do we want to try to get the Daily News, the Press or KUDO to do

a story on this work? This will put the pressure on ASD to know

this is serious work.

* Do we want to keep working toward a board policy?

* Shall we organize a large group to sign up for "3 minutes of

testimony on nonagenda items" at an upcoming board meeting?

3. Adopt-a-School

* Need volunteer to get ASD permission to post brochures for this

next school year

* Training? Presence at schedule pick-up days?

* Eyes and ears for implementation of new procedures

4. Outreach

* Webpage, YouTube, blogging - Who're the internet whizzes in this

group? Just the opportunity!

* Develop materials on the history of non-violent movements

5. Other topics....?

See you in August!

Mel Langdon

277-5751

Jon Lockert

Jon4Paz@AcsAlaska.net

Peace Events: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=qcq21ir6k6f56vll38aorgltic%40group.calendar.google.com
Veterans for Peace: http://akpeacevets.blogspot.com

Peace Coalition: http://alaskans4peace.blogspot.com

VFP Meeting in August

2007-07-29T22:28:00.000-08:00

Howdy Vets,

I trust you have all been enjoying our glorious summer.

As you may have heard, the war continues and as vets we are obligated to organize opposition to this insane war and the equally disturbing gridlock in DC. We need to figure out how we are going organize local opposition. As vets, lots of people look to us for leadership and resolve.

How about meeting the 24^th of August (I will check with Michael Burke at St. Mary’s to see if we can start using our Thursday night slots again).

This is what I posted on the Alaska Peace Coalition list serv:

It has been a couple of glorious summer months for the fortunate few who call Alaska home. I have recharged my solar cells and I am ready and I hope you are ready as well to do what we have to do to end the war.

Why do I say we? Congress just isn't ready--We quickly forget power rises up from the people--don't expect those at the top to ever rock the boat too much.

Read Sen. Feingold's indictment of Congress at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cenk-uygur/senator-feingold-history_b_58130.html

I predict the American people's willing to oppose the war will build in September and culminate in a big demos in DC (and everywhere else, including Anchorage) in October. I will let you know how you can get involved in organizing SOON.

I have complained several times about the lack of a cohesive national peace movement. Well, the stars are lining up this fall--we are coming back together stronger than ever.

However, there are still several(?) branches of the peace movement planning events in September/October--SO there is something for everyone!

Sept. 14-21: Declaration of Peace -- a week of coordinated nonviolent actions.
http://vcnv.org/project/the-occupation-project

September 15: Turn Up the Heat Protest in Washington, D.C.!

Bush and the Pentagon are required to report to Congress on the progress of the "Surge" in Iraq on September 15. Congress will hold hearings the following week. The eyes of the national and international media will be focused on Washington DC and on the words and positions of the politicians and generals. We are determined to make sure that this so-called debate cannot take place inside Congress without them hearing the voices of thousands of angry veterans, students and working people demanding End the War Now!

http://www.pephost.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8553&news_iv_ctrl=3361
(This one involves ANSWER--they are radical--I think it is time we get radical)

National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance (D.C. action - September 20th);

The Iraq Moratorium (a monthly day of action beginning September 21st);

The THIRD FRIDAY of every month--Join with millions to wear and distribute black ribbons and armbands, etc.

http://www.iraqmoratorium.org/

SEPT 22- 29: Encampment in front of Congress - Cut off the War funds - Build a People Peace Congress--Congress will not end the war, Marches alone will not end the war, It's time to shut down Washington DC -No more business as usual!

http://www.troopsoutnow.org/sept2207call.html

No War, No Warming (October 21st -23rd);
FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE, NOT WARS FOR OIL! Join a global movement rising up against war and global warming by participating in a massive intervention in Washington DC or your own community. The Declaration of Peace is working with many other anti-war initiatives this summer and fall -- to consolidate our actions to end the U.S. occupation of Iraq.

http://nowarnowarming.org/article.php?list=class&class=20

October 27 Massive Regional Actions to End the War in Iraq

Regional Mobilizations being planned by United for Peace and Justice and member groups
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/

Jon Lockert, 277-5255

Jon4Paz@AcsAlaska.net

Peace Events: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=qcq21ir6k6f56vll38aorgltic%40group.calendar.google.com
Veterans for Peace: http://akpeacevets.blogspot.com

Peace Coalition: http://alaskans4peace.blogspot.com

FW: Day of Action to Restore Law and Justice, June 26,

2007-06-13T18:38:00.000-08:00

I am going to be out of town prior to this event but if anyone would like to follow up with Ruth about this—here is the info she sent me. I hope you all are having a great start to your summer.

Jon Lockert

Peace Events: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=qcq21ir6k6f56vll38aorgltic%40group.calendar.google.com
Veterans for Peace: http://akpeacevets.blogspot.com

Peace Coalition: http://alaskans4peace.blogspot.com

From: r s [mailto:ruthwsh@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2007 10:58 PM

Subject: Day of Action to Restore Law and Justice, June 26,

Hello Jon,

Would Vets for Peace or any of the groups you're active in like to co-sponsor a Forum here in Anchorage on June 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. at UAA, SSB 118?

Michael McLeod-Ball, the head of the Alaska ACLU, contacted Aks4P&J to ask if we would do something on the same day as the gathering in Washington, DC. There will be a delegation going from Alaska which will include Amberle Wright from MFSO.

The panel for the forum here so far includes Susan Wingrove, the chair of the Board of ACLU, and Karen Button. Gil Sanchez, formerly with KSKA, will be the moderator.

If you would like to suggest a speaker, please do.

The action in DC and elsewhere is to restore habeas corpus and due process, end torture and protect fundamental freedoms. If you need more info the website is www.juneaction.org or Michael McLeod Ball - mwm@AKCLU.org, the person in charge locally.

Please let me know if you'd like to co-sponsor this event. I saw Elaine Thomas at the Oceans Festival and she offered to help with graphics. We need everything in place by June 15 for the PSA's.

Thanks for your help - Ruth

FW: Can we work together?

2007-06-03T23:34:00.001-08:00

From: Amy Paige [mailto:paigedunker@alaska.net]
Sent: Saturday, June 02, 2007 4:24 PM
Cc: Rob Mulford; Jon Lockert; Paul Prebys; Godduhn, Anna; Macchia, Tom; Bantz, David; George Figdor; Muller, Don; Cheryl Hilmes; Taylor Brelsford
Subject: Re: Can we work together?

Hello all,
Thanks to Rob for his steadfast determination to challenge Stevens, Murkowski and Young. I certainly appreciate his views about the nature of the struggle. I have continually brought up the Occupation Project to the few people who are coming to our weekly meetings. I sometimes think few people on the JPPJ list look at the internet or try to keep up to date about the war and the various efforts of peace activists around the country, and here in Alaska in Fairbanks and Anchorage.

Also it seems people here are just not able to take the step to civil disobedience or see the effectiveness of it - not any more effective than writing letters or signing petitions. And petitions do seem a lame approach. We have very few letters to the editor about the war or the corrupt administration. The idea of an initiative was that it would give people who are not able to bring themselves to demonstrate in the street an opportunity to express their opposition to the war. But an opinion poll might serve the same purpose - that is to show the delegation that a majority of Alaskans are opposed to the war and Bush's policies. Of course they could probably disregard it anyway.

How do we get more Alaskans engaged to even express opposition, let alone get more to show it publicly - either lawfully or otherwise?
How do we articulate an alternative vision of an America at peace in the world? I, like you, am in this for the long haul. I devote much of my time to the issue of truth in recruiting, and in trying to speak out about the militarism of our society. But I fear my voice is very small, and I don't do nearly enough.

It seems to me that many anti-war activists and peace activists are at a point of reflection and re-evaluation of strategies. I am afraid many Americans do not question the role of corporations in government and public life, or American exceptionalism. I suspect many see the need for oil as a legitimate reason to use our military force around the world. Few question the capitalist economic system. Altogether a pretty depressing state of affairs. I think we have a lot of word to do to educate the general public about all this.

Good luck to Rob for his court appearance. Of course I know it involves more than luck. I know he has done a lot of work developing his brief. It would be a great thing for him to prevail on the issue of the illegality of the war. Thanks also to Don Muller for joining Rob.

In solidarity,

Amy

Rob Mulford wrote:

Hi Amy,

In all due respect, where were all "those too liberal Juneauites" when we were trying to implement the Occupation Project?

We all took the effort to get Kathy Kelly up here to speak but how many of us took her message to heart? Petitions? The 2008 elections? If those Democrats who were elected because of "the peoples tiring of the war" have disappointed us by funding the war anyway, do you think that asking our republican delegation nicely again is of any value? The Truth is that the very powerful are making a 'killing" off this war and will have an even greater windfall when they force the Iraqis to accept their oil law. This is a struggle like many in the past that will not be resolved without some pain.

I am busy every day of the week all day working on this. Next week I'll spend 3 days in court trying to get a defense of necessity and bringing up the legality of the war. Unless we put our bodies in front of the war machine to block its movement I’m afraid it will just go on killing.

How many more do you think will die by time the initiative makes it to the 2008 ballot?

"The Problem is civil obedience"

Respectfully,

rob

On 6/1/07, Amy Paige <paigedunker@alaska.net> wrote:

Jon, Paul, Anna, Rob, Tom, David, George, Don, Cheryl, Taylor et al

Here in Juneau our peace group is struggling to come up with ideas of where to put our energies, and how to motivate more people to pressure our Alaska delegation and Congress to bring the troops home and find a new direction. We realize that our Alaska delegation can easily dismiss us as "those too liberal Juneauites". We would like to think that if we could combine our efforts with folks in Anchorage and Fairbanks we could be more effective both in reaching the Alaska delegation, and in reaching and convincing more Alaskans that they too need to be active and communicate with Congress. Is there one thing we can all do in a coordinated fashion? I really don't know how much energy people have for this during the summer, but some of us are reluctant to drop the ball over the summer.

Jon, you mentioned that Chancy Croft spoke with the Anchorage VFP chapter about the possibility of trying to get a statewide initiative on the 2008 ballot that would ask voters to weigh in on the issue of the war. Has that idea progressed at all? You mentioned needing to have the signatures collected by Jan 08 to get on the fall ballot. Also something about 30,000 signatures needed for a statewide ballot. That could be next to impossible in view of expense and distance and need to get signatures from all house districts.

Here in Juneau people at JPPJ are attempting to draft wording for a petition that we would circulate here in town, and possibly at the Haines State Fair. Could we agree on wording for such a petition that would work statewide? The idea of a petition rather than an initiative is that we would not have to gather so many signatures just to get it on the ballot, the costs would be far less and we could get it going pretty quickly. Even with such a petition, if it were to be a statewide effort would need some coordination.

We are aware that folks in Fairbanks and maybe elsewhere are moving forward with advancing the Department of Peace or other projects. The Department of Peace is very worthwhile and long-term. We will be having an entry in the Juneau July 4th parade with our paper cranes and strong message yet to be articulated.

I hope you have all heard that the Eyes Wide Open - Alaska exhibit will be in Alaska and available to local groups to sponsor. I am the statewide coordinator. In case you are not familiar with the national exhibit check out the website http://www.afsc.org/eyes/ I want to add boots for all Alaska-based soldier fatalities, as well as the Alaska resident soldiers. We will need to collect boots for those 80+ additional fatalities, plus shoes to represent the Iraqi civilian casualties. I hope we will have the full set of posters about the costs of war that accompanied the national exhibit and the Dreams and Nightmares exhibit on Life and Death in Iraq. For those of you who have not seen the national exhibit, I want to tell you how impressive and effective it is. Taylor Brelsford, David Bantz and I will be looking to schedule the exhibit around the state and find local sponsors.

Please forward this message to others you believe would be interested in the possibilities and the opportunities to connect Alaskan peace activists. I hope to hear from you soon. If we get consensus on the wording for a petition here in Juneau, I will send it along to see if there is interest in adopting it statewide.

Thanks for all your work. Wage Peace!

Amy

PS See new email address above - paigedunker@alaska.net

VFP Anchorage Meeting Cancellation and ACLU Trip to DC

2007-06-03T23:23:00.000-08:00

Vets,

At the last meeting, the small group decided to suspend meeting over the summer. So until otherwise notified we won’t meet again until late August/early September. I will certainly keep you apprised of what I am seeing, hearing and thinking about.

Interested in going with the ACLU delegation to Washington, DC on the 26^th of June?

For nearly seven years, our core values of freedom and fairness have been eroded, from the suspension of habeas corpus and due process, to shameful acts of torture, CIA kidnappings and secret prison programs.

On June 26, 2007, join us in Washington, D.C. as we call on Congress to restore habeas corpus, fix the Military Commissions Act, and restore all our constitutional rights. Rally with us outside the Capitol, then help deliver our urgent message in person to Members of Congress. This is your chance to make your voice heard!

https://secure.aclu.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=june_home

If you are interested, the ACLU has funding to send some Alaskans—please contact:

Michael W. Macleod-Ball

Executive Director

ACLU of Alaska

PO Box 201844

Anchorage, AK 99520

(907) 258-0044

(907) 258-0288 (fax)

Jon Lockert

Jon4Paz@AcsAlaska.net

Peace Events: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=qcq21ir6k6f56vll38aorgltic%40group.calendar.google.com
Veterans for Peace: http://akpeacevets.blogspot.com

Peace Coalition: http://alaskans4peace.blogspot.com

VFP Meeting - May 24 7 pm

2007-05-22T08:30:00.001-08:00

Ernest Gruening Chapter (Southcentral Alaska), Meeting Agenda

Thursday, May 24, 7 pm, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Tudor & Lake Otis, Room 3 (downstairs)

Introductions & Discuss Agenda
Chapter Business-Finances
Recent Events

Peace Pie, May 11 http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/297/36/
Military Families Speak Out (MFSO) petition drive, Sat., May 12

Upcoming Events

Non-violence training - Beverages provided; please bring lunch Suggested donation: $25

i. Friday, May 25, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

1. Immanuel Presbyterian (333-5253)

2. 2311 Pembroke Street, Anchorage

ii. Tuesday, May 29, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

1. Anchorage Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (248-3737)

2. 3201 Turnagain Street, Anchorage

iii. Wednesday, May 30, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

1. Room 316, Rasmussen Hall (former Business Education Building),UAA

Pressure on Politicians

Congressional Delegation- What can we do?
Statewide Resolution?
Municipal Resolution?

Sponsorship of Films-Sub-committee

"Taking the Hill" (http://www.dctvny.org/productions/TTH.html)

i. About 50 vets who ran for congress in 2004

ii. Proposal for joint sponsorship with the Democratic Party on May 22 or 24

Next Meeting on June.14 (2^nd and 4^th Thursday of every month)

Meeting over the summer?

From Our Democratic Party - FYI

2007-05-18T07:28:00.000-08:00

ALASKA DEMOCRATIC PARTY

MAY 2007 STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETING WEEKEND

Friday, May 18th

ALASKA DEMOCRATIC PARTY NIGHT AT THE HULLABALOO <http://www.alaskademocrats.org/ht/display/eventdetails/i/1031322/pid/815116>

Social Hour at Platinum Jaxx (no-host bar) - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Hullabaloo starring Alice Welling and Brian Hermann (also at Platinum

Jaxx) - 7:00 pm

Comedy-filled evening of Alaskan History and Politics

Tickets: $15 each; Dinner and drinks, no-host

Saturday, May 19th

CENTRAL COMMITEE MEETING

<http://www.alaskademocrats.org/ht/display/eventdetails/i/1012525/pid/815116>

Anchorage Hilton - 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

$50 covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and the cost of the meeting room.

THIRD ANNUAL JEFFERSON-JACKSON DINNER AND AUCTION <http://www.alaskademocrats.org/ht/display/eventdetails/i/1010888/pid/815116>

Anchorage Hilton Ballroom - 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm

$65 per person / Tables of 10 - $650 / $55 per person for monthly donors Table signs will acknowledge groups Guest Speaker: Washington State Representative Larry Seaquist

Sunday, May 20th

MARY MCKINNON FUND BRUNCH

[/URLTEXT]http://www.alaskademocrats.org/ht/display/EventDetails/i/1030335/pid/815116[/LINK]At

the home of Edith McKinnon Repp - 2700 Karluk Street, Anchorage - 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Proceeds provide funds to help women candidates in their first run for public office.

Donations encouraged and gratefully accepted

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 16, 2007 *State Legislature Adjourns* <http://www.alaskademocrats.org/ht/display/eventdetails/i/1010887/pid/815116>

May 16, 2007 *Diane Benson for Congress Kick-Off Work Session* <http://www.alaskademocrats.org/ht/display/eventdetails/i/1030884/pid/815116>

May 18, 2007 *Alaska Democratic Party Night at the Hullabaloo* <http://www.alaskademocrats.org/ht/display/eventdetails/i/1031322/pid/815116>

May 18, 2007 *Demo Memo on KUDO 1080*

<http://www.alaskademocrats.org/ht/display/eventdetails/i/1016719/pid/815116>

May 18, 2007 *Mat-Su Democrats Egan Dinner* <http://www.alaskademocrats.org/ht/display/eventdetails/i/1020606/pid/815116>

May 19, 2007 *Alaska Democratic Party May 2007 State Central

Committee*

<http://www.alaskademocrats.org/ht/display/eventdetails/i/1012525/pid/815116>

May 19, 2007 *Third Annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner and Auction* <http://www.alaskademocrats.org/ht/display/eventdetails/i/1010888/pid/815116>

May 20, 2007 *Mary McKinnon Fund Brunch* <http://www.alaskademocrats.org/ht/display/eventdetails/i/1030335/pid/815116>

May 20, 2007 *Mat-Su Democrats Business Meeting* <http://www.alaskademocrats.org/ht/display/eventdetails/i/1020605/pid/815116>

May 23, 2007 *Interior Democrats Monthly Meeting* <http://www.alaskademocrats.org/ht/display/eventdetails/i/1007043/pid/815116>

May 30, 2007 to Jun 3, 2007 *National Federation of Democratic Women

(NFDW) Convention*

<http://www.alaskademocrats.org/ht/display/eventdetails/i/1018411/pid/815116>

Jon Lockert

Jon4Paz@AcsAlaska.net

Peace Events: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=qcq21ir6k6f56vll38aorgltic%40group.calendar.google.com
Veterans for Peace: http://akpeacevets.blogspot.com

Peace Coalition: http://alaskans4peace.blogspot.com

VoteVets Ad Targets Republicans

2007-05-15T22:26:00.000-08:00

The new legislative approach is being taken as a retired Army general is criticizing the administration’s war policy in advertisements that focus on more than a dozen Republican members of Congress. The retired general, John Batiste, the commander of the First Infantry Division from August 2002 to June 2005, appears in a television commercial to go on the air Wednesday under the sponsorship of Votevets.org, a group of veterans opposing the war.

The ad opens with video of the president vowing to listen to his commanders.

“You did not listen, Mr. President,” General Batiste says in the advertisement. “You continue to pursue the failed strategy that is breaking our great Army and Marine Corps.”

Agenda for 5/10 Meeting 7 pm at St. Mary's

2007-05-09T07:24:00.000-08:00

Ernest Gruening Chapter (Southcentral Alaska), Meeting Agenda

Thursday, May 10, 7 pm, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Tudor & Lake Otis, Room 3 (downstairs)

Introductions & Discuss Agenda
Chapter Business-Finances
Recent Events

Peace Coalition – Update from May 5th meeting

Upcoming Events

Peace Pie, May 11 http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/297/36/

i. Folks will be taking pies to the offices of our congressional delegation early Friday afternoon.

ii. Statewide coordinator is Lori Draper from Seward. You can contact her thru the web link above.

iii. Proposal: connect with regular Friday vigil from noon till 1:00 pm. at the Federal Bldg. Go to Sen. Stevens’ office. Then go to Peterson building (Murkowski and Young).

Military Families Speak Out (MFSO) petition drive, May 12

i. Banners have been made

ii. Call press contacts

iii. Food/Drink?

iv. Donation for yellow carnations

v. Bumper stickers

Pressure on Congressional Delegation- What can we do?

i. KEEP IT UP

ii. Collecting Signatures?

Sponsorship of Films-Sub-committee

"Taking the Hill" (http://www.dctvny.org/productions/TTH.html)

i. About 50 vets who ran for congress in 2004

ii. Proposal for joint sponsorship with the Democratic Party on May 22 or 24

iii. Invited speaker: Larry Sequist (http://www.larryseaquist.com/)

Next Meeting on May.24 (2^nd and 4^th Thursday of every month)

Jon Lockert

Jon4Paz@AcsAlaska.net

Check Out VoteVets.org

2007-05-07T22:19:00.000-08:00

VOTEVETS.ORG MEMBER BRUHNS AD, DONE BY OLIVER STONE, BEGINS TO AIR!

VoteVets.org’s John Bruhns, whose video at VideoVets was chosen by thousands of Americans to represent veterans and their families, is the star of a new ad directed by Oliver Stone. That ad was just released. You can view it here: http://pol.moveon.org/videovets Congrats to John, and keep your eyes peeled for the ad on a television near you!

VoteVets Board Member, Paul Eaton, on Hardball

Major General (ret.) Paul D Eaton, former commanding general in Iraq, and VoteVets.org Board Member, speaks with Chris Matthews about the President's veto of Iraq legislation

VoteVets.org Board Member General Eaton Writes President Bush on Veto

Major General Paul D. Eaton (ret.), a member of the Board of Advisors to VoteVets.org, today wrote a letter to President Bush, responding to his veto of legislation on Iraq. Click here to view the whole letter.

In the letter, Eaton writes, "As someone who served this nation for decades, I have the utmost respect for the office you hold. However, as a man of conscience, I could not sit idly by as you told the American people today that your veto was based on the recommendations of military men. Your administration ignored the advice of our military's finest minds before, and I see no evidence that you are listening to them now."

Military Families Speak Out Peace Event, Saturday, May 12, Noon

2007-05-07T07:19:00.000-08:00

This is the press release I sent out this morning—we can talk about it at our meeting on Thursday night, May 10 at 7 pm at St. Mary’s Episcopal (Tudor & Lake Otis).

As a member of the Alaska Peace Coalition, I am sending you the information on the Petition Drive/Peace Rally that will be held on Saturday, May 12 at noon at the intersection of Northern Lights Blvd. and New Seward Hwy. The event is being organized by local members of Military Families Speak Out (MSFO, http://www.mfso.org/ ). The MSFO members will be collecting signatures for their petition drive to:

“Fund our troops, and de-fund this war. Fully fund the safe and orderly withdrawal of our troops from

Iraq, and the care they need when they get home. Do not bargain or compromise with the lives of our

loved ones or the loved ones of others. Do not abandon our troops to an unjust and unjustifiable war.

Strengthen your resolve, use your ‘power of the purse’ and end this war.”

The Coalition will be encouraging everyone in the Anchorage area who is opposed to the current failed policies in Iraq to come out and support these brave family members. The MSFO members are trying to wake up our fellow citizens to the folly of throwing away more young lives at this four-year old occupation in the midst of a horrific civil war. These lives are being risked in a faulty attempt to solve Iraq’s political problems with military force.

We understand that it will only be the ever louder voice of the citizens raised in opposition to this folly that will strengthen the political will in Washington, DC to end the occupation.

Amberle, local MSFO organizer can be reached at: 529-2947

Jon Lockert, President, Veterans for Peace—Ernest Gruening Chapter (Southcentral Alaska)

Jon4Paz@AcsAlaska.net

Army Squeezes Soldier Blogs, Maybe to Death

2007-05-02T21:41:00.000-08:00

Army Squeezes Soldier Blogs, Maybe to Death

Noah Shachtman 05.02.07 | 2:00 AM

The U.S. Army has ordered soldiers to stop posting to blogs or sending personal e-mail messages, without first clearing the content with a superior officer, Wired News has learned. The directive, issued April 19, is the sharpest restriction on troops' online activities since the start of the Iraq war. And it could mean the end of military blogs, observers say.

Military officials have been wrestling for years with how to handle troops who publish blogs. Officers have weighed the need for wartime discretion against the opportunities for the public to personally connect with some of the most effective advocates for the operations in Afghanistan and Iraq -- the troops themselves. The secret-keepers have generally won the argument, and the once-permissive atmosphere has slowly grown more tightly regulated. Soldier-bloggers have dropped offline as a result.

The new rules (.pdf) obtained by Wired News require a commander be consulted before every blog update.

"This is the final nail in the coffin for combat blogging," said retired paratrooper Matthew Burden, editor of The Blog of War anthology. "No more military bloggers writing about their experiences in the combat zone. This is the best PR the military has -- it's most honest voice out of the war zone. And it's being silenced."

Army Regulation 530--1: Operations Security (OPSEC) (.pdf) restricts more than just blogs, however. Previous editions of the rules asked Army personnel to "consult with their immediate supervisor" before posting a document "that might contain sensitive and/or critical information in a public forum." The new version, in contrast, requires "an OPSEC review prior to publishing" anything -- from "web log (blog) postings" to comments on internet message boards, from resumes to letters home.

Failure to do so, the document adds, could result in a court-martial, or "administrative, disciplinary, contractual, or criminal action."

Despite the absolutist language, the guidelines' author, Major Ray Ceralde, said there is some leeway in enforcement of the rules. "It is not practical to check all communication, especially private communication," he noted in an e-mail. "Some units may require that soldiers register their blog with the unit for identification purposes with occasional spot checks after an initial review. Other units may require a review before every posting."

But with the regulations drawn so tightly, "many commanders will feel like they have no choice but to forbid their soldiers from blogging -- or even using e-mail," said Jeff Nuding, who won the bronze star for his service in Iraq. "If I'm a commander, and think that any slip-up gets me screwed, I'm making it easy: No blogs," added Nuding, writer of the "pro-victory" Dadmanly site. "I think this means the end of my blogging."

Active-duty troops aren't the only ones affected by the new guidelines. Civilians working for the military, Army contractors -- even soldiers' families -- are all subject to the directive as well.

But, while the regulations may apply to a broad swath of people, not everybody affected can actually read them. In a Kafka-esque turn, the guidelines are kept on the military's restricted Army Knowledge Online intranet. Many Army contractors -- and many family members -- don't have access to the site. Even those able to get in are finding their access is blocked to that particular file.

"Even though it is supposedly rewritten to include rules for contractors (i.e., me) I am not allowed to download it," e-mails Perry Jeffries, an Iraq war veteran now working as a contractor to the Armed Services Blood Program.

The U.S. military -- all militaries -- have long been concerned about their personnel inadvertently letting sensitive information out. Troops' mail was read and censored throughout World War II; back home, government posters warned citizens "careless talk kills."

Military blogs, or milblogs, as they're known in service-member circles, only make the potential for mischief worse. On a website, anyone, including foreign intelligence agents, can stop by and look for information.

"All that stuff we used to get around a bar and say to each other -- well, now because we're publishing it in open forums, now it's intel," said milblogger and retired Army officer John Donovan.

Passing on classified data -- real secrets -- is already a serious military crime. The new regulations (and their author) take an unusually expansive view of what kind of unclassified information a foe might find useful. In an article published by the official Army News Service, Maj. Ceralde "described how the Pentagon parking lot had more parked cars than usual on the evening of Jan. 16, 1991, and how pizza parlors noticed a significant increase of pizza to the Pentagon.... These observations are indicators, unclassified information available to all … that Operation Desert Storm (was about to) beg(i)n."

Steven Aftergood, head of the Federation of American Scientists' Project on Government Secrecy, called Ceralde's example "outrageous."

"It's true that from an OPSEC (operational security) perspective, almost anything -- pizza orders, office lights lit at odd hours, full or empty parking lots -- can potentially tip off an observer that something unusual is afoot," he added. "But real OPSEC is highly discriminating. It does not mean cutting off the flow of information across the board. If on one day in 1991 an unusual number of pizza orders coincided with the start of Desert Storm, it doesn't mean that information about pizza orders should now be restricted. That's not OPSEC, that's just stupidity."

During the early days of the Iraq war, milblogs flew under the radar of the Defense Department's information security establishment. But after soldiers like Specialist Colby Buzzell began offering detailed descriptions of firefights that were scantily covered in the press, blogs began to be viewed by some in the military as a threat -- an almost endless chorus of unregulated voices that could say just about anything.

Buzzell, for one, was banned from patrols and confined to base after such an incident. Military officials asked other bloggers to make changes to their sites. One soldier took down pictures of how well armor stood up to improvised bombs; a military spouse erased personal information from her site -- including "dates of deployment, photos of the family, the date their next child is expected, the date of the baby shower and where the family lives," said Army spokesman Gordon Van Fleet.

But such cases have been rare, Major Elizabeth Robbins noted in a paper (.pdf) for the Army's Combined Arms Center.

"The potential for an OPSEC violation has thus far outstripped the reality experienced by commanders in the field," she wrote.

And in some military circles, bloggers have gained forceful advocates. The Office of the Secretary of Defense, for example, now regularly arranges exclusive phone conferences between bloggers and senior commanders in Afghanistan and Iraq. Major Robbins, for one, has argued strongly for easing the restrictions on the soldier-journalists.

"The reputation of the Army is maintained on many fronts, and no one fights harder on its behalf than our young soldiers. We must allow them access to the fight," Robbins wrote. "To silence the most credible voices -- those at the spear's edge -- and to disallow them this function is to handicap ourselves on a vital, very real battlefield."

Nevertheless, commanders have become increasingly worried about the potential for leaks. In April 2005, military leaders in Iraq told milbloggers to "register" (.pdf) their sites with superior officers. In September, the Army made the first revision of its OPSEC regulations since the mid-'90s, ordering GIs to talk to their commanders before posting potentially-problematic information. Soldiers began to drop their websites, in response.

More bloggers followed suit, when an alert came down from highest levels of the Pentagon that "effective immediately, no information may be placed on websites … unless it has been reviewed for security concerns," and the Army announced it was activating a team, the Army Web Risk Assessment Cell, to scan blogs for information breaches. An official Army dispatch told milbloggers, "Big Brother is not watching you, but 10 members of a Virginia National Guard unit might be." That unit continues to look for security violations, new regulations in hand.

See the Wired blog Danger Room for additional information on the Army's blogger ban.

Rally to Protest Bush's Veto, May 2, 5 pm, Benson & Seward

2007-05-02T07:16:00.001-08:00

Rally to Protest Bush's Veto, May 2, 5 pm, Benson & Seward

Here are the details:
Intersection of Benson & Seward on Public Sidewalks Park in Sears Lot.
Wednesday, May 2 2007, 5:00 PM
RSVP: http://pol.moveon.org/event/vetorally/37215?id=10263-7762266-GRigk8&t=4

If this event doesn't work for you, click below to search for another rally near you:

http://pol.moveon.org/event/vetorally/?search_zip=99501&id=10263-7762266-GRigk8&t=5

For more info—contact Ed at 830-9755.

Congress is about to send an important bill to the White House—it would require the president to start bringing our troops home from Iraq this year. President Bush has said repeatedly he's going to veto it. It's outrageous. Most Americans support a timeline and he's standing in the way.

This will be a pivotal moment on Iraq—it's not clear what Congress or the president will do after the veto. We need to make clear that President Bush is really vetoing the will of the American people. And we need to tell Congress to hold firm.

There are already more than 200 rallies planned across the country.

The following is a message from the Ed C., host of Protect The Troops-Veto Bush, the Emergency Veto Rally

Dear Citizens,

First off I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for helping at this progressive event. I truly believe "Democracy is not a spectator Sport"

A few ground rules and then I hope everyone has fun at the rally.

1.) No extraneous signs will be allowed. i.e., Impeach Bush, Buck Fush, etc...........

MoveOn.Org has made it crystal clear that we have on average 7 seconds to get our message across to the public. To that end I would ask you all to please stay on the message. I have gone to some small expense to have these 8 signs made up and they are of high quality.

2.) There will be only one media spokesperson at this event and it will be Ed.

3.) If you could arrive a few minutes early I'd appreciate it. I will be parked on the Southeast corner of the Sears parking lot in a big Red Dodge Ram with camper cover. Signs will be in the back of my truck.

See you all there and let’s start to help take back this Democracy of ours! The greatest public office one can hold is that of Citizen.

Jon Lockert

Jon4Paz@AcsAlaska.net

Peace Events: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=qcq21ir6k6f56vll38aorgltic%40group.calendar.google.com

Veterans for Peace: http://akpeacevets.blogspot.com
Peace Coalition: http://alaskans4peace.blogspot.com

MSFO Petition Drive and Peace Rally, May 12

2007-04-29T13:00:00.000-08:00

The Quest for Peace Continues

The 4/28 meeting of the Peace Coalition consisted of Peggy Cobey and I. Based on our last couple of meetings we have committed to an action in early May. In the early afternoon of Saturday, May 12^th, Military Families Speak Out (MFSO, http://www.mfso.org/) will be gathering signatures on a petition to bring the troops home. The busy intersection of N. Lights and Seward Hwy has been suggested but the MSFO folks have not picked a final location yet. Even though a busy traffic corner may not be the best place to gather signatures, several of us think it is the best place to maximize the publicity value of the hundreds of folks who will show up to support the MSFO families in their call for the return of the troops.

Having had a very successful event on March 17, we can make this event even better and more powerful. What made the event work was all of you pitching in to make it happen. We now need you again. The following are the areas where we need folks to take responsibility to make it happen:

Media—Ron McGee, Cheryl Hilmes, Peggy Cobey & Jon Lockert. We will be dividing up our media contacts and calling them on the phone twice in the week leading up to the event.

Informational Handout. This handout should have two parts, one explaining why we are there and one about what is next. Everyone agreed we need to have everyone leaving the next event with a handout that will give them all the contact information and suggestions on how they can get engaged in the peace movement. Paul Prebys?

Posters/Flyers. Our biggest obstacle is getting the word out about these events occurring. We need a committee to take the content agreed upon by the Media & Handout folks and distribute it around town. We also need everyone to commit to contacting everyone in their email contacts lists to let them know about this event. I know some of our friends are not ready to take these steps but we need to make sure that they know we are committed to pursuing peace.

Banners/Signs. We learned that many of the folks going by in cars may not take the opportunity to read hand held signs. This time we want to make some HUGE banners where messages like Bring the Troops Home, Now can’t be missed. We need a banner making party with lots of sheets or other material and lots of spray paint. We need someone to volunteer a time and place in the next 7 to 10 days so we can put out the announcement.

Refreshments. We need someone to head up the committee that will be responsible for keeping our large crowd happy with food and drink. There are companies who will donate coffee and possibly food. This would actually be a good engagement exercise to request donations for a Military Families event, just not the usual.

Street Theater. We need our more creative types to come up with some compelling visuals to draw attention to our demand to bring the troops home now. As an example, we could devote one of the four corners to some symbolism of the deaths that are occurring. We could have a bunch of folks don a black plastic bag (body bag) and arrange them for maximum visual effect. They could all be lined up side by side—mute testament to the young lives cut short.

BACKGROUND & PEP TALK

It is increasingly clear that Bush is not going to give up his war. He is going to try to stay the course for two more years so he can say he is not a quitter. What we can do is move Lisa Murkowski away from her guarded support of the war. The other thing we are doing is raising the consciousness of our fellow citizens about what it means to be an engaged participant in our society. There are forces at work that encourage us to be passive consumers of information but we must show people that it is the acting on information that is truly being alive.

The best thing we can do to oppose the Iraq war is to keep making opportunities for people to publicly state their opposition to the war. While letters to the editor and calls to our delegation are needed and can be done in private, it is also important to build public awareness and momentum around speaking out for peace.

As our frustration grows with the Bush administration, the call for impeachment grows louder. Rep. Dennis Kucinich introduced HR 333 Articles of Impeachment (supporting documents are at

http://kucinich.house.gov/SpotlightIssues/documents.htm)

As always, I appreciate your comments and suggestions.

PS. For any of those of you who saw the PBS show on Bobby Kennedy, all I can think of is “The Times They Are A Changin’ NOT.” Does this not feel like ’67? I didn’t think I would have to wait until my 50’s to relive the part of the 60’s that as a high school student I didn’t fully grasp. I guess that is the lesson, if it is not fully grasped, it is déjà vu all over again.

Jon Lockert

Jon4Paz@AcsAlaska.net

Peace Events: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=qcq21ir6k6f56vll38aorgltic%40group.calendar.google.com
Veterans for Peace: http://akpeacevets.blogspot.com

Peace Coalition: http://alaskans4peace.blogspot.com

Retired general urges Bush to sign Iraq withdrawal bill - CNN.com

2007-04-28T10:48:00.001-08:00

* Please note, the sender's email address has not been verified.

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Retired general urges Bush to sign Iraq withdrawal bill - CNN.com*


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Armed Forces Journal - A Failure in Generalship

2007-04-27T07:11:00.001-08:00

A Failure of Generalship

VFP Meeting Agenda 4/26

2007-04-25T23:16:00.000-08:00

www.VeteransForPeace.org

Ernest Gruening Chapter (Southcentral Alaska), Meeting Agenda

Thursday, Apr. 26, 7 pm, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Tudor & Lake Otis, Room 3 (downstairs)

Introductions & Discuss Agenda
Chapter Business-Finances
Recent Events

Truth in Recruiting-Update from April 20^th meeting with ASD
Peace Coalition – Update from April 21^st meeting

Upcoming Events

3rd Annual VFP NW Regional Meeting

i. Olympia, WA, 4/28 – 29

Impeachment Saturday, April 28 (Dale is gonna love this!) http://impeach07.org/
Peace Pie, May 11 http://www.thepeacealliance.org/content/view/297/36/
Military Families Speak Out (MFSO) petition drive, May 12

Sponsorship of Films-Sub-committee

"Taking the Hill" (http://www.dctvny.org/productions/TTH.html)

i. About 50 vets who ran for congress in 2004

ii. Proposal for joint sponsorship with the Democratic Party on May 22 or 24

iii. Invited speaker: Larry Sequist (http://www.larryseaquist.com/)

Pressure on Congressional Delegation- What can we do?

Eric Croft – Guest Speaker http://www.ericcroft.com/
Both Stevens & Murkowski voted against limits on troops in Iraq

i. Demonstrate monthly outside their offices

ii. Collect signatures?

1. How would this be worded?

2. Anybody have experience doing this?

iii. Occupy their offices?

Support MSFO Petition
Next Meeting on May.10 (2^nd and 4^th Thursday of every month)

MSFO Coordination

2007-04-23T21:12:00.001-08:00

Vets,

Our local Military Families Speak Out (MSFO) chapter is getting organized. They will be coming to our meeting on Thursday night 4/26 to discuss their petition drive scheduled for Saturday, May 12 (day before Mother’s Day). I think we should go all out to help support them. With Congress and the Prez going head to head, we may very well be at a tipping point’

Here is what MSFO folks are thinking about.

Hello All,

Letting you know what happened at our first "official" meeting. We did just mostly meet to get to know one another.

Plans were made for a petition signing rally. This will take place May 12th. Time and location is still in the works. We are looking into the sidewalks outside the Saturday Market first (Bonita is going to look into if the Saturday Market will be running at that time), second option was Town Square.

We need to make different signs for this event, saying what the petitions are, so that people driving or walking by will see ahead of time. If you have a clipboard, please bring.

I also took donations to purchase MFSO bumper stickers, buttons, and car magnets to hopefully sell at that time. If you would like to donate for this, please email or call me. I want to put the order in, in the next few days.

Cheaman and I have also created a flyer to hand out and post around town, so that other military families know that we are here and they are not alone. I have attached it, if you want to print out some for yourself in the meantime.

We want to try to coordinate this event with the Veterans For Peace.

Our next meeting will be held with Veterans For Peace, this Thursday at 7. It is at St. Mary's. I will email directions as soon as I get them.

Hope to meet more of you. I will be in touch soon.

Blessed Be!

Amberle Wright

Alaska Chapter Military Families Speak Out

amberle.akmfso@yahoo.com

(907) 529-2947

Jon Lockert

Jon4Paz@AcsAlaska.net

Peace Events: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=qcq21ir6k6f56vll38aorgltic%40group.calendar.google.com
Veterans for Peace: http://akpeacevets.blogspot.com

Peace Coalition: http://alaskans4peace.blogspot.com

School District Meeting On Truth in Recruiting

2007-04-21T07:49:00.000-08:00

Kudos to the our local activists on Truth in Recruiting! We will keep you informed about how you can support these changes in our schools.

Reflections from Meeting w/ Rhonda Gardner, ASD Asst. Supt.

April 20, 2007

Thanks to everyone for your ideas, energy and commitment to this cause. Six very thoughtful activists had an opportunity to meet w/ Ms. Gardner for an hour today. She had already read our proposal and was ready to hear our talking points.

Ms. G shared our views that the time has come to have a concrete plan in place for addressing our concerns. It was apparent that she shared our views with regards to every item in our proposal. She shook her head at many of the stories we shared about what’s been happening in high schools recently.

I feel confident that this will move forward and she said “something WILL be in place come fall ‘07.” We presented her w/ the current policies of the cities of Seattle, Juneau and Fairbanks. She also received a recent article published in the National Education Association’s monthly magazine entitled “Uncle Sam Wants... You? As military recruiters continue targeting students, they’re increasingly trying to win the hearts and minds of educators.” Lastly, we gave her a copy of the “US Army Command’s School Recruiting Program Handbook.” She made a promise that she would indeed read it.

Next steps: Ms. Gardner meets w/ Supt. Comeau. They decide if this goes before the board to become a policy or if it’s just placed in administrative regulations. We specifically asked for a policy. That would be a stronger message. Ms. Gardner will also share our proposal w/ the school board. Then, she will get back in touch w/ Mel. We made Mel our point person!

To close, I let her know that she would be receiving a letter from Vets for Peace. I also, in as gentle way as I could muster (which wasn’t very gentle) let her know that we expected action and that there were others waiting to see what happened before moving forward with our own stronger action. Basically I was saying “don’t placate us. We expect serious change to the current situation.”

Thank you for being with us in spirit. Any time one goes up against a huge bureaucracy it can be daunting. I’m thankful for working with a group so committed to making this change. As a mother, teacher and peacenik I am encouraged by today’s events.

"Hope is the dream whose time has come, whose dance is already real- even if some of us cannot hear the music."

Sister Joan Chittister

~yours in peace~

Cheryl

VideoVets: Bring Our Troops Home

2007-04-20T07:48:00.000-08:00

One of our members passed this on to me and we both agree should take a look at these videos.

Today we're launching an important new project with our friends at VoteVets.org that will use the power of internet video to help spread the truth about how veterans and military families feel about the war.

The project is called VideoVets: Bring Our Troops Home and it contains some of the most compelling stories about this war that you've ever heard. These brave men and women want to put us on a course to start bringing our troops home.

Please watch these videos and tell us which one you think is most compelling. Academy Award winning director Oliver Stone will take the video you choose and turn it into a TV ad—spreading this message even further. Believe me, once you get started watching these you won't be able to stop.

Click below to watch now:

http://pol.moveon.org/videovets?id=10218-2067977-3dAE74&t=3

Every day at MoveOn we get letters from military families and veterans who're outraged that the president hides behind the troops to justify his policy—a policy that's leaving tens of thousands of them stranded in the middle of an unwinnable civil war. We talked to our friends at VoteVets.org about their members, who felt the same way. We realized we had to help give these folks a platform to speak out.

Over 700 MoveOn members around the country volunteered their time to interview and videotape the veterans and military families. Then we put them up on our website—and on YouTube—for you to watch.

Today, we have over 20 interviews, each less than 2 minutes long. Here are just a few examples of the moving stories we heard.

John, a former sergeant who served in Iraq told us "I feel used and I feel misled by the administration. I feel that my patriotism has been used and exploited—my willingness to fight for this country was used and exploited."
Peter, also a former sergeant who served in Iraq said, "If there was a manual written on how not to fight a war, it would be this administration's playbook."
Pam, whose son was deployed to Iraq as part of the escalation told us "They are young kids and they are now going to be placed there, on the frontlines, with an abbreviated month of training, with poor equipment, with inadequate equipment and they know it."

This is really powerful stuff.

The administration tries to call anyone who criticizes their policy in Iraq 'anti-troop,' but these stories show that 'supporting the troops' does NOT mean supporting an endless war. The voices of these veterans and military families are missing from the debate in Washington. Together we can make sure they become a vital part of the national dialogue around ending the war.

Click below to watch the videos and tell us which one Oliver Stone should turn into an ad.

http://pol.moveon.org/videovets?id=10218-2067977-3dAE74&t=4

Thanks for all you do,

–Nita, Laura, Karin, Patrick and the MoveOn.org Political Action Team
Thursday, April 19th, 2007

P.S. The views expressed in these interviews do not necessarily reflect the views of VoteVets.org or MoveOn.org Political Action. They are the views of interview subjects only.

P.P.S. We will close the rating process at midnight PST, on Wednesday, April 25th.

Support our member-driven organization: MoveOn.org Political Action is entirely funded by our 3.2 million members. We have no corporate contributors, no foundation grants, no money from unions. Our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. If you'd like to support our work, you can give now at:

http://political.moveon.org/donate/email.html?id=10218-2067977-3dAE74&t=5

PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Jon Lockert

Jon4Paz@AcsAlaska.net

Peace Events: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=qcq21ir6k6f56vll38aorgltic%40group.calendar.google.com
Veterans for Peace: http://akpeacevets.blogspot.com

Peace Coalition: http://alaskans4peace.blogspot.com

Taking the Hill Screening

2007-04-19T19:29:00.000-08:00

I just received the following draft event notice from the Alaska Democratic Party. Let’s discuss this at our next meeting on the 26^th.

What: Special screening of “Taking the Hill” for Democrats and Progressive Activists in Anchorage, Alaska

When: May 22^nd or May 24^th. 6-8:30pm

Video introduction by Veterans for Peace Director, Jon Lockert
Play video (~60-90 minutes)
Special post-video discussion with Rep. Larry Seaquist (D-WA), Gov. Tony Knowles, Diane Benson

Why: This is an opportunity to galvanize more progressives around the idea that supporting the troops is different than supporting the war. Also, this video shows how passion and commitment can overcome numerous hurdles—something that our Democracy needs more of!

Hosts: Veterans for Peace, Alaska Democratic Party, Military Families Speak Out, et al.

Costs: $175 to buy video and rebroadcast rights. $ to rent adequate facilities. $ for a few snacks and drinks.