Stop the PNAC NEOCONS! Urge a no vote on new war spending!

ACTION ALERT * UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE
http://www.unitedforpeace.org | 212-868-5545

$80 BILLION MORE FOR THE IRAQ WAR?
NO WAY! BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW
Contact your member of Congress and urge a no vote on new war spending
Call the Congressional Switchboard at 202-224-3121 (9-5 EST)
>> more action steps below >>
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George W. Bush is asking Congress for $80 billion more for the failed Iraq war. Congress is gearing up to pour more money to “stay the course” of the past two tragic years. Tell your Member of Congress that not one more dime should go to waging war in Iraq. Instead, the U.S. must end the occupation, bring our troops home, and support Iraqi sovereignty.

Many good-intentioned people in the United States say we can’t withdraw our troops now and abandon Iraqis to chaos and disorder. Yet the U.S. presence on the streets of Iraq is fueling animosity, motivating the armed resistance, and sealing the fate for failed democracy in Iraq. Every extra day and dime the U.S. spends on its reckless course in Iraq deepens the suffering in Iraq and at home.

The President’s fourth “supplemental” spending request for the Iraq war will add $80 billion to the more than $151 billion already appropriated. It is time for us to demand that the Administration and Congress stop perpetuating the cycle of violence in Iraq, stop sending so many soldiers and civilians to their graves, and stop diverting precious resources that could be used to rebuild Iraq and fund critical domestic needs.

TAKE ACTION TODAY AND ON WEDNESDAY, FEB. 9!

* Call, write, fax, or organize an action at the office of your elected officials! Call the Capitol switchboard and ask to be connected with your Senators and Representatives, 202-224-3121 (9-5 EST). See below for talking points.

* Begin organizing now for the “National Call-in Day to Oppose War Funding” on Wednesday, February 9, when we will want to flood Congressional offices with calls from every district in the nation. (More details will be announced soon.)

* Send letters to the editors of your local papers, call in to radio talk shows, do what you can to bring this message into the media.

* Download and distribute our leaflet on the real costs of the war. You can find it at http://www.unitedforpeace.org/downloads/costsofwar.doc

* Post any protest or educational activities on the UFPJ calendar: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/events

TALKING POINTS ON $80 BILLION SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION FOR WAR

Tell your members of Congress to:

1. Oppose new funds: Congress should halt new funds for U.S. military operations in Iraq. Any new funds should be allocated solely for troop withdrawal and interim troop protection.

2. End the occupation: Halt U.S. military actions immediately, shift U.S. troops immediately to the borders of Iraq, declare intention to begin full withdrawal of troops, and leavenoU.S.basesbehind.SupporttheWoolseyresolutioncallingonthePresidenttobegintheimmediatewithdrawalofU.S.troopsfromIraq.

3. Support Iraqi sovereignty: Give Iraqis full control over reconstruction funds, Iraqi ministries and government, and new police and security forces. Terminate contracts with U.S. companies and turn projects over to Iraqis, and provide transparent accounting of all U.S. contracts.

4. Stabilize Iraq: Commit to long-term U.S. financial support for Iraqi-led reconstruction and allow the UN and other international agencies to support Iraq democracy free from U.S. intervention, and if the Iraqis want that assistance.

5. Provide real support for our troops: End the "stop-loss" policies that keep troops on active duty far beyond their contracts, and overextend the Reserves and National Guard. Provide thorough psychological counseling, health care, and benefits to returning Iraq war veterans and their families. Bring our troops home!