RESOLUTIONS PASSED AT THE 2003 CONVENTION
August 7, 2003
San Francisco, California
PHILIP BERRIGAN HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
Whereas, Father Philip Berrigan was a priest and a civil-rights activist, a husband, a father of three, and, a fighter for freedom and social justice; and
Whereas, Communitarian Phillip Berrigan and like-minded friends built a nonviolent movement based upon the imagery of beating swords into plowshares; and
Whereas, Neighbor Phillip Berrigan lived in community at Jonah House, the Baltimore home of his family and the Plowshares movement; and,
Whereas, Witness Phillip Berrigan kept a consistent and persistent vigil against violence during the eight decades of his life; and,
Whereas, War Resister Phillip Berrigan was a favorite target of J. Edgar Hoover and his abusive FBI; and,
Whereas, Inmate Phillip Berrigan frequently resided within the dwellings of United States penal institutions as a political prisoner of conscience; and,
Whereas, Seeker of Truth Phillip Berrigan was an implacable inspector of the United States arsenal of weapons of mass destruction, calling attention to their inherent evil nature; and
Whereas, Activist Phillip Berrigan symbolically confronted the nation's nukes with small hammers, vials of blood and courage; and,
Whereas, Counselor Phillip Berrigan and companions, struggling against the immoral Vietnam War, liberated the Catonville draft board records; and
Whereas Infantryman Phillip Berrigan served during World War II in Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge; and,
Whereas, Teacher Phillip Berrigan is an example to the younger generation coming of age; and,
Whereas, Phillip Berrigan, a lifelong veteran for Peace, a hero, and an inspiration to those who follow in the cause in Peace; and
Whereas, it is with sorrow, regret and gratitude, that we as Veterans For Peace, mourn the passing of our friend, Phil Berrigan, on December 6, 2002,
Therefore, let it be resolved that, in order to honor and commemorate his remarkable work and life, Veterans For Peace, bestows posthumous honorary full membership to our Brother and Comrade, Phil Berrigan, who continues to Wage Peace!
Phil Berrigan Presente!
Approved by Board of Directors January 2003
Submitted by Jozef Hand-Boniakowski
RACHEL CORRIE HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
On March 16, 2003, Rachel Corrie became the first U.S. citizen to shed her
own blood on Palestinian soil in Gaza, while trying to prevent an Israeli
army bulldozer from destroying a Palestinian home.
We honor Rachel for the ideals of justice, fairness and peace she literally
stood for, right up to the moment of her death.
We honor Rachel for the qualities we would emulate; love, compassion,
commitment,courage.
We honor Rachel because we need her example to strengthen our own resolve in
the pursuit of peace and justice and fairness for all.
Therefore VFP assembled in national convention in San Francisco does hereby bestow honorary membership posthumously on Rachel Corrie
Proposed by Arnie Welber, approved by Board of Directors May 10, 2003
VFP Salutes Representative Barbara Lee For Courage
Whereas, The Black Radical Congress Stated on September 28, 2001, “(We) salute representative Barbara Lee for your courageous stand in opposing the House resolution (64) to provide the U.S. President carte blanche in responding militarily to the horrific events of September 11, 2001. It is an infamous act of violence that brings grief and fear to all decent people at home and abroad. While most of our elected officials beat the war drums and promise to spill the blood of even more people - somewhere, or anywhere - it takes a person with an extraordinary level of integrity and political grit to stand alone against the jingoism that is sweeping the nation. You are proving to have such courage and we are proud that you have raised your voice for peace and justice at this time of crisis"
And, whereas, The “San Jose Mercury News" editorial, October 1, 2001 stated, “The first blast of intolerance hit Oakland Congresswoman Barbara Lee. The only lawmaker to vote against President Bush's mandate to use ``all necessary and appropriate force'' against terrorists, Lee was branded unpatriotic and worse by people who believe this country must move in lockstep at times like these.- - - - - As we move to defend America against terrorism, it's helpful to keep in mind the reasons it's worth defending. The right to free speech should be high on the list. People who dare to go against the mainstream and speak their minds are not un-American. They're as American as they can be."
And, whereas Rep. Lee condemns the large military budget developed at the expense of valuable social programs such as Head Start and education,
And whereas, Representative Lee opposes the administration’s plans to increase nuclear threats and use,
And, whereas, Rep. Barbara Lee has long been an ardent supporter of arms control and peaceful solutions to international problems. She has been a staunch opponent of missile defense deployment, working to block the National Missile Defense Act, which called for deployment "as soon as technologically possible." She spoke out against a politically motivated congressional resolution commending military contractors for an allegedly successful intercept test of the missile defense system,
And, whereas, in 1998, she was one of only five members of the House to vote against authorizing the bombing of Iraq over its refusal to allow weapons inspections by the United Nations. In 1999, she was the only member of the House to vote against sending US forces into Yugoslavia
And, whereas Rep. Lee, is the daughter of a retired U.S Army officer,
Therefore, Veterans For Peace, at its 2003 convention, extends its deepest appreciation to Representative Barbara Lee for her courage and patriotism to stand alone September 15, 2001, to vote against Congress’s granting of almost unlimited war authority to George W. Bush.
Introduced by Chapter #27-Minnesota
PROPOSAL FOR AMMENDMENT OF VFP BY-LAWS-MEMBERSHIP
WHEREAS most veteran organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans for Foreign Wars have amended their by-laws to permit membership by WWII Merchant Marine veterans, and
WHEREAS Veterans for Peace already has some full members based on the WWII Merchant Marine status, and
WHEREAS the current Veterans for Peace by-laws do not provide for full membership based on WWII Merchant Marine veteran status,
BE IT PROPOSED that the Veterans for Peace by-laws be amended to provide for full membership by former members of the Merchant Marine who served on shipboard duty between the dates of December 7 1941 and December 31, 1946
ADDITIONALLY many member of VFP have served in the Merchant Marine in other conflicts and should be specifically recognized as being eligible for full members in our organization.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Full Membership.
Full Members of VFP shall be veterans of the Armed Forces of the U. S., or veterans of the Armed Forces of foreign nations who reside in the U. S. They may also be non-veterans who are U.S. Citizens who have served in a professional capacity with or in service to the Armed Forces of the U.S. in an area and during a period of war, conflict or other hostile activity. Full Members must subscribe to the purpose, goals and ideals of VFP and pay national dues. Eligibility for Full Membership shall be determined by additional rules and regulations adopted by the Board of Directors.
Proposed change:
They may also be Merchant Marines or other U.S. Citizens who have served in a professional capacity with or in service to the Armed Forces of the U.S. in an area and during a period of war, conflict or other hostile activity.
Submitted by John Kimber, David Cline
Member of Veterans for Peace
PROPOSED BYLAWS CHANGE-- STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Proposed that "To seek justice for veterans and victims of war" be added to the Statement of Purpose (Bylaws Article II as point (d).
CURRENT STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
ARTICLE II. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
We, having dutifully served our nation, do hereby affirm our greater responsibility to serve the cause of world peace. To this end we will work, with others
(a) Toward increasing public awareness of the costs of war
(b) To restrain our government from intervening, overtly and covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations
(c) To end the arms race and to reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons and
(d) To abolish war as an instrument of national policy.
To achieve these goals, members of Veterans For Peace pledge to use non-violent means and to maintain an organization that is both democratic and open with the understanding that all members are trusted to act in the best interests of the group for the larger purpose of world peace.
We urge all people who share this vision to join us.
PROPOSED NEW STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
ARTICLE II. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
We, having dutifully served our nation, do hereby affirm our greater responsibility to serve the cause of world peace. To this end we will work, with others
(a) To increase public awareness of the full costs of war
(b) To restrain our government from intervening, overtly or covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations
(c) To end the arms race and to reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons
(d) To seek justice for veterans and victims of war
(e) To abolish war as an instrument of national policy.
To achieve these goals, members of Veterans For Peace pledge to use non-violent means and to maintain an organization that is both democratic and open with the understanding that all members are trusted to act in the best interests of the group for the larger purpose of world peace.
We urge all people who share this vision to join us.
Sponsored by David Cline (NJ 021), Ben Chitty (NY 060), Michael Uhl (Maine 001), Paul Cox (SF 069), Gene Glazer (NJ 021), Joe Farah (IN 049), Patrick McCann (MD/DC 016), Joe Attamante (NJ 021), Joan Duffy (NM 055), Frank Corcoran (PA 031), George McAnanama (NY 060), Tom Baxter (TX 015), Woody Powell (IL/MO 061) Ken Mayers (NM 055), Barry Riesch (MN 027)
BRING THEM HOME NOW!
Whereas:The American public was deceived by the Bush administration about the motivation for and intent of the invasion of Iraq;
Whereas:Millions of Americans are opposed to the occupation of Iraq, military families want their loved ones out of Iraq, the overwhelming majority of Iraqis are opposed to the occupation;
Whereas:Our troops are embroiled in a regional quagmire based on false pretexts for war and occupation;
Whereas:Our troops are being made casualties of combat, environmental hazards, and post-traumatic psychological disorders;
Whereas:Military families are being subjected to needless and extreme hardship, including loss of benefits imposed by the same administration that has sent them into an illegal war;
Whereas:The people of Iraq have been subjected to two bloody invasions by the United States, between which was a period of over a decade of low intensity war and cruel sanctions that were responsible for the untimely deaths of hundreds of thousands of people;
Whereas U.S. based multinational corporations are poised to continue the plunder of Iraq through exploitation of Iraqi oil and of the "rebuilding" process
Whereas the United States has to bearresponsibility for the destruction of Iraqi infrastructure and the deaths of uncounted numbers of Iraqi civilians;
Be it resolved that Veterans For Peace endorse and sponsor the Bring
Them Home Now campaign and join in demanding the repatriation of all
troopsin Iraq to their home bases, and a return of sovereignty to the Iraqi
people to determine their own future free from U.S. interference.
Be it further resolved that Veterans For Peace call on the United States to provide financial resources to support the reconstruction of Iraq, under the control of the Iraqi people.
David Cline, Stan Goff, Michael Uhl, Charley Richardson (MFSO), Nancy Lessing (MFSO)
END THE OCCUPATION OF IRAQ
WHEREAS the United States and "coalition" invasion and occupation of Iraq was illegal under international and Constitutional law, unjust according to many major religious and secular groups, and was strategically unwise and remains so today;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Veterans for Peace call on the United States Congress and the President for an immediate end to the illegal military occupation of Iraq.
Author: Todd Boyle, July 11, 2003
Bring the troops home now - End the occupation of Iraq- Money for human needs, not war- Repeal the Patriot Act
Whereas, the people in Iraq want the US occupation to end, and the US soldiers in Iraq want to come home. We ask: Who is benefiting from this war, and who is paying the price?; and
Whereas, every day, people are dying as a consequence of this illegal occupation… Every day human misery expands in the drive for world Empire and corporate globalization… Every day, jobs are lost and vital social programs that serve and protect working people are being looted and destroyed, as the Bush administration cynically manipulates the so-called "war on terrorism" to carry out the social transfer of wealth from the bottom to the top; and
Whereas, the Bush administration lied to the people, to the Congress, and to the United Nations as it raced to wage war against Iraq. Now tens of thousands of Iraqis and many hundreds of GIs have been killed or maimed – by Rumsfeld’s count over 1000 attacks on US forces since May 1st. As the anger of the Iraqi people inevitably grows, the body count on both sides will sharply increase; and
Whereas, as the anti-war movement predicted, the Iraqi people view US forces as colonial occupiers, not liberators. American soldiers are killing and being killed in a war that serves only the interests of U.S. oil monopolies and corporate elites - George W. Bush's real constituents. Soldiers and their families are realizing that high government officials, mostly millionaires who shuttle between corporate boardrooms and government posts, are using U.S. troops as a private security detachment for the multinational corporations’ plunder of Iraq's oil riches; and
Whereas, the Pentagon now admits they will have 150,000 troops in Iraq for the "foreseeable future," at a cost of nearly $4 Billion a month -- on top of the cost of maintaining US troops and bases in 130 other countries – and this rapid rise in the power and reach of the military is closely linked to the unprecedented assault on the civil rights, union rights, benefits (including veterans’ benefits), and living standards of working people going on right now in the United States; and
Whereas, the Bush administration - which only came to power due to massive racist disenfranchisement and voting fraud -- has used the excuse of their “endless war" to sponsor a wholesale assault on the Bill of Rights, institutionalize racial profiling, assume extraordinary powers for the Executive branch, and adopt new repressive laws like the Patriot Act; and
Whereas, on October 25, 2003 the anti-war, civil rights, social justice and labor movements – joined in ever increasing numbers by family members of military personnel and veterans and international delegations -- will march on Washington, D.C. to demand an immediate end to the US war and occupation in Iraq, repeal of the Patriot Act, and money for human needs, not for war; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Veterans for Peace, meeting in convention, 8/9/2003, demands: 1) an immediate end to the US/British war and occupation in Iraq – Bring the Troops Home Now; 2) repeal of the Patriot Act and other repressive laws; 3) reordering of national priorities toward the human needs of our people. We need jobs and real security, not militarism and empire-building; and be it further
RESOLVED: that Veterans for Peace endorse the October 25, 2003 International March on Washington, D.C. behind the banner: Bring the Troops Home Now…End the Occupation of Iraq…Repeal the Patriot Act…Money for Human Needs, not for War and Empire.
Submitted by David Welsh
Defense of Liberty
On October 26, 2001 members of Congress passed the USA Patriot Act, many of whom did not read the bill.After the legislation was read, it was found to give extraordinary and unprecedented powers to the executive branch, powers which relegated the First Amendment, the Fourth Amendment, The Fifth Amendment, the Sixth Amendment, the Eighth Amendment and the Fourteenth Amendment to the list of abdicated rights and abandoned freedoms of a once shining but now failed Republic.Ben Franklin stated that those who would sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither. Congress through its fear, ignorance, corruption, apathy and incompetence trashed the Bill of Rights and rendered the Constitution a meaningless and obsolete document in the New World Order.American citizens are presently held in military custody without being charged , without lawyers and without due process.The United States of America, transformed by the Bush administration in cooperation with Congress, had lost its soul, its ethics, its compassion and finally its Constitution.Citizens of our land however have proved more competent and resilient than the gutless representatives in Washington and municipality upon municipality have passed resolutions against the Patriot Act and we as Veterans will honor the oath we tookto support and defend the Constitution of the United States. As rightful sons and daughters of the Constitution, for all humanity,VFP declares itself in open revolt against the USA Patriot Act.
Be it resolved that Veterans For Peace Members will engage in efforts to educate the public on the urgent need to:
1) Repeal the patriot act.
2) Prevent passage of patriot act II, or any similar such legislation.
3) Guarantee preservation of the Bill Of Rights in its original form.
4) Stop government and/or corporate assaults onindividual freedom under the guise of national security.
Respectfully submitted by David Honish, Chapter 66, Austin Texas and John Amidon, Chapter 10, Albany, NY
SUPPORT FOR ENTERTAINERS UNDER ATTACK FOR SPEAKING OUT
WHEREAS a number prominent actors, musicians and other popular figures, including Martin Sheen, Danny Glover, Susan Saradon, Tim Robbins, Janeane Garafalo, and the Dixie Chicks, have expressed their dissent regarding the war in Iraq, threats to our civil liberties and the backward direction the Bush administration is taking our country, and
WHEREAS they have come under increasing attack, including vile slanders and challenges to their patriotism and right to speak as well as right-wing boycotts, for exercising their right as free people,
BE IT RESOLVED that Veterans For Peace condemns these attacks as assaults on the very freedoms that we served and often shed blood to defend, and will take whatever actions are appropriate, both locally and nationally, to show our support and solidarity with these courageous, patriotic Americans.
Submitted By James Starowicz, Member Veterans For Peace
VETERANS & LABOR
WHEREAS, our government fights wars with young men and women enlisted out of poor, immigrant, and working class communities with promises of education and health care; deploys weapons and tactics which kill and maim mostly working people by so-called collateral damage and friendly fire as well as hostile action; and pays for these wars by raising taxes on working people or reducing spending on health care, education, and other social programs; and
WHEREAS, many labor activists have recognized that our government's declarations of endless war threaten the lives, livelihoods and civil rights of working people, have organized to oppose the invasion and occupation of Iraq, have formed the group US Labor Against the War (USLAW), and have called for a national Labor Assembly for Peace; and
WHEREAS, rank-and-file trade unionists are often misled into supporting wars and foreign adventures against their political and economic interests out of a sense of patriotic duty and a
heartfelt desire to support their husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, sons, and daughters serving in the Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, US Labor Against the War has called on veterans and military family members in the labor movement to affirm that opposing bad policy is patriotic, to explain the real problems in
military life and how veterans are treated, and to declare that the best way to support our troops is to bring them home alive and well, and to bring them home now;
Therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that Veterans for Peace recognizes the importance of (working people))as a force for peace and social justice, supports the development of activists for peace within the labor movement, and recognizes the role that antiwar veterans can play within the ranks of labor; and
BE IT RESOLVED, that Veterans for Peace endorses and supports USLAW's Call to Veterans and Military Family Members in the Labor Movement as published on the website www.uslaboragainstwar.org ; and
BE IT RESOLVED, that Veterans for Peace shall encourage all trade unionists and labor activists within its membership to consider endorsing the USLAW call and signing up to speak for peace and for veterans rights at union meetings and labor events, and to join (or start) peace caucuses or committees within their own unions; and
BE IT RESOLVED, that Veterans for Peace shall urge local chapters to establish liaisons with local antiwar labor groups and USLAW affiliates to provide mutual support and explore joint activities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Veterans for Peace shall designate a national liaison to USLAW, and shall assign a delegation, observer, speaker, or other appropriate representative(s) to the national Labor Assembly for Peace to be held October 24-25, 2003, in Chicago.
Subm itted by John Cunningham (Chapter 101 & SEIU Local 715), Ben Chitty (Chapter 060 & AFT Local 2334), Paul Cox (Chapter 069 & UBCJ), Michael Uhl (Chapter 001 & UAW Local 1981)
Whereas, we are observing this year the 50th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement that halted the horrific fighting of the Korean War;
Whereas, there is an increasing danger of reviving the Korean War due to the reckless policy of the Bush administration that seriously undermines the Armistice Agreement;
Whereas, the government and people of South and North Korea have been trying to promote a peaceful reunification of their divided country through mutual exchanges and cooperation since the historic summit meeting of the two Korean leaders in June 2000;
Whereas, the continued presence of some 37,000 U.S. troops in South Korea has been a major source of military tension and an arms race, crimes, wasted spending in billions of tax dollars, and an obstacle to self-determination of Korean people; and
Whereas, North Korea (DPRK) has expressed its willingness to end the Korean War and normalize its relations with the United States by signing a non-aggression or peace treaty;
NOW, THEREFORE, Veterans for Peace (VFP), meeting at its national convention in San Francisco, California, August 9, 2003,
Extends our sincere support and solidarity to the Korean people for their just struggle to achieve an independent, peaceful reunification of Korea through their own initiatives without foreign interferences;
Calls upon the Bush administration to stop all military buildups in Korea as well as threats of preemptive military strikes, including the first use of “Mini-Nukes," against North Korea;
Calls upon the U.S. government to take immediate steps to end the Korean War by replacing the shaky Armistice Agreement with a permanent peace settlement through direct negotiations with North Korea, and bring our troops home from Korea finally; and
Calls upon the U.S. Congress to establish an independent Korea commission to investigate the U.S. war crimes or crimes against humanity committed in Korea since 1945 and make recommendations for a just redress for the Korean victims
Sponsored by John Kim, Gordon Chapman, Gary Campbell, Roy Wolff, & George McAnanama
Korea Peace Campaign
July 22, 2003
SAY NO TO COKE – Stop Murders of Union Workers at Coca Cola plants in Colombia
WHEREAS: U.S. taxpayer dollars are spent on Plan Colombia, an aid program; 90 percent of the U.S. aid to Colombia is military aid increasingly channeled to the non-governmental, right-wing paramilitaries; and
WHEREAS: These paramilitary groups operate unhindered by the government as an anti-union and anti-people military force in the country; and
WHEREAS: 4,000 unionists have been assassinated by the paramilitary death squads since 1985, and 192 of them in 2002 alone but no one has ever been brought to justice; and
WHEREAS: Such actions deny Colombian workers the most basic internationally recognized rights to organize into unions and to collectively bargain; and
WHEREAS: Coca Cola is one of the top companies trying to bust union organizing in Colombia; eight of the local union’s officials have been murdered and many others have been tortured, kidnapped, jailed, raided, or received death threats to themselves and their families; and
WHEREAS: The Colombian unionists have launched an international campaign to stop consuming Coca Cola products until the company calls off the paramilitaries and bargains fairly with the workers;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That Veterans for Peace demand that Congress end the funding of Plan Colombia and all US military aid to Colombia; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That Veterans for Peace support the “Stop Killer Coke" campaign, behind the slogan “Unthinkable! Undrinkable!" – asking people to stop consuming Coca Cola products—including Sprite, Fanta, Nestea, Minute Maid, Powerade, Swerve dairy drink and Dasani water -- until the terror against workers in the Coke bottling plants in Colombia ceases.
NOTE: You can write Coke’s Board of Directors at PO Box 1734, Atlanta, GA 30301.
Submitted by David Welsh
CONTINUE SUPPORT TO CLOSE SCHOOL OF THE AMERICAS/WHISC
Since the U.S. Army School of the Americas currently called the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, has a proven and well documented record of being a terrorist organization and since the closure, name change and reopening has proven to be a deceptive and disingenuous attempt to deceive the American people and elected representatives while continuing its terrorist activities in Colombia and countries within the Western Hemisphere,
be it resolved that Veterans For Peace will continue its strong support to close the U.S. Army School of Americas terrorist training camp under its present name of Westerns Hemisphere Institute For Security Cooperation or any subsequent name change.
Secondly be it resolved that Veterans For Peace will encourage strong
participation in the November Vigil at Fort Benning sponsored by the School of the Americas Watch to continue our educational efforts to close the School of the Americas.
John Amidon, Tom Paine Chapter 10, Albany, NY
EL SALVADOR ELECTIONS
Whereas a fundamental, traditional value of the people of the United States is the respect for the democratic process of the election of a government by the people in an open fair free election. and
Whereas this value was expressed in the United States support of the peace accords of 1992 ending the civil war in El Salvador which provided for free fair elections with the provision that the armed opposition in El Salvador be encouraged to fully participate in the political elections of their government with the assurance that the elections be monitored by international observers. and
Whereas since 1992 there have been 5 elections in which the United States government provided financial and technical support have been conducted with the participation of the old armed opposition (FMLN) fully participating, despite the failure of implementing the promised election reforms that would be to the FMLN`s advantage, .and
Whereas the FMLN has functioned as a responsible minority and has a good chance of winning the Presidency in 2004 as it gained the most votes of any political party in the municipal and legislative assembly elections of 2003.
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans for Peace deplore the interference in the internal election process of El Salvador by threatening the people of El Salvador by statements that all of the candidates for the presidency of El Salvador by the FLMN are unacceptable and threatening injurious actions to the people of El Salvador if the FMLN should win the election of the presidency in March of 2004
And Be It Further Resolved that Veterans for Peace carefully observe the events in El Salvador through their El Salvador election monitoring team and report interference with the free fair elections in El Salvador to the members of Veterans for Peace and the American public.
Wayne Wittman – Minnesota Chapter 27
PALESTINE-ISRAEL PEACE
Whereas the conflict between Palestine and Israel continues to threaten the security and safety of the Middle East and
Whereas the presence of Israel is protected and ensured by the economic, military and political aid provided by the United States and
Whereas the military and financial support of one party over another, in hostilities of this long duration does not serve the interests of peace
Therefore in the recognition of the absolute need for Palestine and Israel to co-exist in peace, Veterans for Peace calls for the United States government:
1-to support full U.N. statehood for the nation of Palestine
2-to provide the necessary aid and assistance for the state of Palestine to survive and prosper
3-to support U.N. efforts for the return of Israel to its 1967 borders as called for in Resolution 242
4-to support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in the now occupied territories
Gene Glazer-Chapter 21 North Jersey
VIETNAM
WHEREAS the United States government never fulfilled the commitments it made in the Paris Peace Agreement to provide economic aid to Vietnam for post-war reconstruction and to heal the wounds of war;
and that the US government in fact pursued a hostile post-war policy aimed at isolating and punishing Vietnam, including a trade embargo that lasted from 1979 until 1994,
and that the US government has been very reluctant to admit responsibility and provide aid to Vietnam in response to the serious consequences of the spraying of chemical defoliants (Agent Orange) during the war, which severe and long-lasting effects have existed for over 30 years and have been well documented during that time,
and that many other countries and international organizations have supported and assisted Vietnam while certain US government representatives, as well as certain state and municipal governments, have continued to fight a war that ended 30 years ago, through punitive and hypocritical economic measures and bogus and disrespectful flag display ordinances,
and that many members of our organization are Vietnam veterans who strongly feel it is our duty to help heal the wounds of the Vietnam war and build bonds of friendship between our two countries and peoples,
and that we feel it is important to nurture a mature relationship built on trust, mutual respect of each other¹s sovereignty, and fair trade practices, and that such relationship will further enhance the security and well-being of both Vietnamese and American people,
BE IT RESOLVED that the Veterans For Peace, assembled at our 2003 National Convention, does reaffirm our belief that it is right and just, and in our best interest as a country, to pursue a policy of peace, reconciliation and friendship between the people and governments of the United States and Vietnam,
and that we call on the US government to fulfill its responsibilities in respect to addressing the long-lasting effects of the Vietnam war, especially those caused by Agent Orange,
and that we call on our elected representatives in Congress to reject any and all legislation that denies the Vietnamese people¹s right of self determination and is contrary to a genuine policy of peace, reconciliation and friendship,
and that we extend our greetings and solidarity to the Veterans Association of Viet Nam and support them in their efforts to rebuild their country as a free and just society for the benefit of all.
Suel Jones, Becky Luening, David Cline
VIEQUES
Whereas: The People of Vieques, after more than 60 years of suffering the burden of the US Navy presence in their island, with all the harmful consequences that resulted from this continuous bombardment to their environment, its life forms and the food chain, thus bringing sickness and death to the population and
Whereas: The People of Vieques, after having endured for so many years the collective humiliation that imperial arrogance brings upon a nation through military occupation, including land expropriations, restricted zoning, economic stagnation and the patronizing stranglehold exhibited by condescending Naval Admirals towards the legitimate and democratically elected local officials, as well as the xenophobic hatred exhibited by drunken troops towards the population resulting in abuses including beatings, rape and murder and
Whereas: The People of Vieques, after so many years of perseverance and determination in conducting a struggle of resistance against the most formidable military force in the world that in the long run would evolve in a collective effort engulfing the whole island of Puerto Rico and eventually expanding into an international campaign of civil disobedience, unstoppable even though more than 1,500 activists were arrested, convicted and imprisoned and
Whereas: The People of Vieques, through the firmness of their convictions and continuous non-violent actions finally persuaded the US Government officials into understanding that the Naval forces represented an embarrassment by encroaching itself in a no-win situation and that it was time to pack up and leave as thus expressed by the Clinton Administration with two Executive Orders in the year 2000 and confirmed later in June 2001 by the Bush regime in proclaiming that the Navy would leave Vieques by May, 2003 and
Whereas: The People of Vieques, on May 1st, at last celebrated the first day of freedom in over 60 years without a US Navy presence with its military maneuvers gone and its war drums finally silenced.
Therefore, be it Resolved:
That Veterans For Peace does hereby extend our admiration and applauds the People of Vieques for their historic Victory;
And that Veterans For Peace calls for the US government to fund the immediate cleanup of the military toxins that continue to contaminate the Land and People of Vieques and for the Return of the Land to the People of Puerto Rico;
And that Veterans For Peace condemns the recent arrests of eight Vieques community members and civic leaders on groundless federal charges to intimidate and repress the continuing popular movement and urges all members to support their defense efforts.
William Nemcik (PR 070), David Cline (NJ 021)
PRESERVING SPACE FOR PEACEFUL USE
Whereas international treaties to which the United States is a party forbid the deployment of weapons in space and declare that outer space should be freely accessible for peaceful purposes by all nations
And whereas the military establishment of the United States has indicated an intention to place in orbit certain craft or platforms which will have a capacity to house destructive weapons as well as to deny the use of space to others without American agreement.
And whereas even if such space-based facilities were in the hands of the most friendly and peaceful regime the possibility would always exist that they could ultimately pass into less ethical and benign hands
And whereas the very potential of such a weapons system would constitute a destabilizing force in world affairs
And whereas such exclusive control of space constitutes a serious breach of the peace and places the nation with such control in a position to rain destruction on any part of the globe
Veterans for Peace hereby urges the government of the United States to desist from military oriented development of space and to cooperate with other nations and the United Nations in all reasonable efforts to preserve space for peaceful uses.
From Chapter 61 – Bi-State IL – MO
REFRAINING FROM UNILATERAL ACTION
Whereas peoples today have become so interconnected economically and culturally that hardship and suffering anywhere is felt throughout the world.
And whereas the technology of killing has become almost unthinkably powerful and efficient
And whereas the current administration in Washington has shown a tendency to impose its will upon the entire world through the threat of force which comes close to the kind of despotism we have fought against when it originated elsewhere.
We the members of Veterans For Peace, having experienced first hand the trauma of war, implore the United States Government to adopt a foreign policy based upon diplomacy and negotiation and to refrain from heavy-handed unilateral actions, including military, economic and propaganda activity, and we resolve to do whatever we can to promote such a policy.
Chapter 61- Bi-State MO-IL
MILITARY SPENDING AND LEGITIMATE DEFENSE
WHEREAS the only legitimate objective of military expenditures is defending the United States and deterring attack, and
WHEREAS the level of resources expended on weapons systems and military personnel by the United States currently exceeds its legitimate defense needs by a huge margin,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Veterans for Peace should call for reductions in the excessive budget of the Department of Defense, and for Congress to establish, as the criteria for military expenditures, the defense of the United States from existing threats to the territory and property which is our jurisdiction.
Todd Boyle
ENDORSEMENT OF "Campaign for a New Foreign Policy"
Whereas democracy and human rights are ideals that the American people hold dear, and our elected officials have not held true to these values,
Whereas we face no greater threat than nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction,
Whereas the Declaration of Independence urged "a decent respect for the opinions of mankind," and our foreign policy is not reflecting that core value,
And whereas Veterans for Peace, Los Angeles Chapter has already done so,
Be it resolved that Veterans for Peace fully endorses the Campaign for a New Foreign Policy, as outlined by Peace Action**:
We call on our elected officials to:
1. Support human rights and democracy.
*Oppose arms transfers and military assistance to humanrights abusers (governments). *Actively support efforts to regulate and control the international arms trade.
2. Reduce and control the nuclear threat.
*Oppose funding for the development of new nuclear weapons.
*Support programs and agreements designed to reduce andsecure the world's existing nuclear stockpiles.
*Oppose missile defense and space weapons that increase the pace of nuclear proliferation.
3. Cooperate with the world community.
*Strengthen international law and stability by opposing the doctrine of "preemptive attacks."
*Promote and support international systems that foster global cooperation such as the United Nations and the International Criminal Court.
**Peace Action originated out of a merging of two organizations, SANE(The Committee for Sane Nuclear Policy, founded in 1957) and FREEZE (Nuclear Weapons Freeze Campaign, founded in the early 1980's). www.Peace-Action.org
Submitted by Michael AugustChapter 89, Nashville, TN
DEMAND FULL RELEASE OF GEORGE W. BUSH MILITARY SERVICE RECORD
WHEREAS documents from the George W. Bush military service record obtained by the Freedom of Information Act are posted at a number of Internet websites
(i.e.,www.awolbush.com; www.talion.com/georgebush.html; http://users.cis.net/coldfeet/document.htm), and such documents show George W. Bush did not report for duty for at least 6 months to possibly over 1 year from 1972 – 1973,
WHEREAS military service members charged with AWOL/Desertion are routinely court-martialed and if found guilty receive punishment including incarceration,
WHEREAS in contrast to other military veterans/presidential contenders in Campaign 2000, George W. Bush never voluntarily released his full military service record,
WHEREAS George W. Bush as Commander-In-Chief of U.S. Armed Forces deployed military service members into harm’s way for an elective war on Iraq,
BE IT PROPOSED that VFP publicly demands George W. Bush to immediately release his full, uncensored/unaltered military service record to address allegations he is a military deserter
Submitted by Maureen Griswold - Member of Veterans For Peace, Chapter 101
REQUEST FOR INVESTIGATION -Sally -Alice Thompson
Whereas, the possession of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by Iraq prior to Gulf War II would have been a violation of international law and
Whereas, President George Bush, Vice-President Cheney, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld, Secretary of State Collin Powell and advisors, Paul Wolfowitz and Condaleeza Rice have said that possession of WMD by Iraq was the "core reason" justifying the war and that "we know where the WMD are" and
Whereas, several months since the occupationof Iraqby British andAmerican forces and their continual search for WMD, none have been found
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans for Peace calls upon the U.S. Congress to conduct a thorough investigation of the Bush Administration's justification for its war against Iraq.
Donald Thompson
Chapter 63 Albuquerque, NM Chapter 63
REMOVE JROTC AND MILITARY RECRUITERS FROM OUR SCHOOLS
This resolutions calls upon the membership of Veterans for Peace to work
together to remove Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps(JROTC) and military recruiters from public schools. As Veterans we have sworn to defend and uphold the Constitution of the United States from both foreign and domestic enemies.
JROTC teaches that the government gives the citizens its rights. This is a complete perversion of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence and for this reason alone, JROTC and military recruiters need to be removed from our schools.
However it get worse. The purpose of JROTC and military recruitment in our schools is the exploitation of children by adults for the purposes of violence. Conditioning our young to unquestionably accept the nobility of war and the correctness and virtue of killing as a solution to problems creates successive generations of co