Newsroom - 2008
DECEMBER 24, 2008
DID THE GI MOVEMENT END THE VIETNAM WAR? AND WHAT IS THE REAL LEGACY OF GI COFFEEHOUSES?
By David Zeiger
Over the past three years, there has been a significant growth of opposition to the Iraq and Afghanistan occupations among active duty soldiers, and several organizations have been doing tremendous work with soldiers and veterans. From those supporting soldiers who have refused deployment and been court-martialed, to the work of Iraq Veterans Against the War, Veterans For Peace, the Military Project and Different Drummer Café, determined work is being done to turn the deepening disaffection and anger with the occupations inside the military into a real political movement and force.
This was published in the November 2008 VFP Newsletter
DECEMBER 5, 2008
RESULTS OF THE 2008 VFP ELECTION RESULTS
By the voting deadline 1004 ballots were received. Of these: There
were 79 for which it was not possible to verify that the sender was an
eligible voter. There were also 3 illegal ballots (more than 4 names
checked)
The tally of the remaining 922 ballots yielded the following totals:
- Leah Bolger 630 - ELECTED
- Bill Collins 616 - ELECTED
- Eli PaintedCrow 608 - ELECTED
- Hart Viges 577 - ELECTED
- Elliott Adams 575
- Nate Goldshlag 299
- Stephen Parry 251
- George Johnson 120
VETERANS OCCUPY NATIONAL ARCHIVES - REMOVED BY POLICE SUNDAY
VIDEOS
Veterans Occupy National Archives Again [ 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 ]
Video from the Ledge [ 1 | 2 | 3 ] | Photos from the Ledge
Solidarity Action - Los Angeles, CA [ 1 | 2 ]
On Saturday, November 15, at 8:00 am, at the
National Archives Building on Connecticut Ave., eight military veterans and a
military mother climbed a 9-foot retaining fence and occupied a ninety-foot
high scaffolding to raise two 450 square foot banners stating, "DEFEND
OUR CONSTITUTION. ARREST BUSH AND CHENEY: WAR CRIMINALS!" and "WE
WILL NOT BE SILENT." The same message will also be displayed at
demonstrations in the Los Angeles
area on Saturday.
Members of Veterans for Peace (VFP) chose the
Archives for their nonviolent protest because it is symbolic of their military
oath to "defend the Constitution
of the United States
against all enemies, foreign and domestic." In September they occupied
the Archives for 24 hours, and plan to stay longer this time.
Elliott
Adams VFP: 61, Sharon Springs, NY, VFP President and former Army
paratrooper, Viet Nam
Ellen Barfield VFP: 52, Baltimore, MD, former Army Sgt.
Kim Carlyle VFP: 61, Buncombe County, NC, former Army Spec 5
Doug Zachary VFP: 58, Austin, TX, VFP staff, former USMC Lance Cpl.
Tarak Kauff VFP: 67, Woodstock, NY, former PFC, Army Airborne
Will Covert VFP: 63, San
Diego, CA, VFP lifetime member, former E4 Navy
Elaine Brower MFSO: 54, Staten Island, NY, Military Families Speak Out, National Steering Committee,
mother of USMC Sgt. James Brower on third tour in Iraq
Matthis Chiroux IVAW: 24, Army Sergeant, served in Afghanistan, refused deployment to Iraq
PROVIDING GROUND SUPPORT:
Mike Ferner VFP: 57, Toledo, OH, former Navy corpsman
Debbie Tolson VFP: 52, Potomac, MD, associate member of VFP
Michelle White MFSO: 24, Clarksville, TN, Military Families Speak Out, wife of Iraq war vet
currently serving in Afghanistan
Michael Marceau VFP: 59, Rockville, MD, VP VFP Chapter 16, former Army, Viet
Nam
Bruce Berry VFP: 62, Minneapolis, MN, former SPC 4 Army, Viet Nam
Fred Nagel VFP: 65, Rhinebeck, NY, former SPC 4 Army
Jay Wenk VFP: 82, Woodstock, NY, former rifleman, 90th Infantry Div., WWII
Tony Teolis VFP: 703-402-1763
NOVEMBER 5, 2008
TURTLE WOMEN RISING: DRUM THE HEART, HEAL THE EARTH
I was most privileged and honored
to take part in helping to manifest
Eli Painted Crow's vision for the Turtle Women Rising: Drum the Heart, Heal the
Earth celebration, which occurred on the National Mall in Washington, DC
from October 10 through October 13, 2008. As coordinator of the Guardians who
provided security for the event and created a space of safety for the
festivities, I was also most privileged to assist Eli, her sister, Debbie and
many members of the local Native American Indian community as well as local
members of Veterans For Peace, in setting up and creating the ceremonial circle
within which was placed an alter and the sacred fire for the four-day
ceremonies of drumming, praying and healing.
NOVEMBER 3, 2008
TO ALL THE ACTIVISTS OF THE ANTI-WAR / PEACE AND JUSTICE MOVEMENTS
Soon our nation will have a new President. The last page of the Bush era will be turned and a new era will begin. Having no idea who will be elected there are a few thoughts I would like to share with you.
OCTOBER 23, 2008
FEDERAL JUDGES RULES ON WATADA CASE
On Tuesday, a Federal Judge ruled that 1st Lt Ehren Watada cannot be
retried on three of the five court martial charges. Watada failed to
deploy with his Fort Lewis unit in 2006. Constitutional protections
keep him from being tried again on three counts, but he still could be
court-martialed for conduct unbecoming an officer.
OCTOBER 16, 2008
12 MEMBERS OF IVAW ARRESTED AT DEBATE, ONE SERIOUSLY INJURED
From the IVAW website: One hour before the final presidential debate of the 2008 campaign, fourteen members of IVAW marched in formation to Hofstra University to present questions for the candidates. IVAW had requested permission from debate moderator Bob Schieffer to ask their questions during the debate but got no response.
The contingent of veterans in dress uniforms and combat uniforms attempted to enter the building where the debate was to be held in order to ask their questions but were turned back by police. The IVAW members at the front of the formation were immediately arrested, and others were pushed back into the crowd by police on horseback. Several members were injured, including former Army Sergeant Nick Morgan who suffered a broken cheekbone when he was trampled by police horses before being arrested.
More Information [ Series of YouTube Videos | Demonstrators Arrested - The IndyPendent | 15 Arrested Outside Debate - DemocracyNow.org | Iraq Vets left Bloody at Debates - IReports.com | Hofstra Debate: Veterans Arrested ]
OCTOBER 10, 2008
VFP CALLS FOR END OF DEPORTATION FOR WAR RESISTERS
A group of U.S. military
veterans, disturbed by the Conservative government's plans to deport two more
Iraq War resisters, is sending an open letter to the Canadian people.
"This is a Thanksgiving letter that I will deliver to the Canadian Embassy in Washington this afternoon," says Elliott Adams, President of Veterans For Peace. "We want to thank the Canadian people for opening their hearts and their homes to young Americans of conscience. As veterans who served our country, we are proud of the war resisters," continued Adams. "What they are doing is not easy. It takes a lot of courage."
Patrick Hart, a former sergeant, was told on Wednesday to leave Canada by October 30 or face deportation. Hart served for nine years in the U.S. military, including a tour in the Middle East as part of "Operation Iraqi Freedom." When ordered to Iraq in 2005, he moved to Toronto with his wife Jill and their young son, who suffers from epilepsy. Hart is requesting that his departure date be moved back to January 1, so that his son, Rian, now in first grade, can complete his first semester.
Iraq War resisters Jeremy Hinzman and Kimberly Rivera, who are facing possible deportation, are also parents of young children.
Robin Long, the first Iraq War resister to be deported from Canada (in July), is now serving a 15-month sentence in a U.S. military prison. In an interview published in the United States today, Long says he was assaulted several times in British Columbia jails after being unlawfully arrested by the Canada Border Services Agency . See the article at www.soldiersayno.blogspot.com.
OCTOBER 9, 2008
VFP OPPOSES COMBAT BRIGADE'S PERMANENT U.S. ASSIGNMENT
A national veterans organization sent a letter to the House and Senate leadership Monday, October 6 expressing "grave concern" that an active duty combat brigade has been permanently assigned to a post on U.S. soil.
Citing a little-noticed article posted September 30 on the Army Times website, Veterans For Peace said the Pentagon's unprecedented move assigned the 3rd Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team to NorthCom, a joint command established in 2002, for a 12-month assignment.
The Army Times article stated the brigade may be called upon to help with "civil unrest and crowd control."
"Just who are these unrulycrowds and dangerous individuals this unit will be using its ‘nonlethal' weapons on...American citizens?" asked Michael McPhearson, VFP Executive Director. "After the overwhelming display of police force I witnessed at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, this news is extremely disturbing. It is a sad day for America when our government is preparing to protect itself by using the military on its own citizens."
McPhearson added, "Make no doubt about it, these so-called 'non-lethal' weapons will kill and injure people when used on crowds." > read moreOCTOBER 7, 2008
IT IS TIME TO SET A NEW COURSE; A POLICY OF WAR WILL NOT BRING PEACE
Seven years ago, in response to the September 11 tragedies the United States government began a bombing campaign and eventual invasion of Afghanistan. Tonight on the anniversary of that bombing Barrack Obama and John McCain will hold their second presidential debate to discuss their plans for our nation. How appropriate their discussion since our country's prosperity is directly tied to how one of them will handle our foreign policy. Unfortunately both candidates propose more war. War will not lead to peace and prosperity.
> read moreSEPTEMBER 23, 2008
FIVE VFP MEMBERS OCCUPY NATIONAL ARCHIVES BUILDING
* Update * The five members of VFP stayed on the ledge for the planned 24 hours. They safely got down at 8:30am Thursday morning. Read the Arrest Warrant they were handing out to passers by.
Read Board Member Ellen Barfield's personal account - Life on the Ledge
Read the Letter of Intent
Read the Declaration of Independence
On Tuesday morning, September 23, 7:30am, at the front of the National Archives Building on Constitution Ave. in Washington, D.C., five military veterans will risk arrest as they climb a 9-foot retaining fence and occupy a 35-foot high ledge to raise a 22x8 foot banner stating, "DEFEND OUR CONSTITUTION. ARREST BUSH AND CHENEY: WAR CRIMINALS!"
Those participating are Board President Elliott Adams, Board Member Ellen Barfield, staff member Doug Zachary, Kim Carlyle, Diane Wilson, and Tarak Kauff.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2008
Convention a Huge Success - Overwhelming Police Response at RNC
With over 415 members of Veterans For
Peace, Military Families Speak Out, and Iraq Veterans Against the War,
the convention was an outstanding success.
After the convention, members of all three organizations joined thousands in the streets of St. Paul to demonstrate against the a pro war agenda. Personal updates to be added soon!
View convention photos at the VFP Flickr site and Mike Hearington's Flickr site.JUly 31, 2008
55th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Day
In observance of the 55th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Day,
VFP-Korea Peace Campaign sponsored a Peace Vigil for a peace treaty in
Korea, at the UN on July 27, the day when the Armistice Agreement was
signed in 1953.
Despite the bad weather, four VFP members maintained one hour peace
vigil across the entrance to the UN. We displayed slogans like "End the
Korean War," "From Armistice to Peace Treaty," etc.
We were particularly honored with the presence of three veterans of the
Korean War (Tom Kennedy, Peter Bronson, and Bill Gilson).
It is hoped that this kind of vigil will continue as an annual event
throughout the U.S. until the Armistice Agreement is replaced with a
peace treaty. The "Forgotten War" is unfortunately not over yet.
JUly 28, 2008
VFP Board President Speaks at Impeachment Hearing
Last Friday, Veterans For Peace Board President, Elliott Adams,
testified at the Judiciary Committee Hearing on Presidential
Misconduct. The hearing heard testimony from Rep. Dennis Kucinich
regarding his impeachment resolution. > read Elliott's statement
C-Span Video of Hearing [ Panel 1 | Panel 2 ]
MEDIA
Ex-SLC mayor to Congress: Impeach Bush
Kucinich Gets Hearing - Just Don't Call It an Impeachment Hearing
Bush critics get an unimpeachable forum
Big Crowd Gathers For House Judiciary Hearing On Bush "impeachment"
JUly 10, 2008
Canadian Consulate Vigils Huge Success!
Well, we had a great day overall! Thanks to the
united efforts of many folks, we succeeded in mounting actions at the
Canadian Embassy and Consulates in 14 U.S. cities! The reports from
the various cities are still trickling in. There were reportedly 60
people at the vigil in New York, 50 in San Francisco, "50 some" in
Chicago, and respectable showings elsewhere. There was significant
media coverage of these vigils in both the U.S. and Canada. Veterans For Peace
president Elliott Adams was interviewed on Canadian Broadcasting Corp. television this morning and CBC covered the vigil in Washington too. Associated Press showed up at several rallies. We had local TV and radio coverage here in Seattle, along with AP and Free Speech Radio News. And the beat goes on.
JUNE 19, 2008
Call to Action - Help Needed for PFC James Burmeister
James Burmeister was serving in Baghdad, Iraq when his humvee was
caught in an IED explosion and he was hit in the face with shrapnel.
Suffering from the physical wounds, as well as emotional ones resulting
from his injury and working with the military "bait and kill" teams,
James went to Canada and was AWOL until earlier this year when he
decided to turn himself in.
Last week the Army decided to charge PCF James Burmeister with desertion. James will face a Special Court-Martial, a bad conduct discharge (which would prohibit him from having access to any medical benefits or otherwise for the rest of his life), and up to 12 months of prison. The date of James' court martial is expected to be set next week.
At this point, his fate is undecided. Because of his PTSD, James and his family are requesting that the Army gives him an "Other Than Honorable Discharge". YOU CAN HELP!
1. Please contact the Post Commander General Campbell to request a speedy discharge for James. Contact the Fort Knox Public Affairs Office at 502-624-7451 or knox.pao@conus.army.mil and demand better treatment for our soldiers. Ask that they give PFC James Burmeister Other Than Honorable Discharge.
2. If you are interested in helping, please contact Anita Dennis at 859-948-4274, anitadennis@msn.com.
3. Write James and give him words of support and encouragement.
US ARMY
PFC James Burmeister
HHC - Building 298, Gold Vault Road
Fort Knox, Kentucky
40121, USA
JUNE 12, 2008
VFP Goes to Washington D.C. and Scores One for Impeachment!
Washington, D.C. -- Yesterday, a 17-member delegation of Veterans For
Peace presented some 23,000 petitions to Congressman John Conyers
(D-MI), demanding the impeachment of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.
Conyers, chair of the House Committee on the Judiciary, is the Member
of Congress with the authority to call for impeachment hearings.
Also Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted to send the 35
Articles of Impeachment, submitted Monday evening by Rep. Dennis
Kucinich (D-OH) to the Judiciary Committee for consideration and
hearings.
THE IMPORTANT THING NOW is to turn up the heat on Congress to get them to act! Start with the Judiciary Committee if your Rep. is on it and whether or not they're on that committee, give them a call!
View video of press conference
MAY 15, 2008
May 15 - Conscientious Objectors' Day
Thank a Conscientious Objector today! A Conscientious Objectors (CO) is someone who, on a religous, moral, or ethical ground, refuses to participate as a combatant in war. As the occupation of Iraq grows more intense, the number of those filing as COs are increasing. Below are some resource to learn more about Conscientious Objectors.
American Friends Service Committee
Central Committee for Conscientious Objection
National Lawyers Guild Military Law Task Force
War Resisters Support Campaign
MAY 12, 2008
Veterans Denied Rights By Veterans?
On April 14, 2008 Veterans For Peace, Delwin Anderson Memorial chapter
of Washington D.C. was officially accepted to join the National
Memorial Day parade on May 26, 2008. On April 28 Veterans For Peace
received notice that the organization did not meet the criteria
to participate. This notice was sent by the American Veterans Center
which is the organizer for the parade.
The parade director's revocation of Veterans For Peace participation
stated "Unfortunately, we cannot have elements in the parade that have
any type of political message or wish to promote a viewpoint."
Veterans For Peace responded with a request for reconsideration because
there was no agenda for presenting any type of political message or
viewpoint. Veterans For Peace has not received any further
communication from the parade director or the American Veterans Center.
APRIL 2, 2008
Washington DC Protest Wrap-Up
For the commemoration of the 5th year of the occupation of Iraq,
members of Veterans For Peace gathered in Washington D.C. to show their
opposition to the war.
MARCH 26, 2008
Thank You For Your Support of Iraq Veterans Against the War and Winter Soldier
March 13-16, 2008 Iraq Veterans Against the War held Winter Solider: Iraq and Afghanistan (Eyewitness Accounts of the Occupations) in Silver Springs, Maryland. The event was a great success and I would like to thank the greater anti-war/peace movements for your support in helping IVAW, Vietnam Veterans Against the War and Veterans For Peace in our efforts.MARCH 20, 2008
Veterans March Around the Nation
To commemorate the 5th year of the occupation of Iraq, members of
Veterans For Peace gathered across the nation to once again "Bring the
Troops Home Now!"
[A Sober Reminder of War - Miami | Local Chapter of VFP Stage Rallies Throughout Valley | Local Peace Activists Mark Anniversary of Iraq War - Bangor, Maine | Fighting for Peace | Vets Take a Stand For Peace - Oberlin | Vets Join Protesters at Rally - Tampa | Five Years of War Doesn't Go Unnoticed - Nashville | Vigil Held for Peace in Iraq - Danvers, MA]
Veterans For Peace members in Washington D.C. lead protesters on a March For Peace. They demanded the arrest of George Bush and Dick Cheney at the White House and the Department of Justice. At the National Archives, activists held a brief demonstration. Read the Stars and Stripes article here.
Video [Adam Kokesh Demands Impeachment | Union Station Protest | National Archive Protest - 1 | National Archive Protest - 2]
MARCH 18, 2008
Winter Soldier a Huge Success
This last weekend, over 100 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans spoke the
truth about the war and occupation. The event was attended by hundreds
of media, as well as military families and veterans from VFP and VVAW.
Nate Goldshlag, member of Chapter 009 (the Smedley Butler Brigade),
wrote the following:
"I have just spent an amazing and intense 4 days at the Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan hearings in DC. Many brave veterans spoke the truth about what is happening, a truth that is censored in the mainstream corporate media. They talked about the Iraqis and they talked about themselves and how the war and occupation has affected them and in some cases destroyed them. One vet spoke of trying to kill himself. It was so moving and we cried and the U.S. population needs to see and hear this. Iraq Veterans Against The War's site http://ivaw.org will have archived video, but their website is down today. I *urge* you to take some time and view the following on Democracy Now, a voice of truth in the media and one of the few. Mainstream corporate media was pitiful, including National Petroleum Radio (NPR) which some people mistakenly think is different. But you can view it here, and Amy Goodman will be carrying excerpts all week. [Friday | Monday]
One very good thing is that an AP report appeared in Army Times, Marine Corps Times, Navy Times, and Air Force Times. And Stars and Stripes did a pretty good piece. That will boost IVAW. But there is nothing like watching and seeing it as we did."
You can still watch the testimonies - visit the IVAW website at ivaw.org.January 6, 2008
RESULTS OF THE 2007 VFP BOARD ELECTION
There were a total of 962 ballots received by the National Office. Of these there were: 1 spoiled ballot (voted for more than four), 85 were received from unidentified senders
Thus, there remained 876 valid ballots which yielded the following results:
- Gary May 619 - Elected
- John Varone 543 - Elected
- Thomas Brinson 528 - Elected
- Patrick McCann 484 - Elected
- Lane Anderson 398
- Dan Shea 340
- George Johnson 276
The 85 unidentified when added to the 5th place holder's total falls short by one to the 4th place total. Therefore, the inclusion of any or all of the disallowed ballots would not have affected the outcome and we declare May, Varone, Brinson and McCann to be the winners. F Lincoln Grahlfs acted as Primary Election Judge
Submitted by Mike FernerVeterans For Peace National Secretary
January 1, 2008
From War to Peace: Why You Joined VFP
In an effort to build up our membership, we have asked several of our most active members what moved them from being someone who is willing to wage war, to someone who now wages peace, why did you join VFP, and what have been your successes in recruiting new members to VFP?
Here is part of what VFP Veteran Member, Leah Bolger has to say: "While I was on active duty, I believed that I wasn't allowed to join an organization like VFP. I knew I wasn't allowed to protest or speak out against our military policies. Although I believed in the values of VFP, I waited until I had been discharged to join. As our country has become more bellicose and misguided, I have become more outspoken and active with the peace movement. I am involved with several other peace organizations, but I feel that as a veterans' organization, we have more credibility and power in advocating for peace than some other organizations."
To include your submission on why you joined and how you recruit, please fill out the following online form.
January 1, 2008
2008 - What Do We Do Now?
Written by Executive Director Michael McPhearson
As we move towards commemorating the beginning of the 6th year of the Iraq Occupation/War, I am excited about all the work the peace and justice movements have accomplished. We have kept the issue of the Iraq Occupation in the forefront of U.S. national conversation. We have not allowed the Bush Administration and others who support the war to distort the fact that the war is illegal and immoral. We have turned a solid 30% minority of dissent against the war to a solid majority against the war. Due in large part to our efforts the Republican led Congress fell to the current Democrat leadership. While this accomplishment was not itself an intended result (putting Dems in office is not what we are trying to do) it does show the power of the people and that the anti-war/peace movements can have substantial influence on the outcome of local elections. Since the election in 2006 we have put tremendous pressure on Congress to end the war. This pressure has kept the war front and center in the minds of the US public and changed the political debate.
However, we have failed at the most basic task of ending the war and it is hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel in this regard. Right now it appears to me that the movements are in a kind of drift. We have lost momentum and we must regain what combat arms types call the initiative.