National Resolution Index
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A
• Afghanistan
• Agent Orange Eligibility For “Blue Water Navy” Vietnam Veterans, Support Of
• Agent Orange Eligibility For Vietnam Veterans With Parkinson’s Disease, Support Of
• Agent Orange Victims, Justice for Vietnam’s
• Anthrax Vaccinations - See V – Vaccinations
• Alternatives To Military Service
• Article 9-Like (Japan) Amendment to US Constitution
• AWARD
• Atomic Veterans, Fairness For
• ASVAB Testing & Protection of Student Privacy
B
• Berrigan, Phillip, Honorary Membership
• Bowers, Veronza, Freedom Of Bring Them Home Now
• Burn Pit Exposure, Justice For Victims Of
• Bush, George, Demand Full Release of George W. Bush Military Service Record
• By-Laws Change – Convention Date
• By-Laws Change – Fiscal Year
• By-Laws Change – Resolutions
• By-Laws Change – Also See “Statement Of Purpose, VFP, By-Laws Change”
C
• Campaign for a New Foreign Policy, Endorsement of
• Louis Posada Carrille, Extradition of
• Civil Disobedience
• Civilian Conservation Corps, Reactivation of
• Climate Change, Action On
• Closing Of U.S. Military Bases Outside It’s Borders
• Coca-Cola – Say No To Coke, Stop Murders of Union Workers
• Columbian VFP Elections Delegation (2010)
• Columbia, Resolution On
• Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
• Conservation, Veterans For Peace Consistency To
• Conscientious Objectors Change To UCMJ
• Convention Venue
• Corrie, Rachel – Honorary Membership
• Corrie, Rachel, Investigation of
• Cost of War To the Infrastructure
• Counter Recruitment
• Cuba, Establishing Normal Relations With
D
• Day Of The Dissappered, International
• Death Penalty
• Defense Of Liberty
• Department of Peace Reaffirmation
• Department of Peace and Space Preservation
• Department of Peace, Establishment of the United States
• Depleted Uranium (Three resolutions - Also see “Uranium Munitions” under item “U”)
• Depleted Uranium, Prenatal Testing For The Effects Of
• Depleted Uranium Adjudication
• Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy, Lift The
• Drugs
E
• Earth Charter Initiative VFP Membership
• Earth Charter
• Election Monitoring
• El Salvador (3 resolutions)
• Endless War
• Entertainers, Support For Speaking Out
• Extensions Of Duty, Cessation Of Involuntary
F
• Fireworks Free Celebration
• Flag Desecration
G
• Gaza, Ending The Blockade Of
• Gaza Flotilla Support
• Genetic Screening
• General Strike, Resolution to Call for a
• Gun Violence, Stopping
I
• Impeachment, 60 Day Notice To Remove Troops Or Face
• Incarcerated Member Chapter Formation And Operation
• Instant Runoff Voting
• Intelligence Fixing, Inquiry Into
• International Criminal Court (3 Resolutions)
• Iran, Opposing Military Intervention In
• Iraq Moratorium
• Iraq War, End The – Veterans Convoy
• Iraq War, Opposition To
• Iraq, Call For The Withdrawal of National Guard Troops From
• Iraq War, Reaffirming Opposition To
• Iraq, Money For Human Needs, Not War, Bring The Troops Home Now… Repeal the Patriot Act
• Israeli Defense Force Attack On Gaza Humanitarian Aid Flotilla, Condemnation Of
• Israel, Ending Military Aid To
• Israel, Stop U.S. $30 Billion Military Aid To
• Israel-Palestine Conflict, Arab League Proposal
• *Israel-Palestine Peace (Also See Under “P”, Palestine) – (2 Resolutions)
*Superseded by
Resolution 14 2011
• Israel-Palestine Conflict
• Israel, Resolution To Sanction In Support Of U.S. And International Law
• Ivins, Raise Hell For Molly, Campaign To Bring Our Troops Home Now
J
• Japan, Article 9 Of The Japanese Constitution (2 Resolutions)
• JROTC – Discontinuance Of, In Public Schools
• JROTC, Remove From Schools
K
• Korea (Six Resolutions)
• Korean Peace Delegation To Korea
L
• Labor Resolution
• Labor, Veterans And
Land Mine Treaty, Ottawa
• Landmines, Antipersonnel (2 Resolutions)
• Lebanon, Resolutions On
• Lee, Representative Barbara – VFP Salutes For Courage
• Lethal Weapons, Development And Use Of More And New
• USS Liberty, June 1967 Attack On
• Lincoln Brigade
• Living Wage Resolution
M
• Medical Discharges
• Medical Marijuana Use And Research
• Membership, Amendment of VFP By-Laws
• Membership Policy, Change To
• Merchant Marine of World War II, Belated Thank You To The
• Military Budget Reduction
• Military Recruiting In Secondary Schools
• Military Spending And Legitimate Defense
• "Million Worker March", Support And Participate In The
• Minefields, UNA Of The USA “Adopt A Minefield” Program
• Missile Defense
• Money For Human Needs (See under “I”, Resolution - Iraq, Bring The Troops Home Now… Repeal the Patriot Act)
N
• National Guard, Defederalizing The
• 9/11 Attacks Inside The United States, Support A Valid Investigation Into The National Security Failures Of The
• Nuclear Disarmament
• Nuclear Test Ban Treaty – See “C” – Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
• Nuclear Weapons, Oppose Mini-Nukes
P
• Palestine, Democracy In
• Palestine, Resolution On Economic Support For Justice and Peace In
• Patriot Act – See under “I”, Resolution - Iraq, Bring The Troops Home Now… Repeal the Patriot Act
• Peace, Department Of – See “D”, Department of Peace
• Pinon Canyon Land Preservation
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Prisoner Of Conscience Fund, Establish A Privately Funded
• Prisoner Abuse Resolution
• Prisoner Torture
R
• Recruiting Stand-Down
• Resolution – 2005 National Convention Master
• Rove, Carl, For The Dismissal Of
S
• Schools, Curtail Militarism In, And Protect Student Privacy Rights
• Sexual Harassment of Women In The Military
• Shadow Project, Recognition Of The
• SOA/WHISC Resolution
• SOA – Continue Support TO Close The School Of The Americas/WHISC
• Space, Preserving For Peaceful Use
• Space, Against Weapons And Nuclear Weapons In
• Space, Opposition To “Star Wars”
• Space, No Weapons In
• Space Preservation and Department Of Peace
• Statement Of Purpose, VFP, By-Laws Change
• Suicide, Proper Recognition Of Soldiers Who Commit
T
• Teen Age Recruits
• Toxic and Incendiary Weapons, Against The Use Of
• Toxics, Battlefield
• Toxic Effects, Weapons With
• Treaties, Honoring Of
• Treatment Of Soldiers Returning From Iraq And Afghanistan, Proper
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission
U
• Unilateral Action, Refraining From
• Union Made Material
• United Nations Funding
• United Nations Dues, Payment Of (Two Resolutions)
• United Nations, Support Of
• United Nations Police Force
• United Nations, Supporting The Kensington Welfare Rights Campaign
• United Nations, Year 2000 Culture Of Peace
• Uranium Munitions
V
• Vaccinations, Department Of Defense Anthrax Program
• Veterans Out-Reach (Veterans Representative)
• Veterans Day
• Veterans For Peace, Increasing Democracy & Openness In
• Veterans Healthcare And Readjustment
• Vieques (Four resolutions)
• Vietnam Friendship Village Project
• Vietnam (Three Resolutions)
• Vietnam Normalization – Opposing Californian Senate Resolution 117
W
• War Crimes - Resolution On Prosecuting George W. Bush, Dick Cheney And Other Bush Administration Officials For War Crimes, Crimes Against Peace and Crimes Against Humanity
• War Prevention, Future
• WHISC – Under “S”, see SOA
• Weapons Of Mass Destruction, Request For Investigation Of
Y
• Youth Promise Act
A
AFGHANISTAN
Whereas when the United States invaded the sovereign nation of
Afghanistan, the only threats to our nation existing there were
non-indigenous groups whom we ourselves had fostered and fed, and
Whereas history elsewhere, and almost seven years of struggles in
Afghanistan and Iraq, have shown us that military force is not an
effective solution to terrorist threats, and
Whereas our invasion has thrown Afghanistan and the region into political
turmoil, diminishing the existing governments’ capability to deal with
these threats with effective political and police methods, and
Whereas our wanton use of force and violence against the people of
Afghanistan has inflamed world opinion against the United States and has
diminished our nation’s ability to work toward world peace and our own
security by non-violent means.
Therefore Be It Resolved Veterans For Peace calls on the government of
the United States to immediately withdraw all military and intelligence
forces from Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Be It Further Resolved that Veterans For Peace calls on the government of
the United States to provide humanitarian aid directly to the people of
Afghanistan, in non-coercive forms, to help the Afghan people rebuild
their own nation and their lives in cooperation with other nations in the
region; and to allow the people of Afghanistan to freely determine their
own government without interference by the US.
Be It Further Resolved that Veterans For Peace renounces the claim that
the war in Afghanistan is somehow the “right” war and reaffirm our
position that war must be abolished.
Approved at the 2008 VFP national convention
AGENT ORANGE ELIGIBILITY FOR "BLUE WATER NAVY" VIETNAM VETERANS, SUPPORT OF
Whereas numerous herbicides and pesticides were sprayed from 1961 to 1971 over large areas of South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia during the war against Vietnam, and
Whereas the herbicides, collectively known by the most commonly used one, Agent Orange, contained poisons, including 2,3,7,8 TCDD (dioxin) and others, that cause harm to people and animals, and
Whereas since 1991, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recognized that a long list of diseases suffered by Vietnam veterans and children of Vietnam veterans are caused by their exposure to Agent Orange/dioxin, and
Whereas the VA has refused to recognize that Vietnam veterans who served on stations off shore of Vietnam (known as Blue Water Navy) were also exposed, even though the blue water duties often included opportunities for exposure to dioxin, and even though many of these veterans have the same diseases that have been linked to exposure to dioxin, and
Whereas House Resolution H. R. 2254, the Agent Orange Equity Act, introduced by House Veterans Affairs Chair Representative Bob Filner, instructs the VA to provide benefits to all Vietnam Veterans suffering the ravages of Agent Orange exposure, including the Blue Water Navy veterans, and
Whereas Veterans for Peace's Statement of Purpose affirms its responsibility to seek justice for veterans and victims of war.
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans for Peace urges all members of Congress and the Senate to support and vote for quick passage of H.R. 2254, and its Senate counterpart, and for President Obama to sign the bill into law.
Approved at the 2009 VFP national convention
AGENT ORANGE ELIGIBILITY FOR VIETNAM VETERANS WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE, SUPPORT OF
Whereas Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that causes devastating physical and mental symptoms such as tremors, debilitating slow movements, postural instability, significant sleep disturbances, and a variety of cognitive impairments that ultimately results in complete disability, and
Whereas many veterans who were exposed to herbicides such as Agent Orange and other toxins during their service in Vietnam are suffering from Parkinson's disease, and
Whereas there is sufficient scientific evidence of an association between exposure to Agent Orange and other toxins in Vietnam and the contracting of Parkinson's disease, and
Whereas the Veterans Administration has refused to recognize the association of Parkinson's disease to Vietnam service, and
Whereas House Resolution H. R. 1428, Wartime Disability Compensation to Certain Veterans with Parkinson's Disease, introduced by House Veterans Affairs Chair Representative Bob Filner, instructs the VA to provide presumptive service-connection benefits to all Vietnam Veterans suffering the ravages of Parkinson's disease, and
Whereas Veterans for Peace's Statement of Purpose affirms its responsibility to seek justice for veterans and victims of war.
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans for Peace urges all members of Congress and the Senate to support and vote for quick passage of H.R. 1428, and its Senate counterpart, and for President Obama to sign the bill into law.
Approved at the 2009 VFP national convention
AGENT ORANGE VICTIMS, JUSTICE FOR VIETNAM’S
Whereas the U.S. government, in violation of international law, waged massive chemical warfare in Vietnam, including the use of Agent Orange and other herbicides containing dioxin, the most toxic chemical known in science, and
Whereas chemical companies, including Dow Chemical and Monsanto, knowingly produced Agent Orange with the toxic by-product dioxin, which could have been eliminated, but would have necessitated an additional manufacturing process. Maximizing profits came before human lives, and
Whereas more than three million people have been sickened, disabled or died from the effects of Agent Orange/dioxin in Vietnam from various forms of cancers, reproductive illnesses, immune deficiency, endocrine deficiencies, nervous system damage, physical and developmental disabilities and emotional problems, and
Whereas Agent Orange continues to poison the people and environment of Vietnam through residues of dioxin that remain in the land, water and food in several “hot spots” located around the areas of former US military bases, and
Whereas several generations of Vietnamese children are now suffering from disabilities due to their parents’ exposure to Agent Orange from living near “hot spots”, and
Whereas the U.S. government has refused to recognize its responsibility and its commitment made in the Paris Peace Accords to heal the wounds of war and has failed to provide assistance for the serious health, economic and environmental devastation caused by Agent Orange that continues through to the present day, and
Whereas Dow Chemical and Monsanto and the other chemical manufacturers have refused to recognize that Agent Orange is deleterious to human health and have refused to recognize their responsibility to compensate their victims in Vietnam, and
Whereas many Veterans for Peace members suffer from affects of Agent Orange from their exposure in Vietnam, and other Veterans for Peace members suffer from effects of U.S. chemical warfare in the Gulf or in other wars, our members feel a strong commitment to assure that Vietnamese Agent Orange victims receive justice and compensation, and
Whereas the Vietnam Agent Orange Relief & Responsibility Campaign, a project of Veterans For Peace, is leading a national campaign to hold the U.S. government and chemical companies accountable to the victims of Agent Orange in Vietnam as well as to their U.S. veteran and Vietnamese American victims.
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace calls on the U.S. Congress to appropriate and deliver to Vietnam sufficient funds to provide health care, education, vocational education, chronic care, home care and medical equipment, including support for family members who are caregivers for Agent Orange victims; to clean up the “hot spots” where dioxin remains in the environment; and to provide other services that may be needed.
Be It Further Resolved that the U.S. Congress simultaneously provide for health care and related services for the children and grandchildren of American veterans exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam and provide assistance to Vietnamese Americans affected by Agent Orange;
And Be It Further Resolved that Veterans For Peace calls upon Dow Chemical and Monsanto to assume their responsibility by allocating funds to make a significant contribution to meet the needs of victims of Agent Orange in Vietnam;
And Be It Further Resolved that we urge all VFP chapters and members to continue to support the Vietnam Agent Orange Relief & Responsibility Campaign and to work to gain U.S. government and corporate assistance for the victims of Agent Orange and to build solidarity with the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/dioxin.
Approved at the 2008 VFP national convention
ANTHRAX VACCINATIONS – See V – Vaccinations
ALTERNATIVES TO MILITARY SERVICE:
Whereas citizenship and civic responsibility has too often been presented by the Pentagon through JROTC in our high schools and not challenged by other perspectives and;
Whereas veterans are most capable of challenging this perspective with alternatives and;
Whereas many worthy organizations await leadership to present their perspectives of Sustainability, Peace, Environmentalism and Activism as alternative citizenship roles for a future,
Therefore be it resolved that Veterans For Peace National encourages its members to work with like minded organizations and people to develop resources and classes in public schools that offer alternative views of citizenship to that of JROTC.
Approved at the 2005 national convention, Dallas, TX
ARTICLE 9-LIKE (JAPAN) AMENDMENT TO US CONSTITUTION, SUPPORTING AN
A Proposal To Be Sent To All Members Of The U.S. Congress
Whereas, modern high technology warfare threatens all life on Planet Earth, and
Whereas, Veterans For Peace understands this reality in one of its five "Statements Of Purpose" by declaring that it seeks "To abolish war as an instrument of national policy.”, and
Whereas, at the conclusion of World War II, the United States also understood this reality and helped by placing a clause, Article 9, in Japan’s constitution that abolishes war as an instrument of national policy for Japan, and
Whereas Article 9 seems like a profound model for all nations on the planet, And
Whereas, unfortunately since the end of World War II, the United States has become the Earth's most war addicted nation, and
Whereas, Veterans For Peace knows that in the 1920s and 1930s, out of revulsion at the obscenity that was WW-I, many war renouncing constitutional amendments were proposed and debated in the Congress.
Therefore, chapters are encouraged to ask their members of the US Congress to stop the pressure by the US government on the government of Japan to remove Article 9 from their constitution. And chapters are encouraged to read Article 9 during a chapter meeting.
Furthermore, Veterans For Peace ask, in a letter to all members of the US Congress that at least some Congress persons summon the courage to read into the Congressional Record the following proposal for a US Constitutional Amendment modeled after our Article 9 gift to Japan -- thus beginning the process so that one day in the future our progeny might have a beautiful habitable planet on which to live. It is time to begin this long-term process now, and with the United States of America.
Proposed Amendment To The United States Constitution
Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, we the people of the United States forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.
In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized.
Recognizing that conflict is part of the human condition, the United States, will henceforth work in cooperation with the United Nations, The World Court and all other relevant international institutions, and all other nations to resolve its international conflicts with non-violent means under international rules-of-law, as it does its domestic conflicts under national rules-of-law. The United States will abandon its addiction to “rules-of-war” in favor of “rules-of-law.”
Any provisions of the United States Constitution that are in conflict with this war-renunciation amendment are hereby rendered null and void. The Congress shall have the power to enact appropriate legislation to give effect to this amendment.”
Approved at the 2006 VFP National Convention
AWARD
Be it resolved that military police specialist Joseph Darby, of the 372 Division stationed in Cresaptown, MD, be recommended for an award for meritorious service for exposing the abuses at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
ATOMIC VETERANS, FAIRNESS FOR
WHEREAS a number of eminent scientists have stated that any amount of exposure to radiation can have harmful effects; and
WHEREAS many veterans have had claims for radiation related injuries denied because of inability to prove that their exposure was sufficient to meet the government guidelines; and
WHEREAS in many of the early nuclear weapons tests both measurement and record-keeping were of questionable reliability; and
WHEREAS in the 109th congress a bill entitled The Atomic Veterans Relief Act (HR 2962), provisions of which would eliminate the process of “dose reconstruction” which is both costly and of questionable value, languished in committee until the conclusion of that congress. This bill would have declared the presence of military personnel at a nuclear explosion to be a presumptive cause of certain illnesses, thus rendering them eligible for treatment and compensation by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
BE IT RESOLVED THEREFORE that Veterans For Peace calls upon the congress to revive and enact legislation comparable to The Atomic Veterans Relief Act.
Approved by the Board 8/16/07
Approved by the VFP Annual Meeting 8/18/07
ASVAB TESTING & PROTECTION OF STUDENT PRIVACY
Whereas the federal Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is given to approximately 600,000 students in two-thirds of the high schools across the nation without identification as a military recruitment tool, and
Whereas the ASVAB was created by the Department of Defense (DOD) to evaluate an individual’s eligibility for military enlistment and is designed to provide recruiters with a source of pre-qualified leads, but is promoted for career exploration, and
Whereas many students and parents believe they are already protected from having their private information shared with military recruiters via the Opt Out option defined in Section 9528 of NCLB, and
Whereas the ASVAB allows the military recruiters to circumvent Section 9528, and
Whereas individual schools have the option of withholding private student information from military recruiters by selecting Option 8, an internal designation the military uses, although statistics from the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command indicate that only 5.7% did so in fiscal year 2007, and
Whereas Option 8 has become the blanket policy in several large school districts including Los Angeles Unified and two districts in Maryland, which allows schools and students to receive and use test results for guidance purposes, and individual students can choose to release their scores to military recruiters, and
Whereas unwanted military recruitment which often includes high pressure tactics should not be consequential to the taking of any assessment provided in public schools.
Therefore Be It Resolved that all Chapters of Veterans for Peace be encouraged to contact school superintendents and high school principals, if pertinent, to urge all ASVAB-testing schools to use Option 8 to protect student privacy and publicize the use of Option 8 in all ASVAB testing scenarios.
Be It Further Resolved that the national office of Veterans for Peace, whenever possible, be encouraged to use its media publications and website to inform members of this resolution.
Approved at the 2008 VFP national convention
B
BERRIGAN, PHILIP 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 at the 2003 VFP convention, San Francisco, CA
BOWERS, VERONZA, FREEDOM OF
Whereas, Veronza Bowers, Jr., a U.S. Navy veteran and member in good standing of Veterans For Peace (Chapter 116 - Mendocino County, California), after serving his full sentence of 30 years in federal prison has been held in illegal detention for a year-and-a-half past his release date making him one of the longest-held political prisoners in U.S. history; and
Whereas, this conviction occurred during the infamous Cointelpro scandal in which the Black Panther Party was targeted by J. Edgar Hoover, head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and
Whereas, Mr. Bowers, in his 31 years of incarceration, has been a model prisoner with the highest possible “salient factor rating” issued by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and
Whereas, Mr. Bowers’ petition for parole was supported by extensive psychological tests and evaluation administered by an independent agency, with the purpose of determining whether he would be a threat to society if released and Whereas, Mr. Bowers has a legal right for Mandatory Parole after serving his full sentence under law and has been recommended for release on three separate occasions by duly-sanctioned parole examiners as well as vote of the full U.S. Parole Commission only to be rescinded, literally, at the very last moment, by the intervention of the United States Attorney General at the behest of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and
Whereas, the U.S. Parole Commission has, consistently violated its own rules and regulations, therefore be it
Resolved, that Veterans For Peace urges the U.S. Parole Commission to grant Veronza Bowers, Jr. petition for Mandatory Parole and immediate release from federal prison, and be it further
Resolved, that Veterans For Peace urges the U.S. Parole Commission, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, the U.S. Attorney General and all other agencies of the Bush administration to respect the rule of law as well as the Constitutional and human rights of all veterans, presently incarcerated, on probation or parole, who have served this great nation.
Approved at the 2005 national convention, Dallas, TX
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 bear responsibility 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 troops in 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.
Approved at the 2003 VFP convention, San Francisco, CA
BURN PIT EXPOSURE, JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF
Whereas, since 2001, hundreds of contractor-managed (Halliburton Company/KBR, Inc.) open-air burn pits have exposed American soldiers, veterans and former employees of defense contractors who worked and lived on or near military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan to toxic smoke, ash and fumes generated through the disposal of waste in open burn pits, and
Whereas, prolonged exposure to the pits’ smoke, ash, and fumes continue to cause injuries such as chronic illnesses, risk of illnesses and wrongful death, and
Whereas, current multidistrict litigation (MDL) alleges that these contractors used open burn pits rather than clean-burning incinerators at the majority of U.S. Military facilities in the Middle East in order to increase profits, and
Whereas, burn pits have been cited as the cause of maladies ranging from respiratory problems to cancers in veterans and former contractors who worked at bases, and
Whereas, the US military has been slow to acknowledge the numerous health problems allegedly associated with contractor-managed burn pits, and
Whereas, the American Lung Association called for the military to ban open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan on June 23, 2010;
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace support the banning of open-air burn pits.
Be It Further Resolved that VFP formally support the Bishop Bill, HR-4477. The Military Personnel Toxic Registry Act, and its requirement of the Secretary of Defense to establish a medical surveillance system to identify members of the Armed Forces exposed to chemical hazards resulting from the disposal of waste in Iraq and Afghanistan, to prohibit the disposal of waste by the Armed Forces in a manner that would produce dangerous levels of toxins, and for other purposes.
Be It Further Resolved that VFP endorse regulatory agency action or legislative action by Congress, and all “presumptive” disability benefits for a number of disabilities related to service in Iraq and Afghanistan and exposure to burn pits.
Approved at the 2010 VFP national convention
BUSH, GEORGE, 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, 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
Approved at the 2003 VFP convention, San Francisco, CA
BY-LAWS CHANGE – CONVENTION DATE
On behalf of the planning committee for the 2007 VFP Convention I move that the bylaws be amended as follows:
Amend the first sentence of Article X Section 1 (a) by changing the date “August 1” to “July 1”. The sentence will then read “The Annual Convention of the members of VFP shall be held between July 1 and August 31, each year, the date to be designated by the Board of Directors.”
Rationale: Several of the recent VFP Conventions have been held at college or university campuses. In general, this has been a highly satisfactory arrangement because such a location can be expected to provide more than adequate meeting space, both for small groups and for large assemblies, and in most cases there are dormitory facilities where a large number of persons can be housed at a reasonable price. In the course of determining a venue for the 2007 convention, the committee perceived an obstacle. The growing tendency for schools to move the beginning of their fall terms to an increasingly earlier date in August eliminates them from consideration as a meeting place for us. Increasing the “window of opportunity” to the two summer months would afford us a greater number of options.
Approved at the 2006 VFP National Convention
BY-LAWS CHANGE – FISCAL YEAR
That ARTICLE XI Section 3 of the Veterans for Peace, Inc. by-laws be changedto read as follows: "The fiscal year of VFP shall be from January 1 through December 31 of the same year."
If approved by the convention, the books will be closed on Fiscal 2006 on August 31 as stated in the current by-laws. There will then be a short reporting period from September 1 to December 31, 2006. Fiscal year 2007 will run from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007.
Approved at the 2006 VFP National Convention
BY-LAWS CHANGE - RESOLUTIONS
The section of the bylaws relating to resolutions currently reads as follows:
Article X; Section 4. Resolutions
Resolutions proposed for consideration during the Annual Convention should be submitted to the Board of Directors in writing at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting. All resolutions opposed by the Board of Directors, or not submitted by the ten-day deadline shall require a two-thirds majority vote of the convention for adoption. Members proposing any resolutions are required to provide copies, in advance, in sufficient number for reasonable distribution to members attending the Annual Convention.
It is proposed that the bylaws be amended by substituting the following:
Article X; Section 4. Resolutions
I. The Board of Directors will appoint a resolutions committee whose responsibility it will be to receive and screen all resolutions submitted for consideration at the annual meeting. It will be the responsibility of that committee to establish and publish appropriate rules, procedures and deadlines for this process. Such Rules will include provisions for bringing resolutions after the deadline. All decisions of this committee will be subject to approval by the board of directors.
II. Once a resolution has been adopted in convention it defines an intent of the organization until it is countermanded by the body or until world events render it irrelevant. For this reason, a comprehensive list will be maintained of all resolutions which have been adopted. Any resolutions which are submitted for consideration will be compared with that list as a means of eliminating redundancy.
III. All resolutions not approved by the Board of Directors, or not submitted by the deadline shall require a two-thirds majority vote of the convention for adoption.
Rationale:
In recent years the resolutions process at our national convention has become time-consuming and unwieldy. In addition, because insufficient attention has been given to follow-up on resolutions which have been passed, we have frequently found ourselves “re-inventing the wheel.” The organization has now reached a size which dictates that we update our procedures for handling the business at hand.
Approved at the 2005 National Convention, Dallas, TX
C
"CAMPAIGN FOR A NEW FOREIGN POLICY", ENDORSEMENT OF
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 human rights 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 and secure 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
Approved at the 2003 VFP convention, San Francisco, CA
LOUIS POSADA CARRILLE, EXTRDITION OF
(Submitted by Albuquerque Chapter 63)
Whereas Luis Posada Carrille is principally responsible for the 1976 bombing of the Cubana plane that killed 73 people, and
Whereas the United States is ostensibly engaged in a “War on Terror,” and
Whereas Venezuela has requested the extradition of Luis Posada Carrille, and
Whereas Posada will appear for trial in El Paso, Texas on August 29, 2005
Now therefore be it resolved that Veterans For Peace calls for honoring the request of Venezuela for extradition of Luis Posada Carrille.
Approved at the 2005 convention, Dallas, TX
CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE
Whereas the war in Iraq has now gone on for over 4 years with no definite end in sight, resulting in the death of about 4,000 U.S. troops and a million innocent Iraqi civilians, and
Whereas this war was conceived and sold to the American people with lies and half truths, including repeated claims by the Bush administration that Saddam Hussain was allied with al-Qaeda, had a stock of weapons of mass destruction, and other false assertions, and
Whereas the Bush administration, aided and abetted by an inert Congress, a neocon activist Supreme Court, and the largely monolithic, corporate-controlled media, has broken international laws and treaties, endorses torture and secret renditions to countries that are known to torture, denies habeas corpus to prisoners and spies on our own citizens, and
Whereas Veterans For Peace and other organizations committed to justice and peace have been protesting all of these immoral and illegal actions through all channels that are legally available to us for over four years: resolutions, speeches, letters, lobbying, marching and joining protests, urging impeachment, opposing military recruitment under false pretenses with very limited success, and
Whereas opportunities are soon arising including the SOAW annual protest at Fort Benning and the simultaneous occurence of the2008 VFP national convention in the Twin Cities with the Repbulican National Convention in St. Paul MN, now therefore
Be it resolved that Veterans For Peace hereby declares that in the tradition of a great American, Henry David Thoreau, protesting taxation for the Mexican War of 1848 and in the tradition of another great American, Martin Luther King, Jr., protesting racism at home and war in Vietnam, VFP recognizes the value of nonviolent civil disobedience as a necessary part of the struggle for justice and peace in these desparate times, understanding that there may be a high price to pay by individuals who decide to act.
Approved as amended by the Board 8/16/07
Approved by the VFP Annual Meeting 1/18/07
CIVILIAN CONSERVANTION CORPS, REACTIVATION OF
(Jay Alexander, Tampa Bay VFP Chapter 119)
WHEREAS an updated CCC would be seen as an alternative to military service for single young adults; and
WHEREAS those who enroll would receive competent work supervision with superior safety training and a living wage. They would be provided after work with free classroom education that would enable them to enter the private and public sector with confidence; and
WHEREAS the reactivated CCC could provide able manpower at the scene of man-made and natural disasters across America. They could render assistance to the American Red Cross to aid victims help in the clean-up and rebuilding of infrastructure and repair damage to the environment; and
WHEREAS the updated CCC program would be under direct government control and not under any private contractor. Any government agency or private agency receiving federal funding for similar work would be dissolved and absorbed into the newly formed CCC agency to prevent overlap and fraud; and
WHEREAS the reactivated CCC would give veterans preference for leadership and supervisory positions within the agency and help alleviate the high unemployment among young adults; and
WHEREAS this popular program has potential to save the planet with imagination as public works programs to bring about short term job training; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that Veterans For Peace calls upon the President and Congress to reactivate and update the template of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a popular program of the administration of President F.D. Roosevelt.
Approved by the Board 8/16/07
Approved by the VFP Annual Meeting 8/18/07
CLIMATE CHANGE, ACTION ON
(Steven R Boyer, VFP Chapter 27 – Twin Cities)
WHEREAS, There is overwhelming evidence, and overwhelming consensus in the international scientific community, that significant global climate change is underway; and
WHEREAS, Massive migrations and unimaginable deprivations following significant and rapid climate change will inevitably result in conflict (wars) among nations and peoples; and
WHEREAS, Mitigating policies and behaviors must be implemented without delay in
order to avoid catastrophic, perhaps cataclysmic, climate change and the likely breakdown of civil society; and
WHEREAS, The United States government, largely controlled by financial and corporate interests, is the major impediment to progress in reducing, delaying or eliminating human contributions to the causes of climate change; and
WHEREAS, Financial and corporate interests only respond to economic stimuli; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Veterans for Peace issue a strong, uncompromising, public statement denouncing of the failure of the United States government to address climate change; and
RESOLVED, That Veterans for Peace will endeavor to unite individuals and groups world-wide to exert unrelenting pressure on the United States government (and all governments) to take immediate and meaningful steps to reduce human contributions to climate change; and be it further
RESOLVED, That unrelenting pressure take the form of a massive, international boycott of a key American corporation, or another proactive, aggressive action designed to impact the financial health of corporate interests, thus inducing those interests and therefore also the United States government to address this issue in meaningful ways, to be decided by a Veterans for Peace committee organized for that purpose or by the membership at large.
Approved by the Board 8/16/07
Approved by the VFP Annual Meeting 8/18/07
CLOSING OF US MILITARY BASES OUTSIDE ITS BORDERS
(Submitted by Sally Thompson - Chapter 63)
Whereas, the United States has more than 725 military bases outside of our borders, at the cost of billions of dollars annually, and
Whereas, we are constantly being reminded that we are vulnerable to attack, signifying that the bases are not making us safer, and
Whereas, our country is suffering a major recession, resulting in drastic cuts in every service except the military;
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace calls for immediate beginning of closure of military bases outside of our borders.
Be It Further Resolved that we call for completion of the closures be accomplished by the year 2020.
Approved at the 2010 VFP national convention
COCA-COLA – SAY NO TO COKE, STOP MURDERS OF UNION WORKERS AT COCA-COLA PLANTS IN COLUMBIA
(David Welsh)
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.
Approved at the 2003 VFP convention, San Francisco, CA
COLUMBIAN VFP ELECTIONS DELEGATION (2010)
(Submitted by Wayne Wittman, Chapter 27)
Whereas the concept of democracy is contained in our Veterans For Peace Statement of Purpose, and
Whereas Veterans For Peace has championed democratic governmental changes in authorizing election observation delegations to foreign countries and have witnessed democratic expressions of change there and in our own country, and
Whereas the non-violent action to precipitate peace and justice is the participation in political elections, and
Whereas Columbia is a country that has been involved in a brutal civil war for over 35 years and is in need of a recognized duly elected government, and
Whereas an election monitored by international election observers would give assurance to the truth of the election processes and outcomes and provide a foundation for peace, security and prosperity to the people of Columbia.
Therefore Be it Resolved that Veterans For Peace authorize a delegation, made up of volunteers, and at no cost to the national office of Veterans For Peace, to monitor the Columbian elections in May 2010 and report their observations to the membership of Veterans For Peace.
Approved at the 2009 VFP national convention
COLUMBIA, RESOLUTION ON
(Jesse Perrier, Fredy Champagne, Smedley Butler/New Jersey/Puerto Rico/ Pittsburgh Chapters)
Whereas, the VFP Statement of Purpose declares that we will work to “restrain our government from intervening, overtly or covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations”,
Whereas, U.S. intervention through “Plan Colombia”) and its “Andean Regional Initiative” successor) has contributed to escalated violence with major human rights violations, environmental destructions and forced relocations,
Be It Resolved that VFP opposes all U.S. military aid to Colombia in any form (such as financial, training, materiel).
Be It Further Resolved that VFP form a “VFP Colombia Committee” to conduct research and liaison with other organizations to develop an educational action program.
Approved at the 2001 VFP convention
COMPREHENSIVE TEST BAN TREATY
…That VFP encourages demonstrations in the states where Senators who voted against the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty are seeking reelection.
Board approved. Members concurred.
Approved at the 2000 VFP convention
CONSERVATION, VETERANS FOR PEACE CONSISTENCY TO
(Submitted by Lane Anderson, VFP Chapter 54, Cosponsored by Gordon Sturrock, VFP Chapter 929, Jack Dresser, Chapter 929, Endorsed by VFP Chapters 54, 66, and 92)
Whereas Veterans For Peace is committed by previous resolutions and statements to protecting the environment and ending our addiction to oil, and
Whereas Veterans For Peace activities sometimes have a negative environmental impact and increase our addiction to oil.
Therefore be it resolved that Veterans For Peace commit to decreasing the negative environmental impact of its activities, including the greenhouse gas footprint and overall energy usage. This could be accomplished by:
• Selecting green facilities, food services and supplies for meetings, including conventions
• Encouraging carpooling and green transportation to VFP functions
• Investigating remote participation by audio and video over the Internet
Approved at the 2008 VFP national convention
CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS CHANGE TO UCMJ
(Submitted by Jon Monday, VFP Chapter 91. Endorsed by the Board of the Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors – CCCO).
Whereas the current military legal codes only allow for Conscientious Objection to be based on religious grounds and must also be against all wars, of any kind, we believe that there is a urgent need to change those codes to allow for conscientious objections against particular wars and for reasons of Religious, Moral, or Legal grounds.
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace supports changing the Uniform Code of Military Justice and other appropriate regulations so that active duty military personnel can declare themselves to be Conscientious Objectors to specific wars based on a religious, moral, or legal basis.
Approved at the 2008 VFP national convention
CONVENTION VENUE
(Andy Anderson -Jim Steinhagen)
In as much as the Lake Superior Region Chapter #80 of Veterans For Peace has extended an invitation to hold the 2002 Veterans For Peace annual convention Duluth, Minnesota:
It is therefore recommended that this 2001 annual meeting accept the Northern invitation and designate Duluth, Minnesota as the site of the 2002 convention.
Approved at the 2001 VFP convention
CORRIE, RACHEL – HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
(Arnie Welber)
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
Approved at the 2003 VFP convention, San Francisco, CA
CORRIE, RACHEL, INVESTIGATION OF
(Cliff Wells)
WHEREAS there is a House Concurrent Resolution (H. CON. RES. 111) which
"...calls on the United States Government to undertake a full, fair, and expeditious investigation into the death of Rachel Corrie..." and
WHEREAS H. CON. RES. 111 is currently stalled in the House Committee on
International Relations, and
WHEREAS Rachel Corrie was made an honorary member of Veterans for Peace
at its 2003 National Convention.
BE IT RESOLVED that Veterans for Peace calls for an independent
investigation into the death of Rachel Corrie.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
COST OF WAR TO THE INFRASTRUCTURE
(John N. Sutcliffe, VFP Northwest Arkansas Chapter)
Whereas most Americans can better relate to the multi-billion dollar cost figures for the present administration's imperialist wars if those figures are expressed as directly responsible for the under funding of specific government programs in their local communities,
therefore it be resolved that the national Veterans For Peace leadership work with our local chapters to establish that portion of their state, county and local community taxes spent on military weapons and imperialist expansion programs, and therefore largely responsible for depriving adequate funding for specific items in their state, county and local community budgets for public education, public health, low cost housing and family assistance, public transportation, police and fire protection and maintenance of essential public utilities and public infrastructure.
Approved at the 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
COUNTER RECRUITEMENT
Also see “Teen Age Recruits” under reference “T”, and “Military Recruiting In Secondary Schools” under reference “M”
CUBA, ESTABLISHING NORMAL RELATIONS WITH
(F Lincoln Grahlfs)
Whereas for a half century the United States has maintained an economic and political embargo against the island of Cuba; and
Whereas, although the Cuban people have, in the last decade, made great strides in creating a viable, self-sustaining economy, the embargo deprives them of supplies needed for adequate health care and comfortable living; and
Whereas Cuba does not presently constitute a threat to the United States; and
Whereas normalized relationships between Cuba and the United States would benefit the people and businesses of both countries;
Be it resolved, therefore, that Veterans For Peace urges the government of the United States to take immediate steps aimed at establishing normal relationships with the Cuban government and people.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention
D
DAY OF THE DISAPPEARED, INTERNATIONAL
(Daniel I. Fearn, VFP Chapter 23)
Whereas the the International Day of the Disappeared on 30 August is an
annual commemoration day created to draw attention to the fate of individuals imprisoned at places and under poor condition unknown to their relatives and/or legal representatives, and
Whereas work on secret imprisonment is an important part of the activities for a number of international bodies and organizations in the fields of human rights activism and humanitarian aid, including Amnesty International, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the International Committee of the Red Cross, and
Whereas imprisonment under secret or uncertain circumstances is a grave violation of some conception of human rights, as well as, in the case of an armed conflict, of International Humanitarian Law, and
Whereas the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has registered over 46,000 cases of people who disappeared under unknown circumstances related to their opposition to their governments, and
Whereas the Día internacional del Desaparecido was originated in Costa Rica by the Federación Latinoamericana de Asociaciones de Familiares de Detenidos Desaparecidos in association with local and regional groups working against secret imprisonment and forced disappearances in Latin-American countries, and
Whereas the United States under, most recently, the presidency of George W. Bush has actively pursued policies resulting in wide spread illegal imprisonment, disappearances, torture and even death to individuals around the world;
Let it be resolved, that the Veterans for Peace will observe 30 August as International Day of the Disappeared to further the goal of ending these crimes and the occasions for them. We encourage all chapters of the Veterans for Peace to place this day on their activities calendars and to observe this day appropriately in the hope of promoting awareness of this trespass of international humanitarian law and ending these practices by states throughout the world.
Approved as amended by the Board 8/16/07
Approved by the VFP Annual Meeting 8/18/07
DEATH PENALTY
(Samantha Smith Chapter 45 and Smedley D. Butler Chapter 9)
Whereas, Veterans for Peace is an organization dedicated to the elimination of war and the establishment of nonviolent methods as the only way to resolve conflicts;
Whereas, members of Veterans for Peace have a deep knowledge of the effects of war on military personnel, having experienced them personally and observed them in those who served with them;
Whereas, among the best known effects of was on military personnel are post-traumatic stress disorder, alcoholism, and drug addiction,
Whereas, it is well known that individuals acting under the influence of any of the above may act not only in ways contrary to the behavior they maintained before entering the military;
Whereas, members of Veterans for Peace know from their own military training that such training not only promotes and encourages violence but attempts to establish it as an automatic response;
Whereas, actions taken under the influence of post- traumatic stress disorder, alcoholism, and/or drugs are generally violent;
Whereas, actions taken by individuals who have been trained to be violent are generally violent;
Whereas, there does not now exist in the United States adequate alcohol and drug counseling for veterans;
Whereas, there does not now exist in the United States adequate counseling and programs to ensure that veterans recover from post-traumatic stress disorder;
Whereas, there does not now exist in the United States adequate counseling and reintegration programs to ensure that individuals coming out of the military are prepared to return to society with violence no longer being an automatic response;
Whereas, an estimated one-quarter of the men in prison in the United States today are veterans;
Whereas, a large percentage of the crimes for which veterans have been and are convicted
were committed by a veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and/or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs;
Whereas, many if not most or all of these crimes could have been prevented had those who committed them not been trained for military service in the ways in which they were;
Whereas, many, if not most or all of these crimes could have been prevented had those who committed them received adequate counseling and programs upon release from military service;
Whereas, even after an individual has committed a crime, however heinous or violent it may have been, it is always possible that that individual can change and become fully capable of living peacefully and responsibly in society upon participation in adequate counseling and programs;
Whereas, court-ordered executions mimic the behavior that society claims to abhor in murderers and all killing is violent; killing carried out by the government teaches and encourages
violence;
Whereas, life imprisonment without any possibility of parole should a prisoner be truly rehabilitated is also a punishment that is vengeful and violent;
Whereas, the purpose of prisons should not be to inflict punishment but to provide a safe, humane environment that will protect society while individuals are incarcerated and also prepare prisoners to return to and make positive contributions to society; and
Now, Therefore, we, the members of Veterans for Peace, assembled at our annual meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico on August 25, 2001, do hereby declare that we are totally opposed to state-ordered executions; and
We Further Declare that we are totally opposed to the imposition of sentences of life imprisonment without any possibility of parole.
Approved at the 2001 VFP Convention
DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
(David Honish, Chapter 66, Austin, TX and John Amidon, Chapter 10, Albany, NY)
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 took to 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 on individual freedom under the guise of national security.
Approved at the 2003 VFP convention, San Francisco
DEPARTMENT OF PEACE REAFFIRMATION
(O'Kelly, McCluskey, and Western Washington Chapter 92)
WHEREAS we the people are entitled to know that before breaking the peace and entering into a state of war, the president has been fully advised by the advocates for peace vs. the advocates of war.
WHEREAS To achieve the highest quality in this critical decision making process through a balance between the forces for war and the forces for peace, it is imperative to create a cabinet level Peace Dept.
WHEREAS Failure to have an institutional balanced decision making process has led us into questionable wars, which might have been avoided
WHEREAS there is currently no political or policy counterbalance to the Department of Defense in the Executive Branch,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 2003 VFP National Convention to endorse HR 1673 - "To establish a Department of Peace" (108th Congress 1st Session) in principle and to forward this endorsement to Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-OH 10).
Approved at the 2003 VFP Convention, San Francisco, CA
DEPARTMENT OF PEACE AND SPACE PRESERVATION
(Tom Gale, VFP Samantha Smith Chapter)
Whereas, the community of nations voted in 1967 to keep space free of weapons,
Whereas, the Bush Administration has terminated the 1972 Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty with Russia (USSR) and has shaped a new Nuclear Treaty with Russia so as not to destroy nuclear weapons but to store them in stockpile,
Whereas, the Bush Administration is actively moving forward to create the Master of Space military program called the National Missile Defense (NMD),
Therefore, Veterans For Peace urges its members to support actively HR2459, The Department of Peace, sponsored by Representative Dennis Kucinich (D, OH). This bill, submitted in July 2001 with forty-three co-sponsors was sent to and still sits in committee. It can be found on www.thomas.gov
Passed 2002
DEPARTMENT OF PEACE, ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNITED STATES
(Damon Harrison - P. Jesse Perrier)
Whereas, on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously declared the Independence of the 13 Colonies – and (the achievement of) peace was recognized as one of the highest duties of the new organization of free and independent states; and,
Whereas, during the course of the 20th century alone, more than 100,000,000 (100 million) people perished in wars, and now at the dawn of the 21st century violence seems to be an overarching cavalier theme in the world; and
Whereas, America is one of the most fortunate and privileged nations on earth and we have a birthright to tap the infinite capabilities of humanity to transform consciousness and conditions which impel (or compel) violence at a personal, group, or national level - toward developing a new understanding of, and a commitment to - compassion and love, in order to create a ‘shining city on a hill’, the light of which is the light of nations; and,
Whereas, society must conceive of peace as not simply being the absence of violence (and destruction), but more-so the active presence of the capacity for a higher evolution of the human awareness for respect, trust and integrity; and,
Whereas, on April 8th, 2003 a Bill (HR1673) to create a U.S. (cabinet level) Department of Peace was submitted in the (100th Congress) U.S. House of Representatives - and ultimately referred to the Committee on Government Reform; and,
Whereas, the Department of Peace is an idea whose time has come; so,
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Veterans For Peace Convention members in Boston, July 2004 assembled, respectfully and officially request a joint session of the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives convene to endorse and establish a cabinet level U.S. Department of Peace whose primary goal will be dedicated to peacemaking and the continued study of conditions (and resolutions) that are conducive to both domestic and international peace; and,
Be It Further Resolved, the Mission of the Department of Peace shall be to (1) hold peace as an organizing principle (which will function as an aid) coordinating services to every level of American society; (2) endeavor to promote justice and democratic principles to expand human rights; (3) strengthen nonmilitary means of peacemaking; (4) promote the development of human potential; (5) work to create peace, prevent violence, divert from armed conflict, use field-tested programs and develop new structure in nonviolent dispute resolution; (6) take a proactive, strategic approach in the development of policies that promote national and international conflict prevention, nonviolent intervention, mediation, peaceful resolution, and structured mediation of conflict; (7) address matters both domestic and international in scope; and (8) encourage the development of initiatives from local communities, religious groups, and nongovernmental organizations/agencies; and,
Be It Further Resolved, the U.S. Department of Peace will be headed by a Secretary of Peace, with Subcommittees comprised of intergovernmental U.S. department and agency support staff, as well as a national intergovernmental and community Advisory Council Board made up of world-peace advocates; and,
Be It Further Resolved, the U.S. Department of Peace shall establish a National Day of Peace to observe and celebrate the blessings of Peace; and,
And therefore,
Be It Finally Resolved, (that) future generations of the world’s children can forever recognize there exists a welcomed place, the U.S. Department of Peace, where they can go to accentuate their human right to demand and perpetuate World Peace and social justice – for all.
This resolution reaffirms and supplements a resolution passed in 2003
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
DEPLETED URANIUM
(Peter Aronson, VFP DU Committee, VFP Humboldt Bay Chapter 56 California)
Whereas Depleted Uranium (also known as DU) is radioactive, and
Whereas radiation safety standards are based on data from external exposure models, and
Whereas many reputable nuclear physicists, including former Pentagon and VA experts, describe enormous health consequences when models of internal exposure to DU are used, and
Whereas these scientist also suggest internal DU exposure is a likely cause of GWS; and
Whereas increased rates of birth defects and cancer occur in exposed areas, and
Whereas the nuclear industry, the Pentagon, the VA, and the munitions industry, have vested interests in describing DU as safe, and each would each be significantly impacted by adjusting to newer standards, and
Whereas evidence suggests the risk associated with DU exposure has been suppressed by those with vested interests, and
Whereas the global consequences of contamination by nuclear (enriched and "Depleted" Uranium) exposures are eternal (4.5b years for DU), and
Whereas screening, testing and treatment procedures for DU exposed troops and civilians currently exist, and,
Whereas UK, US and other global scientists have the capacity to assess the health consequences of internal DU exposure, and
Whereas it is our duty to protect the welfare of U.S. and allied military personnel, veterans, and innocent civilians at home and abroad,
Be it resolved that the VFP support global banning of all DU munitions and other radioactive weapons, in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention (warring nations must avoid harming civilian populations) and
Be it further resolved VFP support screening and treatment for all exposed members, or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and
Be it further resolved the VFP formally support the McDermott bill, HR 1483 The DU Munitions Act of 2003, and its comprehensive approach to environmental mitigation, cleanup requirements, and scientific models studying internal exposure to DU, and
Be it further resolved the VFP enlist the support of other national veteran groups in advancing awareness and suggesting actions on DU-related issues.
Approved at the 2003 VFP Convention, San Francisco, CA
DEPLETED URANIUM WEAPONS
(Howard Welsh)
Therefore be it resolved that Veterans For Peace demand a world wide moratorium on the use of Uranium and depleted uranium weapons including but not limited to anti-tank penetrates, guided bombs and assorted missiles, and the United States take the lead in eliminating the manufacture, distribution and proliferation of such weapons in addition to fully disclosing the results of studies undertaken regarding the environmental and health effects of such weapons.
Approved at the 2003 VFP Convention, San Francisco, CA
DEPLETED URANIUM
(Tucson Chapter 13, Humboldt Bay Chapter 56, and Garberville Chapter 22) “….VFP address the President and the Department of Defense with the demand that they: Ban the further use of DU weapons and armor and destroy our stores of such on hand, Ban the sale of DU weapons to any other country and urge these countries which already possess DU weapons to destroy them, Provide appropriate protective medical testing and medical care of service personnel from DU contamination, Provide appropriate protective measures, monitoring and medical care of service personnel who handle DU weapons or clean up DU contamination, Clean up the DU contamination in the battlefields of Kosovo, Bosnia and Iraq, utilizing the unused monies budgeted for the Yugoslavian conflict.”
Approved at the 1999 VFP Convention, Philadelphia, PA. MSA, without opposition.
DEPLETED URANIUM
Also see “Uranium Munitions” under reference item “U”
DEPLETED URANIUM , PRENATAL TESTING FOR EFFECTS OF
WHEREAS The United States and other countries have used, and continue to use, many tons of depleted uranium munitions in recent engagements; and
WHEREAS it has been convincingly established that exposure to the effects of depleted uranium weaponry can have serious harmful genetic consequences for children whose parents have been thus exposed; and
WHEREAS among individuals exposed to the effects of depleted uranium there has occurred an alarmingly high rate of congenital malformations in newborns as well as of miscarriages and premature births;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Veterans for Peace will strongly recommends that Congress consider and pass legislation which will offer prenatal early screening to every military family whose member has served in the areas where depleted uranium weapons and armor have been in use.
Approved by the Board 8/16/07
Approved by the VFP Annual Meeting 8/18/07
DEPLETED URANIUM ADJUDICATION
(Submitted by Lane Anderson, VFP Chapter 54, Albert Holtz VFP Chapter 112
Cosponsored by Gordon Sturrock, VFP Chapter 929, Jack Dresser, Chapter 929).
Whereas Veterans For Peace has passed resolutions urging the ban of depleted uranium since 2004, and
Whereas veterans afflicted with illnesses caused by depleted uranium will not be considered service connected or receive benefits until illnesses are adjudicated in the VA as caused by depleted uranium exposure.
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace support the adjudication of illnesses caused by depleted uranium exposure by assisting Dr. Holtz in finding a veteran with such an illness, allowing him to use the newsletter, website and listserves and enabling him to assist the veteran in adjudication within the VA system.
Approved at the 2008 VFP national convention
DON'T ASK DON'T TELL POLICY, LIFT THE
(Mike Felker Chapter 31, Aaron Davis Chapter 118)
Whereas the don't ask, don't tell policy enacted by the defense department in
1993, known as legislation 10 USC 654 has been counterproductive.
Whereas under this policy, GLBT personnel have been denied the right to have relationships, insurance coverage, hospital visitations, survivor benefits etc.
Whereas nearly 10,000 GLBT personnel have been discharged since the policy was adopted.
Therefore, be it resolved, that Veterans For Peace calls for the Senate and House Armed Services Committees in congress to convene immediately, and call on the president to lift the don't ask, don't tell policy on GLBT personnel in the armed forces, and allow them to serve openly.
Approved at the 2005 national convention, Dallas, TX
DRUGS
(Joe Minella/ Gideon Rosenbluth)
Whereas, the government of the United States has, for the last thirty years and more, attempted to control the problems of drug abuse and addiction by means of policies collectively known as the "war on drugs",
Whereas, these policies are primarily militaristic, punitive, and brutal, and are therefore causing an unacceptable level of collateral (innocent) damage,
Whereas, these policies, even after many expensive, cold-blooded, and constitutionally dangerous expansions, have brought only increased and ongoing misery, suffering, and death in our society and other societies,
Whereas, these policies are irrefutably linked to the dissolution of families, to the neglect of children, to joblessness, crimes of violence, historic levels of official corruption, property crimes, and to the empowerment of an endless parade of well-heeled and vicious criminal
organizations, large and small,
Whereas, these policies have needlessly cost the lives of too many hundred police officers, and put the lives of thousands of officers needlessly at risk, and have corrupted thousands of officers in hundreds of communities, and have distorted and strained the relationship between police and
citizens,
Whereas, these policies have left certain drugs, like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana on the streets where our children can more easily find them,
Whereas, these policies have caused dishonest, confusing and shameful messages to be sent to our children,
Whereas, these policies have caused the long term imprisonment of hundreds of thousands of non-violent Americans for victimless crimes, making America the world's leading jailer,
Whereas, these policies have led to the serious erosion of the constitutional protections which are the birthright of every American,
Whereas, these policies have led directly to the suffering and death of many thousands of innocent people in other countries and have contributed to national and ecological and human catastrophes in Columbia, and have seriously destabilized and corrupted other Latin American countries, and many other countries around the world,
Whereas, these policies have taken away several hundred billion dollars, the wealth of a generation, from education, health care and families, forever,
to no meaningful positive effect,
Whereas, these policies, in practice, have greatly exacerbated the problems of race relations and demolished much of the progress made by minorities in the last fifty years,
Whereas, these policies have caused the reduced availability of legal, effective and safe pain medications for millions of seriously ill and terminally ill patients,
Whereas, these policies have led to the demonization, terrorization, and abandonment of those Americans most in need of help, those who are trapped in a serious problem with drugs,
Whereas, these policies have no, in eighty years, reduced drug use, drug abuse, drug availability, or the negative effects of those behaviors,
Whereas, the government of the United States has imposed these destructive policies, by threat and force, on all the States of the United States, on most other countries, and on the United Nations,
Whereas, the government of the United States and, for the most part, our elected representatives, have repeatedly and stubbornly refused to acknowledge the destructiveness and lack of effectiveness of these policies or to even consider an official examination of these policies, even after being strongly and repeatedly encouraged to do so by many prominent, experienced, and knowledgeable citizens,
Whereas, it is most probable that continuing and/or expanding these failed policies will lead only to more misery, destruction, and death,
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the members of Veterans for Peace, Inc., that we condemn the arrogant and callous disregard for life and family and children, and the scandalous and indefensible squandering of enormous resources on the people of the United States, all of which permeates these policies and their application.
Be it further resolved by the members of Veterans for Peace, Inc., that we hereby strongly oppose the efforts by the government of the United States to continue these destructive and cruel policies.
Approved at the 2001 VFP Convention
E
EARTH CHARTER INITIATIVE VFP MEMBERSHIP
(Submitted by Jay Alexander - Chapter 119)
Whereas, as we should adopt as a sister Peace organization, the Earth Charter, and
Whereas, we should join and adhere to the Earth Charter Initiative, as our missions are very similar, and
Whereas, the mission of the Earth Charter Initiative is to promote the transition to sustainable ways of living and a global society founded on a shared ethical framework that includes respect and care for the community of life, ecological integrity, universal human rights, respect for diversity, economic justice, democracy, and a culture of peace;
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Veterans For Peace organization join the Earth Charter Initiative which has the potential to save the planet with an ethical imagination and intelligence.
Approved at the 2010 VFP national convention
EARTH CHARTER
(Mark Wilson, Dana Briggs, Western Washington Chapter 92)
Whereas Veterans for Peace is dedicated to increasing public awareness about the costs of war, to abolishing war as an instrument of international policy, and using non-violent means towards these ends.
Therefore be it resolved that Veterans for Peace endorses The Earth Charter (www.earthcharter.org) in principle; and
Be it further resolved that Veterans for Peace specifically endorses The Earth Charter principles regarding peace and the military, i.e.
Section I, Principle 3 -- build democratic societies that are just, participatory, sustainable, and peaceful
Section II, Principle 6e -- prevent military damage to the environment
Section IV, Principle 16 (all) -- promote a culture of tolerance, nonviolence, and peace
Approved at the 2003 VFP convention, San Francisco, CA
ELECTION MONITORING
(Wayne Wittman, Minnesota Chapter 27)
“….the national Board of Directors of VFP be encouraged to: Authorize election-monitoring delegations to monitor elections whenever there appears to be the opportunity to improve the election processes and witness election outcomes, thus promoting nonviolent political decision-making and enhancing the dignity of the human person.” Approved at the 1999 VFP Convention, Philadelphia, PA.
Approved at the 1999 VFP Convention, Philadelphia, PA.
EL SALVADOR ELECTION MONITORS
(Submitted by Lane Anderson, Chapter 54. Cosponsored by Father Roy Bourgeois, Gordon Sturrock, VFP Chapter 929, Jack Dresser, Chapter 929)
Whereas Veterans For Peace has passed resolutions in the past calling for solidarity with the people of El Salvador and calling for free and fair elections as granted in the peace accords, and
Whereas the United States and the party of the assassins, ARENA, continue to use undemocratic methods to prevent the people of El Salvador from exercising their electoral rights.
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace endorse and promote teams of election monitors for the coming elections in El Salvador. It is understood that any cost for such a delegation will be borne by the members of the delegation itself, or their Chapters.
Approved at the 2008 VFP national convention
EL SALVADOR
(Wayne Wittman)
Whereas: Veterans for Peace has a long history of solidarity with the people of El Salvador stemming from their struggle for freedom and human dignity.: and
Whereas: Veterans for Peace has manifested our interest in the welfare of the people in El Salvador by continuing to send delegations to El Salvador to experience the life of the people, monitor their elections and support their efforts to develop their country as they determine. And
Whereas: One of the pillars in their struggle was Archbishop Oscar Romero who called for the El Salvador army to quit killing their own people and was assassinated the day after he made that call by assassins trained at the United States Army School of the Americas. And
Whereas: The people of El Salvador are making efforts to immortalize the legacy of Archbishop Romero as we immortalize the actions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by calling for a memorial commemoration noting the 25th anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Romero on March 24,2005. And
Whereas: A delegation of members of Veterans for Peace would be viewed by the people of El Salvador as a positive interest in their welfare and an expression of solidarity with them as have all the delegations in the past.
Therefore Be It Resolved: that Veterans for Peace send a delegation to El Salvador to officially participate in the commemorations of the contributions of Archbishop Romero with the people of El Salvador on March 24, 2005.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP Convention
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.
Approved at the 2003 VFP convention, San Francisco, CA
ENGAGEMENT CAMPAIGN, VETERANS FOR PEACE
(Submitted by the VFP Engagement Campaign Steering Committee - Cherie Eichholz, Nate Goldshlag, John Grant, Sandy Kelson and Hal Muskat).
Whereas in past resolutions, Veterans For Peace has supported the notion of veteran outreach to, and engagement with, active duty, reserve and National Guard soldiers, and
Whereas the time is right, now, for encouraging more such outreach and engagement by veterans to soldiers at the bases and armories where they live and work all over the nation. Veterans For Peace is an experienced veterans group with thousands of veteran members in chapters or as at-large members all across the nation, and
Whereas outreach and engagement by veterans to soldiers requires knowledge of the resources available, information on techniques for outreach and an awareness of the many pitfalls presented by such an enterprise. It also requires a place to obtain handout materials with realistic, up-to-date, usable information, and
Whereas, where possible, Veterans For Peace members can work with members of allied organizations like Iraq Veterans Against The War, Vietnam Veterans Against The War, Military Families Speak Out and others. When this is not possible, VFP members should have the capacity to work on their own.
Therefore Be It Resolved by a majority of members of Veterans For Peace at the 2008 National Convention that Veterans For Peace and the Veterans For Peace Board Of Directors shall endorse and support the VFP Engagement Campaign in its efforts to:
1) Provide Veterans For Peace members across the nation with a Veterans For Peace resource for guidance and relevant materials to facilitate outreach to active duty soldiers in their areas, and
2) Seek funding sources to facilitate temporary and/or permanent bases of operation near military installations wherever this is deemed feasible.
Approved at the 2008 VFP national convention
ENDLESS WAR
(David Cline - F. Lincoln Grahlfs - Wilson Powell)
The response of the US Government to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 has initiated policies which have already restricted civil liberties through passage of the Patriot Act and other repressive legislation, justified a military assault against Afghanistan and promised endless war against many other countries.
We believe that the jingoistic brand of counterfeit patriotism generated by the administration's actions and statements is stifling dissent and threatens genuine security for the people of this country.
The resulting massive increase in military spending threatens social programs that should be serving to improve people's lives both here and abroad.
These actions, combined with our retreat from a host of international disarmament, environmental and criminal justice treaties, threaten democracy at home and diminish the prospects for peace and stability in the world.
THEREFORE, Veterans For Peace calls for an end to endless US wars and insists that assaults upon our constitutional rights be rescinded. Our government must stop functioning unilaterally and become a responsible member of the community of nations.
We commit ourselves to the struggle of re-directing our government toward these ends.
Passed 2002
ENTERTAINERS, SUPPORT FOR ENTERTAINERS UNDER ATTACK FOR SPEAKING OUT
(James Starowicz)
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.
Approved at the 2003 VFP convention, San Francisco, CA
EXTENSIONS OF DUTY, CESSATION OF INVOLUNTARY
(Vicky Monk - John Chisholm)
WHEREAS "Stop Loss" is contrary to the concept of an all volunteer
military,
BE IT RESOLVED that Veterans for Peace calls for the cessation of
stop-loss and involuntary extended tours of duty.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
F
FIREWORKS FREE CELEBRATION
(R. Lane Anderson, Chapter 54)
Whereas: Many combat veterans suffer from fireworks displays, having to retreat further from the society they were sent purportedly to fight for.
Whereas: The presence of fireworks in the celebrations of our national holiday prevent these combat vets from enjoying family gatherings on these holidays.
Therefore be it resolved that Veterans For Peace encourage firework free celebrations.
Approved at the 2005 national convention, Dallas, TX
FLAG DESECRATION
(Richard Basham, Chair – VFP Evansville, IN Chapter)
Whereas Veterans for Peace is a veterans organization committed to finding peaceful solutions to conflicts and;
Whereas Veterans for Peace believes that the unique perspectives of veterans are important ingredients in public discourse and decision making and;
Whereas Veterans for Peace does not want the diverse views of veterans to be monolithically misrepresented in public discourse and;
Whereas Veterans for Peace does not wish the service and sacrifice of veterans to be trivialized and;
Whereas Veterans for Peace wishes to extend and preserve the freedoms for which its members served and fought in the U.S. Armed Services and;
Whereas there have been few documented cased of desecration of the U.S. flag and;
Whereas amending the U.S. Constitution to outlaw flag desecration encroaches on First Amendment guaranteed freedom of speech and;
Whereas such an amendment to “protect” the flag suppresses speech and muffles the voices of dissent and;
Whereas promoting such an amendment as an “honor” to veterans does not honor our service and;
Whereas Veterans for Peace wishes to articulate its position on the proposed flag desecration amendment to the U.S. Constitution;
Therefore, be it resolved that Veterans for Peace opposes the proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution to “protect” the flag and calls on veterans, citizens and other organizations to oppose it.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention
G
GAZA, ENDING THE BLOCKADE OF
(Submitted by Cherie Eichholz - Chapter 92) and Nate Goldshlag - Chapter 9)
Whereas Israel has blockaded Gaza since 2007 in violation of international law, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention which states: “No protected person may be punished for an offense he or she has not personally committed. Collective penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism are prohibited”, and
Whereas Israel during Operation “Cast Lead” in December 2008 and January 2009 bombed and destroyed much infrastructure in Gaza – factories (219 estimated), schools, hospitals, offices, mosques, homes (over 3,000 estimated, with an additional 20,000 damaged) — in addition to killing over 1400 people, most of them non-combatants and children, and
Whereas Israel damaged or destroyed 48% of the 122 health facilities in Gaza during Operation “Cast Lead”, according to the World Health Organization, and
Whereas it is estimated that 60% of the children of Gaza suffer from malnutrition and estimates by the UN put the amount of food allowed in to Gaza by Israel at approximately one-quarter of the minimum amount necessary, and one-quarter of what came into the country prior to the siege, and
Whereas the World Food Programme UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that Israel has destroyed between 35% and 60% of the Gaza agriculture industry and that nearly all of the 13,000 families whose livelihoods depend directly on farming, herding and fishing having suffered considerable impairment, and
Whereas items like cement and glass, which could be used to rebuild Gaza, as well as numerous goods essential for mere existence, are prohibited from entering Gaza, and
Whereas in order to obtain life’s necessities Gazans are risking their lives as they tunnel out of the country, an exploit that has caused the deaths of over 200 people, and
Whereas the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs calls the situation “a massive destruction of livelihoods and basic services” and
Whereas John Ging, Director of Operations in Gaza for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), noted that a conference in Sharm el-Sheikh last year put the price tag at $4.5 billion to reconstruct Gaza and that “That’s $4.5 billion, at the moment, of despair and misery until such time that recovery and reconstruction gets under way”, and
Whereas Mr. Ging commented that “the physical suffering of so many continues on a daily basis, not just physical suffering, but psychological suffering because people are at their wits’ end to understand when all of this will come to an end”, and
Whereas the Statement of Purpose of Veterans For Peace asserts that we will: “restrain our government from intervening, overtly and covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations,” and that we will “seek justice for veterans and victims of war;”
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace condemns in the strongest possible terms the Israeli blockade of Gaza that has caused so much suffering, and calls on the United States Government to pressure Israel to permanently lift the blockade and allow food, aid, and reconstruction materials to flow freely into Gaza.
Approved at the 2010 VFP national convention
GAZA FLOTILLA SUPPORT
(Submitted by Tarak Kauff - Chapter 58)
Whereas, it is imperative that all persons of conscience challenge U.S. Government policy that funds and supports Israel's cruel and illegal blockade of Gaza and it’s collective punishment of 1.4 million people, including 800,000 children, and
Whereas, the Free Gaza Flotilla has, at great cost and sacrifice brought the world's attention to this illegal blockade of Gaza, and
Whereas, there is now a U.S. campaign to purchase and outfit a U.S boat which will sail in the next international flotilla to break the siege of Gaza;
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace encourages it's members, and Chapters, to do everything in their power to encourage and promote support for this U.S, boat, The Audacity of Hope, which will present a challenge to US foreign policy and affirm the universal obligation to uphold human rights and international law.
Approved at the 2010 VFP national convention
GENETIC SCREENING
(Bud Deraps, St. Louis Chapter 61)
Whereas there is compelling evidence that an unusually large number of United States Military personnel who, in the course of their military service, were exposed to chemical, nuclear or biological warfare materials have parented children with birth defects
Therefore be it resolved that anyone who in the course of military service has been exposed to chemical, nuclear or biological agents, upon determination that he or she has conceived a child, should be entitled, at government expense, to “state of the art” tests for the purpose of ascertaining any defects present in the fetus.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
GENERAL STRIKE, RESOLUTION TO CALL FOR A
(VFP Chapter 69)
We, the members of the Veterans for Peace National Convention 2004, consider the government's proposal to postpone or cancel the National Election in the event of a terrorist attack on or close to Election Day to be a Treasonous violation of the Constitution, the freedoms of the Bill of Rights, and the Civil Liberties of every U. S. citizen?
Therefore, if the National Election is postponed or canceled, Veterans for Peace calls for an immediate nationwide general strike!
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
GUN VIOLENCE, STOPPING
(Mike Felker, Chapter 31)
Whereas, as veterans, many of us have firsthand experience with the consequences
Of guns; and
Whereas every day in the United States, 77 people, ten of whom are
Children, die in shootings; and
Whereas, as veterans for peace, we are in a unique position to work to curtail
Gun violence; and
Whereas more than 300 U.S. companies produce arms and/or ammunition, and the
country is estimated to have one of the world's largest domestic markets for small arms, an estimated 34% of the nation's 280 million citizens owning
personal firearms; and
Whereas private gun ownership is generally not subject to either licensing or registration; and
Whereas guns are a significant cause of death among U.S. citizens, especially
Urban minorities and youth; and
Whereas United States firearm homicide and suicide rates are the highest in the
developed world.
Therefore be it resolved that Veterans for Peace supports renewal of the Federal Assault Weapons Law, prohibiting the manufacture, sale and importation of certain military-style, semi-automatic assault weapons and ammunition magazines that hold more than ten rounds, which was passed in 1994 and, unless renewed, will expire in September 2004; and
Be it further resolved that VFP members are urged to work for renewal of this legislation.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention
I
IMPEACHMENT, 60 DAY NOTICE TO REMOVE TROOPS OR FACE
(Mike Ferner, VFP Chapter 39)
Whereas: The war against Iraq, having caused untold suffering and cost untold treasure, must be ended at the first possible moment, and
Whereas: The United States presence in Iraq is causing, not preventing destabilization and violence, and
Whereas: Veterans for Peace is committed to ending this immoral, unjust war of empire regardless of who wins the 2004 U.S. presidential election, and
Whereas: Active, engaged citizens have in the past and will continue to change the course of history,
Therefore: Be it resolved that Veterans for Peace, gathered in convention in Boston, demands that the next U.S. President announce, within 10 days of taking office, that he will withdraw all U.S. troops from Iraq within 60 days, and
Be it further resolved: That if this 10-day period following the inauguration passes without a publicly-announced decision to withdraw all troops from Iraq within 60 days, Veterans for Peace chapters around the nation will begin a campaign, including but not limited to, petitions calling for the impeachment of the President.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
INCARCERATED MEMBER CHAPTER FORMATION AND OPERATION
(Submitted by Michael Thomas)
Whereas, there is a voiceless population of U.S. military veterans incarcerated within this nation’s State and Federal penological facilities. These veterans constitute between 10% and 30% of any State’s prison system, and up to 25%-30% of Federal prisoners. These veterans, therefore, number approximately 150,000-200,000 individuals at any given time, out of 2,000,000 citizens incarcerated nationwide – the highest of any nation, and
Whereas, these incarcerated men and women were veterans first, before serving time. Most have family and loved ones still depending on them, while those with no one mush shift for themselves, and
Whereas, these veterans incarcerated remain eligible for benefits and services from State and Federal Veteran Administration(s) and organization(s) with only minimal restrictions. These men and women remain isolated, unwilling or unable to seek veterans assistance themselves through penological bureaucracy, and have practically no organized institutional veterans group representation, and
Whereas, these veterans incarcerated have documented higher rates of untreated PTSD, psychological disorders, and/or substance abuse addictions, as well as untreated physical ailments, most of which are service-connected or aggravated by military service. And that these veterans, when released, constitute an utterly unacceptable high proportion of the nation’s homeless and disadvantaged, and
Whereas, veterans incarcerated earn no funds while in custody, wand when institutional jobs become available, such work pays mere pennies-an-hour, rendering these men and women unable to afford organizational membership fees unless they are the few that have some form of outside support or asset(s), and
Whereas, veterans incarcerated exemplify “…the true social, and spiritual costs of war”, and embody the Veterans For Peace Statement of Purpose of “Increasing public awareness of the full costs of war” and “…to seek justice for veterans and victims of war”.
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace encourage and facilitate the formation of Veterans For Peace incarcerated Chapters nationwide, with appropriate modified By-Laws peculiar to institutional settings and with identical purposes and goals as the non-incarcerated Chapters.
Be It Further Resolved that Veterans For Peace incarcerated members shall have their membership dues waived during that member’s physical incarceration, and shall remain so waived for a period not less than six (6) months, nor longer than one (1) year, upon that members parole or discharge from physical custody with that person then transferring their incarcerated membership to a dues-paying membership of a non-institutional Chapter in their area of residence.
Be It Further Resolved that Veterans For Peace, by recognizing and organizing veterans incarcerated, shall mobilize and assist the segment of the nation’s military veterans still paying the social, economic, and spiritual costs of war, adding their significant voice to the struggle of world peace.
Approved at the 2008 VFP national convention
INSTANT RUNOFF VOTING
(Barry Hanson and Vern Simula, VFP Chapter 80, Duluth)
Whereas, corporate abuse of power is a root cause of many of our economic, political and environmental problems;
Whereas, corporate abuse of power has severely compromised both our democracy and our sovereignty as a nation state;
Whereas; corporate abuse of power has subverted our free market economic system;
Whereas, the current electoral system of the US does not allow the citizenry to express its preferences adequately;
Therefore Be It Resolved that the members of Veterans For Peace, at their convention August 17, 2002 call upon the Congress of the US to enact a bill mandating an instant runoff voting system for all Federal elections.
Passed 2002
“INTELLIGENCE FIXING”. INQUIRY INTO
(VFP Chapter 63, Albuquerque, NM)
Whereas, to date the war against Iraq has cost more than 1700 American lives and tens of thousands of Iraqi lives, and
Whereas, a recent memo from Downing Street, London says that British officials thought that “intelligence and fact were being fixed” in Washington in 2002 to justify a war against Iraq, and
Whereas, Representative John Conyers has generated a petition signed by more than 500,000 people that demands answers from the White House regarding the allegations of “intelligence and facts fixing” contained in the memo and used to coerce the United States to attack Iraq,
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Veterans For Peace, Inc. urges its members and the general public to strongly support Representative Conyers’ petition.
Approved at the 2005 national convention, Dallas, TX
INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT, RESOLUTION ON
(John Kim, Chapter 34, NY)
Whereas, one of the main purposes of Veterans For Peace is to abolish war as an instrument of foreign policy and
Whereas, the international community established the International Criminal Court (ICC)
on July 1, 2002 to prosecute those individuals who would commit serious war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide in the future;
Whereas, a successful operation of the ICC will contribute greatly to further development of international justice and peace—deterring future commission of serious war crimes or naked aggression; and
Whereas, the U.S. government is shamefully taking active measures to oppose and
undermine the ICC at this time;
Now, Therefore, Veterans for Peace (VFP), meeting at its national convention in Duluth, Minnesota, August 17, 2002,
1) Calls upon the US to stop its unjust, short-sighted opposition to the ICC immediately and join the Court at once; and
2) Urges all VFP members and chapters to wage an active campaign in support of the ICC.
Passed 2002 – Duluth, MN
INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT
(Refior)
..That VFP urges the U.S. to promptly ratify the Rome Agreement and actively participate in creating the International Criminal Court.
Board approved, Members concurred.
Approved at the 2000 VFP convention
INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC), ACCEDING TO THE
(Bruce Wick)
Following the 11 June 2004 suggestion of Chalmers Johnson that “the United States should have ratified the treaty establishing the International Criminal Court,” be it,
Resolved, by Veterans for Peace, in Annual Convention assembled,
that Congress, via joint resolution of House and Senate, accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (UN Doc. A/CONF. 183/9*)1;
That this Resolution be promptly communicated to all members of Congress; and,
That Veterans for Peace enjoins its members, officers and directors to contact their respective Senators and Representatives in support of this resolution, as well as any other members of Congress with whom they are acquainted.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
IRAN, OPPOSING MILITARY INTERVENTION IN
(Submitted by Gene Marx -Chapter 111)
Whereas, President Obama and members of his Administration have alleged that Iran poses an imminent threat to the United States, U.S. troops in the Middle East, and U.S. allies, and
Whereas, these allegations are similar to the lead-up to the Iraq War and U.S. Occupation, with the selective use of information and unsubstantiated accusations about Iran's nuclear program and its supply of weapons to Iraqi forces as centerpieces of a case to the American people for aggression against Iran, and
Whereas, the U.S. House of Representatives are currently considering resolution H.R. 1553 green-lighting an attack on the Iranian people by supporting Israel to use all means necessary to “eliminate nuclear threats” posed by Iran, and
Whereas, Iran has not threatened to attack the United States, and no compelling evidence has been presented to document that Iran poses a real and imminent threat to the security and safety of the U.S. that would justify an unprovoked unilateral pre-emptive military attack, and
Whereas, top US military leaders have warned of the many dangers of military strikes against Iran, and
Whereas, we cannot ignore the history of U.S. government misinformation used to inspire U.S. aggression in Vietnam and again in Iraq, as embodied in the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and more recently in what we know now as false claims of weapons of mass destruction, and
Whereas, Iranian activists have urged that even raising the specter of war undercuts the opposition in Iran, and
Whereas, a pre-emptive U.S. military attack on Iran would violate international law and our commitments under the U.N. Charter and further isolate the U.S. from the rest of the world, and
Whereas, an attack on Iran is likely to inflame hatred for the U.S. in the Middle East and elsewhere, inspire terrorism, and lessen the security of Americans, and
Whereas, the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and occupations have already cost the lives of more 5,600 American service men and women, and countless civilians, and
Whereas, the Iraq and Afghanistan War and occupation has cost U.S. taxpayers more than $1 trillion, depriving our cities of much-needed funds for services and infrastructure.
Therefore Be It Resolved Veterans For Peace hereby supports diplomatic engagement with Iran on nuclear issues; in pursuit of good faith negotiations toward peaceful resolutions as outlined for signatories of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the United Nations Charter.
Be It Further Resolved that VFP opposes any U.S. or Israeli attack on Iran, and urges the Obama administration to continue to pursue vigorous diplomatic engagement with that nation.
Approved at the 2010 VFP national convention
IRAQ MORATORIUM
(Submitted by Bill Christofferson, VFP Chapter 102. Endorsed by VFP Chapter 102).
Whereas the Iraq Moratorium is a national grassroots movement uniting people and groups who interrupt their daily routines to act on the Third Friday of every month to end the Iraq war and occupation, and
Whereas Veterans for Peace was one of the first national organizations to endorse the Moratorium when it began in September 2007, and
Whereas a number of Veterans for Peace chapters, and individual VFP members across the country, sponsor or participate in monthly Iraq Moratorium actions, and
Whereas the Iraq Moratorium already has sparked more than 1,200 locally-based actions in 41 states and 240 communities and helps build the national antiwar movement by encouraging and challenging members of the silent majority who say they oppose the war to do something to end it.
Therefore Be It Resolved that the 2008 national convention of Veterans for Peace renews its enthusiastic endorsement of the Iraq Moratorium and encourages its members and local chapters to sponsor, organize, and participate in Iraq Moratorium activities on the Third Friday of every month until the war and occupation end.
Approved at the 2008 VFP national convention
IRAQ WAR, END THE - VETERANS CONVOY
(Sanford Kelson and Cherie Eichholz)
Whereas, Lieutenant Ehren Watada, addressing the 2006 Veterans For Peace National Convention, observed that the Iraq War has been tearing our country apart and despite the efforts made by countless activists, including many members of VFP, this illegal and immoral war continues destroying lives at a constantly increasing rate;
Whereas, Lt. Watada called for a change in strategy, to wit: to give unconditional support to the soldiers and let them know that resistance to participation in an illegal war is not futile, that they can act on their consciences and that veterans and peace activists would support them;
Whereas, active duty soldiers who resisted and rebelled during the Vietnam War were instrumental in bringing that war to an end;
Whereas, in March 2007, approximately 15 members of VFP, Military Families Speak Out, and Iraq Veterans Against the War participated in a Veterans’ Convoy that engaged active duty military personnel on a one-on-one basis in military towns to inform them that VFP will support them in the exercise of their consciences.
Whereas, convoy members distributed “Sir, No Sir!” and “The Ground Truth” videos, a pamphlet explaining the Appeal For Redress and a G.I. Rights pocket card explaining active duty service members’ legal rights to engage in anti-war activities;
Whereas, members of the Veterans’ Convoy who were Iraq veterans stood at the front gates of the military bases wearing desert fatigues displaying signs reading: “Iraq Veterans Against the War,” and “ivaw.org”;
Whereas, the overwhelming response of active duty military personnel and the military communities to convoy participants was positive and was further evidenced by a spike in signing the Appeal For Redress and joining Iraq Veterans Against the War;
Whereas, IVAW conducted a similar convoy in June of 2007, that was equally successful, and
Whereas, staying the course solely with the traditional anti-war efforts is not sufficient.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by a sufficient majority of the members of VFP at a duly convened meeting this 18th of August 2007 in St. Louis, Missouri, as follows:
The Board of Directors of Veterans For Peace is ecouraged to actively and vigorously continue the Veterans’ Convoy project as a major effort, to work in solidarity with IVAW, and to invite West Point Graduates Against the War, Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Military Families Speak Out, Courage to Resist, the Military Task Force of the National Lawyers Guild and like organizations to join as equals in the project.
Approved as amended by the Board 8/16/07
Approved by the VFP Annual Meeting 8/18/07
IRAQ, END THE OCCUPATION OF
(Todd Boyle) 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.
Approved at the 2003 VFP Convention, San Francisco, CA
IRAQ WAR, OPPOSITION TO
(Wayne Wittman - John Amidon - Woody Powell)
Whereas the threatened invasion of Iraq by US military forces appears to be imminent, and
Whereas there has been no credible evidence offered that Iraq possesses or is developing weapons of mass destruction with the intention of using them against the US or any other nation—and there is testimony from former UN weapons inspector Scott Ritter, that the UN team concluded that no such capability existed then and is unlikely to exist in the present;
Whereas there has been no credible evidence offered linking Iraq with the terrorist organization Al Qaida or any other terrorist organization threatening the US or any other nation;
Whereas any further military action would only inflict greater injury upon innocent people, mostly civilians, already suffering from unrelenting bombing and sanctions imposed over the last eleven years and would certainly destroy that country's already severely damaged infrastructure;
Whereas any further military action is likely to more deeply undermine our national security by inflaming and adding to the number of those who find our policies at the least objectionable and often criminal;
Whereas further military action against Iraq will place the lives of US military personnel in jeopardy resulting in unnecessary death and injury to them;
Whereas the impending escalation of military action is just one more example of the US habit of applying military force to the solution of political problems, in violation of the UN charter and international law, that has already made us a pariah within most of the international community, including staunch allies of former times:
Therefore be it resolved that Veterans For Peace opposes any military action against Iraq.
Passed 2002
IRAQ, CALL FOR THE WITHDRAWAL OF NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS FROM
(Wes Hamilton, VFP Chapter 109)
Whereas, the conditions underlying the Authorization for use of Military Force against Iraq Resolution (PL 107-243), have been proven false or declared invalid;
Whereas, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (also known as the 9-11 Commission), was unable to find any connection between the tragedy of 9-11 and the people of Iraq;
Whereas, the President himself has declared the weapons of mass destruction, one of the pretexts for preemptory action, do not exist:
Whereas, there never was a threat to the security of the United States posed by
Saddam Hussein or the people of Iraq;
Whereas, the January elections in Iraq, the election of a National Assembly, and the effort to create a new constitution, all applauded by the President as indications of the birth of democracy in the region, also serve to indicate that Iraq no longer represents a threat, real or imagined, to the security of the United States;
Whereas, the United Nations sanctions, also tied to the weapons of mass destruction and to the regime of Saddam Hussein, and which serve as a secondary basis for the authorization of military action, are no longer valid;
Whereas, the Governor and State Legislature in each state have a particular responsibility to the members of the National Guard, their families and to the community that they serve;
Whereas, the National Guard was created, in part, for the protection of the citizens of state from natural disasters or threats of violence within the state boundaries, as well as to protect the sovereignty of US borders;
Whereas, National Guard troops have been called up in unprecedented numbers to serve on active duty in Iraq;
Whereas, National Guard troops have been poorly equipped and have received only rudimentary training for service in these wars, and are therefore suffering casualties at rates considerably higher than those of regular Army troops;
Whereas, National Guard troops are being subjected to unfair and involuntary extensions of duty well beyond the terms of their enlistment contracts, and their families, employers and communities have had to bear the hardship of accommodating the prolonged absence of the Guard members;
Whereas, the National Guard at home have been decimated by the mobilization of troops for these foreign wars, and whereas, with a disproportionate number of National Guard members in civilian life serving as police officers, firefighters, EMT personnel, prison guards, etc., their absence has left our own communities vulnerable and ill-prepared for any natural disaster or terrorist attack within our states’ borders;
Whereas, the prospect of further cuts to federal spending in human services and other local assistance programs, and the threat of additional cuts to the already criminally impoverished Veterans Administration, will place additional demands on currently overstressed state and local social services;
Therefore Be It Resolved: The Veterans For Peace calls for the Governors of the fifty states to exercise their power as Commander-in-Chief of their respective National Guard to publicly compel the President of the United States to justify the continued deployment of National Guard personnel in, or in support of, the military incursion in Iraq, pursuant to PL 107-243, and further to pursue and exhaust every avenue in their power to immediately bring, or cause to be brought home, all National Guard troops presently serving in Iraq, or in training for that war, and to prevent their re-deployment in support thereof.
Approved at the 2006 VFP National Convention
IRAQ WAR, REAFFIRMING OPPOSITION TO
(Woody Powell – David Cline)
In the sixteen months since March 2003, when the United States invaded Iraq, the reasons given to justify a preemptive military attack have all proven to be distortions or lies.
The cost in terms of blood and treasure (over 900 US military dead, many thousands wounded, over 150 billion dollars and counting) while unknown tens of thousands of Iraqis have been killed, many more wounded, and their country devastated by the war, the occupation and the resulting violence.
Veterans For Peace, at our 2004 convention, reaffirms our opposition to the continued occupation of Iraq as expressed in previous resolutions, and calls, once again:
1. for the return of our troops to US soil.
2. for the restoration of real sovereignty and the end of the plunder of Iraq by foreign corporations.
3. for the US government to pay for the rebuilding of Iraq through the international community.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
IRAQ, BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW - END THE OCCUPATION OF IRAQ-
MONEY FOR HUMAN NEEDS, NOT WAR- REPEAL THE PATRIOT ACT
(David Welch)
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.
Approved at the 2003 VFP Convention, San Francisco, CA
ISRAELI DEFENSE FORCE ATTACK ON GAZA HUMANITARIAN AID FLOTILLA, CONDEMNATION OF
(Submitted by Stephen S. Noetzel -Chapter 69)
Whereas, in humanitarian response to the continuing Israeli blockade preventing all commerce and delivery of civilian goods to Gaza, in the spring of 2010 an international gathering of humanitarian aid ships known as the Gaza Freedom Flotilla was organized by a coalition of over 700 human rights activists for the express purpose of delivering civilian aid cargo to the isolated population of Gaza, and
Whereas, said Flotilla, comprised of some six civilian cargo ships loaded with some 10,000 tons of donated civilian aid goods embarked from Cyprus in late May, and continued on its peaceful mission through the Mediterranean sea toward Gaza, and
Whereas, during the evening of 30 May, the aid Flotilla was intercepted by Israeli warships (in International waters, well beyond any national territorial limits), and ordered not to continue toward Gaza, and
Whereas, leaders of the aid-flotilla clearly and repeatedly communicated to the Israeli Defense Forces that the aid-flotilla carried no weapons or military supplies, and furthermore invited full inspection of the unloading of the humanitarian aid supplies once the flotilla reached Gaza, and
Whereas, the naval IDF responded that the blockade preventing delivery of all cargo to Gaza, civilian, humanitarian or otherwise would be fully enforced, and
Whereas, on the 31st of May, 2010, at approximately 04:30 GMT, (at Latitude:32.64113, Longitude:33.56727" in international waters, some 70 miles from the coast of northern Israel and 90 miles from Gaza), Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operating from (its) Naval ships and military helicopters, under cover of darkness, instituted an unprovoked commando-style raid on the Egyptian registered cargo ship Mavi Marmara, ‘flagship’ of the aid-flotilla, and
Whereas, despite pleas by aid-delivery participants who urgently assured IDF forces that their numbers consisted only of non-combatant and peaceful civilians, IDF Commandos rappelled from helicopters to the deck of the aid-flotilla flagship and immediately initiated hostile and aggressive military action against peaceful, unarmed aid-delivery participants, utilizing deadly force, including, but not limited to military small arms, automatic rifles, tear gas, blinding lights and flares, and stun grenades, and
Whereas the IDF commandos quickly escalated the illegal boarding to the perpetuation of violent and ultimately deadly action against the flotilla civilians, and
Whereas said violence escalated to severe beating and the point-blank shooting of unarmed civilians, and ultimately the murder of nine (9) flotilla participants and serious injury to many others;
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace officially condemns the aforementioned blatant attack and calls on appropriate members of the Israeli government (and) the US State Department (and) the United Nations Human Rights Commission to join in official condemnation of this unprovoked violence.
Be It Further Resolved that Veterans for Peace calls for an official investigation of the raid under the power and authority of the United Nations’ International Court of Justice (ICJ) at the Hague (aka the World Court) to determine if members of the IDF who participated in the raid, and/or members of the Israeli government who authorized the raid should face international criminal charges under international law and under auspices of said court.
Approved at the 2010 VFP national convention
ISRAEL, ENDING MILITARY AID TO
(Submitted by Bob Heberle - Chapter 27)
Whereas, Veterans For Peace has as a Statement Of Purpose, "To abolish war as an instrument of national policy" and military aid to any country is in conflict with that statement, and
Whereas, Noam Chomsky characterized the Israel 2006 attack on Lebanon as he “US-Israel invasion”, where 1,000 were killed, mostly Lebanese civilians, and
Whereas, an Israeli commander stated in December 2006 “We fired more than a million cluster bombs in Lebanon and that is widely forbidden by international law Phosphorous and cluster bombs were heavily used”, and
Whereas, Israel disproportionately killed 1,300 Palestinians in 2009 in retaliatory attacks on Gaza for the Hamas firing rockets indiscriminately that killed 13 Israelis, six of whom were reported to be civilians, and
Whereas the United States continues to supply military funding that supported the Israeli military attack that killed nine activists during the June humanitarian flotilla to Gaza, and
Whereas, in August 2007, the Bush Administration agreed to increase U.S. military assistance to Israel by $6 billion over the following decade. Israel is to receive incremental annual increases of $150 million, starting at $2.55 billion in FY2009 and reaching $3.15 billion per year for FY2013-2018, and
Whereas, The U.S. funding that pays for the guns and ammunition, F-16 bombers, and Apache helicopters that are used to carry out Israel's occupation of Palestinian land and people serves neither Israelis, Palestinians, nor Americans, and
Whereas, Israel is the second highest recipient of U.S. military aid after Colombia, and
Whereas the U. S. continues to provide Israel over $7 million a month that entitles every Israeli free universal health care while U.S. citizens do not have universal government health care;
Therefore Be it Resolved that Veterans For Peace urges the United States government to immediately stop all military aid to Israel.
Approved at the 2010 VFP national convention
ISRAEL, STOP U.S. $30 BILLION MILITARY AID TO
(Submitted by Charles Powell, Chapter 63)
Whereas Veterans For Peace is an organization which strives for Peace, Justice, and self-determination throughout the world, including the Middle East, and
Whereas the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a major flashpoint in international affairs, and
Whereas Veterans For Peace has previously:
• Called for immediate removal of the wall from all Palestinian lands
• Called for dismantlement of all Israeli settlements on the West Bank and Gaza
• Called for the end of the Israeli military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza
• Called for the return of Israel to its 1967 borders as mandated by UN resolution 242
• Called for internationally supervised negotiations for the creation of an independent Palestinian state and for resolution of all related issues of security and for the refugees “right to return,” and
Whereas the people of the region continue to suffer because of the prolonged militarization of the conflict, and
Whereas the United States is the largest single source of political, financial, and military assistance to Israel, and
Whereas the United States and Israel signed a Memorandum of Understanding in August 2007 committing the U.S. to give Israel $30 billion more in military aid over the next decade, 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 Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace calls for the U.S. government to cancel the dangerous August 2007 Memorandum of Understanding and stop the additional $30 billion in military aid to Israel.
Approved at the 2009 VFP national convention
ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT, ARAB LEAGUE PROPOSAL TO NEGOTIATE IN
(Mike Woloshin, Chicago Area VFP Chapter 26)
WHEREAS, it has long been the position of Veterans for Peace, expressed through numerous prior Convention Resolutions, that the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict must be resolved in a manner in which both Palestinian and Israeli states co-exist in peace, and
WHEREAS, in order to achieve this objective, Israel must withdraw from the occupied territories to mutually agreed to borders with the future Palestinian state in return for eace, and
WHEREAS, the Arab League has offered to negotiate with Israel, on the basis of its 2002 proposal, for Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories to mutually agreed to borders for the future Palestinian state, the establishment of the Palestinian state and a mutually agreed to solution to the issue of re-settlement of Palestinian refugees, in return for peace with and diplomatic recognition of Israel.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Veterans for Peace shall support and encourage the efforts of the Arab League to negotiate a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict in which both Palestinian and Israeli states co-exist in peace and the issue of re-settlement of Palestinian refugees is resolved by mutual agreement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the President and Members of the Board of Directors of Veterans for Peace shall draft a letter to the representatives of the Arab League, expressing the support of Veterans for Peace for the efforts of the Arab League to negotiate a peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict.
Approved by the Board 8/16/07
Approved by the VFP Annual Meeting 8/18/07
*ISRAEL - PALESTINE PEACE
Whereas the Middle East conflict continues to cause loss of life for Palestinians and Israelis and
Whereas continuation of this conflict threatens the security of the world and
Whereas the efforts of the U.S. to mediate a peace treaty have been rebuffed by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, and
Whereas Prime Minister Sharon refuses to withdraw from occupation of the Palestine Territories -
Therefore, in the recognition of the absolute need for Palestine and Israel to co-exist in Peace, Veterans For Peace calls for the US government to cut off all economic and military aid to the state of Israel until the following conditions are met:
1. The withdrawal of all Israeli presence to the boundaries defined by UN Resolution 242.
2. The establishment of a Palestinian State in the now-occupied territory.
3. The return of Israel to its original borders.
Approved 2002
*Superseded by
Resolution 14 2011
*ISRAEL - PALESTINE PEACE
(Gene Glazer, VFP Chapter 21 North Jersey)
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
Approved at the 2003 VFP convention, San Francisco, CA
*Superseded by
Resolution 14 2011
*ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT
(Gene Glazer, VFP Chapter 21)
Whereas it has been the long standing position of Veterans For Peace that a just and lasting peace between Palestine and Israel must be based upon the Palestinian peoples national right to an independent state and Israel’s right to a secure existence, and
Whereas the construction of the barrier wall on Palestinian land by the Sharon government is counter-productive to the above stated goal, and
Whereas the International Court of Justice has ruled that the wall being built on Palestinian land is a “de facto annexation” and is illegal;
Therefore VFP calls for:
1-The immediate removal of the wall from all Palestinian lands
2-dismantlement of all Israeli settlements on the West Bank and Gaza
3-the end to the military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza by the Israeli Defense Force
4-The return of Israel to its 1967 borders as mandated by UN resolution 242
5-Internationally supervised negotiations for the creation of an independent Palestinian state and all related issues of security and the refugees “right to return”
Additionally Veterans For Peace expresses our solidarity with those Israeli military personnel who have taken a stand of conscience and refuse to participate in the occupation of Palestine.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
*Superseded by
Resolution 14 2011
ISRAEL, RESOLUTION TO SANCTION IN SUPPORT OF U.S. AND INTERNATIONAL LAW
(Submitted by Jack Dresser - Chapter 92)
Whereas, the U.S. Arms Export Control Act prohibits non-defensive use of U.S.-supplied weapons, and
Whereas, Israel has launched massive, brutal and disproportionate violence and infrastructure destruction with U.S.-supplied weapons against the largely helpless population of Gaza as collective punishment, violating the Fourth Geneva Convention and other international laws, and
Whereas, Israel has attacked an unarmed humanitarian flotilla on the high seas with U.S.-supplied weapons, violating the UN Convention on the Laws of the Seas and the sovereignty of the U.S.-flagged Challenger 1 vessel, killing nine human rights activists including one American aboard the Mavi Marmara, and subjecting citizens of 40 countries including the United States to illegal abduction, torture, imprisonment and property theft, and
Whereas, Israel has attacked, intercepted, boarded and seized other Free Gaza vessels and their humanitarian cargoes in international waters in violation of international maritime law, and abducted, transported to Israel and imprisoned American citizens including former congresswoman and Green Party presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney and former U.S. diplomat and VFP member Colonel Ann Wright, and
Whereas, the U.S. Foreign Assistance Act prohibits foreign aid to any nation engaging in a consistent pattern of human rights violations, and
Whereas, Israel has continued to defy U.N. Resolutions 194, 242 and 338 demanding withdrawal to its pre-1967 borders and return of all U.N.-registered refugees to their homes as required under Articles 13 and 17 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and
Whereas, Israel has continued to impose limitations on mobility, association, commerce, property ownership, land use, marriage, and access to educational, medical and other community resources through discriminatory laws and policies, a wall determined illegal by the International Court of Justice, a network of Jewish-only roads that Palestinians cannot cross, and some 700 roadblocks and checkpoints in the West Bank, violating the Fourth Geneva Convention and Articles 13, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22 and 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and
Whereas, Israel has destroyed over 24,000 Palestinian homes and over 300,000 Palestinian olive and fruit trees that provided the agricultural base of the Palestinian economy, and continues to confiscate privately owned Palestinian properties in East Jerusalem in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention and Articles 17 and 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and
Whereas, Israel violates Palestinians’ rights to life, liberty and security required by Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, having killed 1,449 Palestinian children since September 2000 and maintained a consistent population of over 8,000 Palestinian political prisoners under their military occupation system, and
Whereas, Israel violates Palestinians’ rights to equality, justice and protection from mistreatment under the law required by Articles 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 20 and 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, applying separate, unequal and discriminatory legal systems for Jews and non-Jews within both Israel and the West Bank, and
Whereas, Israel has ignored the long-standing offer of the Arab League, including Hamas, to provide diplomatic recognition and guaranteed security to Israel upon compliance with UN resolutions 194, 242 and 338, thereby prolonging its violation of Palestinian human rights, and
Whereas, Israel has refused to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and intends to increase its nuclear weapons stockpile with U.S. “cooperation” - as recently reported by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz citing Israeli Army Radio - which would cause U.S. violation of our commitments to the NPT and thereby violation of Article VI of the U.S. Constitution defining our treaty obligations as “the Supreme Law of the Land,”
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace shall recommend that:
(1) all military aid be withheld from Israel under the Arms Export Control Act, including any transfer of U.S. nuclear materials or technology; and
(2) all other foreign aid be conditional upon Israel's compliance with international law, in particular the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Fourth Geneva Convention and long-established international laws of armed conflict, United Nations resolutions, and Israel's duties as a United Nations member state; and
(3) the United States discontinue its protection of Israel from international justice through use of United Nations Security Council vetoes, and
(4) VFP endorses the Palestinian civil society call for international Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions.
Be It Further Resolved that the Executive Director is requested to, within thirty days, issue for broad media distribution a press release publicizing this resolution.
Approved at the 2010 VFP national convention
IVINS, RAISE HELL FOR MOLLY, CAMPAIGN TO BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW
(Robert Manning)
Whereas, Molly Ivins was a nationally syndicated columnist in over 400 newspapers who had hundreds of thousands of mainstream readers that are against the US occupation of Iraq.
Whereas, in her very last public column, Molly called for every citizen in this country to protest Bush’s surge policy, to hit the streets, bang pots and pans and raise hell to demand that Congress act to end the US occupation. of Iraq.
Whereas, the Raise Hell for Molly Ivins Campaign has been created to reach out to the 7 out of 10 Americans that want our troops home now, to organize them to join pots and pans protests at the local offices of their members of Congress, and help them to raise hell until Congress acts effectively to end the US occupation of Iraq.
Whereas, the Raise Hell for Molly Ivins Campaign has developed a website (www.raisehellformollyivins.org); a video comprised of Members of the famous San Francisco Mime Troupe; a national; songwriting contest entitled: "The Ballad of Molly Ivins” with well known judges, and a growing number of monthly demonstrations at the local offices of members of Congress on the third Friday of every month.
Whereas, the Raise Hell for Molly Ivins Campaign needs help in its efforts to reach out to ordinary Americans, organize the unorganized, and expand the number of monthly pots and pans protests at Congressional offices in cities and towns throughout the United States.
Therefore, be it resolved that the members of this national convention of Veterans for Peace as a body, fully endorses, supports, and recommends to every chapter throughout the United States create a Chapter Initiative to join the Raise Hell for Molly Ivins Campaign to create a regular and accessible opportunity for people in their local areas to speak out and act to bring our troops home now.
Approved by the Board 8/16/07
Approved by the VFP Annual Meeting 8/18/07
J
JAPAN, ARTICLE 9 OF THE JAPANESE CONSTITUTION
(Gale, Chapter 45, as amended) “…that VFP investigate and take a position to advocate for Japan to keep their constitution as a model for all nations to emulate and adopt for themselves. In this regard, VFP opposes the current attempt to revise the U.S.-Japan Security Guidelines.”
Approved at the 1999 VFP Convention, Philadelphia, PA
JAPANESE CONSTITUTION, SUPPORT FOR THE ENDANGERED ARTICLE 9 OF THE
(Chuck Overby)
Whereas one of the five goals in Veterans For Peace’s (VFP) “Statement Of Purpose” is -- “To abolish war as an instrument of national policy.”
Whereas the world’s most significant legal expression of this goal exists as Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, “… the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.” Article 9 abolishes war for Japan.
Whereas the Japanese and the United States governments have been overtly and covertly, in Orwellian ways, working for the past half century to destroy Article 9 and make it easier for the USA to harness Japan’s so-called “Self-Defense-Force” (SDF) to be America’s surrogate military force in “situational” (not geographical) areas surrounding Japan.
Whereas millions of Japanese people who love Article 9 and wish to keep it alive – are growing tired and discouraged by these massive efforts to rid the world of this treasure. These dear people are losing hope and desperately need our encouragement.
Therefore, be it resolved that Veterans For Peace proclaim to Japanese people – “We as a body share your love for the wisdom and ideal that is Article 9. We encourage you in your non-violent efforts to keep your and the US government from killing it. We join you in seeing Article 9 as having arisen like a Phoenix out of the ashes and holocausts of World War II, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki – and as humanity’s cry for an end to the obscene brutality that is war. We share with you, dear Japanese friends, your vision that Article 9 is Earth’s living model for ‘rules-of-law’ to replace ‘rules-of-war.’ ”
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
JROTC – DISCONTINUANCE OF IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
(Don Thompson, Gen. George Marshall VFP Chapter #63)
…That VFP opposes Junior Reserve Officer Training (JROTC) in the public schools of the U.S. and calls for their discontinuance.
Approved at the 2000 VFP convention
JROTC, REMOVE JROTC AND MILITARY RECRUITERS FROM OUR SCHOOLS
(John Amidon , Tom Paine Chapter 10, Albany, NY)
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 confused, fearful and deadly young. Incapable of thoughtful or critical thinking and without a foundation in ethical behavior and integrity, without even a cursory understanding of our Constitution and Bill of Rights our young are easily manipulated to violate that what they have sworn to defend. JROTC works to undermine the Constitution of the United States and creates a class of uneducated young.
Policy Memorandum 50 of the U.S. Army Recruiting Command clearly demonstrates JROTC is in fact a recruiting program. Concerning military recruiters a growing body of evidence supports the fact military recruiters are lying to our children to enlist them. Promises of education, college, job skills, duty stations and a host of other rewards are offered and often cannot be deliver. Diplomas are manufactured. Some students are threatened and coerced.
Clearly as veterans sworn to defend the Constitution of the United States of America, it is our responsibility to remove JROTC and military recruiters from our
schools. Clearly as responsible parents and citizens it is our obligation to protect
children, not to support their exploitation by adults who promote violence.
Finally as mature and seasoned Veterans and citizens who have both experienced
the horrors and futility of war, we understand the importance and role of high
quality education to maintain both a Republic and Democracy. JROTC and
military recruiters in public schools are the antithesis and profoundly undermine
what is good and great about the United States of America.
Therefore be it resolved that Veterans For Peace will work to remove JROTC
and military recruiters from our schools.
Approved at the 2003 VFP Convention, San Francisco, CA
K
KOREA
(John Kim - Woody Powell - Chuck Overby - and S. Brian Willson – VFP Korea Committee)
Whereas, we are now observing the 50th anniversary of the Korean War;
Whereas, the undeclared Korean War is still continuing to this day due to the lack of a peace treaty or a permanent peace settlement between the U.S. and North Korea;
Whereas, the U.S. owes a heavy responsibility for the artificial division of Korea in 1945, establishment of a separate government in South Korea in 1948, the horrendous bombing and killing of some three million Korean civilians during the Korean War, the fanning of arms race and tensions on the Korean peninsula, and the continuous interference in the internal affairs of the Korean people;
Whereas, government leaders of South and North Korea have held a historic summit meeting and issued a Joint Declaration on June 15, 2000, promising to achieve a peaceful reunification of their country on their own initiative through mutual exchanges and cooperation; and
Whereas, the continued presence of U.S. military in South Korea has been a major source of tension, arms race and rising anti-American sentiment in Korea due to the commission of numerous crimes against South Korean civilians, including the tragic killing of two high school girls by a U.S. armored vehicle on June 13, 2002;
Now, Therefore, Veterans for Peace (VFP), meeting at its national convention in Duluth, Minnesota, August 17, 2002,
Calls upon our government to stop all threats of pre-emptive military strikes against North Korea and enter into serious negotiations with North Korea to end the Korean War officially by signing a peace treaty and normalizing our relations with North Korea;
Extends our support and solidarity to the Korean peoples’ just struggle to achieve an independent, peaceful reunification of Korea through their own efforts without foreign interference;
Calls for the immediate re-start of the withdrawal of our 37,000 troops from South Korea;
4) Calls upon our government to honor the right of the South Korean government to prosecute U.S. military personnel stationed in Korea who are accused of crimes against Korean civilians.
5) Calls upon our government to establish an independent commission to investigate
the U.S. war crimes committed in Korea and provide a formal apology and reparation to the Korean victims of U.S. war crimes, including the civilian victims of No Gun Ri massacre in South Korea; and
Urges all VFP members and other fellow Americans to wage an active campaign to realize a permanent peace and reconciliation in Korea.
KOREAN PEACE DELEGATION TO KOREA
(Submitted by Wayne Wittman, VFP Chapter 27, Endorsed by VFP Chapter 27)
Whereas the United States was a primary participant in the Korean War being actively engaged in military actions from June 1950 to July 1953 at which time an eagerly sought after military truce was finally agreed to and initiated, and
Whereas the truce has successfully ceased military war actions but a formal peace treaty has never been agreed to and Korea has continually been divided with a great deal of hostility, and
Whereas, the United States government has branded the Peoples Democratic Republic of Korea as a terrorist state and listed the country as a member of the “Axis of Evil”, and
Whereas there has recently been actions to encourage the promotion of efforts to develop the normalization of relations between the People’s Democratic Republic of Korea and the United States.
Therefore Be It Resolved that the National Veterans For Peace encourage actions, through the VFP Korean Peace Committee, to authorize a delegation to visit the Peoples Democratic Republic of Korea with the intent to promote solidarity and bilateral efforts to stimulate the development of normalization of relations between the governments of the two countries. It is understood that any cost for such a delegation will be borne by the members of the delegation itself.
Approved at the 2008 VFP national convention
KOREA, WITHDRAW FROM
(Submitted by VFP-Korea Peace Campaign - Tom Kennedy, Peter Shaw, Ted Hughes, Chuck Overby, and John Kim)
Whereas, the U.S. military in Korea is in the process of relocating its main headquarters and northern military bases to Pyeongtaek(Camp Humphreys), another U.S. base below Seoul;
Whereas, the U.S. military is in the process of expanding its Pyeongtaek military base to about 6,560 acres, doubling the current size;
Whereas, the South Korean military and police forces are carrying out the wishes of the U.S. government by expropriating the farm land in Pyeongtaek, against the wishes of some 70 farming families who want to stay on their land and villages;
Whereas, on May 4, 2006, the South Korean authority used some 15,000 police and military personnel to demolish an elementary school at Daechu-ri, Pyeongtaek and put barbed wire fence around the local farm land to be used for the base expansion;
Whereas, on the same day, more than 500 farmers and their supporters were arrested and some 300 persons were beaten and injured in the forcible occupation of the farm land;
Whereas, the primary reason for the relocation of the U.S. military bases to Pyeongtaek is to make it easier for the U.S. to launch a preemptive military attack on North Korea; and
Whereas, the relocation plan may cost several billion dollars for the U.S. and South Korean government;
Now therefore it is hereby resolved that Veterans For Peace (VFP), meeting at its national convention in Seattle, Washington, August 12, 2006,
1) Extends its warm solidarity and support to the courageous Korean farmers in Pyeongtaek who are justly resisting the U.S. military expansion there;
2) Calls upon the U.S. government to shut down its 100 military bases in South Korea and bring our troops home now, instead of relocating them below Seoul;
3) Organizes an official VFP delegation to Pyeongtaek this year to investigate the situation and show our solidarity with the struggling farmers there; and
4) Communicates this resolution to members of Congress and the White House.
Approved at the 2006 VFP National Convention
KOREA
(John Kim and W. George Johnson)
Whereas, we are now observing the 51st anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War;
Whereas, the Korean War is still continuing to this day due to the lack of a peace treaty or a permanent peace settlement between the U.S. and North Korea;
Whereas, the Pentagon’s report on the Nogun-ri massacre was a “whitewash” and merely a tip of the iceberg; and
Whereas, the U.S. owes a heavy responsibility toward Korean people for the artificial division of their country, the horrendous bombing and killing of some three million Korean civilians during the War, the fanning of the arms race and tension on the Korean peninsula, and the continuous interference in the internal affairs of the Korean people;
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby resolved, by Veterans for Peace (VFP), assembled at its national convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, August 25, 2001, that:
VFP calls upon the U.S. government to take active measures to bring the Korean War to an end by signing a peace treaty and normalizing our relations with North Korea;
VFP calls upon the U.S. government to take steps to withdraw our 37,000 troops from S. Korea and reduce billions of dollars per year in military spending;
VFP calls upon the U.S. Congress to set up an independent commission to conduct investigation into the U.S. war crimes committed during the Korean War; and
VFP urges members to organize special forums on the Korean War and participate in future peace missions of VFP to Korea.
Approved at the 2001 VFP convention
KOREA, RESOLUTION ON
(VFP-Korea Peace Campaign)
Whereas, it was recently announced that the two government leaders of Korea will hold a second inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang, North Korea on August 28-30;
Whereas, the U.S. military is going to stage another major military exercise in South Korea under the name of “Ulchi Focus Lens” (UFL) from August 20 to 31, 2007;
Whereas, the UFL is the world’s largest computer-driven war-fighting command post exercise, involving some 10,000 troops from all branches of the U.S. military—including 5,000 troops and numerous new weapons from outside of Korea—as well as an unknown number of South Korean troops;
Whereas, such major U.S. military exercises in South Korea each year raise military tensions on the Korean Peninsula unnecessarily; and
Whereas, going forward with the 2007 UFL at this time would be counterproductive to creating a favorable environment for the upcoming inter-Korean summit and the Six-Party Talks on denuclearization of Korea;
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby resolved that Veterans For Peace (VFP), meeting at its national convention in St. Louis, Missouri, August 18, 2007,
1) Welcomes the historic, second inter-Korean summit with our best wishes for further success in promoting peace, reconciliation and cooperation in Korea;
2) Condemns the 2007 UFL war game and urges the U.S. to stop all other major military exercises in South Korea in the future;
3) Decides to fax a copy of this resolution to the U.S. government and the two government leaders of Korea; and
4) Encourages VFP members and local chapters to send a copy of this resolution to their Representatives and Senators in Congress.
KOREA
(John Kim - Gordon Chapman - Gary Campbell - Roy Wolff -George McAnanama)
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
Approved at the 2003 VFP Convention, San Francisco, CA
KOREA
(VFP-Korea Peace Campaign, John Kim – Chuck Overby – Roy Wolff)
Whereas, we are observing this year the 51st anniversary of the Korean War-Armistice Agreement that halted the horrific fighting in Korea on July 27, 1953;
Whereas, the U.S. owes a heavy responsibility for the gross suffering of the Korean people by its arbitrary division of Korea in 1945, maintenance of the two Koreas by its military occupation of South Korea(ROK) and continuing nuclear blackmails against North Korea(DPRK) since 1950;
Whereas, the government and people of South and North Korea have been trying to achieve 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 40,000 U.S. troops in South Korea has been a major source of military tension and arms race in the Far East, crimes against Koreans, wasted military spending in billions of our tax dollars, and obstacles to the self-determination of the Korean people; and
Whereas, North Korea has expressed its willingness to end the Korean War, give up its nuclear weapons program and normalize its relations with the United States;
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby resolved that the Veterans for Peace (VFP), meeting at its national convention in Boston, Massachusetts, July 24, 2004,
1) Extends its warm support and solidarity to the Korean people in their just struggle to realize an independent and peaceful reunification of Korea on their own initiatives without foreign interferences;
2) Calls upon the Bush administration to stop all military buildups in and around South Korea and all threats of preemptive military strikes, including the first use of “mini-Nukes,” against North Korea;
3) Calls upon the U.S. government to take immediate steps to end the lingering 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;
4) Calls upon the U.S. Congress to establish an Independent Commission on the Korean War to investigate the U.S. war crimes committed during the War and to make recommendations for a just redress for the Korean victims of the war crimes; and
5) Calls upon the VFP members and local chapters as well as other American people to join in and support the Korea Peace Campaign for a permanent peace, reconciliation and friendship between the people of Korea and the United States.
This resolution supplements a resolution adopted by the 2003 convention
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention
L
LABOR RESOLUTION
(Submitted by Wayne Wittman and Ben Chitty)
WHEREAS Veterans For Peace has long supported the labor movement in the United States, with individual members active in U.S. Labor Against the War, and with the national organization and chapters recognizing trade union principles by adopting policies regarding the use of union made goods and services; and
WHEREAS Veterans For Peace recognizes that the right to organize is a fundamental principle for self-determination; and
WHEREAS trade unions have been under vicious and prolonged assault from employers, corporations, courts, and politicians, both here in the United States where the "right to work" means lower wages and loss of medical insurance and pensions, and in Iraq where the United States has prohibited the formation of free trade unions;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Veterans For Peace endorses and supports the rights of workers to organize trade unions and political parties in the United States as well as in Iraq and elsewhere; and acknowledges the AFL-CIO Resolution at their 2005 convention to End The Occupation in Iraq and Bring Our Troops Home.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Veterans For Peace encourages and supports the inclusion of labor activists, caucuses, and unions within the broader coalition of individuals and organizations working to end the United States occupation of Iraq, and for peace and social justice; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Veterans For Peace encourages its members who belong to trade unions to promote and support efforts within their unions to declare opposition to the war in Iraq, to demand decent treatment for soldiers, reservists, and veterans, and to practice real international labor solidarity by denouncing and abandoning
such covert operations as the recent use of the AFL-CIO's Solidarity Center to funnel funds from the so-called National Endowment for Democracy to groups plotting to overthrow the legitimate government of Venezuela.
Approved at the 2005 national convention, Dallas, TX
LABOR, VETERANS AND
(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, 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 Further 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 Further 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 Further 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.
Approved at the 2003 VFP Convention, San Francisco, CA
LAND MINE TREATY, OTTAWA
(Kim, NYC Chapter and Welber, South Florida Chapter, VFP)
“….VFP calls upon the Clinton Administration to sign The Ottawa Land mine Treaty now, without further delay or excuse; and….VFP shall be active in advocacy work for the Treaty, against production of anti-personnel land mines by U.S. companies, participation in de-mining activities, and educational outreach work on the danger of land mines or similar weapons.”
Approved at the 1999 VFP Convention, Philadelphia, PA
LANDMINES, ANTIPERSONNEL
(John Kim, Chapter 34, New York)
Whereas, antipersonnel landmines are a weapon of indiscriminate terror in violation of international humanitarian law, inflicting horrible injuries on civilians and soldiers alike, not only during war but also in peacetime;
Whereas, antipersonnel landmines are also a weapon of mass destruction in slow motion,
killing or wounding some 20,000 people around the world each year;
Whereas, 143 nations have already signed the Ottawa Ban Landmines Treaty banning use of antipersonnel landmines, and that Treaty went into effect on March 1, 1999; and
Whereas, the U.S. government has so far refused to join the Treaty, even though it is the only remaining superpower with the most advanced weapons;
Now, Therefore Veterans for Peace (VFP), meeting at its national convention
in Duluth, Minnesota, August 17, 2002, calls upon our government to join the Ottawa Ban Landmines Treaty at once, without further delay or excuse; and
Calls upon our government to remove and destroy all antipersonnel landmines
planted or in stockpile at home or abroad; and
Urges the Congress to pass a bill outlawing all U.S. production, stockpiling
or use of antipersonnel landmines.
Passed 2002
LANDMINES, ANTI-PERSONNEL
(Kim)
…That VFP calls on President Clinton to accede to the Ottawa Treaty at once, without excuse or delay. That VFP calls upon Congress to outlaw all production and stockpile of antipersonnel landmines in the U.S. And that a copy of this resolution be mailed to the President and all members of Congress.
Board approved. Members concurred.
2000 Convention
LEBANON, RESOLUTIONS ON
Resolution 1
Whereas the human costs of the current conflict in Lebanon have been overwhelming,
And whereas Hezbollah fighters continue to fire rockets at cities in northern Israel and while ground combat is takes place in southern Lebanon,
And whereas the totally disproportionate use of force and violence and the indiscriminate destruction of infrastructure by the IDF is a clear violation of international prohibitions against collective punishment and injunctions to protect civilian lives and property,
Therefore be it resolved that Veterans For Peace universally condemns the targeting of civilians by both sides and calls for the United States Government to support an immediate cease-fire and promote negotiations involving all concerned parties to resolve all border disputes and prisoner release issues.
Resolution 2
Whereas the occupation of Lebanese territory by the Israeli Defense Forces constitutes a clear violation of the sovereignty of Lebanon,
Therefore be it resolved that Veterans for Peace calls for the United States Government to use the diplomatic and economic means at its disposal to secure a removal of IDF forces from Lebanese territory. A resolution on Gaza is not in order because the 2004 convention approved a resolution which included the following:
Whereas the International Court of Justice has ruled that the wall being built on
Palestinian land is a “de facto annexation” and is illegal;
Therefore VFP calls for:
1-The immediate removal of the wall from all Palestinian lands
2-dismantlement of all Israeli settlements on the West Bank and Gaza
3-the end to the military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza by the Israeli Defense
Force
4-The return of Israel to its 1967 borders as mandated by UN resolution 242
5-Internationally supervised negotiations for the creation of an independent Palestinian state and all related issues of security and the refugees “right to return”
Approved at the 2006 VFP National Convention
LEE, REPRESENTATIVE BABBARA - VFP SALUTES FOR COURAGE
(VFP Chapter 27-Minnesota)
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.
Approved at the 2003 VFP convention, San Francisco, CA
LETHAL WEAPONS, DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF MORE AND NEW
(Maine VFP)
…a resolution to our Congressional members. ….we urge you (Congressional members) to vote for the cessation of funding for the development of the so-called electronic or Metal Storm gun.”
Approved at the 1999 VFP Convention, Philadelphia, PA. MSA, 60-3.
USS LIBERTY, JUNE 1967 ATTACK ON…
Whereas, for democracy to work in determining governmental actions in a democratic society, all citizens need prompt accurate access to information relevant to policies and actions of their government and,
Whereas, in times of national attack and security threats in our country, temporary withholding of information is often necessary to protect lives and communities and,
Whereas, in order for a society to learn from history citizens need to have full access to all information available about incidents that occur (sinking of the Maine, Tonkin Gulf attack, My Lai) and,
Whereas, the attack on an unarmed United States naval vessel U.S.S. Liberty on June 8, 1967, has never received full or honest disclosure and Naval personnel who served on the U.S.S. liberty on June 8, 1967 have been threatened with severe punishment if they described their experiences of this attack which resulted in the death of 34 U.S. servicemen and the wounding of 172 sailors and,
Whereas, the Liberty’s Captain and the members of the crew all stated they believe the Israelis planned to leave no survivors to describe the attack and,
Whereas, the U.S.S. Liberty is the most decorated ship in the history of the US Navy: The Medal of Honor for the Skipper, Captain William McGonagle; two Navy Crosses; 11 Silver Stars; 23 Bronze Stars; 206 Purple Hearts, and the Presidential unit Citation,
THEREFORE, Be it Resolved that the United States Congress initiates an in depth, full and honest investigation into the events of that day, June 8, 1967, in relation to the attack on the U.S.S. Liberty.
Passed 2002
LINCOLN BRIGADE
(Bay Area Chapter 069, San Francisco, CA)
Be It Resolved that all members of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, who volunteered in the Spanish Civil War, be accorded honorary membership in Veterans For Peace.
Approved at the 2001 VFP Convention
LIVING WAGE RESOLUTION
(Richard E. Underhill)
Whereas, approximately a third of our urban homeless have been shown to be veterans of the U.S. military services, and
Whereas, many newly-released, returning service personnel have lost the jobs or businesses they had when they went on duty, or were unemployed when they entered service, and
Whereas many are now crowding already-strained shelters or are living on the streets,
Whereas, according to the last several U.S. Conference of Mayors reports, the
federal minimum wage of $5.15 per hour is insufficient to afford anyone housing in any major city in America, and
Whereas, there are at least 10 million minimum wage workers in the United States, and
Whereas, The 2000 Conference of Mayors Report described the minimum wage as the most significant factor contributing to homelessness today and,
Whereas, there are 2 million homeless citizens in this country, and
Whereas, there is no single minimum wage dollar amount that can simultaneously satisfy the need to house minimum wage workers in some cities while not damaging small businesses in other cities, and
Whereas, a Universal Living Wage Formula has been crafted by House The Homeless, Inc. of Austin, Texas, which relates to the local cost of housing, as documented by the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) throughout the United States and ensures that any forty-hour-a-week minimum wage worker, can afford housing, and
Whereas, the Universal Living Wage Formula as devised by House the Homeless, Inc., can end homelessness for fully one-third of America’s homeless population, of whom women and children constitute the fastest-growing segment, and
Whereas, implementation of the ULW formula can prevent economic homelessness for all minimum wage workers,
Therefore be It resolved, that the organization Veterans For Peace hereby endorses and fully supports the adjustment of the federal minimum wage through the application of the Universal Living Wage Formula that ensures that a 40 hour a week, minimum wage worker, can afford at least an efficiency apartment anywhere in the United States while not spending more than 30% of his or her income on housing.
Furthermore, be it resolved that the organization supports a living or livable wage for all citizens as part of its support for veterans' reintegration into society and mitigation of the damage veterans have sustained through their military service.
Approved at the 2005 national convention, Dallas, TX
M
MEDICAL DISCHARGES
(Submitted by Lane Anderson, VFP Chapter 54. Cosponsored by Gordon Sturrock, VFP Chapter 929, Jack Dresser, Chapter 929, Bill Perry, VFP Chapter 96, Richard L. Long, VFP Chapter 54, Ron Dexter, VFP Chapter 54).
Whereas the mission statement of Veterans For Peace states that "we will work, with others to seek justice for veterans and victims of war", and
Whereas congressionally chartered organizations like the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion also are committed to seeking justice for veterans, and
Whereas thousands of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom disabled veterans are being discharged without access to the best medical and psychiatric care because they are offered and accept non medical discharges, thus limiting care to the Veterans Administration.
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace urges its members, and Chapters, to work with the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and others, to improve medical and psychiatric care for returning disabled vets by advocating for medical discharges for all disabled Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans, through Congressional representatives and our newsletters and email listserves.
Approved at the 2008 VFP national convention
MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE AND RESEARCH
(Martin Chilcutt, Michigan VFP Member)
WHEREAS, about 2.5 million American veterans suffer from a service-related disability, including over 12,000 individuals in 2005 alone who had artificial legs or arms fitted, and studies have shown that Vietnam veterans have a higher cancer rate than the general population; and
WHEREAS, the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine concluded after reviewing relevant scientific literature — including dozens of works documenting marijuana’s therapeutic value — that “Nausea, appetite loss, pain, and anxiety are all afflictions of wasting, and all can be mitigated by marijuana” and that "there will likely always be a subpopulation of patients who do not respond well to other medications"; and
WHEREAS, subsequent studies continue to show the therapeutic value of marijuana, including alleviating HIV neuropathy, for which there is no FDA-approved medication, and which is similar to the neuropathic pain suffered by amputees and others; and
WHEREAS, several veterans have endured prosecution for using marijuana to alleviate their debilitating symptoms; and
WHEREAS, the Veterans Administration has required some veterans to agree to subject themselves to drug testing — including for marijuana — or be denied pain medications; and
WHEREAS, the present federal classification of marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug, and the resulting bureaucratic controls impede additional scientific research into marijuana’s therapeutic potential, thereby making it nearly impossible for the Food and Drug Administration to evaluate and approve marijuana through standard procedural channels; and
WHEREAS, numerous organizations endorse or accept the medical and therapeutic benefits of marijuana, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of HIV Medicine, American Nurses Association, American Public Health Association, the British Medical Association, California Medical Association, Health Canada, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Lymphoma Foundation of America, and the Medical Society of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, a national Gallup poll released in November 2005 found that 78% of Americans support “making marijuana legally available for doctors to prescribe in order to reduce pain and suffering”; and
WHEREAS, patients are using medical marijuana in 12 state-sanctioned programs but still face possible federal prosecution of up to one year in jail for simple possession and up to five years for cultivation of any amount of marijuana; and
WHEREAS, the Ninth U. S. Court of Appeals, in the case of Walters v. Conant, upheld the right of physicians to recommend medical marijuana to patients without federal government interference, and the United States Supreme Court declined to hear the federal government's appeal of this ruling; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that thousands of veterans are using marijuana in accordance with doctors’ recommendations for therapeutic and/or palliative relief, yet they are also put at risk of being denied medical treatments by the Veterans Administration if they test positive for marijuana; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that Veterans for Peace supports legislation that eliminates criminal and civil penalties for the doctor-advised, medical use of marijuana by patients with serious physical medical conditions; and be it further
RESOLVED, that Veterans for Peace urges the Veterans Administration and its doctors not to withhold treatments from a patient under their care simply because they test positive for marijuana; and be it further
RESOLVED, that Veterans for Peace strongly urges that in a state where patients are permitted to use marijuana medicinally for serious and/or chronic illnesses and a patient's physician has recommended its use in accordance with that state's law and that state’s medical practice standards, the patient should not be subject to federal criminal penalties for such medicinal use.
Approved by the Board 8/16/07
Approved by the VFP Annual Meeting 8/18/07
MEMBERSHIP, AMMENDMENT OF VFP BY-LAWS
(John Kimber, David Cline)
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.
Approved at the 2003 VFP Convention, San Francisco, CA
MEMBERSHIP POLICY, CHANGE TO
(Kenneth A. Dalton)
That all members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty who wish to join Veterans For Peace be given free membership while on active duty. The reason for this resolution is that I believe it is necessary for us to get our message out to members of the Armed Forces and to encourage "Friendly Debate" within the military concerning the war in Iraq and other potential military adventures of the right wing. Furthermore, as these people are discharged, I believe they will become a vital resource to the growth of our organization.
Remember, wars end when soldiers, sailors and air men refuse to fight.
Approved at the 2005 VFP Convention, Dallas, TX
MERCHANT MARINE OF WORLD WAR II, BELATED THANK YOU TO THE
(Winston Elstob, VFP Chapter 46)
WHEREAS H.R. 3729, currently pending in Congress, would correct an injustice that has been inflicted upon a group of WW II Veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine; and
WHEREAS, while it is impossible to make up for 40 years of unpaid benefits; and
WHEREAS the average age of Merchant Marine veterans is now 81, many of whom have outlived their savings; and
WHEREAS unfortunately this group of brave ones were denied their rights under the G.I. Bill of Rights enacted by Congress in 1945; and
WHEREAS during World War II Merchant Mariners suffered a higher casualty rate than any other branch of service while they delivered troops, tanks, food, airplane fuel and other supplies to every theater of war; and
WHEREAS General Douglas MacArthur recognized the value and often valiant services of American Merchant Marine and said, “I hold no branch in higher esteem than the Merchant Marine,” and Franklin D Roosevelt when he signed the GI Bill of Rights stated, “I trust the Congress will soon provide similar opportunity to the Merchant Marine who have risked their lives time and time again for the welfare of their country”, and when President Roosevelt died Congress failed to pass such a bill for mariners;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED That Veterans For Peace, do hereby adopt the resolution in support of H.R. 3729 Belated Thanks to the Merchant Marine of World War II Act of 2004, which would correct an injustice that has been inflicted upon a group of WW II veterans, the World War II U.S. Merchant Marine, offer compensation for years of lost benefits, and pay each eligible veteran or surviving spouse a monthly benefit of $1000.
(Winston Elstob, VFP Chapter 46)
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
MILITARY BUDGET REDUCTION
(Refior)
…That VFP urges substantial reduction in U.S. defense spending (except for military pay and benefits, veterans benefits, and negotiations for worldwide arms reductions)
Board approved. Members concurred.
2000 Convention
MILITARY RECRUITING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS
(Todd Boyle - Gary Davis)
WHEREAS military recruiters routinely solicit young people before the
age they can legally enlist, and
WHEREAS the Pentagon spends $4 Billion annually on advertising and
recruiting, much of it aimed at children under 18, and
WHEREAS these communications are one-sided, omitting critical
information and often misrepresent the full reality of military service, and
WHEREAS schools and other social institutions have been wholly
incapable and negligent in informing young people of the truth about war and
enlistment.
BE IT RESOLVED that Veterans for Peace condemns all military
recruitment activities involving minors under 18, and calls for legislation to
prohibit
1. all advertising and marketing, video games, or other mass
communication from the Department of Defense to individuals under 18. This
includes the termination of the JROTC program and all other programs
involving high school students, including the “No Child Left Behind” act.
2. the Department of Defense from initiating any communication, phone
calls, or conversations, etc. with any individual under the age of 18,
and,
3. engaging (including responding to inquiries) with any individual
under the age of 17.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
MILITARY SPENDING AND LEGITIMATE DEFENSE
(Todd Boyle)
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.
Approved at the 2003 VFP Convention, San Francisco, CA
"MILLION WORKER MARCH", SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATE IN THE
(VFP Chapters 69 and 101)
VFP adopts a position of support for and participation in the "Million Worker March" October 16, 2004, in Washington, D. C. Chapters and members are asked to help organize local veterans, especially homeless veterans to go to Washington and form a veterans' contingent in the action.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
MINEFIELDS, UNA OF THE USA “ADOPT A MINEFIELD” PROGRAM
(Gale, Chapter 45, and Welber, South Florida Chapter) “…that VFP (a) endorse the UNA project; (b) encourage chapters to participate in the UNA project, to educate the public and raise funds; (c) encourage chapters to coalition with local peace, justice and environmental groups, including the local UNA chapter, to raise funds.”
Approved at the 1999 VFP Convention, Philadelphia, PA. MSA, 51-7.
MISSILE DEFENSE
(Alex Maximiac/Joe Powers, Chicago Chapter)
Resolved, that the Bush Administration and members of Congress be strongly urged to rescind steps taken for a unilateral course of action and resume diplomatic negotiations within the international framework established by the Anti-Ballistic Treaty of 1972 and the Strategic Arms Reduction Talks of 1991.
Approved at the 2001 VFP convention
N
NATIONAL GUARD, DEFEDERALIZING THE
(Submitted by Jan Barry, Ken Dalton, and Frank Dunn, VFP Chapter 21; Carl Foster, Al Jaccoma, John Mac Dougall, and Dennis O’Neill, VFP Chapter 34; Camillo “Mac” Bica and Thomas Brinson, VFP Chapter 138)
Whereas President Bush was authorized to federalize the National Guard of the United States in October 2002 under the Authorization for the Use of Military Force ("AUMF") because of the assertion that Iraq had Weapons of Mass Destruction, and to enforce relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and
Whereas it has long been undisputed that there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, and there are no relevant UN Security Council Resolutions remaining to be enforced within the meaning of the AUMF, and this war has resulted in horrific death, destruction, grievous loss and harm against the people of both the United States and Iraq, including the 260,000 National Guard soldiers who were federalized, and imposed economic and innumerable forms of hardship on those states in the United States from whence they came, and
Whereas in 2008-2009 half the soldiers scheduled to be deployed to Iraq by the Department of Defense and President will belong to National Guard units, at a time of widespread floods, fires, and other emergencies for which the National Guard was created to assist their native states, but for which they and most of their equipment will not be available, having been deployed to the war in Iraq.
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace endorses and supports the national campaign initiated by the Liberty Tree Foundation to defederalize the National Guard units, to petition the Governors of all the States of the United States to withhold permission to deploy their state National Guard troops and units to Iraq, and to urge the President and Department of Defense to recall National Guard troops and units now deployed to their stateside duties, unless and until the Congress of the United States issues a valid declaration of war against Iraq.
Approved at the 2008 VFP national convention
9/11/2001 ATTACKS INSIDE THE UNITED STATES, SUPPORT A VALID INVESTIGATION INTO THE NATIONAL SECURITY FAILURES OF THE
(Submitted By Harold Saive, Chapter 32)
Whereas the pretext for two illegal wars of occupation, torture and war crimes was justified by the catastrophic events of 9/11/2001, and
Whereas Congress was blocked by the White House from their intended investigation in connection with the massive national security failures of 9/11/2001- (1), and
Whereas not one person has since been held accountable for the national security failures that allowed the 9/11/2001 attacks to succeed, and
Whereas Lee Hamilton, Co-chair of the 9/11 Commission confessed that his Commission was, in his words, “Set up to fail” - (2), and
Whereas significant un-answered questions remain that challenge the official story of the events of 9/11/2001 - (3a,b-4), and
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace supports a legitimate and non-partisan investigation into the catastrophic national security failures of 9/11/2001.
Approved at the 2009 VFP national convention
NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT
(F. Lincoln Grahlfs – Mike Dedrich)
Whereas the United States now possesses more nuclear weapons than any other nation
And whereas the United States has been a ratified signatory to many nuclear non-proliferation treaties since World War II
And whereas nuclear weapons result in radioactive fallout that contaminates a vast area around any target, making it hazardous both for occupying troops and for people who live and work in the area.
And whereas radioactive debris from a nuclear detonation is carried around the world, effecting the health of everyone
And whereas the very presence of nuclear weapons engenders an atmosphere of fear and consequent international stability,
And whereas the Untied States has called upon other nation states to reduce or eliminate nuclear weapons stockpiles,
And whereas technology does exist for effective monitoring and detection of nuclear weapons,
VFP therefore calls upon the government of the United States to halt immediately the manufacture of nuclear weapons components and to take all reasonable steps toward universal nuclear disarmament.
Approved at the 2003 VFP Convention, San Francisco, CA
NUCLEAR TEST BAN TREATY – See “C” - COMPREHENSIVE TEST BAN TREATY
NUCLEAR WEAPONS, OPPOSE MINI-NUKES
Whereas: The Bush administration with Pentagon support, proposes to develop a new generation of small, lower-yield nuclear weapons that have popularly been called Mini Nukes and formally known as ‘low yield nuclear weapons.
Whereas: Our military and the current administration seemed to think such nuclear weapons would be appropriate to use on the battlefield.
Whereas: Such a development program will require testing that experts agree will, with certainty, add to the radiation contamination of the world's environment and will also send a signal to other nations that this kind of testing is an acceptable thing to do.
Whereas: Development of this new generation of nuclear weapons will certainly be a stimulus for further nuclear proliferation worldwide, thus stimulating the arms race anew, increasing the possibility of full scale nuclear war and correspondingly increasing the danger of obliteration to all living beings on our small and fragile planet.
Whereas: A key element of the Veterans For Peace Statement of Purpose reads, "End the arms race and reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons."
Therefore: We, the members of Veterans For Peace, deplore this dangerous attempt by our government to develop a new generation of nuclear weapons. We invite all people concerned by our government's movement in this direction to contact their elected representatives and voice their unequivocal opposition to this proposed nuclear development program.
Approved at the 2003 VFP Convention, San Francisco, CA
P
PALESTINE, DEMOCRACY IN
(Scott Satterwhite, Pensacola Chapter, VFP)
Where as Veterans for Peace is an organization which strives for Peace, Justice, and self-determination throughout the world, including the Middle East and
Where as Veterans for Peace has consistently opposed US intervention in the internal affairs of foreign countries since its inception and
Where as Veterans for Peace is an organization that cherishes democracy
Therefore, let it be resolved that Veterans for Peace, Inc will sign to the
petition started by the US Campaign to end the Israeli Occupation opposing the anti-democratic and anti-Palestinian HR4681, The Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 as soon as possible.
Approved at the 2006 VFP National Convention
PALESTINE, RESOLUTION ON ECONOMIC SUPPORT FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE IN
(Michelle J. Kinnucan, Chapter 093)
WHEREAS Veterans For Peace is dedicated to the cause of world peace and to seeking justice for the victims of war; and,
HEREAS the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a major flashpoint in international affairs; and,
WHEREAS the people of the region continue to suffer because of the prolonged militarization of the conflict; and,
WHEREAS the United States is the largest single source of governmental and non-governmental financial assistance to Israel; and
WHEREAS all forms of international intervention and peace-making have until now failed to bring about compliance on the part of the Israeli government with international law as embodied in countless UN resolutions and world court decisions; and
WHEREAS such compliance would be in the interest of both the Palestinian and Israeli people, irrespective of the position of the Israeli government, and
WHEREAS the demand for such compliance underlies the historic VFP support for peace activists within Israel in opposition to their government’s policies
Therefore, inspired by the model of the South African struggle against apartheid and the international solidarity which made it effective, and in support for the call by more than 170 Palestinian political parties, unions, associations, coalitions, and organizations for such economic actions,
BE IT RESOLVED that Veterans For Peace calls for boycott, divestment, and other actions against economic activities that support Israel’s continued occupation and colonization of Palestinian lands and the denial of fundamental human rights to Palestinians both in Israel and in the occupied territories; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such actions be continued until such time as the Government of Israel complies with international law and the universal principles of human rights; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that Veterans For Peace urges its members and chapters to work actively to support such boycotts, divestment, and economic actions which seem to them best calculated to bring about a change in Israeli government policy for the benefit of both the Israeli and Palestinian people.
Approved at the 2005 national convention, Dallas, TX
PATRIOT ACT – See under “I”, RESOLUTION IRAQ, BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW - END THE OCCUPATION OF IRAQ- MONEY FOR HUMAN NEEDS, NOT WAR- REPEAL THE PATRIOT ACT
PEACE, DEPARTMENT OF – See “D”, Department of Peace
PINON CANYON LAND PRESERVATION
(Submitted by Charles Butler, Chapter 129)
Whereas on June 2nd 2009 Chapter 129 as part of Veterans For Peace Mission ... to seek justice for all ... victims of war ... and to point out the ... cost of war ... in support of the Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition (PCEOC) Chapter 129 arranged for members of PCEOC to put on public presentation in Pueblo, Colorado; and, members of VFP 129 decided to support PCEOC’s opposition to Army’s expansion and decided to submit a resolution to VFP’s 24th National VFP Convention in Washington D.C; ranching in Southeastern Colorado, and
Whereas, the Army in 1984 obtained for a maneuver site some 240,000 acres in Southeastern Colorado and now the Army’s proposes to expand the maneuver site by some 450 million acres which would destroy ranch land grazing for 400,000 cattle and ranching, and
Whereas PCEOC is a coalition of ranchers, archaeologists, paleontologists, environmentalist, artists, business people and owners who oppose the Army’s taking of said Pinon Canyon land; have obtained help of Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Senator Sal Pace, and US Congressman John Salazar in stalling appropriations needed and have limited the Army to the 245,000 acres it has, and
Whereas, the Army’s proposed take over will eliminate tax revenues from land and property including improvements to land, thereby the economies of local communities, towns, and cities will be seriously affected in not eliminated; and, the Army’s taking of additional ranch land will require substantial taxpayer dollars to pay for condemnation and eminent domain, and
Whereas the Pinon Canyon lands have great historic value; they contain: early pioneer wagon tracks and dinosaur tracks; thousands of Native American sites; early Hispanic Placitas; Santa Fe Train encampments, pioneer ranching operations, remains of dinosaurs (Allosaurus & Brontosaurus); habitat for thousands of plant and animal species, including the only mammal to survive Cretaceous Extinction, the pronghorn.
Therefore Be It Resolved the national organization of Veterans for Peace supports PCEOC and agrees to limit the Army to 245, 000 acres it has obtained and opposes and objects to using any further federal funds to expand the PCMS in Southeastern Colorado.
Approved at the 2009 VFP national convention
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
(Michael Hoffman)
There is a well-established body of knowledge and treatment methodologies associated with the psychologically damaging effects of violence and killing (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) upon individuals, especially those exposed to intense combat.
Despite US military claims that they learned an important lesson about PTSD from Vietnam, they have been deliberately overlooking and downplaying symptoms of PTSD. Even when they have diagnosed soldiers with PTSD, many have been re-deployed into combat by superiors who are saying that doing so is good for their mental health because it will allow them to “face their fear”. This is contrary to every non-military professional opinion ever given on the proper treatment of PTSD.
The US military is also discharging men and women obviously suffering from PTSD without diagnosis, proper treatment and proper follow-up. Also, since it is well known that symptoms often don’t appear for sometimes months and years after discharge, there is little or no provision for monitoring, evaluation and care subsequent to discharge.
Even when evaluations are given and treatment indicated, people are being made to wait six months or longer to obtain help.
There is current testimony that Marines, suffering from and seeking treatment for PTSD, have been manipulated, intimidated, threatened with discipline, rather than offered treatment. Some are even beaten to force them into actions that would permit the Corps to give them something other than honorable discharges and relieve the Corps of any responsibility for their subsequent mental condition. There is evidence that this practice extends to other services as well.
RESOLVED:
We call for a congressionally-appointed watchdog commission with broad powers to investigate and report on the treatment of military personnel suffering from PTSD and other psychological disorders or conditions.
Further, we call on congress to establish and fully fund military physical and mental healthcare that will be available to both active duty military, reserves, National Guard and veterans. We insist that is not be controlled by the military itself and funded separately from the military budget.
We demand that any system set up to these criteria be accountable to the people the system is designed to serve; all military men and women past and present and future
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE FUND, ESTABLISH A PRIVATELY FUNDED
I propose that the VFP Board of Directors, with the consent of the membership, establish a Veterans For Peace Prisoner of Conscience fund (VFP/POC) to provide financial assistance to those who suffer jail time and/or a fine for their act of conscience, if it is sought.
The VFP/POC fund, generated by private, not membership funds, will be governed by guidelines that a committee, appointed by the president, will submit to the VFP Board for final approval.
Rationale:
This resolution is an outgrowth of my recent desire to give support to the SOA prisoners of conscience. It has always been my concern that those who risk jail and fines deserve support, if they seek it.
In addition to the fine, there is often a loss of income from their altered economic status.
Passed 2002
PRISONER ABUSE RESOLUTION
(VFP Chapters 69 and 101)
The members of Veterans for Peace National Convention 2004 propose an in-depth and scrupulous investigation into abuse and mistreatment of prisoners in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo.
Allegations of torture and abuse in other parts of Iraq lead us to believe that crimes against Iraqi citizens reach far beyond the ominous walls of Abu Ghraib Prison. The abuse appears to have been directed and coordinated by someone very high in the chain of command. An investigation must be conducted to expose ALL involved, whether they be in the chain of command, military advisors to the prisons, contract personnel, or U. S. government interrogators.
We believe that the enlisted personnel charged were following unlawful orders. Their actions appear to have been directed by their superiors, who were possibly directed by others even higher. Private interviews should be given to all personnel willing to come forward to report prisoner abuse anywhere.
In the interest of justice, the prisoner abuse investigation should go beyond the scope of atrocities committed at Abu Ghraib. All persons in the chain of command who participated in these crimes should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
PRISONER TORTURE
(VFP Chapter 27)
Whereas the Geneva Convention details the treatment of prisoners of war and other detainees; and
Whereas as a co-author of said convention on August 12, 1949 the United States of America expects it¹s soldiers and other personnel to be treated in accordance with the provisions of the convention; and
Whereas the Defense Department in cooperation with the Justice Department of the United States of on March 6, 2003 determined per “Working Group Report” that the United States is not required to abide by said convention with regard to Al Qaida, Taliban or other “detainees” currently in custody throughout the world
Therefore be it resolved that Veterans for Peace requests the immediate dismissals or resignations of Attorney General John Ashcroft and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfield
Be it further resolved that all parties who bear responsibility for the torture of “detainees” be prosecuted to the fullest extent under the laws of the United States of America and International Laws including War Crime Statutes.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
R
RECRUITING STAND-DOWN
(Submitted by Hal Muskat, Chapter 69)
WHEREAS and because Veterans For Peace has consistently opposed the current war against Iraq; and,
WHEREAS dishonest military recruitment tactics are widely documented nationwide; and,
WHEREAS VFP is on record as countering dishonest-recruiting by the military and supporting alternatives to militarism for our nations youth; and,
WHEREAS VFP supports the free and informed choice of potential enlistees; and,
WHEREAS VFP wishes to protect young adults against aggressive recruitment tactics; and ,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Veterans For Peace call for and support a National One Week Recruitment Stand down, which would occur in the week prior to July 4, 2006, a key week for military recruitment.
Approved at the 2005 national convention, Dallas, TX
RESOLUTION – 2005 NATIONAL CONVENTION MASTER
Veterans For Peace, at their 2005 National Conference, hereby reaffirm all relevant resolutions adopted at their previous conventions. A comprehensive listing of these resolutions, in their complete text, appears on the VFP Website. The following is a summary of the salient items:
1. Resolved that Veterans For Peace supports fair and free elections and, in that interest, encourages its members to avail themselves of opportunities to participate in the monitoring of elections.
2. Resolved that Veterans For Peace declares its ongoing solidarity with the people of El Salvador.
3. Resolved that Veterans For Peace oppose any attempt to amend the United States Constitution for the purpose of outlawing “desecration” of the United States Flag. Be it further resolved that we condemn attacks, negative publicity and boycotts aimed at silencing citizens, and in particular entertainers and public figures who express opinions in opposition to government policy. We consider such actions as violations of the freedom of expression guaranteed in the Bill of Rights, which we pledged to defend.
4. Resolved that Veterans For Peace demands that all persons throughout the chain of command who may be directly or indirectly responsible in any way for administering or countenancing torture and inhumane treatment of prisoners or detainees be prosecuted to the full extent of the US law and of international protocols.
5. Resolved that Veterans For Peace calls upon the United States Government to desist from the use of all weapons a component of which consists of toxic chemicals, biological agents or radioactive material, including so-called depleted uranium. We further call upon the government to enter into SERIOUS international negotiations aimed at outlawing and ultimately eliminating all such weapons. We further call upon the government to provide screening for genetic anomalies of all personnel who have been exposed to any of these agents. Be it further resolved that we support all efforts both to outlaw the use of landmines and to clean up areas which have been infested with these mines.
6. Resolved that Veterans For Peace call upon the Government of the United States to lift the embargo on Cuba and take meaningful steps aimed at normalizing relations with that nation.
7. Resolved that Veterans For Peace supports a ban on assault weapons and urges the congress to restore the legislation imposing such a ban.
8. Resolved that Veterans For Peace urges the United States negotiate a meaningful peace treaty with North Korea and to encourage the Korean People in the peaceful reunification of their nation.
9. Resolved that Veterans For Peace calls upon the armed forces of the United States to cease recruiting youths under the age of twenty, to eliminate recruitment activities in high schools and, particularly, to abolish the JROTC.
10. Resolved that Veterans For Peace calls for an end to involuntary extensions of military service such as the so-called “stop loss” procedure.
11. Resolved that Veterans For Peace insists that the United States not only maintain a peaceful relationship with Viet Nam and the Vietnamese people, but that humanitarian assistance for the damage caused to that country by toxic chemicals be continued.
12. Resolved that Veterans For Peace insists that the United States adhere conscientiously to the provisions of all treaties and international agreements which have been ratified by the senate. Such treaties are identified by the United States Constitution as the law of the land and therefore cannot be abrogated by executive decree. We further resolve that the United States Government should become a party to the International Criminal Court. Be it further resolved that the United States Government cease its unilateralist policies and commence behaving as a member of the community of nations.
13. Resolved that Veterans For Peace calls upon the nation of Israel to dismantle all settlements illegally erected in Gaza and the West Bank, and to cooperate with the Palestinian People in the establishment of an independent Palestinian State. Be it further resolved that we call upon the people of both Israel and Palestine to recognize each other’s right to exist within secure borders.
14. Resolved that Veterans For Peace calls upon the United States Government to return all lands on the island of Vieques to their rightful owners, provide for an adequate cleanup of the island and compensate those residents of Vieques whose health has been affected as a consequence of government activity there.
15. Resolved that Veterans For Peace proclaims its support for Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, which renounces war as an instrument of national policy and holds it as a model for other nations, including our own.
16. Resolved that Veterans For Peace reaffirms its opposition to the war against Iraq and calls upon the United States Government to bring the troops home now. It is further resolved that necessary funding for the country’s infrastructure, which has been seriously undermined by the Iraq War, be re-established.
17. Resolved that Veterans For Peace calls upon the government to provide all possible assistance to veterans returning from combat. This includes medical care and psychological counseling.
18. Resolved that Veterans For Peace supports the concept of a cabinet level department of peace
19. Resolved that Veterans For Peace calls for the abolition of the US Army’s Western Hemisphere Institute for Security and Cooperation, formerly known as the School of the Americas. Resolved also that the United States Government should desist from interfering in the internal affairs of Latin American nations and should not provide support to repressive governments.
20. Resolved that Veterans For Peace states its opposition to state-imposed executions (death penalty) as well as to the imposition of life sentences without any possibility of parole.
21. Resolved that Veterans For Peace declares its opposition to the government’s current efforts to develop an anti-missile shield and declares emphatically that space should be kept free and unarmed.
22. Resolved that United States pay in full all its dues to the United Nations and participate cooperatively in the deliberations of that body.
Approved at the 2005 national convention, Dallas, TX
ROVE, CARL… FOR THE DISMISSAL OF
(Submitted by F Lincoln Grahlfs)
Whereas the “leaking” of Valerie Plane’s identity as a CIA operative appears to have been in retaliation for the fact that her husband (Joseph Wilson) had seriously undermined the Bush Administration’s rationale for war against Iraq; and
Whereas President Bush said there was no place in his administration for anyone who was responsible for such a leak; and
Whereas it is a violation of federal law to disclose the identity of a CIA agent; and
Whereas Karl Rove has acknowledge that he was, indeed, a source of information that Joseph Wilson’s wife worked for the CIA; and
Whereas Mr. Rove’s defense that he never mentioned her by name is irrelevant, as he identified her as Joseph Wilson’s wife (of which Mr. Wilson has only one); and
Whereas this action has both ruined the career of a loyal public servant and potentially seriously compromised national security;
Therefore be it resolved that Veterans For Peace calls for the immediate dismissal of Karl Rove from government service.
Approved at the 2005 national convention, Dallas, TX
S
SCHOOLS , CURTAIL MILITARISM IN, AND PROTECT STUDENT PRIVACY RIGHTS
(Submitted by Chapter #62, AJ Muste Chapter)
Whereas Section 9528 of the No Child Left Behind Act mandates schools to provide military recruiters with the name, address, and phone numbers of secondary students and mandates that military recruiters have open access to public schools at all times; and
Whereas, student privacy rights are ignored and they are disenfranchised by Section 9528; and
Whereas military recruitment does not belong in any federal statute on public education; and
Whereas military recruiters are often deceitful to students and use high-pressure sales tactics; and
Whereas the Iraq war and the war budget have diverted huge amounts of resources from funding for continued education by children of working families;
Therefore, be it resolved that Veterans for Peace seeks to eliminate Section 9528 from any reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act and will publicize the destruction of student privacy caused by Section 9528, and
Be it further resolved that each chapter of Veterans for Peace is encouraged to inform their state’s congressional delegation of its opposition to Section 9528 of the No Child Left Behind Act, and to take action to combat militarism within the public schools in their localities.
Approved by the Board 8/16/07
Approved by the VFP Annual Meeting 8/18/07
SEXUAL HARASSEMENT OF WOMEN IN THE MILITARY
(Sara Rich - Cecily Light Chapter 118)
Whereas, over 202,000 women are currently serving in the military service.
Whereas, over 155,000 have served on active duty in the combat zones of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Whereas, nearly 600 reported sexual assaults against women have occurred in these combat zones.
Whereas, in a Defense Department study done in 1995 found that 72% of women had experienced “sexist behavior” and 47% had received “ unwanted sexual attention.”
Whereas, a Veterans Administration study done in 1992 estimates between 60,000 and 200,000 women veterans were sexually assaulted while on active duty.
Whereas, the Department of Defense Memorandum explicitly states: Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that involves unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal and physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
1. submission to or rejection of such conduct is either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a persons job, pay or career.
2. submission to or rejection of such conduct by a person is used as a basis for career employment decisions affecting that person.
3. such conduct interferes with an individuals performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
4. any person in a supervisory or command position uses or condones these behaviors…is engaging in sexual harassment.
Therefore, be it resolved, that Veterans for Peace calls for the the President, Congressional Armed Forces Committees, Department of Justice, Department of Defense, Court of Military Appeals and the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Military, to add a punitive article to the Uniform Code of Military Justice on Sexual Harassment. (Add a section A to the current Article 120 on Rape and Carnal Knowledge.)
Approved by the Board 8/16/07
Approved by the VFP Annual Meeting 8/18/07
SHADOW PROJECT, RECOGNITION OF THE
(Eric Bagai)
Whereas, the bombing of Hiroshima is one of the many atrocities of WWII;
Whereas those other atrocities -- the Holocaust, the Tokyo and Dresden
Fire-bombings, the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, the Rape of Nanking, the Bataan
Death March, the loss of 27 million military and civilian lives in the USSR, and many other events -- are no less worthy of recognition and remembrance;
Whereas the bombing of Hiroshima was unique among atrocities only in that it was the first use of atomic weapons in war;
Be it resolved that Veterans For Peace hereby recognizes and endorses The International Shadow Project, a memorial to the dead of Hiroshima, observed each year by replicating in chalk on the streets of the world, the nuclear shadows of vaporized humans first seen on August 6, 1945. Be it further noted that, with Veterans For Peace, the Shadow Project honors the lessons of history and calls for the abandonment of all nuclear weapons and all weapons and actions of mass destruction, and an end to all wars between nations.
Approved at the 2005 national convention, Dallas, TX
SOA/WHISC RESOLUTION
(Wayne Wittman)
Whereas: The School of Americas Watch (SOAW) has effectively portrayed the US Army's School of the Americas/ Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation as a US terrorist training camp both directly and indirectly responsible for the death and oppression of hundreds of thousands of the Latin American people through its operation at Ft. Benning, GA;
Whereas: SOAW has persevered in monitoring the actions of SOA/WHISC graduates and determined that their behavior remains criminal and oppressive;
Whereas: The United States government, through the SOA/WHISC remains intent on dominating the governments of Latin America, as witnessed by the recent coup attempt in Venezuela which involved SOA/WHISC graduates, thus demonstrating that SOA/ WHISC remains a terrorist training camp still needing to be closed;
Therefore Be It Resolved—that Veterans For Peace endorses the September 23 - 25 drop of "The New Patriots" video and "Warriors to Resistors" booklet at all Congressional offices in "Washington DC in our continued support for House Resolution 1810 - a bill to cut funding for the SOA/WHISC, and appeals to its members to urge our representatives to co-sponsor.
Be it further resolved that Veterans For Peace endorses the annual SOAW demonstration at the gate of Fort Benning on November 15 to 17, 2002 calling for the School to be closed and encourages its members to attend in mass.
Passed 2002
SOA - CONTINUE SUPPORT TO CLOSE SCHOOL OF THE AMERICAS/WHISC
(John Amidon, Tom Paine Chapter 10, Albany, NY) 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.
Approved at the 2003 VFP Convention, San Francisco, CA
SPACE, PRESERVING SPACE FOR PEACEFUL USE
(Chapter 61, Bi-State IL/MO)
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.
Approved at the 2003 VFP Convention, San Francisco, CA
SPACE, AGAINST WEAPONS AND NUCLEAR POWER IN SPACE…
(Thompson)
That VFP supports the global network against weapons and nuclear weapons and nuclear power in space. And further, VFP urges its members to work with global network in any way feasible to prevent the U.S. from deploying weapons and nuclear weapons in outer space.
The Board approved. Members concurred.
2000 Convention
SPACE, OPPOSITION TO "STAR WARS"
(Refior)
…That VFP supports the Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty and opposes plans for a missile defense program.
Board approved. Members concurred.
2000 Convention
SPACE, NO WEAPONS IN…
(VFP South Florida Chapter and Broward Citizens for Peace and Justice)
“….VFP opposes Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System and (urges that the U.S.) Continue to abide by the provisions of the ABM Treaty, which outlaws the development of weapons systems like the BMD. Our resolution is in accordance with (the understanding that) while BMD is supposedly to be used for defense, its dual use for offensive purposes is quite clear.”
Approved at the 1999 VFP Convention, Philadelphia, PA
SPACE PRESERVATION AND DEPARTMENT OF PEACE
(Tom Gale, VFP Samantha Smith Chapter)
Whereas, the community of nations voted in 1967 to keep space free of weapons,
Whereas, the Bush Administration has terminated the 1972 Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty with Russia (USSR) and has shaped a new Nuclear Treaty with Russia so as not to destroy nuclear weapons but to store them in stockpile,
Whereas, the Bush Administration is actively moving forward to create the Master of Space military program called the National Missile Defense (NMD),
Therefore, Veterans For Peace urges its members to support actively HR2459, The Department of Peace, sponsored by Representative Dennis Kucinich (D, OH). This bill, submitted in July 2001 with forty-three co-sponsors was sent to and still sits in committee. It can be found on www.thomas.gov
Passed 2002
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE, VFP, BY-LAWS CHANGE
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)
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.
Approved at the 2003 VFP Convention, San Francisco, CA
SUICIDE, PROPER RECOGNITION OF SOLDIERS WHO COMMIT
(Submitted by Charles Powell – Chapter 63)
Whereas, in 2009, the VA reported that 178,000 veterans of our two current wars have been diagnosed with some form of mental illness, and
Whereas, a recent RAND study estimated 300,000 soldiers and veterans of our current wars have depression or symptoms of PTSD, and
Whereas, a 2009 report indicated the suicide rate in the U.S. Army now exceeds that in the general public (20.2 vs 19.5 per 100,000 people), and
Whereas, the U.S. Army suicide rate has more than doubled from 9.8 per 100,000 people in 2002 to 20.2 in 2009, and
Whereas the “suicide rate among veterans aged 20 to 24 was 22.9 per 100,000 in 2007—four times higher than non-veterans in the same age bracket, and
Whereas, PTSD and traumatic brain injuries and other mental illnesses are closely related to suicide, and
Whereas, President Obama in his August 2, 2010 address said “…PTSD is a pain like no other -- the nightmares that keep coming back, the rage that strikes suddenly, the hopelessness that’s led too many of our troops and veterans to take their own lives.”, and
Whereas, traditionally presidents have not sent condolence letters to the families of soldiers and veterans who have died from suicide, and
Whereas, historically presidents have sent letters of condolence to families of other soldiers who have been casualties of war;
Therefore Be It Resolved that soldiers and veterans who commit suicide after serving in U.S. wars be accorded the recognition they deserve for their wounds and their service; and
Be It Further Resolved that the VFP National Executive Director, Chapters, and members be urged to contact the White House and request the President send letters of condolence to families of service members and veterans of our current wars who commit suicide.
Approved at the 2010 VFP national convention
T
TEEN AGE RECRUITS
(Ben Sherman - Cliff Wells)
WHEREAS the Selective Service has chosen individuals age 20 and older
to potentially be called up in a military draft, and
WHEREAS military recruiters are continuing to recruit those 17 through
19 years old.
BE IT RESOLVED that Veterans for Peace calls for military recruiters to
cease recruiting individuals under the age of 20 consistent with
Selective Service guidelines (http://www.sss.gov/seq.htm).
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
TOXIC AND INCENDIARY WEAPONS, AGAINST THE USE OF
(Chapter #62, AJ Muste Chapter)
Whereas, the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Implementation Act mandates that American military personnel are prohibited, under any circumstance, from using any toxic chemical to kill human beings, and
Whereas, the tactic “Shake n’ Bake”: the flushing out of enemy fighters with White Phosphorus from enclosed spaces so they can be killed with conventional means; constitutes a prohibited use of White Phosphorus under the Chemical Weapons Convention and The Chemical Weapons Implementation Act since it involves a method of killing human beings that is dependent on the chemical’s toxic properties, and
Whereas, the use of White Phosphorous directly against enemy troops violates the principle of unnecessary suffering under the Law of Land Warfare, and
Whereas, the use of White Phosphorus, Napalm (MK-77) and other incendiaries in any civilian area is unlawful under the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons and must be binding on the United States despite this government’s objection to this provision, and
Whereas President Bush has authorized the use of Riot Control Agents ("non-lethal agents" including but not limited to CS, CN, calmatives, sedatives, etc) in Iraq and Afghanistan, and
Whereas the use of such chemicals is unlawful when used to attack human beings or in conjunction with military force and is prohibited by the Geneva Gas Protocol, the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Chemical Weapons Implementation Act,
Therefore, be it resolved that Veterans for Peace seeks to uphold the principles and obligations of International Humanitarian Law as codified under the Law of the Land Warfare, the Geneva Gas Protocol, the Geneva Conventions, the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons, the War Crimes Act, and the Chemical Weapon Implementation Act and will publicize and condemn the prohibited uses of these weapons, and
Be it further resolved that each chapter of Veterans for Peace be encouraged to inform their state's congressional delegation of its opposition to the use of any toxic chemical in any form against human beings and demand condemnation, investigation and accountability, and
Be it finally resolved that the President and Executive Director of Veterans for Peace inform each chapter of Veterans for Peace of this resolution and encourage them to take peaceful and just action to preserve these standards of International Humanitarian Law.
Approved as amended by Board 8/16/07
Approved by the VFP Annual Meeting 8/18/07
TOXICS, BATTLEFIELD
(Woody Powell)
Battlefield toxics have been a well-documented source of injury to civilian and military populations at least since World War II, (atomic weapons use and testing and radiation poisoning) and the war in Vietnam, Agent Orange (dioxin). Most recently, exposure to munitions and armor plate using Depleted Uranium, chemical cocktails from exploded chemical weapons dumps, un-tested vaccines given in un-tested combinations, all have contributed to large numbers of disabled veterans and untold numbers of disabled civilians.
Some of these toxics have proven to have effects that transcend generations, resulting in deformed fetuses and, in those that survive, deformed children.
Veterans For Peace calls upon the U. S. Government to fully examine the existing data pertaining to these toxics and make it public.
We further call upon the government to do systematic testing, using the latest, most sensitive, fully accredited methods, of all surviving veterans of all wars since WWII and establish to the public’s satisfaction the full degree to which these veterans have been exposed and damaged by their exposure, and that compensation to these veterans and their families, commensurate with the destruction of life quality be made.
We insist that the government stop using toxic materials in their weaponry.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
TOXIC EFFECTS, WEAPONS WITH
(David Honish, Chapter 106 North Texas)
Whereas the Geneva Conventions outlaw poisonous weapons with lasting toxic effects that affect civilian or military personnel. and whereas such description applies to radioactive depleted uranium warheads on armor piercing cannon rounds;
Be it resolved that Veterans For Peace will work on public education and government lobbying efforts to ban all such warheads from U.S. military use immediately.
This resolution supplements a resolution adopted by the 2003 convention
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
TREATIES, HONORING OF
(Dana Briggs, Chapter 92)
WHEREAS the U.S. Constitution, Article 6, Clause 2, states in part,
"...and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of
the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land;" and
WHEREAS the U.S. Senate has over the last six decades ratified numerous
international humanitarian and human rights treaties such as the Geneva
Conventions; the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;
and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and
WHEREAS the U.S. Senate has a history of ratifying treaties with
numerous reservations, declarations, and objections which effectively
undermine or dilute both the letter and the spirit of treaty provisions, and
WHEREAS the Bush administration, and 107th and 108th Congresses have
ignored or violated the letter, if not the spirit, of ratified treaties.
BE IT RESOLVED that Veterans for Peace calls for:
(1) the U.S. Senate to unconditionally ratify all international humanitarian and human rights treaties and optional protocols which have been signed by the current and past Presidents, and
(2) the U.S. Senate to withdraw past reservations, declarations, and objections to all ratified treaties, and
(3) the U.S. Congress to immediately implement the provisions of all ratified treaties.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
TREATMENT OF SOLDIERS RETURNING FROM IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN, PROPER
(George C. Marshall VFP Chapter 63)
Whereas, recent studies indicate up to 50% of military members serving in-country, suffer from mental distress upon returning home; and
Whereas, soldiers requesting mental health assistance at locations like Fort Carson in Colorado are subject to punishment including beatings, isolation, humiliation, ridicule, charges of cowardice, and discharge without benefits; and
Whereas, commanding officers, senior officers, and junior officers choose to ignore and dismiss requests for mental support from their veteran soldiers; and
Whereas, brave individual soldiers such as Staff Sergeant Andrew Pogany were abused by their superior officers at Fort Carson for seeking mental health care but have courageously fought back and protected many other soldiers from similar abuse, and
Whereas, Congress was very concerned about these abuse reports and passed a bill forcing the Military to convene a “Task Force on Mental Health” in June 2006, to study this systemic abuse; and
Whereas, the task force released its report in June 2007, and concluded:
1 The stigma associated with seeking mental health care remains invasive
2 Mental health professionals are not adequately available to military individuals and their families
3 The military does not dedicate sufficient financial resources to the mental care of its members;
Be it therefore resolved Veterans for Peace applaud and support efforts of veterans like Andrew Pogany; and
Be it further resolved Veterans for Peace demand the Military establishment 1) provide the needed mental health support for returning service members and families, and 2) to hold accountable and punish senior as well as junior military officers who abuse these returning soldiers; and
Be it further resolved Veterans for Peace support the reallocation of sufficient resources from the procurement of expensive weapon systems (like the F-22 Raptor fully costed at ~$339 million per plane) to the home front in support of its returning service members.
Approved by the Board 8/16/07
Approved by the VFP Annual Meeting 8/18/07
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
(Submitted by Chuck Hyde, VFP Chapter 67. Endorsed by VFP Chapter 67)
Whereas there have been many calls for retribution and legal accountability for actions taken in connection with the Iraq war and events before, during and after, and
Whereas the VFP Statement of Purpose states in part that we will work "(d) to seek justice for veterans and victims of war", and
Whereas the Czech Republic and Union of South Africa have successfully conducted Truth and Reconciliation commissions, and
Whereas it is essential for the psychological and emotional healing of a veteran to be able to get off his chest whatever is eating him and to do so without fear of retribution, legal accountability etc., and
Whereas Congressman Dennis Kucinich has proposed a truth and reconciliation commission for our country which have valid benefits that are too numerous and lengthy to be included here, and
Whereas it is essential for the health of our nation that the true facts of the Iraq War including events leading to it and from it become a matter of record so that they cannot be denied in the future like the Holocaust deniers have tried to do as to the Holocaust, and
Whereas the long Beach Chapter of the Veterans For Peace Chapter 67 has unanimously passed a resolution calling for the national organization to call for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission that will afford veterans an opportunity for full amnesty for any acts they reveal in the process of participating in such a process.
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace urges it's Chapters, and individual members, to call upon the Congress of the United States to pass enabling legislation such that a Truth and Reconciliation process can begin which includes but is not limited to granting full amnesty to veterans and others who participate in that process without fear of retribution, legal accountability or any other such like impediment to full and open disclosure.
Approved at the 2008 VFP national convention
U
UNILATERAL ACTION, REFRAINING FROM…
(Chapter 61- Bi-State MO-IL)
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.
Approved at the 2003 VFP Convention, San Francisco, CA
UNION-MADE MATERIAL (PEACEFUL AND JUST SOCIETY RESOLUTION)
(Glazer, VFP Chapter 21, Jersey City, NJ)
“….(1) the VFP logo and name shall be affixed only to those commercially-produced goods which are union made and so labeled; (2) VFP members and chapters shall make every effort to use union printers, or labor-donated (services) for all print materials; (3) VFP conventions shall be held at union hotels and convention centers whenever feasible.”
Approved at the 1999 VFP Convention, Philadelphia, PA. MSA, 46-7.
UNITED NATIONS FUNDING
…That VFP urges that the U.S. obligations to the United Nations be paid in full, promptly, and without conditions.
Board approved. Members concurred.
2000 Convention
UNITED NATIONS DUES, PAYMENT OF…
(Eugene Schwarz, Frank Ackles0
Whereas the Untied States has been in arrears in payment of its assessed contributions to the Untied Nations, and
Whereas the United States General Accounting Office has as early as June 1998 in its report "United Nations Financial Issues and U.S. Arrears" (GAO/Nsias-98-201BR) showed that such payment arrears has been a primary cause for losing seats on important Committees of the United Nations, caused a loss of Assembly votes, has caused administrative initiatives diverted, has undermined the United Nation's valuable work, soured relations with other nations, and reduced respect for the rule of law in international affairs,
Be it resolved that the Veterans For Peace urge the Congress to immediately take action to pay all debts in arrears to the United Nations.
Passed 2002
UNITED NATIONS DUES, PAYMENT OF…
(Eugene Schwarz - Frank Ackles)
Whereas, the Untied States has long been in arrears in payment of its assessed contributions to the Untied Nations, and
Whereas, the United States General Accounting Office has as early as June1998 shown (see "United Nations Financial Issues and U.S. Arrears"
[GAO/Nsias-98-201BR]) that such payment arrears has been a primary cause for losing seats on important committees of the United Nations, caused a loss of Assembly votes, caused administrative initiatives to be diverted, undermined the United Nation's valuable work, soured relations with other nations and reduced respect for the rule of law in international affairs,
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Veterans For Peace urge the Congress of the United States to take action immediately to pay all debts in arrears to the United Nations.
Passed 2002
UNITED NATIONS, SUPPORT OF…
(John A. Evans, Santa Fe Chapter VFP)
Under the banner Veterans for Peace, be it resolved that Veterans for Peace chapters throughout the country shall make every effort to educate the citizens of the United States about the history and purposes and goals of the United Nations and to promote a major rededication on the part of the United States citizens and government to the United Nations organization, its goals and its efforts.
Approved at the 2003 VFP convention, San Francisco, CA
UNITED NATIONS POLICE FORCE
(Refior)
…That VFP urges prompt and favorable action by Congress on HR4453 or similar legislation. (Note: Regarding HR 4453, the second "whereas clause" describes this "McGovern-Porter bill", as calling for the U.S. to support creation of an interim volunteer U.N. Police and Security Force that could be deployed anywhere in the world within 15 days of a Security Council resolution authorizing
such deployment; and could remain for up to six months or until replaced
by contingents of national armed forces.) And further, that VFP urges prompt and favorable action by Congress on HR4453 or similar legislation.
Board approved. Members concurred.
2000 Convention
UNITED NATIONS, SUPPORTING THE KENSINGTON WELFARE RIGHTS UNION U.N. CAMPAIGN
“The march of the Americas, from Washington, D.C. to the United Nations in New York, October 1-November 1, 1999, led by poor and homeless people from the United States, Latin America, and Canada, challenging economic human rights violations caused by the United States government ( Steinbach, Metro Washington DC Chapter, VFP) “….VFP endorses the
Kensington Welfare Rights Union (KWRU) United Nations campaign, and encourages all chapters to join KWRU at the UN in late October, and through our UN NGO status, work with KWRU to help implement their human rights campaign.”
Approved at the 1999 VFP Convention, Philadelphia, PA
UNITED NATIONS YEAR 2000 CULTURE OF PEACE AND 2001-2010 DECADE OF THE CULTURE OF PEACE FOR CHILDREN
(Gale, Chapter 45, as amended)
“…VFP endorses this creative challenge of the UN and will participate as feasible.”
Approved at the 1999 VFP Convention, Philadelphia, PA. MSA, majority vote.
URANIUM MUNITIONS
(John Lewallen, Sonoma County and Garberville, CA chapters)
Resolved that Veterans for Peace endorses the Uranium Munitions Pledge of
Resistance: "I will not use, nor order the use of, uranium munitions."
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention
V
VACCINATIONS, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ANTHRAX PROGRAM
(Maine VFP)
“….we urge (Congressional members) to support H.R. 2548, a bill to suspend implementation of the Department of Defense (DOD) anthrax vaccination program until it is determined to be safe and effective and to provide for a study by the National Institutes of Health of the DoD anthrax vaccination program. “We also further urge (Congress), upon approval of the DoD anthrax vaccine program by the National Institutes of Health and after appropriate hearings on this approval, to direct that the DoD anthrax vaccinations be made voluntary rather than mandatory for U.S. service members.”
Approved at the 1999 VFP convention, Philadelphia, PA
VETERANS OUT-REACH (VETERANS REPRESENTATIVE)
(Submitted by Aaron M. Davis, Chapter 118)
Whereas Veterans for Peace campaigns have stated: Support the troops, Bring Them Home Now and Take Care of Them When They Get Here, and
Whereas nearly 1.6 million troops have served in Afghanistan and Iraq since 9/11, and
Whereas over 33,000 troops have major combat wounds, and
Whereas 1 in 5 veterans have post- traumatic stress disorder, and
Whereas nearly 300,000 have traumatic brain injuries, and
Whereas Iraq Veterans Against The War co-founder Tim Goodrich said,” The largest failure of the anti-war movement at this point is the lack of out-reach to the troops.”
Therefore, Be It Resolved, Veterans for Peace supports, and urges that each Chapter create a veterans out-reach counselor (vet-rep), who would be willing to help veterans access all benefits to which they are entitled, and help those injured to file for compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Approved at the 2009 VFP national convention
VETERANS DAY
(Submitted by Bob Heberle, VFP Chapter 27, Endorsed by VFP Chapter 27)
Whereas bells worldwide were rung on November 11, 1918 to celebrate and recognize the ending of WWI, "The war to end all wars" and
Whereas to commemorate that peaceful pledge, bells were rung November 11 for over 35 years, and
Whereas, legislation making November 11 a holiday passed in 1938, " Shall be a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." and
Whereas the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars, and
Whereas the substitution of the word "Armistice" to "Veterans" changes the focus from peace to war by celebrating and honoring warriors and war, and
Whereas that November date symbolized the nation's desire to hold to a peaceful future and away from war, and
Whereas, too often rhetoric and patriotic symbols are used instead of genuine compensation for the extraordinary sacrifices and services of military personnel, and
Whereas 90% of victims of wars are now civilians and by honoring only veterans, the public is distracted from the awful price paid by those other than military members, and
Whereas Chapter #27 has for over 17 years promoted the ringing of a bell eleven times at its ceremonies on November 11 and at other solemn occasions such as funerals to remind the public of that Armistice Day peace pledge, and
Whereas the ringing of bells is so much more fitting and peaceful than the often practiced gun salutes and fighter plane flyovers.
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace, Inc. urges its memberships to adopt the procedure of honoring peace by focusing on bell ringing on Armistice Day, November 11 and other solemn occasions.
Approved at the 2008 VFP national convention
VETERANS FOR PEACE, INCREASING DEMOCRACY AND OPENNESS IN
(Submitted by Mike Kearney - Chapter 92, and Michelle J. Kinnucan -Chapter 92)
Whereas, Veterans for Peace is "an organization that is both democratic and open", and,
Whereas, the democracy and openness of Veterans for Peace would be enhanced by increased member participation in the deliberations and decisions of the Annual Convention;
Therefore Be It Resolved it is requested that the Board of Directors appoint, within sixty days, a committee to study and make recommendations on how to enhance and facilitate participation in the deliberations and decisions of the Annual Convention by members who are unable to personally attend the convention; and be it
Be It Further Resolved that the aforesaid committee shall issue a report of its recommendations to the Board of Directors and to the membership no later than May 1, 2011.
Approved at the 2010 VFP national convention
VETERANS HEALTHCARE AND READJUSTMENT
(Todd Boyle)
Whereas, the men and women of the armed forces have made extreme sacrifices in the defense of the United States, and
Whereas, their experiences in training and military action often leave them at a disadvantage in civilian life and in the competitive business environment, and
Whereas, the educational, medical, rehabilitation and financial needs of military veterans have been so well studied and documented over the past century,
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans for Peace calls the resources needed for the support of Veterans programs, especially medical, rehabilitation, educational and financial assistance to veterans re-entering society.
Approved at the 2003 VFP Convention, San Francisco, CA
VIEQUES
(William Nemcik, Puerto Rico - David Cline, New Jersey)
Whereas, the island of Vieques has been used for naval target practices and joint military exercises for more than 60 years, and
Whereas, these constant practices of shelling and bombardment have permanently damaged the east coast topography of Vieques, where mountains have been leveled, the vegetation has been scorched and burned and thousands of craters have been hammered into the landscape affecting and destroying the natural habitat of countless of species of flora and fauna, thus transforming this rich tropical Caribbean island paradise into an ecological disaster of catastrophic proportions, and
Whereas, these constant practices have also become a threat to the people of Vieques due to the closeness of the populated areas to the target zone, where lethal substances and toxic heavy metals contained in the ordnance exploded are constantly released into the wind, the soil, the subsoil and the underground system of aquifers that run across and underneath the surface of the island feeding its water deposits and natural wells, therefore polluting the air, the land, the water and eventually the food chain, and
Whereas, these practices have included the illegal use of napalm and depleted uranium shells, and
Whereas, it is a known fact that the population of Vieques suffers from a series of health problems, disorders and children’s diseases significantly different than the other municipalities of the Puerto Rican nation, including an alarming cancer rate of more than 27 percent over the rest of the population of the archipelago of Puerto Rico and
Whereas, it is also a known fact that the only difference between the people of Vieques and the rest of the population of the archipelago of Puerto Rico is the U.S. naval presence with its shelling practices and joint military interventions where literally, if not with a sense of irony, the material evidence of the “smoking gun” as the disease propagator is flagrantly palpable and visible in the Navy’s own hands, and
Whereas, even though the civilian population of Vieques is economically strangled due to the fact that the Navy on its own imperial arrogance has usurped and expropriated two thirds of their land thus preventing economic development opportunities, provoking an unemployment rate of over 60 percent and forcing a massive diaspora of Viequenses to the rest of the Puerto Rican archipelago and to the neighboring Virgin Islands, and
Whereas, even though this economic stagnation has created a symbiotic relationship between the Navy and some of the people of Vieques very similar to a “hostage syndrome” situation, where a few have found economic relief for themselves and their families through finding jobs on the naval base as security guards, handy men and other servile labor, thus generating an artificial sympathy for their “only source of employment” which the Navy distorts and exploits towards its own interests as good public relations and
Whereas, even though economic dependence on Federal Government funding such as HUD financial aid, DA food stamps, Social Security payments or even Veterans acquired benefits have been manipulated by the naval authorities, using local corrupt politicians to issue warnings such as “if the Navy leaves you will loose your benefits”, the people of Vieques have responded, through the democratic mechanism of an electoral plebiscite that took place during the summer of 2001, by an overwhelming majority of 70 percent, against the Navy’s presence and its war games, asking for the immediate cessation of such practices, the total withdrawal from the island of the military forces and the cleaning, decontamination and devolution of the usurped land and territory, and
Whereas, the vast majority of the Puerto Rican people living in the rest of the archipelago and in the U.S. have also expressed their will by demanding an end to U.S. military intervention in Vieques as has been evidenced by massive demonstrations and civil disobedience campaigns resulting in the arrest and prosecution by the U.S. Federal Court in Puerto Rico of over fifteen hundred activists including prominent members of the Puerto Rican community such as the presidents of both legislative chambers, various senators and legislators representing all political parties, many religious, labor and civil rights leaders, several mayors from towns and cities across the archipelago of Puerto Rico including Dámaso Serrano, who, besides being the mayor of Vieques is also a Vietnam veteran himself, and
Whereas, the president of the US, Mr. George W. Bush, who has personally stated that “they don’t want us there”, has verbally pronounced and promised the total withdrawal of the Navy from Vieques by the month of May of the year 2003,
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace will…
(A) Write a letter to Mr. George W. Bush respectfully demanding a Presidential Executive Order for the immediate cessation of all Naval and joint military exercises in Vieques; the cleaning, decontamination and devolution of all the expropriated land to the people of Vieques and the total withdrawal of all naval forces from Vieques by and not later than May, 2003 and
(B) Urge all its members to request their particular congressmen or congresswomen to write to the President respectfully demanding such Executive Order and
(C) Endorse and urge all its members to participate on September 23rd in the “International Day of Solidarity with Vieques” as proposed by the organization War Resister International, where there will be demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience in front of U.S. Embassies and consulates all over the world demanding the immediate cessation of military exercises in Vieques and
(D) Organize a delegation of Veterans to visit Vieques during the month of May in 2003, to serve as observers to the process of the Navy’s departure.
Passed 2002
VIEQUES, RESOLUTION ON
(Gene Glazer and Gideon Rosenbluth – VFP Puerto Rico and New Jersey Chapters)
Whereas, the US Navy has bombed and shelled the Puerto Rican island of Vieques for 60 years and uses 2/3 of the island for military exercises, and
Whereas military toxic contamination caused by these war games has had extremely
negative effects on the residents that include cancer, asthma, heart disease
and other illnesses at a rate much higher than the rest of Puerto Rico, and
Whereas, continued military exercises have adversely affected the people of Vieques's
ability to make a living to support themselves and their families, and
Whereas, since the bombing death of David Sanes Rodriguez on April 19, 1999, the
people of Vieques have initiated a new movement to end the bombing and for the Navy to clean up and leave, and
Whereas, the struggle for Peace for Vieques has become the paramount unifying movement of all of Puerto Rico in defense of civil and human rights and their dignity as a people, and
Whereas, veterans of US military service have and continue to play an important role
in this struggle including Veteranos Por La Paz de Puerto Rico, and
Whereas, the people of Vieques have voted overwhelmingly in a recent referendum for an immediate cessation of the bombing and the withdrawal of the Navy, and
Whereas, this demand is supported by the Governor and other elected representatives of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and
Whereas, the President of the United States has instructed the Navy to find an
alternate site and leave Vieques in 2003 but has allowed the Navy to continue
bombing and shelling until then, in arrogant disregard for the democratically
expressed will of the people there, and
Whereas, over 1700 people have been arrested for conducting non-violent direct action
to stop the bombing, with many subjected to excessive force by military
security forces and hundreds have been receiving excessive jail sentences for
"trespassing",
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace reaffirms its demands for an immediate end to the bombing, environmental cleanup and withdrawal of the US Navy and stands in solidarity with the people of Puerto Rico, and that all Veterans For Peace members and chapters are urged to participate in the movement for Peace for Vieques and make this cause a major issue of VFP focus, and that Veterans For Peace will participate in the September 25, 2001 demonstration in Washington, DC demanding Peace for Vieques and Amnesty for Immigrants, and that this Convention urges members from throughout the country to join the November Veterans Delegation to Vieques.
Approved at the 2001 VFP convention
VIEQUES
(William Nemcik - PR 070), David Cline -NJ 021)
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.
Approved at the 2003 VFP convention, San Francisco, CA
VIEQUES
(William Nemcik PR-081 - David Cline NJ-021 - Jaime Vazquez NJ-021 - Gene Glazer NJ-021)
Whereas the people of Vieques, Puerto Rico were subjected to over 60 years of bombing and shelling when over half of their island was used as a US Navy training site, and
Whereas the resulting buildup of military toxins have resulted in major health problems for the residents of Vieques including elevated levels of cancer, and
Whereas the US Navy left Vieques on May 1, 2003 after a massive campaign of civil disobedience by the people of Puerto Rico, supported by people throughout the United States and the world, and
Whereas the Navy has failed to clean up the former military zone, leaving the land unusable for community development and still dangerous to the peoples health and welfare, and
Whereas the former military zone remains under the control of the US Department of Fish and Wildlife,
Be it resolved that Veterans For Peace calls on the US government to fully fund the cleanup of the contaminated areas and designate Vieques as an Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site,
And be it further resolved that we call on the US government to return the lands formerly occupied by the Navy to the people of Vieques,
And be it further resolved that we call for the US government to compensate those residents of Vieques whose health has been damaged by the Navy’s environmental contamination
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
VIETNAM FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE PROJECT
(Kelson and Shaw, Pittsburgh, PA Chapter 47, a renewal of a 1997 resolution by Miles, Tucson, AZ Chapter)
“….Veterans for Peace officially endorses the Viet Nam Friendship Village Project, encourages VFP chapters to support this project in their local communities, and encourages VFP members to lend their economic and emotional support to the U.S. Committee of the Viet Nam Friendship Village Project.”
Approved at the 1999 VFP Convention, Philadelphia, PA
VIETNAM
(David Cline - Ben Chitty - Mike Woloshin - Joe Attamante - George Johnson - Fredy Champagne - Barry Riesch)
Whereas, the United States conducted an illegal, undeclared war in Vietnam from 1954-1975 which cost the lives of over 58,000 Americans and 3 million Vietnamese along with millions more injured and crippled and much of that country left in ruins,
And that 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 after the war ended, the US government pursued a hostile policy aimed at isolating and punishing Vietnam until 1994 when the trade embargo was lifted and 1995 when normal diplomatic relations were established between our two countries,
And that the government of Vietnam has shown a continuing desire for friendly relations and has cooperated with and assisted in the search for US servicemen still listed as missing in action,
And that during that war, the US military used chemical defoliants (Agents Orange, Blue, Green, Pink, Purple and White) which contained dioxin, an extremely toxic substance that causes serious long term damage to the environment and severe health problems, including cancers and birth defects, in human beings,
And that many landmines and unexploded bombs still litter the countryside and regularly kill or maim Vietnamese citizens,
And that some political forces in the United States continue to demand national policies hostile to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam,
And that many members of our organization are Vietnam veterans who strongly feel it is our duty to help heal the wounds of the war and build bonds of friendship between our two countries and peoples,
Be It Resolved that the Veterans For Peace, assembled at our 2002 National Convention, do 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 increase assistance for programs to locate and disarm unexploded ordinance so as to put an end to this deadly legacy of the US military intervention there,
And that we support and encourage further joint scientific study of the effects of chemical defoliants on people and the earth, the results of which could benefit both Americans and Vietnamese who are sick from Agent Orange related diseases,
And that we demand that our government and its citizens accept responsibility for the use of these chemical weapons and provide medical treatment and compensation to those Vietnamese citizens as well as the American veterans who suffer from the negative health effects of their exposure to Agent Orange/dioxin,
And that we call on our elected representatives in Congress to reject the so-called "Vietnam Human Rights Act" (HR 2833) which is an affront to the Vietnamese people's 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 and all the people of Vietnam in their efforts to rebuild their country as a free and just society for the benefit of all.
Passed 2002 in memory of George Mizo.
VIETNAM NORMALIZATION - OPPOSING SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 17 IN THE CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE
WHEREAS the war in Vietnam ended in April 1975;
WHEREAS from 1975 to the present, the United States Government has accepted over a million of refugees and immigrants from Vietnam, and now with their children, the Vietnamese-American community is approaching two million people, the majority of whom are now citizens;
WHEREAS the United States Government formally recognized and normalized diplomatic relations with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1995, ending post-war acrimony and opening up legal channels for family visits and support, student and academic exchanges, commercial and business ventures, tourism and philanthropic activities, the search for the missing remains of combatants and civilians from both sides, and all other normal relations between friendly nations;
WHEREAS the majority of the Vietnamese-Americans have made peace with themselves and with their former homeland, and have moved on with their lives as American citizens;
WHEREAS the majority of Vietnam war veterans support normalized diplomatic relations with Vietnam;
WHEREAS a small number of Vietnamese-Americans, generally older and in most cases involved with the defeated former regime of South Vietnam, is still trying to resurrect their pre-1975 war and to impose their agenda on the entirety of the Vietnamese-American community, in part by asking various legislative bodies to recognize the flag of the defeated South Vietnam as the symbol of the Vietnamese-American community;
WHEREAS in California, this faction has succeeded in getting the State Senate to approve Senate Concurrent Resolution 17 (SCR 17) for that purpose, and the resolution is now pending in the State Assembly;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, THAT Veterans For Peace, opposes California SCR 17, and urges the California Assembly to reject SCR 17 and encourages other organizations and citizens in California and around the country to voice their opposition to this misguided action.
THAT Veterans For Peace urges the California Legislature to follow established diplomatic protocol and continue to recognize only the flag of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as representing Vietnam in all of their public and civic functions.
THAT Veterans For Peace urges all chapters to be alert to such misguided attempts in their localities and take action to oppose them
Approved at the 2005 national convention, Dallas, TX
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
Whereas, 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
Whereas, 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
Whereas, 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
Whereas, 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
Whereas, 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.
Approved at the 2003 VFP convention, San Francisco, CA
VIETNAM
WHEREAS the United States government failed to fulfill commitments made in the Paris Peace Agreement to provide economic aid for post-war reconstruction and to heal the wounds of the Vietnam conflict, and
WHEREAS the US government pursued a hostile post-war policy aimed at isolating Vietnam that includes a punitive trade embargo which lasted until 1994, and
WHEREAS the US government has been reluctant to admit responsibility and has failed to provide humanitarian assistance for the serious health, economic and environmental devastation caused by the chemical defoliant Agent Orange/dioxin that continues through the present day, and
WHEREAS many of our members are Vietnam veterans who strongly feel it is our duty is to aid the Vietnamese people in their efforts to rebuild and to provide humanitarian assistance, and
WHEREAS it is imperative to nurture a relationship built on mutual trust and respect of national sovereignty, and to create fair trade practices that enhance the economic well-being of both countries,
BE IT RESOLVED that Veterans For Peace calls on the US Congress to reject the so-called “Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2004” (HR-1587) or any other legislation that is contrary to friendly and normal relations between our two countries,
AND BE IT RESOLVED that we endorse the creation of a Vietnam Agent Orange Relief and Responsibility fund that advocates for and assists the Vietnamese victims of these toxic chemicals,
AND BE IT RESOLVED that we confirm our desire to develop a formal relationship with the Veterans Association of Viet Nam, in the belief that it is in our best interest to pursue a policy of peace, reconciliation and friendship and for the U.S. government to fulfill its responsibility to the Vietnamese people.
Approved at the July 2004 VFP convention, Boston, MA
W
WAR CRIMES - RESOLUTION ON PROSECUTING GEORGE W. BUSH, DICK CHENEY AND OTHER BUSH ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS FOR WAR CRIMES, CRIMES AGAINST PEACE AND CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY
Whereas the March 2003 invasion of Iraq was not only immoral but illegal, violating numerous U.S. and international laws, including but not limited to USC 2441 (War Crimes Act of 1996), the Geneva Conventions, the Nuremberg Tribunal Charter, the U.N. Charter, the Laws and Customs of War on Land, and
Whereas, the Veterans For Peace “Case for Impeachment” details six pages of violations of the above laws and is still but a partial listing, and
Whereas, the spineless dereliction of duty of the U.S. Congress may well allow Bush, Cheney and other administration officials to avoid impeachment before they leave office in January of 2009, and
Whereas, U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Robert Jackson, appointed by President Truman to be the Chief Prosecutor at the Nuremberg Tribunals following World War II, stated so prophetically, “…let me make clear that while this law is first applied against German aggressors, the law includes, and if it is to serve a useful purpose it must condemn aggression by any other nations, including those which sit here now in judgment.” and
Whereas, the anguished cry of a village sheik in Iraq must be answered when he implored, “You say you live in a democracy. How can this be happening to us?” and
Whereas, as citizens of the United States we are complicit in the crimes of the Bush administration in Iraq because we cannot claim ignorance of these crimes, and
Whereas, for the sake of humanity, for the sake of history, and to absolve even a small measure of the complicity we each share as U.S. citizens, we must do everything in our power to hold our leaders accountable and bring them to justice.
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans For Peace will take every appropriate measure on our own and in coalition with others to insure that George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, and responsible members of their administration are prosecuted for war crimes, crimes against peace and crimes against humanity before any court claiming jurisdiction in this country or abroad, for as long as they shall live.
Approved at the 2008 VFP national convention
WAR PREVENTION, FUTURE
Whereas:Veterans For Peace are currently struggling to end a war for oil in Iraq; and.
Whereas the United States continues to be addicted to the oil in the middle east and a lifestyle that requires our leadership to get the oil. With less than 4% of the world's population the US uses more than 24% of the world's oil; and
Whereas: Most experts believe the world has reached peak oil production and that
the struggle for what remains will lead to more wars in the future; and
Whereas global warming is caused by the burning of fossil fuels and will likely lead to wars as well. The US is the world's largest contributor to global warming; and
Whereas veterans need to take the lead in preventing future wars;
Therefore be it resolved that VFP work with others to reduce US addiction to oil and so limit future wars
Approved by the Board 8/16/07
Approved by the VFP Annual Meeting 8/18/07
WHISC – Under “S”, see SOA
WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION, REQUEST FOR INVESTIGATION OF…
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 occupation of Iraq by British and American 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.
Approved at the 2003 VFP convention, San Francisco, CA
Y
YOUTH PROMISE ACT
Whereas Veterans for Peace affirms its responsibility to serve the cause of world peace in its “Statement of Purpose”, and
Whereas a bill known as “The Youth Promise Act “ has been introduced in the legislature as House of Representatives Bill 1064 and Senate Bill 435 that proposes to reduce violence among our youth in targeted neighborhoods and areas. Violence will be reduced through prevention in positive ways such as after school programs, sports and community activities, by implementing the best policy recommendations from crime policy makers, researchers, practitioners, analysts, and law enforcement officials from across the political spectrum concerning evidence- and research-based strategies to reduce gang violence and crime, and
Whereas many of the neighborhoods where violence is rampant are the same neighborhoods that have Junior R.O.T.C. programs in the schools and are heavily targeted by recruiters, and
Whereas many at-risk youth turn to military service because they have limited options for productive citizenship, and
Whereas the Youth Promise Act seeks to provide at-risk youth with alternative life skills,
Therefore Be It Resolved that Veterans for Peace hereby endorses the Youth Promise Act and strongly encourages chapters and individual members to lobby Congress to request co-sponsor the Youth Promise act (currently H.R.1064 and S.435 in the 111th Congress)
Approved at the 2009 VFP national convention