National Resolution Index

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ANTHRAX VACCINATIONS - See V - Vaccinations

ALTERNATIVES TO MILITARY SERVICE:

(R. Lane Anderson, Chapter 54)

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

(Charles Overby, VFP member)

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

(Charles R. Bauerlein - Chapter 31)

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

(F Lincoln Grahlfs, VFP Chapter 61)

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

BERRIGAN, PHILIP HONORARY MEMBERSHIP

(Jozef Hand-Boniakowski)

Whereas, Father Philip Berrigan was a priest and a civil-rights activist, a husband, a father of three, and, a fighter for freedom and social justice; and

Whereas, Communitarian Phillip Berrigan and like-minded friends built a nonviolent movement based upon the imagery of beating swords into plowshares; and

Whereas, Neighbor Phillip Berrigan lived in community at Jonah House, the Baltimore home of his family and the Plowshares movement; and,

Whereas, Witness Phillip Berrigan kept a consistent and persistent vigil against violence during the eight decades of his life; and,

Whereas, War Resister Phillip Berrigan was a favorite target of J. Edgar Hoover and his abusive FBI; and,

Whereas, Inmate Phillip Berrigan frequently resided within the dwellings of United States penal institutions as a political prisoner of conscience; and,

Whereas, Seeker of Truth Phillip Berrigan was an implacable inspector of the United States arsenal of weapons of mass destruction, calling attention to their inherent evil nature; and

Whereas, Activist Phillip Berrigan symbolically confronted the nation's nukes with small hammers, vials of blood and courage; and,

Whereas, Counselor Phillip Berrigan and companions, struggling against the immoral Vietnam War, liberated the Catonville draft board records; and

Whereas Infantryman Phillip Berrigan served during World War II in Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge; and,

Whereas, Teacher Phillip Berrigan is an example to the younger generation coming of age; and,

Whereas, Phillip Berrigan, a lifelong veteran for Peace, a hero, and an inspiration to those who follow in the cause in Peace; and

Whereas, it is with sorrow, regret and gratitude, that we as Veterans For Peace, mourn the passing of our friend, Phil Berrigan, on December 6, 2002,

Therefore, let it be resolved that, in order to honor and commemorate his remarkable work and life, Veterans For Peace, bestows posthumous honorary full membership to our Brother and Comrade, Phil Berrigan, who continues to Wage Peace!

Phil Berrigan Presente!

Approved by Board of Directors January 2003
Approved at the 2003 VFP convention, San Francisco, CA

BOWERS, VERONZA, FREEDOM OF
(Patrick Tate, Chapter 116)

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!

(David Cline, Stan Goff - Michael Uhl -Charley Richardson, MFSO - Nancy Lessing, MFSO)

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

BUSH, GEORGE, DEMAND FULL RELEASE OF GEORGE W. BUSH MILITARY SERVICE RECORD

(Maureen Griswold, VFP Chapter 101)

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

(F Lincoln Grahlfs, VFP member)

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

"Campaign for a New Foreign Policy", Endorsement Of

(Michael August Chapter 89, Nashville, TN)

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

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

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

(Refior)

...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

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

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 20^th century alone, more than 100,000,000 (100 million) people perished in wars, and now at the dawn of the 21^st 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 8^th, 2003 a Bill (HR1673) to create a U.S. (cabinet level) Department of Peace was submitted in the (100^th 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

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

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

(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 25^th 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

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

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

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

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

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

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 1^st. 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

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

ISRAEL-PALESTINE-ISRAEL 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

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

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

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.

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 51^st 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 50^th 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 51^st 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

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 Lo