by Norman Solomon
Co-chair, Healthcare NOT Warfare
With lives in the balance every day, the Healthcare NOT Warfare campaign has never been abstract.
Nearly two years ago, in Kabul, I saw tragic human consequences of what Martin Luther King Jr. called "guided missiles and misguided men." Since then, contrary to the recommendations of a Congressional Progressive Caucus report to President Obama in mid-2009, our country has continued to spend vast sums on warfare in Afghanistan.
The people of that country—in desperate need of healthcare and so much more—deserve much better. So do the people of the United States, where economic distress is severe.
This week, as early as Tuesday (May 24, 2011), a large military authorization measure is expected to come to a vote on the House floor. Please call your member of Congress now and urge support for Rep. Barbara Lee's amendment that would limit U.S. military spending in Afghanistan to paying for a rapid, safe withdrawal of U.S. military forces.
Call Congress TODAY!
The Healthcare NOT Warfare campaign is strongly behind Congresswoman Lee's push for a responsible end to the U.S. war effort in Afghanistan. If it fails, we will throw our support behind Rep. Jim McGovern's measure for requiring the president to set a timetable for ending the longest war in U.S. history.
It's also important to make clear that you oppose any move to undermine congressional authority over war. We must defend the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution.
Please urge President Obama to follow the wishes of his party as expressed in the Afghanistan Withdrawal Resolution and fulfill his pledge on a significant military drawdown in Afghanistan this July.
Call Congress TODAY!
Capitol Hill maneuvers related to military spending will be fast moving and fluid this week. You can check here to get updates and to report on your conversation.
Carry it on!
Norman Solomon
Co-chair, Healthcare NOT Warfare
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