Raise The Voice For Peace!

by Kevin M. Martin Executive Director

Bush's audacious announcement last week to solidify a permanent US occupation of Iraq is not a surprise to anyone following his handiwork. But it doesn't make it any less outrageous.

It's just one more in a very long list of bewildering proposals by the Bush administration that would continue to sink American resources in Iraq, despite the reality that 79% of Iraqi's oppose the presence of coalition forces, and 72% think that the presence of US forces is making security worse1.

The good news is that the Bush administrations credibility eroded even further this week when the entire US intelligence community debunked his claims that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons with a report that refutes the administrations claims that Iran is currently pursuing nuclear weapons.

Representatives in Congress and candidates hoping to get there are now presented with two clear choices. Peace Voter 2008 is gearing up to make the choice for peace the clear winner. Donate today to help raise the voice for peace in 2008.

Candidates up for reelection or hoping to get into Congress for the first time can try to defend the indefensible. Or, they can become responsive leaders and act on the desires of the American people by supporting America's long-term health and prosperity with investments in domestic needs like health care, education, housing and clean energy. But we can't have both.

Foreign policy, the occupation of Iraq, and the damage it's doing to our economy will be the number one issues in the 2008 elections just as they were in 2006. We need to make sure those vying for office hear the voice for peace loud and clear, so that they can provide the leadership America needs and that those who remain in denial to the overwhelming calls for peace will be held accountable.

With your help Peace Action will again make an impact this year by educating undecided voters and supporting peace candidates in key races, and we will see the changes Americans want. Contribute today so we can begin building for the 2008 elections now.

In 2006, Peace Action created and distributed hundreds of thousands of Peace Voter guides in key Congressional districts. Of the 52 candidates that Peace Action PAC and our affiliates endorsed, 43 won in their races.

We financially supported 23 of those candidates with over $90,000 in contributions and sent organizers to help with the campaigns of 6 peacefully minded candidates in key races, including Senators Jim Webb, and Sherrod Brown.

As a result of our advocacy and organizing in key Congressional races candidates made a commitment to not just vote the right way, but to also be a leader in speaking out against the Iraq occupation and future aggression.

Through our Peace Voter 2008 campaign, Peace Action will reach millions of voters. We'll use that power to press politicians to take clear committed positions and act upon them. Peace Action organizers are at work right this minute in early primary states like New Hampshire and Nevada, challenging politicians on their positions and distributing voter guides, organizing citizens to speak up against prolonged occupation, and for nuclear non-proliferation, and diplomacy

The 2006 elections saw a shift in the political landscape, but not enough to end the occupation of Iraq. Together, we can build on those successes in the next election, and ensure a shift in foreign policy that ends the occupation of Iraq and invests in real security through human rights, and international cooperation. Make a contribution to our Peace Voter campaign today so that we can continue building the momentum for lasting change.

For nearly 40 of our 50 years, Peace Action has been making sure peace issues are a part of the election year debate. That's been a challenge in relatively peaceful years. But now with over 70% of the American public against the continued occupation, we have the best opportunity yet to translate public opinion into political action.Thanks for your time and support.

judythpiazza@newsblaze.com