Veterans Request Meeting With Rep. Matsui Over Gaza Matter

A U.S. military veterans organization today personally delivered a letter to Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento), asking to meet with her privately to discuss the fighting in the Gaza, and for her to support an end to the killing by both sides.

"As U. S. military veterans we are well aware of the devastating results of war, and the futility of attempting to solve political problems with armed might," said John Reiger, president of the Sacramento Chapter of Veterans for Peace, in the letter.

Rep. Matsui voted "Aye" last Friday for HR 34, which calls for "supporting the right of Israel to defend itself," but omitting any reference to the carnage against innocent Palestinian civilians.

Reiger said Veterans for Peace wants an end to fighting by both Israel and Hamas.

"We would like to schedule a meeting with you to discuss the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the actions of the U. S. government that allow this crisis to continue, and actions our government could take to bring an end to the deaths, injuries, and destruction," he said.

VFP nationally issued a strong statement this week, charging that "Neither Israel nor Hamas is justified in attacking the civilian population of the other. Bombings, rocket attacks, blockading medical supplies and military invasions will not lead to peace."