United for Peace and Justice – 2007-09-05 23:26:42

http://www.unitedforpeace.org/

We are urging your participation in a National Call-in Day focused on Iraq on Thursday, Sept. 6. With the escalating rhetoric and provocative actions of the Bush Administration directed against Iran, a number of UFPJ member groups asked us to include Iran as part of the message of this call-in day, and we agreed. Below is language for an alert we hope you will send out to your email lists. Let’s make this the strongest national call-in day possible!

Welcome Back Congress
National Call-In Day
End the U.S. War in Iraq; No New War with Iran!
Thursday, Sept. 6
Capitol Hill Switchboard:202-224-3121

Join the nationwide effort of United for Peace and Justice member groups to flood the offices of our member of Congress with calls demanding an end to the US war in Iraq and no new war with Iran.

• Call your Representative and both Senators on Thursday, September 6th.

Tell them:
* I want you to act now to end the war and occupation of Iraq and to prevent a war with Iran.
* The Congress has the Constitutional right and a moral responsibility to use the power of the purse to withdraw all U.S. soldiers and contractors from Iraq on a rapid and binding schedule. Now is the time to use that power!
* Congress must act to prevent a catstrophic war with Iran – Stop Threatening, Start Talking. I want you to speak out against the Administration’s deliberate provocation of Iran and encourage a commitment to diplomatic efforts with Iran. Congress must enact legislation prohibiting the use of funds for military action against Iran.

Background:

• Iraq
In September and October Congress will focus on Iraq. They will vote on the President’s request for and additional $200 billion to continue the war. Congress is not required to give Bush any of this money, or even to bring the request to a vote. Congress can also put restrictions, firm withdrawal timelines and other conditions on any funding in order to force an end to the U.S. occupation of Iraq.

• Iran:
On August 28, President Bush announced that he has authorized US forces in Iraq to confront Iran militarily: “I have authorized our military commanders in Iraq to confront Tehran’s murderous activities.” Simultaneously, US forces raided a hotel in Baghdad and detained ten Iranians who were part of a delegation that had been invited to Iraq to help with reconstruction.

The harshness and frequency of the rhetoric has steadily increased. Last week the Bush administration announced its intention to designate the IRGC as a terrorist entity, an unprecedented move. The President has reiterated accusations that Iran was smuggling weapons into Iraq while chastising the Iraqi Prime Minister for his diplomatic relations with Iran. Left unchallenged, all these steps point in one, undeniable direction: War.

The recent moves follow a familiar pattern. In January 2007, the President accused Iran of supplying IED’s to Iraqi insurgents, signaling his intention to use military force to attack Iran. Simultaneously, US forces detained five Iranians at an Iranian consulate in the Iraqi city of Irbil.

Congress successfully averted crisis through swift and strong reactions to the escalated rhetoric. Congress took immediate action by challenging the President to provide evidence for the claims. Now, as the White House is once again escalating tensions, Congress must act to prevent war from occurring.

• Contact:United for Peace and Justice
1100 Wayne Ave. #1020
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-565-4050 x315
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/