As 2007 begins, Oregonians Against the War renews its focus to end the war in Iraq. The majority of Americans now oppose this war. Our goal is to rally Oregonians to convince our government to pull out of Iraq now. Please feel free to download this brochure and hand it out as needed.
Dear Governor Kulongoski,
As you know, Oregonians Against the War is dedicated to ending the US war in Iraq and bringing home its true costs to all Oregonians.
We are therefore heartened by your recent clear and public statements against the war in which you stated that the war is spinning out of control, that it is not good for America, and that we need to set a strict timetable for getting out.
Stopping this war and stopping the use of our military to dominate other countries will take great effort from all of us. We are therefore glad to have you join us and we look forward to working with you in the future on ways to achieve peace and a more humane use of our precious resources.
With regard and best wishes,
Oregonians Against the War
Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski joined the growing number of state and local leaders coming forward to publicly oppose the Iraq war in a meeting with the Oregonian newspaper editorial board. (Oregonian newspaper, October 7, 2006.) Kulongoski, who at one point supported President Bush’s decision to invade Iraq, now says the war is “just spinning out of control and the United States should set a strict time table for getting out.” Kulongoski said that, like a growing majority of the American public, he believes the continued presence of U.S. troops in Iraq “is making things worse” and added, “I don’t think this is good for America.”
As Commander In Chief of the Oregon National Guard, the Governor, a former Marine, has traveled to Iraq and has attended nearly every funeral of Oregon soldiers killed there.
The Governor’s statements reflect public opinion in a state that has lost more than 70 natives in the Iraq war, predominantly National Guard troops, and has spent almost three billion of its tax dollars on subsidizing the war, while suffering from rising cutbacks in federal funds for education, housing, and human services.
“We wholeheartedly agree with the Governor,” said Francie Royce of Oregonians Against the War, one many organizations supporting a rapid exit strategy. “It is our strong belief that no war can end without a plan and negotiations.”
“As family members of those who have served in Iraq, we support the Governor in his efforts to end this disaster of a war,” said Michael Taylor, father of a soldier who served in Iraq and member of Military Families Speak Out Oregon. “Bringing the troops home now is the best way to honor our fallen soldiers and all who have served, and we are pleased that the Governor is with us on this”.
Thousands of Oregonians have signed petitions, sent letters, and met with the Governor and his staff to urge him to take a strong public position against the war. On March 19, 2006, on the third anniversary of the Iraq war, Portland was the site of the largest rally and march against the war in the United States, drawing more than 10,000 people from around the state.
Several member of Oregon’s congressional delegation have taken strong positions against the war, as well. Congressman Earl Blumenauer, for example, has opposed the war on national television and is currently sponsoring public forums on the issue. “This too, is an example of the leadership Oregonians expect of their elected officials,” said Kelly Campbell, Portland Area Peace Director for the American Friends Service Committee. “We hope that more elected officials will follow their example and call for the troops to come home now.”
Please support this resolution to the Portland City Council. To sign the petition, click on http://www.afsc.org/pacificnw/portland/bring-troops-home.htm
As of August 2006, Portlanders have spent more than $370 million on the war in Iraq. For the same amount of money, we could have funded:
(Source: The National Priorities Project)
A Eugene woman has been arrested for refusing to deploy for a second tour of duty in Iraq. Read the story at:
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/13287277/
On June 6th, several members of Oregonians Against the War met with Oregon’s governor to urge him to come forward and publicly oppose the war. (more…)
As of the end of May 2006, we’ve collected thousands of names on our petition to the Governor. We’ve delivered them in person, via fax and via mail, and we plan to keep up the pressure until we’ve ended the occupation of Iraq. If you check back you’ll hear about our progress!