San Diego - Sunday October 7, 10 am - 2pm
Gather at Civic Center (Freedom Plaza) 3rd and B, downtown San Diego
more info:
http://www.sdcpj.org
Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2012 17:29:06 -0400
From: info@unitedforpeace.org
To: info@sdcpj.org
Subject: Another Anniversary - 11 full years of war in Afghanistan , and the travesty continues
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| Dear Friend of United for Peace and Justice
Another Anniversary - 11 full years of war in Afghanistan , and the travesty continues to wreck havoc on our military and those who love them. It continues to wreck havoc on the multitude of Afghan families who have endured endless war over 4 decades. Lives and limbs lost, billions spent and wasted, have not made the lives of Americans or Afghans safer or better.
Sunday, October 7th marks the beginning of the Afghanistan War 11 years ago. We now enter our 12th year of war – the longest U.S. war in history.
We must remember all those who die or lose limbs on a daily basis by stepping on an ever growing number of IEDs – 2012 sets a record for IEDS planted by the enemy.
We must remember those who have lost their lives or been injured by "green on blue" attacks – attacks on our military by the Afghan Army and Afghan Police – the people we are there to help. To date, in 2012 51 coalition forces (mostly Americans) have been killed by our "partners".
We must remember our active duty troops and veterans, who have taken their own lives in ever increasing numbers. As Americans, we must consider what has gone wrong, why are our troops taking their own lives in such large numbers. We can no longer turn a blind eye to the reality of war – to the human and economic costs of war.
Participate in a demonstration this coming weekend, Oct 5-7, the anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan . Demand an end to America's longest war. Click here to find an event in your area or create one of your own.
The latest illustration of what has gone wrong in Afghanistan was expressed by Staff Sergeant Matthew Sitton, now deceased, in a recent email to his Congressman Rep Bill Young, R-Fla. Click here for full text of Sitton's email: http://nation.time.com/2012/09/25/walking-through-a-minefield-on-a-daily-basis/
Excerpts from Sitton's email:
"I am writing you because I am concerned for the safety of my soldiers…
I know the threat of casualties in war and am totally on board with sacrifice for my country, but what I do not agree with is the chain of command making us walk through — for lack of a better term — basically a minefield on a daily basis.
There is no end state or purpose for the patrols given to us from our higher chain of command, only that we will be out for a certain period of time.
" As a brigade, we are averaging at a minimum an amputee a day from our soldiers because we are walking around aimlessly through grape rows and compounds that are littered with explosives, not to mention that the operating tempo that every soldier is on leaves little to no time for rest and refit. The morale and alertness levels on our patrols are low, and it is causing casualties left and right…"
Thank you again for allowing soldiers to voice their opinion. If anything, please pray for us.
Less than 2 months later on August 2, Sitton, 26, was killed by an IED explosion. Sitton leaves behind a wife and nine-month old son.
SSG Matthew Sitton, pictured with wife Sarah and newborn son Brodey
Participate in a demonstration this coming weekend, Oct 5-7, the anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan . Demand an end to America's longest war. Click here to find an event in your area or create your own.
It is important to get involved – support the troops by letting your voice be heard. Please consider:
- A call or attendance at events asking your Congressional and Senate representatives to end the war in Afghanistan now
- Send an email to the President & Vice President
- Write a Letter to the Editor – local papers want to publish your thoughts about the war
- Join us, and many others, in rallys across the country demanding and end to war
Participate in a demonstration this coming weekend, Oct 5-7, the anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan. Demand an end to America's longest war. Click here to find an event in your area or create your own.
In Struggle-
Michael McPhearson
National Coordinator
Ps: Please support the work of UFPJ! We must keep fighting!
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