WASHINGTON – April 13
WHAT: Constituents meet with Congressman Michael Capuano to present alternatives to the Obama Administration’s “new strategy” in Afghanistan
WHEN: Tuesday April 14, 2009 1:30pm and Thursday April 16, 2009 at 10:30am
WHERE: 110 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02141-2109
As part of a national campaign organized by United for Peace and Justice, a national coalition of over 1400 organizations, concerned constituents of Representative Capuano are meeting to present three recommendations relating to US involvement in Afghanistan:
– A halt to the escalation of US troops
– A focus on regional diplomacy
– Devotion of funds towards Afghanistan-led reconstruction, not war profiteers
They will also present Congressman Capuano with a copy of “Afghanistan: Ending a Failed Military Strategy” produced by September 11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows as well as other information on the real situation in Afghanistan.
Chief amongst the participants’ concerns are the financial, humanitarian and security costs of the conflict. Says Wright Salisbury, whose son-in-law was killed on 9/11, “It’s outrageous that in a time of financial crisis, billions of our tax dollars are spent on military operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan.” Adds Sara Fuhro, whose son is currently serving in Afghanistan, “These military actions just make more enemies for the United States. We need to devote our tax dollars towards the needs of our own people and the Afghan people, not war.”
Over the past few months, constituents have held similar meetings with the offices of Senators John Kerry and Ted Kennedy and Representatives Barney Frank, Ed Markey, Niki Tsongas and James McGovern. Further meetings are scheduled for later in April and May, 2009.
For more information, please call Wright Salisbury – home: 781-652-8307; cell: 339-223-2858
Names and affiliations of participants in the meeting:
Wright Salisbury and Terry Greene of September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
Rev. Beulah Koulouris Chairwoman of Peace and Justice Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
Sarah Fuhro of Military Families Speak Out
Rachel Williams of United for Justice with Peace (a local coalition and member organization of United for Peace and Justice)
