Beyond War

A New Economy Is Possible: Yes We Can!

Dear Friends,

We, soldiers, veterans, and military family members, know intimately the real costs of war. Over the past six years, we have lost much that can never be replaced to a war that should never have been. We write to you today to ask you to please support the coalition that has been there for us every step of the way: from the massive demonstrations opposing this unjust war from before it began to nurturing the grassroots activism that is the backbone of the antiwar movement.

United For Peace and Justice has been working ceaselessly these past six long and difficult years to stop the Iraq War — and for a broader peace and justice agenda. As the largest antiwar coalition in the United States, United For Peace and Justice has been a critical space for us and for our organizations — Iraq Veterans Against the War, Veterans for Peace, Military Families Speak Out, and others — to come together with civilian allies to move our nation towards peace.

Today, we celebrate the end of the Bush Era. And we are hopeful that our country is turning in a new direction. That is why today, more than ever before, United For Peace and Justice needs your financial support.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will not end themselves; the War Economy will not transform itself; and the entrenched interests will not just pack up and go home. Hope is not enough, and President Obama himself has said that he can only go as far as people demand. It is our job to make that demand. And UFPJ has a plan. At the recent National Assembly, the representatives of member groups from around the country hammered out a dynamic Plan of Action for 2009. (Click here to see that document — and others agreed upon at the Assembly.)

We need to continue to build strong people-powered organizations. And we need United For Peace and Justice to continue to be the critical coalition space where antiwar veterans, soldiers, and military families can join with a wide range of national and local organizations to develop our common strategies and coordinate our efforts.

Let’s rise together to the occasion. Let’s seize this unique opening. Let’s hit the ground running. This work cannot happen without money. We know many of you have generously supported UFPJ in the past, and that’s been so appreciated. But whether you’ve given before or not, now is the moment to help ensure the continued growth of UFPJ. Please make a generous donation to United For Peace and Justice today.

For a peaceful future,

Al Bernard
Son served three tours of duty in Iraq

Rosanna (pictured above) & Arturo Cambron
Son is returning to Iraq for second tour of duty