For information.
A big part of the reason that our social services and entitlement programs are being brought down is because of the cost of U.S. imperialism.
Citizen action could help if anyone is interested.
The ten year anniversary of the Afghanistan war is coming up this October 6th (or September 11th for the GWOT). We currently have a democrat in the White House as Commander in Chief (CINC) with the possibility of a Republican taking over well before the 2014 deadline. It's imperative we take this opportunity to pressure the President, the CINC, and the Congress and Senate, to end the Global War on Terror and the Afghanistan War before the next election.
Major protests are being organized nationally and regionally for this unfortunate ten year anniversary. A possibly very significant and unique protest is scheduled to start October 6th, 2001 in Washington D.C, organized by October2011.org.
"October 2011 is the 10th anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan and the beginning of the 2012 federal austerity budget. It is time to light the spark that sets off a true democratic, nonviolent transition to a world in which people are freed to create just and sustainable solutions."
"We call on people of conscience and courage—all who seek peace, economic justice, human rights and a healthy environment—to join together in Washington, D.C., beginning on Oct. 6, 2011, in nonviolent resistance similar to the Arab Spring and the Midwest awakening."
Directly participating in the effort requires a pledge. A serious pledge. We're talking about staying there until it's done.
"I pledge that if any U.S. troops, contractors, or mercenaries remain in Afghanistan on Thursday, October 6, 2011, as that occupation goes into its 11th year, I will commit to being in Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., with others on that day with the intention of making it our Tahrir Square, Cairo, our Madison, Wisconsin, where we will NONVIOLENTLY resist the corporate machine until our resources are invested in human needs and environmental protection instead of war and exploitation. We can do this together. We will be the beginning."
http://october2011.org/...
Our friends across the pond are getting into the act as well. The "Stop the War Coalition" and other antiwar activists are planning a major mass antiwar assembly in Trafalgar Square, London on October 8th, 2001.
http://www.stopwar.org.uk/
There is also an effort called "ComeHomeAmerica" formed by a bipartisan group of activists seeking a major change in U.S. military foreign policies.
"This is the time for a profound shift in foreign policy. A perfect storm has demonstrated the urgent need to reconsider militarism and promiscuous interventionism."
They have a letter to the President at their website seeking signers.
http://www.comehomeamerica.us/
Senators Merkley (D. OR), Paul (R. Ky.), and Udall (D. N.M.) have recently called for all combat troops to be out of Afghanistan by the end of 2012.
(Note: You're just going to have to see past that Paul name if you want to stop the wars and U.S. militarism. They ain't going away and we can use them on this.)
http://www.politico.com/...
And U.S. Mayors recently passed their first antiwar resolution since 1971 during the Vietnam War.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...
There are many ongoing efforts and many more planned. It's bipartisan alrighty. And some of the groups involved may not suit your fancy. But that has to be put aside for this cause. The feeling is "Now is the Time". If not now, when?
Complete diary can be found here: http://www.dailykos.com/...