Subject:
National launch of “Bring the Guard Home! It’s the law.”
Day after Inauguration: Major new initiative for national security law. Excellent photo and video opportunity; great, expert sources.
Time & Date:
1:30pm, Wednesday, January 21, 2009 (Please note: A Launch Party will take place the same day at 6:00pm at Busboys & Poets, 14th & V, see www.GuardHomeLaunch.com for info.
Location:
Washington D.C., National Press Club, Zenger Room
Featuring:
State Rep. Michael Fisher (VT) and Tony Payton Jr. (PA), others TBA; Leah Bolger, Veterans for Peace; Elaine Brower, Military Families Speak Out; Jean Athey, Peace Action; Ben Manski, Esq, Liberty Tree; Karen Dolan, Institute for Policy Studies; Benson Scotch, Esq., Of Counsel; Invited members of Congress TBA.
Special Website: www.GuardHomeLaunch.com
Summary:
Press conference launching the national “Bring the Guard Home! It’s the Law.” campaign. Legislators in over a dozen states plan legislation ending the unlawful overseas deployment of their National Guard units. The legislation limits Guard units to service within their respective states, unless called into federal service following a declaration of war or a duly enacted federal statute.
Guard units currently in Iraq are there under the 2002 Authorization for the Use of Military Force. The 2002 AUMF having expired, the legislation recognizes, there is no lawful basis under which state Guard units may be released into national service for deployment to Iraq.
National Sponsors:
AfterDowningStreet.org, Cities for Peace, CODEPINK, Courage to Resist, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Liberty Tree, Military Families Speak Out, Peace Action, Progressive Democrats of America, United for Peace and Justice, Veterans for Peace, U.S. Labor Against the War.
States Campaigns:
Alaska, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Vermont, Virginia, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Wisconsin. (as of 01/13/09).
http://www.mediaforfreedom.com/ReadArticle.asp?ArticleID=13837