Tell President Bush: Stop the Surge and change the strategy!

[Adelante]

We must stop George Bush's Iraq surge. Without changing the strategy, this is simply a continuation of "stay the course."

We cannot support the increase in troops unless George Bush disavows the NeoCon strategy and presents a new strategy. George Bush has been using the troops for the past four years trying to divide the country between those who support the war and those who do not.

President Bush is trying to divide us again with his expected call this week for a "surge" of up to 20,000 additional U.S. troops into Iraq. Will this deliver a "win?" Probably not. But this military stop-gap will certainly distract us from facing the deep-seated regional issues that must be resolved politically and diplomatically.

What President Bush's Iraq surge would do is put more American troops in harm's way, further undercut the morale of U.S. forces, and risk further alienating elements of the Iraqi populace -- all while reducing the urgency of reaching the ultimate political solution we need.

Don't let George Bush divide us. Please join General Wesley Clark in urging President Bush to stop the "surge," and instead change the strategy -- forward an email to the White House now!

SIGN HERE

SIGN NOW

SIGN FOR THEIR LIVES

Please forward this link to friends and family and veterans groups:

http://ga4.org/campaign/stopthesurge




General Clark's op-ed today in the Washington Post:

The Smart Surge: Diplomacy

By Wesley K. Clark

-snip

What the surge would do is put more American troops in harm's way, further undercut the morale of U.S. forces and risk further alienating elements of the Iraqi populace. American casualties would probably rise, at least temporarily, as more troops appeared on the streets -- as happened in the summer when a brigade from Alaska was extended and sent into Baghdad. And even if the increased troop presence initially frustrated the militias, it wouldn't be long before they found ways to work around the neighborhood searches and other obstacles, if they chose to continue the conflict.

Other uses for troops include accelerating training of the Iraqi military and police. But vetting these Iraqi forces for loyalty has proved problematic. So neither accelerated training nor adding Iraqi troops to the security mission can be viewed as though a specified increase in effort would yield an identical increase in return.

The truth is that the underlying problems are political, not military.

Vicious ethnic cleansing is underway, as various factions fight for power and survival. In this environment, security is unlikely to come from smothering the struggle with a blanket of forces -- and increasing U.S. efforts is likely to generate additional resistance, especially from Iraq's neighbors. More effective action is needed to resolve the struggle at the political level. A new U.S. ambassador might help, but the administration needs to recognize that the neoconservative vision has failed.

-more

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/07/AR2007010700980.html

[Major Hogwash]

1. If Bush dares to call for more troops in Iraq, then we should take to the streets.

There is only 1 thing that we can do to draw the media's attention to the problem of Bonehaid Bush not listening to the American people - take the streets!

Peacefully demonstrating our disgust for such an idiotic thing to do.

[4bucksagallon]

2. United for peace and justice is having a march and VVAW members are attending.....

United for Peace and Justice is sponsoring a big anti-war march on Saturday January 27th. VVAW members will be there. We should have a get together Friday or Saturday evening--If you are going, which evening would be better for you?
For logistic information (not available yet, but coming) go to www.unitedforpeace.org. They also have listings for people who are offering or who need housing.
There will probably be a meeting spot for all veterans' groups to enter the march together. I will send out an email when the place and time have been set.
Send me an email if you are coming. And add your cell phone number if you will be bringing it to DC.


I can't attend but am posting this in hopes that those that want to can.

[Major Hogwash]

3. Can you start a thread here making that announcement - the same as your post?

I would, but I can't.
I'm still restricted only to posting here for some reason.