In letter to Bush, war veterans "strongly question" Iraq invasion, and seek a meeting

posted by admin on Wednesday March 12, @10:58AM

Veterans for Common Sense

http://www.veteransforcommonsense.org

Posted 3/11/2003 9:23:38 PM

In a letter delivered yesterday to President Bush, U.S. war veterans questioned the wisdom of invading Iraq now and sought a meeting with the White House to discuss their concerns. Initiated by the Washington-based veterans’ group Veterans for Common Sense, the letter was e-mailed to veterans this weekend and quickly gathered nearly 1,000 signatories, including high-ranking officers and Kris Kristofferson.

MEDIA ALERT & INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES - 3/11/03

Source: Veterans for Common Sense

Contact: Stephen Kent, Kent Communications

845-758-0097, cell 914-589-5988

In a letter delivered yesterday to President Bush, U.S. war veterans questioned the wisdom of invading Iraq now and sought a meeting with the White House to discuss their concerns. Initiated by the Washington-based veterans’ group Veterans for Common Sense, the letter was e-mailed to veterans this weekend and quickly gathered nearly 1,000 signatories, including high-ranking officers and Kris Kristofferson.

The letter (see below) “strongly question[s] the need for war at this time,” noting signatories are “not convinced that coercive containment has failed, or that war has become necessary.” It argues that unlike 1991’s desert campaign to liberate Kuwait, invading Iraq now would likely entail “protracted siege warfare, chaotic street-to-street fighting in Baghdad, and Iraqi civil conflict,” raising fears of “casualties not witnessed since Vietnam.”

Citing UN predictions of massive Iraqi casualties, including 1.26 million children under age five at particular risk, it states “excessive civilian casualties like those predicted by the UN pose a grave risk to our national security, making the U.S. more of a target of retaliatory attacks by terrorists.” Its signatories describe themselves as “patriotic citizens and veterans who respect the office of the President,” requesting a meeting at his “earliest possible convenience.”

The following signatories are available now for media interviews:

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* Specialist Erik K. Gustafson, Gulf War Army veteran, co-founder, Veterans for Common Sense, an organization started by Gulf War veterans questioning the wisdom of invading Iraq.

* Captain Kris Kristofferson, former 82 Airborne helicopter pilot, celebrated actor, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter.

* Colonel David H. Hackworth, Army veteran of 30 years, and a veteran war correspondent who covered the Gulf War.

* Vice Admiral Jack Shanahan, former commander of the U.S. Second Fleet, former director, Center for Defense Information.

* Specialist Charles Sheehan-Miles, Gulf War Army veteran and co-founder, Veterans for Common Sense

* Lt. Colonel Gretchen Vanek, a veteran of the Vietnam and Gulf Wars.

* Colonel Larry Williams, served 27 years in Marine Corps including in Vietnam and Beirut.

* Vice Admiral Ralph Weymouth, Veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

These and other veteran signatories are available for interviews starting March 11. They are based in major cities, including Washington DC. For more information or to request interviews, contact Stephen Kent, 845-758-0097.

Reader Comments (add your comments) (All reader comments)

On the other hand... Posted 3/12/2003 3:10:41 PM

Gene Cole (USMC)

Senator John McCain, in an eloquent reply to those opposing the liberation of Iraq:

The Right War for the Right Reasons

This is also a good answer to those who slander people who support the liberation as "chickenhawks". Senator McCain's credentials, both as an independent, a warrior, and a hero, are impeccable.

John H. Brown's letter of resignation Posted 3/12/2003 3:46:40 PM

Briggs

Well, here's somebody from the State Department that must not have found Senator McCain and his arguments convincing: To: Secretary of State Colin Powell March 10, 2003 Dear Mr. Secretary: I am joining my colleague John Brady Kiesling in submitting my resignation from the Foreign Service (effective immediately) because I cannot in good conscience support President Bush's war plans against Iraq. The president has failed: --To explain clearly why our brave men and women in uniform should be ready to sacrifice their lives in a war on Iraq at this time; --To lay out the full ramifications of this war, including the extent of innocent civilian casualties; --To specify the economic costs of the war for ordinary Americans; --To clarify how the war would help rid the world of terror; --To take international public opinion against the war into serious consideration. Throughout the globe the United States is becoming associated with the unjustified use of force. The president's disregard for views in other nations, borne out by his neglect of public diplomacy, is giving birth to an anti-American century. I joined the Foreign Service because I love our country. Respectfully, Mr. Secretary, I am now bringing this calling to a close, with a heavy heart but for the same reason that I embraced it. Sincerely, John H. Brown Foreign Service Officer John H. Brown, a Princeton PhD, joined the Foreign Service in 1981 and has served in London, Prague, Krakow, Kiev, Belgrade and, most recently, Moscow. A senior member of the Foreign Service since 1997, he has focused his diplomatic work on press and cultural affairs. Under a State Department program, he has, up to now, been an Associate at the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, where he was assigned in August 2001.

Another Nobel Prize Winner who Supports the Liberation of Iraq Posted 3/12/2003 4:03:24 PM

Gene Cole (USMC)

Another Nobel Peace Laureate, Lech Walesa, supporting the liberation of Iraq. Here is the guy who was jailed for helping to lead Poland to freedom. He understands that we cannot turn our backs on the suffering of the Iraqi people.

Lech Walesa, Nobel Prize Winner

Briggs Posted 3/12/2003 4:16:23 PM

R Blowers

Briggs, a great many people disagree with War with Iraq for a great deal of reasons. Some because of Political idealogy. Some for their total dislike of Military action no matter what the reason.They come from all walks of life. Some former Military, some former Government Employees. So What!! That is right So What!! There are actualy more people from all these walks of life who actualy approve of the Presidents Actions. Plain and simple. We all have our opinions, some voice them louder than others. Do I disreguard any of them?Yes I do and on both sides by the way. Why would I disreguard those opinions?Because I do not accept anything said on face value period.

Now would I suggest that you or any other Veteran go fight for Saddam? Hell No!! I have to tell you though I feel very strongly that a lot of what is said by the Anti-War movment does indeed provide Comfort to that man. If you think for one second it does not, you are dead wrong.Am I saying that people should not express their feelings? Hell No!!

Yep Briggs, Not everyone agrees with your position. Actualy the majority of Americans don't!

Blower.... Posted 3/12/2003 4:36:08 PM

Isaac

And as I've pointed out before, with the exception of yourself and a few others, the majority of Americans are sorely misinformed. How many believe Iraq had something to do with al-Quaida, a position which has never been proven or even mentioned by anyone who isn't in the Bush administration. But our president wouldn't cook information, would he? Why, that's......immoral!

Isaac:(:)

re: Isaac's Comment Posted 3/12/2003 4:46:57 PM

Gene Cole (USMC)

The "majority of Americans" have access to the same information as you have, and they have come to the conclusion that President Bush is correct, Saddam must go, and the UN is simply wrong.

Isaac Posted 3/12/2003 5:25:33 PM

R Blowers

Hey Isaac, first off have you heard from your Brother yet? Hope he is doing well!!

I think Isaac that there is more than enough justification without bringing Osama and gang into the picture. However there is a very direct connection between Saddam and terrorism. He sponsors it and rewards it.This is undeniable!! While evidence cited connecting Saddam and Osama is circumstantial there is some evidence that he has aided Osama and Al Qeda. How deep a connection and how much assistance he has given them is debateable.

The fact of the matter remains this though. In the 12 years since the Cease Fire with Iraq Saddam has not lived up to any agreement he signed on to. This is a situation that should have been delt with a very long time ago. Unfortunately the political will of the U.N. has not been there to resolve this. In the meantime Saddam flourishes and his people are dieing. He builds Castles and Al Sammoud missles and his children die.Why is this? Because the World Powers have failed!!Not the U.S. alone, because we are a part of that failure for not haveing acted sooner.

Hey great piece of News right now!! Totaly unrelated, the young girl Pamela Smart who dissapeared last year from her house has been found!!! HOOOAH!!!

OOPS Posted 3/12/2003 5:28:10 PM

R Blowers

Actualy it was Elizabeth Smart who has been found after 7 months!!

Discuss...

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