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On September 14, 2001, the US Congress passed, with only one dissenting vote, the Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) which has served for the last 17 years as a legal veneer for our military misadventures around the world. Count the countries where our military has killed people who are not at war with us —at least nine (Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Niger, Algeria). Count the dollars spent on just our wars in Afghanistan and Iraq — at least Four Trillion Dollars. Count the number of countries where we have deployed US Special Forces — 149 in 2017. Count the number of military veteran suicides daily — at least 22.
Add to these figures the tragic irony that recent news is filled with reports of the US being allied with Al Qaeda forces in Yemen and Syria. Al Qaeda, the enemy that was the focus of the 2001 AUMF. An additional irony is that there are efforts underway to pass a new AUMF in Congress, which would call for even less Congressional oversight than the 2001 AUMF.
It is time to start paving the path to the peace we claim to love. A good first step is to rescind the 2001 AUMF and get the US military out of the bullying business. Tell Senator Ernst and Senator Grassley and Representative Loebsack or whoever represents you in Washington that they need to get on board the peace train and enable war no more. And spend 15 minutes at the weekly peace rally at the east side of the Pentacrest, this and any Friday, 4PM-5:30 PM.
What constitues service to country? Serving time in the military? Devoting yourself to making the world better than you found it?
Muhammad Ali put everything on the line in the cause of justice ...
"I strongly object to the fact that so many newspapers have given the American public and the world the impression that I have only two alternatives in taking this stand: either I go to jail or go to the Army. There is another alternative and that alternative is justice. If justice prevails, if my Constitutional rights are upheld, I will be forced to go neither to the Army nor jail. In the end I am confident that justice will come my way for the truth must eventually prevail."
—Ali Refuses Army Oath, is Stripped of Boxing Crown
NYT, April 28th 1967
nytimes.com/books/98/10/25/specials/ali-army.html
This Memorial Day, Veterans For Peace is reminding the public that the human cost of war is more than U.S soldiers, but also the people who are caught in the crossfire. We remember and honor all lives lost and will continue to question the leaders who call for more war. Honoring and remembering some deaths while ignoring others not only perpetuates war, but also ignores the moral injuries of war, which is a significant cause of veteran suicide.
Danny Sjursen and Coleen Rowley: America Needs an Armistice
Local VFP Members Speak Out Against New Obscene Military Spending
Veterans For Peace Stands with Chelsea Manning and Julian Assange
Armistice Day 2018, Time to Recommit to Peace
September 14 2018, Congress passes AUMF
March 2018, a muddle of murky anniversaries
John Ivens on US policy on Yemen
Ed Flaherty on US policy on Gaza
Jeffrey Sterling, a former CIA employee, released from prison
VFP 161 leader, Jeff Strottmann passes Feb 6, 2017
Retired Air Force Major General Charles Dunlap discusses AUMF in Syria
Taking Yemen to Congress
Ed Flaherty on Yemen & US military budget
Ed Flaherty on 9-11
VFP on Memorial Day
Muhammad Ali's service
Ann Wright & Women's Boat to Gaza
View Dan Berrigan commemoration
Private Manning's service to country
David Hempel: It's time to organize
For further information, call John Jadryev at 43O-2Ol9 or E-mail Ed Flaherty <flahertyem[at]q.com>
THE NEED FOR VOICES FOR PEACE IS URGENT
Brief recap of Veterans For Peace Chapter #161 activities
- Co-sponsored Iowa Peace Initiatives Conference in Dubuque, Sept, 2010
- Group coffee with Matthew Hoh, veteran of Marines and State Dept, Nov, 2010
- Organized Armistice Day Observance at Old Capitol 2010,2011,2012, 2013, 2014, with meal and open mike afterwards for all VFP in Iowa and the public
- Organized Iraq War Vigil. Des Moines 2011, Iowa City 2012
- Organized Afghan War Vigil: Iowa City & Clinton,2011; Iowa City , 2012, 2013, 2014
- Numerous letters to the editor from the group on Iraq, Afghanistan, Cost of war,drones,etc.
- Numerous visits to elementary & secondary school classrooms
- Numerous visits with church groups
- Numerous lobbying efforts at US Senate offices and offices of US House of Rep.
- Co-sponsorship of month-long exhibit, Windows & Mirrors, at Coralville Public Library, Sept,2012
- Coordination of visit of Kathy Kelly, 3-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee, to Windows & Mirrors
- Organized & co-sponsored James Zogby (pres of Arab American Institute),in IC,CR,CF,&DM, 2011
- Sponsored USS Liberty events in June, 2012, featuring former Congressman Paul Findley and three survivors of the 1967 Israeli attack on USS Liberty
- Participated in veterans' parade at State Fair, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
- Participated in Coralville 4th of July parade, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
- Greeted Ragbrai riders , 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
- Assisted in organizing two other VFP Chapters (#163 & 169) in Iowa
- Organized “No US Missiles in Syria” rally, Sept, 2013
- Organized and participated in 6 rallies regarding Reaper Drone control unit in Iowa. Latest, March 2015.
- Co-sponsored and participated in the “Ground the Drones” Walk, June,2013
- Hosted visits by two national VFP presidents, Elliott Adams & Leah Bolger
- Co-hosted two of the founders of UK VFP, Ben Griffin & Mike Lyons,
- Assisted VFP #169 in James Yee (Muslim Chaplain at Guantanamo), events, 11-2013
- Had several public showings of “Unmanned:America's Drone Wars,” Feb 2014
- Sponsored “Dirty Wars” movie at Iowa City's Film Scene theater,Mar, 2014
- Participated in No Drones actions Mar 2014, Iowa City & Des Moines, including Elliott Adams, Kathy Kelly, Daniel Hale, & VFP members from several states. And Sept, 2014 with Medea Benjamin.
- With VFP Chapters #163 & #169, shared Dingman Peace Award given by Des Moines Catholic Peace Ministry, April, 2014
- July, 2014 letter, no 2nd Iraq war, sent to DC reps and 8 newspapers,signed by 20 members
- Participated in memorial service for VFP #163 member, Bill Basinger, summer, 2014.
- Cooperated with three other groups in a booth at Johnson Co. Fair, July,2014
- John Ivens, in cooperation with Ray McGovern & Michael Prysner, presented workshop on Ukraine at VFP National Convention in Asheville, NC. Summer, 2014.
- Organized observance of “50 Years since Gulf of Tonkin Resolution”, Johnson Co. Courthouse lawn, Aug. 7, 2014. Testimony of five VFP #161 Vietnam vets.
- Participated (Diana Henry lead-off speaker) at 8-21-2014 rally on IC Ped Mall in solidarity with Michael Brown and reform of domestic police activities
- Cooperated and provided 3 speakers at Campaign Nonviolence rally on IC Ped Mall,9-21-2014
- Assisted in Dennis & Elizabeth Kucinich' visit to Iowa in October, 2014
- Sponsored “Joyeux Noel” movie at IC Film Scene, 12-25-2014, to overflow crowd.
- Participated in MLK Day observances in Iowa City, 1-19-2015
Organized MLK memorial event at U of IA, read his Riverside Speech. Participated in Kite Flying Day (in conjunction with Afghan Peace Volunteers, with 100Grannies) Apr, 4 2016
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Organized and sponsored week-long speaking tour by Ann Wright and Kathy Kelly, May, 2016, in cooperation with VFP Chapters #163 and #169.
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They spoke in eight different cities, spoke at universities, high schools, church groups, mosques, Iowa City Rotary Club.
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Organized protest against armed Reaper Drones at Iowa Air National Guard Base, Des Moines. Led by ret. Col Ann Wright (this was the 8th war-drone protest organized by #161, in cooperation with VFP #163 and DM peace groups)
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Helped organize and participate in International Conscientious Objector Day observance outside of Iowa City Public Library, May 15th.
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Marched as a unit in Iowa City Gay Pride Parade, June, 2016
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With 100Grannies, PEACE Iowa, and Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility, we participated for the 8th year in a row in the Coralville 4th of July parade.
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July – Johnson County Fair. Third year of cooperating with 100G, PEACE Iowa, and Iowa PSR in a booth for the 4-day fair.
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July 30th. For the 10th year in a row, we greeted 10,000+ RAGBRAI riders on the last day of their ride, east of Washington.
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October 7th, 15-year observance of U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. Together with PACG (Progressive Action for the Common Good), we led this event outside of the Federal Courthouse in Davenport, Following the observance, we were guests at the Quad Cities Islamic Center community dinner.
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November 10th, VFP representatives spoke to five Jr. Hi. Global Studies classes at NW Jr. High. Third year of doing this. Invited by teacher, Alissa Meggitt.
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November 11th, Armistice Day Observance at entrance to Old Capitol, attended by 100 citizens and VFP members from across the state. The observance was followed by a meal hosted by #161 at the ICPL, with enthusiastic open mic discussion.
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Several members of VFP #161 participated in various efforts to halt the Dakota Access Pipeline.
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Participated in presentation to Maureen McCue's Univ. of Iowa class, "War or Health."
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During the year, members participated in weekly Friday peace vigils at the Pentacrest in Iowa City.
Welcome to Veterans For Peace
Veterans For Peace is a global organization of Military Veterans and allies whose collective efforts are to build a culture of peace by using our experiences and lifting our voices. We inform the public of the true causes of war and the enormous costs of wars, with an obligation to heal the wounds of wars. Our network is comprised of over 140 chapters worldwide whose work includes: educating the public, advocating for a dismantling of the war economy, providing services that assist veterans and victims of war, and most significantly, working to end all wars.
Statement of Purpose
We, having dutifully served our nation, do hereby affirm our greater responsibility to serve the cause of world peace. To this end we will work, with others
- To increase public awareness of the costs of war
- To restrain our government from intervening, overtly and covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations
- To end the arms race and to reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons
- To seek justice for veterans and victims of war
- To abolish war as an instrument of national policy.
To achieve these goals, members of Veterans For Peace pledge to use non-violent means and to maintain an organization that is both democratic and open with the understanding that all members are trusted to act in the best interests of the group for the larger purpose of world peace.
Rendered for inclusion on website
Stop Tightening the Thumb Screws
by Kathy Kelly — The Palestine Chronicle, March 21, 2020
US sanctions against Iran, cruelly strengthened in March of 2018, continue a collective punishment of extremely vulnerable people. Presently, the US "maximum pressure" policy severely undermines Iranian efforts to cope with the ravages of COVID-19, causing hardship and tragedy while contributing to the global spread of the pandemic.
On March 12, 2020, Iran's Foreign Minister Jawad Zarif urged member states of the UN to end the United States' unconscionable and lethal economic warfare.
Addressing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Zarif detailed how US economic sanctions prevent Iranians from importing necessary medicine and medical equipment.
For over two years, while the US bullied other countries to refrain from purchasing Iranian oil, Iranians have coped with crippling economic decline.
The devastated economy and worsening coronavirus outbreak now drive migrants and refugees, who number in the millions, back to Afghanistan at dramatically increased rates.
In the past two weeks alone, more than 50,000 Afghans returned from Iran, increasing the likelihood that cases of coronavirus will surge in Afghanistan. Decades of war, including US invasion and occupation, have decimated Afghanistan's health care and food distribution systems.
Jawad Zarif asks the UN to prevent the use of hunger and disease as a weapon of war. His letter demonstrates the wreckage caused by many decades of United States imperialism and suggests revolutionary steps toward dismantling the United States war machine.
During the United States' 1991 "Desert Storm" war against Iraq, I was part of the Gulf Peace Team, — at first, living at in a "peace camp" set up near the Iraq-Saudi border and later, following our removal by Iraqi troops, in a Baghdad hotel which formerly housed many journalists.
Finding an abandoned typewriter, we melted a candle onto its rim, (the US had destroyed Iraq's electrical stations, and most of the hotel rooms were pitch black).
We compensated for an absent typewriter ribbon by placing a sheet of red carbon paper over our stationery. When Iraqi authorities realized we managed to type our document, they asked if we would type their letter to the Secretary-General of the UN. (Iraq was so beleaguered even cabinet-level officials lacked typewriter ribbons.)
The letter to Javier Perez de Cuellar implored the UN to prevent the US from bombing a road between Iraq and Jordan, the only way out for refugees and the only way in for humanitarian relief. Devastated by bombing and already bereft of supplies, Iraq was, in 1991, only one year into a deadly sanctions regime that lasted for thirteen years before the US began its full-scale invasion and occupation in 2003.
Now, in 2020, Iraqis still suffering from impoverishment, displacement and war earnestly want the US to practice self-distancing and leave their country.
Are we now living in a watershed time? An unstoppable, deadly virus ignores any borders the US tries to reinforce or redraw. The United States military-industrial complex, with its massive arsenals and cruel capacity for siege, isn't relevant to "security" needs.
Why should the US, at this crucial juncture, approach other countries with threat and force and presume a right to preserve global inequities? Such arrogance doesn't even ensure security for the United States military.
If the US further isolates and batters Iran, conditions will worsen in Afghanistan and United States troops stationed there will ultimately be at risk. The simple observation, "We are all part of one another," becomes acutely evident.
It's helpful to think of guidance from past leaders who faced wars and pandemics. The Spanish flu pandemic in 1918-19, coupled with the atrocities of World War I, killed 50 million worldwide, 675,000 in the US. Thousands of female nurses were on the "front lines," delivering health care.
Among them were black nurses who not only risked their lives to practice the works of mercy but also fought discrimination and racism in their determination to serve. These brave women arduously paved a way for the first 18 black nurses to serve in the Army Nurse Corps and they provided "a small turning point in the continuing movement for health equity."
In the spring of 1919, Jane Addams and Alice Hamilton witnessed the effects of sanctions against Germany imposed by Allied forces after World War I. They observed "critical shortages of food, soap, and medical supplies" and wrote indignantly about how children were being punished with starvation for "the sins of statesmen."
Starvation continued even after the blockade was finally lifted, that summer, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. Hamilton and Addams reported how the flu epidemic, exacerbated in its spread by starvation and post-war devastation, in turn, disrupted the food supply.
The two women argued a policy of sensible food distribution was necessary for both humanitarian and strategic reasons. "What was to be gained by starving more children?" bewildered German parents asked them.
Jonathan Whitall directs Humanitarian Analysis for Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors without Borders. His most recent analysis poses agonizing questions:
How are you supposed to wash your hands regularly if you have no running water or soap? How are you supposed to implement 'social distancing' if you live in a slum or a refugee or containment camp? How are you supposed to stay at home if your work pays by the hour and requires you to show up? How are you supposed to stop crossing borders if you are fleeing from war? How are you supposed to get tested for #COVID19 if the health system is privatized and you can't afford it? How are those with pre-existing health conditions supposed to take extra precautions when they already can't even access the treatment they need'.
I expect many people worldwide, during the spread of COVID-19, are thinking hard about the glaring, deadly inequalities in our societies, wonder how best to extend proverbial hands of friendship to people in need while urged to accept isolation and social distancing.
One way to help others survive is to insist the United States lift sanctions against Iran and instead support acts of practical care. Jointly confront the coronavirus while constructing a humane future for the world without wasting time or resources on the continuation of brutal wars.
— Kathy Kelly (kathy@vcnv.org) co-coordinates Voices for Creative Nonviolence (www.vcnv.org). She contributed this article to The Palestine Chronicle.
Article here
People and Events
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A time comes when silence is betrayal. Even when pressed by the demands of inner truth, men do not easily assume the task of opposing their government's policy, especially in time of war. Nor does the human spirit move without great difficulty against all the apathy of conformist thought within one's own bosom and in the surrounding world.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Riverside Church - April 4, 1967
We are called to speak for the weak, for the voiceless, for the victims of our nation, for those it calls "enemy", for no document from human hands can make these humans any less our brothers. I think of them, too, because it is clear to me that there will be no meaningful solution until some attempt is made to know them and hear their broken cries.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Riverside Church - April 4, 1967
History is cluttered with the wreckage of nations and individuals that pursed this self-defeating path of hate. We still have a choice today: nonviolent coexistence or violent co-annihilation. We must move past indecision to action. If we do not act, we shall surely be dragged down the long, dark, and shameful corridors of time reserved for those who posses power without compassion, might without morality, and strength without sight.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Riverside Church - April 4, 1967
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On April 4, 1967 Martin Luther King delivered the most controversial speech in his career, "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence." April 4th also marks the date in 1968 when King was assassinated in Memphis.
Here is that Riverside speech broken into sections for public presentation
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Stand up for Peace!
Fridays, New hours: 3:30 to 4:30 pm
at the intersection of
Iowa Avenue and Clinton Street
on the University of Iowa Pentacrest
Iowa City
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Are you ready to show up for peace? Join us for an hour, or even just a few minutes, to voice your support for peace. We citizens must stand as a reminder that the military option is an unacceptable option. Come with your friends, your family, your neighbors, or just yourself — all are welcome.
Veterans for Peace 161 gather on Armistice Day, November 11, 2018
Dave H, John C, Jim Bradley, Louie, Ron McCall, John Fyotek, and Ed Flaherty participated in the June 16, 2018 Gay Pride Parade.
Thanks to Tom Jacobs for the photo.
What constitues service to country? Serving time in the military? Devoting yourself to making the world better than you found it?
Muhammad Ali put everything on the line in the cause of justice ...
"I strongly object to the fact that so many newspapers have given the American public and the world the impression that I have only two alternatives in taking this stand: either I go to jail or go to the Army. There is another alternative and that alternative is justice. If justice prevails, if my Constitutional rights are upheld, I will be forced to go neither to the Army nor jail. In the end I am confident that justice will come my way for the truth must eventually prevail."
—Ali Refuses Army Oath, is Stripped of Boxing Crown
NYT, April 28th 1967
nytimes.com/books/98/10/25/specials/ali-army.html
This Memorial Day, Veterans For Peace is reminding the public that the human cost of war is more than U.S soldiers, but also the people who are caught in the crossfire. We remember and honor all lives lost and will continue to question the leaders who call for more war. Honoring and remembering some deaths while ignoring others not only perpetuates war, but also ignores the moral injuries of war, which is a significant cause of veteran suicide.
Danny Sjursen and Coleen Rowley: America Needs an Armistice
Local VFP Members Speak Out Against New Obscene Military Spending
Veterans For Peace Stands with Chelsea Manning and Julian Assange
Armistice Day 2018, Time to Recommit to Peace
September 14 2018, Congress passes AUMF
March 2018, a muddle of murky anniversaries
John Ivens on US policy on Yemen
Ed Flaherty on US policy on Gaza
Jeffrey Sterling, a former CIA employee, released from prison
VFP 161 leader, Jeff Strottmann passes Feb 6, 2017
Retired Air Force Major General Charles Dunlap discusses AUMF in Syria
Taking Yemen to Congress
Ed Flaherty on Yemen & US military budget
Ed Flaherty on 9-11
VFP on Memorial Day
Muhammad Ali's service
Ann Wright & Women's Boat to Gaza
View Dan Berrigan commemoration
Private Manning's service to country
David Hempel: It's time to organize
Photo by Master Sgt. Joshua Kowalsky
On Friday, March 15, 2019, VFP 161 member, Linda Fisher was handed the baton to direct the U.S. Air Force Concert Band at the Hancher to conduct Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever in a rousing finish to the nights outstanding full house performance. Chief Master Sgt Stacy Newbrough Ascione, an Iowa City native, performed a classy flute improvision.
Linda had been a former member of the Women's Air Force Band, serving with the WAF Band from 1960-1961. She even marched in the Inaugural Parade for President John F. Kennedy!
In 1958, four peace lovers sailed the 30' Golden Rule from California, bound for the Marshall Islands, where another above-ground nuclear bomb test was scheduled. They got arrested in Hawaii, and the boat got sold. It was found in 2010, a wreck. Some VFP folks who knew its story restored it. Here it is, in San Diego bay last week, for the national VFP convention, in conjunction w/the 70 year commemoration of the A-Bomb devestation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Atmospheric nuclear bomb tests were banned world-wide in 1963. The Marshall Islands are suing the nuke bomb holding countries now to make them honor the intent of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, to reduce and get rid of all nuclear weapons. Orion Sherwood, one of the 1958 crew, was at the VFP convention, as determined a peace-maker now as then.
For further information, call John Jadryev at 43O-2Ol9 or E-mail Ed Flaherty <flahertyem @ AOL·com>
THE NEED FOR VOICES FOR PEACE IS URGENT
Veterans For Peace, Chapter 161
P0 Box 947
Iowa City, IA 52244·O947
Please contact:
E-mail John Jadryev <jadryevj[at]gmail.com>
or call ( 3l9 ) 43O·2Ol9
E-mail Ed Flaherty <flahertyem[at]q.com>
or call ( 3l9 ) 354·O54O
Webmaster:
Franklin Seibering
P0 Box l3O2
Iowa City, Iowa 52244·l3O2
E-mail: <webmaster[at]justword.net>
page: ( 3l9 ) 34l·llO7
VETERANS FOR PEACE
CHAPTER 161
The April 12th—Coralville Public Library
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
INTRODUCTIONS
MINUTES
TREASURERS REPORT
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Budget and fundraising efforts
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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New members
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Local action in response to current events
NEW BUSINESS
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Upcoming events
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Agenda for the March meeting, to be held in the Iowa City Public Library.
OLD BUSINESS
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Will chapter 161 be a named chapter?
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Website progress report
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Book reports
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Group singing
WORKING GROUPS
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Will chapter 161 be a named chapter?
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Website development team
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Upcoming events coordination
Back to home page
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McGovern Rowley Schedule. All listed events are free and open to the public. All events are sponsored by Iowa Veterans For Peace
Thurs, Sept 24th. 6:00 PM Speech at University of Dubuque. MAD Paths to Mutually Assured Destruction: War & Pollution Contact Christine Darr cdarr@dbq.edu
Friday, Sept 25th: 7:00 PM Speech at Veterans Memorial Building, 50 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids. The People’s Pre-Caucus Intelligence Briefing Contact Joe Aossey,VFP #169. jaossey@yahoo.com
Sat, Sept 26th. Cedar Falls/Waterloo 10:30 AM News Talk sponsored by the University of Northern Iowa Democracy Project. University Book Store, 1009 W. 23rd St., Cedar Falls 3:00 PM Law Court Theater, Waterloo Center for the Arts Addressing/Redressing Global & Local Violence. Waterloo/Cedar Falls events, contact Tom Kessler tom.kessler@cfu.net
Sunday, Sept 27 2PM to 4 PM: Davenport. Rogalski Center, St. Ambrose University. Co-sponsored by the Quad City Times. New Ideas Forum. Contact Paul Foley. 563 333-6025. Foleypaulj@sau.edu 7 PM. JPOG (Just Peace Outreach Group) West Union Mennonite Church, 3253 305 St, Parnell, IA. Fingerfood potluck, 6PM. Bring fingerfood to share and your own table service. Biblical Justice: Is It an Un-American Activity Contact Roger Farmer, 319 653-2547 or Jane Yoder-Short, wilmajane17@gmail.com
Monday, Sept 28th 7:30 PM. Iowa City University of Iowa LECTURE Series Englert Theatre. Intelligence, Not “Mistaken,” But “Fixed” For War
Tuesday, Sept 29th Noon Speech at Iowa City Foreign Relations Council. (Lunch:$10 Members; $14 non-members). "Can We Wade Out of the Big Muddy and Get Back to Some Moral High Ground?" Both Iowa City events, contact Ed Flaherty, VFP #161. 319 621-6766. Flahertyem@aol.com
7:00 PM, Ames. Ames Public Library, Farwell T. Brown Auditorium. Peace is Possible Contact Mary Logsdon. 515 239-5633. Mlogsdon@amespubliclibrary.org
Wednesday, Sept 30th Des Moines 7:00 PM, Lecture at Drake University. Contact Gil Landolt, VFP #163. Suggested title: Use & Abuse of US Intelligence Peacevet@hotmail.com 515 333-2180
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