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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
Everything has changed. Here we are unexpectedly hunkered down at home, alone, not doing any of what used to keep us active, just waiting it out, wondering if we'll be next. Some good things happened. Fracking is on the skids, needing at least $40 per barrel to make that work. The pall of sooty air has been lifted in places where people thought that smog was a fact of life. But something else is happening, as we focus on the latest COVID-19 casualty counts, or the latest possible cures, on the struggles to obtain equipment, on the personal tragedies and heroism. The rug is being pulled out from under us, but without our being aware of it. What we have treasured as our support system, the very fabric of our social network, is slipping away from us, Social Security weakened, government accountability moving toward ineffectiveness, violence repeatedly promoted, rights of workers undercut again and again, internal government oversight attacked with firing of four Inspectors General this spring, fossil fuel industry propped up, the U.S. Postal Service heading for privatization. Our way of doing business has shifted from local to megalith corporations. We don't know if we will still have an occupation, or have a place or purpose in this new reality when we are able to venture forth. We'll likely not be safe, we're thinking, to visit a hospital, go to school, travel, go to a performance, and don't know how any of that could possibly be paid for. We just sit here, helplessly, not doing any of those favorite things we use to do.
~ VFP161 Webmaster
People and Events
Details for Iowa City Peace Caravan—11am—Mercer Park
We will mark both International Women's Day for Peace and Disarmament (IWDPD) and Memorial Day by participating in a Caravan of Peace through Iowa City. Similar Peace Caravans and activities will take place in other cities all across the world. PEACE Iowa, along with the Iowa chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Veterans For Peace, Chapter 161 are proud to join with CODEPINK in honoring the many women and men (past and present) who have worked toward peace-building and disarmament.
Join us Monday, May 25th at Mercer Park, ready for the 11am start of the caravan to spread a message of peace throughout Iowa City. To participate, you should make your way to Mercer Park - just east of Southeast Junior High - by 10:50am where we will gather in the parking lot at the Dover Street side to get in position. Please come with your vehicle decorated with short messages of peace, such as: 'Peace', 'Global Ceasefire', 'No Sanctions', 'No War', 'HealthCare Not Warfare', 'War is Not Green', 'Divest from War', 'Sanctions Kill' — with symbols, such as peace signs, doves — hearts and flowers can also be used. You can use window paint, fabric or poster board signs, or any material you want. Feel free to be creative.
We will leave the parking lot at about 11am and circle through Iowa City toward downtown and then back to Mercer Park. In the event that anyone gets separated from the caravan please review the route map. We ask that everyone follow all traffic laws.
Organized by CODEPINK, and cosponsored by PEACE Iowa, the Iowa Chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility, and Veterans For Peace, Chapter 161.
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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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