Veterans for Peace, Northwest Florida VFP National Chapter 135 in memory of Hugh C. Thompson, rescuer of My Lai

     NO! To The Iraq War .  .  . and the next one, too!

< < <   Young working guys, more flamboyant than most,  typify Pensacola’s response to VFP’s rallies –  this one, on the day the 4,000th American died in Iraq. IT’S BEEN OVERWHELMING •   •   •   the response to VFP’s rallies and vigils from passing cars and people on the street . We kept count. Thumbs up, peace signs and honks were Ten to One against War

Help VFP’s Truth in Recruiting campaign—Donations between today and December 31 will be used exclusively to help high school and college students  –  prime targets of military recruiters –  make an informed choice on military enlistment.  Money you donate will pay for tables in college Free Speech zones, printed handouts, and documentary CDs.  More below.

Choose your rank: Peacemaker $10 –              Peacemaker First Class $25 –                

Chief Peacemaker $50 –               Master Peacemaker $75 –                        Hero $ ____________

(If you have a PayPal account, use that instead of a credit card.)

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I’D LIKE TO HELP •  with Truth in Recruiting   •  I’m interested in future projects

• I’d like to join VFP –   (Non-vets can be auxiliary members.)

Email us at:   vfpnwflorida@earthlink.net

Truth in Recruiting is an initiative to inform young men and women of the facts of military enlistment,   including comparison  to civilian employment. We intend also to provide information that military recruiters – whose opportunities for promotion depend on the number of enlistments from their efforts –  normally do not. Among the points will be the nature of the enlistment contract, which can be extended by decision of the military, limits on medical care for troops discharged for either combat or non-combat injuries, and the current rate, 25 percent, of dishonorable discharges. We will not withhold favorable information on a military career. VFP will set up tables at the University of West Florida and Pensacola Junior College during the week of September 15, and inside local high schools at later dates. Watch this site for exact dates and places. To keep in the loop or volunteer to help, email vfpnwflorida@earthlink.net, or call Scott at 352-634-2256 (cell) or 850-437-1323. ___________________________ VFP, Northwest Florida, will not align with any political party and will not seek the election or defeat of any candidate.

VFP has a Better Plan!   •  End the Iraq war as quickly as the troops can be withdrawn safely.    •  No preemptive war, against Iran or anybody else.    •  Make  an organized, systematic search for alternatives to war part of America’s military and diplomatic strategy   • And more. Read it at  Our View. If you agree, let the candidates know. Locally, here in northwest Florida,  incumbent Republican Jeff Miller faces a challenge for the U S House of Representatives from  Democrat Jim Bryan. To email Mr. Miller, go to his campaign site, jeffmillerforcongress.com , 850-430-4001.  Mr. Bryan’s web site is www.bryanforcongress.org.  E-mail him at jbryan_3ph@yahoo.com or speak to him at 850-652-3350 or 850-306-5322. Also make your views known to State and local candidates – their actions affect movements for Peace – Truth in Recruiting, for instance.  Senator Bill Nelson,  www.billnelson.senate.gov, is challenged by former congresswoman Republican Katherine Harris (whose campaign site we have not found). For president, click www.my.barackobama.com,  www.johnmccain.com, or www.bobbarr2008.com for Libertarian candidate Bob Barr.

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For stories of  successful nonviolent resistance to injustice and oppression, click the titles below:

• Heroes of Nonviolence –  stories of people, some famous, some obscure, who made peace, justice and compassion

part of their lives. They suffered abuse, violence and death in opposition to injustice, violence and war.

• The Army pilot who stopped  the My Lai massacre – read about Hugh C. Thompson, the Army med-evac pilot who

landed his helicopter between US rifles and Vietnamese civilians, pointed his machine gun at American troops, and

flew wounded civilians to assistance.

• Beyond Vietnam – Selections from Dr. Martin Luther King’s sermon of April 1967, in which he joined the civil rights

campaign with opposition to the Vietnam War.

• 20,000 Rally to Close US Terror School – Photo essay: Rally to close the “School of the Americas,” Ft. Benning, GA

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More about Veterans for Peace

 • Who we are and what we stand for –  Statement of Purpose, How to Join, VFP Northwest Florida Directors, and National VFP, Inc

■ VFP CHAPTER MEETINGS  •  Second Wednesdays, 7:00pm,  at the Center for Social Justice, MLKjr Boulevard at Moreno St. Meetings are sometimes changed. Email Scott at vfppcola@yahoo.com to get on the notification list, or call him at 850-437-1323 if in doubt.

■ SILENT VIGILS  •  every Third Friday, Noon to 1:00pm, at MLKjr Plaza, Palafox between Chase and Gregory. Sponsored by Patriots for Peace, a Pensacola group, and VFP Northwest Florida, these vigils are in their sixth year.

Get on Ida’s notification list at ida@vfp3o40.fatcow.com.

 ■ LINKS:    •  Veterans for Peace, Inc •  School of the Americas Watch •  United for Peace and Justice

Work for Peace and Justice through Nonviolence

in the world, at home