FCNL Washington Newsletter 2005-01: Iss 693

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Friends Committee on
RFC
Washington Newsletter
iJlNL
JANUARY 2005 NO. 693
National Legislation
Free Iraq: The Responsibility of Withdrawal
The war policies of President Bush present Congress of the inevitable civilian casualties, it would not be
with a paradox: It is unthinkable for the U.S. to recommendable. To fulfill the moral and legal oblig¬
leave Iraq as a failed state, yet a continuing U.S. mili¬ ations it has incurred to help rebuild Iraq, the U.S.
tary presence in Iraq may well lead to a failed state. must now accept its responsibility and withdraw.
As the 109th Congress convenes in January, will it U.S. Failing to Meet its Obligations
"stay the course" and fund the same failed war poli¬
cies of the past two years, or will it condition fund¬ The Bush administration continues to claim its
ing on the U.S. implementing new policies to de- experiment in building democracy through war is
escalate the violent conflict, to end the occupation, on track. In fact, since the invasion and occupation
and to return Iraq to Iraqis? nearly two years ago, the U.S. has failed to meet its
obligations under international law to restore securi¬
To "stay the course" means confronting insurgent ty, support reconstruction, and return sovereignty to
violence with greater U.S. violence. The temptation Iraqis. Instead, the occupation has been mired in a
to stay the cc^urse stems partly from a denial of the long list of missteps, scandals, and abuses. More¬
reality that the U.S. preventive war and nation¬ over, any progress made toward a new political
building experiment in Iraq have failed. "Success" order in Iraq has been eclipsed by the surging vio¬
for the U.S. in Iraq is no longer an option, if it ever lence and swelling resentment of many Iraqis.
was. War is not the answer.
In the lead up to Iraq's January 30 elections, the U.S.
Some argue that U.S. responsibility under interna¬ is now adding 12,000 troops. Pentagon officials have
tional law to restore security and protect civilians in said any future reductions of the total 150,000 U.S.
Iraq demands that the U.S. military remain and help troop force will be "determined by events on the
stabilize the country. In fact, the presence and offen¬ ground." But recent events on the ground have only
sive operations of U.S. troops have become the escalated the violence.
greatest threats to Iraq's future. U.S. offensives,
including aerial bombings, city sieges (witness Fallu- In February, the White House is expected to send
jah), and neighborhood sweeps, foster resentment Congress a fourth war "supplemental" spending
among Iraqis, fuel the insurgency, and threaten civil¬ request, adding an estimated $80 billion-$100 billion
ian lives. Iraqi security forces are attacked more to the more than $187 billion already appropriated.
often when U.S. troops are present, and the Green The war has cost far more and lasted far longer than
Zone—a barricaded neighborhood housing the the administration estimated in 2003.
interim Iraqi government along side the U.S.
embassy—has become a prime target for suicide The human costs of the war now include 1,300 U.S.
bombings and mortar attacks. troops killed and some 8,000 wounded; an estimated
100,000 Iraqi civilian deaths from war and
Arguably, sufficient military force could overcome occupation; as many as 100,000 returning U.S. troops
the insurgency with time. "Sufficient" might mean a in need of mental health care; billions of dollars in
U.S. troop strength of a quarter million or more stay¬ Iraqi revenue and reconstruction funds lost due to
ing for a decade. That will not happen, and, because
(continued on page 7)
Page 2 FCNL Washington Newsletter, January 2005
"Structural Economic Violence"
The FRIENDS COMMITTEE ON
NATIONAL LEGISLATION (FCNL),
a nonpartisan Quaker lobby in the What Is It?
public interest, seeks to follow the
leadings of the Spirit as it speaks for
itself and for like-minded Friends. (See Statement of Legislative Policy on p. 3)
Views expressed in FCNL's Washington
Neu'slettcr are guided by the Statement The 18th century Quaker John Woolman urges us to "look upon our
of Legislative Policy which is prepared
treasures, and the furniture of our houses, and [our] garments... and
and approved by FCNL's General
Committee. FCNL includes Friends try whether the seeds of war have any nourishment in these our posses¬
appointed by 26 Friends' yearly sions. .." He was concerned about the ways our private, individual
meetings and by nine other Friends'
organizations in the United States. choices and actions combined with those of others at a systemic level to
unintentionally contribute to deeply harmful and violent social out¬
Clerk: Stephen McNeil
Assistant Clerk: Joanne Rains Warner comes such as war, slavery, and widespread human suffering.
Executive Secretary: Joe Volk
The FCNL Washington Neu>sletter is Whereas Woolman, in this instance, was concerned with the behavior of
published ten times a year (monthly,
with July-August and November- individuals within the larger political-economic system, the concern for
December combined issues). In "structural economic violence" (SEV) focuses on the way political-eco¬
addition, a x'oting record is published
nomic systems produce harmful outcomes for groups within a society
annually.
or betw^een societies in their interactions. SEV results from a system in
The Washington Nezosletter is sent free
uf)on request and automatically to cur¬ which economic resources are not distributed equitably either by design
rent donors. Your contributions are or as an unintended consequence, resulting in harm to particular seg¬
needed to support FCNL's lobbying
and education work. ments of society. The effects of inequitable economic distribution can be
profound, producing widespread physical and mental illness, social
Editor Liz Hofmeister
Authors: Karin Lee, Jeanne Herrick- decay and conflict, impaired child development, chronic poverty across
Stare, Bridget Moix, Andrew Peterson, generations, and premature disability or death.
Scott Stedjan, Ned Stowe
Large print and audiotape versions of
HIV/AIDS Pandemic an Example
the Washington Neiivletter are available
upon request. The Washington Neu^Iet-
ter is available in microform from Uni¬
versity Microfilms International, 300 The global HIV/AIDS pandemic is perhaps the most egregious example
North Zeeb Road, Dept. P.R., Ann of SEV today. Tens of millions have died so far. Millions more have
Arbor, Ml 48106.
been sickened or orphaned. The economies of some of the poorest
Reprinting Washington Newsletter
countries in Africa have shrunk as an indirect result. The wealthy
items: We encourage our readers to
copy and distribute items from FCNL's developed countries know how to prev^ent and treat this illness, though
Washington Newsletter. When doing so, we still cannot cure it. Halting this pandemic would cost only a small
please include the following credit:
"Reprinted from the Washington fraction of the gross domestic product of the wealthiest countries. But
Neu'sletter, [issue #, month and the U.S. and others are unwilling to commit sufficient resources. As a
year] published by the Friends
consequence, millions more will die from this policy of neglect because
Committee on National
Legislation." they are poor and live in the Third World.
We would appreciate receiving a copy
with a brief note indicating how/where
the item was used and the approximate Other examples of SEV include regressive federal tax and spending pri¬
numbers of copies distribute. orities that systematically increase the concentration of wealth and
Friends Committee on income in scxriety; a health care system that distributes health care pri¬
National Legislation marily to those with the greatest wealth and income, leaving tens of
millions without access; or a global economic system in which corpora¬
245 Second Street NE
Washington, DC 20002-5795 tions move jobs overseas with little obligation to the well-being of
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workers or communities left behind and with even less obligation to the
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Fax: [phone] well-being of workers and communities in the new host countries.
Legislative Action Message:
202-547-4343
e-mail: [email protected] Like the tree in Jesus' parable of the tree and its fruit (Luke 6:43-45), our
OWeb site: http://www.fOTl.org political-economic system will produce either good or bad fruit depend¬
Printed on recycled paper ing on the hearts of those who govern it. FCNL asks: Who in the 109th
with soy-based ink. Congress will plant the trees that will bear good fruit for all the people
of the world? ■
I
FCNL Washington Newsletter, January 2005 Page 3
FCNL's Legislative Priorities for the 109th Congress
The Friends Committee on National Legislation the world through international institutions and
seeks to bring the religious experience of Friends to treaties.
bear on public policy decisions. We are called to bear
witness to God's love for every person by sounding a ■ Change federal budget, tax, and fiscal policies to
clear voice for truth and peace, bringing forward reduce military spending, meet pressing human
alternatives to violence, and working for justice. needs, and address structural economic
violence.”^
We are committed to government of, by, and for the
people. Current U.S. policies cause the vulnerable to ■ Promote long-term protection of the
lose hope and allow the wealthy to amass greater environment and eliminate a critical cause of
wealth. The public good is compromised in favor of violent conflict by reducing oil consumption and
private interests without accountability. The Execu¬ accelerating development and use of renewable
tive branch is undermining laws, and Congress is energy sources.
abdicating its responsibilities to promote the public
good. FCNL will continue active advocacy on Native
American issues. As way opens, FCNL will contin¬
Friends cherish integrity in public and private life. ue Friends’ long-standing witness for rights of con¬
We call on our public officials to lead by example, to science, criminal justice reform, abolition of the
be accountable to the people they serve, and to death penalty, and an end to institutional racism.
adhere to the highest standards of ethics and civility. FCNL's work will be based on legislative opportuni¬
ty, specific expertise and leadings, and resource
We know that true security grows from international availability. FCNL has the flexibility, within the
cooperation and trust, as well as respect for human Statement of Legislative Policy, to respond to crises
dignity, economic and social equality, and the rule of and important legislative opportunities. Omitting
law. Fear of further acts of terror is being manipulat¬ an issue from these priorities does not imply a
ed to justify an agenda of endless war in the name of change in our policy.
"security."
The General Committee calls upon its members,
In light of these concerns, FCNL selects the follow¬ other Friends, and like-minded people to promote
ing priorities for its work during the 109th Congress: these priorities. In addition to the issues that FCNL
has the resources to address, many other deeply
■ Remove all U.S. military forces and bases from held concerns will continue to receive attention from
Iraq, and fulfill U.S. moral and legal obligations individual Friends, monthly meetings and churches,
to reconstruct Iraq through appropriate multina¬ yearly meetings, and other Quaker organizations.
tional, national, and Iraqi agencies. As we work to find solutions to complex problems.
Friends continue to seek divine guidance and ask for
■ Promote a framework for national and interna¬ renewed strength and hope. ■
tional security that includes peaceful prevention
- Approved by FCNL’s General Committee,
and resolution of deadly conflicts, active pursuit
11/14/04
of arms control and disarmament, adherence to
international law, support for the United
See an explanation of "structural economic violence" on
Nations, and participation in multilateral efforts p. 2.
to address the root causes of war and of
terrorism.
■ Restore and assure full civil liberties for all
WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER
persons in the United States or under its
jurisdiction, and promote human rights around
Page 4 FCNL Washington Newsletter, January 2005
Respecting Human Rights and Civil Liberties:
The Bedrock of Freedom, Democracy, and Security
War is not the answer to extremist violence and nei¬ dedicated their lives to our country in so many
ther are suspending basic freedoms, violating ways. And they are the keys to winning hearts and
human rights, and undermining the rule of law. minds abroad.
The horrendous attacks of September 11, 2001, tore Our country's strength lies in the U.S. Constitution,
the basic fabric of human relations that undergirds a with its guarantee of freedom of speech, press,
ci\dl, peaceful, and just society. Yet, rather than seek assembly, religion, and petition. It lies in our
ways to re-weave the strands of civil society and reliance on the rule of law, not the capricious rule of
restore the fabric to wholeness in the aftermath of men so easily corrupted by power, money, or short¬
the attacks, the Bush administration, with the sup¬ sightedness. It lies in respect for the application of
port of Congress, has proceeded to shred the fabric due process in every situation in which the might of
e\’en more. The erosion of civil liberties at home, the state is brought against an individual.
violations of human rights abroad in the conduct of
the "war on terror" and the war in Iraq, and the U.S. Security Enhanced by Free Expression
undermining of the rule of law present profound
and troubling cases in point. The U.S. government should embrace our common
values and strengths because the nation's security is
The ends do not justify the means. War will not end enhanced by free expression and exchange of ideas
extremist violence but will only exacerbate it. Like¬ in the public square. Our country's safety is
wise, restricting liberty, violating basic human rights, enhanced by the diversity of peoples within our bor¬
and suspending the rule of law at the discretion of ders and in the international community, by applica¬
the President will not advance freedom, justice, or tion of constitutional due prcxess and equal protec¬
respect for the rule of law. tion guarantees, and by respect for and adherence to
international treaty obligations.
The inhumane, unjust, and short-sighted tactics of
using torture in interrogations, indefinite detention In the 109th Congress, FCNL will work to:
without legal recourse, secret detention, shipping
people to nations that practice torture, and naming ■ Terminate or modify the 15 provisions of the
individuals as "enemy combatants" outside the rule USA PATRIOT Act due to expire on December
of law, are not merely ineffective in prev^enting fur¬ 31, 2005.
ther terrorist attacks. They are counterproductive,
sowing the seeds of further conflict, rather than ■ Oppose congressional and administration
defining and diminishing its root causes. proposals when these further erode civil liberties.
■ Support congressional proposals to restore and
U.S. Admired for its Values
protect civil liberties, due process, and equal
protection guarantees.
The U.S. need not follow this path. The U.S. has
long been admired and respected the world over for ■ Continue to challenge the U.S. government to
its commitment to freedom, democracy, human honor its constitutional, statutory, treaty, and
rights, and the rule of law. These values have been regulatory obligations to prohibit torture and
the source of our country's strength and progress. other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or
To disregard them now would be counterpro¬ punishment by U.S. personnel.
ductive. Our government's commitment to these
■ Continue to promote the benefits and value of
values should be at the forefront of the way it
the rule of law as applied not only to citizens at
responds to acts of extremist violence. These values
home, but also as applied to those under U.S.
capture the imaginations of people around the
control abroad. ■
world. They are the reason so many people have
FCNL Washington Newsletter, January 2005 Page 5
World Conference Rallies to Ban Landmines
The U.S. should accede to the Global Mine Ban engage the international community on the mine
Treaty. A mine-free world is possible, if only govern¬ issue, the U.S. refused to send a delegation to Nairo¬
ments have the will to make it so. The U.S., howev¬ bi. Without delegates in attendance at this historic
er, is standing in the way of a truly global ban. summit, the U.S. could not fully appreciate the com¬
mitment of the majority of the world's nations to
From Nov. 29-Dec. 3, 2004, representatives from over
building a mine-free world.
135 governments, inter-govemmental organizations,
and non-govemmental organizations gathered in Unlike other humanitarian tragedies such as natural
Nairobi, Kenya, to mark the five-year anniversary of disasters and disease, the global landmine threat is
the entry into force of the Mine Ban Treaty (called human-made and can be stopped by human actions.
the "Ottawa Convention"). The Nairobi Summit on Yet the U.S. government, believing that it should
a Mine-Free World was intended for governments to have no restraints on its military, refuses to join this
review progress, renew commitments, and decide life-saving treaty. While the Clinton administration
which actions they must take to build a mine-free pledged to join the Ottawa Convention by 2006, the
world. current administration has earned the distinction of
being the only government in the world to have no
The Ottawa Convention bans the use, production,
plans to ban antipersonnel mines in the future.
export, and stockpiling of antipersonnel mines. Since
its enactment five years ago, the treaty has yielded While antipersonnel mines continue to kill or maim
impressive results. Since 1999,152 countries have thousands worldwide each year, the U.S. continues
agreed to ban antipersonnel mines, 62 million mines to insist that landmines are an essential war-fighting
have been destroyed, and there has been no acknowl¬ tool. In reality, the U.S. has not used landmines in
edged trade in antipersonnel mines. Landmines have war-fighting for more than a decade, and its NATO
successfully become stigmatized throughout the allies have all joined the treaty. The U.S. refusal to
world, causing states to refrain from using them or to accede to the treaty only provides cover to "prob¬
find creative ways to justif}’ their use. lem" countries that continue to use and produce
landmines. Rather than exercising the responsibility
Unfortunately, 42 countries remain outside the
to protect civilians, U.S. policy protects the predators.
treaty, including the United States. The U.S. has not
It is time for the U.S. to stand by the side of the hun¬
signed the mine-ban treaty and continues to reserv'e
dreds of thousands of landmine survivors world¬
the right to produce and use antipersonnel mines—
wide and ban these indiscriminate weapons. ■
although it has not produced or exported any mines
for more than seven years. Yet unlike many other FCNL Legislative Assistant Scott Stedjan attemieii the
non-state parties to the treaty who continue to Nairobi Summit and wrote this anah/sis.
FCNL Intern Application Deadline March 1
"Being an FCNL intern has given me a whole new per- tal coverage, sick leave and vacation time, and a
I spective on politics, activism, and social change." public transportation stipend.
I —Scingeeta Tripathi, 2004-2005 intern
t Interns serve as assistants to senior staff, working
I FCNL is now accepting applications for its 2005- on newsletters and the web site, mobilizing our
2006 internship program. Prospective interns constituents, and researching and writing about
; should read instructions online at http://www. such issues as peace, civil liberties. Native Ameri¬
' fcnl.org/intem.htm and print out an application. can rights, U.S. relations with North Korea, and
nuclear disarmament. They attend congressional
I FCNL offers between three and five full-time, paid
hearings and coalition meetings, write articles and
I internships each year. Internships run for 11
action alerts, and analyze legislation.
I months, beginning in August or September. Candi-
f dates should have a bachelor's degree or equivalent Applications are due March 1,2005.
i experience. Interns receive full health care and den¬
Page 6 FCNL Washington Newsletter, January 2005
Funding Cuts Are Essential to Nonproliferation
This year Congress will decide whether to reinforce
or reverse its decision to eliminate funds for new Even if funds are not reinstated in the supplemental
nuclear weapons programs. Last November, Con¬ appropriations bill, there may be an effort to rein¬
gress cut all funds for these provocative nuclear state funds for fiscal year 2006 through the regular
weapons and most of the funds for renovating the appropriations cycle.
Nev'ada nuclear test site. While FCNL and arms con¬
While funding for nuclear weapons and nuclear
trol advocates were encouraged by this victory,
weapons testing is normally considered by the Ener¬
nuclear weapons proponents in Washington are
gy and Water Appropriations Subcommittees, there
already planning how the funds for weapons
may be an effort this year to include these funds in
research could be reinstated.
the Defense Department's budget. This would
There are various points at which such funding bypass Reps. David Fiobson (OH) and Pete Vis-
could be restored. President Bush is expected to closky (IN), the chairman and ranking Democrat of
submit a supplemental appropriations request in the House Energy and Water Appropriations Sub¬
February to coxier the unbudgeted costs of the Iraq committee, both of whom strongly oppose new
and Afghan wars. This bill will probably be consid¬ nuclear weapons funding.
ered by Congress in March. While it is unlikely that
Since it may be only a matter of days between the
the administration would request nuclear weapons
introduction of a measure to fund nuclear weapons
funding in that bill, nuclear “hawks" in Congress
and a vote, success in opposing such efforts will
may attempt to add funds to the bill.
depend on lobbying by constituents and organiza¬
FCNL plans to do grassroots and lobbying work to tions well before Congress acts. Emails, faxes, phone
try to avert such a turnaround. The victory achieved calls, and visits to members of Congress, especially
in November presents both an opportunity and an to those on the House and Senate Appropriations
obligation, for while it is a step in the right direction, Committees, will be key to preserving this important
we still need to protect and expand on this success. victory. ■
Talk, Travel, Aid, and Trade:
Keys to Advancing North Korean Human Rights
On October 18, the North Korean Human Rights “human rights promotion" by publicizing North
Act of 2004, HR 4011, became law. The statute Korean abuses. Yet, human rights promotion can
addresses North Korea's record of grave human be ineffective, especially when used alone.
rights abuses. Since 2002, when President Bush
A third tool is necessary in the case of North
charged that North Korea was part of an “Axis of
Korea; sustained, accelerated engagement. Such
Evil," North Korea has suspected the U.S. of using
an approach is an important element of the
its human rights record as an excuse to continue
peaceful prevention of deadly conflict.
what North Korea perceives to be hostile and
threatening U.S. policies. A more comprehensive Talk, travel, aid, and trade are the tools of an
approach is needed to advance human rights in engagement strategy for improving North Korean
North Korea.
human rights. Of all these, “talk" may be the most
important: on-the-record talks with government
In some cases, it is possible for governments and
representatives; off-the-record “Track II" talks with
UN agencies to carry out “human rights
lower government officials and well-placed
protection" by investigating allegations of abuses
academics and NGO leaders; and even conver¬
and making recommendations for improving
sations between North Koreans and ordinary
conditions. Unfortunately, such actions are not
people in the U.S. Such conversations build trust
possible in North Korea. Organizations such as
Human Rights Watch usefully contribute to
(continued on page 7)
I
FCNL Washington Newsletter, January 2005 Page 7
Free Iraq (continued from page V ■ End the occupation: Withdraw immediately U.S.
violence, war-profiteering, and mismanagement of forces from major population centers to remote
funds by U.S. authorities; and by rising anti-U.S. temporary bases and shift to a limited role of
sentiment globally. providing border control and assuring Iraq's
territorial integrity until other security forces can
Steps Toward Withdrawal take over;
When the President sends his next war supplemen¬ ■ Support Iraqi sovereignty: Fund Iraqi efforts to
re-employ ministry staff, train new police and
tal to Congress, legislators should condition any fur¬
security forces;
ther funding on the U.S. taking clear steps toward
the withdrawal of all its troops and bases from Iraq
and support for Iraqi-led reconstruction. ■ Nationalize reconstruction: Give Iraqis control
over reconstruction funds, terminate contracts
with U.S. contractors and turn projects over to
Meeting U.S. moral and legal obligations to restore
Iraqis, and provide transparent accounting of all
security and rebuild Iraq requires the removal—not
U.S. contracts;
build-up—of U.S. forces. FCNL calls on the adminis¬
tration and Congress to:
■ Stabilize Iraq: Commit to long-term U.S.
financial support for Iraqi-led reconstruction.
■ Cease fire: Halt U.S. military actions
immediately;
While the U.S. cannot fulfill its dual responsibili¬
ties to withdraw its forces and support Iraqi
■ Declare withdrawal policy: Congress should
rebuilding easily or without cost, these steps could
pass a "leave no bases behind" resolution,
help break the cycle of violence, undercut the
declaring that U.S. policy is to withdraw all U.S.
forces and bases from Iraq; insurgency, save lives, and give control of Iraq's
future back to Iraqis. ■
Talk, Travel, Aid, and Trade (continued from page 6) structure. Along with such aid, increased trade is
and confidence, which increase the possibility of necessary to repair North Korea's economy and
substantive dialogue on human rights issues. allow it to feed its people.
Travel can significantly enhance the impact of such Talking about human rights without discussing
talks, especially when North Koreans travel outside security is a dead end. Talk, travel, trade, and aid
their country. For North Koreans with little access would not only help to improve human rights; they
to information about the outside world, trav^el to also would contribute to a peaceful resolution of the
other countries is particularly important to put their nuclear stand-off. War is not the answer. ■
own country in context.
Aid has been a key component of addressing the
right to food. Since 1997, aid to North Korea via the Thank You
UN World Food Program has kept millions of North
Koreans alive. Between 1995 and 2004, the U.S. con¬ Thank you for making the work of FCNL pos¬
tributed more than 2 million metric tons of food aid, sible through your financial contributions.
at an estimated cost of $676.3 million. Food aid was
meeting at least one-fourth of the country's food Thank you for making the work of FCNL
needs until 2002. By providing food aid during this effective through your grassroots action.
time, the U.S. contributed directly to North Korean
human rights. Your support and engagement literally opens
doors on Capitol Hill for FCNL's legislative
Now, North Korea has asked the international com¬
policy program.
munity to replace humanitarian assistance with
development assistance that would repair its infra¬
INSIDE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES, CIVIL LIBERTIES, .
liiliiniiiliiltiiniil
NUCLEAR \VEANi>ftftXWMINES No. 693, January 2005
A'SMARTer Response to an Insecure World
In March 2004, Rep. Lynn Wcx^lsey (CA) and 20 co¬ policies to peacefully prevent deadly conflict and
sponsors introduced the SMART Security Resolution address the root causes of extremist violence.
(A Sensible, Multi-lateral, American Response to
Terrorism) with the suppc^rt of FCNL, Physicians for FCNL and other groups are working to increase the
ScKial Responsibility (PSR), and Women's Action for visibility of SMART Security and inform the public
New Directions (WAND). and Congress. Rep. Woolsey and colleagues are
expected to re-introduce the SMART Security Resolu¬
Why SMART Security? Current U.S. policies of tion in March 2005 (marking the second anniversary
aggressive military^ action and so-called "pre-emptive of the War in Iraq). FCNL will work to increase the
war" are failing to increase security around the number of cc^sponsors in the House and to encourage
world and only escalating violence. Innocent civil¬ introduction of a companion resolution in the Senate.
ians bear the brunt of the unending "war on terror," FCNL invites you to participate!
including as many as 100,000 Iraqi civilian deaths
from the U.S. inv^asion and occupation. Funds are ■ Please urge your representative to cosponsc'>r the
diverteid from urgent health, welfare, and human SMART Security Resc^lution in the 109th
securitv needs at home and abroad. Wars in Iraq and Congress. Thank your representatix e if he or she
Afgb.an^'^tan alone have already cost the U.S. $187 cosponsored the measure in the lOSifi Congress.
billion. Also, ask your senators to introduce or cosponsor
SMART Security in the Senate.
According to a recent Pentagon report (November
■ Have your meeting, church, or organizaticm
24, 2004), "American efforts have not only failed...
endorse the SMART Security Platform. FCNL
[they] have paradoxically elevated the stature of, and
seeks endorsements from both national religious
support for, radical Islamists while diminishing sup¬
organizations and local meetings, churches, and
port for the U.S." The United States will continue to
organizations. Endorsement forms are on the
pay enormous costs for these war policies in reputa¬
FCNL web site <www.fcnl.org/smart.htm>.
tion, dollars, and lives. War is not the answer to vio¬
lations of human rights, extremist violence, or other ■ Use SMART Security to begin a community
security concerns.
dialogue. Write a letter to the editor, hold a
workshop on SMART Security, or educate your
The SMART Security Platform articulates a new
community and the media in other creative ways.
national security policy rooted in dignity, human
rights, diplomacy, and international law. It promotes ■ Learn more about SMART Security by visiting
FCNL's web site or contacting [email protected].