MEETING AT SHULER’S OFFICE ON AUGUST 27, 2007.
Present: Imani S., Lew P., Cicada B., Kindra P., Anne C., Bruce Peterson for Rep. Shuler
Anne - representing Women in Black Asheville and Common Sense at the Nuclear Crossroads. Expresses disappointment in Shuler’s recent votes to expand FISA and to fund the occupation. Reiterated opinion that we worked for Shuler and other Democrats to get in Congress to end the occupation! Gave Mr. Peterson copies of proposed House Resolution to stop funding Iraq security forces, a letter signed by 70 congresspeople committing to not vote to further fund the occupation, a Congressional ‘peace letter’, information on Dennis Kucinich’s 12 point plan to extricate the U.S. from Iraq in a fair and reasonable manner and an article by a retired general and former head of the Reagan era NSA on why Bush’s policy is a failed one. Asked Shuler to consider holding a town meeting in Asheville.
Imani – recently returned from Fellowship of Reconciliation delegation to Iran. Spoke eloquently about the people of Iran, how warm and generous they are, how they like the American people, but don’t understand or like the American government. She said it is ‘remarkable that we have to sit here’ and call for an end to the illegal occupation of Iraq. Iraq has been torn apart, we’ve paid no reparations, billions are missing. Why? Our system is in a shambles. She is embarrassed by what is going on. The U.S. needs to ‘pull back’ and deal with its internal problems, particularly the effects of Hurricane Katrina and this needs to happen NOW.
Lew – representing WNC PSR – particularly concerned with some of Shuler’s votes. How can Congress trust Bush? Bush is talking about Iran the same way he did when he was preparing for the invasion of Iraq. We need Congressional controls on his power. Lew is concerned that there might not be an end to the Bush Administration, that with the presidential directives he has issued, he make take control of Congress and the Courts if there is an ‘event’ that is deemed a disaster or extreme emergency. Bush has worked to take away our civil right – habeus corpus – he has deceived us and is spying on us. Does Shuler think Bush is the man to take over without checks and balances? Is impeachment the only option to ensure our country will still remain our country? Speaker Pelosi’s stance needs to be overridden. Impeachment is a way for the public to know what has been done by this Administration. Lew is afraid for country’s future.
Cicada – representing WNC SOA WATCH and the local War Resisters’ League affiliate. Spoke about the counter productivity of war as a response to 9/11. Spoke eloquently about non-violence and its effectiveness for securing eventual peace contrasted with the use of bombs and guns. Asked Shuler to co-sponsor H.R. 1707 – to close WHINSEC (the current name for the School of the Americas) and H.R. 677- U.S. National Health Insurance Act.
Kindra – representing ‘average Democratic working class family.’ Saddened by world’s opinion of our country. Feels ostracized by this government, her voice is not heard over the drumbeat of the conservative machine. Gave a copy of H.R. 333 to Mr. Peterson. Agreed with what the previous folks had said. Concerned that our civil liberties are being stripped away. Gave Mr. Peterson a card with her blog address that has info concerning her husband’s arrest.
Lew talked about the SEE Expo and said we have limited time to act if human life is to survive on earth. He explained the connection between nuclear energy and nuclear weapons. He stated his concern that the Bush Administration has fired honest scientists. We closed by sharing how a peace economy and production of sustainable, clean energy would provide jobs and would help more people gain what every family wants – a home, a good job, education for their children. We asked Shuler to be courageous and help shift us from a war-centered society to one promoting peace, justice and environmental integrity.
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