Archived News and Information
VFP National Convention, August 25-29, 2010, Portland ME
The 25th Anniversary of Veterans for Peace
Bob Stebbins and Leah Bolger of VFP 132 will be attending and will debrief us on the convention during our September meeting.
For more information on the convention, click here.
"No Soy El Army" Tour comes to Oregon
VFP 132 is co-sponsoring the Tour's visit to Corvallis on Sunday, August 29, 5-8pm, First United Methodist Church, 1165 NW Monroe. This is an important companion piece to our ongoing "truth in military recruiting" program. The event is free, open to the public and includes dinner.
Latino Veterans present about the multiple wars affecting our families and our towns: the wars abroad that they fought in, the wars on immigrants where they are targets & the war on the poor to cut needed services.
The No Soy El Army Tour brings Latino veterans and youth activists to talk with community members about the connections between the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the war on immigrants here in the US. This tour is the first Spanish-language tour in Oregon that will focus on the experiences of Latino veterans and share specific alternatives to military enlistment and opportunities for Latino youth after high school.
For more on the Tour's presenters and sponsors, including AFSC and PCUN (Oregon's Farmworkers Union), click here. To read the Tour press release for Corvallis, click here. For a copy of the Corvallis flier, click here.
And to help host the event contact us at: info@vfpcorvallis.org
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The War Must Be Ended Now (This is an open letter to the President from many peace & justice organizations, including Veterans For Peace. Click on the link below for the full letter and list of signatories.) President Barack Obama, The White House Washington, D.C. November 30, 2009 Dear President Obama, With millions of U.S. people feeling the fear and desperation of no longer having a home; with millions feeling the terror and loss of dignity that comes with unemployment; with millions of our children slipping further into poverty and hunger, your decision to deploy thousands more troops and throw hundreds of billions more dollars into prolonging the profoundly tragic war in Afghanistan strikes us as utter folly. We believe this decision represents a war against ordinary people, both here in the United States and in Afghanistan. The war in Afghanistan, if continued, will result in the deaths of hundreds if not thousands of U.S. troops, and untold thousands of Afghans....(Read the full letter here.) Revitalizing the Antiwar Movement December 7, 2009, Truthout Op-Ed by our brother (VFP Long Island Chapter), Camillo "Mac" Bica. Mac's bio appears at the end of the full article. [Ed. note: This is a very thoughtful, big-picture piece; written partly in response to the President's announcement of the Afghan war surge. We would welcome feedback for discussion at our next VFP meeting. Use the "contact us" link above or email us directly.] Excerpt: "[Following President Obama's announcement] many peace-minded people are looking again to an anti-war movement and finding it somewhat in disarray, perhaps an understatement. If it is truly our intent to revitalize the anti-war movement, we must begin a dialogue to redefine our goals and to re-evaluate and clarify our tactics and strategy. That is, we must become more focused on ending American militarism and imperialism, war and occupation, and we must build a coalition of voices by practicing tolerance and understanding for a diversity of views and opinions." Read the entire article here. AP Documents Corvallis Peace Vigil
These are excerpts from an AP story written by Sharon Cohen (AP national writer). It ran in many national papers on Saturday, November 21. See the link at the bottom of this excerpt for the entire AP story. QUOTE Every afternoon, seven days a week, Ed Epley has a 5 p.m. appointment with the war. He pulls a protest sign from his maroon 1961 Volkswagen van — he has 30 to 40 stashed inside — and joins a one-hour peace vigil at the Benton County courthouse in Corvallis, Ore. Epley has been doing this, day in and day out, since the U.S. launched its first air strikes on Afghanistan on Oct. 7, 2001. "I really don't look at it as a job, it's just part of the daily task of being a citizen," says the 73-year-old retiree. More than eight years later, this small, 365-day-a-year vigil may seem quixotic. But it stands apart for another reason: It has kept a steadfast focus on the war. Even though hundreds of thousands of troops have served, even though more than 800 members of the military have died, the marathon war in Afghanistan has, for long stretches, been off the nation's radar... Meanwhile, Ed Epley is in year nine in the vigil at the county courthouse in Corvallis. He's among 8 to 12 regulars who gather from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. — weekends and holidays included. Mike Beilstein, a city council member, still comes by a few times a month. He helped launch the vigil in 2001 when he brought a "Peace on Earth" sign to the courthouse the day after the first air strikes on Afghanistan. "We never feel we're wrong, but we've asked ourselves is this the best way to address the issue," Beilstein says. "Would I be more effective going home writing letters? That question has been there from the start and it's there now, but now that we've been doing it, how do we quit?" Most days, about 10 people or fewer show up. On the October anniversary of the war, about 50 did. When big announcements are made — including events tied to the Iraq, which also is part of the protest — the numbers swell. They've endured shouts of "nuke them," ''go back to Russia," ''dirty hippies, get a job." Motorists have pelted them with cans and food. They've also been greeted with peace signs, honks of support and letters from as far as New Zealand and Tunisia. (Al-Jazeera taped a segment on the vigil.) "The message does get out," Epley says. "It's really hard to tell how much effect we're having. People will stop by and write letters and say they do appreciate we're out there. That's what keeps us going. ... I think most of us realize we're never really going to win world peace." As for the future? "I don't know what the signal is going to be to say, 'Let's call it quits,'" he says. "We never thought we'd be here this long." UNQUOTE Oregon Community Maintains Eight Years of Daily Peace Vigil Since the first day of the US invasion of Afghanistan, October 7, 2001, residents of Corvallis, Oregon have held a vigil for peace every day, 365 days a year. The number of participants varies daily from two or three individuals to crowds of several hundred, but from 5-6 p.m. there is always at least a handful of people holding signs and flags, asking for military restraint, for diplomacy, for peace in the face of escalating militarism. Read more in our press release here. First Annual Corvallis Peace Fair
On September 19, 2009 VFP 132 helped host the First Annual Corvallis Peace Fair in recognition of the UN-sanctioned International Day of Peace. The purpose of the Fair was to participate in a global holiday, raise awareness about the International Day of Peace, build community, create a positive and welcoming event for foreign-born residents, and build on relationships with Corvallis Sister Cities. Activities included: Children's Activities, Crafts, Art Projects, Music, Games, Dancing, Speakers, Parade, Video messages and cards for Sister Cities, Gondar, Ethiopia and Uzhhorod, Ukraine. Although threatening rain early, the weather cooperated nicely and the event was a smashing success. For photos of the event, please see our photo gallery. Fear was no excuse to condone torture 9-11-09: Retired USMC Commandant, Gen. Krulak, and retired CENTCOM Commander, Gen. Hoar, in a letter to the editor criticized Dick Cheney’s recent public statements in support of torture as a means of interrogation. Here are some excerpts: “What leaders say matters. So when it comes to light, as it did recently, that U.S. interrogators staged mock executions and held a whirling electric drill close to the body of a naked, hooded detainee, and the former vice president winks and nods, it matters.” and “Moral equivocation about abuse at the top of the chain of command travels through the ranks at warp speed.” Read the full letter as published in the Miami Herald here. |
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David Swanson Visits Corvallis David Swanson, author, activist and co-founder of AfterDowningStreet.org, visited Corvallis on January 8, 2010 to discuss the state of democracy and activism in America. David is touring the U.S., promoting his new book "Daybreak: Undoing the Imperial Presidency and Forming a More Perfect Union." More on David here. David was joined by musical guest, David Rovics, currently living in Portland, OR and who Amy Goodman says, "...is the musical version of Democracy Now!" More on David Rovics here. This event is co-sponsored by VFP 132 and the UUFC Peace Action Council. Photos of the event are posted at our photo gallery (link at the upper right corner of this page) under "Visitors to VFP 132." For those who missed this double dose of political righteousness, here's the YouTube video (produced by Bart Bolger, Ch. 132 v.p.). |
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Naturalist Dana Visalli Presentation on Afghanistan First Annual Corvallis Peace Fair
On March 21, 2010, botanist and author Dana Visalli spoke on the history, culture and the effects of war on Afghanistan. Dana had just returned the previous week from a 10-day visit to Afghanistan with Global Exchange, the group co-founded by Medea Benjamin. They spent most of their time in Kabul, but also ventured up the Panjshir Valley and brought back some spectacular images for his slideshow. The talk was co-sponsored by VFP 132 and the UU Peace Action Council.
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VFP 132 Member Protests Pentagon & War Spending Leah Bolger attended a U.S. House defense budget subcommittee hearing on March 23, 2010. She listened as the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs requested more billions for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, plus "modest" increases to the overall defense budget. She then interrupted the hearing to speak out against these increases. Here is one photo posted by UPI at their site.
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AN EVENING OF SOLIDARITY WITH GAZA FREEDOM MARCHERS Wednesday, December 30th, 6:30-8:30pm OSU junior Jessica Campbell will be one of 1000 Americans (including 100 students, 3 from Oregon) marching with 50,000 Palestinians on the Gaza Freedom March on December 31st. For a full description of the March and the Oregon students participating go to: |
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| First Annual Corvallis Peace Fair Saturday, September 19th, 1-4pm, Central Park |
Peace Fair to Commemorate the International Day of Peace The organizing committee has been meeting every Wednesday at 7pm at the New Morning Bakery on 2nd Street. More volunteers are needed, especially on the day of the Fair to help set up and to clean up. If you’re interested in helping organize or put on the Fair, please contact us at: peacefair@vfpcorvallis.org or just show up at any of the upcoming planning meetings. If you’re not familiar with the Peace Fair, the purpose of the FREE gathering is to participate in a global holiday, raise awareness about the International Day of Peace, build community, create a positive and welcoming event for foreign-born residents, and build on relationships with Corvallis Sister Cities. Planned activities include: Children’s Activities, Crafts, Art Projects, Music, Games, Dancing, Speakers, Parade, Video messages and cards for Sister Cities, Gondar, Ethiopia and Uzhhorod, Ukraine. Go to the International Day of Peace web site and/or contact peacefair@vfpcorvallis.org for more information. Please join us on September 19th to HAVE FUN & CELEBRATE PEACE…And if you have any native dress from a country where you’ve lived or visited, please wear that. Here is the Peace Fair flier. You are welcome to print and distribute it. |
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| As Vets Take to the Streets to Protest the War, McCain Snubs IVAW at the RNC | Report from the RNC |
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Leah's Photos from RNC |
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Impeach Banner over Interstate-5Bob Winget and Valorie White holding "Impeach Now" banner on I-5 Overpass, July 24, 2008 |
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Action Alert: Do Something about Homelessness in Corvallis Many of those in our chapter have staffed the winter homeless shelter and driven the Dial-a-Bus. But the shelter is closed on March 15 and there is plenty of foul weather ahead. Where will these guys go? The Corvallis City Council may agree to take up the issue and consider designating a legal camping area. Church groups have offered to provide sanitation and water. But this will only happen if the Council hears from you in support of this plan and time is running out. Please call and email your city councilor and Mayor Tomlinson today. Go to the City web site to find the contact info for your ward councilor. If you’re not sure which ward you are in, check the map here. If you live outside city limits, email the Mayor and the Benton County Commissioners. Returning Veterans Project Their mission: “Returning Veterans Project is a nonprofit organization comprised of politically unaffiliated and independent health care practitioners who offer free and confidential services to veterans and their families of past and current Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns. Our volunteers include mental health professionals, acupuncturists, naturopaths, chiropractors, physicians, massage therapists, and other complementary health care providers. We believe it is our collective responsibility to offer support and healing for the short and long-term repercussions of war zone service on veterans and their families.” Read more at their web site. And there’s a good article on the Oregon program by Tom Mann, the editor of ODVA VetsNews, in the Jan/Feb 2009 issue. It’s a 2.54 Mb pdf download (and if you get a warning window, yes, it’s safe to download). See page 4 for the article. Veterans' Emergency Care Fairness Bill Introduced Akaka sponsored bill would cover gaps in emergency care reimbursement for vets with limited insurance. February 11, 2009. Petition to be included with a letter to President Barack Obama From The Gazette-Times, February 14 Corvallis Alternatives to War is gathering signatures on a petition to be included with a letter to President Barack Obama. Gretchen Newlin, a member of the group, said 131 people have signed the petition so far. Alternatives to War drafted a letter specifically to President Obama, she wrote in an e-mail, congratulating him on his election and offering suggestions for creating a more sustainable, prosperous future for America. The people involved in drafting/signing the letter are active in efforts such as the Second Saturday benefit concerts, the anti-war rallies, health care initiatives, homeless issues, Veterans for Peace events, Bill of Rights Defense Council events and many others. The group plans to send the letter/petition to Obama before the end of his first 30 days in office. The letter can be viewed at www.petitiononline.com/102347/petition.html. Among the 22 requests to Obama, the list includes reducing military spending by 25 percent, ending domestic wire tapping, "begin investigation of crimes committed by the G. W. Bush administration. implementing single-payer health care and ratifying the Kyoto Protocol. Obama has already acted on one of the demands, which was to order the shutdown of the prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The State of the VA – January 2009 backlogs, PTSD care, funding, and other problemsFrom Truthout.org: “As the number of veterans seeking health care continues to rise, the VA is straining to meet demands….” For the full article, click here. |
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Survival Guide for Veterans December 19, 2008 NY Times Editorial Far too often, military veterans find themselves desperately short of the information they need as they make the torturous quest for benefits within one of this country’s most daunting bureaucracies, the Department of Veterans Affairs. Click here for more and a link to the full article. VFP 132 has produced CDs containing the Survival Guide and will distribute them free of charge at future tabling events. Governor's Task Force on Veterans' Services The Task Force on Veterans’ Services is pleased to submit…its final report and recommendations as required by Executive Order 08-08. It is the result of a thorough review and assessment of existing federal, state, and local education, employment, health care, housing, and retirement policies. Click here for more information and a link to the full report.
In support of the “Keep the Guard Home” Campaign, several of our members did a 2-hour Interstate-5 freeway blog on Feb. 27 at the overpass just south of Albany, Oregon. The response from drivers was overwhelmingly positive, about 20 to 1 in favor. Many of the truckers sounded their air horns and we had many “two thumbs up.” For more photos (all taken by Todd & Esmeralda Allen), see the photo gallery link in the upper right corner of this page. For more on the Campaign, see the stories below.
States Push to Take Back National Guard by Maya Schenwar, t r u t h o u t | 02.11 "Going on its seventh year, the Iraq war has taken its toll on not only the US military, but also on the states's National Guard units, which were called up when Congress passed the 2002 Authorization to Use Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq. Now a growing state-level movement is working to keep the Guard at home. Its logic: The AUMF's goals have been fulfilled. The authorization's explicit purposes were to defend the US against the 'threat posed by Iraq' and to enforce UN Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq's alleged ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction. Saddam Hussein - along with his supposed threat - is gone, and the UN resolutions are no longer relevant, so there's no longer a mandate to keep troops in Iraq." The full article can be found here. |
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Update: Press Conference in SalemMay 27, 2009 The Bring the Guard Home campaign has identified enough votes to get our legislation passed in the House–we just need the leadership to schedule a work session and a vote! If you are able, please come to Salem on Wednesday and show your support for this legislation! Other Oregon military families and veterans are expected as well. Joining the Oregonians supporting the bill will be author and activist Cindy Sheehan. Background In May, 2008, Oregon-based community groups began working on a new phase of the Campaign to Bring the Troops Home--namely, trying to keep the Oregon National Guard from being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in summer, 2009. For more information go to Keep the Oregon National Guard in Oregon and the national Bring the Guard Home National Campaign. |
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VFP 132 Participates in March 15th Salem Rally and March 19th Procession & Die-In On March 15, several members of VFP 132 joined hundreds of Oregon peace and justice activists from over 50 groups, including all four Oregon chapters of Veteran for Peace, at a rally and march entitled: “Stop the Wars at Home and Abroad.” Speakers included Benji Lewis of our chapter and IVAW Oregon. On March 19, our chapter participated a commemoration in Corvallis of the 6th year of war and occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan. About 50 marchers were lead by a solo drummer on a solemn procession to the OSU campus where they conducted a “die-in” to recognize loss of life in these conflicts. For photos of these events, click on our photo gallery link above, then the album, “VFP 132 Peace Activism”. Naba's StoryThese people are doing incredible, all-volunteer work to help mend the child-victims of Iraq and to send a message of peace and reconciliation. Please take a few minutes to watch the video, visit their web site and donate if you are able. Thanks…. Bart Bolger. A Very Moving New Video (5 Minutes: 40 Seconds) from Cole Miller, Director of NO MORE VICTIMS Watch Naba's YouTube video: LEAVING 50,000 TROOPS TO CONTROL IRAQ IS NO VFP National Press Release of 2-27-09 A national veterans' organization today objected to calling President Obama's announcement on Iraq a "withdrawal," adding that keeping troops there and Afghanistan will "put the nail in the coffin of America's economy." Veterans For Peace, referring to several published reports that the Obama plan will leave 50,000 or more troops in Iraq, and pointing to the buildup already underway in Afghanistan, warned ….” Read more here. National VFP Statement on Crisis in Gaza VFP does not take the side of any government, but rather takes the side of all people in the region who are victims of the most recent outbreak of violence raging between Palestine and Israel. (read more) |
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But turnout was still good and many fair-goers visited the Peace Booth, sponsored by VFP 132, the UU Peace Action Council, and Alternatives to War. Booth volunteers offered handouts on peace and justice initiatives, especially ‘truth in military recruiting’ programs. Chapter 132 President, Bob Stebbins, contributed a banner illustrating the dollar cost of U.S. wars of aggression -- $1 trillion in national debt (yes, 12 zeroes); and the $650 billion annual defense budget. But perhaps the most popular attraction was the coloring table where young (and some not-so-young) peace enthusiasts colored peace signs. A mosaic of their work is shown here. For a larger view, click 
