December 11, 2002
The Sierra Club and leaders of other influential civic, environmental and faith organizations today announced the creation of a new coalition in support of a peaceful, diplomatic solution to the crisis in Iraq. The new group, Win Without War, represents millions of Americans and seeks to prevent bloodshed and loss of life on all sides by slowing the Bush Administration's apparent rush to war so that U.N. Arms Inspectors have time to carry out their mission. Today's event followed a Win Without War press conference with celebrities held yesterday in Hollywood, CA.
Representatives from the National Council of Churches (NCC), the NAACP, National Organization for Women (NOW), Sierra Club, Working Assets and MoveOn.org lent support from their various organizations to the peace effort.
"By reducing our dependency on oil, the U.S. can increase our national security and reduce the threat of war, as well as clean up our air and curb global warming," said Larry Fahn, Sierra Club Vice President. "Our country has the know-how to cut our dependence on oil by using energy efficiency, modern technology, and renewable power. Because war has dire environmental and social impacts, the Sierra Club urges the U.S. to let the United Nations inspectors do their job so the parties can resolve the Iraq issue peacefully."
"An unprovoked military attack against Iraq would not be a just war," stated Reverend Bob Edgar, NCC General Secretary. "Such a war would violate the UN Charter, cause the deaths of many innocent people, and unleash forces of political extremism and terror."
"The NAACP and millions of African-Americans who are uneasy about the proposed war with Iraq stand with Win Without War today," said Julian Bond, Chairman of the NAACP Board of Directors. " The war against terrorism and security on the domestic front are much more pressing issues for President Bush to address."
Win Without War was founded on the conviction that security for Americans and U.S. allies abroad can be achieved through aggressive inspections, sustained monitoring programs and the dismantling of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction. Win Without War members pledge to broaden opposition to Bush Administration calls for a unilateral invasion of Iraq and vow to intensify the protests that began this week in dozens of cities for as long as necessary.
"George W. Bush's drive for war against Iraq may serve his political ambition but it will not make our country more secure," said Terry O'Neill, NOW Membership Vice President. "Moreover, women would be disproportionately affected by war against Iraq. As has happened during previous wars, funds will be diverted from education, health, welfare and other vitally needed social programs from an already downsized budget. Women will bear the greatest burden of any decrease in domestic spending in order to finance this war."
"We've seen an enormous concern from our members about the President's plans for war with Iraq," said Eli Pariser, International Campaigns Director, MoveOn.org. "Many who have never been politically active now feel compelled to act. Especially worrisome is the Bush Administration's apparent intent to obstruct or undermine the weapons inspections process-which is why our petition calling on the President to "Let the Inspections Work" has been one of our fastest-growing campaigns ever."
"The Bush administration's priorities are seriously reversed," said Melissa Daar, State Political Manager, Working Assets. "Instead of rushing to war, Bush should keep him promise to find bin Laden and let UN inspectors do their job."
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