The U.S. military's presence abroad and at home is oftentimes accepted without question. Public interest in the military's role in the Middle East is waning, and public awareness of the military in our schools is all but nonexistent. The MSPJC seeks to change this through its anti-war work and the Alternatives to the Military Project.
The Military Abroad
The U.S. military's presence abroad and at home is oftentimes accepted without question. Public interest in the military's role in the Middle East is waning, and public awareness of the military in our schools is all but nonexistent. The MSPJC seeks to change this through its anti-war work and the Alternatives to the Military Project.
Since the U.S.-Iraq Status Forces Agreement began t
he withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, many Americans have grown complacent about the presence of the United States military abroad. We must remember, though, that from 2003 to 2011, almost 4,500 troops were killed in Iraq according to the Iraq Index. By 2011, the number of troops in Afghanistan was three times higher than when Obama became president. Just as in Iraq, it is unknown how many civilians have died in Afghanistan, but the number is in the tens of thousands. From 2001 to 2011, over 1,700 American troops have been killed in Afghanistan and another 13,000 wounded.
The U.S. launched cruise missile and air strikes against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in March 2011—in direct violation of the Constitution and the War Powers Act. Additionally, the U.S. continues to launch air strikes in Yemen using unmanned Predator drones, an action that similarly contravenes the War Powers Act. The MSPJC seeks to enforce more responsibility on the government when it comes to deploying troops and putting lives at risk.
On December 17th, the three month anniversary of the occupation movement, Memphians will join together and Occupy 4 Memphis.
At noon, rallies and vigils will be held at three locations, coordinated by ally groups. Participants should choose one location to converge on at noon.
Today marks one month since members of the 99% began the occupation of Memphis. We at the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center have stood in solidarity with this movement and have offered resources, training and our personal support to this inspiring movement. Unfortunately as those occupying Civic Center Plaza prepared to celebrate the 1% in New York began evicting thousands at Occupy Wall Street. In response, the 99% will rally today at 5pm at Civic Center Plaza (map) and march at 6pm.
You are us, we are you, we are the 99%! Join us as we raise our voices and voice our discontent with the systems that allow 1% of Americans to have undue control over the rest of us.
What follows is an official statement from Occupy Memphis:
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