Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace
Founded 1972  “Human Race Not Arms Race”
PO Box 363 Geneseo NY 14454 585-624-3673
<http://www.gvcp.org>
December 14, 2011

Dear GVCP Member:

NEXT REGULAR GVCP MEETING: SATURDAY, January 21st, 2012.  1:00 PM (Lunch), 1:30 PM (Meeting).  Omega Restaurant 4182 Lakeville Rd (Route 20A), Geneseo.  NOTE SATURDAY MEETING.

* THIS MONTH’S LETTER:  Mr. President, veto the NDAA!  Indefinite detention without trial.  Guantanamo open forever.  Welcome to our world, if President Obama signs the National Defense Authorization Act.  The latest National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is nothing short of a disaster for human rights.  Unfortunately, despite an outcry from activists, Congress has already more or less guaranteed that this bill—with its disturbing detention provisions—will soon reach President Obama's desk.  Amnesty International says,

            “It’s not an exaggeration to say that the rule of law and human rights in the United States as we know them are at stake.  On its face, this bill is scary enough—it would keep Guantanamo open indefinitely, hinder federal trials of terrorism suspects, and would further entrench detention without charge in U.S. law.  These provisions alone are a deep affront to human rights.  But the broader implications are just as terrifying.  If the U.S. government has the foggiest belief that you might be associated with Al Qaeda or its allies, even a U.S. citizen with U.S. borders could be targeted…

            Sweeping new powers for the U.S. president and military—based on beliefs alone—at the expense of individual liberty.  This is not the America we believe in.  President Obama already has threatened to veto the NDAA if these odious provisions come across his desk.  But he's also promised to close Guantanamo, and we all know that hasn't happened—we're not even close.  We must keep the pressure on.”

             I’ve enclosed a copy of a sample letter, adapted from the ACLU letter.  Please use the sample letter to write to President Obama now!  (The White House, Washington DC, 20500)

Peace,

Arnie Matlin for GVCP

GVCP is proud to be affiliated with Peace Action New York State