Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace Founded 1972
"Human Race Not Arms Race"
PO Box 363
Geneseo NY 14454

August 1, 2012

Dear GVCP Member:

NEXT REGULAR GVCP MEETING is SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th, 1:00 PM (Lunch), 1:30 PM (Meeting). Omega Restaurant, 4182 Lakeville Rd (Route 20A) Geneseo. [NOTE: NO AUGUST MEETING.]

NEXT GVCP ACTION:
Thursday, August 9th, 7:30 P.M.
Annual GVCP Hiroshima/Nagasaki Candlelight Vigil
von traffic circle, Routes 5&20, Avon.

This yearly event—our 38th year—is a very powerful, moving public statement of our dedication to peace and nuclear disarmament.

This year marks the 67th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Please join us, and bring a friend!

This Month's Letter:

Cut Pentagon spending, not spending for human needs!

Last year, in a complex power play, Congress agreed to cut spending in order to reduce the deficit. (The other realistic way to reduce the deficit is to make the rich pay their fair share of taxes. That method is very unpopular among certain elements in Congress.)

In any event, the Pentagon budget is supposed to be cut by $ 1 trillion over the next ten years. However, as expected, right-wing lawmakers are now protesting that cutting the Pentagon budget will leave the United States weakened and essentially helpless before its enemies. [Adapted from Friends Committee on National Legislation.]

We need to counter the barrage of lobbying from weapons manufacturers by telling our Senators to support the cuts to the Pentagon. If the Pentagon budget remains as high as it is now, the budget balancing will be done on the backs of all of us, especially the poorest and most vulnerable among us.

Please write or call our Senators.

Here's the letter I used. It's short and to the point: Dear Senator,

Please support cuts in the Pentagon budget of at least $1 trillion over the next 10 years. Make sure the Pentagon pays its fair share, and make sure that the deficit doesn't get reduced by taking away services from the most vulnerable people in our society.

Respectfully yours, Contact information:

Sen. Gillibrand: Tel (585) 263-6250 Fax (585) 263-6247.

Sen. Schumer: Tel (585) 263-5866 Fax (585) 263-3173.

Both Senators have offices at the Federal Office Building, 100 State St., Rochester, NY 14614.

Check websites for the lawmakers to utilize electronic mail.

Peace,

Arnie Matlin for GVCP