Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace
Founded 1972 "Human Race Not Arms Race"
PO Box 363 Geneseo NY 14454 <www.gvcp.org> 585-624-3673

March 25, 2011

Dear GVCP Member:

NEXT GVCP ACTION: Education for Peace and the M. K. Gandhi Institute are organizing activities for the Rochester Area Season for Nonviolence. (The Season is the 64 days between the anniversary of the assassinations of peacemakers Gandhi and King.) Each weekday, at noon, a group will hold a silent vigil for peace at the Liberty Pole in Rochester. GVCP's day is Wednesday, March 30th, 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM at the Liberty Pole. (Rain or shine.) We need your presence!

NEXT REGULAR GVCP MEETING SUNDAY, APRIL 17th, 1:00 PM (Lunch), 1:30 PM (Meeting). Omega Restaurant 4182 Lakeville Rd (Route 20A), Geneseo.

WEEKLY SUNDAY NOON VIGILS FOR PEACE: 12:00 Noon – 1:00 PM in Rochester. East Avenue & Goodman Street. [585-442-3383] Sponsor: Peace Action & Education.
Urge Congress to Challenge the Libya War [Most of us are conflicted about what's right and wrong with the U.S. actions in Libya. In this newsletter, I decided to follow the direction set by the Friends Committee of National Legislation. If you disagree with this position, simply don't take action about this matter in this way.]

The U.S. military intervention in Libya is a huge mistake.

Cruise missile strikes, bombing, and arms supplies to the anti-government rebels will not produce a long-term resolution to the problems in Libya. The U.S. military intervention is only worsening the complicated solution in Libya. There is no military solution to what is at heart a political and humanitarian problem. Tell your Senators and Representative: an immediate ceasefire and robust diplomacy are needed in Libya.

Members of Congress from across the political spectrum are beginning to wake up to the dangers posed by the U.S. military action in Libya. Senator Dick Lugar (IN) was one of the first to raise questions about the war. Senator Lugar's questions have now been echoed by Senator Rand Paul (KY), Rep. John Larson (CT), and progressives such as Reps. Ron Paul (TX), Barbara Lee (CA), Lynn Woolsey (CA), and Dennis Kucinich (OH). Still, FCNL lobbyists believe that Congress would support the new Libya war if a vote were taken today.

Even so, the greater the number of anti-war voices in Congress, the higher the likelihood that the Administration will feel constrained to quickly stop this new war.

Take Action

Urge your Representative and Senators today to: 1) Contact President Obama to request an immediate end to all U.S. military operations in Libya; and 2) Hold a full debate on the U.S. military intervention and U.S. policy objectives in Libya.

Peace,

Arnie Matlin for GVCP

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