Invest in Peace – Be Green

My Sister Green in Georgia gave a speech at the gates of Ft. Benning, Georgia this past weekend during the annual Close the School of Americas event:

Invest in Peace – Be Green
[This is my speech Sunday, November 19, 2006, at the gates of Ft. Benning at the School of Americas Watch vigil in Columbus, Georgia.]

Thank you!

Like you, I was encouraged by our nation’s recent dramatic rejection of the Bush administration, but in order to SHUT DOWN the School of Americas, we must go further. THE GREEN PARTY’S platform represents the historical imperative for the future because our platform and our positions are based on values and principles of HUMAN RIGHTS AND RESPECT for life.

This election was an ANTI WAR, PRO PEACE message from America. THE GREEN PARTY is the ONLY ANTI WAR, PRO PEACE party in our nation!

The election was a rejection of the War on Terrorism and a rejection of the so-called USA PATRIOT act and a rejection of torture. THE GREEN PARTY has joined You in demanding an END to the War on Terrorism and an END to the USA PATRIOT act. Say “NO” to Torture! SUPPORT PEACE!

Our nation is still finding her voice though. We know that Peace is more than just an absence of War. Peace is building a world where EVERYONE has access to food, shelter, schooling, and healthcare. PEACE is about building a world where conflict is resolved nonviolently, not with bombs or torture. PEACE is about a LIVING WAGE, not just a minimum wage. We know that working harder TOGETHER will help steer our nation’s voice forward. We can change our foreign policy to reflect a RESPECT AND VALUE for the fruits of all people’s labors. Say “NO!” to NAFTA and CAFTA. SUPPORT PEACE!

With the most recent reports on the projected military budget set to push the cost of the War on Terrorism past the cost of the Vietnam War, WE must speak with a united voice for PEACE, demanding that Congress De-fund Death, De-fund corporate handouts, and FUND LIFE: fund healthcare, fund education, fund clean air, clean water. Demand of your own congressional representative that they fund Life, not Death. Tell them that you heard about a DIFFERENT POLITICAL PARTY that values PEACE not War, LIFE not Death. We support PEACE in THE GREEN PARTY.

INVEST IN PEACE NOW. Invest in BUILDING THE POLITICAL POWER to SHUT DOWN THE SOA. Stop by our table 93. Connect with Greens in your state. JOIN OUR “CARD CARRYING GREEN” PROGRAM INVESTING IN PEACE, Green Party Peace. And go to GP dot ORG to find out more information.

With GREENS in elected offices across our nation and especially in Congress, you can have the leadership necessary to SHUT DOWN THE SCHOOL OF AMERICAS. Thank you.