ACT FOR CHANGE ACTIVISM MESSAGE

Don't Reinstate the Draft

On the eve of Mother's Day, a holiday with its origins rooted in the peace movement, it's hard to believe that chatter to reinstate the draft appears to be gaining momentum by the day. A return to the draft is not the answer to our problems in Iraq. Click here to take action!

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In times of great national purpose, such as World War II, an all-inclusive draft (with exceptions for conscientious objectors) is the right way to share fairly the burden of a rapidly expanding military. However, the current war with Iraq is not such a time. Today, the Bush administration presides over an increasingly unpopular war that has strained to the breaking point our military's capacity. Rather than admit to a failed invasion of Iraq, the administration's approach (resorting to extremely aggressive corporate outsourcing of jobs and aggressive call ups of both the National Guard and Reserve) is busting the budget and is unsustainable.

While the Bush administration publicly opposes reinstatement of the draft, the Selective Service System has quietly begun planning in case it is needed, and growing numbers in Congress are calling on the President to begin to prepare the public for the need. With an election a few months away, it is hardly surprising that an administration that won't even include the real cost of the occupation of Iraq in its proposed budget is unwilling to discuss renewing the draft. Urge your representatives in Congress to face honestly the human and budgetary costs of our occupation of Iraq but also let them know that you oppose reinstituting the draft. A far better alternative for relieving the strain on our military would be to create a strong strategic plan to leave Iraq and to bring in military forces from other countries. Click here to take action! http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/eYv50FFlNw0KzF0mam0As

Join the Million Mom March Rally to 'Halt the Assault'

This Mother's Day, Sunday, May 9, join the Million Mom March united with the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence at our nation's Capitol to bring the 'Halt the Assault' message to the front door of Congress. This day will be an opportunity to tell Congress to 'Halt the Assault' on our safety, our families and our gun laws. The march and rally will be the send-off for a summer long, coast-to-coast 'Halt the Assault' Tour. In addition, there will be a lobby day at Congress the following Monday, May 10, where participants will deliver collected Lobby Day cards as well as meet with targeted Senate and House members who appear to be undecided on renewing the Assault Weapons Ban.

When? Sunday, May 9, Mother's Day, 10am-3pm
Where? West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC

To sign up to attend the rally or lobby day or for more information, please click here: http://www.mmm2004.com/