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In 2001 and 2002, the U.S. Congress passed the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF).  For over two decades, the AUMFs have affectively become a blank check for any president to put our military in harm’s way without oversight or meaningful national public debate.  U.S. counterterrorism operations from post 9/11 wars have expanded to at least 80 countries around the world, costing an estimated 5.9 trillion.  Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed, injured, and displaced.

We must push Congress to repeal the both the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs.  We echo Win Without War, “Repealing the 2002 AUMF would be a critical start to war powers reform”, but we must not stop there.  We must urge Congress to also repeal the 2001 AUMF.

MFSO updated AUMF campaign has several actions you can do:

1. call your representatives in Congress, let’s call each Monday for 6 weeks starting on July 11, 2022 Lets everyone call every Monday.
2. send postcards to both Foreign Relations Committees
3. visit your representative’s office
4. We are planning to add additional actions in the following weeks

Calling Congress Is Easier Than You Think — Here’s How to Do It!

One thing that you probably keep hearing is that you should call your elected officials. And yes, we understand that sounds a little bit scary. But honestly, it’s easier than you think. Calling is the most powerful way to put pressure on your representatives.

Why? It shows commitment to a cause. And representatives know that if they don’t hear the concerns of their constituents, it could impact their ability to get reelected.

The easiest thing is to call your senators and representative offices directly.

But if for some reason you are unable to do that, you also have the option of dialing 202-224-3121. This number will direct you to the Capitol switchboard. When you call, ask to be connected to your senator or representative. The operator will direct your call to their office.

What happens when you call?
A legislative assistant will answer the phone. They’ll ask if you need a response, and it’s better if you say you don’t. That way they can tally you down without having to go through the extra step of adding you to a response database. The most important part is to be clear that you are calling because you want your representative to work to “Repeal the 2001 and 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF’s)” and that you are a member of Military Families Speak Out.

Sample script “I am calling as a Member of MILITARY FAMILIES SPEAK OUT.  I strongly urge that both the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs be repealed”

Why you support or oppose certain legislation is irrelevant to them. The more people that call the representative’s office, the less detail the assistants will write down. Getting straight to the point makes things easier for everyone — including those who are waiting for their phone calls to be picked up.

Also, please call the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at: 202-224-4651

Sample script “I am calling as a member of Military Families Speak Out.  I strongly urge that S.J.Res.10* be passed and that the members work to repeal the 2001 AUMF.”

Send postcards
We have developed postcards you can print out on your home printer! You will need to use 60 LB or heavier paper and print on both sides which will give you 4 postcards.
If you don’t have a printer call/text 562-833-8035 or email MFSOOC@earthlink.net and we will send you 10-20 postcards. Link to postcard

Visit your Representatives in your home state when they are there. Call your local office to obtain a schedule of when they will be “home”.  Make an appointment!

Talking Points on the AUMF
Link to AUMF talking points

*S.J.Res.10 is a joint resolution to repeal the authorizations for use of military force against Iraq, and for other purposes.

PLEASE JOIN US IN THIS EFFORT TO ELIMINATE THESE AUMF’S BEFORE THEY CAN BE USED AGAIN TO SEND OUR LOVED ONES TO WAR.

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Soon after Russia invaded Ukraine, the MFSO Board was asked to write a position statement. Since then, thousands of Ukrainian citizens have died and  six million civilians have been forced to flee their homes. Thoughtful input from our members, a review of our mission statement along with recent developments have moved us to update our previous position statement. Please keep in mind that MFSO is not a pacifist organization and understand that the issue of self-defense can be complicated, but MFSO will continue to speak out against unjust wars where the US military is involved. Our opinions on the war in Ukraine should only reflect the possibility of the involvement of US troops. Therefore, we believe:

•           There is no military solution to the war in Ukraine.

•           We support any and all efforts to end the war in Ukraine through diplomatic means

•           The US/NATO should not declare a “No Fly Zone”

•           The US should continue to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine and support the current medical, nutritional, shelter and other needs of the Ukrainian people now.

MFSO Newsletter April 2022

Downloadable newsletter for re-distribution

MFSO position statement on Ukraine

MILITARY FAMILIES SPEAK OUT POSITION STATEMENT ON UKRAINE 

Tensions are running high among military families over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The  US responded by sending 7,000 additional US troops to Europe. Many of our MFSO members  are re-living the painful moments that led us into the endless wars in the Middle East. Although  President Biden has promised to not send US troops to Ukraine, and has made some diplomatic  efforts to diffuse tensions, we military families can see the writing on the wall.  

The situation in Ukraine is dire, and we are already witnessing a tragic humanitarian crisis of  hundreds of innocent civilians fleeing Ukraine to avoid being caught in the crossfire. Once again,  the possibility that our loved ones will be dragged into combat looms large. This time, however,  we are witnessing two nuclear armed nations who are taking us to the brink of an international catastrophe, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Sadly, while civilians will suffer as a result of the  draconian sanctions that have been imposed on Russia, we are painfully aware that the military  industrial complex will profit from weapon sales.  

MFSO condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the US reaction of sending additional US  troops to Europe. We believe there is no military solution to this crisis. We appeal to Russia to  withdraw its troops from Ukraine and demand that the US withdraw the additional troops it sent to NATO nations with the intent of intimidating Russia. We demand that the US not take any  further military action and not send any more military aid/weapons. Any further US military  intervention could only result in another endless war. 

Now is not the time to recall or cancel any meetings with Russian diplomats. We must learn from our disastrous interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq the importance of using diplomacy instead  of meaningless posturing. We call on President Biden to accept President Putin’s offer to meet in  Minsk, Belarus and resume diplomatic negotiations now. Both Russia and the US need to stand  down and step back.  

Pat Alviso 

Military Families Speak Out  

National Coordinator 

562-833-8035 

mfsooc@earthlink.net

MFSO NewsLetter for February 2022

It’s the time of year that we make our annual appeal for funds.  Every dollar is thoughtfully managed and put to good use. Your generous support has made our vital work possible.

2021 has been a challenging year. With the support of our families, our steadfast allies and you, we are motivated to work harder in 2022 to bring all remaining US troops out of the Syria and Iraq.  After 20 years of the ‘forever war” in Afghanistan, we military families were beyond relieved that our troops finally began withdrawing last August 31^st. MFSO’s Welcome Home Campaign was not only yellow ribbons and banners, but rather a challenge to bring all of our troops home, and a stern reminder for the public that for many military families, the war is not over. (View video here) Our loved ones will continue to struggle with suicide and PTS; injuries that are physical, psychological, and moral, and we understand full well that military families are on the front lines for taking care of our troops when they return.

Within the MFSO organization strong bonds exist that hold us together because of our shared experience. Although our hearts ache every day our troops remain in harm’s way, MFSO provides us with a safe place to express our hurts with others who understand.  Over the years the support we have received from our friends has empowered us to stay in the struggle and do all we can to reduce the shameful daily average of 17 veteran suicides and advocate for improved services for veterans and military families. We recognize that to really stop endless wars we need to get to the root of the problem and work hard to repeal both AUMFs- that is the Authorization for the Use of Military Force.

You can help us continue to have our voices heard. MFSO partners with many other organizations such as Veterans for Peace, The Poor People’s Campaign, About Face, United US Deported Veterans, United for Peace and Justice and Win Without War to bring the voices of our loved ones to light.  But it’s not enough. Going forward takes commitment and money. We have no membership dues, only each other and you.

For over 19 years MFSO has provided a unique voice and steadfast presence, amplifying the voices of military families who choose to speak out against the endless wars – sometimes even risking their relationships with family.

Won’t you please consider making a one-time tax-deductible donation this year or support the work military families do every day by becoming a monthly sustaining contributor?  Your donations will help MFSO grow stronger and ensure our plans for next year will become a reality.  Donation

Also, please consider offering the gift of your time.  If you can assist with our social media, a monthly newsletter, or other small task, please contact us at mfsooc@earthlink.net /562-833-8035

Let’s work together to make 2022 the year that we repeal the AUMFs, so we bring all our troops come home and that the people in our country and the Middle East can begin the task of healing.

Military Families Speak Out
The MFSO Board
Arturo Cambron, Diane Picotte-Haberdank, Melissa Castaneda, Robert Vivar, Ellen Barfield, Don Kimball, Bill Schuerer, Pat Alviso, Jeff Merrick, Kharis Murphy

 

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