Organizational Statement.
The Bloomington-Normal Citizens for Peace and Justice (BNCPJ) views President Obama’s recent withdrawal of 10,000 troops from Afghanistan, with a total of 30,000 to be withdrawn by the end of summer 2012, as woefully inadequate for ending the ten-year war and occupation.
BNCPJ points out that 70,000 troops, plus private mercenary contractors, will remain in the Afghanistan after 2012, more than were deployed during the Bush Administration. As in Iraq, Obama promises to end the war in Afghanistan with further troop reductions, but the president’s plan calls for a continued military presence in the country well after 2014.
According to a new Pew Research Center survey, 56% of Americans want a rapid removal of all troops from Afghanistan. This means that, according to Pew, a majority of Americans support an immediate and total withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, in opposition to Obama’s plan for continuing the war.
BNCPJ is opposed to the U.S. imperialist wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya as an affront to freedom and democracy in those countries. Elites profit from the war, while everyone else suffers. Meanwhile, tax dollars spent on war could be used for real human need here at home.
BNCPJ also condemns recent statements made by Representative Adam Kinzinger (R) opposing Obama’s modest troop withdrawals from Afghanistan. Echoing remarks made by senior Republican officials, Kinzinger blatantly supports endless war in the Middle East.
BNCPJ supports the resolution passed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors to end the wars in the Middle East and Africa and use the diverted money for human need and a sustainable economy. On Thursday, July 7th, 5:30 pm there will be an anti-war rally outside the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts calling for the withdrawal of ALL U.S. troops from the Middle East and a real end to the wars and occupations.
Just BloNo 
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