If Not Us, Then Whom?

by Steve Breyman		print version
		print version (graphics)

We face numerous challenges as a peace  movement on this cold day in Albany. The US attack on Falluja  is nearing an end, but there will be more Fallujas.

Our first challenge is to put  ourselves forward as the real "values voters."

Can there be any doubt  that we're on the high moral ground?

We need to directly confront  the immorality, criminality, and heart-breaking waste of the  war. We have the Good Books, law, theology, philosophy, history, ethics, and economics on our side.

The second challenge is to  resist pressure from those who brand us as disloyal, unAmerican,  or as undermining troop morale.

Can there be any doubt that  our efforts will shorten the war, and reduce the number of names  on the forthcoming memorial to the servicemen and women who gave  their lives?

The current band of warmongers  in the White House and Pentagon, will not withdraw immediately  of their own accord.

The Movement needs to alter  their decisionmaking calculus such that the costs of continued occupation are seen to outweigh the benefits.

The third challenge before  the peace movement is to resist a legislativization of our efforts.

Soon, some sympathetic member  of Congress is likely to introduce a non-binding resolution against  the war. Attempting to win majority support for it will absorb  much of our time, energy and resources.

Fourth, we must resist despair  and hopelessness.

Millions of Iraqis and hundreds  of thousands of US troops are depending on us-yes, you, me, all of us gathered here today, and more-to struggle and bear witness until the US is out of Iraq.

I know, I know, easier said  than done.

I'm as readily depressed as  the next person.

But if not us, then whom?

We can't count on the President,  Congress, the Courts, or the media to bring the troops home.

The Movement-in league with  majority public opinion-is the only political force willing and able to end the war.

Our fifth challenge is to reach  out to returning veterans, to embrace and care for them.

They've been through hell.  They've been cynically used and abused by Bush, Rumsfeld, and Congress. They're chewed up and spit out by the War Machine only  to end up back home-if they're lucky-confused, maimed and disturbed.

We must fight to ensure that  the military and the VA meets every need of these veterans.  It is the moral, honorable, just, and loving thing to do.

And again, if we don't do it,  then who will?

The last challenge I can squeeze  in here today is to never again support any candidate  for any public office who defends, prolongs, or enables the war.

Period. No compromise.



Steve Breyman directs the Graduate Program in Science  and Technology Studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Steve Breyman breyms@rpi.edu is Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of Citizens Environmental Coalition.