Join the Mid-Missouri "Troops Home Fast"

Urging an Immediate End to the U.S. War & Occupation of Iraq

The Mid-Missouri FOR and the Columbia Peace Coalition invite you to join dozens of us across mid-Missouri who are fasting for a single day, once a week or longer as part of an international fast (begun by the peace group Code Pink on the 4^th of July and continuing in front of the White House). The fast for peace, an end to the Iraq war and occupation, will continue until Sept. 21, International Peace Day.

As the wars, the US military occupations slog on, and thousands more are killed in Iraq, Afghanistan, etc., the CPC recognizes the need to ratchet up area anti-war efforts. Consequently, the Coalition commenced the mid-Missouri “Troops Home Fast,” a public chain-fast started Monday, 7 August Participants will exercise self-sacrifice to more intently urge an end to the U.S. occupation of and war upon Iraq.

This action is in solidarity with Code Pink and Gold Star Families for Peace who initiated the “Troops Home Fast” (See http://www.codepinkalert.org/article.php?id=996/ ).

As an act of solidarity with the Iraqi people, US troops, and those fasting (regardless of whether or not you are fasting), please..

Join us for any or all of the following Peace Vigils from 12 noon to 1pm:

*Mondays- outside Sen. Kit Bond’s office at 10^th St. & Cherry, Columbia

*Tuesdays- Univ. of MO Speakers Circle, south of 9^th St. & Conley, Columbia

*Wednesdays- U.S. Post Office, High Street, Jefferson City

*Thursdays- outside U.S. Military Recruiting Station, 111 E. Broadway, Columbia

*Fridays- outside Rep. Kenny Hulshof’s office, 33 E. Broadway, Columbia

For more information call FOR/Jeff at 573-449-4585, Peaceworks/Mark at 573-875-0539, e-mail jstack@no2death.org or visit http://www.mfsomissouri.org. Pick up an armband and/or solidarity bracelet (at no charge)at the Peace Nook, 804 E. Broadway. Call Jeff at 449-4585 if you plan to participate by fasting, so that we can have an accurate accounting of those involved (see below for a list of those participating as of 8/18/06).

You are also welcome to attend the other Mid-Missouri Weekly Vigils for Peace….

 Columbia :  

*Saturdays, 10:00-11:00 am., Post Office

*Wednesdays, 4:15- 5:45 pm., Broadway & Providence

Fulton:

*Tuesdays 4:30-5:30, market & 5^th St., Callaway County courthouse

 

Contact the offices of:

Sen. Kit Bond (573-442-8151), Sen. Jim Talent (573-636-1070), Rep. Kenny Hulshof (573-449-5111) or your U.S. representative...

(log onto http://www.capwiz.com/pfaw/dbq/officials/?lvl=C to find out yours) & the White House (202-456-1414).

Urge them to work for an immediate end to the U.S. occupation of Iraq.

"Violence is a failed policy, whether it's perpetrated by the U.S. or Israeli military, insurgent fighters in Iraq or those with Hezbollah. Violence only begets violence," says Ric Doubet, president of the Mid-Missouri Veterans for Peace. Doubet served in US Army intelligence from 1972-75. "My weekly fasting will be a token of my mindful acknowledgment of the suffering war causes and of my ongoing commitment to help cease the U.S. occupation and war in Iraq."

This event is sponsored by the Columbia Peace Coalition including: Columbia Friends Meeting, Democracy for Missouri, Green Party of Central Missouri, GRO GrassRoots Organizing Interfaith Peace Alliance of Mid-Missouri, Mid-Missouri Fellowship of Reconciliation, Mid-Missouri Chapter of Global Action to Prevent War, Mid-Missouri Peaceworks, Mid-Missouri Veterans for Peace, Military Families Speak Out- Missouri/Midwest, MU United Activists' Network, Native American Support Group, Rock Bridge Christian Church, St. Francis Catholic Worker Community, September 11th Inside Job Awareness Campaign, Students for Progressive Action, UMC Faculty, Staff and Students Concerned About Democracy and Public Knowledge, Unitarian Universalist Social Action Committee and Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.

Mid-Missouri "Troops Home Fast"

List of Mid-Missouri Citizens Fasting

Monday

Terri Folsom, Columbia

Claire Garden, Columbia

Liz Klug, Columbia (also fasting Tuesday)

Steve Mann, Columbia

Carolyn Mathews , Columbia

Marcie McGuire, Columbia

Melissa Nigh, Fulton-- fasting since Monday, August 7

Tuesday

Saxon Brown, Columbia

Brandon Leonard, Columbia

Don Manson, New Bloomfield

Helen Manson, New Bloomfield

Wednesday

Rev. Larry Brown, Fulton

Karen Dwyer, Columbia

Elaine Hartley, Columbia

Roy Hartley, Columbia

Abbe Scott, Columbia

Vendoni, Kaiser

Thursday

“Fasting Clergywomen”

Rev. Maureen Dickman, Columbia, pastor of Rock Bridge Christian Church

Rev. Mickey Havener, Columbia

Rev. Karen Walker McClure, Columbia, pastor of Russell Chapel CME Church

Amy Dove, Columbia

Mark Haim, Columbia

Friday

Mike Murray, Ashland

Robin Remington, Columbia

Jeff Stack, Columbia

Saturday

Liz Butler, Columbia

Lorraine Caputo, Columbia (currently in South America)

Ric Doubet, Columbia

Lizzie West, Columbia

Sunday

Ruth Schaeffer, Guthrie

 

Public Statement of Melissa Nigh of Fulton.

Melissa began fast Aug. 7 and intends to continue fasting until Sept. 21, her health permitting

Mahatma Gandhi said, "A small body of determined spirits, fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history."

 There are now over 4,000 people participating in the "Troops Home Fast" movement in the U.S. and 22 other countries.  This movement was started on July 4 by CODEPINK, women for peace, and Gold Star Families for Peace.  Their demands are:  We want the White House and Congress to call for:

            *The withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Iraq

            *No permanent bases in Iraq

            *A commitment to fund massive reconstruction efforts, but with funds going to Iraqi, not U.S. contractors.

Those taking part in the movement are fasting for a day, one day per week, or constantly.

 I am willing to commit my life to the cause of peace.  Starting today, August 7, 2006, I am going on a liquid-only fast until at least September 21, International Peace Day.  I am fasting to show my dedication to stop the U.S. occupation and war with Iraq, as well as in protest of our governments' lack of serious intervention in the Israel/Lebanon violence.  By putting my body on the line, I am showing solidarity with the U.S. troops and Iraqi citizens whose lives are at risk every day.

My level of discomfort will in no way compare to the pain and suffering experienced by those involved in, and touched by the violence.  However, I need to show that my commitment to peace is as strong as others' commitment to war.

The majority of Americans are now opposed to the war in Iraq.  This opposition comes not only from the lives that have been lost, but also from the knowledge that this war was based on lies.  The invasion and occupation clearly has more to do with oil and the U.S. Imperialist Agenda of the Middle East than on defense, or democracy.

This insane war which continues endlessly has caused me to feel the need to step far outside of my comfort zone, to disrupt my life, and voluntarily suffer for the greater good. 

I am OUTRAGED, and I cannot remain passive as my government tortures and kills indiscriminately.  I am acting for peace.

We must end this war, and we must turn this country around.

Melissa J. Nigh

Fulton, MO (573) 592-0435

e-mail:  missa1969@yahoo.com

blog:  http://myspace.com/missa1969

 

 

Public Statement 7 August 2006—

--Stacy Hafley, president, Military Families Speak Out MO/Midwest Chapter

On the start of the mid-Missouri "Troops Home Fast"

About two centuries ago, the U.S. President John Adams said:

"Be not intimidated... nor suffer yourselves to be wheedled out of your liberties by any pretense of politeness, delicacy, or decency. These, as they are often used, are but three different names for hypocrisy, chicanery and cowardice."

As a leader of Military Families Speak Out Missouri/Midwest, a group of Military families who have loved ones fighting "the war on terror",  I am in close contact with families all over the Midwest. I believe that we should stop fighting the "war on terror" and start fighting the "terror of war".  On May 3^rd, 2003, President George Bush announced:

"Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed, ...You, the members of the United States military, who achieved it...Your courage, your willingness to face danger for your country and for each other, made this day possible. for all the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States: America is grateful for a job well done.”

A job well done??? Was the Iraq war over in 2003? If so, then why did my husband see major combat operations in Iraq in 2005? Addressing the nation again on August 6th, 2006, President Bush said, "We will do whatever is necessary, we will spend what is necessary, to achieve this essential victory in the war..."

Recently Congress, including most all the Congress people from Missouri, voted to "stay the course" in Iraq. Today, I will attend a vigil outside of Sen. Kit Bond’s Office. While I honor his son’s Military service and his family’s sacrifice, I am all the more perplexed that he continues to vote to prolong the war and allows Military families and their soldiers here in Missouri to fall through the cracks and not receive adequate support or care.

I am here to tell you what "Staying the Course” looks like to Military families. I would like to read an excerpt from a letter written by 12-year old Kristine Klein of Salem, MO to First Lady Laura Bush on Mother's Day. First a little background on Krissy.  She is very close to her brother who served two tours in Iraq.  Her letter is based on the stories he told her and her own experience she lived with the war.  Since his return, she has lived through this war and her brother's Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.  It has completely changed her family’s life. She and her mother are members of Missouri Military Families Speak Out.  Her brother is a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War.

Kristine writes:

"So, It's Mother's Day. I'm here with my Mom and even if you can't be with your daughters, I need you to listen to this story about this immorally wrong war.  OK...Now, center yourself,  every thing white, blank, total nothingness. But now you're looking into Jenna's and Barbara's eyes,  then their face, now their upper body, and now as a whole.  But they are dressed in desert camis[sic]. They made it home alive.  But something's different.  Something you just can't place.  You try and try to reach out with all your heart, but Jenna leaves, Barbara follows.  Because no one knows their pain they feel.  There's no reason to live so why go on?  You get a call later on that night.  You know what it is about on the first ring.  It's not just another soldier to you this time.  It's not just another family, another death is it?  It's your own children. 

    You only know the tip of the iceberg.  Do you know what it is like to spend every waking hour watching the news, to be afraid to fall asleep, go to work, live your life?  Because what if another death happens?  It might be your kid. Do you, huh, do you know because what if your babies get hurt?  Well, you know what?  We can at least give the troops a flake of dignity and respect by ending this war."

 Out of the mouth of babes. How horrible is it that a child has such a grip on the "reality" of war? This was written by a 12 year old child. Is this what “staying the course” looks like? Should she have to watch her brother attempt to kill himself twice because he is suffering from the mental hell of war? 

           And now with the orders for deployment of 172nd Stryker Brigade from Alaska, being extended indefinitely, there are more families suffering. I had a phone call yesterday with a wife of a Stryker Brigade soldier who said her husband was looking at the plane that was to bring him home out of Iraq.  He called her to tell her he would not be coming home, but would be going to "retake Baghdad." His gear had been sent safely home without him.  He had to spend $800 buying new gear to have what he needed to stay in Iraq. Money the government will not reimburse him.

           I hear so many horror stories of soldiers and their families every day--but for me they are not just stories. They are REAL. They are the stories of my members, my friends, and my family.

 The Japanese Buddhist leader Daisaku Ikeda recently reflected:

 "The powerful may appear great, but in reality they are not.  Greatest of all are the ordinary people.  If those in power lead lives of idle luxury it is because the people are silent.  We have to speak out.  With impassioned words, we need to resolutely attack abuses of power that cause people suffering.  This is fighting on the side of justice.  It is wrong to remain silent when confronted with injustice.  Doing so is tantamount to supporting and condoning evil."
 

I would like to share with you a letter that I wrote to Congress regarding the trauma this war is inflicting on our families and our Soldiers.

 "Dear Members of Congress,  People ask me every day "So is your husband home safe and sound?" I usually reply, "Yeah, he got home from Iraq several months ago.” What I really want to say and what's usually going through my head at that very moment is, "NO, HE IS NOT SOUND. HE IS NOT OKAY AND SOMETIMES HE ISN'T EVEN THE SAME PERSON."

 I understand that this is not an appropriate way to unload my fears and feelings on strangers so I don’t say it.

 You don’t know my husbands name, you don’t know our children (Kobe, Garrett and Jack). You didn’t sit beside me as I was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, unable to drive and even stand on some days but still responsible for three small boys while my husband was away. You weren’t there when our house was condemned because of mold and I had to move my children, by myself, with no aid from the Red Cross, the Family Readiness Group or many of the soldier-centric agencies associated with the military who are supposed to help families. It's likely you'll never hear of the constant small tragedies of life that military families must cope with when their loved one is deployed and when they return from combat.

 Go to sleep tonight knowing that while you slumber there are mothers and wives of deployed soldiers crying and pacing in an attempt to console their grief and control their anger. Understand that while you sleep there are mothers rocking their inconsolable children trying to explain to them why daddy is gone. If you wake in the night, look over and notice that there is likely not a person next to you sitting up, sweating and shaking as so many soldiers do, remembering Iraq because they heard thunder and thought they were under fire. Remember as you have breakfast tomorrow that in thousands of households across the U.S. a family member is bearing the entire responsibility of the household while under the stress of wondering if their loved one has survived another day or reassuring their returned soldier who cannot find a job.

Can you (as our political body) and others see that there is an emotional war raging here not only as they face the front lines in Iraq, but upon their return?

Before you take your next vote on prolonging, funding or engaging in war, consult an Iraq veteran and take a look at the faces of the soldiers and their families, not just at the numbers on a sheet of paper.

I have decided that from now on when people ask me if my husband is okay I am going to say, "NO, soldiers are tormented by the war daily. And until our national elected officials here in the state of Missouri and the rest of the country look at our husbands, wives, daughters and sons as people; living, breathing, loving, human beings not toy soldiers and focus on getting our troops home, WE will continue to NOT be okay." 

                             Advocating for troop withdrawal, Stacy Hafley~  Wife of an Iraq war veteran

President of Military Families Speak Out MO/Midwest Chapter

 My husband served in Iraq from 2004-2005 with the 892nd Transportation Company out of Belville, IL. He was a member of the US Army Reserves.

I want to close with an observation made by the former President Theodore Roosevelt on May 7, 1918. The Kansas City Star reported him as saying:

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."

I firmly believe this statement to be true.  This is why I’m speaking out.  Thank you for listening.