Veterans For Peace, Greater Seattle, Chapter 92

https://www.veteransforpeace.org/pressroom/news/2021/01/07/veterans-peace-condemns-yesterdays-attempt-white-supremacist
January 07, 2021

The violence that broke out on January 6th in the U.S. Capitol by people who seek to halt the certification of the 2020 election results was both unsurprising given U.S. history and was also shocking to witness. The events highlight the reality that Trump, members of his administration and the silent GOP Senate have used their positions to foment hatred, racism, and sexism, to garner support for their own agenda. However, as we all know, the problem is not Trump but a deeply entrenched and longstanding system of white supremacy.

As military veterans who know the true costs and causes of war, members of Veterans For Peace reject state violence and state-sanctioned violence. We have had to watch dishearteningly as fellow Americans invoke violence against others. These actions follow a long history of white supremacist actions in this country against indigenous, Black and Brown peoples. Furthermore, many of the people who fill the ranks of these mobs are (often white) military veterans.

As veterans ourselves, we have seen how white supremacy and violence are perpetuated in the U.S. military. The U.S. military continues to be an active recruitment tool for violent extremism and hate groups. This culture of toxicity, often fully embraced and/or condoned by military leadership continues to be a pipeline to violent right wingers, border patrol and police. We know that this pathway to violence must stop.

VFP supports peace abroad and peace at home. We support true peace which begins with defending racial and social justice by challenging systematic violence. We stand in strong opposition to the increasing trend of hate groups and political action groups that exaggerate the myths of the so-called “American” identity into moralizing political violence.

Veterans For Peace encourages our members to remain vigilant and united. It is our belief that positive change comes through nonviolent organizing, direct action, education, mobilization, and having a firm vision and commitment to help make a better tomorrow. We must continue creating a community that stands in stark opposition to the U.S. military and organize our fellow veteran community to unlearn dangerous ideology and break the conduit of violence. We can help deflect rightful discontent created by the neglect and betrayal of our institutions to constructive organizing. Let’s help create a community that is an alternative to bigoted violence and pursue an egalatarian solution to our common root problems.

Link to pdf below. Please distribute widely_ and safely! If possible get it to or read it out to military personnel deployed at protests!

veterans vs deploy 6.2.20

https://www.veteransforpeace.org/our-work/position-statements/veterans-condemn-deployment-troops
Veterans For Peace condemns the inflammatory statements by Donald Trump. His declaration of calling for military troops on U.S. soil to quell people exercising their first amendment right is inflammatory and incredibly dangerous. We stand unequivocally with the protestors who are in the streets calling for an end to senseless police killings and white supremacy.
In addition to the 200,000 troops already deployed across the world, U.S cities are being occupied by military force. Thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel, and police have been deployed to cities across the nation as Trump calls on the military to “dominate the streets” and that he’d override any local control if governors refuse to deploy the national guard. Threats and intimidation are tactics of terror by this administration. Trump’s statements, as well as past statements, are incendiary and effectively declare war on our communities.
Across the country, tear gas, flash bangs, and other “non-lethal” weapons have been used on peaceful protesters. Reporters have been targeted, arrested and injured. Children have been tear gassed. Elders have been harassed. People have been killed as a result of police and National Guard violence in Louisville and many more hospitalized across the country. These actions should be condemned and most importantly, we must refuse to participate in these unjust actions by speaking out and talking to our friends and families who are currently serving in the military.
Veterans For Peace calls on all military leaders and personnel to refuse deployment. We, as veterans, know the terrible aftermath of participating in actions that are morally wrong against communities in other countries. Now is the time to refuse to participate in orders that are unjust.
GI rights hotline: https://girightshotline.org/
NLG Military Law Taskforce: https://nlgmltf.org/programs-and-services/
Center on Conscience & War: https://centeronconscience.org/

Shareable/ Printable informational Leaflet:

tax2021

Veterans & Supporters for International Womxns Day 2020

https://www.facebook.com/events/225775068592030/

Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 12:15 PM, Doctor Jose P. Rizal Park, 1008 12th Ave S, Seattle, Washington 98144
Less than 1% of the population are womxn who have served in the military. According to the Defense Department, women now make up 20 percent of the Air Force, 19 percent of the Navy, 15 percent of the Army and almost 9 percent of the Marine Corps.

While many people think about veterans and how to honor these brave individuals, honoring women veterans specifically is often overlooked. Women veterans can often face additional obstacles when they transition back to civilian life.
International Womxns Day can be a space where many of us come together and push for change that makes us less invisible or under represented and affirm that we have many common struggles as women. While women have made many historical strives, sacrifices, and accomplishments, it’s clear that this is a time we have an opportunity to stand united and affirm each others needs and identities to achieve new heights together where nobody is left behind.
Military and veteran women face excessive gender based challenges and violences and more so for those of us who have marginalized identities of color and LGBTQI2S. When we leave the military we carry burdens in to a system and society that confounds our burdens:

– gender discrimination
– wage gap
– sexual violence
– interpersonal abuse
– professional glass ceilings
– traumas of war
– moral injury
– economic disadvantage
– barriers to resources
– racial oppression
– untreated medical needs
– unstable housing
– single parenthood
– mental health challenges
– (and more)

PLEASE JOIN US TO HEAR PROFOUND VIGIL IN THE BEGINNING AT JOSE RIZAL PARK AND A FINAL PROGRAM OF SPEAKERS AT THE COURTHOUSE PARK. IF YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE, PLEASE JOIN THE MARCH BETWEEN THE TWO LOCATIONS.
Invite your organization and veteran womxn friends to meet before hand, make signs, bring flags, or wear gear that reflects who you or your org is and share time to build community, honor womxn, and our stories.

Questions or volunteers!   CONTACT: VFPSeattle.president@gmail.com

This event is happening in partnership and support of API CHAYA and coalition who has historically organized on this year. Read more here about the event and the organization:
https://www.apichaya.org/events/2020/3/8/international-working-womxns-day-api-chaya-25th-annual-vigil