KC Iraq Task Force Policy Statement - Reasons and Action Steps (1/28/05)

The Kansas City Iraq Task Force opposed the sanctions on the Iraqi people and continues to oppose the war waged on Iraq. As the war continues, The Task Force is releasing an up-dated policy statement and action plans. We call for the U.S. government to:

I. WITHDRAW THE U.S.TROOPS COMPLETELY AND DISMANTLE MILITARY BASES IN IRAQ

A. The invasion was based on the presence of weapons of mass destruction; none were found.
B. War was to insure a safer Iraq by removal of Sadaam Hussein; it didn't - human rights violations continue.
C. The war makes Americans less safe and produces new recruits for terrorist groups.
D. The war was to bring democracy to Iraq; but most groups have not signed on to participating in elections and there are few Iraqi troops to protect the polls.
E. Americans were assured that occupation of Iraq would not be permanent; but U.S., not Iraqi troops are occupying the country.
F. The war negatively impacts U.S. economy and job creation, taking away resources from Social Security benefits, health care, education, roads, job training and housing.

> ACTION STEPS:

1) Continue lobbying Congress about this needless war.
2) Continue lobbying Congress about this war that increases terrorist activity.
3) Work with labor, minority, welfare rights, elderly, teachers and health care groups in conjunction with this goal.


II. FULFILL OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE ON IRAQ CAUSED BY THE WAR AND OCCUPATION

A. As a result of the war, U.S. has destroyed 80% of vital infrastructure of Iraq.
B. Prisoner abuse has been rampant under U.S. occupation.
C. The Iraqi environment has been destroyed by overwhelming military presence.
D. The morale of the Iraqi people has been severely damaged by Americans being in charge of security and daily life.

> ACTION STEPS:

1) Transfer control and management of Iraqi prisons including Abu Ghraib to Iraqis.
2) Declare unequivocally that the U.S. will not retain a long-term military presence in Iraq.
3) Stop construction and upgrading of permanent military bases and facilities in Iraq.
4) Let Iraqis rebuild their country with U.S. reparations support.
5) Transfer reconstruction contracts from U.S. corporations to Iraqis, under U.N. supervision.


III. SUPPORT OUR TROOPS NOW AND UPON THEIR RETURN HOME; CONTINUE TO SUPPORT OUR VETERANS

A. Billions of dollars have been spent on weapons systems while families of troops and reservists are neglected.
B. Equipment necessary to the well-being of troops has not been forthcoming.
C. Military health care is frequently inadequate.

> ACTION STEPS:

1) Continue to educate the public about the best way to support troops is to bring them home.
2) Lobby Congress to better compensate military families.
3) Distribute a list of war profiteering corporations.

IV. ACKNOWLEDGE THE U.S. HAS VIOLATED INTERNATIONAL LAW; REALIZE THERE ARE REPERCUSSIONS

A. World opinion of the U.S. has declined as a result of war.
B. Trade and treaties between U.S. and other nations may be severely limited.
C. Real security comes from co-operation among nations and observance of international law.
D. Penalties resulting from an illegal war are also possible.

> ACTION STEPS:

1) Continue lobbying Congress about the U.S. loss of world goodwill.
2) Work with international groups (United Nations Association, etc.) to realize this goal.
3) Write letters to the editor of local newspapers to publicize the violation by U.S. of international law.