PITTSBURGH VETS TOUR

Paul Abernathy
Press Release
Press Conference
22 March 2007

Three Demands, Two Appeals

As a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War (having served in Iraq with the Army’s 3rd ID 2003-2004) I hereby make the following three demands of the U.S. Government:

1. The United States immediately withdraw all occupation forces from Iraq. This of course means U.S. combat troops, but also includes U.S. contractors and mercenaries who are exploiting the resources of Iraq. This demand is made with the understanding that the U.S. presence in Iraq contributes directly to the instability of the war-torn country.
2. The United States ensure all veterans receive a comprehensive care plan upon their discharge from the United States Military. This comprehensive care plan must include healthcare, education, and housing, the three of which are currently unaddressed in a sufficient manner.
3. The United States Government agrees to pledge reparations to Iraq for the destruction caused since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. While it would not be feasible to meet this demand immediately, it is necessary that the U.S. Government formally agree to deliver compensation once Iraq establishes a stable government free of American domination.

I also make the following two appeals:

1) I appeal to the American public to make a conscious effort to learn about the G.I. opposition movement to this war, a story which has been largely neglected by American media. This movement is made evident by calling upon the following:

• The 1,735 members of the U.S. military who have signed the Appeal for Redress, a direct communication to Congress demanding an end to this war.
• The 400 Iraq veterans who officially belong to the organization Iraq Veterans Against the War who are actively participating in the forefront of the anti-war movement.
• The countless number of G.I.s who are now openly speaking out against this war with out taking any formal measures for fear of retribution.
• An estimated 5,000 G.I.s who are AWOL/Deserters.
• The decline of recruitment and retention levels for the Army.
• The U.S. Military’s prosecution of service members who have refused to serve in Iraq for moral reasons, perhaps the most notably of whom is Lt. Ehren Watada.

2) I appeal to Iraq Veterans and members of the U.S. military who cannot in good conscience support this war to join the anti-war movement and express their dissent in some way.

For more information, www.ivaw.org