After five years of American involvement in Iraq, working families are saddled with:

• Official War Costs of $512 billion ($275 million a day)
• Actual costs (with interest) of $1.3 trillion (with some estimates of $3 trillion)
  
•  Over 4,000 American troops have been killed in Iraq
• Nearly 30,000 American troops wounded
• Estimates of 500,000 to over 1 million Iraqi deaths since the invasion

But there is hope for a way out. On March 17th, America In Solidarity pledge signer Darcy Burner, a candidate for Congress in Washington's 8th Congressional District, presented at the "Take Back America Conference" a plan to bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end. The plan was designed by leading military experts, policy analysts, national security experts, and a group of top-tier Congressional candidates and elected officials including AIS pledge signer Rep. Larry Seaquist (a former Navy Commander) and retired General Paul Eaton (in photo) who addressed our Progressive Convention in November.

March 19th marks the fifth anniversary of America's war/occupation in Iraq. We were told that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction (a lie) and had something to do with the terrorists who masterminded 9/11 (also a lie). Vice President Dick Cheney and Senator John McCain told us we would be greeted as liberators. We were misled and deceived by the Bush Administration and too many in Congress had either the wool pulled over their eyes or conspired to allow this awful thing to happen and then continue. The numbers alone are telling:

By Todd Iverson

President, America In Solidarity

Five years ago today, Congress passed J. H. Res. 114, which authorized the President (presumably in perpetuity) to use any force “necessary” against the “continuing” threat to the nation posed by Iraq.. On October 10th, 2002 the house voted 296-133 to pass the resolution. The Senate followed suit the next day by a vote of 77-23. Shortly after, Bush began America's adventure in Iraq.

Iraq has cost us billions. Yesterday, the military announced that two more soldiers with ties to Washington State have died...just this year. America In Solidarity is based in Tacoma, WA, not far from the military bases of McChord Air Force Base and Fort Lewis. Pat Tillman was stationed at Fort Lewis, so is the 3rd Stryker Brigade, which has lost 88 soldiers.

Call it politics. Call it fear. Call it compromise. Call it D.C. shenanigans. Call it what you want, but Thursday's vote on the Emergency Appropriations Supplemental Bill gave George W. Bush a blank check to continue the mess he created in Iraq. The bill provided needed funding for veterans, Katrina, port security and a myriad of “important” causes and Democrats will happily spin that. 

However, this bill was essentially, if not symbolically, about Iraq. Congressional Democrats have been in a stare down with the President since November’s midterm elections over this issue. A majority of Senate Democrats voted for the bill, not one filibustered. Almost all of the House Democrats voted for a

As the AP said: “In a highly unusual maneuver, House Democratic leaders crafted a procedure that allowed their rank and file to oppose money for the war, then step aside so Republicans could advance it.”

While America In Solidarity has not taken an official position about the status of impeaching either President Bush or Vice President Cheney, it is clear their seven years in office have not been kind to working families. Millions of lost manufacturing jobs, an increased national debt and one monstrous debacle in Iraq have been devastating and costly (in money and lives) to families across our country. Today, AIS Pledge Signer submitted articles of impeachment against Vice President Cheney.We are interested in your opinion, weigh in with our poll, write a blog entry about it or speak your mind in our forums section. 

America in Solidarity has long held the stance that the Iraq War is a disaster for America’s working families.  That being said, it’s been difficult to find a policy for Iraq that we could support.

Now, thanks to the new Democratic majority in the House and Senate, we have three.

That’s right - three distinct proposals that could lead to the eventual withdrawal of all combat troops from Iraq. 

Why three, you ask?  As far as we can tell, Democratic Party leaders have been unable to come to a solid consensus on how to end the war.  For that reason, we’ve decided to outline the three plans discussed this week and put them to you for a vote.  This way, we can determine which plan makes the most sense and which one we should support.

Congressman Adam Smith from Washington's 9th District participated in an America In Solidarity sponsored town hall-style forum about what is going on in Iraq. The event took place on February 10th and was held at First United Methodist Church in Tacoma.

Smith answered about 20 questions over the hour and half time frame, delivered from the audience on 3x5 cards and touch on subjects such as the proposed surge, impeachment of Bush, Iran and others. An estimated 200 people attended the event that was moderated by State Representative Dennis Flannigan.

Time ran out before dozens of questions could be asked, and Congressman Smith agreed to follow up with written answers that will soon be available on this site. Thanks again to the Micah Project of First United Methodist Church for hosting us.

Pictures from the event

America In Solidarity is proud to present a town hall with Congressman Adam Smith concerning America's occupation of Iraq. This event will feature questions from you about what is going on in Iraq and will be moderated by State Representative Dennis Flannigan.

Congressman Smith sits on two key committees, Armed Services and House International Relations, and will be pivotal as the United States moves forward in this conflict. This is a special opportunity to let your voice be heard in an arena severely affecting working families. The event will be February 10th at 1pm at First United Methodist Church at First Congregational Church (918 Division) in Tacoma.

Following the town hall, there will be a potluck in the church kitchen. Bring your favorite cold dish and mingle with your neighbors about what was discussed. Thanks to First United Methodist Church's Micah Project for hosting this event.

America In Solidarity will gather with other activist groups to bring more voices to the table concerning the financial drain the War has on our domestic budget.

While Pentagon spending will increase 7%, budget cutbacks are targeted for:

• Health - Medicaid recipients can expect higher co-payments & deductibles
• Education - student will face higher interest rates on student loans
• Children - cutbacks in Federal Aid to states for Child Support enforcement.
• Veterans - medical care cutbacks even with ever increasing need to treat the growing injured arriving home.

These budget cuts focus on programs that mainly benefit the working poor, our children and seniors while more tax cuts are planned to benefit the wealthy. 

AIS will be tabling and marching in this event. If you would like to volunteer please call our office at (253) 471-1123 to leave a message or email me at: gail@mail.americasolidarity.com.  For complete info and directions for this event go to www.ufppc.org