As Congress begins debate on additional funding for Iraq and Afghanistan military operations, San Francisco peace groups have called a Town Hall Meeting to debate The Costs of War. The meeting will start at 5pm on Sunday, April 27th in the Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th Street (near Mission and Capp Streets). Organizers are inviting all 2008 candidates for the 8th Congressional District house seat, currently occupied by Nancy Pelosi, to participate or send a representative – regardless of their position on the issue. As of April 19th, Democrat Shirley Golub, Independent Cindy Sheehan and Libertarian Phil Berg have confirmed their participation.
Aside from candidate speeches, the Town Hall will feature questions and comments from the audience. A number of additional speakers are also expected to address the meeting, which is sponsored by the Gold Star Families for Peace, the Iraq Moratorium and other local peace groups.The Town Hall coincides with House consideration of the latest supplemental funding bill for US operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to a Thursday Associated Press report (at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080417/ap_on_go_co/congress_iraq_funding_6), Congressional leaders are considering a single, $178 billion measure that will finance the occupations for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2008 and through June 2009. By passing this measure, Congress would avoid a debate on additional war funding just prior to the November election.“By funding the war well into 2009, Congress would abandon its responsibility to provide continuing oversight of the Executive Branch, and would condemn hundreds of additional young Americans to death and serious injury,“ said Town Hall co-organizer, Marc Joffe. “Further, to spend over 1% of the nation’s GDP on fruitless wars during a recession is the height of fiscal irresponsibility.”Despite the recent US troop surge, violence in Iraq remains at a high level.
During the first 18 days of April, 27 American soldiers have died and over 1000 Iraqis have been killed in numerous attacks. Total US casualties thus far number 4039 dead and tens of thousands injured. Estimates of Iraqi deaths range up to 1.2 million. Officially, total Iraq War spending now exceeds $512 billion, but if long term care for veterans, replacing military equipment and additional interest on the national debt are included, the true cost of the war is three trillion dollars, according to Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz.
Next Sunday’s 8th CD meeting is part of a national series of Iraq Town Halls organized by Democrats.com and several national peace and progressive groups. More information on these events is available at http://www.iraqtownhalls.com.
