Peace Action West

Stand Up for alternatives to war

What would the world look like if the US built schools instead of razing villages? If we dedicated to diplomacy and aid the kinds of resources that we spend on dropping bombs?

As Americans continue to spend $8 billion a month on war in Afghanistan, these are questions worth asking. The fact is, in spite of their track record of effectiveness, policy makers routinely dismiss and underfund peaceful alternatives to war. That’s why we need you to stand up.

We urgently need a new response to global problems. When all you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. And right now our government has a massive $700 billion military hammer that has been wreaking havoc around the world. Meanwhile, diplomacy and development account for less than two percent of the federal budget.

If you agree that we need a change, it's crucial you add your voice. Our warplanes and missiles have powerful advocates in the massive weapons industry lobby. Meanwhile, our political culture rewards politicians who get behind an aggressive, military-driven approach to US foreign policy, no matter what the costs. Add to that mix the fact that most politicians think Americans don’t care about programs that help lift people out of poverty, bring stability, and resolve potential conflicts peacefully.

What all that adds up to is a bloated military budget and a lopsided foreign policy apparatus geared primarily towards making war, not building peace. That's why we urgently need more Americans to stand up for peaceful alternatives to war.

That means learning more about what it would take to prevent conflicts, and heal communities wounded by war and extreme poverty. The public is flooded with misinformation about what these programs do and how much they cost, and you can help undo some of that.

It also means taking a stand when it counts, and letting politicians know we demand real, peaceful alternatives.

Stand up with us, for people whose lives have been torn apart by war. Stand up for women and children whose futures could be made brighter with a chance at an education, and a stable, peaceful home. And stand up for the Americans who strive for a future where our resources are not wasted on war.

Please join us, and stand up for peace.