Regarding Campaign Contributions From War Profiteer, General Dynamics
Target:
Congressman Peter Welch
Sponsored by:
We, the undersigned, are calling upon you to publicly announce your willingness to:
- Re-allocate to the people of Vermont the $3,500.00 donation that you recently accepted from the Burlington-based weapons manufacturer General Dynamics in order to create a new VT Green, Just and Peaceful Economy Fund that is established, managed and overseen through a transparent, democratic and participatory process for all Vermonters.
- Promise to never again accept donations and political contributions from the military-industrial complex.
- Commit to never again vote for any bill, legislation or program which includes any war funding unless that bill also includes a clear and specific call for the immediate withdrawal of all US troops and armed contractors from Iraq.
It is our view that General Dynamics has vested interests in prolonging the war in Iraq as their profits rely upon perpetual violence and ecological destruction. We know that strings are attached to weapons manufacturers' political contributions and that this, directly and indirectly, undermines our democracy by influencing domestic and foreign policy.
We are disappointed that you have accepted this money from General Dynamics. Furthermore, we would like to announce to you a new VT campaign with the goal of shutting down the war profiteer General Dynamics and replacing it with a green, just, and peaceful economy.
We would like you to join us in this campaign by utilizing your power to bring an immediate stop to all money, contracts, tax cuts and other incentives for the war economy in Vermont, and instead begin utilizing your power to create the VT Green Jobs and Peace Economy Fund that has transparent, democratic and participatory oversight for the people of Vermont.
We, the undersigned, are calling upon you to publicly announce your willingness to:
- Re-allocate to the people of Vermont the $3,500.00 donation that you recently accepted from the Burlington-based weapons manufacturer General Dynamics in order to create a new VT Green, Just and Peaceful Economy Fund that is established, managed and overseen through a transparent, democratic and participatory process for all Vermonters.
- Promise to never again accept donations and political contributions from the military-industrial complex.
- Commit to never again vote for any bill, legislation or program which includes any war funding unless that bill also includes a clear and specific call for the immediate withdrawal of all US troops and armed contractors from Iraq.
It is our view that General Dynamics has vested interests in prolonging the war in Iraq as their profits rely upon perpetual violence and ecological destruction. We know that strings are attached to weapons manufacturers' political contributions and that this, directly and indirectly, undermines our democracy by influencing domestic and foreign policy.
We are disappointed that you have accepted this money from General Dynamics. Furthermore, we would like to announce to you a new VT campaign with the goal of shutting down the war profiteer General Dynamics and replacing it with a green, just, and peaceful economy.
We would like you to join us in this campaign by utilizing your power to bring an immediate stop to all money, contracts, tax cuts and other incentives for the war economy in Vermont, and instead begin utilizing your power to create the VT Green Jobs and Peace Economy Fund that has transparent, democratic and participatory oversight for the people of Vermont.
We, the undersigned, are calling upon you to publicly announce your willingness to:
- Re-allocate to the people of Vermont the $3,500.00 donation that you recently accepted from the Burlington-based weapons manufacturer General Dynamics in order to create a new VT Green, Just and Peaceful Economy Fund that is established, managed and overseen through a transparent, democratic and participatory process for all Vermonters.
- Promise to never again accept donations and political contributions from the military-industrial complex.
- Commit to never again vote for any bill, legislation or program which includes any war funding unless that bill also includes a clear and specific call for the immediate withdrawal of all US troops and armed contractors from Iraq.
It is our view that General Dynamics has vested interests in prolonging the war in Iraq as their profits rely upon perpetual violence and ecological destruction. We know that strings are attached to weapons manufacturers%u2019 political contributions and that this, directly and indirectly, undermines our democracy by influencing domestic and foreign policy.
We are disappointed that you have accepted this money from General Dynamics. Furthermore, we would like to announce to you a new VT campaign with the goal of shutting down the war profiteer General Dynamics and replacing it with a green, just, and peaceful economy.
We would like you to join us in this campaign by utilizing your power to bring an immediate stop to all money, contracts, tax cuts and other incentives for the war economy in Vermont, and instead begin utilizing your power to create the VT Green Jobs and Peace Economy Fund that has transparent, democratic and participatory oversight for the people of Vermont.
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We signed the "Regarding Campaign Contributions From War Profiteer, General Dynamics" petition!
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Dear Congressman Welch, As an elected representative, you have the power to change the world at least in the state of Vermont. I live in France and heard about this affair on Democracy now. As a peace activist, I am writing to encourage you to do whatever you can to promote peace in the world and in the local Vermont economy. What better way to change the world in the right way? I am counting on you to do what is right. Dr. Charles La Via
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we are your constituents!
# 147:
You better get yourself in line with your values Peter.
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DO THE RIGHT THING!!!
# 144:
Eisenhower, a renowned World War II general, declared, "Until the latest of our world conflicts, the United States had no armaments industry. American makers of plowshares could, with time and as required, make swords as well. But now we can no longer risk emergency improvisation of national defense. We have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions. "In the councils of government," he warned, "we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. "We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes," he declared. "We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together."
# 143:
How can one legislate with blood on one's hands?
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7:43 am PDT, May 5,
Gale Weaner, Texas
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# 139:
Thanks for your work against the Republicans and Bush. Now please follow our recommendations regarding this donations from General Dynamics, a war profiteer Vermont's own backyard.
# 138:
Our economy, our environment and our national honor depend on us turning away from war and empire building toward a progressive pursuit of peaceful solutions of worldwide problems and injustices. We can do this. We are all in it together.
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To quote my 6 year old son, "Guns hurt people, war hurts people! No more war!"
# 133:
Be part of the solution NOT part of the problem. Stop the War in Iraq.
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Show us who voted for Democrats that we have someone to be proud of this time! We are counting on you!
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mr. welch - istrongly encourage you to do the right thing and accept these proposals.
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If you continue voting to fund the war in Iraq, contrary to your stated position during your campaign, I will no longer vote for you and will work to defeat you in the next election.
# 120:
# 119:
Please send a real antiwar message by not accepting money from those who profit through human suffering and exploitation. Thanks, Caleb Elder
# 118:
Our congressman should be in NO way beholden to war profiteers like General Dynamics! Ho can one oppose their war while accepting their money?
# 117:
I appreciate this responsible effort. Please support it.
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Did you get "Politician's Disease"? I guess you must have known you would, somehow.
# 113:
Try putting the little d back in Democracy and let the corporations give their money to the Republicans.
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This seems like an obvious choice for any legislator committed to peace!
# 110:
It's way past time for you to get on board with these efforts, Rep Welch. You have a long way to go to regain my confidence.
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The control that these corporations exert over our nation is an abomination. I am considering moving to another country that has a more modern democracy where money doesn't make policy. Problem is I haven't found one yet! Ben.
# 107:
The Finnish Ambassador revealed in Montpelier a few weeks ago that his country does not have private money and lobbyists influencing their government representatives. And since he assured us that their economy is the most competitive in Europe while being the most welfare oriented, perhaps you can believe that this could happen in the US. Let it start with you. Refuse business influence.
# 106:
Come on, Peter Welch, get your priorities straight.......Vermonters want peace!
# 105:
Strength through peace...
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The Honorable Peter Welch, Please take a stand and put the money where it will have a positive and productive impact for the peaceful lives of all Vermonters.
# 102:
Dear Congressman Welch, I understand that Vermonters' jobs will be on the line as we stop supporting the systems that keep us at war. I hope you, and all in our congressional delegation, will work with all diligence and determination to reset our priorities, and get Vermonters working not for war but for peace, basic infrastructure and human rights/needs, and a healthy environment. With much respect for your good intentions, Most sincerely, Kathleen Voigt Walsh
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