The Surge – Write your Representatitive

People for Peace and Justice of Utah has issued a call for citizens to conduct a picket the day the news publishes Bush’s announcement about “The Surge” of more troops to Iraq. The announcement is likely to be made Wednesday, with the picket, then, occuring on Thursday. See information here.

Kim Spangrude of Military Families Speak Out (MFSO) in Utah, is asking people to contact their representatives to ask that no more troops be sent to Iraq. She provides a template for a letter:

Dear Friends:

The next two to three days will be of utmost importance in terms of expressing to our
senators and representatives our opposition to the “Surge Plan” the President will most likely announce on Wednesday. They especially need to hear this opposition from military members and family members of those currently in the military.

I urge everyone to contact the following Utah members of the Senate and
House of Representatives and tell them we as family members of those in the military,
or friends of military members, oppose any plan to increase the number of troops in
Iraq, and that we urge Congress and the President to decrease the number of troops.

Here is a sample conversation you can use when you call or write our UTAH delegation
today:
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Dear _________________________________’

I am a (friend/family member/active duty member/veteran) of the U.S. Military who (arecurrently serving/have served) in Iraq. I am strongly opposed to any plan to increasethe number and level of troops in Iraq, and I advocate for withdrawal of troops fromIraq. The only thing sending more troops will accomplish is to increase casualties. The situation calls for greater diplomacy, not more troops. The new troops would be sent to Iraq, according to Bush, to try to provide greater security, a mission that,inevitably, would place them right in the middle of escalating violence that has already taken thousands of American and Iraqi lives. The President’s decision- if it comes to that- would obviously disregard the will of the great majority of the U. S. people, including Utahns, who have made it clear they are opposed to this unjustifiable war. As your constituent, I urge you to express opposition to a surge in troop level, if the President plans to do this.

Sincerely,
___________________________
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Whether you would prefer to call, send a letter or email, here is the contact info:

Bennett, Robert F.- (R – UT)
431 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5444
Web Form: bennett.senate.gov/contact/emailmain.html

Hatch, Orrin G.- (R – UT)
104 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5251
Web Form: hatch.senate.gov/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Offices.Contact

Jim Matheson (D-Ut)
Utah-2nd, Democrat
1323 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515-4402
Phone: (202) 225-3011

Chris Cannon (R-Ut)
Utah-3rd, Republican
2436 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515-4403
Phone: (202) 225-7751

Rob Bishop (R-Ut)
Utah-1st, Republican
124 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515-4401
Phone: (202) 225-0453

We ALL need to do this; it is very easy to call. You usually talk to the Aide, they
take your name down, and that is it!!!!

Please make a commitment to do this today.

Thanks, and Peace

Kim Spangrude
Utah MFSO