Resolutions bring a message of peace to the presidential caucuses

We are just barely into 2008, and the presidential primary mania is already upon us.  Tomorrow night, Iowans will be the first voters in the nation to cast their preferences for the next President.  Based on the debates and candidate speeches, it’s clear that foreign policy issues are playing a major role in this election, from ending the war in Iraq to engaging in direct diplomacy with Iran.  Our Voters for Peace and Security organizers, along with other groups throughout the country, have been attending events and asking the candidates repeatedly to clarify their positions on key issues such as ending the war in Iraq and stopping the development of new nuclear weapons.  We need a new direction for US foreign policy, and the candidates must know that this is a deciding factor in choosing a presidential candidate.

In addition to mobilizing voters at candidate events, we have been encouraging people to sign our electoral pledge committing to only support candidates who will end the war in Iraq and work toward eliminating nuclear weapons.  Last week, I sent copies of the pledges to all the campaigns in Nevada so they know that we will mobilize these peace voters on January 19th.  Because of the turnout and the nature of the caucus process, even a small number of voters can make a critical difference for one of these presidential hopefuls.

For those of you who live in a state with a caucus instead of a primary, you have yet another unique opportunity to send a clear message that peace is a priority in this presidential election.  In addition to voting for a candidate, you will be addressing other party business, and have the opportunity as a citizen to offer resolutions.  All you need to do is print them up and take them with you when you go to vote. 

Click here for resolutions on ending the war in Iraq and working for a nuclear-free world. 

Click here to e-mail me and let me know if you plan to offer the resolutions during the caucus.

We must take advantage of every opportunity to impact the presidential election this year and create momentum for a more peaceful and just foreign policy.  Groundswell will be bringing you on-the-ground coverage of the Nevada caucus on January 19th, so check back with us in the coming weeks.