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Coalition StatementFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact Person: Theodore Sitther Organization: Center on Conscience & War 1830 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20009 Telephone: (202) 483-2220 or (800) 379-2679 Fax Number: (202) 483-1246 E-mail Address: tsitther@nisbco.org
Conscription: A Possibility - Lobby Against it, May 14th 2004 Washington, DC April 22, 2004 - People of conscience speak out to make their voices heard in the halls of Congress against the reinstatement of the military draft. On May 14th, 2004 the Center on Conscience & War (CCW) and other organizations are holding a national lobby day against the military draft. Participants will meet in the Methodist Building in Washington, and others will lobby locally at their Congress members' district office. Sponsoring organizations include: National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund, Veterans for Peace, Mennonite Central Committee-Washington Office, Church of the Brethren, United Methodist Church General Board of Church and Society, Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, Pax Christi USA, the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Presbyterian Washington Office, the American Baptist Churches - USA, Jewish Peace Fellowship, and the American Humanist Association. Certain signs point in the direction of a military draft. Rumors from Congress state that the Administration is polling Republican members on the possibility of a draft. U.S. Troops are stretched thin across the globe with commitments in over two hundred countries. Many National Guard and Reserve units are being used for tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and with the continual rise in casualties; many are saying that they will not reenlist. On April 20, 2004 Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) said that a draft is needed. Hagel believes that all citizens should take responsibility for the burden in Iraq. He said, "Why shouldn't we ask all of our citizens to bear some responsibility and pay some price?" Some in Congress believe that the U.S. did not send enough troops to successfully occupy Iraq and that it will take a significant increase in numbers to restore order. As a result of the chaos in Iraq, Hagel believes that the solution would be to return to conscription. However, J.E. McNeil, Executive Director of CCW said, "Due to the lack of knowledge of many young congressional staffers, we need to educate Congress about conscientious objection and how a draft is never a viable option." May 14th will be a day for voters to speak up and educate Congress about issues of conscience and put forth a strong voice against the draft. About the Center on Conscience & War: The Center on Conscience & War (CCW), formerly the National Interreligious Service Board for Conscientious Objectors (NISBCO), was formed in -more-
1940 by an association of religious bodies. CCW works to defend and extend the rights of conscientious objectors. The Center is committed to supporting all those who question participation in war, whether they are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, documented or undocumented immigrants--or citizens in other countries. Anti-draft Lobby Day May 14th, 2004 (page 2) CCW, located in Washington, DC, is governed by a Board of Directors and employs a staff to serve the Center's national constituency. Services are provided to the public at no charge. CCW participates in the G.I. Rights Hotline, a national referral and counseling service for military personnel. In the event of a military draft, CCW will assist in the placement of conscientious objectors in alternative service programs. The Center is opposed to all forms of conscription. Contact: Contact Person: Theodore Sitther Organization: Center on Conscience & War 1830 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20009 Telephone Number: (202) 483-2220 or (800) 379-2679 Fax Number: (202) 483-1246 E-mail Address: tsitther@nisbco.org Website: www.nisbco.org "Http://www.americanhumanist.org/press"
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