03/08/2003


Hi,

I was asked by a person checking out the MFSO listserv to submit a Letter to the Editor to their local newspaper, it could be no longer than 300 words. I completed it today and thought some of you might be encouraged to write an article to your own local newspapers or feel free to submit my Letter to the Editor below. I attached an introductory message if you turn it in for publication.

In love, peace and solidarity, Jeff McKenzie co-founder

Hi,

My name is Jeff McKenzie and I am including a Letter to the editor below. My son, Jeremy left for Kuwait January 21st. The end of November 2002, another military family and myself started a national organization called Military Families Speak Out, we have received national and international media coverage, since that time we have seen tremendous growth. Several military families, including myself, are Plaintiffs on the Federal lawsuit being heard in Boston challenging the president's constitutional right to declare war, the suit will be heard again in court later this coming week.

You have my permission to publish my Letter to the Editor, in your newspaper.

Peace,

Jeffrey McKenzie, co-founder MFSO

716-772-7502

chalkalien@yahoo.com or mfso2@yahoo.com

Letter to the Editor- (300 words)

A decision to wage war on Iraq is days away, it will affect countless lives and will open Pandora's box. Support for this war, comes from fear tactics, arm-twisting and billions of dollars in promises. God does not bless the U.S.'s rush to war, Jesus was a pacifist.

U.S. Army CPT Jeremy McKenzie, 26, command air ambulance helicopter pilot, location Kuwait, top in his aviation class, stands by the ideals of his country, willing to lay his life on the line in defense of this country; married to Nicole, medic, National Guard, stationed stateside; two dogs. They are my loved ones but there are hundreds of thousands of young men and women just like them, connected to millions of loved ones (spouses, children, parents, grandparents, siblings, etc). How many will die?

Add an even greater number of innocent Iraqi civilians, a U.N. report says 500,000 will be casualties; if the U.S. uses nuclear weapons that figure soars into the millions. Also, hundreds of thousands of Iraqi soldiers defending their homeland from an aggressor nation will be killed, maimed or captured. Will their loved ones not want revenge?

Millions around the world are saying no to this war, they believe it is unnecessary, unjust, about oil, old grudges and power. If it is about WMD, a possible threat or human rights violations then the U.S. has not looked in the mirror lately. This is not a war to defend our soil, nor will it end terror attacks, most believe it will cause them to increase. If it is about ignored U.N. resolutions, WMD or occupied territory, why has the U.S. continued to support and arm Israel? Give inspections time.

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