No War On Venezuela

A Message from VFP President Gerry Condon

Call for VFP Chapters to Organize February 23 Protests Against the U.S. Coup in Venezuela

Dear VFP Members and Friends,

The U.S.-orchestrated coup in Venezuela presents a great threat to the people of Venezuela and to all of Latin America, which apparently is still considered to be “our backyard” by the dinosaurs of U.S. imperialism. The possibility of direct military intervention leading to a long and bloody war is “on the table.”

Even as President Trump makes halting efforts to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan and Syria, his administration is doubling down on U.S. intervention in this hemisphere. National Security Adviser John Bolton is also promising to step up U.S. attacks against the progressive governments and people of Cuba and Nicaragua.

The Veterans For Peace statement calling for resistance to U.S. intervention in Venezuela, unanimously agreed upon by the VFP Board of Directors at our recent meeting in Tijuana, Mexico, continues to be welcomed and widely circulated (over 1.5 K “shares” on Facebook).

Veterans For Peace has also endorsed several upcoming mobilizations against the unfolding coup in Venezuela. Most important, because they are coming up soon, are internationally coordinated local actions on February 23.

Check out the website for the No War on Venezuela actions. Veterans For Peace is already an endorser, but VFP Chapters may also sign on, as can individuals.

In less than a week the call for No War on Venezuela actions on Februrary 23 has garnered remarkable support, coming from virtually the entire peace movement in the U.S. and internationally (the Call has been translated into eight languages!).

I encourage all VFP chapters and members to participate in local actions that are already being organized for Saturday, Febuary 23, or to initiate and anchor protests and/or educational events in your communities. Call on your friends and allied organizations to join you. Unity, creativity and flexibility should be our watch words. It could be any type of event, such as a visit to your Congressperson’s office on Friday, February 22, a vigil downtown on Saturday, February 23, or an educational forum on Sunday, February 24.

You can find helpful resources on the website, including a ready made half-page flyer, where you can add your local information. Of course, feel free to produce your own flyer with your own message. The voice of veterans must be heard.

The U.S. regime change operation in Venezuela also presents an opportunity for the U.S. peace movement to step up our game. This includes Veterans For Peace, of course. The VFP Board of Directors is already discussing the possibility of having regular coordinated actions, monthly or quarterly, where all VFP chapters can act together. On February 23 we can begin to exercise our collective muscle while making a real contribution to the peace movement.

How many other organizations have chapters in so many cities? And internationally too. I believe the answer is none. When Veterans For Peace chapters step up together, we will make a real difference.

All out for February 23!

Hands Off Venezuela!
Gerry Condon

___________________________
Gerry Condon
President, Board of Directors
VETERANS FOR PEACE