NO NEW JERSEY NATIONAL GUARD IN IRAQ - IT’S THE LAW! KEEP NEW JERSEY SAFE! In October, 2002 Congress authorized the use of the National Guard in Iraq in the Congressional Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). Under the AUMF the President could use the armed forces “as he determines to be necessary and appropriate in order to defend the national security of the U.S. against the continuing threat posed by Iraq and enforce all relevant United Nation Security Resolutions Iraq.” That AUMF has expired. The use of the National Guard in Iraq is no longer legal!! The upcoming deployment to Iraq of the 50th Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the NJ National Guard represents 3000, or nearly 1/2 of the total strength of the NJ Guard. This is their largest deployment since World War II. Governor Corzine has expressed concern that the absence of Guard members and their heavy equipment may impair State’s ability to respond to emergencies. Yes, New Jersey needs our National Guard in case of emergencies –hurricanes, floods and fires, and other possible disasters. The illegal and immoral war in Iraq has entered its 6th year. More than 4120 American service men and women and over 1 million Iraqi have died. Millions of U.S. troops and Iraqi people are now suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, depleted uranium poisoning (from U.S. weapons), and other medical conditions. The costs exceed $1.5 trillion, $16,500 for each American family of 4, and continue to rise. We need to keep that money here for people’s needs – for housing, education, jobs, and health care. State Senator Loretta Weinberg introduced SJR 55 in the New Jersey State Legislature. This is the legislation we need! Senate Joint Resolution 55 calls on the Governor and Legislature to declare that: • the Congressional Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) of October, 2002 has expired, and no further authorization has been issued and therefore that: • the President order the return of NJ National Guard members to NJ. • the President and Secretary of Defense are urged to cancel the deployment of the 50th Heavy Brigade Combat Team to Iraq. • NJ Guard members must be limited to service within and on behalf of the State of NJ, and that consent to deployment of the NJ National Guard to Iraq be withheld unless it is properly and lawfully called into federal service under a valid authorization from Congress. It’s time for all elected officials (municipal, county, state, and federal) to get behind Senate Joint Resolution 55, introduced by State Senator Loretta Weinberg, to end the illegal use of our New Jersey National Guard in Iraq. It’s time for all people and organizations in New Jersey to join a national movement to end the use of the National Guard in Iraq. You can help: o Circulate copies of the petition. o Get your organization (PTA, block association, religious, labor, or community group) to endorse SJR 55. o Get your municipal government to pass a resolution endorse SJR 55. o Get your county legislative body to pass a resolution to endorse SJR 55. o Get your State Senator or Assembly member to co-sponsor now and then vote in the Fall for SJR 55. o Write to Governor Corzine to insist that he step forward to support SJR 55. o Organize a meeting, rally, or demonstration in your community about this important issue. To get more information, copies of the petition, names and contact information for the Governor or State legislators, to arrange for speakers, or to add your group’s endorsement to this effort, go to: www.bergenjustice.net or www.peaceandjusticecoalition.org. Call 201-808-6004. Endorsed by: Military Families, Speak Out, Bergen County, Veterans for Peace, Chapter 21 NJ, Bergen Peace and Justice Coalition, Teaneck Peace and Justice Coalition. Add your group’s endorsement. |
Vigil Every Wednesday Hand and foot warmers will be available for all during the winter months. 4:30 - 6:00 pm National Guard Armory Teaneck Road and Liberty Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666 Sponsored by Military Families Speak Out (Bergen County) www.mfsobergencounty.org and Teaneck Peace and Justice Coalition www.teaneckpeace.org Veterans for Peace, Chapter 21, NJ 4119 U.S. Troops - DEAD Many suicides (www.icasualties.org. July 15, 2008) More than 1 million Iraqi people - dead Each person - someone's son or daughter Funding the war is killing our troops. Bring all of the troops home now! Withdraw the mercenary army of over 180,000! Call on our elected officials in Washington to save our troops and vote against any additional war spending! Senator Frank Lautenberg. 202-224-3224 or 973-639-8700, fax: 973-639-8723 One Gateway Center. 23rd floor. Newark, NJ 07102 www.lautenberg.senate.gov. Click on contact me. Senator Robert Menendez. 202-224-3121 or 973-645-3030, fax: 973-645-0502 www.menendez.senate.gov. click on contact me. One Gateway Center. Suite 1100. Newark, NJ 07102 Congressman Steve Rothman. (201) 646-0808 or (202) 225-5061. fax: 201-646-1944 25 Main Street. Hackensack, NJ 07601 bob.decheine@mail.house.gov. or www.house.gov/rothman/ |

| Wednesday vigil at the National Guard Armory in Teaneck, NJ, August 30, 2006 |


| May 9, 2007 vigil and memorial for Matthew Fenton (1982-2006). Matthew died from injuries suffered in Iraq. |
| Click here to see photos and speeches from the August 25, 2007 March For Peace, Equality, Jobs, and Justice |

| September 13, 2007 memorial vigil for Dave Cline |
| July 16, 2008 vigil at the National Guard armory in Teaneck. |
