Mission Statement
The Alliance for Peace and Justice (APJ) was formed when President Obama called for an escalation of the wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan late in 2009. Our membership includes a coalition of individuals and groups from across the Pioneer Valley and beyond.
At first, we felt called to action outraged by the loss of human lives and the long occupations in Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition to the other tolls the wars have created – environmental, social and political ramifications- these “endless wars” are destroying our economy at home.
In response, we started the “Bring Our War $ Home” campaign in Western Massachusetts. War dollars should be converted to create long-term jobs, creating new industry and manufacturing in the US. Money spent on education, local aide to towns and states, job training, education, and funding programs and better medical aide, rehab, and housing for veterans to help them re-enter the civilian world. A pre-requisite is to bring our troops home and out of harm’s way.
Also central to our work is education on the environmental destruction of war, including devastating health effects already being seen in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, social justice concerns such as racism, labeling and “profiling” need to be replaced by compassion, understanding, celebrating diversity, and human rights for everyone. Together we can achieve a return to world-wide respect of America.
Although our members have divergent political perspectives, we are committed to the power of community. We have a voice. If you can visualize peace, justice and converting the United Stated back to a healthy, vibrant economy that is environmentally friendly, please give us your voice, too.
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