Our Nation's Checkbook Around the Country
Apr 29, 2011
Organizers are working across the country to build support for budget committee hearings on how the federal budget could shift money from the Pentagon to diplomacy, green jobs, and human needs.
Events
The March 5 forum in Lansing, Michigan, which was organized by FCNL and the Michigan Peace Budget Coalition, was designed to bring together local organizations and officials that could urge Michigan's elected representatives in Washington to press for cuts in the Pentagon budget that would free up more money for priorities in the state.
Friends in Oberlin wrote letters to their representative, Marcy Kaptur, asking her to sign a letter to the president's fiscal commission urging cuts to the Pentagon budget.
In Alaska, Friends create their own bean poll to dramatize federal budget decision making.
In Oregon, organizers have created a fashion show to dramatize miltary spending.
In Florida, Tampa Friends have used their website to gather more than 400 signatures on their sign on letter to Sen. Nelson.
Letters
"We are concerned about our national security and the fact that it has come to be defined solely in terms of military strength."
"For too long the Pentagon’s share of our taxes has been rising out of proportion to other parts of the federal budget."
"We see real needs here in Pennsylvania that could use some of the federal attention and tax dollars that are routinely diverted to military spending."
