E-News: What to Watch for in Tonight's Debate
October 22, 2012
Top Story: Foreign Policy Debate; What's New: Faith and Climate Change; Simpson-Bowles; FCNL's Network: From the Grassroots; Upcoming Events; FCNL in the News; War Is Not the Answer Photo of the Week: Washington, DC.
See the online version of the newsletter.
Foreign Policy Debate Tonight
When the presidential candidates take the stage for their final debate -- all about foreign policy -- what will you be looking for? FCNL’s foreign policy lobbyists know that the ideas that the candidates put forward now could shape prospects for diplomacy, the peaceful prevention of deadly conflict and our federal expenditures on the military budget for the next four years.
Tonight, pay attention to what you’re hearing (or not hearing) in the debate. We hope both of the candidates will talk about the importance of diplomacy with Iran, the dangers of war, and the opportunities for peace and nuclear disarmament. FCNL is looking for a vision of U.S. engagement with the world based on leadership through cooperation and efforts to reduce the sources of structural violence and poverty in the world.
We’ll be tweeting during the debate: follow Alicia (@FCNL), Diane (@DianeFCNL), Matt (@MattLSouthworth) and Kate (@k8gould) on Twitter.
And don’t forget to play Debate Bingo: get your bingo card and let us know how your game goes by sending us a photograph on Twitter, on Facebook or by email.
What's New
- Building a faith coalition to make climate change an issue in the elections:
- Religious leaders last week called on the candidates to talk about climate change.
- These statements have a strong basis in many religious faiths. The Dalai Lama, Pope Benedict XVI and the board of the National Association of Evangelicals are just a few of the religious leaders who have called for action on climate change.
- Remember Simpson-Bowles? The report of this presidential commission on fiscal reform was much talked about in the first presidential debate. FCNL’s Ruth Flower says in its current form this isn’t a good basis for deal. Read Ruth’s analysis.
From the Grassroots
- Mike Ellison from Vancouver, WA organized a meeting with his representative asking for $1 trillion in cuts to Pentagon spending over 10 years. While not agreeing with everything the group said, his representative appreciated receiving FCNL’s fact sheet on waste, fraud and abuse and a petition from the group calling for cuts in Pentagon spending.
- The Quaker Public Policy Institute and Lobby Day (November 15-16, Washington, DC) will bring together FCNL supporters from across the country to lobby on budget deal that could affect taxes and spending for the next 10 years. Register for the Quaker Public Policy Institute today.
Have you lobbied in person, published a letter to the editor or approved a minute at your meeting or church? Email Annie with your story, and you may be featured here!
Upcoming Events
- October 26-28, Independence, MO: Jim Cason will give the keynote address at Community of Christ 2012 Peace Colloquy.
- October 27-29, WA: Diane Randall will visit Spokane, Seattle and Port Townsend to discuss FCNL’s work in faith-based lobbying.
- October 29, St. Louis, MO: Jim Cason and Tila Neguse will talk about lobbying for Pentagon spending cuts.
Check our upcoming events calendar to find out when FCNL staff will be in your area.
FCNL in the News
- Kate Gould is quoted in "U.S. exports to Iran rise nearly one-third despite sanctions" by Arshad Mohammed in Reuters, 10/15/2012
- Matt Southworth spoke at Wilmington College's Westheimer Peace Symposium, covered in "Lt. Col. Davis questions Afghan war" by Gary Huffenberger in Wilmington News Journal, 10/17/2012
War Is Not the Answer Photo of the Week: Washington, DC
FCNL's Development Committee met earlier this month at the FCNL office.
Order your own War Is Not the Answer sign and see where this movement is showing up across the country. Find out how to submit your photo.
