WHEREAS:
Our country is now engaged in a great national debate about the war in Afghanistan, whether we should be there at all, and, if so, what our mission is and what resources are needed to carry out that mission; and

WHEREAS:
The fateful decision President Obama has made will affect our own country in profound ways for years to come, including whether or not President Obama will be able, economically and politically, to carry out his commitment to rebuild our own country; and

WHEREAS:
That decision followed the decision by President Bush, based on false information, to go to war in Iraq; a decision that has also cost us untold blood and treasure; and

WHEREAS:
We have already spent over $235 billion in Afghanistan and, even without the decision to send an additional 30,000 troops which will cost at least an additional $30 billion; our nation is spending $65 billion a year on the war there.  These funds are desperately needed for urgent domestic social purposes, including health care and quality education for all, housing relief in the foreclosure crisis, rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure, full veterans’ benefits, aid to city and state governments, and the creation of millions of good jobs, including manufacturing and green jobs; and

WHEREAS:
Hundreds of thousands of brave and patriotic Americans have enlisted in these efforts. Too many of them have made the ultimate sacrifice and those who return home too often find that the help they need to regain their health or rebuild their lives is sorely lacking.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME calls for an immediate end to the wars and occupations in Iraq and Afghanistan; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME calls for the immediate and complete withdrawal of all U. S. military forces and contractors from Iraq and Afghanistan; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME calls for the use of diplomatic measures to resolve these and other international conflicts; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME calls for rebuilding America and redirecting funds used for these wars to urgently needed social programs, local and state governments, and job creation in this country; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME calls for full support for returning troops, including but not limited to adequate healthcare, including mental health, job training, and placement in jobs paying a living wage; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME will communicate this position to its members and to the President and members of Congress and will support legislation consistent with this resolution and will engage AFSCME members in the political education and tasks necessary to carry out this resolution and impact public policy.

SUBMITTED BY:
Catherine G. Scott, President and Delegate
David Mora, Recording Secretary
AFSCME Council 47
Pennsylvania