A message from Wes Clark

We must find a way out of Iraq.

The White House's September Report on Iraq has yet to be released, and the discussions and debates have already begun over the success or failure of the troop escalation in Iraq. As I've said before, we need to stop arguing over the troops or their tactics and raise the debate to the administration's strategies and policies in this region. We can't succeed in Iraq with more troops, no matter how good they are, because we can't succeed in this war just by killing people or intimidating the opposition.

For the past ten weeks, Americans Against Escalation in Iraq -- a broad coalition of organizations working to end the war -- have been pressuring Republican obstructionists who keep rubberstamping George W. Bush's failed policies.

Tomorrow, their efforts will culminate into one national day of action -- Take a Stand Day. AAEI in coordination with coalition partner, MoveOn.org, will be hosting Town Halls on Iraq and Stand Up Vigils across the country to send a clear message to Congress: bring a responsible end to the war.

Can you attend the Take A Stand Town Hall and/or Stand Up Vigil in your community and make sure your representatives hear the public's voice on the Iraq war?

Sign Up Here:

http://pol.moveon.org/event/septembervigil/?rc=congress

Despite what George W. Bush says, Iraq is not Vietnam. When we leave Iraq, we'll still be left with significant interests in the region. We'll still have concerns about Iranian nuclear potential, the Israeli- Palestinian conflict, our friends in the Arab Gulf, and yes, the security of the world's principal supply of oil. These interests won't go away simply by pulling U.S. troops out.

Congress must demand George W. Bush present a real strategy and policy in the region and defend it. If George W. Bush refuses, then Congress must explore legislative measures, including funding cutoffs to force President Bush to change the course in Iraq.

The administration doesn't want to talk about this. They want to talk about troops. They want to say they support our troops, and if we question the numbers of troops or their effectiveness, they want to say we don't support our troops. President Bush, we're not questioning the Generals. Mr. President, we are questioning you. Stop hiding behind General Dave Petraeus.

The only person who can make a difference is the person who controls the overall strategy in the region. We must make the debate about George Bush and his failure of leadership. It is Congress' responsibility to force President Bush to defend his strategy.

I urge you to show up in force to send Congress back to D.C. with a message they cannot ignore.

Sign Up Here:

http://pol.moveon.org/event/septembervigil/?rc=congress

Sincerely,