[van-announce] Student Strike for Books Not Bombs! - One-Day National StudentStrike, March 5th, 2003

[Linda Morgan]

http://www.nyspc.net/home.html
Student Strike for Books Not Bombs!
Contact 501-244-2439 or <clearinghouse at tao.ca> for questions about this
important action!
The Bush administration is intent on plunging America into an
illegitimate and pre-emptive war that will only increase danger for
Americans and the world. At the same time education, healthcare, and the
economy are being neglected. Its time for youth and students to take a
stand for America's future!

One-Day National Student Strike, March 5th, 2003

Books Not Bombs! Stop The War Against Iraq!

The National Youth and Student Peace Coalition (NYSPC) calls upon
students on campuses across the United States to join us in a one-day
student strike on March 5th, 2003.

As students and youth, our futures will be shaped by the actions that
the Bush administration takes today. A US attack on Iraq will inevitably:

. Endanger the lives of US servicemen and women
. Increase the suffering of the Iraqi people while slaughtering
thousands of innocent people
. Encourage terror attacks against the US around the world and at home
. Be used as an excuse to erode civil liberties
. Divert resources from education and social services
. Subvert historical precedent and international law

As students and youth, the future of this country, we are disturbed by
the lack of attention paid to the real needs of Americans, especially
education. Financial aid opportunities and family income are rapidly
losing ground to the rising cost of higher education. *1 Low-income
families are facing decreasing access to education. Student debt is
increasing. *2 All while the US military budget steadily increases (12%
from 2000 to 2002 *3).

We say NO! to this war of terror to increase American power and take
control of strategic oil supplies.

Join us in a student strike March 5th to demand:

US Government:
. End the drive for military action and economic sanctions that target
the people of Iraq
. Fund education to ensure that everyone in the US has access to higher
education
. Re-allocate military funds to eliminating poverty and building peace
and home and abroad

Campus Administrators:
. Declare opposition to the war
. Disclose and eliminate military research contracts
. Freeze or lower tuition and fees
. Transfer money for JROTC to college preparation and counseling and
from ROTC to financial aid

The Bush Administration's war on Iraq is a venture for control of the
region and its oil supplies, not national security, democracy, or human
rights. Our campuses provide implicit support for this through military
research, recruiting, and ROTC programs. As students who value freedom,
democracy, and our education we say: THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE! The best
way to improve our national security is to halt drives for illegal and
immoral wars and redirect public funds from the military and arms trade
to education and social services at home and humanitarian aid abroad.
Take a stand with students across the nation on March 5th to build
toward this collective vision.

Sources:
1. College Board (as reported in the Michael A. Fletcher, Washington
Post, Dec. 10, 2001, Page A01)
2. Sherschel, Particia M. USA Group Report. June, 2000. See:
<www.luminafoundation.org/Publications/research.shtml>
3. Deen , Thalif. "U.N. says Nations Reveal Arms Spending - but Spend
More." Inter Press Service. Oct. 7, 2002

*As of Jan. 9th, 2003, this campaign is heating up! We need your help!
In addition to organizing on your own campus, the campaign needs your
help with outreach, resource development, and fundraising. See
<www.nyspc.net> for details as they become available!




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