1,000 too many
Learn more about these soldiers here: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/us/faces-of-the-dead.html
Today marks a heartbreaking milestone in the US’s misguided military engagement in Afghanistan. 1,000 American soldiers—fathers, mothers, daughters, sons—have perished in the war. It’s difficult to know exactly how many innocent civilians have died alongside them, but the United Nations has documented a steady yearly increase in civilian death. While we mourn this tragic loss of life, we must also organize for a better way.
As we go about our daily lives, we receive a sanitized view of the war in Afghanistan. Politicians who are putting our troops in harm’s way and approving attacks with robotic warplanes that kill innocent civilians do not often come face to face with the staggering human cost of war. The media spends hours interviewing generals who assure us that things are “turning around” in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Congress is preparing to vote on a massive $59 billion war funding bill, and retired General Barry McCaffrey estimates 300-500 soldiers will be wounded every month in Afghanistan once the surge is complete.
We can’t let members of Congress forget that their silence is costing innocent lives. Write your representative and senators to call for a new strategy for Afghanistan.
Thank you for marking this day with action. You can also join the conversation on our Facebook page.
Jon Rainwater, Executive Director. For over 25 years, Jon has been active in campaigns on issues of peace, nuclear disarmament, social justice and environmental sustainability. 
Rebecca Griffin, Political Director. Rebecca is spearheading campaigns to get Afghanistan right, and promote a diplomatic solution with Iran. 
Katie Heald, Deputy Political Director. Katie is the national coordinator of the Campaign for a Nuclear Weapons Free World. 
