Progressive Groups Call for "Budget for People, Peace, and Planet"  ...2 of 3 >

Dec. 10, 2013-The activists called for "a budget for people, peace, and the planet" including significant cuts in military spending and increased spending on social programs. 
First to speak was Mark Dunlea, executive director of the Hunger Action Network of New York State, and a long time community organizer.
Dr. Jill Stein, the 2012 Green Party presidential nominee, is now president of the Green Shadow Cabinet.  Alluding to the now waning prospect of U.S. military involvement in Syria, Stein said, "We just stopped a crazy war; now it's time to stop a crazy war budget."  "The policiies of austerity are not working, Stein stated, and she called for "an emergency full employment program that will put 20 million people to work."
David Swanson, campaign coordinator of RootsAction.org, is serving as the Green Shadow Cabinet Secretary of Peace.
Cheri Honkala, the 2012 Green Party vice presidential nominee, is now vice president of the Green Shadow Cabinet.

Elizabeth Ortiz of Philadelphia said "prices are going up, up, up" and spoke of feeding her children water with sugar.

Glenn Davis of Philadelphia declared "this government don't fight for the people."  He noted that 24 schools are closing in Philadelphia, "but we have money for war, we have money for prisons."
David Schwartzman, DC Statehood Green candidate for shadow U.S. Senator, said funds should be shifted to "human needs and climate security."  He called for a convergence of the climate security, peace, human rights, and anti-imperialist movements.
Mark Levin, member of Progressive Democrats of America, said the Obama administration is responsible for more bombings that the Bush administration.


Participants then fielded questions.  Stein said 25- to 50-percent cuts in military spenting "will make us a muh more safe and secure country."  She saw "a perfect storm for organizing that very broad coalition for people, peace and the planet," and even claimed "we have already won in the court of public opinion.  Asked what specific actions people should take, Honkala said people should get together with their neighbors and discuss matters.  She said people should talk "not about charity, but about change."  She advocated, for example, reclaiming land and growing one's own food.   "Feeding, clothing and housing our children is not up for negotiation," she stated.
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