Activists Opposing Iraq War Campaign to Enlist City, State Governments

Interview with Joel Barkin, executive director of the Progressive States Network, conducted by Melinda Tuhus

According to public opinion polls, the American people are by a margin of 2 to 1 opposed to the Iraq war. They also line up 3 to 1 against President Bush's plan to escalate the war by sending more than 21,000 additional troops there. A majority of Democrats and even some Republicans in Congress are now opposed to the war, although whether they'll take meaningful action to end the U.S. occupation by cutting funding, remains to be seen. Although they have no direct say in U.S. foreign policy and no control over military funding, some American cities and state governments have passed resolutions condemning the war. The clearest link they have with the issue is that residents of cities and states pay federal taxes, where an ever-increasing share is going to fund the war, thus reducing resources for social programs.

Now the Progressive States Network has initiated an organized effort to urge the legislatures of at least 20 states to go on record opposing Mr. Bush's escalation of the Iraq war. In many cases the resolutions also oppose the war in general and call for an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops. Between The Lines' Melinda Tuhus spoke with Joel Barkin, executive director of the Progressive States Network, who discusses the campaign, which states have taken up the fight, and why.

Contact the Progressive States Network. by calling (212) 680-3116 or visit the group's website at www.progressivestates.org .

For a breakdown on U.S. spending on the war by state, visit the website of the National Priorities Project at www.nationalpriorities.org

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