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Objection to H.R.2797, Nuclear/Missiles in Europe

Follow Me on Twitter     Message arn specter
June 22, 2009
Activists,
I read with displeasure the following article:
Nuclear Arms in Europe; U.S. Congressmen Push NATO First Act,
about the formation of H.R,2797, recently presented by Congressmen Michael Turner (R-OH)
and  Jim Marshall. (D-GA )
The story is published by the American Chronicle's Congresional Desk, June 11, 2009.
Bill H.R.2797 speaks of U.S. national defense policies and programs, particularly as
they relate to Eastern Europe, Poland and the Czech Republic, and the Missile Defense
System (MDS).  This system has been discussed since George Bush proposed it many
years ago.  In recent years it has been opposed by the majority of people in Poland, the
Czech Republic, the Russian government, members of the European Union, members
of the U.S. Congress, scientific investigators in the U.S.and hundreds of activists on both
sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
The bill presupposes that the Russian government will be pleased to be included in the
operation of the MDS since that might allieviate their fears that the U.S. would turn and use
the missiles against them.  This has been an  ongoing "argument" for the last year. 
Reaction to the building of the MDS by the U.S.. has been so heated that the Russians even
threatened to send missiles (possibly with nuclear warheads) to Kalingrad, just to the northern
border of Poland.  Russia also was planning to send missiles to the western border of Belarus,
adjacent to Poland as well.  Fortunately this did not occur.
Various meetings were held about the MDS in Europe by the U.S., Russia, the European Union,
the Polish and Czech governments, and the idea of granting Russia participation was presented,
thus easing the tension of the situation.  Now, H.R,2797 is authorizing $500 million, as well as
millions more along with Patriot missiles for Poland to build the system and include Russia in the
operation.  Also the bill, called NATO First Act, would strengthen NATO and "bolster America's
negotiating position with Russia and ensure that our defense and security interests are preserved."
Strangely, the bill would also "prohibit any action taken to reduce United States nuclear forces
that are based in Europe unless required by law and the President makes a series of certifications." 
Excuse me but I've never even heard of a "series of certifications". Is this a good idea?  The U.S.
and Russia are presently engaged in START talks and Non-proliferation is "on the table".
At least that's what has been offered by both governments, the reduction of nuclear warheads
and weapons.  How can the negotiators proceed at these meetings knowing that the U.S. is putting
a hold, a freeze, on any disarmament of nuclear weapons in Europe?
The bill is geared to strengthening defense in Europe against an attack by Iran.  Nowhere have I heard
of any threat by Iran on attacking Europe.  They've spoken of a war with Israel but not with Europe.
Presently they happen to be engaged in a bloody situation over the elections there, and military
aggression may be off their agenda for a long time to come anyway -depending on who ends up in
power.  Russia has said the completion of their nuclear plant is delayed as well.  Russia has been
partners with Iran during its development.
I have several reasons that this Billl, H.R.2797, is not in the interests of progressive developments
for the European region.  The main reason against the bill is it calls for more military buildup as
deterrant against aggressive warmaking, and that naturally means more business of the U.S.
military industrial complex, which, I imagine is usually pleased to accomodate these efforts to produce,
sell and see used more weapons of mass destruction;  harm to hundreds, thousands or millions
of people in the days ahead. 
The U.S.Congress -despite a new democratic administration - has just passed the largest military
budget in history; with another $500 million added if this bill is passed into law.  The U.S. military is
getting stronger and stronger.
It has been said by many people who understand the long-term consequences of warmaking and
peacemaking that we need less warmaking and more peacemaking to foster a peaceful world
in the future.  During the last year we have had more diplomacy in Europe/Russia and things have
become calmer in the process of discussions and negotiations.  The U.S., Russia, the EU, the
people's and governments of Poland and the Czech Republic, all have had say in the pros and cons
o the MDS in Europe  This diplomatic effort has been a progressive development differing from the past
political/military endeavors of only a few nations making the agendas and carrying out the actions afterwards. 
More people are now taking responsibility for wanting and even demanding disarmament and diplomatic
means to solve these geopolitical problems.  The UN and other international agencies are close at hand
as well.
As I've stated before in my previous papers and "action" alerts ( click here style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt">I believe it would be better if the U.S.abandon the MDS in Europe entirely. 
This would please most Europeans and Russians as well.
The MDS falls short of a progressive development because:
1. there is no apparantr threat of attack from Iran at all.  This whole effort to develop a MDS in Europe
    was designed by the Bush administration and the Military to support the military industrial complex    and foster a stronger military presence in Europe along with strengthening NATO while opposing Russia.
2. the MDS has been shown to be ineffective by scientific investigators in the U.S. who have even
    testified to such before Congress.  Congress in turn cut off the funding entirely for MDS in Europe
    and hasn't reinstated it al all - until by bill #2797. (unless money is in the large defense budget
    just passed).
3. disarmament is the key to peace in the future; we need ongoing diplomacy in Europe rather
    than  the development of a multi-million dollar or billion dollar missile defense systems..
4. the great majority of people in Poland and the Czech Republic have demonstrated and voiced  their   opposition to a  MDS on their soil; so much so that it forced the government of the Czech Republic
   out of power.  This bill overrides the sovereignty of both nations by forcing the construction
   of radar systems and missile systems on their soil without their permission.
5. the President of the U.S. called for a review of this situation.  The public needs to hear the arguments.
6. Russia has already threatened to respond if the U.S. builds a system.  If they reject the U.S. offers to
    become a part of the operation then the whole project should be aborted. Otherwise it would be very
    precarious and dangerous to challange Russia so close to their soil and military might.
7. the U.S. presently is involved in at least three wars.  We need to re-think our foreign policies and
    consider  greatly increasing disarmament and diplomacy in order to avert tentions building up
    and any further wars in the future.  We need to encourage the President to extend even further his
    bold approach of assigning envoys to hotspots in the Middle-East,  Asia and the European region.
    Instead of a dozen envoys we could have hundreds, on a long-term-- mission to foster dialogue,
    negotiations and, if needed mediation and arbitration to solve geopolitical concerns.
Before we see ourselves in any kind of confrontation in Europe let us challange everyone involved
in this effort to, once again, promote a MDS in Europe; the President, Congress (Rep. Turner and
Marshall and members of the Military Committees), the State Department, Secretary of Defense,
Robert Gates,  and our representatives in Washington who have the power to reject any further
military expenditures or developments for missile defense, at least until it is "proven cost effective
and works properly" , as indicated by President Obama.
Better yet let us advocate for the abandonment of the MDS in Europe and have an updated review
in congressional committee (the Strategic Forces Subcommittee of the Armed Services Committee
is in charge of missile defense). and lobby against H.R. 2797.
Arn Specter, Phila.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--- In abolition-caucus@yahoogroups.com, "Global Network" <globalnet@...> wrote:

----- Original Message -----
From: "Rick Rozoff" <rwrozoff@...>

click here />
American Chronicle
Congressional Desk
June 11, 2009

Turner, Marshall Introduce Legislation to Support America´s NATO Allies and European Partners


Washington, D.C. " As the Obama Administration pursues a policy to
"reset" America´s relationship with Russia, Rep. Michael Turner (R-OH) and Rep. Jim Marshall (D-GA) yesterday introduced the bipartisan NATO First Act (H.R. 2797) to fortify America´s transatlantic security links with our European allies and partners.

By building a robust, integrated U.S. and allied security framework in
Europe, the NATO First Act will bolster common defenses, protect the United States homeland, and strengthen an alliance that has ensured peace
and stability in Europe for over 60 years.

The legislation, which Rep. Turner and Rep. Marshall will attempt to
incorporate into the National Defense Authorization Act during committee
consideration next week, would also strengthen the United States´
negotiating position during ongoing engagement with Russia on key issues,
such as the START Treaty.

"The NATO First Act would assure our European allies and partners that
America remains fully committed to preserving the role of NATO for our
mutual security. This legislation will continue America´s strong commitment to European defense while taking steps to strengthen our NATO allies and partner nations," said Rep. Turner. "As we begin new START negotiations, the NATO First Act would bolster America´s negotiating position with Russia and ensure that our defense and security interests are preserved."

"Our effective support of NATO is vital to European and global security.
The specific NATO support priorities advocated by this legislation should assist and guide the Obama Administration in its strategic arms negotiations with Russia," said Rep. Marshall.

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Alliance, the Heads of State
and Government of NATO signed the Declaration on Alliance Security in
Strasbourg and Kehl. The NATO First Act would implement the principles
outlined in this declaration and demonstrate the United State´s commitment
to Article 5 of the NATO Treaty and transatlantic security by mandating
policies that would support the indivisibility of Allied security.
Specifically, the NATO First Act achieves the following goals:

Maintains Current U.S. Military Force Presence in Europe.
The NATO First Act makes it the policy of the Congress that the current
U.S. military force structure in Europe upholds the U.S.´s commitments under Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, addresses the current strategic environment in Europe, and contributes to peace and stability in Europe.
Specifically, the legislation would maintain the current basing arrangements of U.S. military units that are currently in Europe.

Maintaining our current force presence in Europe contributes directly to
NATO dissuasion and deterrence efforts; increases flexibility in dealing
with crises; and improves the capability of allied forces over time because
of their ability to build capacity within the host country.

Increases Building Partnership Capacity (BPC) Funding for NATO allies and
Partners. The NATO First Act authorizes $200 million for programs to build
the capacity of the national military forces of certain NATO and NATO
partner countries. Under the legislation, the Secretary of Defense could
provide equipment, supplies and training to the program participants.

An increase in our partners´ capacity strengthens our ability to maintain
security in Europe and abroad. Over 85% of the countries that contribute
forces in Afghanistan come from the European Command area of operations.
Specifically, these programs would contribute to building the vital
relationships that bolster U.S. strategic interests; enhance partner
security capabilities; provide essential access; and improve information
exchanges and intelligence sharing.

Supports the NATO Special Operations Coordination Center (NSCC). The NATO First Act authorizes $45 million to promote and support coordination, cooperation, command and control, information sharing,
and interoperability between NATO members´ special operations forces.

It is directly in the United States´ national security interests that other
allies possess highly trained special operations forces whose capabilities
have been developed with, and are known to, US special operations forces.

Ensures Extended Deterrence Commitment in Europe. The NATO First Act would prohibit any action taken to reduce United States nuclear forces that are based in Europe unless required by law and the President makes a series of certifications. The legislation would also provide $50 million for upgrading he safety, security, and reliability of the nuclear forces in Europe.

As the United States moves forward with a Russia reset policy, it is vital
that we maintain our commitment to extended deterrence. The nuclear alliance of NATO is an important component for ensuring the security of our European allies. Thus, United States forward-deployed nuclear forces shall remain based in Europe in support of the nuclear policy and posture of NATO.

Provides $500 Million for Long-Range Missile Defense in Europe.
The NATO First Act would protect the U.S. homeland and America´s allies from long-range missile threats by providing $500 million for the proposed
missile defense system in Europe in Poland and Czech Republic.

This legislation supports keeping U.S. and NATO collective security closely
linked by providing all members of the Alliance with defense against the
full range of missile threats. The European locations allow the defense of
both Europe and the U.S. against longer-range threats launched from the
Middle East.

Establishes a Short-Range Air and Missile Defense Battery in Poland. The
NATO First Act would require the Secretary of Defense establish a garrison
for the deployment of a short-range air and missile defense battery to
Poland.

The bipartisan legislation reaffirms our commitment to expand air and
missile defense cooperation between the United States and Poland. In this
regard, we reaffirm our support to establish a U.S. Army Patriot air and
missile defense garrison in Poland by 2012.

Limits the Russian Federation´s Ability to Reduce Certain Capabilities
Pursuant to Treaty or Other Agreement. The NATO First Act would prohibit the use of Department of Defense funds to reduce U.S. strategic nuclear forces as part of START unless Russian tactical nuclear weapons are reduced and a modernization program is established for the remaining U.S. nuclear weapons and infrastructure. Additionally, the treaty or agreement with Russia must not reduce or limit U.S. ballistic missile defenses, space, or advanced
conventional weapons capabilities.

The bill would ensure Russian tactical nuclear weapons (which far exceed
U.S. ones) are included in any nuclear arms control agreement with Russia,
and remaining U.S. nuclear forces and related infrastructure are modernized
to assure long-term reliability and sustainability. It also prevents Russia
from reducing or "boxing in" U.S. conventional weapons and defensive
capabilities such as missile defense. The U.S. conventional deterrent
becomes more important if its nuclear deterrent is reduced.

Expands the United States-Russian Federation Joint Center to Allow the
Exchange of Data on Missile Defense. The legislation would provide $5
million toward expanding the US-Russian Joint Data Exchange Center to
include information sharing on missile defense-related activities.

The NATO First Act supports the objective of a strong, cooperative
partnership between the United States, NATO and Russia by funding a joint
US-Russian data exchange center on missile defense. This will ease Russian
concerns about missile defense in Europe and demonstrate that the missile
defense program is not directed at the Russian Federation.
===========================
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==============================

--- End forwarded message ---








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arn specter Social Media Pages: Facebook page url on login Profile not filled in       Twitter page url on login Profile not filled in       Linkedin page url on login Profile not filled in       Instagram page url on login Profile not filled in

Progress/Spiritual male, 63, lives in Phila. Retired and active on progresive issues; Reducing Military Spending, Nuclear Nonproliferation, Impeachment, Stoping the War , Disarmament, Single-Payer health care, Animal Welfare, Communities Advocate, (more...)
 
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