Hungry for Peace -- Governor Gregoire: Bring home the Washington State National Guard

author : Audrey Daye | Jody Tiller topic : Iraq occupation

by Jody Tiller and Audrey Daye

Three years ago I thought I was small and couldn't make a difference. That's not how I wanted to be in this world- so when I was offered a chance to speak as a veteran against the war, I took it- even though I had no idea how to speak over the lump in my throat and the buzzing in my ears. What I feared was being shy so that friends would say that I had done a good job, and no one else would say anything. Instead, people still come to tell me how that speech inspired them. What carried me over my lump of fear? I am committed to creating a peaceful world. That commitment moves me to stand where I can make a difference.

On September 24th, 2005 I marched for peace in Washington D.C. with hundreds of thousands of voices raised in joy and determination. I returned to the West Coast carrying the weight of the war. It felt like every day mattered and I moved to do something to bring our troops home. On October 31st I completed a seven-day water fast aimed at encouraging Governor Chris Gregoire to call for the immediate withdrawal of Washington's National Guard troops from the Middle East. I sat on the steps to the Washington State Capitol building from sunrise to sunset with my friends and fellow citizens who wanted our troops home. I felt elated, surrounded by folks who were willing to be out in the cold and rain, speaking for the safety of our National Guard.

Our National Guard signed up to protect the citizens of Washington from natural disasters or threats of violence within the state boundaries, and to protect to sovereignty of US borders. There never was a threat to the security of the United States posed by Iraq. Yet, our National Guard troops were still federalized, and are now being killed overseas at rates higher than those of regular Army troops. Why? A lack of training and equipment- our government supplies the regular Army better but still puts our National Guard into combat situations. Due to their extended deployments and higher fatality rates, fewer people are now willing to enlist. With a depleted National Guard comes the likelihood that Washington will be left vulnerable to natural disasters- such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions- for years to come. Our Governor and legislature bear a responsibility to protect not only National Guard members and their families, but all Washington citizens. Granted, Governor Gregoire cannot snap her fingers and "magic" our troops home. However, when her spokespeople say that she doesn't have the authority to call for the National Guard troops return, I ask, "why not?" Those troops were federalized for illegal purposes. Of course she can demand the return of our troops. We are encouraging her to be a courageous and an ethical leader and to protect her state.

I sat to show our Governor that she has support for beginning to end the war. I sat to be powerful in peace. I sat to make connections even with those who disagree with ending this war. We are continuing our vigil on the Capitol steps, but this time community groups and individuals from around the state will staff the stairs, showing Chris Gregoire that she has broad support for demanding the return of our troops. Join us at the Olympia Free School on Tuesday, December 6th at 7pm to plan our ongoing vigil. Bring dates that you and your groups would like to sit in peace on the stairs. What are you commited to? Where will you stand to make a difference? Will you stand with me for peace?

For more information, visit http://www.hungryforpeace.org .