“WAR DOESN’T WORK BUT UNFORTUNATELY WE HAVE TO”
BRIEFING CONFERENCE CALL OF September 25, 2006

I Please mark your calendars for future “War Doesn’t Work But Unfortunately We Have To” Briefing Conference Calls: October 30, November 6, November 27, and December 11. All are Monday’s and all are at 8:00p Eastern.

II. From the War Doesn’t Work Briefing Conference Call of September 25, 2006

Arnold Kohen, International Director of Global Priorities Campaign, discussed global military spending and human needs spending. It is bad enough here when real needs get budget cuts while defense spending rises, but in developing countries it’s even more tragic. They are literally taking milk out of babies’ mouths. Not to mention destabilizing their region. One member e-mailed in a request that he discuss points of policy leverage on the issue. The University of Maryland’s polling project showed a consistent preference with voters for spending on human needs and development over spending on arms. Real leverage happens when you have a critical mass of the population letting their elected officials know this. Experts are nice, but nothing takes the place of constituents voicing their opinions. Simply put as a grassroots organization, we matter.

Thanks to everyone who participated.

III I have a lot of material for your use. Do you know of a spot for issue guides, WAND Bulletins or WAND brochures? Maybe a table in your church vestibule, your local coffee shop or independent book seller? Just let me know and I’ll send them out to you.