Anti-War Groups Battle For Survival -- PoliticoAs President Barack Obama formally declared an end to combat operations in Iraq this week, the anti-war movement that helped sweep him into office — and that worked for seven years to bring U.S. troops home — finds itself struggling for survival.
Several factors — war fatigue; a deep, lingering recession; and the presence of a Democratic president they helped elect — have drained the energy from organizations that led the fight against the Iraq war. Some of the most influential anti-war activist groups that once summoned half a million people to march against the Iraq war and the policies of former President George W. Bush are straining to raise the money and attention to fight what they see as Obama’s military entrenchment in Afghanistan.
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My Comment: Why is the funding for the anti-war movement drying up when the war is expanding in Afghanistan? In fact, U.S. troops are still in Iraq, Guantanamo is still open, and a massive surge of U.S. forces is underway in Afghanistan. One should also mention that the covert war has been further expanded by this administration, and is now actively involved in countries from Somalia, Yemen, Pakistan, and who knows where else.
So why is the anti-war movement broke? Who has cut off the money spigot for these anti-war groups .... especially at a time when there are most needed?
My guess .... those who gave money to the Democrats, also gave money to these anti-war movements. Once President Obama was elected the sentiment among these donors became very simple ... why support an organization that is against your political party .... especially when you are in power.
Then again .... I am just talking.
5 comments:
why give money to anti-war groups, if they clearly are not delivering ;)
Anti-war groups tend to never deliver .... but they do deliver a political message and a means to change the debate and/or national discourse.
Does the present administration or Congress want the discussion to be on getting out of Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere .... especially since they have made long term commitments to these places (thereby contradicting their campaign promises) .... no.
I am also sure that the message has been sent out to those who financially support these anti-war groups that if they continue to do so .... they will not be welcomed in this White House .... a prospect that many well funded Democrat donors probably will not want to lose.
Some of the donors really believed that Iraq meant taking the eye off the ball and the real fight was and should be in Afghanistan.
Many, of course, used the meme as an excuse to get out of Iraq while insisting they had strong national security cred, planning on dumping Afghanistan as soon as Iraq was done, one way or another.
But, some of the donors actually believed.
Surprised me, by golly.
I know what you mean Anon .... many did believe. My brother was one of them, and when he and his family visited me three weeks ago .... he told me bluntly that he did not want to talk about President Obama or the Democrats.
For a person who gave a lot of money to John Kerry, President Obama, and many Congressional Democrats .... and now wants nothing to do with them .... this speaks volumes.
I cant believe that they are “totally exhausted” how about the war fighter?
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