Syria & Move On !

Dear MoveOn member,

In the wake of recent reports of the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government, the Obama administration is preparing for air strikes against Syria.¹ 

MoveOn members are reacting strongly, including many folks who are deeply concerned about the path we seem to be on, and wondering what we can individually do.  

Here are three steps you can take.

1) Educate yourself—and others—through our Video Teach-In on Syria. We raced to pull together an emergency video briefing on Syria yesterday with several noted progressive thought leaders. The discussion provided context on what's happening in Syria, explored reactions in the U.S. and around the world, and outlined some of the major concerns with—and alternatives to—military strikes.

Click here to watch the Video Teach-In on Syria and pass it along:

2. Speak out on how you feel about U.S. strikes against Syria. 

MoveOn members and partner organizations have started circulating a wide range of petitions responding to the looming threat of military strikes. Just a few hours ago, President Obama committed to seek approval from Congress for military action—so we WILL have a chance to make our voices heard with our elected representatives in Washington.² 

This petition from MoveOn Council member Rachel Royce in North Carolina is one you might find compelling:  

We urge you to show real leadership in protecting the people of Syria with a more creative, effective, and prudent approach than military action. 

• Galvanize world leaders to demand a multilateral cease-fire
• Arrange to evacuate people who choose to flee harm's way
• Care for the evacuees
• Assist with re-settlement once the civil war has ended

Do not be fooled into thinking that war-making will protect or defend a population.

(If this approach doesn't speak to you, remember: anyone can start their own petition at moveon.org—take a look at other MoveOn member campaigns on Syria here, or start your own!)

3. Contribute to organizations providing emergency assistance to the Syrian people.

The group Doctors Without Borders is providing emergency healthcare inside Syria through six field hospitals. They have also worked with the victims of the reported chemical weapons attacks.

Click here to make a donation to Doctors Without Borders.

Thanks for your care and concern—and for all you do.

–Anna, Matt, Susannah, Joan, and the rest of the team

Sources: 

1. "Key Questions on the Conflict in Syria," The New York Times, August 27, 2013

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=293006&id=74199-20864524-y%3D9WJAx&t=7

2. "Obama Will Seek Syria Vote in Congress," The New York Times, August 31, 2013
http://www.moveon.org/r/?r=293053&id=74199-20864524-y%3D9WJAx&t=8

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