EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a news release sent on October 25, 2022
Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action is shocked and saddened by today’s news that the Congressional Progressive Caucus has withdrawn its letter, signed by 30 House members and sent to the White House on yesterday, urging President Biden to negotiate directly with Russia to bring an end to the war in Ukraine.
According to the Washington Post, the letter “triggered fierce pushback from many Democrats, as well as from Ukrainian officials, who argued that it was unrealistic to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin,” and “could create more pressure on Biden as he tries to sustain domestic support for the war effort, at a time when the region is heading into a potentially difficult winter and Republicans are threatening to cut aid to Ukraine if they retake Congress.”
Some analysts estimate the true figure for military assistance to Ukraine so far at $40 billion and that figure will continue to increase. Although there have been almost constant announcements of continued military funding for Ukraine in what appears to be developing into yet another endless US proxy war (with Russia), there has been near silence when it comes to efforts to achieve a negotiated settlement to the hostilities.
Without intense diplomatic efforts, the continuous funneling of weapons to Ukraine will only serve to perpetuate the destruction, suffering and death that falls solely on the Ukrainian people. And, as the conflict rages on, there is the continuous threat of a nuclear conflict between the US and Russia that would likely mean the end of civilization as we know it.
According to the Washington Post article, Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), one of the letter’s signatories, tweeted, “Timing in diplomacy is everything.” Jacobs said, “I signed this letter on June 30, but a lot has changed since then. I wouldn’t sign it today. We have to continue supporting Ukraine economically and militarily to give them the leverage they need to end this war.”
The letter from the Congressional Progressive Caucus is emblematic of the inability of our elected officials, even those who call themselves “progressive”, to stand firmly against the drumbeats of war and lead the way to a peaceful solution to a crisis that holds all of humanity at threat (and from threats much more critical than high food and gas prices). There is never a bad time to practice diplomacy.
President Biden has warned that we’ve never been closer to nuclear war since the Cuban Missile Crisis. Yet he refuses to meet with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, has just called for yet another round of weapons shipments, and has the US participating in NATO’s current mock nuclear war exercises in Europe.
There is NO military solution to the conflict in Ukraine; the continuing stream of weapons to Ukraine only serves to fan the flames of war and increase the risk of nuclear omnicide. Diplomacy is the only way to end this war!
The Congressional Progressive Caucus should have been leading the call for diplomacy from the beginning of this crisis. That being said, it is not too late to do the right thing, and the members of the caucus should not be afraid to stand against the “pushback” and accusations intended to make them withdraw from their position (in their letter to President Biden).
We therefore call upon the Congressional Progressive Caucus to reaffirm its original call for a ceasefire and diplomacy.
It takes courage to stand up and do what is right in the midst of seemingly overwhelming opposition. We at Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action stand with the members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus should they choose to reevaluate and do the right thing.
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The Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action was founded in 1977. The center is on 3.8 acres adjoining the Trident submarine base at Bangor, Washington. Ground Zero offers the opportunity to explore the roots of violence and injustice in our world and to experience the transforming power of love through nonviolent direct action. We resist all nuclear weapons, especially the Trident ballistic missile system.
