Q: There is a lot going on between now and the November election.  Local activists are busy.  They are working on candidate and issues campaigns already.  Don’t you think now is a bad time to initiate a resolutions week on military spending?

A: Political types are busy leading up to an election.  With that said, many peace-minded people are sitting this one out.  Many volunteers in the 2008 election got involved because they wanted an end to these wars and a reduction in military spending.  Our resolutions week is an opportunity to engage and energize the peace movement, while injecting our issues into the 2012 election.

• Without being pushed from the grassroots, there will be no discussion about the relationship between bloated military spending and unmet needs in American communities.   We have a responsibility to point out the 900 lb gorilla in the room.  In 2013, 56.94% of the Federal Discretionary Budget is proposed for military spending.  Considering our struggling economy and cuts at the local level, we should be having a conversation about the cost of war.  The National Resolutions Month on Military Spending is an opportunity to raise these issues at the local level, and, if you think about it, this country is made up of a collection of local levels.

• Compared to most political campaigns, the National Resolutions Month is not very time-consuming.  Folks who care about reducing and redirecting military spending can help contribute in a meaningful way without dedicating too much time.

Q: Issues of military spending and war do not get covered much in the media.  Will this action be ignored?

A: During October, the media will cover the eleven year anniversary of the start of the Afghan War.  By city councils passig our resolution during this month, communities around the country will be informed about how bloated military spending leaves local needs unmet.

Q: What if our group cannot meet the target date?

A: While we encourage a sense of urgency and emphasize October, we realize it can be difficult to negotiate timelines with elected officials.  Therefore, if you cannot schedule a city council vote during the target week, do not be discouraged!  Continue your group efforts to pass a city council resolution as soon as possible.  Emphasizing the anniversary month and the 2012 election will highlight the timeliness and urgency of this project.  Even after the 2012 election, we hope the momentum of this project results in an ongoing domino effect in the longer term.