[Durham INC] Bring the War Dollars Home resolution

Fri Jul 1 19:44:03 EDT 2011

@Darius Little -

Thanks for a thoughtful message regarding this resolution.

I respect your point that perhaps this is not the most effective forum in
which to pass such a resolution. But resolutions like this gain support by
amassing a large number of diverse endorsements.

I also can see that perhaps spending on the wars is not a Durham
neighborhood issue, at least not directly. But the sheer size of the
military budget, coupled with the current political climate, means that this
spending IS affecting our neighborhoods, and in a big way.

We should not allow the current discussions about how to rein in the federal
budget deficit to be limited to the question of whether to cut spending on
social programs or to raise taxes. Military spending has a tendency to grow
unchecked, as President Eisenhower pointed out 50 years ago:

"This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms
industry is new in the American experience. The total influence -- economic,
political, even spiritual -- is felt in every city, every State house, every
office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this
development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our
toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of
our society.

"In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of
unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the militaryindustrial
complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and
will persist.
"We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or
democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and
knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial
and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so
that security and liberty may prosper together."

I support endorsing the resolution in INC.

Regards,
Toby Berla

On Fri, Jul 1, 2011 at 12:00 PM, <inc-list-request at rtpnet.org> wrote:

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> Today's Topics:
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>   1. Re:  Bring the War Dollars Home resolution
>      (Darius Mercedes Little)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:22:18 -0400
> From: Darius Mercedes Little <duke1law at netscape.net>
> To: durhaminc at listserv.unc.edu, inc-list at rtpnet.org
> Subject: Re: [Durham INC] Bring the War Dollars Home resolution
> Message-ID: <8CE05B5379C6B03-2174-16A89 at webmail-m047.sysops.aol.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
>
> Dear David and INC'ers:
>
> I think the presentation on this issue was great and I'd go as far as to
> assert that the average citizen (regardless of race, age, sex, political
> affiliation, or neighborhood) is dissatisfied with the large quantities of
> fiscal resources that are continuously being directed to this war; to the
> detfriment of our local governments - especially that of our educational
> system.
>
> Having said that, in reading the resolution presented, I became overwhelmed
> with the thought: "this is not our issue."  Yes, we are Americans and yes,
> we are extremely concerned with the state of our economy and furthemore,
> acknowledge the direct correlation between this war, and the economic status
> of our nation.  However, in looking at the Mission Statement of the INC
> ["Our mission is to promote the quality, stability and vitality of Durham?s
> residential neighborhoods."] it seems that the organization was structured
> to address issues which directly affect local neighborhoods, on a local
> capacity.  Does the war affect us locally?  Of course. INC, though, just
> does not strike me as being the most effective avenue by which those who
> presented this matter, can make the strongest statement.  I strongly support
> INC (which is why I voluntarily joined the organization), but I do not feel
> that the foundation of this issue is "Durham based."  INC, from my
> understanding, addresses "Du
>  rham Issues" and the foundation of this problem isn't in Durham, it is in
> Washington DC.
>
> As such, while I do support the mindframe, language and tenor of the
> resolution, I'm leaning moreso towards a "No Vote" on it, as I personally
> feel that the sponsors of this Resolution would be carrying, to quote FDR, a
> "Big[ger] Stick" by having their resolution placed on either (or both) the
> County Commissioners work session calendar, or that of the City Council.
>  Those bodies supporting such resolution would in my humble opinion, carry
> more weight than that of INC; as the elected officials are the 'voice' of
> the people.  Now, if this were a local problem in a neighborhood, which
> required the coalition-support of us, one with the other, I'd be for
> supporting it: for lobbying purposes.  But this is a Federal matter and as
> such, I just feel it is too far out of our jurisdiction for my comfort.
>
> Yours,
>
> Darius Little
> Magnolia Place
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --------------------
> Darius M. Little
> Executive Business Consultant  and
> Strategic Marketing Analyst
> (c) 919-641-4124
> (web) www.linkedin.com/in/dariuslittle
>
> Manta Business Profile/Report:
> http://www.manta.com/c/mtlwj1m/little-s-business-consulting
>
>
>
> "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall
> receive." [Matt 21:22]
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: David Harris <harrisdl2003 at yahoo.com>
> To: Durham Inter-Neighborhood Council <durhaminc at listserv.unc.edu>; INC
> List <inc-list at rtpnet.org>
> Sent: Thu, Jun 30, 2011 10:19 pm
> Subject: [Durham INC] Bring the War Dollars Home resolution
>
>
>
>
> Attached
>
> NC Peace Action has joined organizations from around the country
> to campaign against excessive military spending.
>
> We are asking the INC to join these organizations in the campaign to bring
> the war dollars back home.
>
>
> Please have your associations consider this resolution and be prepared to
> vote in July.
>
>
>
> Thanks
> David Harris
> 919-906-2023
>
>
>
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