“I rise today to oppose unauthorized, undeclared and unconstitutional war. What we have today is basically unlimited war, anywhere, anytime, any place upon the globe.”

With these words, libertarian Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has become one of the few voices to oppose the obscenity otherwise known as U.S. war policies.

Only two other Senators joined him: Bernie Sanders and Ron Wyden.

The legislation that Paul is referring to is the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act.

It was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and includes a $75 billion increase in the military budget—well over the $54 billion that the President Donald Trump had originally proposed.

But here is the wrinkle: Paul is not concerned with the size of the military budget. He's pointing his finger at the continuation of the Authorization to Use Military Force Act of 2001, which was the “legal” basis for the U.S. global “war on terror.” He wants Congress to re-assess this legislation that has prompted our endless wars abroad.

BAP supports this position.

Yet, we are not just concerned about the AUMF, but also with the obscene theft of almost $700 billion of the people’s money.

But the two parties aren’t concerned with that.

In fact, 117 Democrats—including most of the Congressional Black Caucus—voted in favor of the spending increase.

And of course, the corporate press would rather focus on the issue of undocumented immigrants than military spending because—like the Democrats and most of the ruling class—they support U.S. militarism and war.

That is why BAP is so important. We have a historic responsibility to oppose the game being played on the people. But to do so, we must organize, we must build, and we must educate our people and the general public.

Here are articles we think you would appreciate reading:

From Ferguson to Palestine: Palestinian Women Connect with Struggling Communities in the United States

United States Threatens World Peace

America’s Wars for Peace

U.S. Imperialism: Militarism and Superexploitation in Africa

We'd also love for you to join us for the Week of Action to oppose the escalation of the war in Afghanistan.


Thanks again for supporting BAP!

In solidarity,
Ajamu Baraka
National Organizer
Black Alliance for Peace

P.S. If you are opposed to the rise in war spending, become a monthly sustainer today.

Photo credit: saddahaq.com