I wanted to start by introducing myself as foreign policy contributor to the Liberty Restoration Project. I am a veteran of the Iraq War, a student in Kansas, and an activist for Iraq Veterans Against the War.  I would like to thank Catherine and the LRP for inviting me to share some of my experiences and perspective with you all.

As the sixth anniversary bears down upon us and I have been tasked to organize events in our area and speak to various groups in KC Metro, I am increasing alarmed by the attitudes of the situation we are now in. Tonight I met with planners for a major event near the Plaza and the question was put forward, “What do Iraq Vets (IVAW) think about the Presidents plan to extend the withdrawal“.  First of all, to speak on behalf of such a diverse group of individuals is flattering at best. Many people don’t realize the make up of our organization and the fact that it represents several facets of the political spectrum here at home.  I will generalize in saying that our organization wasn’t satisfied with the original withdrawal date, an extension of which is upsetting but somehow, expected. In addition, the thought of leaving 50,000 troops in theatre for “non-combat purposes” is truly at the heart of the problem.  If we can’t understand what incited violence towards us to begin with, how will the people of Iraq ever see peace in the region?  This “new” plan continues our occupation of Iraq, promotes U.S. hegemony in the Middle East, diverts our nations wealth to nation building, and turns our military into the world police.  All of which were the foreign policy of the last administration.

Later during the meeting the question of the surge of troops to Afghanistan came up. Someone commented, “...at least that’s where Osama Bin Laden is from.”  Does this give us the authority to wage war on an entire nation? Furthermore, how does anyone know that Bin Laden is still even there, let alone alive? Last reports from U.S. intelligence states that they had no idea where he was whether that be in Afghanistan or Pakistan. Awkwardly enough, browsing the FBI Most Wanted list results in no mention specifically that charges Bin Laden with the September 11th attacks. This of course is all semantics because we are illegally occupying both countries and are nowhere nearer to our goals catching the perpetrators of the terrorist acts on that day.  What we certainly must do is hold our leaders accountable for their decisions and communicate our grievances regardless of the party that sits in office. This seems to escape some of my friends on the left. What would we have said if Bush extended a withdrawal date or called for a surge of troops in Afghanistan? Former President Bush did not get a pass and neither should President Obama.

We will not waiver in our efforts to see a speedy end to the occupation in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Americans are still over there and continue to lose their lives. Hundreds of thousand of innocent continue to be extinguished by our flawed policies.  Peace and justice both here and abroad continue to remain elusive. Suggested promises of changing course will not prevent us from taking to the streets this year or any day the troops remain on foreign soil.

So what are we planning?  We have two major events on the horizon in KC while also acknowledging the huge March on the Pentagon. On March 14th we will reach out to Iraqi refugees in our area to be an example of humankind’s ability to live together in peace. Peace Race for the Human Race Vigil and Rally will take place at Mill Creek Park in KCMO at 3:30PM and will feature speakers, music, activities, and activism. A relay will take place to promote peace and a ”Race for Peace”  happening (otherwise known as a mass performance art piece) will encourage public involvement. Next the refugees, vets, and volunteers will come together to prepare an Iraqi dinner. Breaking Bread Together will take place at the Community Christian Church on 4601 Main at 5:30PM.  We believe that peace begins with communication and our example locally should be emulated by our leaders in Washington. I encourage you all to remember that this issue lingers and we should not be confused whether to recognize the anniversary this year as we have before. Nothing has changed.

Will Stewart-Starks

President, KU Iraq Veterans Against the War and their Supporters

In an effort to cultivate local leaders while simultaneously working to educate the public on the various critical issues facing American Citizens today, the Liberty Restoration Project has developed the Topic Expert Program. The objective of the Topic Expert Program contains the following points:

1. Foster and support local leaders within the liberty movement.
2. Educate the masses, starting in Kansas City, one person, one group at a time.
3. Minimize the burden of research and duplication of research/education efforts for the liberty movement.
4. Provide the movement and our community with a set of informed, peer reviewed, speakers available to present all over the country.
5. Serve as a bridge, or point of collaboration, between LRP chapters in various cities/states.
6. Provide a rally point for groups who span across the entire political spectrum.

After extensive research and planning, Topic Experts will make presentations on their issue in a variety of settings. For people who have a basic understanding of their issue, the Topic Exerts will provide an in-depth lecture that will ALWAYS end with a clear plan of action for citizens interested in contributing their time, energy or finances to that particular issue. For citizens or groups who have little to no knowledge of the specific issue, the Topic Experts will provide an introductory level course which, too, should end with a call to action. Courses can be designed to last over multiple sessions or to fit into a one-time slot. Once the program is in full swing, Topic Experts will be available to speak to groups all across the country. A list of all topic experts from all cities and states will be made available on our website, speaking requests may require financial assistance for travel in order for the request to be fulfilled.

Topic Experts will:
1. Choose an LRP “issue” (http://www.libertyrestorationproject.org/issues/ ) or submit their Topic expert Idea to the Executive Director for approval.
2. Blog about their topic of interest (current events, interesting historical facts, etc..)
3. Create and maintain a resource page on our website. This should have a very easy to understand explanation of the topic and how it impacts citizens in our city, state or country (lets try to keep it as local and focused as possible) and should also include an in depth resource list for people interested in doing their own research on the topic. If there are multiple topic experts for a specific issue, they will work together to develop and maintain this.
4. Produce, or help produce, informational fliers about their topic to be used at booths, events, etc…. If there are multiple topic experts for a specific issue, they will work together to develop and maintain these.
5. Develop a beginner and advanced educational curriculum regarding their topic. If there are multiple topic experts for a specific issue, they will work together to develop, update, and improve these training courses.
6. Before becoming an official Topic Expert, trainees will practice their training course(s) in front of representatives of LRP and toastmasters and use their constructive criticism to improve their course in anyway possible. Depending on the clarity of the course, there could be anywhere from 1-5 critiques before the trainee is graduated to an official Topic Expert position.
7. Commit to providing their course to the public at least three times per year.
8. Utilize creative forms of communication, such as You Tube, to reach out to all learning styles.

April 1st is the deadline to submit courses to the communiversity schedule through UMKC ( http://www.umkc.edu/commu/) for their summer schedule. I would like to see at least three topic experts signed up to provide a training course during the summer of 2009.

Here is my proposed timeline to make that happen:
1. Immediately: First round of Topic Expert Trainees begin blogging.
2. January 31st: First round of Topic Expert Trainees complete initial drafts of their resource page for the website by.
3. February 15th: First round of Topic Expert Trainees complete initial drafts of their first informational pamphlet/handout/flier.
4. Month of March: First round Topic Expert Trainees will present their training courses to members of LRP and/or toastmasters.
5. April 2009: First round of Topic Expert Trainees who graduated to Topic Experts will sign up on the communiversity schedule and their information will be listed on the website as a Topic Expert available to make presentations!
6. May 31st: Second round of Topic Expert Trainees will complete their resource page (or have begun collaborating with existing experts if there are multiple people working on the same issue)
7:June 15th: Second round of Topic Expert Trainees will complete initial drafts of their first information pamphlet/handout/flier.
8. Month of July: Second round of Topic Expert Trainees will present their training courses to members of LRP and/or toastmasters.
9. August 2009: Second round of Topic Expert Trainees who graduate to the Topic Expert level will register to teach in the Fall 2009 communiversity schedule.

As this program grows, the research and materials developed during the initial stages (now) can be shared with individuals and groups across the country to utilize in their own local educational efforts. This will have many benefits, including a reduction of duplicate efforts and building cross-country activist coalitions.

Please let me know your feedback on this proposal. I would like to have it approved at the next meeting, if possible.

You can discuss this on our bulletin board here: http://www.libertyrestorationproject.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=58 Or, you can comment directly on this blog at: www.libertyrestorationproject.org

To anyone interested in becoming a topic expert, please contact me asap to get the ball rolling. You don’t have to live in Kansas City to participate in this program. My email address is: Catherine@libertyrestorationproject.org.

If you have previously contacted me, and I have not set you up at this point, please contact me again. Holidays have been hectic

Thanks everyone for your time, energy and feedback on this proposal!

peace and lots of love,

Catherine Bleish
Executive Director
Liberty Restoration Project
816-868-8806
Catherine@libertyrestorationproject.org
www.libertyrestorationproject.org

Freedom reaches across party lines.