Support for Conscientious Objectors and Reallocating Military Resources
We recognize the profound moral and ethical dilemmas faced by military personnel who oppose the actions they are asked to support. The recent news of two active US Air Force members, Larry Hebert and Juan Bettancourt, seeking conscientious objector status over Washington’s support for the Israeli military in Gaza highlights the urgent need to address the human costs of military conflicts and the importance of ethical accountability within our armed forces.
The Gaza conflict has resulted in devastating loss of life, with over 37,400 Palestinians, primarily children and women, tragically killed. This loss is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of military engagements on civilian populations. As an organization dedicated to promoting peace and advocating for the redirection of military spending to human needs, we stand in solidarity with Hebert and Bettancourt and all conscientious objectors who courageously voice their dissent against unjust wars.
Our Response and Call to Action:
1. Support for Conscientious Objectors: We commend the bravery of Hebert and Bettancourt for their stance and support their right to seek conscientious objector status. It is crucial that the military provides a fair and just process for service members who, based on moral or ethical grounds, can no longer participate in military operations they believe to be unjust.
2. Advocacy for Policy Change: We urge policymakers to reconsider the extensive military support and funding directed towards conflicts that result in significant civilian casualties and humanitarian crises. The current policies not only perpetuate violence but also place service members in positions that may conflict with their moral values.
3. Redirecting Military Spending: The billions of dollars allocated to military engagements could be redirected to address critical human needs such as education, healthcare, and renewable energy. Investing in these areas would not only improve the quality of life for countless individuals but also promote long-term global stability and peace.
4. Public Awareness and Education: We call on our supporters, the media, and the public to raise awareness about the ethical dilemmas faced by military personnel and the broader impacts of military conflicts on civilian populations. Through education and advocacy, we can build a collective voice that demands more humane and sustainable policies.
5. Building a Peace-Based Economy: Our mission at Peace Economy Project is to promote a peace-based economy that prioritizes human needs over military expenditures. We invite all individuals and organizations to join us in advocating for a world where resources are used to uplift communities rather than fuel conflicts.
Conclusion:
The stories of Larry Hebert and Juan Bettancourt underscore the need for a profound shift in how we approach national security and military spending. It is time to prioritize peace, justice, and the well-being of all people over the perpetuation of violence and war. We stand with those who courageously advocate for change and call on our leaders to take meaningful action towards a more peaceful and equitable world.
Join Us:
Support Peace Economy Project in our efforts to advocate for sustainable economic policies and the reallocation of military spending to human needs. Follow us on social media for updates and share our message to amplify the call for change.
Together, we can build a peace-based economy that works for everyone.
Katerina Canyon
Executive Director
Peace Economy Project
