Statement of the Young Communist League, USA
March 20, 2003

On March 19, 2003, in complete disregard of the world community and the majority sentiments against unilateral war within our country, Bush chose to drag our country into an illegitimate and bloody war that will kill hundreds of thousands of people. This war will do nothing to combat terrorism or liberate the Iraqi people. The Young Communist League, USA resolves that it will not take one step backwards. We must redouble our efforts and unite with our sisters and brothers around the world in this struggle against imperialism and for peace; there is no alternative. We will carry forth this struggle in the streets, in our schools, in our neighborhoods, and at the ballot box. We understand that Iraq is only the first on a long list of targets by the Bush administration. We must build a broad, democratic mass movement to end this war and all unjust wars. Bush's drive for world domination and war comes at a time of a deep global crisis of capitalism and the diversion of resources from the needs of the people to war will only increase the people's suffering and exacerbate the destruction of the environment. However, we recognize that this war is not just an international issue; it is also domestic. Every bomb that is dropped, every bullet that is fired, every war plane that flies, and every tank that is moved in this war represents dollars being spent on death and destruction, not on funding the people's needs. We call on Congress to fund education, social services, and jobs not war.

As the warmongers bang the drums of false patriotism and make calls to support our troops by supporting this war, we know that fighting for peace is the most patriotic thing we can do. We support our troops by demanding that they be taken out of harms way, and brought home now! Young people did not join the military because they support Bush's war drive, but rather because of economic desperation. Without shame, the Bush administration has created and used the desperate economic and social conditions that starved many of our nation's youth into war. The primary targets are working class Black, Latino, and poor white youth who, when faced with under-funded education and high unemployment, become the targets of a poverty draft. We hold Bush and his cronies responsible for every drop of blood spilled in this unjust war. The war for the expansion of US imperialism will not be fought in the name of our people.

We are inspired by the out pouring of millions around the world against the war as the bombing has started. We call on all Youth and Students to stand up and let your voices be heard. We must participate in and build protest, vigils, lobbying, and direct actions against this war.

Stop the Bombing Now!

Books not Bombs!

No More Blood for Oil!

Another World Is Possible!

Young Communist League, USA
March 20, 2003

Young Communist League, USA
235 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011
212-741-2016 * [email protected] * www.yclusa.org


*End*