The rally in Oklahoma City took place outside the offices of Rep. Mary Fallin and Sen. Tom Coburn on Thursday, September 3, 2009.
"The U.S. budget is a moral document " Three Points:
1. Our military budget is too large (is equal to the total of all other military budgets in the world, combined.)
2. Health Care Reform is critical for millions of Americans, and for our national economy.
3. The greening of America " particularly in energy use and production " is crucial for the environment, our economy, and future generations.
Advocates of priority shifts in the US budget spoke out at a rally and news conference this evening. It was timed just days before Congress reconvenes after the August recess. Organizers say this was a public call for a US budget reflecting moral values in military spending, health care, and the environment. The event was sponsored by the Peace House and aligned social justice activists.
Participants began gathering at 4:30 pm, at 101 N. Broadway, outside the office of US Representative Mary Fallin. The office of Senator Tom Coburn is located in the building across the street. Advance visits to both offices weremade to each of the representatives delivering the requests that were made at the rally event
News conference speakers who began speaking at 5 pm included:
National Secretary of Church Women United Lynne Bussell of Enid, OK, emphasized the moral values in the three points being made at the event. "Church Women United has official positions on health care, the environment, and military spending, she said.
Rev. Donna Compton, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) minister, used charts to illustrate the size of military spending in the US budget and compared to world military spending. "We absolutely support funding equipment and services for our troops and veterans, she said. Weapons manufacture and war-related activities are draining our nation's material, human, and spiritual wealth, she said.
Two medical doctors spoke to the need for health care reform including a public option.
Dr. Katherine Scheirman is USAF Col (ret), American College of Physicians Fellow and Regional Director of Doctors For America.
Dr. Boyd Shook has served in private practice in Oklahoma City, for the Veterans Administration, and is the founder of Oklahoma City's Manos Juntas Free Medical Clinic.
There was a statement, read by Robyn Lemon Sellers, from Jim Roth, attorney for Phillips-Murrah in Oklahoma City, former OK Corporation Commissioner and OK County Commissioner, on the need for greening America.
"For me, I am hopeful that Congress with summon the courage to look toward new securities that actually grow our country's safety and prosperity. To pursue the greater development of clean, renewable American energies like natural gas, large scale solar and wind power. Roth said. "We must act now to harness our own energies and fuel our own economy, free of imported oils and coddling despotic regimes., he said.
Petitions supporting the three points of the event were available for passers-by to sign. The petitions will be delivered to all Oklahoma's members of Congress, Batchelder said.
Photos courtesy of peacearena.org
