I-97 Campaign Launched in Seattle
Campaign to Divest Seattle's Retirement Fund from Illegal Wars & Occupations in the Middle East
For Immediate Release: April 7, 2008
A citizens group called Seattle Divest From War and Occupation has launched a ballot initiative this week that aims to divest city employees' retirement funds from corporations that are participating in illegal wars and occupations in the Middle East. The group is taking specific aim at two corporations, Halliburton Holding Company and Caterpillar, Inc.
"It's time to divest," said Chanan Suarezdiaz, Seattle chapter president of Iraq Veterans Against the War. "As an Iraq combat veteran, I would like to see our city divest from companies that are profiting from wars that affect the lives of other human beings - people who are being occupied, jailed, and dehumanized."
"The people of the city of Seattle pride ourselves on being progressive and thoughtful," said campaign endorser Amy Hagopian, a former Seattle school board member and a University of Washington faculty member. "It's time to put our money where our mouths are. We have to stop investing in the companies that fuel war and occupation." Hagopian led efforts at Garfield High School to end high school military recruiting in 2005.
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Full Ballot Form Available for Download
April 7, 2008
The official ballot form is available for anyone to download, print, and collect signatures with.
To get the ballot form, click here
