We’re hearing a lot these days about the 1% and the 99%: the richest 1% of people who have decimated our economy and profited from wars and the 99% who are suffering the consequences. All over the country, the 99% is rising up, telling their stories, and imagining alternatives.
There is another 1% in this country, however, the 1% of people in the U.S. who have served in military and their families. Our 1% is part of the 99%, but also distinct. We have felt the impacts of the wars and economic downturns in a way that many don’t understand.
Our 1% is suffering directly from the wars imposed by the other 1% – the military industrial complex, the oil companies, big business – in collusion with many members of Congress who take multi-millions from industry lobbyists in exchange for keeping these wars going and going.
Our 1% wants to tell that other 1%, including many members of Congress: End the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Bring the troops and contractors home NOW. Take care of the troops when they get here. Bring the war dollars home for our communities – for jobs, education, health care, housing, and other services we need so badly. Meet the demands of the 99%.
- Paula Rogovin, MFSO Member, Teaneck, NJ (click here to read Paula’s full Letter to the Editor).
Tell your story! We are in an unprecedented moment of political engagement; people want to talk and share and learn. As military families, we have a unique perspective and set of experiences, and our stories are important! Here are a few ways you can tell your story…
Write a Letter to the Editor – one of the most widely read parts of any newspaper, Letters to the Editor are usually around 250 words and in response to current events. Click here to use our simple tool to write a Letter to the Editor of your local paper.
Tell your “99% story” – people from all walks of life are making simple signs and taking pictures to tell their stories. Now, you can easily submit your pictures and blogs to the new MFSO Tumblr, just click here to submit a picture, video, or blog.
