Can you sign on to this letter? Can you join us at 4:30 PM at Rep. Sarbanes' Towson office on February 20?

Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore/Fund Our Communities, 325 East 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218

Rep. John Sarbanes

600 Baltimore Ave.

Suite 303

Baltimore, MD 21204

Re: Balance for Our Families and Our Economy

February 20, 2013

Dear Congressperson Sarbanes:

Members of the Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore are voters, and part of a national coalition for Balance for Our Families and Our Economy. We're writing in support of legislation to promote economic growth, protect voting rights, end the war, and lower the deficit. Can we count on your support?



The Balancing Act (H.R 505) proposed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus would provide relief to American families, and reduce the long-term Federal deficit in a fair and balanced way by balancing budget cuts and revenues—closing loopholes and making sure the Pentagon and the nation's biggest corporations do their part—and by putting $800 in the pockets of every family this year. It would create more than 1 million jobs by investing in infrastructure, and by keeping 280,000 teachers in our classrooms.



The Responsible End to the War in Afghanistan Act (H.R. 200) would "provide that funds for operations of the Armed Forces in Afghanistan shall be obligated and expended only for purposes of providing for the safe and orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan of all members of the Armed Forces and Department of Defense contractor personnel who are in Afghanistan." By huge margins Americans oppose prolonging the war, which has cost taxpayers more than $610,000,000,000 see http://costofwar.com/



The Voter Empowerment Act (H.R. 12) would simplify and modernize the voting process, offering equal access for every citizen. Lead sponsor Rep. John Lewis said, "The right to vote is precious, almost sacred. Too many people in this country had to give their lives to exercise a right already guaranteed them by the Constitution…. To be a credible voice for equal justice abroad, we must be watchful here at home to alleviate every historic and current impediment to the democratic process."



Finally, we are seeking an end to the use of killer drone strikes, which we believe to be illegal and unconstitutional. As you know, the Brennan hearing was put on hold because citizens are demanding answers about drone strikes. For example, why did the Obama administration use killer drones to assassinate three U.S. citizens. Would you be willing to speak out in Congress against the use of drones which are killing civilians in at least five countries—Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen? You may know that on Inauguration Day, four Yemenis were killed in a U.S. drone strike.



We look forward to your response. And when you are ready, we would like to meet with you, preferably in Baltimore. But if necessary, we will travel to your D.C. office. Thank you for your time and attention.



Peace,



Max Obuszewski, on behalf of Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore/Fund Our Communities

325 East 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 410-366-1637

"The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles. The master class has had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and everything to lose--especially their lives." Eugene Victor Debs