---

Last Updated on December 7, 2015.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 6, 2015

CONTACT:
Drew Proctor, drew@winwithoutwar.org

Coalition Applauds President’s Rejection of Ground War, Fear and Discrimination
Congress Should Stop the Politics of Fear and Blockades Against Innocent Refugees
Support Weapons Ban for Those on No Fly List

The Win Without War coalition applauded President Obama’s rejection of a ground war in Syria and Iraq during his oval office speech tonight.  They also urged Congress to cool down the politics of fear, stop erecting needless barriers to refugees, and step up with practical steps that can save lives, including stopping those who are on the No Fly List from being able to legally obtain a weapon.

“The President is right to reject the politics of fear being fueled by irresponsible politicians and to refuse to be drawn into a new ground war,” said Drew Proctor, Advocacy Director for Win Without War. “Instead of playing into the hands of terrorists and their narrative of war with the West, the President is rightly calling for practical steps to keep Americans safe, starting with making it illegal for someone on the No Fly List to obtain a weapon.”

“It’s hard to take politicians seriously who talk tough about war with ISIS but cower at the thought of standing up to the gun lobby with the common sense demand that those on the No Fly List should not be allowed to legally obtain a weapon.”

“President Obama is right to argue that we cannot give in to fear or xenophobia. Terrorists aim to create division and hatred. By caving into the politics of fear, we let them win.”

“We urge Members of Congress to stand up for our core American values and to resist the politics of fear. They can start with taking practical steps to keep us safer while welcoming refugees who seek shelter from terrorists.”

###

Win Without War is a coalition of national organizations with diverse constituencies totaling over 11 million members. Our members oppose the continued U.S. war in Afghanistan, wasteful spending at the Pentagon, and the over-militarization of America’s foreign policy. We seek national security policies that both meet challenges of the 21st century and are consistent with our nation’s highest values.

For more information, visit www.winwithoutwar.org.

December 7, 2015