Regarding Campaign Contributions From War Profiteer, General Dynamics

    We, the undersigned, are calling upon you to publicly announce your willingness to:

• Re-allocate to the people of Vermont the $3,500.00 donation that you recently accepted from the Burlington-based weapons manufacturer General Dynamics in order to create a new VT Green, Just and Peaceful Economy Fund that is established, managed and overseen through a transparent, democratic and participatory process for all Vermonters.

• Promise to never again accept donations and political contributions from the military-industrial complex.

• Commit to never again vote for any bill, legislation or program which includes any war funding unless that bill also includes a clear and specific call for the immediate withdrawal of all US troops and armed contractors from Iraq.

    It is our view that General Dynamics has vested interests in prolonging the war in Iraq as their profits rely upon perpetual violence and ecological destruction.  We know that strings are attached to weapons manufacturers%u2019 political contributions and that this, directly and indirectly, undermines our democracy by influencing domestic and foreign policy.
   
    We are disappointed that you have accepted this money from General Dynamics. Furthermore, we would like to announce to you  a new VT campaign with the goal of shutting down the war profiteer General Dynamics and replacing it with a green, just, and peaceful economy. 
   
    We would like you to join us in this campaign by utilizing your power to bring an immediate stop to all money, contracts, tax cuts and other incentives for the war economy in Vermont, and instead begin utilizing your power to create the VT Green Jobs and Peace Economy Fund that has transparent, democratic and participatory oversight for the people of Vermont.