Fight the "Iraq Tax"—Sign the Petition

As millions of people in Michigan file their income taxes, it is appropriate to bring attention to the tax we are paying for a war that has cost Michigan and our country so dearly. The human and economic costs of the Iraq war have been enormous. The Bush administration, Sen. John McCain and right-wing members of Congress, while claiming they are against taxes, are spending our tax dollars on Iraq with serious consequences here at home.

It's time to call the war in Iraq what it is: a massive tax on American families, taxpayers and our children. Here in Michigan we have poured billions of dollars and many troops into President Bush's endless war. The Iraq war has entered its 6th year and surpassed the tragic milestone of 4,000 troop deaths, yet President Bush would keep our troops there indefinitely and U.S. Senator John McCain says he is "fine with" keeping our men and women in Iraq for 100 years.

We pledge our support to fight the "Iraq tax."

America cannot afford to continue an endless war in Iraq. The cost in blood and treasure has been devastating to our state and our country. President Bush, Sen. McCain and their allies in Congress maintain a singular focus on Iraq, which is reflected in our taxes – 40 percent of which will be devoted to the military this year. But instead of strengthening our forces those dollars will be spent on a war that has stretched our military to the breaking point, eroded our security here at home and pushed America into what most believe is a recession. It is time to raise awareness of the unseen costs of Bush's singular focus on the war in Iraq and focus on strengthening our economy, our schools and healthcare system, and real security.