War Veterans Call for Senate to Pass Clean Energy Bill in New Television Ad Campaign

By VoteVets.org  |  Press Release
PUBLISHED: September 09, 2009

WAR VETERANS CALL FOR SENATE TO PASS CLEAN ENERGY BILL IN NEW TELEVISION AD CAMPAIGN

"It's not just a question of American Energy; It's a question of American Power"

Washington, DC - Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are launching a new television ad campaign, both nationally and in a number of states, aimed at getting the Senate to pass a clean energy and climate bill.  The ad, from VoteVets.org, coincides with a growing movement by veterans and security groups making a push on Capitol Hill to get a bill passed and on to the President for his signature.

The national version of the ad can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBJ3Q2EN5B0

Versions of the ad will also run in Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia and Missouri.  The script of the ad is below. This is the fourth ad on Clean Energy from VoteVets.org.  Examples of the first three ads on the issue can be viewed at the following links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNXQv190Y4s 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGRLiiXvwF8 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6mwV-W-8fY

"This is part of a growing consensus from veterans and security experts from the left and right that we absolutely have to break our dependence on foreign oil - particularly Middle East oil," said Jon Soltz, Iraq War Veteran, and Chairman of VoteVets.org.  "Passage of legislation is too important for us to stay silent.  Essentially funding both sides of the wars we're fighting is unsustainable and dangerous. We're going to do whatever it takes to pass this bill and help protect our troops, and America."

Indeed, momentum is growing among veterans and security groups.  That momentum is quickening following reports last month that the Pentagon has begun war gaming effects of global climate change.  Those simulations found that American forces would be under tremendous strain to deal with all the effects at home and around the world, hampering their ability to deal with manmade crises. 

Under the umbrella of a new coalition - Operation Free (http://www.operationfree.net)  - a number of veterans and security groups are heading to Capitol Hill this week to push for passage of the clean energy bill.  VoteVets.org is part of Operation Free.

The script of the ad, titled "First Hand" is as follows:

The text "Iraq War Veterans" appears on top of an American Flag.  Each of the following veterans speaks directly to the camera, and is ID'd by home town and state.

Douglas Peters; Detroit, Michigan: I've seen first-hand how America's dependence on foreign oil threatens our national security.

Philip Gilfus; Fayetteville, North Carolina:  Billions in oil profits finding their way....

Terron Sims, Jr.; Arlington, Virginia: ... to the terrorists we're fighting against.

Jackie Rodgers, Jr.; Paris, Missouri:  That's why Washington needs to pass Clean Energy legislation.  It will create good jobs...

"1.7 million new American jobs" appears on the screen, above footage of "green energy" workers

"Reduce Carbon Pollution" appears on the screen, above a smoke stack

Philip Gilfus:  Cut carbon pollution....

Terron Sims, Jr.:  Stop sending our dollars overseas to be used against us.

Philip Gilfus:  Call our Senators, tell them to pass the clean energy bill.

"Tell Congress: Pass Clean American Energy, 202-224-3121" appears on the screen

Douglas  Peters: It's not just a question of American Energy....

Terron Sims, Jr.:  ....It's a question of American Power.

VOTEVETS LOGO AND LEGAL

VoteVets.org is the leading progressive, pro-military organization of veterans, dedicated to the destruction of terror networks around the world, with force when necessary. It primarily focuses on education and advocacy on issues of importance to the troops and veterans, and holding politicians accountable for their actions on these issues.

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