APHA PASSES RESOLUTIONS AGAINST WAR, HOMELAND SECURITY

By Karyn Pomerantz

At the annual APHA meeting in Novem-ber, issues of war, Homeland Security, and bioterrorism engaged many participants in action and debate. In response, the APHA Governing Council adopted resolutions Opposing War in Central Asia and the Persian Gulf, and Sustaining the Independence and Effectiveness of Public Health While Responding to Terrorism.

The first of these resolutions, Opposing War in Central Asia and the Persian Gulf, was confirmed by over 80 percent of the APHA Governing Council.

It condemns the destruction of public health caused by war; expresses concern about expanding military action in other countries rich in petroleum; reaffirms APHA's opposition to conflicts in which competition over oil reserves plays a role; declares APHA's opposition to military actions in Afghanistan and other nations as counter to the health and well-being of people; and calls on the US public to reject a perpetual "war on terrorism" as a destabilizing influence on world peace and health. The MWPHA Governing Council has supported this resolution.

Although the majority of individuals who discussed this resolution supported it, some argued against characterizing the war as a struggle to control energy resources. They preferred to focus on its adverse health effects.

Supporters of the resolution said understanding the root economic and polictical causes of the war is fundamental to advancing an anti-war agenda.

The second resolution, "Sustaining the Independence and Effectiveness of Public Health While Responding to Terrorism," passed on an interim basis by 95 percent.

It advocates retaining independence between the public health functions of government and the Department of Homeland Security. Specifically, the resolution calls for: protecting the civil liberties and human rights of public employees and all Americans; legislation to protect public health workers who refuse to "carry out military police intelligence tasks which are not properly part of the practice of public health..." and substantial increases in federal funding for public health infrastructure and personnel" to respond to emergency situations.

This resolution recognizes the importance of primary prevention, urging alternative international policy responses (other than war) to terrorism. It calls for avoiding wars related to conflicts over natural resources, noting the likelihood of further attacks against may increase if the U.S. "pursues a policy of aggression..."

These resolutions were developed due to the activism of APHA members alarmed by the US drive to war. APHA leaders and members must now disseminate these policies to the general public and public health leaders. The APHA Action Board has expressed that they are unlikely to publicize these positions; thus, it will be up to members to use these resolutions at their workplaces, schools, and communities to develop a strong public health movement against war.

Prior to the annual meeting, APHA invited Tom Ridge, Homeland Security Chief, to present the keynote address. APHA members circulated a petition opposing the invitation, and organized an anti-war demonstration at the meeting that was joined by hundreds.

Copies of the resolutions will be available online at http://www.apha.org, and in The Nation's Health. Please join other MWPHA members in marching against the war on January 18th. For more information, contact Karyn Pomerantz at: kpomeran@gwu.edu