MONTAGUE—More than two and a half years have passed since President Bush sent our troops to Iraq. In that time, almost 2,000 young American lives have been lost. Over $300 billion has been spent. And still, there is no exit strategy.

Congressman Jim McGovern and national experts join together Saturday, Nov. 5, 2005 in the first of a series of exciting forums sponsored by the Massachusetts Democratic Party and Progressive Democrats of America. The Iraq forums are the first of their kind hosted by a Democratic state party and are dedicated to exploring the many issues surrounding the war. The first forum will be moderated by Party Chairman Phil Johnston.

“Democrats throughout the country are very troubled by the war in Iraq,” Johnston said. “It’s important that the Democratic Party stand up on this issue. It is increasingly obvious that the Bush administration carried on a campaign of disinformation and falsehoods in the ramp up to the war, and many of us believe it has been a tragic mistake that should be ended as soon as possible.”

The forum features insight from Anita Dancs, Research Director for the National Priorities Project and John Bonifaz, co-founder of AfterDowningStreet.org and a member of the Progressive Democrats of America Advisory Board.

“The war in Iraq was a mistake,” said Congressman McGovern. “It’s time for this tragic chapter of our history to come to an end. To help foster that goal, it’s vital that Democrats discuss this issue in a serious and thoughtful way. I’m looking forward to this forum, and I’m proud to be a participant.”

At their annual state convention in May, Massachusetts Democrats unanimously approved a resolution calling for an end to the war in Iraq.

“Progressive Democrats of America is proud to be organizing the upcoming forum with the Massachusetts Democratic Party,” said Tim Carpenter, National Director of PDA. “With public opinions polls showing a majority of Americans calling for an end to the occupation and the death toll reaching 2,000 Americans and over 100,000 Iraqis it’s time the Democratic Party call for and lead the effort to withdraw the American forces from the region. It is in that spirit we will be gathering.”

The forum will be held Saturday, November 5, 2005 from 7-9 p.m at Turners Fall High School, 222 Turnpike Road, Montague. A media availability will be held from 6:15 pm to 6:45 pm.