THE REAL STORY -- THE WAR ON
IRAQ
Bush Administration is preparing for war on Iraq. Your elected
representatives in Congress have not had the opportunity to
debate the justification and consider the ramifications, let
alone declare War.
In the face of almost universal international opposition and
the concerns of many Democrats and Republicans in Congress,
the Bush Administration has launched a propaganda campaign to
sell its plan to depose Saddam Hussein and destroy his weapons
of mass destruction.
The Administration wants to start the war quickly, without
a clear justification. According to a recent CIA report, there
is no evidence that the U.S. faces any realistic danger from
an Iraqi chemical or nuclear attack today or in the near future.
The Administration has not explained to the public the costs,
risks and consequences of a unilateral War on Iraq.
The Administration appears willing to sacrifice the lives of
U.S. service personnel, innocent Iraqi civilians, our economy,
our standing in the world, the fight against terrorism, and
violate international law - to start a war on its own terms.
Is War On Iraq Justified?
* The U.S. has no evidence linking Saddam or any Iraqis to the
events of 9/11, nor support of any terrorist organizations deemed
a threat to the security of the U.S.
* By launching a military assault against Iraq, The U.S. will
be guilty of violating international law which prevents countries
from unilateral attacks on other countries unless required for
self defense
* The current U.S. "containment" policy has substantially
reduced Iraq's war capability, and persistent military surveillance
quickly detects any bomb tests or long-range missile launch
deployment that might constitute a threat to the U.S.
* The Administration says they want to help long-suffering Iraqi
citizens - but has not explained why the U.S. incited Iraqis
to overthrow Saddam, only to do nothing while thousands of innocent
civilians were slaughtered. Or why the U.S. refused to permit
the delivery of badly needed humanitarian aid to Iraqi civilians,
while thousands of innocent children died. Do we really believe
that Iraqis who have been killed and maimed (a.k.a. "collateral
damage") by U.S. bombs welcome an invasion?
* The Administration claims that weapons of mass destruction
threaten Iraq's neighbors - but doesn't explain why ALL of Iraq's
neighbors, including Kuwait, are united in their opposition
to a U.S. attack, despite intense U.S. political pressure
* The Administration claims U.N. weapons inspections are "fruitless"
- the U.N. weapons inspectors, however, have testified that
the weapons inspections program in the 90s actually uncovered
and destroyed 90-95% of Iraq's illegal weapons cache
* The U.S. has opposed international efforts to ban chemical
weapons and still supported Saddam in the 80s when his use of
chemical weapons was known - but that doesn't stop the Administration
from using this as a reason to start a war on Iraq
Has Congress Considered And Approved The Costs Of This War?
* Estimates for this War are 50-100 BILLION in direct short
term costs, added to the already huge and growing federal budget
deficit; loss of international trade; substantial long-term
costs necessary to prevent anarchy in an unstable region
* A controversial and costly War on Iraq will have adverse consequences
to the economy, stock market, and foreign investment
Risks, Consequences of Unilateral War Instigated By The U.S.
* Loss of international cooperation for the fight against terror,
needed to bring the 9/11 perpetrators to justice
* U.S. actions give credibility & motivation to anti-U.S.
terrorists in the Middle East, creating more security threats
for all
* An attack on Iraq could easily provoke Saddam to attack Israel.
This scenario could trigger a global nuclear catastrophe!
Contact Your Elected U.S. Representatives And Tell Them To STOP
The War On Iraq!
The only way to stop the war is through direct action from
energized, committed citizens. The stridency in tone of the
Administration's rhetoric has ratcheted up. Time is running
short!
Once the first domino is pushed, it will be impossible to stop
the rest from falling. Already, the Administration has claimed
that Congress's power to declare war should be usurped by virtue
of congressional approval in 1991 for the Gulf War. The purpose
of that war was ostensibly to "liberate Kuwait".
Recent speeches by Vice President Cheney signal that the Administration
is pushing for quick action. Any and all military options have
been considered and could be used in this War.
Please contact your representatives NOW. Phone calls
and letters are most effective.
Representative Mike Honda
San Jose Office (408) 244-8085
Santa Cruz Office (831) 630-5834
Fax: (408) 244-8086
mike.honda@mail.house.gov
3550 Stevens Creek Blvd.; Suite 330
San Jose, CA 95117
Representative Sam Farr
Office: (831) 429-1976
Fax: (831) 424-7099
sam@friendsoffarr.org
701 Ocean St.; Suite 318
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Senator Dianne Feinstein
Office: (415) 393-0707
Fax: (415) 393-0710
1 Post St.; Suite 2450
San Francisco, CA 94105
Senator Barbara Boxer
Office: (415) 403-0100
Fax: (415) 956-6701
1700 Montgomery; Suite 240
San Francisco, CA 94111
President George Bush
White House (202) 456-1111
Fax: (202) 456-2461
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20500
Please visit online:
www.peacepledge.org & www.petitiononline/iraq/petition.html
Check the Resource
Center For Nonviolence Calendar for location and regional
workshops and actions.
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