[Peace-discuss] Fwd: Iran

[C G Estabrook]

> Begin forwarded message:
> 
> From: C G Estabrook <cgestabrook at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: Iran
> Date: June 27, 2019 at 9:48:58 AM CDT
> To: tammy at tammyduckworth.com
> 
> Sen. Duckworth:
> 
> US troops (and weapons) should be removed from the Mideast.
> 
> The US should rejoin the JCPOA and remove the sanctions on Iran.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> (Dr.) C. G. Estabrook
> 107 North Elm Street - #312
> Champaign IL 61820-3964
> 
> 
>> On Jun 27, 2019, at 9:34 AM, Tammy Duckworth <tammy at tammyduckworth.com> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> C. G.,
>> 
>> When I decided to run for office, I knew I wanted to be a voice for servicemembers and Veterans. That’s why this week, I gave a speech on the Senate floor about a looming international crisis that will affect our troops most of all:
>> 
>> The Trump Administration’s purposeful escalation of tensions with Iran.
>> 
>> Last week, Trump ordered a strike on Iran, which could have dragged the U.S. into a full-fledged war. He called it off before anyone was hurt, but it was far too close.
>> 
>> Now, Trump wants us to think that he is some kind of peacemaker because he didn’t follow through with his attack. Well, Donald Trump gets no points from me for narrowly avoiding a crisis he himself manufactured.
>> 
>> The entire Administration, led by National Security Advisor John Bolton, are purposefully pushing us closer towards two scenarios they believe would justify an Iran War:
>> 
>> The first way is if Iran edges closer to making a nuclear weapon. Of course, pulling out of the Iran Nuclear Deal opened the door for Iran to do just that — and for the U.S. to retaliate. The second way is an attack on U.S. forces, made more likely by the fact that Trump is openly looking for excuses to send more troops to the area, increasing the likelihood of casualties. They are using our troops as bait.
>> 
>> This attack and the armed conflict that would undoubtedly follow were narrowly avoided — this time. But there’s no guarantee that Trump’s incoherent strategy in the Middle East won’t lead us to this exact same point tomorrow, or the next day, or next month.
>> 
>> Let me be clear: The President does NOT have the power to declare war, and neither does John Bolton. That sacred and solemn responsibility lies only with Congress. Our brave troops do their jobs every day, even in the face of great danger. Now, it’s time for Congress to do our job.
>> 
>> It’s time for Congress to hold a public debate about authorization for use of military force. By failing to take up this debate, we are ceding our authority to the White House — which was clearly behind this manufactured crisis in the first place.
>> 
>> If the Trump Administration wants to go to war, let them bring their case to Congress and let the elected representatives of the American people decide. Let them explain why war with Iran is worth American lives. After they’ve made their case, Congress must vote.
>> 
>> C. G., Iran is no friend to the United States. And I understand that war is sometimes necessary. Trump may have shirked military duty during the Vietnam War, but I was proud to serve my country overseas. But it is a dereliction of our duty to allow even a single U.S. soldier to shed blood in a conflict that Congress has not authorized.
>> 
>> I will not sit by as the Trump Administration uses the same playbook that got us into the War in Iraq to once again pull us into a long and devastating conflict. And I hope my colleagues in Congress don’t either.
>> 
>> Yours,
>> 
>> Tammy
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
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>> 
>> 
> 

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