[Peace] Letter from Tim Johnson

[Peter Miller]

The phone number for Tim Johnson's Champaign office is 403-4690.

I received this letter in response to the Sep. 20 meeting with Matt Bisbee, 
Johnson's press secretary.  About 12 of us attended the meeting.  Please 
let me know if you'd like to see the statement we delivered.

Would someone like to compose a response?

-Peter

October 9, 2001

Dear Mr. Miller,

Thank you very much for contacting my staff and voicing your opinions 
regarding our nation's turbulent situation.  I have received a copied list 
of your greatest concerns and I appreciate you taking the time to carefully 
list and describe those points.

The terrorist attacks on our nation on September 11 certainly ignited 
emotions worldwide.  Here in Central Illinois, an overwhelming majority of 
my constituency has advocated for a strong military response.  After nearly 
one month of careful calculation by our President, our top defense and 
security advisors and other leaders in the Administration, we have begun 
our response.  The goal is not revenge; the goal is to defeat a sizable 
terrorist network.  Great Britain is backing the U.S. in the efforts to 
destroy the Taliban.  In addition some 40 other countries worldwide are 
assisting the U.S.-Great Britain military effort in some way.

As for your specific concerns; you will see that the U.S. is offering aid 
to the Afghan people in the way of food and medicine, our government has 
been joined by governments worldwide in the effort to defeat terrorism, the 
U.S. military is concentrating attacks on military compounds and training 
camps, and Afghan civilians are not a target.  On the home front, I have 
strongly advocated for tolerance among American people, despite race, 
religion, or national origin.  My staunch support for protection of our 
civil liberties will not be compromised.

Once again, I thank you for the initiative you have taken on this 
matter.  It is encouraging to see my constituency taking pride in the 
American ideals woven in our Constitution.  Please keep in touch and feel 
free to contact my office when you have similiar questions and concerns.

Sincerely,

Timothy V. Johnson
Member of Congress

The phone number for Tim Johnson's Champaign office is 403-4690.