Let's be clear: We supported the Gulf War.
We supported our intervention in Afghanistan.
We accept the logic of a just war.
But Mr. President, your war on Iraq does not pass the test. It is not a just war.
The candidate we supported in 2000 promised a more humble nation in our dealings with the world. We gave him our votes and our campaign contributions.
That candidate was you. We feel betrayed. We want our money back. We want our country back.
War is the most extreme action a society can take. It can only be unleashed after exploring every other road. You have not explored all the roads.
How many young American lives will be lost in this dubious war? How many more innocent Iraqis will be killed and maimed and made homeless? Haven't they suffered enough, after two decades of terrible wars and sanctions?
Among the 1 billion Muslims in the world there is now a steady trickle of recruits going to Al Qaeda. You will turn the trickle into a torrent. A billion bitter enemies will rise out of this war. And out of war may arise an Iraqi regime every bit as brutish as the present one. What will you do then? Our jaws drop when we read that you may decide we have to occupy Iraq for years, that the next ruler of Iraq may be.an American general! Is there anyone in this country who thinks that will work? Your odds of success are infinitesimal! The world wants Saddam Hussein disarmed. But you must find a better way to do it. Why would you lead us into a situation where we are bound to fail? You cannot keep proclaiming peace while preparing for war. You are waltzing blindfolded into what may well be a catastrophe. Pride goeth before a fall. Show the humility and compassion that led us to elect you.
War with Iraq is not inevitable. Now is the time to stop it. Speak out at your place of worship, at your business, among you friends and relatives. Make your convictions known to your Mayor and Governor and-above all-to you elected leaders in Washington.
Edward H. Hamm, Republican Regent, former Chairman, the Northland Co.; Richard S. Johnson, former CEO, Hotjobs.com; Barbara Lifflander, President, Hastings Art Ltd; Huyler C. Held, Esq.; John C. Haas, Rohm & Haas (Ret.); Howard S. Brembeck, Founder, CTB, Inc, Chairman, Fourth Freedom Forum; Betty B. Blauner; Peter A. Benoliel, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Quaker Chemical Corporation; Vice Admiral (ret.) John J. Shanahan; Chris Berghoff; Starr Tomczak, Attorney; George X=Zeo, Psy, D.; Professor Jeffrey G. Barlow, Ph.D.; Linda and Barry Black, Owners, College Park Bicycles, Inc. and Mt. Airy Bicycles, Inc.; Albert Lowe; Roger Mumford, President, Matzel and Mumford Org; Martin Resick, Chapter President, World Federalist Assn., Pittsburgh, PA; Paul Hally, Esq.; Elkizabeth Viering; Peter B. Viering, Atty.; Brenda Ungerland, M.A., LifePath; Brooks Jealous; Nancy F. Puls; Pamela Davis; Frank K. Martin, CFA, Managing Partner, Martin Capital Managament, LLP
Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities
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