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Last week I sent a message to Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, asking her to outline her position on Iran. I asked the Congresswoman if she had read the most recent National Intelligence Estimate, Iran: Nuclear Intentions and Capabilities . The findings outlined in the NIE challenge the Bush administration's claim that Iran is a country determined to develop nuclear weapons. It stated that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program back in 2003. More importantly, it noted that there is no evidence available that can prove that Iran has resumed nuclear weapons program.
I asked the Congresswoman if she would oppose military action against Iran in light of these recent revelations.
Here is the respose I received:
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I support having a strong national defense. However, that does not mean rushing to war without clear provocation, as we did in Iraq. The Iraq war has destabilized the region, weakened our military, and inflamed terrorist organizations worldwide. Our nation is far less safe because of the President's reckless march to war in Iraq.
We should not be naive about the potential danger from Iran, particularly if that nation should acquire nuclear weapons. However, I believe that there is no compelling reason to go to war with Iran at this time.
It is our patriotic duty, as citizens of a great democracy, to hold our leaders to the highest standards, especially in matters of war and peace. Thank you for your vigilance.
Sincerely
Carol Shea-Porter
Member of Congress
Like the Congresswoman, I believe that Iran should be prevented from attaining nuclear weapons. But military action would not be in the best interests of the United States, or the Middle East, at this time. The administration's approach to Iran's nuclear program appears to be based largely on speculation, rather than on verifiable intelligence. America should never engage in military action on such a basis.
I hope to convince other members of Congress to go on the record on this issue as well. We need to know where our representatives stand on this issue. If you live in the 2nd Congressional District in New Hampshire and are interested in contacting Congressman Paul Hodes about this matter please contact me.
David Anderson
davewanderson@care2.com
http://reasonableforeignpolicy...
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