an open letter to senator john edwards d-nc
Dear Senator Edwards,
Why are you not speaking out against Bush’s proposed war on Iraq?
I just recently returned from a trip to Tanzania, a country struggling with an AIDS epidemic, and I want you to tell me what I should have told the people there when they asked me why our country is squandering its resources on this senseless war? What should I tell them when they worry that valuable money set aside to fight AIDS and other health concerns may be diverted to fighting Iraq? What should I tell them when they feel they cannot fraternize in public with Americans or at tourist destinations because they fear those destinations will be targets of terrorist attacks in retaliation for our fight against Iraq?
Honorable Senator Edwards, how am I supposed to travel outside the United States and feel safe and feel proud to be an American when you and other senators refuse to openly debate the intelligence of unilaterally fighting a war against Iraq.
In fact I am anything but proud to be an American. I am ashamed and disgusted to be associated with the actions of our present administration. I am frustrated that you are not representing the views of many North Carolinians who want to see a rational, peaceful, and thoughtful strategy towards Iraq, not an aggressive, arrogant, and inflammatory one. I am disappointed that at the California Democratic Party’s convention in Sacramento, you criticized Bush’s policy toward Iraq (for political gain), but you failed to come out strongly against this proposed war.
If you believe, as I do, that Saddam Hussein is a dangerous and inhumane leader, tell me what is more dangerous to America’s security and international interests: starting a war against Iraq and incensing the international community opposed to it (triggering anti-US sentiment worldwide, increasing the threat of terrorism) or continuing the present course of international diplomacy and the steady process of disarming and weapons inspections?
Please, Senator Edwards, as one of your constituents, I beg of you to prevent this war.
Sincerely,
Justin C. Watt
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