This won't be hugely substantive, or even vaguely, but the the fact that the Wenatchee World (not a notably liberal rag) would publish this is, perhaps, news; besides, it's my first ever published LTE. See also, below the fold, Cathy McMorris' reaction... think she really read it?
Iran not the problem
With what little respect is due, the current drumbeat by the Bush/Cheney/Lieberman/Kyl axis of idiocy for military action against Iran has to be seen for what it is: a blind, desperate attempt to salvage a vestige of credibility after their complete and utter failure in Iraq. Only by fomenting further fear and attendant overreaction can they hope to retain power.
We need to say no to any and all such attempts to manufacture a casus belli against yet another Middle Eastern country that has more than enough problems of its own to prevent it from creating significant global conflict in anything like the near term. Iran is not the problem, not yet and perhaps never, if the West plays its cards intelligently. The problem is in the White House, and in the deviousness of the pro-war faction in Congress and the Senate. Shut them down, now.
And from the Lady of WA-05, may her ignominy grow ever deeper:
Dear Alan,
Thank you for contacting me regarding Iran and the complex security situation that has evolved in the region. It is an honor to represent the people of Eastern Washington, and I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me.
One of my top priorities in Congress is to ensure that our nation and our allies remain safe from danger or attack. Many defense experts have predicted that we face no greater threat from a single country than from Iran. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections taking place in Iran since 2003 have revealed almost two decades of undeclared nuclear research and activity, including uranium enrichment and plutonium separation efforts. On September 24, 2005, the IAEA Board of Governors found Iran to be in noncompliance of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and voted on February 4 to report Iran to the U.N. Security Council. On April 11, senior Iranian officials, including Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, announced that they had successfully enriched fuel-grade uranium.
There is clearly a threat posed by Iran to regional and world security. Iran's leaders have continuously called for the destruction of Israel, rejected overtures from the world community, including the United Nations, supported international terrorism, and continued to advance their nuclear program.
Many world powers, including the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and China are discussing diplomatic precautions that can be taken against Iran should it continue down the reckless path it is on. I recently, cosponsored and voted for H.R. 282, the Iran Freedom Support Act, which would support groups interested in securing democracy in Iran and seek to take precautions against further nuclear development. I have also voted for H.CON.RES.341, which condemns the Government of Iran for violating its international nuclear nonproliferation obligations and expresses support for efforts to report Iran to the United Nations Security Council. Recently, Iran defied United Nations deadlines to stop its uranium enrichment program. Because of the open defiance to the United Nations, the world community further sanctions against Iran are being considered.
I am committed to the Constitutional role and power of Congress in going to war with any nation, including Iran. Under the Constitution, Congress has the power to declare war and raise and support the armed forces (Article I, Section 8), while the President is Commander in Chief (Article II, Section 2). Under the War Powers Resolution, passed in 1973, the President only has the power as Commander in Chief to introduce U.S. forces into hostilities or imminent hostilities if exercised pursuant to (1) a declaration of war; (2) specific statutory authorization; or (3) a national emergency created by an attack on the United States or its forces. It requires the President in every possible instance to consult with Congress before introducing American armed forces into hostilities or imminent hostilities unless there has been a declaration of war or other specific congressional authorization. It also requires the President to report to Congress any introduction of forces into hostilities or imminent hostilities; into foreign territory while equipped for combat; or in numbers which substantially enlarge U.S. forces equipped for combat already in a foreign nation. Once a report is submitted "or required to be submitted", Congress must authorize the use of forces within 60 to 90 days or the forces must be withdrawn.
Please be assured I will continue to monitor the situation in Iran and the proposals by the world community to contain Iranian aggression or nuclear capabilities. I will also strongly stand for Congressional power in the event of military action and am very hopeful that a peaceful and diplomatic resolution can be found to this situation. Should further legislation on this important issue come before me in Congress, I will certainly keep your thoughts and concerns in mind.
Thanks again for writing. I invite you to visit my website at www.mcmorrisrodgers.house.gov for additional information. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can be of further assistance.
Best Wishes,
Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Member of Congress