A week ago, I dutifully responded to a DailyKos email asking me to contact my Senator Maria Cantwell about the Iran deal because she has not yet announced support for it.
So, today, I received the usual boilerplate response but I was disappointed in the stance taken in said boilerplate and immediately composed a sharp response. It seems she is "concerned" about Iran's nuclear program - which is a valid concern. But she failed to acknowledge the work of the Secretary of State and the President in securing this deal and instead says she remains committed to studying each provision carefully before voting on it. Well, times up Senator. It is now time to show that you support the President in the conduct of diplomacy and Foreign Policy. It is time now to acknowledge the provisions that prevent the acquisition of a nuclear weapon by Iran and the devastating consequences should they renege on their obligations. It is time now to do what it takes to avoid unnecessary wars.
[My response to her below the fold]
Dear Senator,
Thank you for your response. But it is not sufficient.
Washington Residents need to be sure they can count on you to support the President in his conduct of diplomacy and Foreign Policy. This agreement was carefully crafted by the United States and 5 other powers and has the necessary safeguards to strongly disincentivize the Iranian Government from developing a nuclear weapon. And it preserves the United States options incase the Iranians don't meet their obligations. Failing to execute this agreement would simply guarantee that the region disintegrates into another eventual war.
Senator Cantwell, WE ARE TIRED OF WAR! Especially unnecessary ones. I beseech you to change your stance on this issue and stand fully behind the hard work of Secretary of State Kerry and President Obama in securing peace through diplomacy. And I must also say, it is very important that you put the needs of THIS country first and not those of another state. Our President has said the best path to peace in the middle east is reducing nuclear tension. This agreement is the best hope for that intention.
Sincerely,