Letter to the Daily Star

The letter below was published in The Daily Star (Oneonta, NY) on December 26, 2007, and also in the Evening Sun (Norwich, NY).

We need sane policies in U.S.

Last June, the Coalition for Democracy of Central New York published a signature petition, addressed directly to Senators Clinton and Schumer and Representatives Arcuri and Gillibrand. The petition was signed by many local residents, of whom 615 agreed to have their names published. As follow-up, we met with local staff of these politicians, hand-delivered copies of the petition, and requested written responses. (See the petition at www.democracycoalition.org.)

Here is a brief summary of our demands and their responses:

Immediate and safe withdrawal of American troops from Iraq: All are in partial agreement.

Funding for care and services troops need when they return home: Fully supported by Arcuri and Gillibrand; no comment from our senators.

Rebuilding of Iraq, led by Iraqis: Clinton and Gillibrand agree. Arcuri and Schumer did not comment.

No attack on Iran: Arcuri and Schumer agree; Gillibrand agrees in part. Clinton did not comment.

Restoration and protection of our constitutional liberties: Arcuri and Gillibrand agree. No comment from our senators.

A foreign policy based on diplomacy, not intimidation and aggression: Schumer did not respond. All others strongly agree.

Holding the administration accountable -- impeachment: Only Arcuri responded. He disagreed.

Since our petition was published, the situation has worsened. Wounded troops, who could not finish their tours, initially were told they had to give back part of their signing bonuses! In spite of the report that Iran is not a threat, Bush continues pushing confrontation! Under cover of the Protect America Act, our civil liberties are again being attacked!

We are horrified by this callous disregard for our troops, consistent drift toward perpetual war, and persistent attack on our civil rights. Call your senators and representative; tell them of your disapproval; urge them to push for sane policies for our country.

Edward T. Lentz

New Lisbon

Lentz writes on behalf of the Coalition for Democracy of Central New York. He is a co-chair of the organization

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updated 1/17/08