To: Middle East and Militarism Advocates
From: Emily Welty, MCC Washington Office
Date: July 3, 2008

Issue

On June 10, more than 5000 advocates across the country participated in the National Call-In Day sponsored by the Campaign for a New American Policy on Iran, calling for diplomacy with Iran.

Now this important message needs to be underscored, as a bill (H.Con.Res. 362) which increases the likelihood of military action by the US against Iran has 147 sponsors and may come up for a vote soon in the House.

Background

H.Con.Res. 362 calls for “imposing stringent inspection requirements on all persons, vehicles, ships, planes, trains, and cargo entering or departing Iran,” an action that, if implemented, could be perceived as an act of war by the United States against Iran.

The bill also prohibits “the international movement of all Iranian officials not involved in negotiating the suspension of Iran's nuclear program.” This restriction would prevent the kind of citizen-based diplomacy that may be crucial in ending the current tensions between the United States and Iran.

In a time that is already laden with tension and lack of clarity between the two countries, H.Con.Res. 362 sends a mixed message. On one hand, it explicitly states that “nothing in this resolution shall be construed as an authorization of the use of force against Iran” yet it also sends the message that Congress supports a more militaristic solution to the current climate of mistrust.

It appears unlikely that Iran would voluntarily comply with what amounts to a blockade and thus enforcement of H.Con.Res.362 would not be possible without the use of force.

Faith Reflection

At a time that is fraught with uncertainty and distrust, we are called by God to act in good faith towards all people. We cannot bend others to our will by the use of threats and whispers of aggression. Rather, we are commanded to walk in the footsteps of Jesus who “when he was abused, did not return abuse; when he suffered, did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23).

We too are asked to step back from the pull of threats and intimidation and to trust in the power of honest, direct communication with those with whom we disagree. We must ask our government to embrace the path of diplomacy and refrain from intimidation.

Action

Find out if your representative is a co-sponsor of H.Con.Res.362 by checking the website: www.opencongress.org/bill/110-hc362/show.

If your representative is a co-sponsor of this bill, please ask him or her to remove his or her name as a co-sponsor and to vote against the bill if it comes to the floor.

If your representative is NOT a co-sponsor, thank them for not co-sponsoring and urge them not to become a co-sponsor and to vote against the bill if it comes to the floor.

How to contact your representative: call 202-224-3121 and ask to be transferred to your representative’s office. When your call is transferred, ask to speak with the foreign policy aide. If you are unable to talk with him/her directly, it is fine to leave a voice mail. It is a good idea to follow up later with an email reiterating the same message. Information on who your congressional representative is, as well as how to contact him/her via email, is available at www.house.gov.

Sample Message

“My name is __________, and I am a constituent from [hometown].

“I am calling to express my concern about H.Con.Res.362, which essentially calls for a blockade on Iran.

[For current co-sponsors:] “I urge you to remove your co-sponsorship of the bill and to vote against it if it comes up for a vote.

[For those who are not co-sponsors:] “Thank you for not signing on as a co-sponsor of this bill. Please vote against it if it comes to the House floor.

“Rather than heightening the tension between our two countries, I urge you to support diplomacy as a way to resolve our differences. Thank you for hearing my views.”

Visits, e-mails, phone calls, faxes and letters are all good ways to contact your legislators. E-mails, phone calls and faxes are good for time-sensitive issues. Postal mail travels slowly in the Capitol, but letters have long-term impact. Be sure to include your mailing address in all correspondence to confirm your residency in a particular district and state.

We would be grateful for copies of your correspondence and any responses you receive! Please send them to .