| A letter to
the editor published in a local paper sends a strong signal to members of
Congress.
Most members of Congress closely monitor the letters that are published in local papers, especially if they mention the member by name. Publishing a letter to the editor is a great way to tell your community why America needs a new foreign policy. This is also another good action for individuals to take. You’ll have the best luck getting published if your letter is 250 words or less and if it pertains to a current event or references a recent article. You can use the sample below as a guide for your own letter. Let us know when your letter gets published. Send a quick note to cbenzschawel@peace-action.org with the name of the paper and the date your letter was published.
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To the Editors: It’s time for someone to put forward a foreign policy more aligned with America's values. Just look at recent events: “Victory” in Iraq consists of quashing a threat that didn’t exist in the first place. While Iraq’s alleged weapons of mass destruction have yet to materialize, the administration has taken the first steps in making new nukes here at home. It is currently pushing for the development of new “low-yield” and “bunker buster” nuclear weapons. As for democracy in Iraq, the shootings of protestors in Falluja are a grave indication of how that’s likely to go. The shootings remind one more of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, than the first stumbling steps toward democracy for Iraq. The administration’s disdain for the United Nation’s traditional role in providing humanitarian aid and in reconstructing war torn nations is limiting the potential for stable and healthy governments in Iraq and Afghanistan. This disregard for UN leadership is weakening the institution - an institution which most Americans support. Its up to Representative (your Rep.’s
name) and his/her colleagues in Congress to put this country on a better
path. America needs a new foreign policy: one based on human rights and
democracy, nuclear disarmament, and international cooperation would be
in the best interest our citizens. Sincerely, |