Act Now!
  
     
  If you would like to do something to help the opportunity for peace to prevail in Iraq, here are some things you can do:
  1. Invite other members of your communities and ministries, friends, co-workers... to add their support to the statement at www.franciscanjustice.org.
  2. Send a short note expressing your hope for peace in Iraq to your two Senators and Representative. The most effective way to reach your elected officials is via fax or e-mail. To find out the best way to fax or e-mail your members you can go to their website, which can be reached through www.senate.gov for your two Senators and www.house.gov for your Representative in the House.

Here is a rough outline to help in the preparation of your message to your elected officials. Your own words and voice are the most effective guide to make changes. It does not have to be long, only one that expresses your thoughts and asks for action.

Example letter

Dear Senator____/ Dear Representative ____

My name is ______ and I am voter in your state/district. I am writing to express my deep concern and distress regarding the current situation in Iraq and request that you provide your leadership in Congress to encourage President Bush to change the direction.

The mounting casualties of U.S. and Coalition Servicemen and women, Iraqi citizens, and others is a tragedy. This is made all the worse, but what appears to me as a policy and strategy that will not lead to success; only more deaths. We must find a different direction that will enable us to withdrawal U.S. and Coalition forces and leave a more stable and sustainable Iraq.

I firmly believe that Congress must reassert its authority to develop and guide the foreign policy of the United States. This policy must be one that seeks non-military options for addressing situations of conflict. Such a policy will require better relations with our allies and the investment in diplomacy. I hope that you will be a leader in the development of such an approach.

Thank you for concern on this matter. I pray that peace might prevail in Iraq.

Sincerely,

Name
Address
City, State
e-mail

Thanks again for your efforts to build peace in our world.

Sincerely,
Russ Testa, Animator
Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation
Holy Name Province of Franciscans

  
     

Last updated: Tuesday, 20 September 2005