Editor,
As the majority of our elected officials continue to sell us out by ignoring the growing majority opposed to imperialist military aggression, the upcoming election represents a critical day in U.S. history. Given the lack of courage by most U.S. congressmen and women, we must look to the legacy of Sen. Paul Wellstone. We must cast our votes for those willing to stand up against the destruction of the U.S. Constitution, imperialism, and the lies fed daily to the U.S. people under the guise of a "war on terrorism." Seek out the candidates who will openly and vocally oppose the Bush administration's arrogant and violent path that is leading us to another global war.
Bush II has claimed to be winning a war on terrorism but Al Qaeda still operates around the globe and FBI warnings suggest future attacks worse than Sept. 11, 2001. He claims to represent the path towards security yet the world grimaces every time he speaks. He claims that the U.S. speaks with one voice but his actions and rhetoric have divided this nation unlike anytime since Vietnam - massive protests occur daily across the globe despite the lack of coverage in mainstream media.
Now he claims Iraq is the greatest threat to our security. Why did he withhold North Korea's announcement of a secret nuclear program until after he forced Congress to vote on a new "Gulf of Tonkin" resolution? Why did he ignore CIA warnings saying an attack on Iraq will create the very scenario he claims to want to avoid? Disregarding every concept of international law, this administration has openly discussed U.S. military occupation of Iraq and, not coincidentally, its oilfields. Why indeed is he so eager to attack Iraq and divert our attention further from his failures as a leader?
Bush has used the horrible tragedy we faced on Sept. 11 to push a Cold War era agenda on this nation and the world. Contrary to leading us towards security and peace, our world is profoundly less secure and more violent due to Bush's actions - and Congressional approval.
To speak out, we must cast our votes on Nov. 5. Any candidate with the courage to stand up needs our votes. To truly prevent terror, we must prevent the policies that breed it. We must prevent policies that destabilize nations, exploit third world resources, support "U.S. friendly" murderers and become the roots of the violent reactions seen everywhere around the world today.
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History shows us that our government's actions often fuel the hatred and resentment directed at our nation. If our so-called leaders are willing to create WWIII in our name and at our expense, then we have an obligation to confront them. Until the system that creates this widening gap between rich and poor dramatically changes, we will continue to see terrorism. With control of the U.S. Congress at stake, Nov. 5 has become a turning point in our nation's history. Take back our country from corporate and military control.
Regime change begins at home. Vote.
Jeff Duneman
UNM Alumnus
