Lois Barber
We've asked you previously to contact your Senators about the New START Treaty. Now, in early December, the US Senate is scheduled to vote on the Treaty. If the Senate votes for ratification, we can then move forward with plans to reduce the number and the role of nuclear weapons worldwide. If our Senate does not approve this Treaty, the uncertainty of both our countries not having inspections of the other’s arsenals will likely lead to a nuclear arms race. The time is critical. To garner wide support for this issue, we ask that you quickly write a letter to the editor of your local or statewide newspaper(s). The Senate vote is imminent.
Below is sample text for your letter to the editor. Use it as is, or adapt it. The important thing is to send it off quickly to one or more papers.
Dear Editor,
Amid the drama of the November elections, a very important vote coming up in the Senate has been largely overlooked—whether to ratify the New START Treaty between the US and Russia. The Treaty needs 67 votes for ratification. December 5th marks the one year anniversary since our military has inspected Russia’s nuclear weapons. Each day that passes without New START ratified is another day our country walks blind, unable to assess Russian arsenals. This treaty will reduce deployed long-range nuclear weapons by 30%, and put in place stringent verification measures. Ratification is critical to avoid a new arms race with both escalating dangers and escalating costs. I encourage readers to call Senator............ and Senator............, [insert the names of both your Senators] at the Capitol switchboard, 202 214 3121, and urge them to vote to ratify the New START Treaty. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and the entire upper-level military have come out strongly in favor of this treaty, because, they say, it is crucial for America's security.
Sincerely,
[Your name, return address, and a phone number where the paper can reach you to verify that you wrote the letter]
Note: Because of the short timing, it would be best to submit your letter on the paper's website or by fax. Also, please call both of your senators' offices directly, and urge them to vote to ratify the New START Treaty.
Photo: Untitled (goat rides hours), Tim Barber 2002.
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