Trump’s warmongering and waste make our struggles worse.

Dear editor at Oswego County Today,

As President Trump not only refuses to end his illegal war on Iran but considers new strikes (and will no doubt try any distraction as a lame duck after 3 November), Congress must act.

This unjustified war of aggression that we started is a black mark on our country and on our military. As a young RA infantry officer, I saw another war, whose only justification was Cold War politics, but was some — you could argue — reason to go to SE Asia. Iran is run by a miserable, vicious dictatorial administration, but so are many other countries that are actual threats. This war is a waste in every respect.

Thousands have been killed, including children and 21 U.S. servicemembers. And we have another incompetent running the Pentagon, another religious zealot no better than the Iranian rulers he claims to hate, and he is wrecking our military.

Congress — including all the cowardly Republicans in thrall to our convicted criminal-in-chief — must show up and speak for their constituents who roundly oppose Trump’s war by rejecting EVERY Pentagon funding bill, including the annual National Defense Authorization Act, Defense Appropriations Act, or standalone legislation that could be used to fund further violence and suffering.

People across the country are struggling in the face of Trump’s illegal warmongering: American households have already spent roughly $2,000 extra in economic costs. Our bills could get even higher amidst cuts to healthcare, SNAP, and other vital programs, cuts that could have all been restored at less cost than this misadventure for one draft dodger’s ego.

Congress must vote NO on authorizing so much as one more dime for illegal war.

Sincerely,

Dale Tomlinson