Letter: Naval blockade could start WWIII

To the Editor:

What are congressional leaders thinking? They are about to pass House Resolution 362 and Senate 580 with little discussion, giving President Bush authority to set up a naval blockade of Iran.

If you think this effective diplomacy, think again. Suppose a country established a naval blockade of the United States. What do you think our response would be? This would be considered an act of war.

The last time Congress did something like this was Oct. 11, 2002. That infamous day they passed the Military Force Against Iraq Resolution. This opened the door for the Bush administration to invade Iraq. This invasion is regarded as a huge mistake. It is amazing that Congress still puts such trust in Bush.

You may not know Israel has conducted war games and simulated bombing of Iran. Obviously Iran will retaliate if attacked by Israel.

This will give Bush the authority to start the blockade and then to bomb Iran. Project this scenario any which way: It will become a disaster and maybe begin of World War III. If you do not believe that then maybe you are not worried about $10 to $15 gas either. What would that do to your life?

I went to the Minneapolis with 25 concerned citizens wishing to speak to Sen. Amy Klobuchar about this as she is a co-sponsor to this legislation along with Sen. Norm Coleman. This is not the bipartisanship that citizens want.

Seeing Minnesota senators support another war is disappointing to those of us who listened to Democratic campaign speeches two years ago.

Klobuchar was not in. Her staff knew nothing of this legislation but we were promised she would be getting back to us soon.

It had better be soon. There are insiders in Washington, D.C., who believe we could be attacking Iran within two months.

Before the invasion of Iraq. on this very page in March 2003, I said: "Congress did not debate (on Oct. 11) about this war so it is up to the man or woman in the street to do it. Our congressmen and congresswomen gave up their rights to this debate but it doesn't mean the rest of us have to as well."

Obviously Congress is prepared to repeat history. Will you too? Act now before it is too late.

Bill Habedank

Red Wing

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