February 25, 2003

Rep. Jerry Lewis
1150 Brookside Ave, Ste J-5
Redlands, CA  92373-6314

RE: Invasion of Iraq

Dear Rep. Lewis:

As we draw nearer to the brink of war, I am becoming convinced that, as dangerous a madman as Saddam Hussein may be, a direct invasion will prove catastrophic.

I am opposed to this war because it is widely perceived as an aggressive war, an attack on a country which can’t really harm the U.S. and which - even if it is ruled by a genuinely wicked man - is full of basically decent people who do not merit bombing. It's not the same situation as a war between industrial powers, where the destruction of infrastructure is a precondition of victory. This will permanently damage our place in the world. No subsequent diplomacy or accomplishment of great things will ever repair the fact that the United States undertook to conquer some distant nation out of a convience of domestic policy.

I am opposed to this war because I think it will make the people of Iraq worse off. The present American administration did little to try to rebuild the infrastructure of Afghanistan, and there is nothing in the news that makes me think they have any true care or concern for the folk of Iraq.

I am opposed to this war because it will create chaos, and it is in chaos that chemical and biological weapons become lost and scattered and available to the foes of peace and freedom.

I know that you voted for the passage of H.J.RES.114 back in October, authorizing the use of force against Iraq. I am begging you to reconsider that position. We can not afford the death, destruction and chaos that would result. Please vote NO on a war against Iraq.

Sincerely,

Rachel S. Heslin

cc:	Rep. Jerry Lewis
	 2112 Rayburn House Office Bldg
	Washington, DC  20510-0540