Minute
by Live Oak Friends Meeting
Approved
9/22/02
President
George W. Bush has requested authorization from the Congress
for a unilateral preemptive military attack on Iraq, with the
object of overthrowing the government of that country. We understand
that the Congress is likely to grant his request with no more
than a token debate. We look upon this circumstance with profound
sorrow and dismay. Such a war would be in violation of our obligations
under the Charter of the United Nations and it would set an
extremely dangerous precedent. It would have disastrous consequences
on the welfare and the lives of fellow human beings, both soldiers
and civilians. Its repercussions would extend beyond the borders
of Iraq throughout the entire region and even the world. Its
cost in resources that might otherwise be put to use for peaceful
purposes would be immense.
In
the light of Truth we utterly reject the principle of preemptive
war and the President's proposal to apply it in Iraq. We appeal
to President Bush to stay his hand from the sword of war. We
appeal to the members of Congress, if he persists on his course,
to withhold from him the authorization our Constitution requires
before this country engages in war.
OTHER
QUAKER STATEMENTS & LETTERS
Reviewed:
09/06/2005
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