My last post described how just 600 motivated voters helped get the New START arms control treaty passed in 2010, and asked you to work in a similar way to help prevent a second Korean War. There has been good news in the two weeks since that post. I am writing now to relay that news and provide more details on how you can work most effectively in this critically needed effort.
I sent a copy of my one page summary on North Korea to my Congresswoman, Anna Eshoo, and I just received a copy of a “Dear Colleague” letter that she sent to all 434 other members of the House of Representatives, including that summary.
While it’s very helpful that she sent her “Dear Colleague” letter, most representatives and senators will pay at least as much attention to personalized appeals from their constituents … that’s you! So, if you want to help prevent a second Korean War, here’s what you should do.
Get the Washington, DC phone numbers for your representative and senators by a web search. For example, I found Anna’s by searching on Anna Eshoo 202. (The area code for DC is 202.) Call the office and ask which aide works on national security, military, or foreign affairs. Get that person’s email address and then send them a short email telling them you hope they will support the three bills listed at the end of my summary (H.R.4140, S.2016, and S.2047). Mention that Rep. Anna Eshoo of California’s 18th Congressional District sent a “Dear Colleague” letter to them already, and attach that PDF to your email. (That’s the same link as above. The PDF includes my one page summary, so you don’t have to send it separately.) Having you second Anna’s request will really help, especially if you can get several friends from your District to do the same.
It’s a long shot that one of these bills will become law. But it was also a long shot that concerned voters could play a key role in the ratification of New START. Isn’t it worth a try?
Thanks!
Defusing the Nuclear Threat 