Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace Founded 1972
“Human Race Not Arms Race”
PO Box 363
Geneseo NY 14454
585-624-3673

May 11, 2010

Dear GVCP Member:

NEXT REGULAR GVCP MEETING: SUNDAY, JUNE 6TH 1:00 PM (Lunch), 1:30 PM (Meeting). Omega Restaurant, 4182 Lakeville Road (Rte 20A) Geneseo.

NEXT GVCP ACTION: Distribute Free Bumperstickers in Geneseo. Saturday, June 12th. Call Hank Stone to volunteer for a two-hour shift. This action is easy and—believe it or not—it’s fun! Call 585-624-3673.

WEEKLY SUNDAY NOON VIGILS FOR PEACE: 12:00 Noon – 1:00 PM in Rochester. East Avenue & Goodman Street. [585-442-3383] Sponsor: Peace Action & Education.

This month’s letter: Iran Sanctions Are the Wrong Move!

Congress is preparing to legislate a virtual blockade of Iran’s gasoline imports that could harm ordinary Iranians. The sanctions would cause suffering for the Iranian people. Sanctions would also alienate our allies, and they could bring us a step closer to war.

In contrast, President Obama is attempting to build international support for United Nations sanctions against Iran, or for a negotiated diplomatic solution with Tehran. The President wants Congress to hold off on the Iran-sanctions legislation until the U.N. reaches an agreement. This agreement would be less harmful to the Iranian people, because it would focus on groups involved in Iran’s nuclear program and on violators of human rights. According to FCNL, “No new sanctions would be the smart U.S. strategy. Focused multilateral sanctions are nonetheless far preferable to the indiscriminate, punitive measure that Congress is preparing to send to the President.” Also, we should encourage all efforts at diplomatic solutions to our differences with Iran. Engagement through diplomacy takes time and patience. In contrast, sanctions take lives.

Urge our Senators to delay any Iranian-sanctions legislation until the President and the U.N. have had time to work out a multilateral plan. Sen. Gillibrand: Tel (585) 263-6250 Fax (585) 263-6247.

Sen. Schumer: Tel (585) 263-5866 Fax (585) 263-3173.

Both Senators have offices at the Federal Office Building, 100 State St., Rochester, NY 14614.

Use websites for all lawmakers to utilize electronic mail.

Peace,

Arnie Matlin for GVCP

GVCP is proud to be affiliated with Peace Action New York State