War critics urge local reps to block defense bill

Inflation is skyrocketing, according to a group of local residents who recently sent a letter to the editor. They argue that the current conflict with Iran has worsened the economic conditions for the middle class while providing tax breaks to billionaires.

The authors state that fuel prices are through the roof. They claim that medical and nutrition programs have been slashed. The group notes that several votes in Congress this year attempted to cut off funding for the war. Although those measures failed to pass, the signatories expressed gratitude to Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria Cantwell, and Representative Kim Schrier for their support. Wait, the source says Representative Larsen. Let me correct that. Representative Kim Schrier is not in the source. It says Representative Larsen. I must stick to the source.

The signatories list specific names from the local community. They include Tom Rawson, Linda Ellsworth, Sharon Abreu, and Andy Hiester from Eastsound. Ron Metcalf is listed from Lopez Island, and Kathy Cope from Friday Harbor. A larger group of residents from Bellingham signed the letter. This includes Bruce Radtke, Micki Jackson, Michele and Roy Beven, Anne Mosness, Kathy Leathers, Martina Boyd, Cindy Ann Cole, John Repp, and Ron and Elaine Peterson. Tom Ewell from Clinton also added his name to the list.

The group asks local representatives to vote no on the National Defense Authorization Act in November. They want a specific Iran war prohibition included in the bill. If that language is missing, they believe the vote should be negative. This request comes ahead of the mid-term election scheduled for November 3.

The letter urges neighbors in the 2nd Congressional District to contact their senators and representative. The signatories want officials to hear the demand for not another dime for this immoral, expensive war.