Analyst's note: Absolutely must read and carefully consider the impact on our national security. Here is insight on the proposed START that was just shared with me by a friend. We certainly want our readers to be aware of this situation as well. Please note that the "Heritage Action is taking this debate directly to the American people. Washington’s self-anointed foreign policy czars do not believe you should have a voice in this debate. They prefer the old days, when disarmament groups “lobbied quietly behind the scenes.”
We certainly don't support such a fatally flawed treaty -- see the bullet points below -- and we must NOT let our elected representatives consider it as "acceptable." Please consider joining 42,809 Americans who have signed their petition thus far calling on the Senate to reject the proposed treaty as it now stands.
Dear COL ____,
Last week, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee postponed consideration of the New START treaty. The delay represents a significant defeat for President Obama, who wanted the treaty approved before the August recess. More importantly, it allows Americans an opportunity to be part of this important debate.
During the past month, Heritage Action has met with dozens of Senators and their staffs to discuss the treaty’s flaws. Now, the inside-Washington types are taking notice. A recent editorial credited Heritage Action with “forc[ing] a delay on the ratification vote” and went so far as to say that we are “winning.” Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle also recognized the “influence” we are having on this debate.
Unfortunately, proponents of New START prefer to dismiss our “winning” arguments as purely political. In doing so, they are avoiding a serious debate on the questionable merits of this treaty. That is wrong.
- ignores Russia’s massive tactical nuclear arsenal;
- fails to mention the dual nuclear threat posed by North Korea and Iran;
- empowers an independent entity to change the treaty;
- limits America’s missile defensive capabilities;
- contains weak verification measures; and,
- restricts future conventional arms.
Serious arms control experts share these concerns: Eric Edelman, former undersecretary of defense for policy; Robert Joseph, former undersecretary of state for arms control and international security; former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton; and Paula A. DeSutter, former assistant secretary of state for verification and compliance.
When not dodging serious arguments against the treaty, proponents act offended that Heritage Action is taking this debate directly to the American people. Washington’s self-anointed foreign policy czars do not believe you should have a voice in this debate. They prefer the old days, when disarmament groups “lobbied quietly behind the scenes.”
Fortunately, that time has passed. So far, nearly 40,000 Americans have signed our petition calling on the Senate to reject the treaty.
Heritage Action will continue to educate Senators, their staff and the American people between now and September 15, when the committee is expected to vote on the treaty. Senators and their staffs also need to hear from you. Make sure they understand that supporting a fatally flawed treaty is not acceptable.
Thank you for your dedication to conservatism, and a stronger, safer America.
Sincerely,
Michael A. Needham
Chief Executive Officer
Heritage Action for America
