Step 2 - Write a Letter to the Editor Against Trump’s War in Iran.

Recommended Basic Structure & Sample Talking Points

1) Start with a Strong Opening Statement

• I join people across North Carolina and the entire nation in denouncing the United States and Israel’s illegal and immoral war with Iran can
• This illegal war reflects a profound disregard for the U.S. constitution and the sacredness of human life.
• President Trump’s threat on Tuesday that “A whole civilization will die tonight” if a deal was not reached is unconscionable.

2) Identify yourself and your concerns / what’s at stake for you and your community.

• As a ____ (mother, teacher, healthcare provider) this war has impacted our communities, schools, healthcare facilities, etc.) __________ (gas prices, islamophobia, etc.)
• As a person of faith / conscience, I am outraged by …. ___________
• As a veteran - I am appalled by Trump’s threat to Commit War Crimes in Iran
• As a taxpayer in ________ I am outraged that my tax dollars are funding this violence and unlawful actions instead of essential social Services like healthcare and food assistance.

Choose one topic or piece of information to go into more detail about.

Economy

• Our nation chooses to spend countless billions on war, while it cuts what little is dedicated to programs like healthcare, and food assistance for the American people.
• Our nation’s budget is a moral document. It shows us what and who we value. This administration has clearly demonstrated that it does not value life, safety, and well-being both at home and abroad.
• The rising cost of gas, food and other basic needs has deeply affected people in my community.

The People of Iran -

• Trump initially claimed that this war was intended to advance the freedom and self-determination of the Iranian people, but it is clear that this war has only deepened the suffering of the Iranian people and undermined the possibility of their liberation.
• The impact of war is measured not only in lives lost, but in families torn apart, communities displaced, economies devastated, and generations left to carry the trauma of violence.

False Narrative about American Safety

• This war does not make American citizens safer! We must reject any narrative claiming that our safety and freedom depends on the oppression of any peoples, be they immigrants, asylum seekers or the citizens of Iran.

The Connection Between Trump’s Domestic and International Tactics

• There is a clear connection between the autocratic ideologies driving this war and the violent authoritarianism being inflicted on the people of the United States. From Tehran to Gaza, Beirut to Minneapolis.
• The struggles of oppressed peoples across the globe are always connected.

Islamophobia

• The Trump administration’s actions are part of a long-standing pattern of anti-Muslim policies rooted in Christian nationalist ideology.
• We must reject the portrayals Muslims and Arabs as “religious extremists,” and “terrorists.” They have given license to politically motivated violence against Muslims and people perceived as Muslims. This includes the tragic murder of three Muslim students, Deah Barakat, Yusor Abu-Salha, and Razan Abu-Salh in Chapel Hill on February 10th, 2015.

Strong Closing Statement / Make a Specific Demand
*** And consider what short phrase the editor might choose as the heading of your LTE.

• Today we are witnessing a singular moment in American history. If congress does not intercede, they are complicit in this act of terror being committed by our nation.
• How can we claim any moral credibility on the world stage if we don’t unequivocally denounce Trump’s threat to end an entire civilization?
• This war is a moral failure that we cannot accept.