Peace Statement
Ames (Iowa) Friends Meeting

Believing that there is that of God in every person, Ames Friends Meeting opposes war with Iraq.  We oppose this war (as we oppose all war) because it violates the primacy of love, destroys lives that God has given, and tears the fabric of society. While we believe nations should always look for ways to avoid war, we find the prospect of war with Iraq  particularly disturbing because it seriously undermines the efforts toward international law and diplomacy that emerged so hopefully in the last century. The concept of preemptive attack violates international law and can only lead to escalation of tension and greater international insecurity.

If this war is waged, it will be waged at the cost of the people of Iraq--who are not our enemies--as well as at the cost of our own sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, wives, and husbands serving in the U.S. military. The 1990 Gulf War devastated Iraq's infrastructure and the health and well being of the Iraqi people.  The Gulf War also devastated the lives and health of many American military personnel. Twelve years of sanctions resulted in more suffering for innocent Iraqi men, women, and children. We believe that bombing and invasion are likely to sow the seeds of future conflicts and bring further devastation and suffering to the people of Iraq and to members of the American military.

We commend the United Nations and the Security Council for their efforts to find a peaceful solution. We urge the leaders of our country to use the massive wealth and power of our nation to promote justice, equity, and prosperity, rather than to inflict violence, poverty, and death.

Deb Fink and Ebby Luvaga, Clerks