March 7, 1998

Madeleine K. Albright
Secretary of State
United States Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520

Dear Secretary Albright:

I am writing to after having listened to the sound bights on the news during the so called town meeting that occurred at Ohio State University. I was dismayed and horrified at the contempt displayed by you, the administration, Defense Secretary William Cohen and National Security Adviser Sandy Berger toward the members of the audience asking questions. You acted as if you had never heard these questions.

You act as if "the Public" is a problem to be managed or an inconvenience that must be handled. Did it ever occur to you that not only the rest of the world thinks that bombing Iraq is not the way to go, but the majority of Americans consider bombing a far more serious matter than do you so called leaders. Most people I talk to are much less willing to take on the responsibilities of unilateral military action. And I believe the support for the United Nations remains high for the American Public. You are servants of the American people. Your job is to listen to what they have to say, not dictate. Public policy is not the precinct for professionals only. You could not even answer simple direct questions.

This was hardly a town meeting but a sham attempt to garner public support for the planned strike against Iraq. What is the security interest that is threatening the United States? Since we are unsure about where Iraq’s weapons are, how can we direct a bombing strike against them? Why do his neighbors not feel threatened? I can go on and on. We have enough nuclear weapons on one trident submarine to destroy life in the Northern Hemisphere. How can we make such demands on Iraq?

And talk about mass destruction. How can any sane human being justify the genocide caused by this embargo. 1,200,000 people have died as a direct result. And you have the gal to say that it is worth it. I hold you in contempt. Please, please, please stop this madness. And last of all you and the administration should drop to your knees and give thanks to Kofi Annan for the settlement that he negotioated.

Sincerely,