Memo to Charlie Rangel

Please do not allow the Congress to authorize any additional military spending. President Bush has indicated he will request an additional $50 billion for the military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. President Bush and his military have not demonstrated the competence to use taxpayer money for military operations.

The Congress has already authorized far more money for war than the most exhorbitant estimates by any expert prior to the invasion and occupation of Iraq. The "cost overrun" of the Iraqi occupation disqualifies the Bush administration from any further credibility or allocations by the American people.

Additionally, it is widely believed that President Bush is seeking an opportunity to effectuate "regime change" in Tehran. The United States is already viewed by our former friends as an aggressive, rogue state. If we proceed to unilaterally attack Iran, causing infrastructure damage and civilian casualties, for whatever ostensible reason, we will further drive a wedge between the American people and the good will of Europeans, Asians, Africans and South Americans.

Finally, military spending has increased drastically under the Bush administration, and domestic programs, as well as traditional diplomatic programs, have received less support from the government and the media. This is a dangerous imbalance that I'm sure you agree needs to be rectified. We must reduce military spending in the long term in order to focus as a country on rejuvenating our society for the future, and building alliances for global cooperation.

Therefore, please use your power and any means at your disposal to impede the appropriation of any additional funds for military operations on behalf of the Bush Administration.

Please work to reduce overall military spending and military conflict as soon as possible.

Thank you for all your hard work.

Sincerely,