John,

Yesterday, news emerged that our criminal President authorized the assassination of Iranian major general Qasem Soleimani. We stand at the brink of a conflict that our country can neither justify nor afford.

Can you stand with us as we challenge this latest military escalation?

Assassinating a foreign leader is an act of war. Journalists have compared the act to the assassination of either the U.S. Vice President or a high-ranking military general.

Trump’s actions are irresponsible. Equally irresponsible, however, were the congressional leaders who just approved his $738 billion defense funding request.

Speaker Pelosi bears particular responsibility.

Not only did Pelosi oppose—and successfully defeat—two proposed amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act that would have prevented Trump’s escalation, but she continues to impose House rules that deny House Members access to classified secrets.

In other words, Speaker Pelosi actively supports executive secrecy and unilateralism, even while pursuing a late, limited, and ultimately theatrical impeachment process that failed to address the President’s worse crimes against our Republic.

Would you rather see San Francisco represented in Washington by a voice promoting peace and accountability?

Trump failed to ask for permission from Congress before committing an act of war that he is constitutionally not authorized to initiate. And, strikingly, no one seems to be asking how we plan to pay for yet another war of aggression.

But militarism is reprehensible for other reasons. It is reprehensible because it diverts public resources from social needs like healthcare and affordable housing. It is reprehensible because it consumes human lives. It is especially reprehensible because it is often bipartisan.

We’ve been down this road before. After Bush’s invasion of Iraq, a million civilians died, alongside 4,500 U.S. troops. Another 32,000 were wounded and will never be the same. In Afghanistan, 2,500 U.S. troops died while another 20,500 have been wounded. Over 100,000 Afghans have died.

This morning, Speaker Pelosi wrote that “American leaders’ highest priority is to protect American lives and interests.” But protecting American (usually, corporate) “interests” has cost the lives of too many Americans, and far more civilians from other countries.

Now, more than ever, we must say “no” to war, and take action to challenge militarism. We deserve leaders and representatives who will stand with us.

I've been arrested participating in direct action to stop a war. I've organized mass demonstrations to pull the plug on a corporate invasion. Today, we’ll be joining a demonstration at Powell & Market from noon until 2pm, and invite you to join us there.

In Congress, I'll continue to wage peace. My experience uniquely situates me to enter Congress as an agent of change.

Will you stand with me—and with global peace & justice—today?

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Wishing you a peaceful new year,

Shahid