Trump’s illegal drone strike against a top Iranian military and political leader — a political assassination and an act of war, done without congressional approval — was an opportunity for candidate Tedra Cobb to present herself as a clear alternative to Trump Republican and incumbent representative Elise Stefanik. In a statement released last Friday, Cobb chose not to present herself as such an alternative. Instead, she only urged Trump to “exhaust all diplomatic options” before “moving forward” with the war.

This is a war that would certainly dwarf the disastrous Iraq War in terms of casualties and in terms of cost. That war accomplished nothing and immiserated millions, many already suffering as a result of other actions this country and its accomplices have taken. A new war would do the same, on an even larger scale. Diverting money, attention, and effort from our last-minute, last-ditch plans to stem the climate crisis, it could even condemn humanity worldwide to certain disaster. It boggles the mind why Cobb would not take a clear and explicit stand against one of the most senseless of all senseless wars.

If Cobb wishes to represent the progressives of NY21 in Congress, she needs to be the progressive we would like. It is clear that in this case she is going whichever way the wind blows, so it is our job to tell her to be a progressive. I hope that instead of accepting whatever Cobb chooses to offer, progressive voters in NY21 will tell her what they aren’t willing to accept, what nobody should be willing to accept, and to demand that she say NO new war with Iran. NY21 progressives have been very clear that they hold this position. Why can’t Tedra?

It is no exaggeration to say that the fate of the world depends upon avoiding the absurd war that Trump wants and Cobb is apparently open to. People in power will not choose peace willingly. That is something that we have to demand from them. It is also something we have to demand of people who would like to represent us.

Corey McGrath

North Country Anti-War Working Group

Potsdam