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Editor: 

Congressional Representative Barbara Lee has been heavily criticized for her lone vote against the War Powers Resolution, being called anti-patriotic and divisive to our united front. With the rest of the House and Senate unanimously supporting the measure, our government and nation’s resolve to respond to the horrendous terrorist acts is unquestionable. Knowing the measure would be enthusiastically passed, Lee took a symbolic stand reminding America that peace is still an option and that there are many who support it. During these past tumultuous weeks much of the country has been whipped into a pro-vengeance, pro-war fervor. Lee’s vote does not undermine justice for the victims and their families, rather she is asserting that Congress should retain its right to check Bush’s power and maintain limits on the military’s actions. In the tense times preceding potential war, when civil rights are tightened and national ethics are softened, Barbara Lee is the voice for the basic American Ideals we must not lose sight of Freedom and Democracy.  

Stephanie Don 

Berkeley