We should all be concerned about the attempt to pass measures which could skuttle diplomatic negotiations with Iran and bring us closer to another disasterous Middle East war. Senate bill 1881 violates the recent US agreement with Iran, and pledges support for Israel if it attacks. The house will consider unrealistic demands which will also destroy the very negotiations that could provide real nuclear security. Let our congress members know that we want them to support diplomacy and prevent another costly war.

The failure of the "Grand Bargain" - the proposal to cut Social Security benefits and raise taxes to protect the Pentagon budget from cuts - shows that Washington can be made to do the right thing if the choices are framed correctly. It turned out that the 1% preferred cutting the Pentagon budget to having their taxes raised. Chuck Schumer and Robert Menendez are trying to blow up the President's diplomacy with Iran by pushing for a Senate vote on new sanctions. If Schumer and Menendez blow up diplomacy, the only thing left on the menu in the restaurant will be war. Before the Senate votes on the Schumer-Menendez bill, the Senate should tell us who is going to pay for the war. Urge economic populists Sherrod Brown and Bernie Sanders to introduce Senate legislation saying that if the U.S. goes to war with Iran, the top 1% of the income distribution should have their taxes increased to pay for the financial cost of the war.

We all must become activists if we are going to save this nation.

Ten Democratic Senate Committee chairs recently wrote to Senate Majority Leader Reid in strong opposition to the Menendez bill that would impose new sanctions on Iran. The Obama Administration has warned that passage of the Menendez bill would blow up U.S. diplomacy with Iran and set the U.S. on a path towards war. But Parry Murray, Maria Cantwell, and Bernie Sanders did not sign the letter, although they are also committee chairs. Urge Murray, Cantwell, and Sanders to stand up for diplomacy and prevent war. References: Letter of the 10 Democratic committee chairs: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/19/iran-sanctions_n_4475204.html Obama Administration's warning to Democratic Senators on the Menendez bill: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2013/12/19/white-house-to-senate-dems-your-iran-sanctions-bill-makes-war-more-likely/

I have been demonstrating against war in Iraq and Afghanistan for years and am horrified at the prospect of widening war.

In open defiance of the Obama Administration, New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez has introduced a bill that would impose new sanctions on Iran. Ten Democratic Senate committee chairs have written to Majority Leader Reid, warning that passage of the Menendez bill would likely blow up the Administration's diplomacy with Iran, leaving military force as the only option to restrain Iran's nuclear program. Ohio Democratic Senator and progressive champion Sherrod Brown has not co-sponsored the Menendez bill. But he has been an original co-sponsor of AIPAC-promoted bills in the past. Thus, Senator Brown is sure to face extreme pressure from AIPAC to co-sponsor this pro-war bill. Urge Senator Brown to stand tall against AIPAC's pressure and to support the President's diplomatic engagement with Iran. Congress should not undermine the President's efforts to prevent another war in the Middle East.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai is refusing to sign an agreement with the U.S. unless the U.S. agrees to transfer Afghan prisoners from Gitmo and start peace talks with the Afghan Taliban. These are just demands; they are stated U.S. policy. Transferring the Afghan prisoners is key to the return home of U.S. soldier Bowe Bergdahl and key to the beginning of peace talks to end the war. Peace talks are key to the safe withdrawal of U.S. troops. President Obama should implement the prisoner transfer without delay and start the peace talks without delay.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai is refusing to sign an agreement with the U.S. unless the U.S. agrees to transfer Afghan prisoners from Gitmo and start peace talks with the Afghan Taliban. These are just demands; they are stated U.S. policy. Transferring the Afghan prisoners is key to the return home of U.S. soldier Bowe Bergdahl and key to the beginning of peace talks to end the war. Peace talks are key to the safe withdrawal of U.S. troops. President Obama should implement the prisoner transfer without delay and start the peace talks without delay.

The recent hangings after judicial trials in Bangla Desh has raised issues of Human Rights Violation. The fairness of these trials may bring closure not necessarily reconciliation but current hangings after these trials seems to perpetuate the cycle of injustice. These trials must be held under the norms of international laws and World should not allow further atrocities to be committed under Judicial cover.

I recently returned from a trip to Israel and came away feeling more than ever that everything possible must be done to establish peace for Israel and her neighbors. Trying to bring Iran into the world community is an important effort. Don't let our Congress, including New York City's own representatives, torpedo that effort.

Imposing additional sanctions by the US Congress while the current agreement is being implemented is to undermine the efforts of World's six strongest nations and Iran to reach a peaceful solution. Sanctions can always be imposed if Iran fails to adhere to its obligations under the negotiated agreement.

I am worried that Mississippians will be seen as leading the world to war with Iran, fighting against our own Secretary of State who is in negotiations with the leaders of Iran.