Support the ABM Treaty and Oppose Missile Defense!

We, the undersigned, strongly believe that the US should remain a signatory to the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty.

Whereas nuclear weapons remain a threat to humankind;

Whereas the ABM Treaty has been the cornerstone of international arms control efforts since its inception in 1972;

Whereas the ABM Treaty has helped maintain trusting, lasting relationships with traditional allies of the United States and has been the foundation for positive relationships with Russia and other nuclear states;

Whereas the ABM Treaty remains an important means of limiting the threat of nuclear war and the proliferation of nuclear weapons;

Whereas the ABM Treaty is an important symbol of the United States' commitment to global peace and cooperation in order to limit the proliferation of nuclear weapons and remains an important and viable method for safeguarding international peace;

Whereas the American people have made it overwhelmingly clear that they support a reasoned approach toward arms control policy-which the ABM Treaty represents-and not a buildup of weapons system and programs;

Whereas the ABM Treaty helps ensure that no country questions the validity of the established and proven principles of deterrence, which remains an important and viable method for safeguarding international peace;

Whereas we are troubled by the Bush Administration's desire to withdraw from the ABM Treaty in order to develop and build a National Missile Defense System;

Whereas no National Missile Defense system has proven to be reliable, despite numerous trial tests;

Whereas withdrawing from, or abrogating, the ABM Treaty in order to continue development of a National Missile Defense System could weaken ties with traditional allies of the United States and alienate friendly, non-nuclear countries;

Whereas withdrawing from, or abrogating, the ABM Treaty would destabilize the international relations and could spur nuclear states to pursue a new arms race with the United States;

Whereas deployment of a National Missile Defense system presently outlawed by the ABM Treaty would undermine deterrence, thereby increasing tension between nuclear powers and increasing worldwide instability;

Whereas a National Missile Defense system would also be perceived by other states as a threat and could hinder attempts to further reduce nuclear arsenals;

Whereas increased tension between nuclear powers threatens the stability that makes economic and social cooperation between such powers possible;

Whereas the events of September 11, 2001-and the worldwide response to them-underscore the fact that interstate cooperation is extraordinarily important for protecting the security of United States citizens;

Whereas a National Missile Defense system would not have prevented the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001;

Whereas terrorist groups or rogue nations are far more likely to use simple means to threaten or harm the United States as opposed to the types of weapons a National Missile Defense system would defend against;

Whereas withdrawing from the ABM Treaty and developing a NMD system would divert scarce taxpayer dollars and attention away from more pressing threats to our national security;

Whereas these scarce resources should be earmarked for homeland security priorities, such as increased airline security, public health measures, and rebuilding those communities affected by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that in the interests of United States citizens, and all of humankind, that the United States should—

(1) Remain a signatory to the ABM Treaty;

(2) Not encourage Russia to withdraw in order to validate United States
efforts to build a National Missile Defense system;

(3) Continue to work cooperatively with Russia and other nuclear powers to prevent nuclear proliferation, reduce the number of weapons in current arsenals, and facilitate nuclear disarmament.

Sincerely,
The Undersigned