Say No to US Gasoline Embargo

From WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER - FCNL:

A strong lobbying effort by anti-Iran groups is pressing members of Congress to cosponsor dangerous legislation that would effectively prevent Iran from purchasing refined gasoline products. This gasoline embargo would hurt civilians -- imagine your day without gasoline. The sponsors of this legislation argue that "crippling sanctions" will force Iran to the bargaining table. However, twenty eight years of such U.S. efforts at regime change and bullying have not worked; instead, they have injured ordinary people in Iran.

President Barack Obama is arguing for a new approach with Iran that includes tough, focused, and respectful diplomatic talks to address international concerns about Iran's nuclear program and to persuade Iran to help stabilize Iraq, work for peace in Afghanistan, and stop the killing in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The president's diplomatic efforts have already resulted in some positive signals that Iran could help reduce the violence in Afghanistan.

Your member of Congress may make the "good cop - bad cop" argument that Congress is just helping the president by taking a harder stand and playing the "bad cop." What Congress is really playing is "bad policy." The gasoline embargo - like the Cuban embargo - will only isolate Iran and prop up and protect the most reactionary parties in Iran. Iranians need to see Congress backing President Obama's diplomatic initiative, not undermining it.

*Take Action*

Urge your representative not to cosponsor legislation that would impose a gasoline embargo on Iran:

http://capwiz.com/fconl/issues/alert/?alertid=13252036 .

*Background*

The Orwellian-named "Iran Diplomacy Enhancement Act" (H.R. 1985) would impose penalties on any person or company assisting Iran's petroleum industry and would encourage foreign governments and foreign companies to boycott Iran's energy sector. These harsh additional sanctions could severely undermine prospects for a sustained diplomatic resolution of U.S.-Iran disputes. 

Read more about the bill:http://capwiz.com/fconl/issues/bills/?bill=13210121.