Buerger Bites

Maryland: Stop Aiding Iran

I don’t think it’s just me, but during the five minutes or so I that I’m filling my gas tank, I watch the pump’s numbers move so fast now that they’re a blur. Since I’ve heard it’s not safe to use your cellphone near a gas pump, my mind wanders to thinking about cash registers ringing in Iran – thanks to me and some 300 million other Americans. I feel as if I’m just transferring my hard earned money straight to the mullahs, who then transfer it to al-Qeda in Iraq, Hamas, Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad.

In case you’ve missed it, as Hamas’s biggest backer, Iran is basically handing over to the radical Islamists our oil money to launch missile after missile into Israel towns. (That is, except for when Sen. John McCain is touring those towns. Even for Hamas it would be bad P.R. to shell a leading presidential candidate.)

Like you, I feel helpless reading the daily papers as Sderot and Ashkelon get shelled. And I feel helpless when hearing about how Iran continually is making the situation in Iraq worse. Military action won’t work. A fence won’t work. Nor will peace talks.

But money? Money will work. Cut of the supply of dollars from Iran to Hamas and others and we’ll get everyone’s attention. That’s why it’s so important for the Maryland Legislature to pass the Iran Divestment law, which is now languishing before committee.

It’s stuck in front of the legislators because they are fearful that State Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp might not support it. She’s afraid that it does not meet constitutional muster because Maryland’s citizens might not think such limitations are the most fiscally responsible way to manage state funds.

Other states, such as Missouri, have already passed the bill, and others are considering it. The performance of their portfolios has not been affected by this.

This War on Terror has already cost our state plenty. Our National Guard troops have been killed, as have so many other Americans and others. This is a case of an ounce of prevention. If we can hurt Iran economically, it could save Maryland millions in dollars and more importantly in priceless lives. We can avoid an invasion of Iran and suppress the heavy costs of terror.

Don’t let our state’s money go to supporting corporations who do business with Iran. Act now to encourage your state legislatures to make sure this becomes Maryland law. Specifically talk to them about Senate Bill 214 and House Bill 371.