Many of us, including most working on this campaign, are embroiled in heated debate over the situation in Gaza. This campaign advocates that, regardless of our differences, we should all agree that the killing of civilians must come to an immediate end. Further, we should work in unity to pressure our own government to use its power to enact a ceasefire and an end to all forms of collective punishment.

Without a ceasefire, we are likely to see a staggering number of civilian deaths in Gaza, perhaps in the tens of thousands. These deaths will, in turn, likely escalate the conflict into a regional war involving several nations, resulting in many Israeli civilian casualties. It is in the interest of people on both sides of this conflict that the bloodshed halt immediately.

The US government has the power and influence to enact a ceasefire. Unfortunately, we know the Biden administration has no interest in avoiding escalation, telling its diplomats not to use phrases that would urge calm. The US government will only support a diplomatic resolution to this conflict if we pressure them. To be most effective, we must have a unified front.

Let us set aside our differences for the moment and focus on ending the bloodshed. Thousands of innocent lives are at stake.

Sean Dougherty for Congress
October 14, 2023