Schakowsky: Depleted Uranium, Iraq

Dear Representative Schakowsky,

I am writing to express concern about a little discussed consequence of our war in Iraq, namely, the proliferation of spent munitions containing depleted uranium. It is hard to determine what effect such a massive introduction of nuclear waste has had on the people who live there but we can point to some chilling statistics as evidence that this very dangerous element is making a mess of people’s lives. In Fallujah, it is reported that a staggering 25% of babies are being born with serious physical birth deformities. The pictures are at once grotesque and heartbreaking. Cancer, according to some reports, has risen to epidemic levels.

We promised that we would end our occupation of Iraq responsibly. But I don’t think we can do that unless we take responsibility for these less visible victims of that war. I have included a link to a BBC story on the subject for your consideration: http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8548000/8548926.stm

I would like to know your thoughts on these spent munitions, what we can do to help alleviate the suffering they seemed to have caused and how we can work to remove uranium from our weapons stockpiles. Because I believe our military engagements have much to do with these tragic health crises I am deeply ashamed to think that for years to come Afghan and now Libyan mothers will be giving birth to severely deformed babies. The thought alone leaves a pit in my stomach.

I send warm greetings for Passover and the hope that the holiday has been one you have spent with your family and loved ones.

-HW