I want to praise Maine’s congressional delegation for their opposition to President Bush’s surge in troop levels.

However, I am extremely concerned that Congress must also act immediately to prevent the president from attacking Iran. For the past year, reputable people in the government and media have been saying that the president has been considering invading Iran. A possible invasion seems to be almost ready with the Navy buildup in the Persian Gulf and the surge of troops in Iraq.

Congress must take the initiative for stopping this possible invasion, and stop limiting itself to reactive responses, which come too late. They must outlaw any attack on Iran without permission from Congress. If the president has no intention of another war of aggression, then no harm will be done.

If he does, then Congress will have done our country and the world a great good deed. Congress has the war making power in this country, according to the Constitution, not the president. If Congress waits until the president invades Iran to act, it will take months or years to stop the mess. I ask them to please act now.

Jane McCloskey

Deer Isle