Rally to be held on Saturday, September 7th, at 12:00 noon at the Federal Plaza, 50 W. Adams, Chicago
CHICAGO—(ENEWSPF)—September 6, 2013. Although only 9% of the public have expressed support for war with Syria in opinion polls, preparations for war are moving ahead. Anti-war activists in Illinois have been working around the clock to get their “Vote No” message to their legislators.
Opposition is coming from many communities and social groups. Faith based activists, activists from the African American community, parents involved in the struggle to save their children’s schools from closure, and trade unionists are speaking out.
On Saturday, many of these groups will come together for a march and rally to Tell Congress: Vote No on War with Syria!
Joe Iosbaker, an activist with the Anti-War Committee – Chicago, and one of the main organizers of the massive march on the NATO Summit last year, said, “We have an opportunity to stop this war before it starts. Congress reconvenes next Monday, and there’s a real sense of urgency in the movement to get as many people as possible to speak out against a war on Syria.”
Dr. Matar Matar of the Syrian American Forum, explained, “The White House and Pentagon are preparing to attack Syria with cruise missiles. I am very worried about the Unity of Syria, the number of casualties, and refugees who will flee the country, and I am really worried about the kind of weapons will be used by the US during these attacks, such as enriched uranium or white phosphorus such as in Iraq, and the long term consequences of using such a weapons. The Senate is calling for 90 days of war by the American military even though they know that most Americans are against this war. We are asking for people of conscience to say to their representatives: war is not the answer.”
Sponsoring groups: Anti-War Committee – Chicago; Syrian American Forum; ANSWER – Chicago; U.S. Palestinian Community Network – Chicago; American Friends Service Committee; Iraq Veterans Against the War – Chicago; American Party of Labor; March 19th Anti-War Coalition; Northwest Indiana Veterans for Peace; Palestine Solidarity Group – Chicago; Gay Liberation Network; Albany Park, North Park, Mayfair Neighbors for Peace and Justice; 8th Day Center for Justice; Neighbors for Peace; Pakistan Federation of America; International Socialist Organization; Chicago Area Peace Action; Oak Park Coalition for Truth and Justice; AFSCME Local 2858; North Shore Coalition for Peace, Justice and the Environment; Near West Citizens for Peace and Justice; Nicaragua Solidarity Committee; Alliance for Global Justice; and Chicago Faith Coalition on Middle East Policy.
