Syrian Christians and moveon.org hold attack vigil in Ventura
By George Miller
9-9-13– Ventura- A vocal and concerned group of over 150 held a moveon.org and Veterans for Peace-organized “vigil” against Obama’s proposed attack on the Syrian government, outside the Ventura County Government Center on Monday night. According to Syrian group leadership at the event and our own observations, the group was overwhelmingly Christian Syrians, with about 20-25 who appeared to be core moveon.org or like-minded people.
Syrian group leaders identified themselves as: Sarkis Abdulhai, Elian Hanna, Bassam Haljt & Munzer Abdulhaj. They said they were Americans from Syria and were firmly opposed to Obama’s proposed attack on the Syrian government, maintaining that it would destroy the Syrian Army and allow al Quaida to prevail, which would be very bad for Syria. They expressed no hostility to Obama but deplore this policy greatly. They were quite willing to talk and were not at all hostile. They seemed glad they could tell their story and said they were here for peace, against war, and they don’t want civil war.
In response to CJ’s question about Obama’s plan, they said it is wrong, “al Quaida will take Syria and slaughter Christians like sheep.” “We don’t want to get destroyed.” When asked if they have contacted Congressional reps they said “yes” and the response was “great.” “We are all Americans and don’t want to support our enemies.” (paraphrased): In the 1970’s the U.S. supported Osama bin Ladin in Afghanisatn- with the result of 3000 Americans being killed.
While there were many Syrian flags and signs opposing the attack, no American flags were spotted, although a friend there earlier said she saw one. The group signs and rhetoric were opposed to the Obama’s attack on Syria, but many were anti-war in general.
Saying “take me to your leader,” brought this group, above.
There was a much smaller group of anti-war protestors, some of whom had supported Obama, but most weren’t talking about that and instead pointed out the error of this attack and the futility of almost all U.S. wars.
Cindy Peister (above) of Ventura lost her Viet Nam veteran husband last year, she said, to Agent Orange poisoning. She said “the U.S. has the f***ing nerve to object to Syrian chemical warfare, when they have used them for generations” …. “including white phosphorous” …. “depleted uranium, Agent Orange” and more.
Bruce Garber (above), 73, of Ojai, is a long time anti-war protestor, veteran of Washington D.C. and other protests. He said he was in the Army Reserves, but never called up. He claimed that “the Viet Nam war was unnecessary, killing millions” and costing a fortune. Ditto Iraq. He said modern wars are especially hard on the “volunteer army” veterans who are called upon “to serve 2 to 3 or more tours” and often “end up with PTSD,’ or even commit suicide. He says “nothing was gained” and “the world despises us.”
Do it “for the children”
The crowd was well-schooled in protest techniques, marching back and forth on the crosswalks, waving signs/flags, with liberal use of children.
Also there (above) Libertarian Sarah Bales (L) of Orange County (?) and Dana McLorn (R) now of Gardenerville, NV, former President of Ventura County Libertarian Party, to oppose the attack.
Just about all surveys seen show overwhelming opposition to the attack from nearly all quarters. The wisdom of the proposal is beyond the scope of this article. Obama may have an escape from a sure political loser, saved via Russian leader Vladmir Putin’s offer to collect the Syrian government chemical arsenal and put in in a safe place. Some say this is a no-brainer. Of course, if the attack was by Syrian rebels or another party, that’s another problem.
Related news:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/09/09/russia-syria/2785703/
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/sep/10/syria-says-yes-russia-inspired-chemical-weapon-dea/
http://www.weeklystandard.com/print/blogs/putin-didnt-save-obama-he-beat-him
_753730.html
Note: We were later able to interview Veterans for Peace Ventura leader Gabriel Serrano. He is opposed to the proposed Syrian and other govt. attacks. He feels that the alliance of government and corporations does not benefit the people as currently structured and “has voided the power of Democracy.” Serrano belives that this is acomplished via “communications sophistication.” He says that the Patriot Act has placed the Constitution in abeyance and that unless you have money, there is no justice. Mr. Serrano says he was an 18 year old soldier in Viet Nam in 1966 and a “true blue patriot.” He says his turning point was reading the Pentagon papers and learning about the corruption. He has been an anti-war activist since 1973. When questioned about beliefs, he said he supports the idea of a “Socialist government structure,” but believes in a “higher being,” citing God, Buddha, Confuscianism, Koran, etc. He listed former Presidents Allende (Chile) and Chavez (Venezuela) as ideals.
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George Miller is a “retired” operations management consultant, active in civic affairs, living in Oxnard.
