While tensions between the U.S. and Iran appear to have eased, local Eugene activists and politicians remain intent on preventing possible war. Protestors filled a downtown church on Saturday for a global day of action rally.
The event at First Christian Church attracted several politicians including, Eugene City Councilor Greg Evans, who spoke about his family’s military service. His son is currently deployed in South Korea and he said he worries about possible escalations.
“I’m proud of my son’s service, I’m proud of my family’s service, I didn’t serve, I decided that wasn’t for me. But, I do not want my son killed because of a lie,” Evans said. Evans said the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan were based on lies.
Democratic U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio also spoke at the event. He said he wants to limit the president’s ability to use military force. He assured listeners the legislation will pass the Democrat majority House this week.
Although he acknowledged bipartisan success in the past, he questioned the outcome of this upcoming piece of legislation.
“Let’s see what [House Republicans] do now in this atmosphere. Do they still have the courage of their convictions or will they just be like the Senate and do whatever it is Trump wants,” DeFazio said.
One of DeFazio’s political challengers for Oregon’s 4th Congressional District, Democrat Doyle Canning was also present. Canning released her anti-war platform that included ending military draft registration and cutting the defense budget.
“This platform is not just about stopping Tump’s latest escalation of war with Iran, but about the ending the forever wars, exposing U.S. backed interference abroad and taking a stand against the military industrial complex,” Canning said.
Climate change activists and veterans also spoke out against war by describing its effect on those who served, and those caught in the middle.
Copyright KLCC 2020
