A new coalition of local peace groups held a rally Sunday afternoon in downtown Long Beach calling for support of troops and ending their deployment in Iraq.
A crowd of 140 religious protesters, military families, veterans and concerned citizens of all ages gathered around the busy corner near Ocean Boulevard and Pine Street, receiving honks of support and cheers from motorists.
The peace coalition feels that the U.S. should not spend a single penny more to send our young people to their deaths in a civil war that has no end in sight. Participating and sponsoring groups included the Stop the War Ministry Team of Long Beach’s First Congregational Church Military Families Speak Out-Long Beach /South Bay Chapter, the Social Action Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach, the Peace & Justice Ministry of St. Luke’s Church and the Long Beach Peace Network.
“This war is based on a perfect storm of ignorance about the Iraqi people, the fantasies and protections of a few ideologies and a litany of lies. It has destroyed hundreds of thousands of lives and has left Iraq in shambles. In truth, there is no way out of the chaos we have unleashed,” said Rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Gary Commins in a press release. “But what is clear is that keeping American troops in Iraq has not helped and will not help to quell the chaos. Only difficult diplomacy and the renunciation of American self-interest can begin to heal Iraq.”
To pressure local members of Congress as they approach this month’s vote of war funding, the rally handed out flyers to passers-by, providing contact details and talking points to enable them to communicate with their U.S. Senators and local U.S. Representatives.
Reverend Jerry Stinson of the First Congregational Church of Long Beach said, “This really is an important opportunity to let members of Congress know that they must end funding for the occupation and withdraw American troops from Iraq. We must help the people of Iraq to rebuild their nation and support an Iraqi-led peace process.”
Edric Guise of the Stop the War Ministry Team agreed, saying “War supporters in Congress need to hear and see our consistent opposition and supporters of peace need our support and encouragement. No more senseless deaths.”
