What impact might the midterm elections have on the war in Iran and other hostilities around the world? The leader of a national advocacy group is coming to Syracuse to map out plans to boost the cause of peace.
Opposition to the war in Iran was certainly a main reason for the so-called blue wave of democrats winning this November’s elections.
Peace Action President Kevin Martin called the slate of candidates that ran this election who advocated for peace, the best he’s seen in 40 years of activism. The vast majority of those won, and once in office could use the power of congress to end the war.
“Congress has passed war powers resolutions, to declare that there is no legal justification for the war in Iran. They could continue to do that. So if they passed in both the House and the Senate, an Iran more powers resolution to end the war and Trump vetoed it, they might actually have the votes to override it,” said Martin.
After the midterms: Ending wars, Building justice
Syracuse Peace Council, 2013 E. Genesee St.; 6:00 pm doors open; 7:00 pm presentation & discussion
Even before January when the newly elected members take office, the current congress could end all funding for the war in a continuing resolution due for a vote next month.
Martin urges New yorkers to pressure Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to take up this and other causes for peace, “demand that we are addressing the needs of people all over this country, not the oligarchy, not the war machine.”
He added that voters sent a message to redirect priorities with US tax dollars, “to stay here to fund the redevelopment of our economy, to lower prices, make life more affordable, not be spending money on nuclear weapons, on a gargantuan $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget, and not sending weapons to Israel and Saudi Arabia and other undemocratic governments.”
Martin says the midterm election outcome gives New York and the nation a rare opportunity to pursue bold solutions, not just in Iran and Gaza, but also for the cause of demilitarization and peace everywhere.
Martin speaks at the Syracuse Peace Council Tuesday, November 10th at 7:00 pm; doors open at 6:00 pm.
