Death of Iranian General Soleimani prompts anti-war rally in Santa Cruz
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) The words “no more war” and “hands off Iran” prompted dozens of honks from drivers in Santa Cruz, Saturday.
"Trump has escalated events in the Middle East in an irresponsible, illegal way,” said protester, Kathleen Eschen-Pipes.
About a dozen protestors wanted their message heard loud and clear. They said war is not the answer. "I'm obligated to be here, today, to resist any further war development. It's going to get so out of control and out of hand,” said protester, Ron Pomerantz.
The rally, and many others across the county, comes just days after Iranian General Soleimani was killed in an American airstrike.
"Not only is it probably going to a bring a lot of casualties to civilians in Iran and Iraq, but bring less safety to the United States. It's the worst thing that they could've been done at this point,” said protester, Julie Callahan.
"I think it's such a dangerous option to take to try to get get in a war with Iran. It's a whole different story with Iraq,” said protester, Michael Smith.
President Trump responded to Soleimani’s death, Friday. Trump said, “We took action last night to stop a war. We did not take action to start a war."
Others feel that action could have serious consequences. "It could get us into a war with Iran. It could cause the Middle East to go up in flames,” said Eschen-Pipes.
Protesters said they remain committed to the cause. "I don't think we have to stop with today. I mean, we can't stop with today. We have to keep going,” said protester, Maureen Smith.
