Oklahoma coalition forms to declare ‘Syria – Not our War!’

A diverse coalition of individuals have allied for an anti-war rally at the Oklahoma state Capitol. Theme of the gathering and related activities, slated for this evening (Friday, July 12), is “Syria – Not Our War!”

Coordinating the event -- which begins with musical entertainment at 6 p.m. and continues with a “left-right” spectrum of orations at 7 p.m. -- is state Rep. Paul Wesselhoft, R-Oklahoma City. Nathaniel Batchelder, director of The Peace House in Oklahoma City is assisting with organization.

The odd couple said they are opposed to U.S. government plans to support rebels seeking to oust the government of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.

Wesselhoft and Batchelder joined forces with four others in a press conference this week, explaining their motivations to Capitol reporters.

Wesselhoft stressed, “I am not a pacifist, and not an isolationist.” A common theme among the speakers tonight will be to stress that the United States is already involved in the conflict – and that said involvement is a mistake.

A retired military chaplain, Wesselhoft points out that at least two of the groups in the rebel coalition opposing the Syrian strongman have close ties to al-Quaida, the terrorist organization that coordinated the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

http://capitolbeatok.com/reports/oklahoma-coalition-forms-to-declare-syria-not-our-war