(Memphis) A handful of Memphians gathered on the corner of Poplar and Highland Saturday, protesting President Barack Obama’s desire to attack Syria.
“War is not the answer,” said protester Joseph Davis.
The President believes an assault that killed nearly 1,500 Syrians, many children, was a chemical attack by Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad. But Davis doesn’t buy it. He thinks the US should stay out of Syria.
“We’re out here fighting for our future. My brother is in the air force. I don’t want to see him go to another pointless war,” said Davis.
U.S. Congressman, Democrat, Steve Cohen doesn’t take going to war with Syria lightly.
“I’m war weary. We spent too much money in Afghanistan and didn’t get anything out of it,” said Cohen.
Neither does U.S. Senator, Republican, Lamar Alexander who sent this statement to News Channel 3:
“I’m concerned about the consequences of a military strike and what happens with step two, three and four after that. There may be a variety of ways, some military, some not, to show our disgust with the Syrian government’s apparent use of chemical weapons against its own people.”
Even though Obama is Commander in Chief, the president says he wants congress to back his decision before he gives the final green light. Sunday, lawmakers will have a classified meeting about Syria and next month congress will debate over going to war.
U.S. Senator, Republican, Bob Corker said in a statement, “I look forward to seeing what the Administration brings forward and to a vigorous debate on this important authorization.”
“What does your conscience tell you?” asked WREG’s Elise Preston.
“It says to listen. I think it’s always best to go into debates like this with an open mind,” said Cohen.
