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Milwaukee: Protesters stand against act of war on Iran, say, “Not in our name”

By Ethan Costello

Milwaukee protest says "no war with Iran."

Milwaukee, WI – The four corners of 27th and West Oklahoma on Milwaukee’s South Side were filled with protesters on the afternoon of January 4. Activists were gathered to stand against the U.S.’s acts of war against Iran. It was a chilly afternoon, the wind biting into those assembled, but loud chanting intermingled with the frequent honks from motorists on the busy Milwaukee streets echoed into the area.

“Honk for peace! Honk for peace! No more war in the Middle East!” chanted 100 demonstrators brave enough to stand against the imperialist war machine. Everyone held banners, flags or handmade signs.

Kellie Lutz, a young trade union activist from Milwaukee, helped lead chants.

“I’m out here today in opposition of the U.S. instigating a war on Iran because I can’t stomach the thought of families having their human rights taken away, all for a profit motive,” said Lutz, “Working-class people have no gain; here in the U.S. or in Iran.”

The Trump administration admitted to the January 2 assassination of Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in Baghdad, Iraq. U.S. forces attacked the airport in Baghdad to target Soleimani, and justified it by claiming Iran was plotting to kill more Americans. However, no evidence has been offered to back up these claims, most likely because the statement is fabricated.

The U.S. intends to start another war in the Middle East, this time against Iran. Iran has rightfully called for justice, and in response, nearly 4000 U.S. troops have been deployed to the region.

Iran is the fourth largest producer of oil in the global economy. The U.S. ruling class has invested heavily in this industry, but Iran has remained independent of their clutches since the 1979 revolution.

Another protest is being planned for a Trump campaign visit in Milwaukee on January 14. This action is surely going to highlight this most recent criminal act of an administration defined by them.

#MilwaukeeWI #AntiwarMovement #Iran #PeoplesStruggles