By Don Walker 

 

Two members of Wisconsin's congressional delegation — one from each party — said Saturday they were pleased that President Barack Obama plans to seek congressional authorization before launching a military attack on Syria.

 

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), a frequent critic of Obama's foreign policy, issued a statement saying he was pleased Obama made the decision to turn to Congress.

 

"I have repeatedly said that the president must make the case for military action to the American people. I do not know how I will vote. I will listen respectfully and consider the evidence carefully. The president says Syria 'presents a serious danger to our national security.' He must explain what this danger is, and how his plan would reduce it."

 

Johnson's statement was echoed by U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.). In a statement, she said the Bashar Assad regime in Syria had violated human rights and represented a threat to international peace.

 

"I will continue to fully review the recent intelligence regarding the chemical attacks in Syria. I look forward to engaging in a comprehensive and productive debate on whether the United States should take military action."

 

Obama took the step to seek congressional authorization to act against Syria just as several dozen Milwaukee peace activists were calling on Congress to debate the question.

 

Local peace group protests

 

The activists, members of Peace Action Wisconsin, held a rally Saturday afternoon at the foot of the Mark di Suvero painted-steel sculpture "The Calling," in downtown Milwaukee.

 

Holding signs calling for aid and diplomacy in Syria, not military action, the protesters said attacking Syria would only exacerbate problems in that country.

 

"We believe bombing Syria will solve nothing," said Mitch Sandquist of Peace Action Wisconsin.

 

Art Heitzer, another Peace Action member, said the answer to addressing the problem in Syria is to enforce an arms embargo, force the Assad government into negotiating and work toward a ceasefire.

 

Heitzer noted that Great Britain's Parliament voted against military action, and called on Congress to do the same in Washington. Obama said congressional leaders have agreed to debate the issue when they return from their summer recess on Sept. 9.

 

Julie Euslow, a peace activist, said there should be no military action by any country in Syria. The United States, she said, needs a foreign policy that expresses concern for the well-being of others.

 

"The killing has to stop and more attacks from the U.S. won't stop the killing," she said.

 

Group members also called on countries involved in the region to stop sending weapons into Syria. At the same time, Syrians deserve more aid in the form of food and medicine, speakers said.

 

 

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