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Syracuse Protestors say U.S. should not use military force in Syria

Central New Yorkers took to the streets of Syracuse today to protest the possibility of any U.S. military strike against Syria.  

Protesters stood in front of the Syracuse Federal Building looking for support, and passersby honked horns in suport. About 20 protesters carrying signs that said things like "find another way: and "No U.S. Intervention."

Ann Tiffany, of Syracuse, feels very strongly about the issue. "We've had enough of war. We've had enough of contributing to the unrest in the Middle East. Right now, we should be talking about increased diplomacy; support for the millions of refugees, both internal and external. That's where our money should go, not for more missiles," said Tiffany.

For Amelia Ramsey-Lefevre of the Syracuse Peace Council, the Obama administration shouldn't even be considering military action on their own.

"The president is required to seek Congressional approval to go to war unless there is an imminent threat to the U.S.  The Obama administration is not claiming there is an imminent threat to the U.S., so he is legally required to seek Congressional approval and I would like to see that process go forward," said Ramsey-Lefevre.

She has support on that view from Syracuse-area Rep. Dan Maffei,  one of about 140 members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, who have signed a letter calling for Congressional approval before a strike.  Maffei, a Democrat and member of the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, says the Constitution makes it clear the president must consult and receive authorization from Congress, before ordering the use of the U.S. military in Syria.

Ellen produces news reports and features related to events that occur in the greater Syracuse area and throughout Onondaga County. Her reports are heard regularly in regional updates in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.