More than 40 people gathered along Lafayette Street Saturday afternoon for a weekly pro-democracy standout, many expressing anger and fear over President Donald Trump’s decision to attack Iran.
“I’m horrified,” said Bonnie Grenier, who held a sign reading, “No More Wars.”
“They were at the negotiating table,” Grenier added. “Where is Congress in all of this?”
Angela Ellis echoed that frustration.
“I can’t believe what is happening in this country, what Trump is getting away with. Now he’s waging war without Congressional permission,” she said.
U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, who represents the 6th District, which includes Marblehead, also criticized the president for not consulting Congress before the attacks.
“The two basic problems with Bush’s war in Iraq were that it was based on a lie and there was no plan for what comes next. It’s hard to argue both are not true today. WMD (weapons of mass destruction) in Iraq was a lie. ‘Obliterating’ Iran’s nuclear facilities was a lie. The troops have to be wondering today, ‘What lies are we being told now?’ When you’re asked to risk your life for something, the most fundamental thing you want is the truth.”
Moulton continued: “Bluster and bomb is not a strategy. Trump says that he wants a nuclear deal, but the only reason we don’t have one is because he tore it up. Trump’s utter stupidity will get Americans killed, and it’s long past time for Republicans in Congress to let us follow our Constitutional duty and vote on whether, for the second time in 25 years, we should risk a lot of American lives for a lot of lies.”
Emily DeJoy of the Marblehead Town Republican Committee offered a defense of the president’s authority.
“Regarding criticism that the president did not seek prior approval from Congress, it is important to remember that under Article II of the Constitution, the president serves as commander in chief of the armed forces. In situations requiring swift and decisive action to protect American lives, presidents of both parties have exercised that authority. The United States Congress retains important oversight powers, and we expect appropriate briefings and continued engagement moving forward. However, operational decisions in moments of imminent threat cannot always wait for lengthy debate.”
DeJoy added: “We stand firmly in support of our military personnel and intelligence professionals who carry out these difficult missions with courage and precision. We also urge national leaders on both sides of the aisle to prioritize American security over partisan politics.”
