Colorado Coalition Counters
“No Nukes For Iran Rally”:
Americans Against Terrorism Colorado (AAT ), an admittedly pro-Israel group, held a rally at the west side of our State Capitol Sunday afternoon (June 28) against the proposed nuclear treaty with Iran. It was, in fact, a rally for Israel and for a war against Iran. That it was pro-Israeli was obvious because it included traditional Israeli music, dancers and Israeli flags waved continuously, next to our US flags. The rally leaders and speaker called for rejection of what they termed a “weak” nuclear treaty with Iran (AAT‘s designation for the current deal Obama is negotiating) and for strengthening the “trade embargo” against Iran.
AAT attempts to hide its agenda behind exaggerated fear language about the alleged nuclear potential of Iran to destroy the world. The organization is supported and promoted by substantial local Denver Jewish businessmen and groups, including The Cell, a Zionist political front for Denver real estate mogul Larry Mizel. It also claims the support of two of the largest and most outspoken Christian Zionist Churches in Colorado, as well as John Hagee’s Christians United For Israel (CUFI), who has publicly prayed for war and has called for a preemptive strike on Iran. (click here & here – at 5 mins. 30 secs. into video)
The several groups participating in a counter-rally assembled along the west sidewalk by the Capitol grounds and in the park on the opposite side of Lincoln Street. They included members from Coloradans For Justice In Palestine, Code Pink Colorado, and We Hold These Truths, plus several individuals from Boulder and Colorado Springs. By far the largest contingency were members of Occupy Denver.
The protesters’ message, in vivid contrast to the war rants, called for peace with Iran and suggested that trade embargoes lead to war. Words, acts, flags and signs reflected a knowledge and concern for the rights of Palestinians, especially in the Gaza Strip, where they are locked-in as prisoners, isolated from the world in the world’s largest open air prison.
A protester named Erik kept up a steady and clear debate with the AAT speakers over a bull horn for much of one hour. He proclaimed the message, “Americans want peace with Iran; Israel is a racist warring state; No, Americans do not want your war; You will not get your war this time; Innocent blood is on our hands from Gaza; No more wars for Israel.” This heckler’s words were echoed by the large signs, banners, and Palestinian flags held by other protesters.
Perhaps the clearest beneficiaries of the unscheduled debate were the dozen or so Denver policemen who guarded the AAT from the protesters as though it was a presidential event. They could not help but have learned from it, and I would like to know what they told thier wives about their day when they got home. We must always keep in mind the unintended consequences of our words and acts.
A broad coalition of Anti-War, Pro-Peace organizations protested at the “No Nukes For Iran Rally” sponsored by Americans Against Terrorism
Other photos of the event can be found here: (link)
Chuck Carlson
A Code Pink lady’s message, was too much to bare for the AAT crowd: “Stop The Next War! Warmongers Beget Terrorists!”
Another Scare Mongering Rally Brought By Loyal Followers of Israel
To whom is Iran a threat?
Chuck Carlson of We Hold These Truths joined in the protest.
Christian Zionists have a tough time answering this question.
