FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, September 9, 2013 

The California Federation of Teachers Executive Council has empowered CFT President Joshua Pechthalt to speak out in opposition to US military intervention in Syria. Pechthalt commented: 

“The act of dropping bombs on Syria or any other country is an act of war. The American people understand that, and they are saying no. Educators in California are tired of sacrificing our sons and daughters, husbands and wives, sisters and brothers and the women, men and children of other countries in senseless violence.

“After the loss of millions of lives during World War II, the world community created the United Nations to resolve international and domestic disputes. We abhor and condemn the role of the Syrian government in killing and maiming their own people. But bombs raining down on the people of Syria will only cause greater death and destruction.

“As educators and parents we are always imploring our children and students to ‘use their words’ when faced with anger, frustration and conflict. We urge President Obama and the world community to put down weapons of violence and ‘use our words’ to find a just and equitable solution to the internal strife faced by the Syrian people.”