"I like most Americans am grieving for the victims of this invasion, but I also understand that our leaders have a role in it and I hope, I hope, that for the sake of all of us in the whole world that we work harder on diplomacy and less on ego," said Caponi.
"I just don't think cheerleading a war, even on behalf of innocent victims, is helpful," said Caponi.
Cameron Hart said he is against all wars, especially when there is the potential for use of nuclear weapons.
"It doesn't matter whether it's our aggression or someone else's. There is a lot more context to this situation that we need to be considering, instead of trying to ramp up and escalate," said Hart.
"Nuclear powers are involved. Definitely would like to see future generations enjoy this planet. So, I'm here in solidarity with all the people. The people never win when it comes to war. It's always other interests that take precedence," said Hart.
Mona Gude said she came to the rally to support all those who are resisting the war.
"I support the resisters!" said Gude.
Activist and organizer Kathleen McQuillen spoke of the complexities the war.
"We're out here because we care deeply about what is happening to the Ukrainian people. We are appalled at what Russia has done, but we fully understand that the United States and NATO are complicit in this," said McQuillen.
"The United States and NATO have been pushing Russia for a long time, and [Russian leaders] have pleaded for NATO not to take any more members on their borders. The United States is pushing that. We want to open up the dialog and make it clear: Russia is not the only culprit here," said McQuillen.
"When do we get to the point where we recognize everybody's security concerns? Everyone's security concerns deserve to be addressed. We should have negotiated this and not let it get to this point," said McQuillen.
"Increasingly, people understand that this is not a 'one bad guy' action.
"We want the United States to take responsibility to push for negotiations, give everybody voice, and recognize the common need for security," said McQuillen.
The Iowa peace and social justice activism community, many of its members having been sidelined by the pandemic for two years, is once again coming together and taking it to the streets.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
