Democratic candidate for Congress Matt Fulmer issued the following statement today in response to President Trump’s decision to initiate major U.S. military operations in Iran:
“Imperialism doesn’t benefit working Americans, it benefits the wealthiest Americans.
"The attacks on Iran, Venezuela, or any other nation will not lower our rent, pay for our healthcare, or raise our children.
"This war is not for us.
"The oil, minerals, and trade routes the Trump Administration seeks to dominate will not empower working Americans. The wealth American corporations take from Iran will not be shared with working people.
"America is one of the most blessed lands on the planet, with plentiful natural resources, enviable climate, and navigable terrain. Even with these gifts, most Americans have more debt than savings. We are being priced out of the most important moments of our lives, from starting a family to being able to retire. We are looking at a future where every new generation will have to work harder just to have less.
"Our economy and our government are designed to take every blessing our nation has and hand them to a small fraction of society. It will be the same with everything we take from someone else.
"America does not need war. Not in Iran or any other country.
"Our greatest enemy is not across an ocean, it’s right here at home. It’s an economic system that rewards investment before work. It’s a government that cares more about its donors than its voters. It’s a two-party system that cannot represent the true spirit of democracy and our people.
"The solutions to our problems will not be found in the jungles of Venezuela or the mountains of Iran.
"As a candidate for South Carolina Congressional District One, I oppose the decision to attack Iran and support enforcing Congress’ sole, constitutional ability to declare war.
"The war against Iran is a war of choice.
"There is no believable threat of nuclear armament. According to warmongers like Lindsey Graham or Benjamin Netanyahu, Iran has been months away from a nuclear missile for thirty years.
"This war is not for democracy. America regularly installs, enables, and protects dictators and despots.
"This war is not to defend human rights. American leaders and their allies thoroughly abuse those on their own.
"The purpose of this war is to create another pliable client state. It is to empower a fraction of our society who are already too powerful. Working Americans will not share in their strength.
"We must find our own.
"All Americans should oppose this war. Our leadership should be rebuilding our nation, not destroying someone else’s."