Chicagoans to protest Syria strike in run-up to Obama's Tuesday speech

Peace activists in Chicago say they’re preparing to mobilize on Tuesday night to counter President Obama’s “media blitz” in favor of a strike against Syria.

Protesters say they will begin at march Tuesday 6 p.m. at Tribune Tower and continue a number of “creative actions” at downtown media outlets.

The protest comes as Obama plans to address the nation on Tuesday night from the White House in a speech he hopes will help gain public momentum in favor of strikes against Syria. Obama wants to retaliate against an Aug. 21 gassing of more than 1,400 Syrians but is awaiting approval from Congress. Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has denied involvement in the use of chemical weapons.

Meanwhile, a new CNN/ORC poll says that 55 percent of Americans oppose air strikes — even with Congress’ approval. Some experts say the U.S. should better explore a diplomatic response.

The CNN survey also found that seven out of 10 people queried believed that air strikes would do no good.

Back in Chicago — Tuesday’s action is sponsored by CAMI-Committee Against the Militarization of Youth/Comite anti-militarizacion, the Gay Liberation Network, La Voz de Los de Abajo, Neighbors for Peace, Northwest Indiana Veterans for Peace, The Anti-War Committee, and World Can’t Wait Chicago.