Courage to Resist National E-mail Newsletter July 31, 2006
Free Speech Threatned in New Haven, CT by Marine with a Bat
Over 100 Supporters of Spc. Suzanne Swift Rallied at the Gates of Ft. Lewis on July 15
"No Blood for Oil 12" Sentenced in Colorado
Support from Iraq Combat Veterans Continues to Mount for Lt. Ehren Watada
Free Speech Threatned in New Haven, CT by Marine with a Bat
|
Becca Lewis speaks to more than 60 protesters outside the armed forces recruiting station in New Haven, CT on July 5. Activists in New Haven, CT were confronted with a bat-wielding Marine as they expressed their support for war resisters in conjunction with nationwide actions in support of Lt. Ehren Watada in late June.
The story began on June 27th when members of the New Haven community rallied in front of the downtown recruiting station in support of Lt. Watada, the first officer to publicly refuse deployment to Iraq.
Upon community members' return to the center the next day to continue their demonstrations, they began interacting with soldiers, and the scene turned ugly. According to eyewitnesses, Sgt. Philip Baugh exited the recruiting station with a baseball bat in hand, pushing two protesters into the street, and seizing the cell phone of one person as they tried to take a picture.
Regardless of attempts by the New Haven police department to dissuade community members to pursue a case against the Marines, the military has been forced to conduct an investigation into the incident. Activists maintain that the attack was a gross violation of first amendment rights and that they will continue to publicly broaden the campaign. Organizers of the demonstrations held a press conference on July 5th taking to task not only the actions of Sgt. Baugh, but the mayor and the police department for defending the abusive actions.
The community members claimed a small victory as the downtown Orange Street recruiting station was completely shut down on the day of the press conference, and all of the Marine recruiters at the center were reassigned. A weekly picket is being held at the station each Wednesday at 5:15 pm, as members of the community continue the struggle to ensure that free-speech rights in New Haven remain alive and well.
Over 100 Supporters of Spc. Suzanne Swift Rallied at the Gates of Ft. Lewis on July 15
|
On July 15th, PFC Suzanne Swift's birthday, support actions around the country were held for Suzanne, who is confined to Ft. Lewis in Washington, as she seeks a discharge from the military.
Suzanne has completed one tour of duty in Iraq, where she was sexually harassed and assaulted by her commanding officers.Over 100 supporters rallied at the gates of Fort Lewis, demanding an immediate honorable discharge for Suzanne and solidarity with all women and men who have suffered similar abuse.
Suzanne's mom, Sara Rich has been a fearless and dynamic advocate for her daughter, spearheading a petition in Suzanne's name, now signed by thousands.
Suzanne's case has the potential to reach out to many, and opens up new avenues for support of GI Resisters. Suzanne is a powerful voice speaking out against the culture of brutality within the military. She will continue to need our support as she fights for her dischargel and for the public renouncement of sexual crimes in the military.Suzanne could now face court martial and prison time!
Here are a few ways to support Suzanne today:1) Sign the support petition
2) Donate to Suzanne's legal fund (donations are tax deductable)
3) Download the informational flyer and educate your community about Suzanne's case
www.SuzanneSwift.org
"No Blood for Oil 12" Sentenced in Colorado
|
photo by Ellen Jaskol/Rocky Mountain NewsThe demonstration was held as part of "National Stand Down Day," a day of demonstrations and non-violent resistance at recruiting stations across the country, demanding an end to the Iraq war.
Five of the convicted protesters have chosen to serve 10 days in prison, while seven have elected to perform 24 hours of community service. Two of the five who will serve prison time will fast during their stay behind bars.
In response to his conviction and choice to go to jail, Drew Edmonson said; "As a disabled vet, USN 1969-72, I felt an obligation to make a visible statement against the deceit perpetrated by recruiters. I will pay no fine and force them to jail me I am just a regular person. Like anyone, I am capable of doing something difficult. What I am doing anyone can "
This case represents an important trend toward more determined actions and heightened solidarity among those committed to opposing and ending the Iraq War and occupation. It also represents a heightened level of repression that the government is bringing against those who resist.
Read Drew Edmonson's full statement
Support from Iraq Combat Veterans Continues to Mount for Lt. Ehren Watada
On August 17, U.S. Army First Lieutenant Ehren Watada will face a pre-trial hearing for refusing to deploy to Iraq. "It is my conclusion as an officer of the armed forces that the war in Iraq is not only morally wrong but a horrible breach of American law. The war and what we're doing over there is illegal," explained the first military officer to publicly take such a stand.As supporters internationally gear up for the "National Day of Education" on Aug 16 to ask the question "Is the Iraq War Illegal?," support from Iraq combat veterans continues to mount for Lt. Ehren Watada
Below are just a few statements of support from the many that the "Friends and Family of Lt. Watada" have received.
Cloy Richards, US Marine Iraq War infantry/artillery"Lt. Watada, along with every other service member who has the courage to stand up and say no to this illegal war are MY WAR HEROES. Thank you Lt. Watada for standing up for me and every veteran. I admire your courage and patriotism. I wish I was brave enough to stand up and say no when it really counted. Instead I said OK and went along with the lies I was told." Read more
Clifton Hicks, US Army Iraq War tanker"You've done something to be proud of man, you're setting an excellent example for every soldier in the armed forces. History will prove that you were right." Read more
Chad Hetman, Captain, US Army infantry"Hopefully this officer will set an example for other officers to follow...This is what courage and ethics looks like." Read more
Garett Reppenhagen, US Army Iraq War sniper"Thank you Lt. Watada. I was a sniper in the 1st Infantry Division and spent one year at FOB Scunion in Baquaba Iraq. I went to war believing that I had an obligation to my country because I signed a contract and gave an oath that I would be the weapon of my democracy. After my experience in combat I firmly believe that,
that social contract has been broken." Read more
Read more statements of support here
www.ThankYouLt.org
 | Powered by YMLP.com | |
| | ||