Updates on Nonviolent Resistance to the War on Iraq

by Update Sat Nov 26, 2005 05:12

Dear People for Peace,

Peace Activist on Trial - War Criminals Free

Details of the case:

Date: Monday, 28 November 05 to 2 December 05. Five days have been allocated for my trial at tax payers' expense. The police have stacked up 9 police and 4 Shrine employees as witnesses to absolutely blow out the trial so it runs for 5 days.

Where: Magistrate's court corner of William and Lonsdale Street, close to Flagstaff train station.

Charges: Trespass and resist arrest at the Shrine on Remembrance Day 11/11/03.

I am representing myself as no pro bono lawyers have come forward to support me with this case. I'm shocked at the indifference of the legal profession and their charges of between $1500 to $2000 a day.

The Facts: 7 women went to The Shrine on Remembrance Day 03 to have a silent, peaceful vigil for "No more wars, and peace in the 21st-century. The police set us up, wouldn't allow us to be there, told us to move off the grounds. I was arrested. Another woman was assaulted by a digger, and the police refused to charge him.

We can trespass in Afghanistan and Iraq, kill thousands of people, destroy those countries, plunder their wealth, rape their women, kill their children. But when women or Scott Parkin protest at the carnage of war, our peace actions are criminalised. I will plead not guilty, advocate my case as best as I can, and use the opportunity to speak against our government of war criminals. We now have anti-terror legislation. It is also time for anti-war legislation, particularly after the 2 world wars, and many others in the 20th-century. The people of the world demand that the 21-century be dedicated to peace & justice. Demand anti-war legislation now. Put this as a slogan on every email you send out. Let us make this a slogan for peace in the 21st-century.

Please come and fill the court. Our solidarity is our only protection. Visit our website: www.womenforpeace.org.au for more information. Tel: 93861071

I am inspired by Rosa Parks and the power of the word "NO". A friend also sent this quote from Rudyard Kipling who only opposed war when his own son was killed:
"If any question why we died,
Tell them, because our fathers lied."

Add also, "Tell them, because our politicians lied."

The curse of war must be addressed by us in our lifetime. We cannot pass this curse on to our children, as was done to us. The power is with us. Please don't give it away.

Love

Reta Kaur
Women for Peace: No Weapons No Wars

by Update Sat Nov 26, 2005 04:58

Finland,
Support Total Objector Antti* R. - In Prison in Finland for Refusal to Serve

Sign the online petition, write letters or organize a solidarity event!

On Nov. 15, Antti Rautiainen was sentenced to 53 days in jail for refusing
to report for military call-up.

Since 1997, Antti has been called up more than 20 times and every time he refuses to report. He manages to avoid service but from time to time has got caught and has had to serve time before.

The authorities usually issue fines and call him up for the draft again but he is a total objector and refuses to pay the fines which means prison time.War Resisters International report that another conscientious objector received almost 200 days in jail. You can see more information on their page.

http://wri-irg.org/news/alerts
http://wri-irg.org/co/alerts/20051117a.html

by Update Sat Nov 26, 2005 04:54

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051122/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_051122190101

by Update Sat Nov 26, 2005 04:47

http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/walthamforest/walthamforestnews/display.var.652128.0.political_groups_great_cleanup.php

by tom Fri Nov 25, 2005 08:35

There really is no other way to end war on earth forever than to dismantle the war machine and its manufactury. So in that sense Camp Casey is a progressive step. It seems that in America it is a long way for the peoples to move from the street demonstrations, to the millitary bases, to begin the hard work of dismantling them. In vietnam the peoples protests included both political demonstrations and armed destruction of the foreign Imperialist invaders bases together. In the end the peoples will win if they keep on keeping on. I think the movement would do well to get Cindy Sheehan to run for president as opposed to the Imperialist pro-war rulers. There is a need for womans liberation in America, and every country in the world. The worlds peoples would truly have a focus of anti-war, and the hoped for breakthrough to the matriarchies restoration would have a fresh start. Nature is not wrong with its fifty-fifty genetic point to ecological balance, are the Americans smart enough to take such a step forward to liberation? It sure is needed.

by Update Thu Nov 24, 2005 02:38

http://margokingston.typepad.com/harry_version_2/2005/10/entering_the_ga.html#more

by Update Thu Nov 24, 2005 02:31

Military Refusers
Kevin Benderman
P.O. Box 339536,
Ft. Lewis, WA 98433-9536
USA
(more) Due to many restrictions placed on mail for the military prison system Kevin has asked that you send your letters of support to Kevin Benderman, c/o Benderman Defense, POBox 2322, Hinesville, GA 31310. USA
Kevin also asks that you understand that, while he values your support and appreciates every letter individually written to him, it is more important that we continue to address our concerns to people in his chain of command. He would ask that you write letters on his behalf to:
Sen. J. Isakson, One Overton Pk, 3625 Cumberland Blvd Ste. 970, Atlanta, GA 30339
Dr. Francis Harvey, Sec. of the Army, 101 Army Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-0101
Donald Rumsfeld, Sec. of the Defense, 1000 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301
Col. John Kidd, 42 Wayne Place Ste. 203, Ft. Stewart, GA 31314


Dale Barteli (four months, in 7/12/05)
Building 1490
Randolph Rd,
Fort Sill, OK 73503
USA
(refused duty and missed deployment after CO declaration)

Pvt. Blake Lemoine (seven months, in 3/28)
Building 1490
Randolph Road
Fort Sill, OK 73503
USA

Spc. Dale Bartell (four months in 7/ 12)
Building 1490
Randolph Rd
Fort Sill, OK 73503
USA

by Update Thu Nov 24, 2005 02:27

http://www.katu.com/news/story.asp?ID=81363