Trying to Divide the People in Seongju

Zoom in Korea reports:

Nightly candlelight vigils against THAAD [US 'missile defense'] deployment continue in Seongju, South Korea despite attempts by the county chief and right-wing groups to undermine the protests.  The Association of Seongju County Veterans Groups tried to halt the protests by applying for a permit to use the same location outside the county hall at the same times as the candlelight vigils. “Technically, the veterans groups do have a permit, but theirs is a ghost rally where no one comes out,” said a member of the Seongju Task Force to Oppose THAAD Deployment.

Without an official permit, the Task Force has had to obtain special permission from the county hall to hold the candlelight vigils in the county hall courtyard.  But on September 11, the county hall abruptly denied its permission, citing “the sudden change in the security environment of the Korean peninsula after North Korea’s fifth nuclear test,” and tore down the protest banners and tents in its courtyard.  Since then, the county hall has filled its courtyard with government vehicles and has stationed police and government officers there every night to block protesters from using the space.

Undeterred, the Seongju residents held their 61st candlelight vigil on September 11 outside the Seogju Cultural Center across the street from the county hall. “They’re trying to use North Korea’s nuclear test as an excuse to undermine the protest. From the residents’ perspective, it makes no sense at all,” said Lee Jae-dong, chair of the Seongju County chapter of the Korean Peasants League. County residents plan to continue the nightly candlelight protests outside the cultural center.

Residents Determined to Fight Despite Dissolution of Official Task Force

Since the county chief succumbed under pressure from the Park Geun-hye government and turned his back on the residents, the Seongju Task Force to Oppose THAAD Deployment has also been mired in internal division. On September 12, the day after the county chief kicked out the protesters from the county hall courtyard, the Task Force voted to dissolve itself by a narrow majority. Of the 29 members in attendance, 15 voted to dissolve the Task Force, and 14 walked out in protest.

The 14 dissenting members held their own meeting to discuss the election of new officers, then held a press conference to declare the dissolution vote invalid. “The Task Force was formed to oppose THAAD until plans for its deployment are withdrawn. Officially, Seongju is still the designated site. The idea of dissolving the Task Force while the Seongju residents are still fighting is absurd. Those who have given up on the fight should stop insisting on dissolving the Task Force and just leave the Task Force,” they said in a statement released at the press conference.

At the news of the dissolution of the Task Force, Seongju residents held an emergency meeting to form the Seongju Candlelight Defense Team to continue the fight against THAAD and make sure the candlelight vigils go on. “We have to hold those who voted to dissolve the Task Force responsible and normalize the Task Force. In the meantime, we, the residents will continue the candlelight vigils,” they declared at their own press conference outside the County Hall on September 13. The Seongju Candlelight Defense Team is composed of 250 residents, who have organized themselves into five different teams – planning, operation, general affairs, public education and transportation.

Their first task was to organize the 64th candlelight vigil the next day, which fell on Chuseok, a national holiday that celebrates the fall harvest. The next day on September 14, 1200 people lit their candles under a full moon outside the cultural center. They included those who had been away from home for work and returned home to Seongju for the holidays. A picket sign read, “This fall harvest holiday, let’s return THAAD back home too- to the U.S.!”  Minjoo Party National Assembly Representative Park Jumin, who had gone to Seongju to spend the holiday with his in-law’s, also joined the candlelight vigil.  He apologized to the residents on behalf of his party, which has yet to adopt opposition to THAAD as its party platform, and pledged, “Ultimately, we will not betray you- that, I can promise.” 

South Korea Labels 'Missile Defense' Critics as 'Impure' Enemies of the State

• More than 2,000 Seongju (South Korea) residents - melon farmers, housewives, teachers, city councils, Martial Arts masters, veterans, etc.-- took 50 buses, traveled to Seoul and held a peaceful rally at Seoul Station Plaza yesterday, articulating their opposition to the deployment of the US THAAD 'missile defense' system.

• The situation will get even worse for the people of Seongju as President Park Geun-hye (daughter of former dictator and US puppet who got his start as a collaborator with the occupying Japanese imperial Army during WW II) yesterday ordered to identify and root out all “impure” people. The residents in Seongju who had voted for President Park Geun-hye enthusiastically are now identified as “impure” enemies of the state. The Prime Minister (who just days ago was egged by the people of Seongju) pledged to follow President Park's order by finding and punishing the "impure" enemies.

• Elderly residents from Seongju were unable to suppress their frustration. “Seongju adores Park Geun-hye, [but now] I want to cut off the finger I voted for her with. I mean it!” said one.
• Mary Beth and I made it home from Toronto about 1:00 am last night after a 13-hour drive back to Bath.  I was asked to speak about Keep Space for Peace Week (October 1-8) before leaving the Toronto conference.  I was handed the tear-off portion of our space week flyer from a person committing to organize an event in Caracas, Venezuela during the week of global local actions.  The annual week of protest against the militarization of space has taken place each year since 2001.
• A couple of days ago I also heard from activists in Sicily who said they planned to translate our space week poster into Italian and will hold a space week protest at the new US MUOS space directed warfare communications base near Niscemi.  You can see the space week poster here

South Koreans Ignore Demands to Stop 'Useless Protest' against U.S. Missile Deployments

South Korean President Park Geun-hye has ordered the nation, "Stop the useless discussions on the US THAAD" missile defense (MD) deployment.

Korean citizens led by the major political party leaders, and most importantly local residents, are responding: "Democracy is not useless but the US THAAD might!"  They demand a democratic process from both the Korean and American governments.

The deployment decision was made unilaterally without any explanation, discussion, and consultation. In other words, this issue is not just about the offensive US THAAD in the heart of Northeast Asia that threatens regional security; it is very much about the South Korean President’s and the US Army’s shameful disregard of its neighbors (China, Russia), Korea’s democracy and especially the residents in Seongju.

Please respect and protect democracy in Korea. Support the local residents—children, parents, city councils, teachers, farmers, and the elderly in Seongju City, Gyungbook-Taegu region, who are demanding a reasonable and respectful process of addressing this issue.

U.S. Anti-missile Plans with South Korea Spark Fresh Backlash

“You can't make a unilateral decision like this when about half of Seongju residents live within two kilometers of where THAAD is to be stationed”, said Bae Jae-man, a local council speaker.

Locals pen letters in blood to protest U.S. missile defense site

Seongju is a town of 45,000 people, many of them grow yellow melons for a living. South Korean media reported the THAAD system will be placed on a mountain where a South Korea air defense artillery unit is based. About 200 Seongju residents made a protest visit to Seoul's Defense Ministry on Wednesday.

The Pentagon maintains they need the THAAD (Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense) missile defense system to protect against North Korean missiles.  But experts maintain that the system (already deployed in Guam and Japan) is actually aimed at and would be used against China and Russia.  THAAD is just one of several varieties of MD now being deployed by the US as it encircles China and Russia.

MD systems are key elements in US first-strike attack planning.  After the US launches a first-strike aimed at Russian or Chinese nuclear forces the MD systems would 'pick off' any retaliatory strikes that might be fired.  The US Space Command annually war games such a US first-strike against Russia and China.

Space Week Actions List Forming

October 7-14, 2017
 
Keep Space for Peace Week

International Week of Protest to
Stop the Militarization of Space


No Missile Defense
Close U.S. Bases Worldwide
No to NATO
Stop Drones Surveillance & Killing
End Privatization of Foreign/Military Policy
Convert the Military Industrial Complex
Deal with climate change and global poverty


List in formation

• Bath Iron Works, Maine (Oct 7) Vigil across from administration building on Washington Street (Navy Aegis destroyers outfitted with “missile defense” systems built at BIW) 11:30-12:30 am   Smilin’ Trees Disarmament Farm (207) 763-4062

• Bath-Brunswick, Maine (Oct 13-21) 6^th Maine Peace Walk will focus on conversion of Bath Iron Works with twice daily vigils at the shipyard and door-to-door leafleting. Sponsored by many groups in Maine and Massachusetts.  globalnet@mindspring.com

• Bath, Maine (Oct 21) Finale event of Maine Peace Walk with music/speakers/food at Waterfront Park in downtown Bath from noon til 2:00 pm.  globalnet@mindspring.com

• Belfast, Maine (Oct 7) Put up space week posters and hold ‘Stop Militarization of Space’ signs on Resistance Corner. Peace and Justice Group of Waldo County   dscampc321@gmail.com

• Brunswick, Maine (Oct 12) Showing of new film Village versus Empire by South African filmmaker about new Navy base on Jeju Island that is porting US warships viewed through the eyes of Shaman artist Dohee Lee.  Sponsored by PeaceWorks at the Frontier Café & Cinema.  7:30 pm Tickets $8.  globalnet@mindspring.com

• Brunswick, Maine (Oct 17) Maine Peace Walk will walk to nearby Brunswick and hold pot luck supper and evening program on impact of Bath Iron Works on the local environment, economy, ports-of-call overseas and the need for conversion of the shipyard to build appropriate sustainable systems.  Hosted by Unitarian Church, supper at 6:00 pm.  globalnet@mindspring.com

• Colorado Springs, Colorado (Oct 9) Vigil at Peterson AFB at 3:30 pm.  A copy of the recent UN treaty banning nuclear weapons will be presented to base personnel. Peterson AFB is home to Air Force Space Command.    Bill.sulzman@gmail.com

• Colorado Springs, Colorado (Oct 10) Vigil at Schriever AFB at 3:30 pm.  Again a copy of the UN treaty will be presented to base personnel.  Schriever is home of the 50th Space Wing of the Air Force Space Command provides command and control for over 170 warning, navigational, and communications satellites. Also housed at Schriever AFB are the Missile Defense Integration & Operations Center and the Air Force Warfare Center. Schriever AFB is the main control point for the Global Positioning System (GPS).   Bill.sulzman@gmail.com

• Creech AFB, Nevada (Oct 5-12) San Francisco CODEPINK is planning a week of resistance at Killer Drone Base.  ratherbenyckeling@comcast.net

• USAF Croughton, England (Oct 7) March & Rally at U.S. satellite communication and intelligence base. Space communications, drones, bomber guidance, missile defence and command & control functions.  (Also will be the site of Global Network’s 26th annual meeting in 2018) 12-4 pm. Oxfordshire Peace Campaign, oxonpeace@yahoo.co.uk

• Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona (Oct 10) Vigil at Craycroft Road entrance (at Golf Links Road) from 7:00 – 8:00 am.  Remotely piloting UAV's from the base that are firing guided bombs and missiles and killing more civilians than targeted "terrorists" in Afghanistan, Iraq Syria, Pakistan and possibly more sovereign nations.  A-10 warplanes that train at the base are responsible for the vast majority of radioactive Depleted Uranium ammunition - estimated at well over 400 tons - used in Iraq since 1991.  More info: 520-323-869

• Gangjeong, Jeju Island, South Korea (Oct 7-14)  Picketing, educating, expressing solidarity with the people of Seongju and Gimcheon against THAAD,  in front of the Jeju navy base, sponsored by the Anti-naval base committee, Gangjeong Village armha2013@gmail.com

• Gangjeong, Jeju Island, South Korea (Oct 14) Discussion on the "Keep Space for Peace week and military industry’, as a part of an event on the issue of Military Industry organized by People Making the Jeju, Peace Island to Be Demilitarized.   (armha2013@gmail.com)

• Gimcheon, South Korea (Oct 7-14) Nightly candlelight vigil against US deployment of THAAD missile defense system near their community (Gimcheon train station). The Gimcheon nightly candle vigil hit its one year anniversary on Aug. 20, 2017

• King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (Oct 7) Noon, Keep Space 4 Peace meet-up at Lockheed Martin, 230 Mall Boulevard (Mall & Goddard Boulevards). L-M builds the remote-controlled drones, the satellites that direct the drones, and the Hellfire missiles fired from drones.  www.brandywinepeace.com

• Kyoto, Japan (Oct 7) Dismantle U.S. X-band missile defense radar base and remove out of  Kyoto.  A gathering for the solidarity with people of Okinawa and Korean's anti-THAAD movement, 13:00-15:00, Citizen's Action Centre  Higashiyama Ward, and 15:30-17:00 Demonstration march to Koto City Hall. Contact: 090-1590－9469 (Mr. Yamamoto)

• Menwith Hill, England (Oct 10) Demonstration at U.S. NSA/NRO Spy Base in Yorkshire.  6-7:30 pm.   Sponsored by Yorkshire CND and the Menwith Hill Accountability Campaign outside the main gate.    info@yorkshirecnd.org.uk 

• Nagpur, India (Oct 7) Space week Awareness programme at the M. S. Institute of Social Work, Ms. Suparna Deshpande will organise.  jnrao193636@gmail.com

• Nagpur, India (Oct 8) Space week Protest demonstration organised by the Railway Pensioners Organisation and members of the Global Network.  jnrao193636@gmail.com

• New York, New York (Oct 7) An 11:30 am vigil at Washington Square Park followed at noontime with a solemn procession along University Place to Union Square.  There we will join the already-in-progress Yemen vigil on the steps at 14th Street. The message will cover the 16th anniversary of the Afghanistan invasion, the threats to North Korea, weapons in space and all current U.S. wars and so-called "missions." WRL has set up a FB event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/870146323141701/ 

• Seongju, South Korea (Oct 7-14) Nightly candlelight vigil against US deployment of THAAD missile defense system near their community (a parking lot across from the Seongju County Office)  The Seongju nightly candle vigil hit its one year anniversary as of July 13, 2017.

• Soseong-ri, Seongju, South Korea (Oct 7-14) Soseong-ri in Seongju is located just next to Gimcheon. It is a small village lived by around 160 people - mostly elderly women and men farming melons. The residents and their supporters have been protesting day and night since the former Lotte Skyhill Country Club site in Soseong-ri was discussed as the planned THAAD deployment site in August, last year. A radar and two launchers of THAAD system were forcefully deployed in the former LCC on April 26, this year. Still they are continuing their struggle to stop more deployment of four launchers.  Beside their 24 hour vigil, they hold a regular rally every Wednesday in front of Soseong-ri village hall which started on Nov. 30. 2016. 

• Weld County, Colorado (Oct 7) Vigil at Nuclear missile silo N-8 in Weld County at 1 pm, the site of historic plowshares action 15 years ago by Sisters Ardeth Platte and Carol Gilbert. Bill.sulzman@gmail.com

• Vandenberg AFB, California (Oct 4) Keep Space for Peace vigil at space warfare base at the Main Gate from 3:45 pm to 4:45 pm.  For information contact Dennis Apel at 805-343-6322.

• Visakhapatnam, India (Oct 9) Workshop on 'Peace Communication' at Dept of Journalism & Mass Communication of Andhra University as part of Global Network's Peace week. Organizing Team: Dr. Challa Ramakrishna, HOD, Journalism Dept and Mr. Krishnaveer Abhishek Challa, Soft Skills Trainer of AU.  com2mass@gmail.com

Keep Space for Peace Week co-sponsored by: Anti-naval base Committee of Gangjeong village, Jeju Island, South Korea; US Task Force to Stop THAAD in Korea & Militarism in Asia & the Pacific; Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom; Global Action Against Military Bases; NoDalMolin (Italy);

Resources:

·  Download our full-size space week poster at:  http://www.space4peace.org/actions/Keep%20Space%20for%20Peace%20Poster%202017_large.jpg

· Space videos for viewing and sharing available at:  http://www.space4peace.org/videos.htm

·  Latest Global Network Space Alert newsletter at:  http://www.space4peace.org/newsletter/Space%20Alert%2035.pdf

·  John Pilger’s new film The Coming War on China For screenings, contact Bullfrog Films john@bullfrogfilms.com        http://thecomingwaronchina.bullfrogcommunities.com/ 

· Village versus Empire film about Jeju Island through the eyes of shaman artist by South African filmmaker Mark Kaplan.  Order DVD by contacting mark@greymattermedia.co.za          

·  Global Action Against Military Bases  https://www.itstimetoresist.org/call/?lang=en

More Photos from Seoul Events

Just arrived at the US military base Yongsan in downtown Seoul yesterday for rally and march near the base gates.  This THAAD prop was later set on fire by the protesters and the police immediately came and extinguished it which created a toxic cloud that was not fun to breathe. (CLICK ON THE PHOTOS FOR A BETTER VIEW)

As we marched by the US base a long line of police stood on one side of the road for as far as the eye could see.  Some even stood on top of the long rows of police buses parked on the opposite side of the street. 

I think most of the police were relieved that nothing happened - they are largely drafted for 18 months and get to choose between being in the Army or the police.  We were told they prefer the police because they have an easier time but then have to increasingly pull duty going up against protests.

One of the leaders from Seongju where the US wants to deploy the THAAD 'missile defense' system at the huge rally last night. The formally conservative community of Seongju voted 85% in favor of the right-wing dictator (President Park, daughter of former brutal dictator) in the last election.  Since they learned about THAAD the community of 10,000 has overwhelmingly resigned from the right-wing political party.  They now say that THAAD should not be deployed anywhere in South Korea and that the dangers of 'missile defense' must be understood throughout East Asia.  Seongju residents have become heroes to the peace movement in South Korea. 

Near the end of the rally last night, standing on the stage before the crowd of 10,000 people (here I am next to the leader of the progressive KCTU labor federation) they put on the screen behind us a rally of thousands happening at the same moment in Seongju.  We heard a speaker there and then both crowds - in Seoul and Seongu sang the same song together.  It is things like this that lead me to repeatedly say that Koreans are the best organizers that I have ever seen.  They really know how to put on a show.  
  

After attending another rally and march this morning honoring National Liberation Day from Japanese Occupation we marched through the center of Seoul.  Then we were taken to the National Assembly building where the Korea International Peace Forum was held.  I was proud of Will Griffin from Veterans For Peace who spoke on behalf of our two-person American delegation to an audience of Korean and Japanese activists.  A Chinese professor was not allowed into the country nor were our two Korean-American guides/translators from New York City.  One woman said during the event that "The three being stopped from entry shows how afraid the South Korean government is of growing solidarity with the movement against THAAD."

A photo of the international guests and peace forum organizers at the end of the event today. A proposal was made to establish the International Network for Peace in Korea and I pledged to take this initiative to the Global Network to get our organization's support for this new organization.  One South Korean organizer said, "We don't really expect anything from the US - we do expect people in East Asia to work together in solidarity to prevent war."  It is my hope that activists in the US will quickly learn that since no peace treaty was ever signed after the Korean War Armistice (ceasefire agreement) it means that the Korean peninsula remains a serious trigger for WW III. The US is the one that refuses to sign a peace treaty with North Korea.  I believe the reason is fairly simple - as long as the war is officially still on with North Korea then the US can 'justify' its occupation of the peninsula which ultimately is aimed at China and Russia.

Han Chung-mok (Standing Representative, Korean Alliance of Progressive Movements) concluded the peace forum today with these words:  "Solidarity and unity is the way we have to confront the endless wars of capitalism."

Solidarity must be active and on-going to be effective against those suffering under the boot of US military repression and war.  The Korean people know suffering deeply as they were ravaged by the US-led assault on their nation during the Korean War.  Since 1953 the US military presence in Korea has been nonstop and as we've repeatedly seen on this trip (and previous ones) the Pentagon continues to grab the lands of the Korean people for US base expansion as Washington prepares for war with China and Russia.

Korea is on the front-lines of this war preparation and will pay a tremendously heavy price should war break out.  Already the Pentagon has put into motion military plans to launch a pre-emptive strike on North Korea that could trigger nuclear war.

Will the American people continue to sit on the sidelines and let our country devastate Korea a second time?  Will the American people ever move beyond calling for a vague and relatively uncontroversial 'peace' on their protest signs and move into active solidarity which would change the very nature of our protests at home forcing us to spell out the real steps that would being true peace and reunification to the Korean peninsula.

NO THAAD in Korea!
Close US Bases in Korea!
No Anthrax in Seoul and at Osan AFB!
Stop US Military Exercises in Korea!
No Navy Base on Jeju Island!
Sign a Peace Treaty with North Korea!
End US Nuclear Hypocrisy - Cancel Obama's $1 Trillion Nuclear Weapons Upgrade Program!

Bruce

Total Opposition to THAAD in Seongju

The local Seongju TV reports 908 people shaved their heads as an expression of opposition to the THAAD, in a park of Seongju, Kyungsang province of Korea.

Remembering the day of August 15, the 71th anniversary day of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonization, the original plan was to have 815 people. But more than 900 people volunteered for shaving hairs.

Not only men but women, too. It is told to be a record that such numbers of people got shaved in a same spot and day. The blue is a symbolic color of anti-THAAD protest in Seongju which has 45,000 population.

In Korea to shave your head is an act that indicates total commitment to the struggle.  It is also rare that women shave their heads.

THAAD Rocket Fuel: Likely Ground Water Contamination Coming to Seongju, South Korea

The unwelcome US deployment of the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missile defense (MD) system in Seongju, South Korea is not only a significant threat to regional peace but is also a major environmental catastrophe waiting to happen.

The reason is that rocket fuel contains a deadly chemical component called perchlorate.  And since the Seongju area is a melon farming community the risk of ground water contamination by perchlorate should be alarming to all concerned.

Perchlorate, the explosive ingredient in solid rocket fuel, has leaked from military bases and weapons and aerospace contractors' plants in at least 22 states, contaminating drinking water for millions of Americans. 

In the US scientists have warned that perchlorate could cause thyroid deficiency in more than 2.2 million women of childbearing age. This thyroid deficiency could damage the fetus of pregnant women, if left untreated.

Reports indicate that 20 million to 40 million Americans may be exposed to the chemical. "We know that the Center for Disease Control has found perchlorate in 100 percent of the people they've tested, so there's widespread exposure, through contaminated drinking water and also through contaminated food," one expert reported.

The government has found traces of a rocket fuel chemical in organic milk in Maryland, green leaf lettuce grown in Arizona and bottled spring water from Texas and California.

Iceberg lettuce grown in Belle Glade, Florida had the highest concentrations of perchlorate discovered anywhere.  The greens had 71.6 parts per billion (ppb) of the compound, the primary ingredient in rocket propellant. Red leaf lettuce grown in El Centro, California had 52 ppb of perchlorate. Whole organic milk in Maryland had 11.3 ppb of perchlorate.

Next week South Koreans go to the polls to elected a new president after the previous right-wing President Park was impeached.

The Pentagon rushed the THAAD deployment ahead of schedule wanting to lock-in the controversial MD system before a new government took office.  The US fears that the likely new President Moon (a progressive) would ultimately delay or possibly even prevent the US from deploying the interceptor system due to the outrage coming from China and Russia who view THAAD as really being aimed at them rather than North Korea.

As the people of Seongju continue their fight against THAAD they'd be wise to begin to talk about the likely groundwater contamination from the rocket fuel that will be transported and stored on site at the new base presently being constructed at a former golf course.  It's only a matter of time that perchlorate will be seeping into the water and ultimately impacting their health and their melon crops.

Bruce

Seongju & Huntsville: No THAAD on April 8

Another video from South Korea where a melon farming community protests the US deployment of the provocative THAAD 'missile defense' system.

At the start of the video local women cheer the news reports that recently impeached right-wing President Park Geun-hye was arrested in the early morning hours of Friday, March 31 and is currently jailed at the Seoul Detention Center while awaiting trial. The Special Investigation Bureau in charge of investigating the Choi/Park corruption scandal is expected to indict Park and make a motion for trial in mid-April.

The ironic thing is that the Seongju farming community voted 85% in favor of the US puppet President Park in the last election.  Park likely felt confident that since Seongju residents were loyal conservative party supporters they would go along with the US plan to deploy THAAD in their community.  But the people rebelled and held a mass funeral march to resign en mass from the ruling party.  They then quickly joined the peace movement and THAAD has become a dominant issue in South Korea.

The plan is now to organize the 2nd nationwide peace action (the first one drew more than 5,000 people) in Seongju on April 8, the same day the Global Network meets in Huntsville, Alabama where THAAD is currently being developed.

You don't have to understand Korean to watch this moving video......

THAAD is also deployed in Guam and will soon be flight tested from pristine fishing village Kodiak Island, Alaska.

Bruce

South Koreans Reject U.S. THAAD Deployment

Video from Seongju, South Korea showing US Army trucks driving through the protesting villagers (with 8,000 South Korean police deployed to keep the streets open) delivering the radars and interceptors for the THAAD 'missile defense' system to the new base.

Especially watch the last bit of the video so you can get a glimpse of the suffering the US is causing with this deployment.

One South Korean media source writes:

It happened like a sneak attack in the dead of night. All set procedures were utterly disregarded. With US Forces Korea and the Ministry of National Defense proceeding on Apr. 26 with the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system, the question for many now is just who made the decision and when. Whoever it was - and whatever their intentions - is likely to face accusations of interfering in the May 9 presidential election, where the THAAD issue was certain to be a key point of contention.

It's clear that this deployment was timed to be done before the coming May 9 elections as it now appears that a progressive candidate is leading in the polls.  Unless the US interferes in the election, which is quite possible, then the newly elected president would have been likely to slow down this THAAD deployment.  Thus Washington was eager to get it done now at all cost.

The Seongju melon farming community is worried about the THAAD radar's electromagnetic waves impact on their health and their crops.  They should also be very concerned about toxic rocket fuel pollution because everywhere there is such a rocket fuel storage facility in the US there are countless stories about contamination of local water supplies.  See more on this here

The Seongju community was previously a rock-ribbed conservative area that voted overwhelmingly for the last right-wing government.  But the THAAD deployment in their community has changed all of that.  They've now not only joined the peace movement in South Korea - but in many respects they are leading the movement today.

Not giving up leaders from five different religions in South Korea today began an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity against THAAD. They declared the strike in front of the United States Embassy in Seoul.

The US claims that they are 'protecting' the people of South Korea and bringing stability to the Korean peninsula.  But that is all lies.  The truth is that the people want the US military to leave Korea and when that happens the world will see a serious reduction of tensions in the region.

It is the US military that is driving the Asia-Pacific arms race (something that the military industrial complex knows and loves) and it is the US military 'pivot' of 60% of Pentagon forces into the region that is now the real trigger for WW III.

"Is the US really a friend when it deploys THAAD like a thief in the night during a presidential election? Or is South Korea a US colony?” asked Kim Chung-hwan, the 57-year-old co-chair of the Seongju Committee.

Bruce 

Keep Space for Peace Week Final Events List

October 7-14, 2017

Keep Space for Peace Week

International Week of Protest to

Stop the Militarization of Space

No Missile Defense
Close U.S. Bases Worldwide

No to NATO

Stop Drones Surveillance & Killing

End Privatization of Foreign/Military Policy

Convert the Military Industrial Complex

Deal with climate change and global poverty

•    Albuquerque, New Mexico (Oct 18) Showing John Pilger’s new film The Coming War on China at Peace Center at 6:00 pm. citizen@comcast.net  
•    Andover, Massachusetts (Oct 12) Vigil from 7:00-8:00 am in front of Raytheon,
350 Lowell St. (Rte 133) Organized by Merrimack Valley People for Peace, Friends Meeting Lawrence & VFP  brian@quirk.ws or allansifferlen@yahoo.com
•    Bath Iron Works, Maine (Oct 7) Vigil across from administration building on Washington Street (Navy Aegis destroyers outfitted with “missile defense” systems built at BIW) 11:30-12:30 am   Smilin’ Trees Disarmament Farm (207) 763-4062
•    Bath-Brunswick, Maine (Oct 13-21) 6th Maine Peace Walk will focus on conversion of Bath Iron Works with twice daily vigils at the shipyard and door-to-door leafleting. Sponsored by many groups in Maine and Massachusetts.  globalnet@mindspring.com
•    Bath, Maine (Oct 21) Finale event of Maine Peace Walk with music/speakers/food at Waterfront Park in downtown Bath from noon til 2:00 pm.  globalnet@mindspring.com
•    Belfast, Maine (Oct 7) Put up space week posters and hold ‘Stop Militarization of Space’ signs on Resistance Corner. Peace and Justice Group of Waldo County   dscampc321@gmail.com
•    Berkeley, California (Oct 7) Gar Smith Book Release: Militarism & the War on the Environment at 7:30 PM at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists (194 Cedar St). A long-time activist with rich experience in a range of movements, Gar will analyze the devastating consequences of the military-industrial complex on the environment. Gar brings an urgent focus on the damage military violence inflicts on regional—and global—ecosystems. He will be joined by Haley Pederson of CODEPINK: Women for Peace and Paul Cox of Veterans for Peace. gar-smith@earthlink.net
•    Brunswick, Maine (Oct 12) Showing of new film Village versus Empire by South African filmmaker about new Navy base on Jeju Island that is porting US warships viewed through the eyes of Shaman artist Dohee Lee.  Sponsored by PeaceWorks at the Frontier Café & Cinema.  7:30 pm Tickets $8.  globalnet@mindspring.com
•    Brunswick, Maine (Oct 17) Maine Peace Walk will walk to nearby Brunswick and hold pot luck supper and evening program on impact of Bath Iron Works on the local environment, economy, ports-of-call overseas and the need for conversion of the shipyard to build appropriate sustainable systems.  Hosted by Unitarian Church, supper at 6:00 pm.  globalnet@mindspring.com
•    Colorado Springs, Colorado (Oct 9) Vigil at Peterson AFB at 3:30 pm.  A copy of the recent UN treaty banning nuclear weapons will be presented to base personnel. Peterson AFB is home to Air Force Space Command.    Bill.sulzman@gmail.com
•    Colorado Springs, Colorado (Oct 10) Vigil at Schriever AFB at 3:30 pm.  Again a copy of the UN treaty will be presented to base personnel.  Schriever is home of the 50th Space Wing of the Air Force Space Command provides command and control for over 170 warning, navigational, and communications satellites. Also housed at Schriever AFB are the Missile Defense Integration & Operations Center and the Air Force Warfare Center. Schriever AFB is the main control point for the Global Positioning System (GPS).   Bill.sulzman@gmail.com
•    Creech AFB, Nevada (Oct 5-12) San Francisco CODEPINK is planning a week of resistance at Killer Drone Base.  ratherbenyckeling@comcast.net
•    USAF Croughton, England (Oct 7) March & Rally at U.S. satellite communication and intelligence base. Space communications, drones, bomber guidance, missile defence and command & control functions.  (Also will be the site of Global Network’s 26th annual meeting in 2018) 12-4 pm. Oxfordshire Peace Campaign, oxonpeace@yahoo.co.uk
•    Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona (Oct 10) Vigil at Craycroft Road entrance (at Golf Links Road) from 7:00 – 8:00 am.  Remotely piloting UAV's from the base that are firing guided bombs and missiles and killing more civilians than targeted "terrorists" in Afghanistan, Iraq Syria, Pakistan and possibly more sovereign nations.  A-10 warplanes that train at the base are responsible for the vast majority of radioactive Depleted Uranium ammunition - estimated at well over 400 tons - used in Iraq since 1991.  More info: 520-323-869
•    Fort Meade, Maryland (Oct 14) The Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore will go to the National Security Agency to protest illegal surveillance and its involvement in drone strikes at noon.  Our main message will be to call for the immediate release of Reality Winner, the NSA whistleblower.  Those interested in joining the action should contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net
•    Gangjeong, Jeju Island, South Korea (Oct 7-14)  Picketing, educating, expressing solidarity with the people of Seongju and Gimcheon against THAAD,  in front of the Jeju navy base, sponsored by the Anti-naval base committee, Gangjeong Village armha2013@gmail.com
•    Gangjeong, Jeju Island, South Korea (Oct 9) Discussion on the "Keep Space for Peace week and military industry’, as a part of an event on the issue of Military Industry organized by People Making the Jeju, Peace Island to Be Demilitarized.   (armha2013@gmail.com)
•    Gimcheon, South Korea (Oct 7-14) Nightly candlelight vigil against US deployment of THAAD missile defense system near their community (Gimcheon train station). The Gimcheon nightly candle vigil hit its one year anniversary on Aug. 20, 2017
•    Kalkar & Essen, Germany (Oct 3 & 7) A demonstration on Oct 7th in Essen against the annual NATO Joint Air and Space Power Conference (for strategic planning of air warfare, including nuclear) will  be preceded by a demonstration on Oct. 3rd at the German military base & NATO Command Center in nearby Kalkar.  Major peace organizations of the Rhein/Ruhr regions (including Pax Christi, WRI, and Easter March) have issued the call for these actions. A national planning meeting of German peace organizations will follow in Essen on Oct 8.  More information: www.demo-kalkar.de and www.no-natom-krieg.de
•    King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (Oct 14) Noon, Keep Space 4 Peace meet-up at Lockheed Martin, 230 Mall Boulevard (Mall & Goddard Boulevards). L-M builds the remote-controlled drones, the satellites that direct the drones, and the Hellfire missiles fired from drones.  www.brandywinepeace.com
•    Kyoto, Japan (Oct 7) Dismantle U.S. X-band missile defense radar base and remove out of  Kyoto.  A gathering for the solidarity with people of Okinawa and Korean's anti-THAAD movement, 13:00-15:00, Citizen's Action Centre  Higashiyama Ward, and 15:30-17:00 Demonstration march to Koto City Hall. Contact: 090-1590－9469 (Mr. Yamamoto)
•    Largo, Florida (Oct 7) Pax Christi Tampa Bay and Peace First will demonstrate at the Young-Rainey Star Center on corner of Bryan Dairy and Belcher Roads in mid-Pinellas County, site of a Raytheon plant (map here).  Raytheon is the prime contractor for THAAD’s ‘missile defense’ radar, and is the fourth largest weapons contractor in the world.  sjstew@gte.net
•    Madison, WI (Oct 11) Madison Pledge of Resistance and other groups organizing action at Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s office, asking her to withdraw her support for F-35 Fighter Jets coming to be housed in Madison, and to disavow the program being continued anywhere else.  This boondoggle will cost $1.45 trillion before it is over.  Sen. Baldwin’s office - 30 West Mifflin Street, Suite 700, Madison at 4:00 pm.  We will gather on the sidewalk outside the office before going in.  joyfirst5@gmail.com
•    Menwith Hill, England (Oct 10) Demonstration at U.S. NSA/NRO Spy Base in Yorkshire.  6-7:30 pm.   Sponsored by Yorkshire CND and the Menwith Hill Accountability Campaign outside the main gate.    info@yorkshirecnd.org.uk
•    Mumbai, India (Oct 10) World Without Wars and Star Wars. Dr. Leo Rebello, World Peace Envoy, to address and listen to 100 invited Peace Activists and We are the World Believers.  prof.leorebello@gmail.com
•    Nagpur, India (Oct 7) Space week Awareness programme at the M. S. Institute of Social Work, Ms. Suparna Deshpande will organise.  jnrao193636@gmail.com
•    Nagpur, India (Oct 8) Space week Protest demonstration organised by the Railway Pensioners Organisation and members of the Global Network.  jnrao193636@gmail.com
•    Nainpur, India (Oct 10) Space Awareness presentation by J. Narayana Rao at Government High School and Gyan Jyoti College.   jnrao193636@gmail.com
•    Nainpur, India (Oct 11) Space Awareness presentation by J. Narayana Rao at Adarsh High School and Railway Junior College.   jnrao193636@gmail.com
•    New York, New York (Oct 7) An 11:30 am vigil at Washington Square Park followed at noontime with a solemn procession along University Place to Union Square.  There we will join the already-in-progress Yemen vigil on the steps at 14th Street. The message will cover the 16th anniversary of the Afghanistan invasion, the threats to North Korea, weapons in space and all current U.S. wars and so-called "missions." WRL has set up a FB event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/870146323141701/
•    Niscemi, Sicily (Oct 7) Inaugurate the new No MUOS (US Navy satellite communications system) venue and celebrate the international week of anti-militaristic initiatives of Keep Space for Peace Week http://www.nomuos.info/
•    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Oct 7) Silent vigil in Center City representing the deaths of those killed by drones.  As street theater, we remain silent, wearing masks and black clothing.  Please come out for one hour to let people on the street know we do not support ENDLESS WARS, using U.S. DRONES, other powerful weapons and U.S. military on the ground and in space. Meeting at 12th & Arch Street from 11:45 am to 12:45. Call Marge Van Cleef at 203-804-3013.
•    Seongju, South Korea (Oct 7-14) Nightly candlelight vigil against US deployment of THAAD missile defense system near their community (a parking lot across from the Seongju County Office)  The Seongju nightly candle vigil hit its one year anniversary as of July 13, 2017.
•    Soseong-ri, Seongju, South Korea (Oct 7-14) Soseong-ri in Seongju is located just next to Gimcheon. It is a small village lived by around 160 people - mostly elderly women and men farming melons. The residents and their supporters have been protesting day and night since the former Lotte Skyhill Country Club site in Soseong-ri was discussed as the planned THAAD deployment site in August, last year. A radar and two launchers of THAAD system were forcefully deployed in the former LCC on April 26, this year. And deployment of additional four THAAD launchers were enforced on Sept 7. On the day, 500 people resisted for 18 hours. Even after the completion of THAAD deployment, people in Soseong-ri are continuing their daily protest demanding the removal of THAAD. They also hold a regular rally every Wednesday in front of Soseong-ri village hall, which started on Nov 30, 2016. Recently a man named Cho Young-sam immolated himself against THAAD in Seoul on Sept. 19. On the day of his funeral on Sept. 23, a procession in memory of his will against THAAD was extended to Soseong-ri, too.
•    Sydney, Australia (Oct 13) No ‘Missile Defence’ Rally at the Defence Plaza 270 Pitt St at noon.  Australian Anti-Bases Campaign & Independent & Peaceful Australia Network denis@anti-bases.org
•    Vandenberg AFB, California (Oct 4) Keep Space for Peace vigil at space warfare base at the Main Gate from 3:45 pm to 4:45 pm.  For information contact Dennis Apel at 805-343-6322.
•    Visakhapatnam, India (Oct 9) Workshop on 'Peace Communication' at Dept of Journalism & Mass Communication of Andhra University as part of Global Network's Peace week. Organizing Team: Dr. Challa Ramakrishna, HOD, Journalism Dept and Mr. Krishnaveer Abhishek Challa, Soft Skills Trainer of AU.  com2mass@gmail.com
•    Washington DC (Oct 10) The Pentagon: Tuesday at 7-8 AM. Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Keep Space for Peace Week vigil where we will hold signs with that theme. artlaffin@hotmail.com
•    Washington DC (Oct 13) The White House: Friday at 12 Noon –1:00 PM. Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Keep Space for Peace Week vigil where we will hold signs with that theme.  artlaffin@hotmail.com
•    Weld County, Colorado (Oct 7) Vigil at Nuclear missile silo N-8 in Weld County at 1 pm, the site of historic plowshares action 15 years ago by Sisters Ardeth Platte and Carol Gilbert. Bill.sulzman@gmail.com

Keep Space for Peace Week co-sponsored by: Anti-naval base Committee of Gangjeong village, Jeju Island, South Korea; US Task Force to Stop THAAD in Korea & Militarism in Asia & the Pacific; Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom; Global Action Against Military Bases; NoDalMolin (Italy)

Resources:

·  Download our full-size space week poster at:  http://www.space4peace.org/actions/Keep%20Space%20for%20Peace%20Poster%202017_large.jpg

· Space videos for viewing and sharing available at:  http://www.space4peace.org/videos.htm

·  Latest Global Network Space Alert newsletter at:  http://www.space4peace.org/newsletter/Space%20Alert%2035.pdf

·  John Pilger’s new film The Coming War on China For screenings, contact Bullfrog Films john@bullfrogfilms.com        http://thecomingwaronchina.bullfrogcommunities.com/ 

· Village versus Empire film about Jeju Island through the eyes of shaman artist by South African filmmaker Mark Kaplan.  Order DVD by contacting mark@greymattermedia.co.za  

· New Documentary ‘BLUE BUTTERFLY EFFECT’ deals with the Anti-THAAD movement that broke out in South Korea last year. The film had its world premiere at Jeonju International Film Festival where it won Best Documentary Award. You can see film trailer (in Korean) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKNKlS_nm4U&t=2s  To get film in English please write to filmmaker Emmanuel Moonchil Park to make arrangements.  His email is jazzurup@gmail.com
   

·  Global Action Against Military Bases  https://www.itstimetoresist.org/call/?lang=en