IT IS SPREADING

Cops try to prevent activists from putting kayaks in water to get to Gureombi

• I got to Santa Monica last night after uneventful two flights. Took nearly one-hour to get my bags at baggage claim which is clear indication that the airlines are cutting back on workers and forcing people to do the work of those who have been laid off. Staying with Randy and Cris who are already briefing me on anti-corporate organizing happening here. They are working on passing a local ordinance called Rights Based Organizing which would (1) Reassert our inherent human and democratic rights (2) Establish the rights of nature (3) Subordinate corporate interests. I tape a video interview later this afternoon.
• About 500 union activists marched in Gangjeong village yesterday on Jeju Island and police met them with pepper spray. About 30 of them finally made it to Gureombi rock by swimming and kayak. Several got over the razor wire. Eight were arrested blocking a police bus. Brother Song got badly hurt when cops dragged him from Gureombi and beat on him. Cut him up and damaged his teeth. He was arrested and taken to hospital. See latest Gangjeong village newsletter here
• On Friday night former Army Col. Ann Wright (now a leading peace activist) spoke about Jeju Island in Berkely, CA. and the folks there came up with the following action plan:
  
  

• Until Samsung immediately ceases construction of this naval base, and until Samsung immediately and completely funds reparations to the women and their families in order for them to attempt restoration of the destruction Samsung has already caused, we call for a nation-wide womencott of Samsung and its subsidiaries to include the following:
  
  1) May 2nd: National day of SMASHING SAMSUNG: gather all your Samsung products and bring to the Korean Consulate. Simulate 4 story concrete caissons smashing thru this pile of products in front of the Korean Consulate.
  
  2) SAMSUNG FREE ZONE: approach your city council to pass a resolution banning Samsung & subsidiaries products in your town
  
  3) NO FUNDING MILITARY BASE on Jeju Island: approach your congresspeople to write and co-sponsor a bill withdrawing all U.S. monies from South Korea for this base.
  
  4) WOMENCOTT SAMSUNG: spend three hours a week at your local electronics store, holding up banners, handing out flyers, encourage potential customers to never buy Samsung, and approaching the store to remove Samsung products from their shelves.
  
  5) WHERE in the WORLD is JEJU ISLAND? Symposiums, house parties, teach-ins: commit to helping to spread the word by hosting an event of your families, friends, co-workers, allies.
  
  6) PLEDGE: I pledge to womencott Samsung and its subsidiaries until they totally cease destroying Jeju Island and pay reparations to the people.
  
  INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY WOMENCOTT OLYMPICS: The summer Olympics this July in London will give us “golden opportunities” to womencott Samsung if they are still persisting in destroying Jeju Island. Get your passport updated NOW!
  
  For more info contact Xan Sam Joi mzsamcodepink@yahoo.com