SPACE WEEK BEGINS

Louisa Hart holds sign during protest at Bath Iron Works today

We had a good turnout this morning as we gathered in front of Bath Iron Works (BIW) to mark Keep Space for Peace Week.  The Aegis destroyers made at BIW carry interceptor missiles on-board that are key elements in the Pentagon's 'missile defense' first-strike attack program.

About five Quakers came up from Cambridge, Massachusetts which was a nice surprise.

We started walking toward one of the gates that workers filed out of as the noon whistle sounded on the Saturday shift.  I was first in the line and one of them yelled to me, "Do you support the troops?"  I simply replied, "Bring them home."  He was not satisfied with my response so he yelled the question again, "Do you support the troops?"  His badgering of me had no impact and my response was again "Bring them home."

Out of the hundreds of workers who drove away from BIW only a handful were ugly to us.  Referring to my sign one guy yelled from his car, "We kick their asses."  Another yelled "We kill them."  I've heard this before at BIW.  It is evidence of the distorted culture of violence that we have created in this country.  It is a sickness when people take pleasure "kicking ass" and killing people whose only crime is that they live on or near vital resources that corporate globalization has determined it will take by force of arms.

But in fairness I must say that several guys in cars that went by during this same time gave us a thumbs up or a peace sign.  Not everyone that works at BIW relishes in the destruction that goes along with the job.  Like in so many other places many workers are just punching a clock, finding a way to feed their family.  If they had their druthers they'd be happy building wind turbines, rail systems, or hospital ships.

It is those workers we are really trying to reach.  One man in our group held a sign today that read "Conversion creates more jobs".  The fact is that workers at BIW, and other weapons production plants, are likely to see their jobs disappear as the nation is forced to cut military spending in the coming years due to massive national debt and economic crisis.  It would be smart for military production workers to start calling on their elected officials at every level (local, state, and national) to begin planning for conversion of the weapons production process.

The numbers show without a doubt that conversion does in fact create more jobs.  You can see the definitive UMASS-Amherst Economics Department study here.

The peace movement can't do this one alone, and should not be expected to.  The people who labor inside the military industrial complex need to become advocates for their own future.  And that future will only be secure when they help convert their workplace to deal with the coming ravages of climate change.

The global war system, including the current insane plan to move the arms race into space, is a dinosaur waiting to die.

EMPIRE NOT WORTH THIS DESTRUCTION

The Global Network recently sent Veterans for Peace member Kenneth Ashe from North Carolina to Jeju Island.  Here is a short clip of him standing on the coastline talking about the consequences of building a Navy base in this environmentally sacred place.

REAL SOLIDARITY

South Korean activists know how to show solidarity.  They tie Keep Space for Peace Week and the Jeju Navy base fight together.

The yellow letters read: No Jeju naval base! Yes, people's welfare!

MADMAN KEEPS ROLLING THE DICE

It is increasingly obvious (after watching the two video posts just below this one) that the U.S. is finagling to turn the Syrian turmoil into a full blown war.  Once Obama can draw Turkey (a NATO member) into war with Syria then the next step would be for Turkey to request NATO protection.  Ba-boom!

If the U.S. can help create "border incidents" between Turkey and Syria then the same could be done between Turkey and Iran.

The madman's dice are being rolled again and unless someone steps up to stop the corporate war machine then it will keep plowing us deeper and deeper into war.  Neither Obama or Romney will stop it.  Looks like Turkey has caved to U.S. pressure.  Europe doesn't seem to have the stuff to stand up for peace.

Will Russia and China be able to stop this blitzkrieg?  If not, hold onto your hat because it is going to be a terrible mess.

PROTESTS IN TURKEY AGAINST WAR WITH SYRIA

The UK Telegraph reports:

Protesters take to the streets in Ankara and Istanbul after Turkey's parliament approved military operations against targets in Syria following the deaths of five Turkish citizens from Syrian shelling. 

Around 5,000 people took to the streets of Istanbul on Thursday evening in an anti-war protest which turned into a demonstration against Turkey's ruling AK Party. Protesters chanted slogans against the war as they carried anti-government banners.

"We are going through an ugly provocation of war. The Turkish and Syrian people are not enemies, but the ruling AK Party government is trying to drag our country into a war with Syria in compliance with US interests," said protester Nevzat Evrim Onal.

The Turkish slogan "savasa hayir" ("no to war") was the top trending item on Turkey's Twitter on Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, in Ankara, what started as a peaceful demonstration soon turned violent as protesters clashed with police after they tried to block them from moving around the city.

WANDERING INTO ANOTHER WAR

Lawrence Wilkerson is a retired United States Army soldier and former chief of staff to United States Secretary of State Colin Powell. Wilkerson is an adjunct professor at the College of William & Mary where he teaches courses on US national security. He also instructs a senior seminar in the Honors Department at the George Washington University entitled "National Security Decision Making."

PAX AMERICANA & THE WEAPONIZATION OF SPACE

The prospect of Earth being ruled from space is no longer science-fiction. The dream of the original Dr. Strangelove, Wernher von Braun (from Nazi rocket-scientist to NASA director) has survived every US administration since WW2 and is coming to life. Today the technology exists to weaponize space, a massive American industry thrives, and nations are maneuvering for advantage.

PAX AMERICANA tackles this pivotal moment. Are war machines already orbiting Earth? Can treaties keep space weapons-free? Must the World capitulate to one super-cop on the global beat?

With startling archival footage and unprecedented access to US Air Force Space Command, this elegant, forceful documentary reveals the state of play through generals, space-policy analysts, politicians, diplomats, peace activists, and hawks.

As if there weren't enough weapons here on earth, space has become the newest arena for countries around the globe to launch their struggle for supremacy. Denis Delestrac's film Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space is packed full of some truly startling facts — everything from the "Rods of God" (space weapons that can launch from orbit) to the fact that fifty cents of every American tax dollar goes towards military spending. The astronomical costs of arming and policing the heavens (more than $200 billion) has largely fallen to the US Air Force, but with China and other nations challenging American supremacy, there is the potential for a war to take place right over our heads.

Comparison of the space race to the sea battles of the 18th and 19th Century are apt, since so many global interests are at stake. As per usual, economics are at the heart of the struggle. Noam Chomsky draws analogies between the US weaponization of space to good old-fashioned colonialism in the tradition of empire. In the name of protecting commercial investment, the US has charged itself with being the arbiter of peace in space. But with the weapons industry replacing almost all other manufacturing in America, is this simply a ruse? Many experts unequivocally state that missile defense is the longest running fraud in the history of US defense. That it, in fact, disguises true American intentions to dominate space as a means of dominating the entire globe. (Getting rid of the anti-ballistic missile treaty was one of the first activities undertaken by the Bush Administration.)

If a space war were to happen, the effects could prove catastrophic. Since there is no way to clean up debris and space junk, it stays in orbit, circling the globe at some 14,000 miles per hour. At this speed, even a pea-sized piece of debris has the capacity to destroy whatever is in its path. This includes satellites that regulate most of the world's information systems (everything from GPS to banking to media). But with China shooting down one of their own aging satellites, the race shows every sign of heating up. This time, the sky may indeed be falling.

REACTIONS FROM THE UN-WASHED

I thought I'd post some interesting reactions to the "debate" last night that I found on Facebook from various people.  I'm leaving the names off since I didn't get permission to post their words. It's very interesting that few of the Obama promoters, who normally are all over Facebook, had anything to say after the debate. Here they are:

• Leaving aside the fact that my last visit to the dentist was more informative and enjoyable than this debate, the two candidates came across as two people who essentially agree on everything but sound like they are trying to disagree. Once you strip away the rhetoric, it's obvious that neither Obama or Romney is willing to stand up to Wall Street, address the epidemic of home foreclosures, or meaningfully tackle the economic crisis. Both are in favor of endless war, cutting Social Security and Medicare and want to drill, baby, drill. And the whole night nothing was said about immigration, reproductive rights or poverty, which are all intertwined with economic issues. 
• When will this Hollywood B-movie of political phoniness end? Jim Lehrer [debate moderator], really? Everything's scripted so they never deviate from a right-of-center narrative that's right-wing enough to not offend the real rulers, and center enough to not offend real people who cast votes. Presidential debates have been managed this way for over 30 years.
• When your child comes home to you in a body bag, will it matter which of these guys put him there?
• Please go to DemocracyNow.org and see the Jill Stein and Rocky Anderson part of the debate. There are other options, not just these 2 clowns. Learn what they stand for and let's get back to what this country is suppose to do.
•  I heard some jerk off on the train say if Obama wins America will be a communist country.
•  Who else thinks that the presidential election should be run exactly like American Idol?
•  Hope some folks watched the "debate" on Democracy Now or PBS, rather than the choreographed, faux version modeled on professional wrestling.
•  But, but, but the Democrats are the "lesser of two evils", right? No. Same pile of shit.
•  From what I heard from both sides, they agreed that Romney won hands down!
•  Both sides must agree that coal, offshore drilling, trickle down economics, military spending and privatizing federal health programs is the way to go.
•  Based on the first few minutes of these "debates" I'd say that Obama is going to vote for Romney.
•  WE ARE WASTING OUR EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, MENTAL ENERGIES AND GETTING DEPRESSED AND OLDER HERE IN THE INTERNET, as we waste our precious energies trying to wake up the 80% of US voters who support the Democratic Party and The Republican Party.
• I am watching Democracy Now. It is far better than the real debates, Very informative. I encourage all my friends to watch this show tonight. It is explaining so much to me... I am not used to news like this. It treats me like I am smart.
• This might be a bit too radical for the Obama supporters - "You're not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or who says it."   - Malcolm X.   See Ten Reasons I’m Not With Barack  http://www.counterpunch.org/2012/08/03/ten-reasons-im-not-with-barack/ 
• Has anyone noticed how the mainstream media pundits have jumped in to salvage Obama's campaign after his pathetically poor performance last night. No teleprompter for Obama.
• I'm teaching republicans critical thinking and trying to get one answer: Name one thing mitt romney has said that he hasn't contradicted - can't get an answer they just all get mad at me.
• All I saw last night was an extremely arrogant white guy ignoring the rules, insulting the process and his rival and spreading the same old bullshit ...typical preppy ~
• The reason Obama did poorly is simple. He is bad at governing America. He hasn’t solved the foreclosure crisis, the jobs crisis, the climate crisis, the energy crisis, the financial crisis, the debt crisis, the health care crisis, or really, anything. He can’t point to very much that Americans broadly like, except killing Bin Laden and the auto bailout. His second term agenda is to cut Social Security, Medicare, frack, cut corporate taxes, bust more teachers unions and pass more neo-liberal trade agreements. He is proud of this record. So are his people. But he knows he can’t run on it because it’s unpopular, so instead, he presented himself as a nice likable guy.
• By the end of this debate Romney will make Obama's kill list.
• It's all a huge fundraiser for the kabuki dancers. Neither side of this evil coin is going to say anything truthful or allow questions that would make the voters pay attention....The line in the sand is drawn by the red & blue B/S...My questions would of put an end to the B/S real quick... #1 What in hell gives you the right to pass NDAA, eliminating the constitution and rule of law?  #2  Why do you continue to hold Bradley Manning and others in prison and order Tuesday kill lists.??? .... Blessings.
• With everything that's going on in the world I have become a born again communist.
• It seemed like Romney was happy to be there. Obama gave me the impression that the whole thing was kind a lot of trouble.
• Obama lost himself probably millions of votes last night. That's on him and his millions of dollars worth of campaign and political advice that went into to his very weak performance.

THE BEAUTY CONTEST

WE ARE THE SKY!

The folks in Gangjeong village are at it again.  They are going on another long walk (Oct 4 - Nov 3) and taking their message to the entire nation - to existing U.S. war bases on the mainland and to the national government as well.  See the report below from the increasingly unified South Korean movement for real democracy.



Lets’ Walk, Walk and Take Away

From Gangjeong village to Seoul
Nationwide Festival-Seoul City Hall Square, Nov. 3

Last June, laid-off workers of the Ssangyong automobile Co., Gangjeong villagers and bereaved families of the Yongsan [Seoul urban neighborhood where President Lee's corporate allies drive for control resulted in five local residents being killed by police as they fought against 'redevelopment'] tragedy - Ssangyong-S,  K(G)angjeong-K, Yongsan-Y - and their related associated organizations launched the SKY ACT-SKY Joint Action.'

    In our launch statement, June 28, we cried:

    The workers are the Sky! The Gureombi is the Sky!

    The evicted people are the Sky!

    We are the Sky! All the lives are the Sky!

    Since then, we have continued solidarity actions through the ‘Nationwide Traveling Rally for Resolution on No Structured Lay-Off, No Irregular Jobs, and No State Violence,’ ‘Great March for the Peace of Gangjeong to Revoke the Jeju Naval Base Project’ (July 30 to Aug. 4) and Campaign for the Screening of ‘Two Doors,’ on the truth of the Yongsan Tragedy.

    It has been with a symbol ‘SKY: Ssangyong (S), K(G)angjeong (K), and Yongsan (Y) and a dream to make solidarity with all the oppressed people who are fighting, suffering unfairness and being evicted.

    The SKY ACT coordinating team has gathered people’s opinion to succeed the touching impression and accomplishment of the Great March for the Peace of Gangjoeng held throughout Jeju and early August and to focus on the struggles on the second half of the year, through the ‘2012 Great March for Life and Peace.’

    Since then, discussions have been held in each group’s meetings, overall meetings and coordinating group meetings. Proposals have been sent to the various fields of labor, civic, society, environment, education, region, religion, human rights and individuals who have joined each struggle of Sangyong, K(G)angjeong and Yongsan.

    We want to meet the ‘SKY’ of this land, who have been excluded and alienated despite the fact that the matters on the revocation of the Jeju naval base, structured lay-off of irregular workers, prohibition on enforced demolition, withdrawal of the Four River Project, stopping of the nuclear power plant etc. are important.

    Contact skyact1103@hanmail.net  Catholic Human Rights Committee

See the whole walk schedule and info here

AMERICAN CITIZENS USED AS GUINEA PIGS

Lisa Martino-Taylor is a sociologist whose life's work has been to uncover details of the Army's ultra-secret military experiments carried out in St. Louis and other cities during the 1950s and 60s.

The I-Team independently verified that the spraying of zinc cadmium sulfide did take place in St. Louis on thousands of unsuspecting citizens.

SPACE WEEK GOING TO KEEP ME BUSY

• Had lunch with Regis Tremblay today who is just back from a couple weeks on Jeju Island.  He is fired up to get going on his documentary film about the navy base fight there.  He got lots of help from everyone associated with the base struggle in Korea so he came away with significant historical footage that will help him tell the whole story of U.S. machinations there since World War II.  Going to be a great project.
• On Thursday night this week local PeaceWorks group is showing the award-winning film Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space.  Will be presented at the public library in Brunswick at 7:00 pm.  It's a very good film.
• On Saturday this weekend there will be a vigil at Bath Iron Works where the Aegis destroyers are built.  These warships are outfitted with "missile defense" systems that are also key elements in Pentagon first-strike attack planning.  They would be ported at the Navy base being built on Jeju Island in South Korea and would be used to help surround both Russia and China.  Our protest will be from 11:30 am to 12:30 as the weekend shift workers leave for the day.
• Early Sunday morning I get on the train to Philadelphia where I will spend two days doing talks.  From there I head to Baltimore to join a space week protest at the National Security Administration (NSA) headquarters at Ft. Meade, Maryland. 

FREE BRADLEY MANNING

On Sunday, dozens of supporters gathered for an event to raise awareness about the crisis for WhistleBlowers in America and to raise money for Bradley Manning's Defense Fund.

FINAL SPACE WEEK ACTIONS LIST

October 6-13, 2012

Keep Space for Peace Week

International Week of Protest to

Stop the Militarization of Space

No Missile Defense 
Stop the Drones 

End Afghanistan War

No to NATO Expansion

Convert the Military Industrial Complex

Bring Our War $$ Home

No Nuclear Power in Space or on Earth

End Corporate Domination of Foreign/Military Policy

 List in formation

• Albuquerque, New Mexico (Oct 3) Showing of award winning documentary Pax-Americana & the Weaponization of Space at the Center for Peace & Justice, 202 Harvard SE, 6:00 pm.  citizen@comcast.net

• Andover, Massachusetts (Oct 11) Merrimack Valley People for Peace will hold a vigil in front of Raytheon, 7:00-8:00 am.  brian@quirk.ws

• Bath Iron Works, Maine (Oct 6) Vigil across from administration building on Washington Street (Navy Aegis destroyers built at BIW) 11:30-12:30 am   Smilin’ Trees Disarmament Farm   (207) 763-4062 

• Bhubhaneswar (Orissa state) India (Oct 6) Space issues education and awareness program.  Coordinated by Ramchandra Patro  rama_bm@yahoo.com

• Bombay, India (October 12) Day long seminar by Dr. Leo Rebello on World Without Wars on Earth or Space, based on his book World Without Wars.   prof.leorebello@gmail.com 

• Boston, Massachusetts (Oct 6) Drones Death Walk.  We will walk from 565 Boylston Street (across from Copley Square) at 12:30 pm.  Join WILPF Boston Branch as we walk to the Boston Common and Park Street Station.  We will dress in black and wear white masks.  Contact: wilpf_boston@verizon.net

• Brunswick, Maine (Oct 4) Showing of award winning documentary Pax-Americana & the Weaponization of Space at the Curtis Memorial Library at 7:00 pm.  gaia@gwi.net

• Bucharest, Romania (Oct 12) Distributing leaflets and showing of Pax Americana & the Weaponization of Space video at the Cervantes College  aurel.Romania@gmail.com

• Cardiff, Wales (Oct 9) Handing in of Petition calling for Welsh Government to withdraw support for testing of drones at Aberporth and over Wales http://dronecampaignnetwork.wordpress.com/week-of-action-events/

• Colorado Springs, Colorado (Oct 12) Demonstration from noon to 12:45 pm with banners outside of the SAIC facility which is adjacent to Peterson AFB (HQ of Air Force Space Command) northgate.  That way we get a twofer.  bill.sulzman@gmail.com     
• Colorado Springs, Colorado (Oct 12) Demonstration at West gate of Schriever AFB, home of the Space Warfare Center and numerous other Star Wars programs  3:30 - 4:30 pm.  bill.sulzman@gmail.com

• RAF Croughton, England (Oct 6) Rally at U.S. communication base, March to main gate 1 mile - starts Croughton village 12.00 midday, Returns 3:00 pm, Oxfordshire Peace Campaign, oxonpeace@yahoo.co.uk

• Deming, New Mexico (Oct 12) Weekly Friday Occupy vigil will carry Keep Space for Peace signs

• Fort Meade, Maryland (Oct 9) Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore will make its annual trek to the National Security Agency (NSA) at Fort Meade from 5:30-6:30 PM.  The spy agency continues to break a host of laws both U.S. and international.  Gather on Route 32 outside the main gate to alert the general public to the criminal activity taking place at the NSA.  RSVP to Max at 410-366-1537 or mobuszewski@verizon.net  

• Friargate, England (Oct 8) Public Meeting: Yorkshire’s role in Drone Warfare 7:00 pm, Friargate Friends meeting house.  http://dronecampaignnetwork.wordpress.com/week-of-action-events/

• Fylingdales, England (Oct 7) Begin bicycle trip from Fylingdales U.S. radar facility to Menwith Hill to highlight their connections with US missile defense and the use of space technology.   Overnight peace camp the night before.  info@yorkshirecnd.org.uk

• Gangjeong, Jeju Island, South Korea (Oct 6-13) Screening of space films in the Peace Center during the Keep Space for Peace Week. Banner and signs on Space Week will be hung and held in the village, including near the naval base construction gate. Information on space week will be distributed to the nationwide march participants during the space week.  armha5156@gmail.com

• Hinckley, England (Oct 7) Drones Peace Walk:  Leave Tamworth 9am for long walk (approx 17 miles) to Hinckley. http://dronecampaignnetwork.wordpress.com/week-of-action-events/

• Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir state) India (Oct 10) Rally coordinated by Ashwani Pradadhan ashwanipradhan50@gmail.com

• King of Prussia/Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (Oct 13) Noon. Brandywine Peace Community's annual Keep Space for Peace Week demonstration (and observance of U.S. Afghan war anniversary) at Lockheed Martin.  Lockheed Martin, the world's largest war profiteer, a primary contractor of space weaponry as well as unmanned aerial vehicles, drones (including the Hell Fire missiles they carry) and the satellites which enable their remote control from the continental U.S.  brandywine@juno.com 
•  Las Vegas, Nevada (Oct 11) From 9:00 to 10:00 am, we will focus signs on Keep Space for Peace during our weekly peace vigil outside the Lloyd George Federal Courthouse, 333 S. Las Vegas Blvd. at Clark.  From 5:00 to 6:30 pm we will vigil on the pedestrian overpass over Las Vegas Blvd. on the north side of Tropicana Blvd. (connecting New York New York to the MGM Grand) with large "Keep Space for Peace" signs and other banners and will have handouts for passers by.  Nevada Desert Experience 415-828-2506

• Leeds, England (Oct 3) ‘Drones – a new kind of warfare’ a talk and discussion with Chris Cole of the Campaign against Drones on the growing use of unmanned drones in the Middle East and beyond.  7.30 pm, Room G546, Rosebowl Building, Leeds Metropolitan University.  Organised by Pax Christi and Yorkshire CND. dominic@yourkshirecnd.org.uk

• Leicester, England (Oct 8) Drones Peace Walk leaves Hinckley 10:00 am for 12 mile walk to Leicester.  Demonstration at the Thales Watchkeeper drone factory, Scudamore Road, Leicester, 3.30pm.  http://dronecampaignnetwork.wordpress.com/week-of-action-events/

• Lincoln, England (Oct 12) Drones Peace Walk leaves Southwell on bus 28 to Newark at 9.38, then bus 47 from Newark at 10.40 to outskirts of Lincoln then walking 5 miles to Friends Meeting House. Hosted in houses. Possible evening meeting. http://dronecampaignnetwork.wordpress.com/week-of-action-events/

• London, England (Oct 12) Demonstration outside London office of General Atomics, Tower 42, Old Broad Street. Organised by London Catholic Worker      http://www.londoncatholicworker.org/contacts.html

• Loughborough, England (Oct 9) Drones Peace Walk: Gather at Gandhi’s statue, Belgrave Road, Leicester at 9.30am for readings, 10am leave for Loughborough 12 miles, evening meeting in Loughborough http://dronecampaignnetwork.wordpress.com/week-of-action-events/

• Menwith Hill, England (Oct 9) ‘The Faceless Face of Military Drones’ demonstration at NSA Spy Base in Yorkshire at 6-8 pm.   Will be welcoming the cyclists from Yorkshire CND when they arrive at Menwith Hill from Fylingdales.  (Faceless masks will be available)  Sponsored by CAAB  mail@caab.corner.org.uk  or 01423 884076

• Montrose, California (Oct 12) Weekly peace vigil with Keep Space for Peace theme, corner of Ocean View/Honolulu Ave, 5:30-7:00 pm  rmedford@ucla.edu 
•  Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (October 6) Occupy Myrtle Beach meets at 1:00 pm on the Business 17 street side of Chapin Park to walk with signs to protest drones and to keep space for peace. outdoorsbrian@hotmail.com 

• Nagpur, (Maharashtra state) India (Oct 9) Space issues education and awareness program at Women’s College, Nandanwant Lay out.  Coordinator Mrunalini Fadnavis mrunalinifadnavis@gmail.com

• Nagpur, (Maharashtra state) India (Oct 12) Students rally at Matru Sewa Sangh Institute of Social Work.  Coordinated by Prof. Geetha Thachil  geethathachil@gmail.com

• Nagpur, (Maharashtra state) India (Oct 13) A massive Dharna (Squating) will
  be held jointly with several organisations at Nagpur.  rao.jnrao36@sofy.com

• Newton, Massachusetts (Oct 21)  Bruce Gagnon speaks at First Unitarian Church,  1326 Washington Street, West Newton, 7:00 pm  Ncwrenn@aol.com   

• New York, New York (Oct 6-13) -- United Nations office of WILPF Reaching Critical Will has reorganized their information on Keeping Space for Peace, Aerospace war profiteers, missile defense, weapons in space and existing space treaties for Keep Space for Peace Week and beyond. Go to:     http://reachingcriticalwill.org/resources/fact-sheets/critical-issues/5448-  outer-space#civsoc

• Nottingham, England (Oct 10) Drones Peace Walk Leaves Loughborough 9am, walk to Nottingham, 15 miles, staying in Friends Meeting House, peace supper. http://dronecampaignnetwork.wordpress.com/week-of-action-events/

• Oita, Japan (Oct 12) Banner against the fast breeder reactor development in Japan and the international joint R&D of a nuclear fusion reactor  16:00~17:00 at Oita Kyusyu Electric Power Co  seamesky@sand.ocn.ne.jp

• Omaha, Nebraska (Oct 6) "Stop the Killing, Ground the Drones" vigil, 10am to noon, Close to Stratcom at Offutt AFB, Corner of Fort Crook Rd & Cornhusker, Code Pink Omaha, Contact Frances Mendenhall 402-208-3717

• Oneonta, New York (Oct 6-13) Putting up Keep Space for Peace Week posters around town throughout the week.   brendanjoconnor@yahoo.com

• Oswestry, England (Oct 4) Coalition for Peace is hosting a talk by Chris Cole of Drone Wars UK at the Walford Davies Room, The Giuildhall, Bailey Head, Oswestry, Shropshire at 7.30. The title is ‘Drone Wars: Afghanistan, Pakistan and Beyond’. Details 01691 650527

• Pentagon, Washington DC (Oct 9) Keep Space for Peace signs will be held at weekly Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Pentagon morning vigil artlaffin@hotmail.com

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Oct 7) Vigil and demonstration against drone research at UPENN at 34th & Walnut Streets, 1:00 pm.  Speakers, music, and more; followed by kite flying in Woodland Walk field, between UPENN and Drexel University, behind the corner at 34th & Walnut Streets. End the War, Stop the Killer Drone Strikes, Space for Peace, not drone strikes directed from the U.S. through space.  Kites will be available, bring your own if you can, and don't forget your umbrella in the event of rain.   brandywine@juno.com

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Oct 8) Noon, Brown bag lunch presentation at Friends Center, 1501 Cherry Street, with Bruce Gagnon, International peace organizer; Coordinator,Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space and Keep Space for Peace Week;  Author, Come Together Right Now: Organizing Stories From Fading Empire. brandywine@juno.com

• Pickering, England (Oct 7) Peace in space cycle journey we will be stopping overnight for rest. meeting and discussion. info@yorkshirecnd.org.uk

• Ponidcherry University, India (Oct 7-8) Space issues education and awareness campaign Coordinator J. Narayana Rao rao.jnrao36@sofy.com

• Porthmadog, England (Oct 13) Anti-drone street stall, Porthmadog, Fellowship of Reconciliation, 2.30pm http://dronecampaignnetwork.wordpress.com/week-of-action-events/

• Portland, Maine (Oct 8) Anti-Drone Die-In at Obama Campaign Headquarters, 533 Forest Ave., noon-1pm.  CODEPINK State of Maine & Portland  Pat Taub (207) 542-7119 pparee2011@gmail.com

• Portland Oregon (Oct 6) Rally and march: Women's International League for Peace and Freedom will carry signs and banners calling for Keeping Space for Peace, No Drones, No to Missile Offense and more in event sponsored by more than 30 organizations. WILPF speaker at the rally will hi-lite KS4Peace issues. carol.disarm@gmail.com

• Portland, Oregon (Oct 7) Teach-in. Women's International League for Peace and Freedom is conducting a  participatory workshop on the inter-relationship of U.S. space militarization, nukes, wars and occupations and on building for peace, not war. carol.disarm@gmail.com

• Poway, California (Oct 11) Anti-Predator drone vigil at General Atomics, 4:00-6:00 pm, Scripps Poway Pkwy & General Atomics Way, San Diego Veterans For Peace bdlvfp@gmail.com

• Prague, Czech Republic (Oct 10)  Militarization of Space and the Missile Defence Project discussion with Dr. Miroslav Tuma, disarmament expert from the Institute of Foreign Relations in Prague. Where: Centrum neziskovych aktivit, Tyrsova 1, 6:00 pm  jana@svetbezvalek.cz

• Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada (Oct 11) Vigil and flyer distribution at the north end of the Scarth Street Mall in downtown Regina, 12:00-12:30 pm. Making Peace Vigil 306-539-8853; sgerardm@gmail.com

• Rochester, New York  (Oct 6-13) Putting up Keep Space for Peace Week posters around town throughout the week. 585-339-9782

• Santa Barbara, California (Oct 18-21) Challenging Robotic Warfare Technology: Education, Organizing, Strategy & Resistance Statewide Conference tierralinda@live.com  
• Santa Rosa, California (Oct 12) Showing of award winning documentary Pax-Americana & the Weaponization of Space at  Santa Rosa Junior College, 17:86 Shuhaw, 7:00 pm.  lwilliams@santarosa.edu
• Shenstone, England (Oct 6) Anti-drones peace walk begins with demonstration at UAV engine plant at Shenstone (near Birmingham).  Meet at the train station at 10.30am then demonstration at the nearby Elbit factory until 11.30.  http://dronecampaignnetwork.wordpress.com/anti-drones-peace-walk/

• Sioux Falls, South Dakota  (Oct. 13) Pax Christi Southeastern SD  "The Dignity of Life, Promoting Peace on Land & at Sea." We will pray, study and act on issues of life and death. Caminando Juntos, 1-3 pm.  gl_wieland@yahoo.com

• Southwell, England (Oct 11) Drones Peace Walk leaves Leicester FMH 9am, walk to Southwell, 13 miles. http://dronecampaignnetwork.wordpress.com/week-of-action-events/

• Springfield, Pennsylvania (Oct 7) Anniversary of the U.S. war in Afghanistan. Bruce Gagnon speaks at the Peace Center of Delaware County, 1001 Old Sproul Road, www.delcopeacecenter.org   5:30 pm. Potluck Supper; 6:30 p.m. Presentation and Discussion: A Decade plus of War...Drones, and more: Empire and the Militarization of Space.  Evening co-sponsored by the Brandywine Peace Community  brandywine@juno.com

• Stockholm, Sweden (Oct 28) Swedish Peace Council seminar about The Militarization of the North: How the Arctic has become a dangerous field for war preparations. Speakers from northern Russia, Bard Wormdal from Vardö (northern Norway) on satellite war, from Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Sweden is present chair of Arctic Council) and Agneta Norberg on drone testing in Northern Sweden.    lappland.norberg@gmail.com

• Sydney, Australia (Oct 6) Australian Anti-Bases Campaign is planning a picnic in Sydney's Hyde Park to commemorate Space for Peace Week and to protest the militarisation of space.  julie.marlow@bigpond.com

• Tavistock, England (Oct 9) Public Meeting in Tavistock.  ‘Drones: The future of war?’ with Chris Cole. http://dronecampaignnetwork.wordpress.com/week-of-action-events/

• Tucson, Arizona (Oct 9) Vigil from 6:30 - 7:30 a.m. at Raytheon Missile Systems, Hermans Road entrance to the plant (3rd traffic light south of Valencia on Nogales Highway, the extension of South 6th Avenue). nukeresister@igc.org

• Vandenberg AFB, California (Oct 10) Monthly protest from 3:45- 4:45 pm at the Main Gate.  Anyone wanting to join us can call for info at (805) 343-6322 

• Vandenberg AFB, California (Oct 22) Back country non-violent resistance action to occupy Pentagon’s global drone and missile nerve center. tierralinda@live.com

• Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh state) India (Oct 11) Students rally coordinated by J. V. Prabhakar  prabhakar.jalluri@gmail.com

• RAF Waddington, England (Oct 13) Drones Peace Walk leaves Lincoln 9am, walk 6 miles to RAF Waddington.  Demonstration at RAF Waddington from 12 noon until 2pm. http://dronecampaignnetwork.wordpress.com/week-of-action-events/

• White House, Washington DC (Oct 12) Keep Space for Peace signs will be held at weekly Dorothy Day Catholic Worker White House vigil artlaffin@hotmail.com

• York, England (Oct 8) Peace in space cycle journey we will be stopping to meet and talk with public. info@yorkshirecnd.org.uk

Keep Space for Peace Week is co-sponsored by the Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (UK), Swedish Peace Council, and the Drone Campaign Network (UK).

Download the full space week poster at:  http://www.space4peace.org/actions/Keep%20Space%20for%20Peacer%20Poster%202012.pdf

The award winning documentary Pax Americana & the Weaponization of Space is now available online at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tRA5bEO0cUg#!

THE ART OF RESISTANCE

Jang JunHu is the Gangjeong art activist who non-violently and creatively performs his art work against the naval base on Jeju Island. He has been creating his art works on the wall of Gangjeong, the fence of the naval base and the way in front of the naval base destruction gate. The navy and the naval base workers have been busy erasing his art works but Jang JunHu has responded by peacefully creating them again with more surprising inspiration.

He has been removed, threatened, harassed, or fined by police, navy or workers, but he is continuing. His art is not only a living art but also a non-violent performance.

Click on the photos to enlarge them......See more photos here

MILITARY SPACE PLANE

The X-37B, military space plane, is being hailed as the "successor" to the space shuttle.  The next launch of the space plane will be in October from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida - exact date yet to be announced.

Analysts contend the Falcon is part of the Pentagon's effort to develop the capability to strike anywhere in the world with a conventional warhead in less than an hour - known as Prompt Global Strike.  The official purpose of the X-37B program remains classified.

The Washington Times has in the past reported, "The actual expense [of the X-37] is hidden in the Pentagon's 'black,' or classified, budget - is likely to cost more than $1 billion. The launch vehicle alone - a two-stage, liquid-propelled Atlas V rocket - costs as much as $200 million. Ten years of development on the plane - as the project was shuffled from NASA to DARPA and finally to its current institutional home in the Air Force - is likely to have cost hundreds of millions of dollars more."

The development of these new space planes is one reason that the Obama administration and the Pentagon are eager to reduce nuclear weapons stockpiles in Russia and China in the years to come. As key elements in the growing U.S. first-strike program, they become even more effective if the U.S. can get its potential rivals to reduce their nuclear retaliatory capability giving the Pentagon an ever greater chance of pulling off a successful decapitating attack.

Thus as the U.S. moves forward with these kinds of global strike systems it will be likely that Russia and China will be forced to respond by refusing to dramatically reduce their nuclear weapons and by developing new technologies to counter the U.S. program.

TAKE THE PLEDGE

DOWN TO THE WIRE

The Orioles won last night putting them in a tie for 1st place with the Jankees.  Four games left in the regular season - if they win two they make the playoffs.

The miracles continue.

SUNDAY SONG