Organizing Notes

Bruce Gagnon is coordinator of the Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space. He offers his own reflections on organizing and the state of America's declining empire....

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Location: Brunswick, ME, United States

The collapsing US military & economic empire is making Washington & NATO even more dangerous. US could not beat the Taliban but thinks it can take on China-Russia-Iran...a sign of psychopathology for sure. @BruceKGagnon

Saturday, September 29, 2018

"The U.S. is addicted to war"



Liberal hegemony is basically where the U.S. tries to remake the world in its own image,” said John J. Mearsheimer, author of the new book, “The Great Delusion: Liberal Dreams and International Realities.” 

Mearsheimer, a political science professor and co-director of the University of Chicago’s Program on International Security Policy, said liberal hegemony involves three tasks: spreading liberal democracy around the world; getting other nations “hooked” on capitalism by creating an open, international economy; and including countries in international institutions that the U.S. has played a key role in creating.
“So as we begin to push towards Russia and China and think about regime change, which is what liberal hegemony is all about, you get a realist backlash from countries like Russia and China,” Mearsheimer continued. “And that’s when you get something like the Ukrainian crisis.”

Friday, September 28, 2018

Tell Congress to say NO to Space-Based Weapons



Members of Congress are currently resurrecting unworkable, dangerous, and costly proposals to build space-based weapons. If they succeed, the world will be less safe. Other countries will likely build their own space weapons, spurring an arms race in space that would pose a significant threat to satellites that the world relies on for communication, navigation, environmental monitoring, and a host of global needs.

Union of Concerned Scientists helped stop this dangerous idea back in the 80's, and we can do it again now--but we need your help! Urge your members of Congress to oppose the development and deployment of space-based missile defense and instead to advocate for policies that reduce the threat posed by nuclear weapons through nuclear arms control and other sensible, achievable risk reduction measures.


Take Action: Please share this video so that more can see what is happening.  You can sign the UCS petition to Congress here

Courts become an arm to legitimate corporate power



Henry Giroux says Professor Christine Blasey Ford’s sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh betrays the kind of “anti-women and anti-just policies” that the fascistic far-right want to usher in. 

Giroux is an American and Canadian scholar and cultural critic. One of the founding theorists of critical pedagogy in the United States, he is best known for his pioneering work in public pedagogy, cultural studies, youth studies, higher education, media studies, and critical theory. In 2002 Routledge named Giroux as one of the top fifty educational thinkers of the modern period.

If you just submit.....



It is a well-worn strategy.

Offer what you don't intend to deliver.

Sign treaties that you intend to ignore.

Make promises with your fingers crossed.

Don't care if your word means nothing.

This is the great American way.

The Native people know the score very well.

They've heard it all before.

The Great White Father in Washington speaks with a forked tongue.

Bruce

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Now it is China's turn.....



Who will next be accused of interfering in US elections? 

How about American mega-corporations that buy our politicians?  They are the ones interfering in our elections....

It's the mob versus the mafia.  They win either way.

Need a restart button here in the USA.

And a non-violent revolution. 

The more Trump talks at these international events - the more Washington becomes the laughing stock of the world.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Protests continue on Jeju Island

 

Protests grow on Jeju Island, South Korea as the US brings 'Fleet Review' to the island - a massive display of Naval power to remind China and Russia that the US 'owns the Pacific' (and the rest of the world). Call it the 'arrogance review'. This protest was at the Jeju airport.  Really good place to hold it.



No matter where Mr. Big goes today with his military arm of corporate globalization the public is opposing it.  The people know their lands, their environment, their safety and their sanity will be endangered by the US military.

Heating up in Syria - Israel clearly responsible for Russian plane shoot down



“Today’s data no longer suggests, but clearly proves that the blame for the tragedy with the Russian Il-20 aircraft lies entirely with the Israeli air force and with those who authorized this kind of activity,” military spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov stated during the press briefing.

What do you think about this?




Tyson says, "Just because it came out of Trump's mouth doesn't mean it's a bad idea". 

He doesn't want to alienate any of his funders - from either party.

Watch how he plays self-important when asked the question about the Pentagon's X-37 (secret military unmanned space plane) that has shown it can stay in orbit for an entire year and then return to Earth. Many believe it is part of US first-strike attack planning.

He fails miserably when he refused to discuss the grave current need for a new space weapons treaty - Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) which the US and Israel have been blocking at the United Nations for at least the last 25 years.

But then he goes on and essentially makes the case that war in space is insane but claims, "I don't have a horse in that race." Truth is that if war in space happens his interest in the exploration of space would ground to a halt as the increased space junk would make it virtually impossible to get anymore space launches thru the orbiting field of debris. Just saying......

See part two of this interview here where he declares his support for some former Nazis and some wars....

Bruce

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Trump's U.N. speech


I listened to Trump's speech at the United Nations today.  It was a total flop.

He threatened much of the world with sanctions, trade wars, the usual American 'exceptionalism' arrogance and much more.

He got no applause until the very end and it was with no real emotion - just a quick obligatory clap.

He trashed various United Nations institutions and the World Court.  He slammed Iran, Syria and Venezuela in harsh terms.  He sang the praises in particular of Israel and the head chopping monarchy of Saudi Arabia claiming they are making big reforms.

"Thanks to the United States military, and our partnership with many of your nations, I'm pleased to report that the bloodthirsty killers known as ISIS have been driven" from Iraq and Syria, Trump claimed.

The truth is that Washington (along with Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar) created ISIS and it occupies Idlib, Syria today on behalf of the 'Coalition of the Killing'.

Early on in his speech Trump made this outlandish claim, "In less than two years my administration has accomplished more than almost any administration in the history of our country."

The response from the audience?  They laughed.

The cameras now and then panned the General Assembly and I saw people looking at each other in disbelief and shaking their heads at his ridiculous words.

It's quite apparent that Trump and his pirate foreign policy crew of Nikki Haley, John Bolton and Mike Pompeo are steering our country over the cliff and into the collapse of the US imperial project.  It will be a better day for the planet when the people and nations of Earth stop following the US in any capacity.

The US is the epitome of violence, misdirection, and self-worship.  Sadly Trump in some ways is the perfect manifestation of a nation that is engulfed in materialism, endless war and celebrity culture with no real understanding of our own history - let alone that of any other nation.

Trump perfectly represents the decline and fall.  He didn't cause all of our problems - both political parties have shared in creating this collapse.  But Trump's inability for honest reflection and truth speaking ensure that this national crash will only accelerate.

His Make American Great Again slogan is all public relations.   We really need a slogan that reads:  Make America Wake Up but I am afraid it is getting too late.

Bruce

Monday, September 24, 2018

Keep Space for Peace Week events list forming



October 6-13, 2018

Keep Space for Peace Week

International Week of Protest to

Stop the Militarization of Space



No Space Force

No Missile Defense

Close U.S./NATO Bases Worldwide

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

  • Andover, Massachusetts (Oct 11) Merrimack Valley People for Peace will dedicate its weekly Thursday morning vigil at Raytheon (where they build ‘missile defense’ radars) to Keep Space for Peace. 350 Lowell St. (Rte 133) 7AM to 8AM. btquirk@verizon.net
  •  Asheville, North Carolina (Oct 6-13) Ken Jones (VFP) will make the poster image of Trump Vader with the No Space Force message into a sandwich board and walk through downtown Asheville for an hour each day during Keep Space for Peace Week. Will pass out informational flyers and talk with whomever is moved to engage.         kwjj1949@gmail.com
  • Augusta, Maine (Oct 5) Weekly Women in Black Peace Vigil - 12:30 to 1:00 PM - Corner of Winthrop and State outside of Lithgow Public Library. rleisnerrfm@yahoo.com
  • Bath Iron Works, Maine (Oct 6) 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
  • Blue Hill, Maine (Oct 12) Peninsula P&J is planning an event in recognition of Keep Space for Peace Week. There will be a vigil on the bridge in Blue Hill on Friday afternoon from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. A member has written an OpEd in support of this that we will send out broadly as soon as it is published.  judy@robbinsandrobbins.com
  • Bombay, India (Oct 6-13) Dr. Leo Rebello, World Peace Envoy, and Registered World Citizen, has committed full campaign [6 to 13 Oct] in Bombay Schools, Colleges, public meetings, press conference,  and social media discussion on No Space Force, No Missile Defense, Close U.S./NATO Bases Worldwide, Stop Drones Surveillance & Killing, End Privatization of Foreign/Military Policy, Convert the Military Industrial Complex, Deal with climate change and global poverty Leading to HOLISTIC HEALING & HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF HUMANITY. prof.leorebello@gmail.com
  • Creech Air Force Base, Indian Springs, Nevada  (Sept 30-Oct 6)  4th Annual ‘Shut Down Creech’ drone resistance mass mobilization. Special Guests coming to Creech: Ray McGovern and Ann Wright. Contact: Toby Blomé:  ratherbenyckeling@comcast.net or Eleanor Levine:  eastbaycodepink@gmail.com
  • USAF Croughton, England (Oct 6) No Space Force march & rally at main gate of U.S. satellite communication and joint intelligence base. Space communications, drones, bomber guidance, missile defence and command & control functions.  12-4 pm. Oxfordshire Peace Campaign, oxonpeace@yahoo.co.uk
  • El Segundo, California (Oct 7) We will have a public screening of these  GN online videos: (1) Say NO to Space Force and (2)  8-10 minutes each of Star Wars Part 1 and 2.  Our main audience will be from Holy Faith congregation and our Justice & Mercy Commission.  We will open it to the public, in particular to the peace community.  cathydeppela@gmail.com 
  • RAF Fylingdales, England (Oct 6) Walk around the US and NATO missile 'defence' radar on the North Yorkshire moors. See www.yorkshirecnd.org.uk  and check with info@yorkshirecnd.org.uk  or phone 01274730795 for details.  
  • Karanja, Wardha, India (Oct 9) Space and nuclear issues awareness lectures and interaction at Narayanrao Kale Smruti Model College. Dr. Sanjay P. Dhanwte to co-ordinate. dhanwatesanjay@yahoo.co.in  
  • King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (Oct 13) Noon, Outcry Against Trump's Space Force & Protest of the Militarization of Space at Lockheed Martin, 230 Mall Boulevard (Mall & Goddard Boulevards), directly behind the King of Prussia Mall. Large banners, enlarged posters of 'Trump Vader', the earth flag, and ceremony of 'Looking-UP' with songs and readings. Lockheed Martin is the U.S. #1 space warfare contractor, and the world's largest war profiteer. More at www.brandywinepeace.com  or call 484-574-1148.
  • Menwith Hill, England (Oct 9) Weekly demonstration at the gates of U.S. NSA/NRO spy base, near Harrogate in North Yorkshire. Theme on Keep Space for Peace and saying NO to Space Force. 6:00 to 7.30 pm. All welcome.  Martin Schweiger at germ.buster@phonecoop.coop
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Oct 12) 6:30 PM, Informational Vigil to stop the militarization of space, at the Manfred Olsen Planetarium at UW-Milwaukee,1900 E Kenwood Blvd. Sponsored by Peace Action WI. pamrichard35@gmail.com
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Oct 13) Noon-1 PM, Special Stand for Peace at the (astronaut) James Lovell Museum of Science, 815 N Lovell St, corner of 7th ST & Wells. Sponsored by Peace Action WI.  pamrichard35@gmail.com
  • Nagpur, India (Oct 8) Peace in space awareness talk at the Railway Pensioners Office in Nagpur. Mrs. Daizy to coordinate. jnrao193636@gmail.com
  • Nagpur, India (Oct 13) Demonstration against Trump's decision to create space force. Mr. Subash Dapurkar to co-ordinate. jnrao193636@gmail.com
  • Nainital, Uttarakhand, India (Oct 6) Space and nuclear issues awareness lectures and interaction at PNG Government Post Graduate College.  Prof. Anumita Agarwal to co-ordinate. anumitaddn@rediffmail.com
  • Naval Radio Transmitter Facility (NRTF) Niscemi, Sicily (Oct 13 )The M.U.O.S. (Mobile User Objective System) is a U.S. Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station. A constellation of five satellites covers the whole world, whereas ground communication is made possible by four stations, one of which is located in Niscemi. Sicilians are worried about consequences of the installation on: human health, the ecosystem, the quality of agricultural production, right to mobility and to the development of territory, right to peace and security of our homeland and of its inhabitants.  Protest event to be organized by No MUOS from 3-6 pm  sadhusan@virgilio.it
  • New York City, New York (Oct 7) On October 7, 2001, the U.S. launched a military strike against Afghanistan. Now 17 years later, tens of thousands are dead, millions displaced, and more than $2,400 billion spent, the longest war in U.S. history shows no sign of ending. Assemble at noon on Public Library steps on Fifth Avenue for a vigil followed by a solemn march to the Times Square military recruiting station for a demonstration against endless wars. Sponsors include: NYC War Resisters League, Catholic Worker/New York City, Peace Action New York State, Granny Peace Brigade, NY Metro Raging Grannies, Brooklyn For Peace, World Can't Wait, Uptown Progressive Action, Kairos Community, Pax Christi Metro New York, Code Pink/NYC. For more info: nycWRL@nycwarresisters.org  or call 718-768-7306.
  • Mercury & Indian Springs, NV (Oct 8) Indigenous Peoples Day--formerly "Columbus Day". Demonstrations at Nevada National Security Site (formerly Nevada Test Site) and Creech AFB. 8am-2pm. An interfaith witness for peace and justice. Nevada Desert Experience.  rkmlai@nevadadesertexperience.org  
  • Olympia, Washington (Oct 5) Raging Grannies will perform for Artswalk at the Rachel Corrie mural downtown and perform one song about peace in space along with songs about other issues. I will have my star wars weaponry with me and fire at will. Holly Gwinn Graham tohollygg@comcast.net
  • Palermo, Sicily (Oct 13) Flash mob at the US consulate that is located in via Vaccarini 1 from 3-6 pm sadhusan@virgilio.it 
  • Santa Rosa Junior College, California (Oct 10) Public educational event on space issues by Physics teacher Lynda Williams entitled ‘Space Force: A Force for Good or Evil?’  5:00 pm Room 1786, Shuhaw Building  lyndalovon@gmail.com
  • Sunnyvale, California (Oct 12) Stop the Militarization of Space. As the world's largest arms seller, Lockheed Martin profits from war making, misery, death and destruction. Vigil from noon to 1:00 pm at N. Mathilda Ave. and W. Java Drive. Short talks by John LaForge (Nukewatch) and Marion Küpker (German anti-nuclear activist). Sponsored by the Pacific Life Community, local Catholic Workers, Vets for Peace and Code Pink.  For info call Susan at 650-649-8690. 
  • Tucson, Arizona (Oct 9) Peace vigil at Davis-Monthan AFB at 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.  Air National Guard troops at Davis-Monthan AFB are remotely piloting UAV's (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) 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 out of Davis-Monthan AFB are responsible for the vast majority of radioactive ammunition - estimated at well over 400 tons - used in Iraq since 1991. Park at recreation field parking lot at N-W corner of Craycroft & Golf Links with access from Craycroft.  Signs provided, or bring your own!  More info: 323-8697.
  • Vandenberg AFB, California (Oct 3) 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. 
  • Washington DC (Oct 9) The Pentagon: Tuesday at 7-8 AM. Will Hold Keep Space for Peace and No Weapons in Space signs at weekly Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Peace Vigil.  artlaffin@hotmail.com 
  • Washington DC (Oct 12) The White House: Friday at 12 Noon –1:00 PM. Will Hold Keep Space for Peace and No Weapons in Space signs at weekly Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Peace Vigil.  artlaffin@hotmail.com  

Space Week Co-Sponsor: Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom, U.S. Section

Resources:
·       Find our full-size space week poster here
·       Space videos for viewing and sharing available here  
·       Link to a flyer that can be handed out during space week here

Sample Letter to Editor:
Dear Editor,
We must stop Trump’s ‘Space Force’ proposal which is provocative and highly expensive.  How about instead we ensure Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are fully funded and begin to deal with our real problem – climate change?  We don’t need an arms race in space.

Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space
PO Box 652
Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 443-9502
http://www.space4peace.org 

Sunday, September 23, 2018

In Alabama today....



A UN investigation shows Alabama has the worst poverty levels in the developed world. And it's the black rural residents suffering the most, including access to basic sanitation.

Sunday song