By far the most positive experience during the trip was the atmosphere at the CodePink House where we were staying. It was Activist Central, bustling with activity from early morning to late at night, and with an incredible spirit of collaboration. This only helped motivate us each day for our full schedule of meetings and the struggle against the Goliath of the U.S. military.
Meanwhile, back in Vicenza, the people have kept up the protests and more are in the works. We arrived back just in time for the weekly assembly at the permanent encampment, which draws around 200 people. In fact, it was standing room only with people spilling out the doorway. Reports from the past week included the successful presence at an invitation only concert featuring the military band from the existing base of Camp Ederle on one of the most prestigious squares in the city. It was a blatant attempt to win over the people of the city, however few showed up. In fact, those involved with the campaign against the base arrived early to guarantee a place near the stage only to find the square virtually empty. The shuttle buses provided by the city went up and down the hill with no passengers. Despite the incredible police presence, including metal detectors to enter the public square, no doubt looking for pots and pans rather than weapons, more than fifty protesters were able to get past the checkpoints. As the concert began, they pulled their “No Dal Molin” flags out and stood in silent protest.
The courses on non-violent resistance continue as the people prepare to put their bodies on the line to block the bulldozers should construction start. No official ground breaking date has been announced, however the feeling here is that it will be sometime this summer, following the provincial elections at the end of May. The pre-solicitation period for bidding concluded in March and will be awarded June 15.
As I sat through the assembly, which went on until after midnight, I couldn’t help thinking of the number of times we had been told in Washington that the focus should be putting pressure on the Italian government. That is exactly what they have been doing for the past year!
U.S. citizens can get involved by signing a petition opposing the base on the CodePink web site addressed to the Chairs of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee.
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