No War on Iran: Outside Little Creek Naval Amphib Base on August 2nd

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I asked him what he would do if the Democrats, if victorious in November, continue Bush's war policies. He replied, "If Democrats continue this policy, more pressure should be put on Congress and we should focus on mid-term elections to vote out those who support war."

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Perhaps the loudest sign, actually a red and yellow banner between two poles that Phil Wilayo and his wife were supporting, stated: U.S. OUT OF IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN NOW! STOP THE ATTACKS ON SOMALIA! NO WAR OR SANCTIONS ON IRAN! MONEY FOR THE GULF COAST, NOT FOR WAR!

Phil is a tall, white-haired man who was wearing a blue ball cap, green army fatigue shirt and blue jeans this day and introduced himself as the editor of the Richmond Defender Newspaper out of Richmond, Virginia, a bimonthly newspaper devoted to freedom, justice and equality that works for social change through education and social justice projects. Their website is: www.DefendersFJE.org.

Phil was actually part of a small contingent that toured Iran last year as a peace delegation, visiting all over the country with only a guide/interpreter while relying on the good will of the Iranian people for success. They were not disappointed, coming away with many good stories about a warm and generous people. You can read about the fascinating trip in a series of reports taken from Richmond Defender articles at http://www.iricap.com/magentry.asp?id=6894.

So Phil has a very personal interest in stopping an attack on Iran. He has many new Iranian friends who could be slain by American bombs and missiles. Phil wanted to emphasize that today is a day of approximately 70 nationwide actions against an attack on Iran, and that this protest outside the Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base is especially important because this base will serve a key role in a war against Iran.

Phil went on to explain that he, as well as the Veterans for Peace, have received support and thanks from a number of active-duty personnel, some of them at sea right now, who are also opposed to a war with Iran.

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The last person I interviewed today before the rally wound down was Tom Palumbo, one of the key organizers of today's event and who represents Veterans for Peace as well as several other organizations. He is one of the most dedicated activists in Hampton Roads.

Tom is very critical that the Bush Administration, "instead of using diplomacy, is using saber-rattling to escalate war in the Middle East, and an attack on Iran specifically." Being ex-Army himself, Tom feels very close to the men and women of our Armed Forces and does not want to see "our friends, neighbors, brothers and sisters" placed in harm's way needlessly by bankrupt policies.

I might add that the pro-Bush organization, Gathering of Eagles , a mix of active-duty servicemen and civilian supporters of Bush policies in the Middle East, sent a representative, Colby Dillard, to support the pro-war side during the protest. He basically engaged in dialogue with some of the protestors and organizers, who were not confrontational, but rather eager for discussion about America's policies and direction.

The demonstration was beginning to tail off as two o'clock approached, so the remaining participants finally gathered together in front of the Amphib Base's Gate 1 sign for some group photographs, such as the one at the top of this article as well as the one below, before dispersing. Everyone walked away feeling that this had been a successful action that will have an impact on their fellow citizens.

Closer shot of activists in front of Gate 1 

 

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http://plutonianmac.blogspot.com/

Student of history, religion, exoteric and esoteric, the Humanities in general and advocate for peace, justice and the unity of humankind, not through force, but through self-realization and mutual respect. I have also just come out with my first (more...)
 

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