[Onthebarricades] Peace protests, Dec 2008

[global resistance roundup]

* PAKISTAN: Massive protest urges end to US supply lines
* PAKISTAN: Protest over Rice's visit to India
* NEPAL: Protests over Indian intrusions in Susta, villagers demand 
withdrawal
* CZECH REPUBLIC: Hundreds protest against US radar base
* FRANCE: Dynamite planted at store in Afghanistan war protest
* UK: Festive protest at nuclear bomb-makers
* UK: Raytheon rooftop protest
* UK: Horse show protested over arms links
* US: California - Army video games festival protested
* US: Oregon - Protester fasts over National Guard Iraq deployment
* US: California - Anti-war carol event
* UGANDA: Protest in parliament against escalation in LRA war
* UK: Protest at EDO factory








http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticle&code=KHA20081220&articleId=11448

Mass Anti-US Protest Movement in Pakistan
10,000 urge Pakistan to cut US-NATO supply line

by Riaz Khan

Global Research, December 20, 2008
International Herald Tribune - 2008-12-18

Thousands of anti-government protesters demanded Thursday that Pakistan 
shut the route along which supplies are ferried to U.S. and NATO forces 
in Afghanistan, adding to the growing pressure on Islamabad's 
beleaguered leadership.
The demonstration by more than 10,000 people in the northwestern city of 
Peshawar also focused on a recent series of U.S. missile strikes against 
suspected al-Qaida and Taliban targets in Pakistan's lawless tribal 
areas along the Afghan border and Pakistani military offensives against 
Islamic insurgents in the area.
Leaders of the demonstration drew links between the missile attacks and 
the supply line, saying the equipment was being used for attacks on 
Pakistani soil and vowing to shut down the convoys.
"We will no longer let arms and ammunition pass through ... and reach 
the hands of American and NATO forces in Afghanistan," Sirajul Haq, the 
provincial head of hardline Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, told the 
crowd. "They are using the same against our innocent brothers, sisters 
and children."
The supply line — along which gear passes from the Pakistani port city 
of Karachi and through the Khyber Pass — has increasingly come under 
assault, leading U.S. and NATO forces to scout possible alternative routes.
Hundreds of vehicles, including Humvees allocated for the Afghan army, 
have been torched in recent weeks in arson attacks on terminals, leaving 
several security guards dead. The convoys also are targets in 
Afghanistan, despite armed escorts.
But U.S. Defense Department spokesman Bryan Whitman said Thursday that 
convoys continue to flow along the route at the rate of about 150 trucks 
a day and reiterated that the attacks "have not affected our ability to 
operate (in Afghanistan) at this point."
"It continues to be a viable supply route. That said, we are looking at 
ways not only to improve the security along that route but other 
alternatives to it," he said.
Thursday's rally appeared to be the largest against Western use of the 
route since Pakistan's civilian government took office in March and one 
of the largest anti-government protests so far.
Banner-toting demonstrators chanted "Down with America" and "Jihad is 
the only solution of America" as they marched along a key road in 
Peshawar, led by party leader Qazi Hussain Ahmed.
"If America continues atrocities against Muslims, it will also not be 
able to live in peace," Express television showed Ahmad saying.
The protest ratchets up pressure on the new government at a time when it 
is also dealing with a tanking economy and the fallout over the Mumbai 
terror attacks that killed more than 160 people.
Pakistan's main stock market index plunged to its lowest level in more 
than three years Thursday, as tensions with New Delhi appeared to be 
rising. India ordered cricket officials to cancel next month's scheduled 
tour of Pakistan — a blow to the sport, which had been used to help with 
rapprochement between the two countries.
Pakistan also summoned an Indian envoy for an official protest over last 
weekend's reported incursions into Pakistani airspace by Indian aircraft 
after Islamabad initialized downplayed the incidents.
India says the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group was behind 
November's attacks in the Indian financial capital. Pakistan has 
arrested some suspects and clamped down on a charity, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, 
allegedly linked to the outlawed group, but it insists it needs evidence 
from India. The crackdown on the charity also has stirred 
anti-government sentiment, with a series of recent demonstrations on 
behalf of Jamaat-ud-Dawa.





http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2008/12/20/2003431619

Protesters tell Pakistan to shut supply route

AP, ISLAMABAD
Saturday, Dec 20, 2008, Page 5
Thousands of anti-government protesters demanded that Pakistan shut the 
route along which supplies are ferried to US and NATO forces in 
Afghanistan, adding to the growing pressure on Islamabad’s beleaguered 
leadership.
The demonstration Thursday by more than 10,000 people in the 
northwestern city of Peshawar also focused on a recent series of US 
missile strikes against suspected al-Qaeda and Taliban targets in 
Pakistan’s lawless tribal areas along the Afghan border and Pakistani 
military offensives against Islamic insurgents in the area.

Leaders of the demonstration drew links between the missile attacks and 
the supply line, saying the equipment was being used for attacks on 
Pakistani soil and vowing to shut down the convoys.

“We will no longer let arms and ammunition pass through ... and reach 
the hands of American and NATO forces in Afghanistan,” Sirajul Haq, the 
provincial head of hardline Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, told the 
crowd. “They are using the same against our innocent brothers, sisters 
and children.”

The supply line — along which gear passes from the Pakistani port city 
of Karachi and through the Khyber Pass — has increasingly come under 
assault, leading US and NATO forces to scout possible alternative routes.

Hundreds of vehicles, including Humvees allocated for the Afghan army, 
have been torched in recent weeks in arson attacks on terminals, leaving 
several security guards dead. The convoys also are targets in 
Afghanistan, despite armed escorts.

But US Department of Defense spokesman Bryan Whitman said on Thursday 
that convoys continue to flow along the route at the rate of about 150 
trucks a day.

“It continues to be a viable supply route. That said, we are looking at 
ways not only to improve the security along that route but other 
alternatives to it,” he said.

The protest ratchets up pressure on the new government at a time when it 
is also dealing with a tanking economy and the fallout over the Mumbai 
terror attacks that killed more than 160 people.

Pakistan’s main stock market index plunged to its lowest level in more 
than three years on Thursday, as tensions with New Delhi appeared to be 
rising. India ordered cricket officials to cancel next month’s scheduled 
tour of Pakistan — a blow to the sport, which had been used to help with 
rapprochement between the two countries.





http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/12/19/2450811.htm

Pakistanis protest against US alliance
Posted Fri Dec 19, 2008 9:00am AEDT
Thousands of demonstrators have rallied in Pakistan to protest against 
the Government's support of coalition troops in Afghanistan.
The group shouted anti-American slogans as they marched on the streets 
of Peshawar in north-western Pakistan.
Up to 5,000 people joined the protest, which called for the Pakistani 
Government to halt its support of US and NATO troops in Afghanistan.
Peshawar has been the site of escalating violence, including attacks on 
convoys carrying supplies for coalition forces across the border.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari is scheduled to arrive in Kabul 
later today to hold talks with his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai on 
how to improve security in the region.






http://www.funonthenet.in/forums/index.php?topic=117686.0

Pakistanis protest Rice's visit to India

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:27:24 GMT
Reference Source - Press TV

Anti-US demonstration in Islamabad

Thousands of Pakistani students have held anti-US rallies to protest US 
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's visit to India.

More than 2,000 students belonging to Pakistan's largest religious and 
political outfit, the Islami Jamiat-e-Tulaba, marched through Islamabad, 
shouting anti-US, anti-Israeli and anti-Indian slogans.

The protest came as Rice said the Pakistani government must show 
"resolve and urgency" as she called for international cooperation in the 
investigation into the recent Mumbai attacks.

The participants, backed by Jammat-e-Islami, chanted slogans against 
Washington, Tel Aviv and New Delhi amid growing tensions with 
neighboring India over last week's attacks, a Press TV correspondent 
reported.

Carrying banners and flags, the demonstrators made it clear that they 
were united to protect Pakistan from any foreign aggression saying, "We 
are ready to sacrifice ourselves by launching Jihad (Holy war) against 
the enemies of our country."

They claimed that India itself had planned the Mumbai attacks as a means 
of waging a war against Pakistan.

They blamed the White House for the growing unrest in Pakistan and said 
that the US wanted to destabilize Pakistan and that was the reason it 
was using India to create tension in Pakistan.

They also demanded the government to cut ties with India and also to 
stop operations in tribal regions against pro-Taliban militants.

Public sentiments remain high across Pakistan as India blames the 
country for last week's Mumbai attacks which claimed 188 lives.

RZS/SME/RE






http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/dec/dec20/news03.php

Susta villagers up for protest movement again
Villagers in Susta, Nawalparari district, have once again shown their 
unity against the continued intrusion of Indians into Nepali border 
areas and ignorance of the government to look into the problem.
A team of Susta locals is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu Saturday to 
meet political leaders including Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and 
apprise them of the Indian encroachment of the Nepali land in the area.
The team expects a meeting with Indian envoy Rakesh Sood and handover a 
memorandum demanding end to Indian encroachment in Susta.
Chairperson of the Save Susta Movement, Gopal Gurung, said they would 
stage protests if the Nepal government and India continue to ignore 
their demands. nepalnews.com ia Dec 20 08







http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/index_view.php?id=344826

Hundreds protest against U.S. radar base in Prague

published: 17.11.2008, 21:41 | updated: 17.11.2008 22:07:45
Na Národní třídě protestovali odpůrci radaru
Prague - Hundreds of opponents of the planned U.S. radar base on Czech 
soil demonstrated in the centre of Prague today, demanding that the 
project be scrapped and that the government, which promotes it, be 
unseated.
The demonstration, organised by the No To Bases group, blocked the 
traffic along the bustling Narodni street.
In the beginning, a few supporters of U.S. the missile defence shield 
turned up and exchanged verbal attacks with the anti-radar protesters.
The skirmishes ended with two radar advocates being taken away by the 
police.
Another clash between the participants and the police broke out outside 
the Government Office where the demonstration culminated in the evening.
Arriving at the Government Office, the protesters unfolded posters 
reading "This government must end."
They lit candles as a symbol of Mirek Topolanek's centre-right cabinet's 
end, and chanted slogans against the government.
Around 20:00 the demonstration ended without any major incident.
The police estimate the number of the participants at 1,000, while the 
organisers put the number at up to 600.
The banners the demonstrators were carrying read "You cannot cover radar 
with velvet" and "76 percent against the radar," alluding to today's 
anniversary of the November 17, 1989 start of the anti-communist 
"velvet" revolution in Czechoslovakia and to public opinion polls 
showing that a majority of Czechs is opposed to the radar project.
The protesters also demanded that the radar issue be decided on in a 
referendum.
The radar base, to be situated in the Brdy military district 90km 
southwest of Prague, along with a base with interceptor missiles in 
Poland, are to be elements of the U.S. anti-missile shield aimed against 
hostile missiles states such as Iran might launch.
The relevant two Czech-U.S. treaties are yet to be discussed by the 
Czech parliament where they are not sure of the necessary majority support.
Apart from the left-wing opposition, the project is opposed by a few 
rebels among the government deputies.
Author: ČTK
www.ctk.cz





http://news.scotsman.com/world/Dynamite-protest-at-Paris-store.4799147.jp

Dynamite protest at Paris store

Published Date: 17 December 2008
POLICE found explosives in a Paris department store yesterday after a 
tip-off from a group demanding the withdrawal of French troops from 
Afghanistan.
Five "relatively old" sticks of dynamite without detonators were 
discovered in the Printemps store.






http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/12/415279.html

Festive Protest at Nuclear Bomb Makers, London Dec 12
Peter Marshall | 13.12.2008 15:52 | Anti-militarism
Around a dozen activists turned up in Victoria, London on Friday for a 
festive protest outside the offices of the US companies involved in the 
production of the UK's nuclear weapons and the huge expansion of bomb 
production facilities at Aldermaston - costing £6,000,000,000 - which 
has never been debated or approved by Parliament.
Ten members of the 'Muriel Lesters', a London affinity group of Trident 
Ploughshares dressed in Santa suits, white nuclear inspector overalls 
and festive hats and called for an end to bomb production at the Atomic 
Weapons Establishment (AWE).

Appropriately, their renditions of festive songs and carols with 
modified anti-nuclear lyrics were less than tuneful (one of those taking 
part was hear to say "I'm a Quaker, we don't sing" - who could 
contradict him.) They called for a stop to the illegal activities of 
these companies in making weapons.

First to be serenaded by the group were the offices of the US arms giant 
Lockheed Martin, makers of bunker buster and cluster bombs, the worlds 
largest exporter of weapons and leading member of the consortium set up 
to produce the nuclear warheads of the UK Trident replacement at 
Aldermaston.

After an hour or so of leafleting and displaying banners on Vauxhall 
Bridge Road just around the corner, the group moved to the front door of 
the building housing Lockheed Martin and several other companies in 
Carlisle Place for their half hour carol 'concert'. It was a site I knew 
from the 'Merchants of Death' tour by CAAT earlir in the year. A number 
of people came in an out of the building while this was going on and 
some took leaflets while others hurried past, often to waiting taxis.

Half way through the performance, a police car pulled up and dropped off 
two constables who came to talk to the protesters. They asked who was in 
charge (and nobody was) and for a mobile number they could use to 
contact the group, saying "it's standard practice for protests". Oh no 
it isn't. They were handed a leaflet with the details of Trident 
Ploughshares, but that wasn't what they had in mind.

The police were informed that the real criminals were in the Lockheed 
Martin offices, carrying out the vast expansion in UK nuclear arms, a 
breach of the UK's obligations under Article VI of the nuclear 
Non-Proliferation Treaty. Eventually the officers went away, reminding 
the protesters that while the police supported the right to demonstrate, 
it was important to keep the pavement clear.

As they left, one member of the group stretched out "dead" on his back 
on that pavement as a symbol of the many victims of nuclear weapons, 
including those killed in nuclear strikes on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and 
"bomb test veterans, and victims of leukaemias, lymphomas and cancers 
caused by exposure to radioactive discharges from AWE Aldermaston and 
AWE Burghfield in Berkshire, Sellafield in Cumbria, Rolls Royce 
Raynesway in Derby and other sites"

I left the group as it packed up and decided to take a short break 
before going on for a similar protest at the London offices of Jacobs 
Engineering and Fluor Corporation, two other US companies who are 
competing for the stake in the AWE bomb-making contract currently owned 
by the British Nuclear Group. The third player in the contract – the 
only remaining UK involvement - is SERCO.

http://mylondondiary.co.uk/2008/03/mar.htm#serco

Earlier demonstrations at Aldermaston this year included one celebrating 
50 years of protest in March 
http://mylondondiary.co.uk/2008/03/mar.htm#aldermaston and the highly 
successful blockade of the base in October, where I arrived too late to 
see much of the action. 
http://mylondondiary.co.uk/2008/10/oct.htm#aldermastonPeter Marshall
e-mail: petermarshall at cix.co.uk






http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/12/415192.html

Raytheon rooftop protest continues. day 3
paster | 12.12.2008 16:49 | Anti-militarism | Iraq | Palestine
Call-out for Carnival against the Arms Trade This weekend in Bristol

Raytheon rooftop protest continues.

Carnival protest against the arms trade THIS Saturday 1-3pm
Transport available from central Bristol
12.00 prompt outside the Magpie Centre, off Stokes Croft
12.15 pm outside the Red Factory, Portland Square, St Pauls
12.30 pm outside Kebele, Robertson Road, Easton.

Or make your own way to:-
The Raytheon office is at Argentum House,
Bristol Business Park Frenchay
Turn off the roundabout on Coldharbour Road
in front of UWE Frenchay Campus
(see map below)

The rooftop protest at Raytheon is continuing, despite rain and sub-zero 
temperatures. Cops and Security are playing it really cool. Food and 
supplies are getting up to the protesters -they even have a tent now! 
They plan to stay indefinitely to protest Bristol’s involvement in the 
arms trade, exposing dealers-in-death like Raytheon and the many other 
companies like them.

Are you fed up with the War?
Are you against the Arms Trade?
Now is the time for Bristol to show support!

Come and joint the protest in carnival mood – cyclists, skaters, 
jugglers, musicians, peace-protesters, zombies, fairies, anarchists, 
punks, young, old, everyone welcome.

If you have a practical head we need this too. Bring you camera, video, 
placards, leaflets, and campaigning skills to build this into an 
on-going campaign.

Come to have fun because Raytheon is deadly serious.

"Day turned to Night, and Night turned to Day"
Eye-witness account of the bombing of Fallujah.

RAYTHEON
Raytheon are 4th largest arms company in the world with a $20 billion 
turnover per year. They are involved massively in the manufacture or 
delivery systems of WMD. They are the biggest cruise missile maker 
(Patriot and tomahawk). Their range of both cruise-missiles and 
plane-dropped bombs can be loaded with cluster bombs. Cluster bombs are 
indiscriminate weapons killing civilians and soldiers alike. During the 
2006 War on Southern Lebanon, Raytheon were supplying the Israeli 
military who were using the weaponry on civilian targets and 
deliberately sprayed millions of bomblets throughout the country. They 
also manufacture DU depleted-Uranium tipped Bunker Busters bombs, such 
as the ones that killed hundreds of civilians in the Amiriyah shelter in 
Baghdad. DU has had devastating health effects on civilian population of 
Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as on British soldiers. Raytheon munitions 
were used extensively in the destruction of the city of Fallujah during 
the second Iraq war. Have the UK contract with MOD for UK inland 
security and the Olympics, plus are involved with the new military 
training academy being built at St Athens in South Wales. They are also 
researching military technology for civilian control, such as a sinister 
crowd-dispersal microwave beam called “The Silent Guardian” which causes 
intense burning effects on the recipients.

Background notes:
Videos and info on previous demonstrations at Raytheon in Bristol see 
www.RaytheonOut.wordpress.com
Previous protest http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/689068
Raytheon cluster-bomb systems see 
http://thisworldisnotforsale.com/dawc/myReportOnCluster....html
Raytheon Bunker Busters bombs see 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amiriyah_shelter

In August 2006 Anti-War protesters in Derry organized a non-violent 
occupation of Raytheon's plant in the Ulster Science and Technology Park 
and were acquitted recently. See http://www.thisworldisnotforsale.com/

Related Link: http://www.RaytheonOut.wordpress.com






http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/12/414934.html

3rd Raytheon Rooftop Protest Bristol
paster | 10.12.2008 18:16 | Anti-militarism | Iraq | Palestine | South 
Coast
Anti-war protesters have again outwitted cops and security guards and 
occupied the rooftop of the Raytheon office block in Frenchay near 
Bristol. They are waving banners and shouting slogans.

We just Love on the roof tops in Bristol!
This is the third roof-top protest as part of a total of eight on-going 
weekly protests at the Raytheon offices.

A roof-top protester said “The US and Britain had no more right to 
invade Iraq or Afghanistan than Nazi Germany did to invade Poland or 
France. Raytheon played their part by producing foul, indiscriminate 
weapons and we won’t be quiet till they have left our city for good.”

The rooftop protest is being led by ex-soldier named Elijah Smith. Aged 
43 he served with the French Foreign Legion 1986-88 and with the British 
Army 1990-92 rising to the rank of corporal in the Parachute regiment. 
He saw active service in Northern Ireland, Croatia, and Rwanda.

He says “We’re living in ridiculous times. As civilians we’re 
increasingly being controlled and criminalised. Yet at the same time the 
Government sends our troops to fight illegal wars against relatively 
weak third-world countries. And no one, at all, controls the global arms 
industry which is producing the most evil and barbaric weaponry 
imaginable. More and more civilians are being slaughtered in our 
so-called hi-tech warfare. Entire countries, such as Iraq, are laid 
waste with toxic chemicals and depleted uranium waste. And I know 
personally countless young soldiers returning from duty who are 
permanently poisoned by the chemicals and the psychological damage. I’ve 
seen too much in my time and I’m totally sickened. That’s why I’m 
devoting my life to stopping it.”






http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/12/415975.html

London horse show protest reveals arms fair links
dv | 24.12.2008 00:09 | Anti-militarism
Event organisers Clarion, the promoters of the International Horse Show 
(16-22 December), were exposed as the owners of five major arms fairs at 
a protest at Olympia Exhibition Centre in London on Sunday (21 December).

Six members and supporters of London Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT), 
some in costume, displayed humorous placards, handed out leaflets and 
sang alternative Christmas carols outside the venue for 
two-and-half-hours, from 10.45am.

As well as promoting the International Horse Show, Clarion Events 
recently became the owner of London's biennial Defence Systems & 
Equipment International (DSEi), the world's biggest arms fair, and four 
other international arms fairs. Publishing company Reed Elsevier was 
forced to sell DSEi and its other arms fairs following strong criticism 
from its own customers, shareholders and campaigners. Clarion took over 
ownership of DSEi and several other arms fairs earlier this year.

Shortly before the protest began, security manager Trevor McNevin went 
over to the group to explain that Olympia was privately owned and that 
if they wished to remain on the property then they would need to go into 
the pen provided. One of the group responded that if an attempt was made 
to limit their ability to impart information to the public, he was 
prepared to challenge this in court, as he believed this would interfere 
with his right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European 
Convention on Human Rights, incorporated into domestic law through the 
Human Rights Act 1998. He suggested that any such court action would 
generate adverse publicity for Clarion (or alternatively provide an 
additional opportunity for Clarion to promote its upcoming arms fairs). 
Mr McNevin went away.

As the protesters began leafleting at the exit to Kensington (Olympia) 
station, a jobsworth London Underground guard approached and began 
hassling them. Mr McNevin then returned and this time authorised the 
protesters to remain on Olympia property adjacent to the station exit. 
Seemingly on a charm offensive at this stage, he offered hot drinks to 
the protesters, which they politely declined. Four of the group stayed 
there whilst a further two went off to leaflet at the top of Olympia 
Way. Many visitors en route to the event were curious, particularly 
children, and readily accepted leaflets highlighting the perhaps not 
self-evident link between the Horse Show and arms fairs. Having 
distributed around 700 leaflets by lunchtime and with the flow of 
equestrian enthusiasts drying up, the group went off for a nice cup of 
tea and a bite to eat (at a local café, rather than taking advantage of 
Clarion’s hospitality).

CAAT, the Space Hijackers and other campaigners have been highlighting 
Clarion's involvement in the arms trade at some of the company's other 
events this year, including the Spirit of Christmas Fair at Olympia in 
November and The Baby Show at London’s Earl's Court in October. 
Children's charity UNICEF and major sponsor Bounty withdrew from The 
Baby Show in October when they learned of Clarion's links with the arms 
trade.

Government and military representatives from a number of countries with 
less-than-exemplary human rights records have been invited to DSEi in 
recent years, including Saudi Arabia, Libya, Indonesia, Colombia and 
China. Torture equipment has been marketed at the event in the past. The 
next DSEi exhibition is due to take place at the ExCel centre in 
London's Docklands in September 2009. Campaigners have vowed to ramp up 
the pressure on Clarion Events, with protests planned at the next London 
Baby Show at ExCel itself (27 February - 1 March 2009).

Protester Daniel Viesnik explained his presence at the International 
Horse Show thus: "The rivers of blood that flow around the world start 
at London's DSEi and other arms fairs owned by Clarion. Millions of 
horses and other animals have been the innocent victims of brutal 
conflicts waged by mankind over the years. Profiting from all this is a 
global arms industry that Clarion now unashamedly promotes with such 
zeal, aided and abetted by a British Government that has blood on its 
hands."








http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=51581

Rancho Cordova Army Video Game Tourney Draws Protest
Posted By: Jason Kobely 4 months ago

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA - A small but vocal group of military veterans 
picketed outside a U.S. Army-sponsored video game tournament in Rancho 
Cordova Saturday, claiming the event was staged to lure teens into 
enlisting in the military.
A handful of members from the Veterans for Peace group protested outside 
the Army training center on Gold Tailings Court in Rancho Cordova 
Saturday while teens were inside competing.
"It's like giving candy to kids," Sacramento Veterans for Peace 
president John C. Reiger said. "It's sort of like military pedophilia in 
a way, preying on our young people."
Army Sgt. Victor Farrier said the tournament was meant to draw attention 
to the new video game "America's Army," which the Army said provides 
civilians with an accurate portrayal and inside perspective on life in 
the Army.
"The event is nothing more than an opportunity for people to become 
familiar with the Army," Farrier said.
Farrier said the tournament was open to players 17 and over. Anyone 
under 17 was required to have a parent or guardian present to compete.
News10/KXTV







http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_121108_news_fasting_protester.514bde51.html

Fasting protester agrees to eat after meeting with governor
10:11 AM PST on Thursday, December 11, 2008
By BRAD CAIN, Associated Press Writer
SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- A Corvallis peace activist agreed to end her 40-day 
fast on the state Capitol steps Wednesday after Gov. Ted Kulongoski met 
with her and others who oppose the planned deployment of Oregon Army 
National Guard troops to Iraq.

Mike Galimanis, KGW-TV
Michele Darr has been on a hunger fast in protest of an Oregon National 
Guard deployment.
Michele Darr has been camped out on the Capitol steps, living on tea, 
water and vitamin supplements, since early November.
At an hour-long meeting with Darr and the others, Kulongoski said he 
shares their doubts about the war but lacks the authority to block the 
scheduled deployment of more than 3,000 Oregon Guardsmen to Iraq and 
possibly Afghanistan next spring.
"They wanted to know how we got in this war in the first place. We're 
all still trying to figure that one out," Kulongoski, a former U.S. 
Marine, said after the meeting.
Darr said she was pleased that the governor had agreed to talk with her 
and six other opponents of the deployment. She said her first meal 
likely will be toast or something "light" -- but she said the vigil by 
her and others on the front steps of the Capitol would continue.
She said the activists plan to press the 2009 Legislature to approve a 
resolution putting the state on record in favor of giving Kulongoski and 
other governors authority over deployment of Guardsmen to war zones.
"We will keep this protest going until there is a resolution to this 
issue," Darr said. "We want this deployment halted in whatever way that 
can come about."
Among the others who met with the governor was Richard Portelli, a 
21-year-old Guard soldier who potentially could be among those sent to 
the Middle East next spring.
Portelli, who's spent the past several weeks protesting with Darr on the 
Capitol steps, said the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are losing causes 
that are bankrupting the country.
"We're fighting a two-front war. This county is just shoveling money 
into a fire," he said.
Kulongoski, meanwhile, said he sympathizes with the opponents' views and 
that he met with Darr, the mother of six children, out of concern about 
the effects that a prolonged fast would have on her health.
"I wanted her to eat; I wanted her to be healthy," the governor said. 
"She said she will start eating."





http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_121008_news_kulongoski_fasting_protester.4c8b568b.html

Governor to meet with fasting war protester from Corvallis
02:48 PM PST on Wednesday, December 10, 2008
By ERIC ADAMS, Kgw.com Staff
SALEM, Ore. -- Gov. Ted Kulongoski has agreed to meet with a Corvallis 
woman who has been fasting on the Capitol steps in protest of a planned 
deployment of Oregon National Guard troops to Iraq and Afghanistan next 
year.

Mike Galimanis, KGW-TV
Michele Darr has been on a hunger fast in protest of an Oregon National 
Guard deployment.
A spokeswoman for the governor said he is concerned about the health of 
Michele Darr, who has been camping on the Capitol steps for nearly 40 
days, drinking only tea and water and consuming only vitamins and the 
occasional cup of coffee.
Darr has been sleeping on a thin mat outside the Capitol since late 
October. She said she planned to end the fast after marking a symbolic 
40 days and nights of protest.
More: War protestor fasts on Capitol steps
The governor will talk to Darr about his role as commander in chief of 
the Oregon Guard, and share her concerns with soldiers and their 
families, the spokeswoman said.
“I have close friends in the National Guard,” Darr said. “I instantly 
saw the toll it took on them to be called up again and I found that very 
sad and disheartening.”
Some 3,500 Oregon National Guardsmen and women are scheduled for 
deployment in 2009.
She said sacrificing this time away from her children is nothing 
compared to the sacrifices that soldiers are required to make overseas. 
“It's taken a huge, tremendous toll on the guard and their families,” 
Darr said. “We feel at the very least they're owed a justification for 
the sacrifice they're being asked to make.”
Darr’s partner, Reese Gooch, stayed by her side. Other protestors 
occasionally stop by to show support.
Kulongoski is the commander and chief of the guard but he does not have 
authority over deployment.
KGW Reporter Amanda Burden contributed to this report.





http://www.myantiwar.org/view/168474.html

Thursday, December 18, 2008
War protesters sing carols to Rep. Rohrabacher
Military Families Speak Out members sing protest versions of classics.
BY CINDY CARCAMO
The Orange County Register
Comments 19 | Recommend 4
HUNTINGTON BEACH – Rep. Dana Rohrabacher had no cookies and milk for the 
carolers outside his Surf City home on Thursday night.
Maybe it was because they served up Christmas favorites with altered 
lyrics, urging Rohrabacher (R-Huntington Beach) to bring U.S. troops 
back home from the Middle East.
The 16 carolers, members and supporters of Military Families Speak Out, 
certainly weren't wishing him Christmas tidings when they belted out "We 
Wish You a Merry Christmas" à la war protest.
"We wish you a merry Christmas. We wish you a merry Christmas. We wish 
you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Our troops deserve a Merry 
Christmas. Our troops deserve a Merry Christmas. Our troops deserve a 
Merry Christmas, so bring them back here! Yes, stopping this war is 
something Congress can do: So, Dana, stop funding, or the death toll's 
on you," sang the protestors, who were decked out with Christmas hats, a 
guitar and even a tambourine.
Rohrabacher, who voted for the invasion of Iraq and historically 
supported the Bush administration on the war until recently, didn't exit 
his home. However, human figures moved inside Rohrabacher's well-lighted 
Surf City Street home, only blocks away from downtown.
Twelve star-shaped decorations hung from the rooftop and only a dummy 
Santa greeted carolers such as Jeff Merrick, of Long Beach, whose oldest 
son is a Marine who has served two tours in Iraq and is currently in 
Afghanistan.
"I don't think we'll change his mind. We just want to let him know we're 
still around and that there are people in this district who disagree 
with this war," Merrick said.
He snapped pictures of the group and sang along to songs like a 
rendition of "My Favorite Things," warping it to "Dana Rohrabacher's 
Favorite Things."
"Kidnap dissenters to wisk off to prison. Dissing our founders and 
committing treason. Killing democracy. Endorsing kings. These are Old 
Warbackers favorite things."
Rohrabacher wasn't the only legislator to receive holiday greetings. 
Protesting carolers also sang to Congressman Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) on 
Tuesday at his home.
While most thought their caroling wouldn't change Rohrabacher's mind, 
Vern Nelson, who serenaded the 46th district representative with a 
guitar, believed he may have a change of heart and call for immediate 
troop withdrawal.
"He's our Congressman and… we have to push to do to the right thing," 
said Nelson, a Huntington Beach resident. "Who thought Scrooge would 
turn around and do the right thing? You never know."
Thu Trang Tran, 26, of Fountain Valley, said she was there to hopefully 
make the Congressman a little uncomfortable.
"He shouldn't have it easy." Tran said of Rohrabacher. "When our men and 
women are stuck out on the sandbox… they don't get to come home for the 
holidays. It's only fair that we give him equal treatment."
The hourlong sing-along ended without incident. Rohrabacher didn't 
answer the door when a reporter knocked.





http://www.mathaba.net/rss/?x=613799

Uganda legislators protest military attack on LRA rebels
Posted: 2008/12/17
From: MNN

Legislators from war-ravaged northern Uganda on Tuesday urged the 
government to halt a military offensive against the rebel Lord`s 
Resistance Army (LRA), saying the military option would not bring peace 
to the war-torn region.

KAMPALA, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- "Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG) calls 
upon Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo)and southern 
Sudan to halt the joint military operation forthwith and revert to the 
peace process as the only way forward," said a statement from APG.

The statement said the military option had failed to resolve the 
conflict for 20 years.

Military forces from Uganda, southern Sudan and DR Congo launched an 
attack on Sunday on rebel leader Joseph Kony's base in Garamba forest in 
northeastern DRC.The joint operation, which entered the third day on 
Tuesday, was prompted by Kony's repeated refusal to sign a final peace 
agreement the rebel group negotiated with government for over two years.

The Ugandan government on Tuesday explained to foreign envoys here and 
Parliament that the offensive was carried out to force the elusive rebel 
leader back to the negotiation table and sign the deal.

Ruth Nankabirwa, minister of state for defense, told Parliament in a 
statement that the attack was also carried to rescue women and children 
from southern Sudan, the DR Congo, the Central African Republic and 
Uganda who are under LRA's captivity.

The legislators also appealed to the LRA to exercise maximum restraint 
and stop looting and abductions in the DR Congo and southern Sudan.

The LRA's over- two decade insurgency has left tens of thousands of 
people dead and about two million homeless in northern Uganda. The 
legislators warned that the resumption of war is likely to create panic 
among the population which was returning home during past two years 
following the relative peace in the region. #






http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/12/415618.html?c=on#comments

Edo Arms Factory - Protest Report
Sam Hiscox | 16.12.2008 22:01
EDO MBM Technology Ltd in Brighton UK, designs, develops and 
manufactures weapon interfacing systems, cable assemblies and 
electrodynamic products for the aerospace and defense industries - 
components for making and dropping bombs. Sam Hiscox went down to a 
protest against the factory to speak to the proesters. The march was 
fairly violent and all protesters interviewed here prefered to maintain 
anonimity.

http://www.dontpaniconline.com/magazine/success/edo-arms-factory---protest-report 

Sam Hiscox
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Comments
Hide the following 5 comments
Sam Hiscox, if you're reading this...
17.12.2008 00:18
...you provide no evidence that the "march was fairly violent" apart 
from someone saying that the police had 'maced' someone in a wheelchair. 
I doubt you mean police violence, but if you do say so. And if you 
don't, but provide not a shred of conjecture about protestors 
'violence', then keep your gutter-journalism off this forum.
radar
________________________________________
@radar: I think he does mean police violence
17.12.2008 01:00
@radar: I think you are being too paranoid. It's fairly clear to me that 
the author is referring to violence used by the police against protesters.

Not that I think it would be wrong for people to be violent to the 
police, but maybe is it tactical to avoid it.
anon