Member Highlights
The future of war with Leah Bolger today @ 4PM ESTJune 18, 2013 Wanted to alert you to this unique conversation about 'the future of war' today, featuring VFP's past president: In the new issue of Orion, Christopher Merrill shares observations from his hectic travel schedule as a cultural envoy for the United States which brings him to conflict zones on a regular basis, and he synthesized his observations in an essay for the current issue of Orion, "The New Face of War."
Joining him to discuss how war is changing are the following:
Obama Escalates War in SyriaJune 14, 2013 President Obama has turned another dangerous corner, escalating U.S. involvement in the civil war in Syria by announcing he will directly arm Syrian rebels. “This is very concerning to Veterans For Peace,” says VFP Board member Gerry Condon. “Once again, our premature Nobel Peace Prize winner Barak Obama is choosing violence over peace negotiations. This is very bad news for the people of Syria, who are already dying in obscene numbers (93,000 at last count by the UN), and who are suffering from widespread war crimes on all sides of the conflict. “This is also bad news for the entire Middle East, which is being dragged into what many see as a proxy war against Iran. What will come next? “And the so-called “red line” of chemical weapons use? This fraudulent rationale for U.S. intervention has been telegraphed for several months now. If you buy it, you have not been paying attention. “Is it time to protest in every way possible? Definitely.” More information here. Cindy Sheehan consoles Korean War vetJune 11, 2013 The photo in the article was taken when Cindy Sheehan was in Toledo this past Sunday on the "tour de peace." We visited several community functions, including one at a display of a half-scale model of the Vietnam war memorial wall. The first person we said hello to, turned out to be a Korean war vet, pushing a buddy of his in a wheelchair. Cindy andJohn Mockenstrum, in the photo, talked for several minutes about the futility of war. WhenJohn started talking about the wasted lives depicted on the wall he wept. Other than our visit, the park was abuzz with military hardware (including an armored personnel carrier given to the Toledo police by the feds), Huey Chopper rides and amphibious vehicle rides in the Maumee river. I didn't see it, but a friend said that the day before, there was even an army recruiting tent near where the wall was set up, which gives the term "brazen" new meaning. Submitted by past board member Mike Ferner Hunger Strike - Close Guantanamo Now! - Elliott AdamsJune 10, 2013 VFP member Elliott Adams is on a hunger strike in solidarity with the prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. He has lost 20 lbs. The fast is indefinite. Why, because Guantanamo is a death camp run by the US government where innocent men who are cleared for release are held with no release in sight and the conditions so abusive that these prisoners are prepared to win their release with a hunger strike or die in the process.VFP members S. Brian Wilson and Diane Wilson are fasting also. Go to www.closeguantanamo.net for more information. Latest Statement from S. Brian Willson on His Solidarity Fast with The Hunger Striking Prisoners at Guantanamo Bay in CubaJune 06, 2013 Interview with S. Brian Willson on Cable TV from Portland, Oregon, about His Hunger Strike to Close Guantanamo (47 Minutes) - June 2nd, 2013 To Veterans with Invisible WoundsJune 05, 2013 Roland Van Deusen, member of VFP Chapter 121 in Potsdam NY has produced a two minute video, To Veterans with Invisible Wounds. The video motivates vets to seek help rather than harm themselves, and is a useful tool for troubled vets' families, friends and counselors. The Militarization of North American LifeJune 03, 2013 I live in Bath, Maine where Navy Aegis destroyers are built. These ships are outfitted with so-called “missile defense” systems that the Pentagon is today using to help surround Russia and China. Few people in my community, including some activists, are interested in where these ships go (places like Jeju Island in South Korea.) It’s not popular to raise these questions – especially when Bath Iron Works is the largest industrial employer in our state. In fact today weapons are the number one industrial export product of the US. And when weapons are your number one industrial export product, what is your global marketing strategy for that product line? What does it say about the soul of our nation when we have to keep selling weapons and killing people in order to provide jobs? The manhunt for the Boston Marathon bombing suspects offered the public a window into the stunning militarization of our nation. During that incident the entire domestic surveillance/military response system was field-tested and culminated in the dramatic closing down of an entire urban center. VFP Chapter 166 Welcomes Paul ChappellMay 24, 2013
Paul Chappell presented at several venues during the weekend, reaching out to veterans, students, peace activists--and the uncommitted--with compassion and an obvious passion for peace. Chapter 166 extends its thanks to Paul Chappell, who helped us envision the end of war--and a more just and peaceful world. Memorial Day Weekend - A Statement From Dan SheaMay 22, 2013 As Memorial Day Weekend approaches many activities will be happening families prepare for backyard BBQs, Picnics, a trip to the coast or mountains others will honor the fallen soldiers that lost their lives in Wars past and present. S. Brian Willson, age 71, a Viet Nam veteran member of VFP Ch72 in Portland OR This year there is also another major protest around the world against Monsanto the corporation that is at war with farmers, environmentalists and families that want healthy non-GMO and pesticide free foods. When I look at Monsanto, it triggers my PTSD, my heart breaks, and Viet Nam is ever Dan Shea Statement in Solidarity with March Against Monsanto Agent Orange: Monsanto’s Legacy Veterans For Peace members David Soumis and Lars Prip participated in their Saturday outreach against the use of killer drones at the Madison WI Farmer’s Market, one of the largest in the country.May 21, 2013 Veterans For Peace members David Soumis and Lars Prip participated in their Saturday outreach against the use of killer drones at the Madison Wisconsin Farmer’s Market, one of the largest in the country. This particular Saturday, May 18, was also the weekend of area college graduation, including the University of Wisconsin Madison, so there were a lot of people from across the country in attendance. Lars was kind enough to hold his sign next to the NG recruiting table, where he was informed by one of the recruiters that we (Americans) don't do that (I'm assuming he means don't kill kids).
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During the first weekend of May, members of VFP chapter 166 bustled about East Tennessee in an effort to keep pace with the schedule set by our seemingly tireless guest, Paul K. Chappell. Captain Chappell made his first appearance at Maryville College in the Center for Campus Ministry. In the audience among the Maryville students and local peace activists was the diminutive but determined Sister Megan Rice. Sister Megan was in town for her federal trial on charges stemming from her early morning visit to the Y-12 Nucleal Weapons plant in Oak Ridge. Her co-defendants Michael Walli, Greg Boertje-Obed and another VFP, Ellen Barfield, were also in attendance.
