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Frieda Gardener, W A M M
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Officers Question Foreign Policy
Sixteen-year Navy veteran, Lt. John Oliveira, went to his first anti-war demonstration two months after being honorably discharged. Oliveira, once a press officer in charge of embedding reporters, said the U. S. has failed to “build a peace” in both Afghanistan and Iraq and that his criticisms of Bush Administration dishonesty and bad planning are his way of “supporting our troops.” Now that he is no longer in the Navy, Oliveira wants the public to know that both junior and senior officers have begun to question current U. S. foreign policy (“Democracy Now,” March 26, 2004).
Labor and Peace and Justice Movements Connect
At recent rallies in support of striking transit workers in Hennepin County, I have noted the presence of peace and social justice activists, as well as the Welfare Rights Committee. Many speakers have discussed interrelations between our bloated defense budget, racism, attacks on the poor and working classes, and the erosion of government services.
Millions Unite in Protest of War
Protesting against the yearlong Iraq War and occupation, more than 2 million people demonstrated on March 20, 2004, in 700 locations worldwide—318 U.S. cities and towns alone (www.unitedforpeace.org). Among those demonstrating were many families who have lost a son or daughter in the war. Outside the Dover Air Base in Delaware, Sue Niederer said, “If I can help—by doing what I am doing—get all the troops out from all countries, then I am a happier person because then my son did not die in vain” (www.commondreams.org and The Toronto Star, March 14, 2004). In related news, the Brainerd (Minnesota) Coalition for Peace, barred from last summer’s July 4th parade, will be allowed to participate this year.
Work on West Bank Wall Suspended
Israel’s Supreme Court has suspended work on part of the long West Bank wall separating Israeli and Palestinian citizens on the West Bank. The ruling is “in response to complaints by Palestinians and retired Israeli Army officers who argued that it will severely disrupt the lives of 30,000 Palestinians” (Star Tribune, March 19, 2004).
Greece and Turkey Initiate Peace Talks
Under high security, representatives from Greece and Turkey have begun to meet and talk on the subject of uniting Cyprus, divided since 1974 after a Turkish invasion (Star Tribune, February 20, 2004). |
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© 2004 Women Against Military Madness. All rights reserved.
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Complete May 2004 Index - click here
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