FAIRFORD MARCH 22nd
ttroughton | 24.03.2003 12:48
Thousands of protestors, many of them from the area, took part in the national demonstration at USAF Fairford on Saturday. Flowers and wreaths were laid in tribute and condemnation. The day was peaceful, the atmosphere spirited and largely relaxed, although beforehand three coach loads of protestors had been stopped, searched, and forcibly escorted back to London. Locals, however, confirm that protests at the base are increasing in size and determination.
“People aren’t stupid. They know when they’re being lied to” said one local mother. “This whole “support the troops” thing is just inane. As if you’re meant to think differently to the way you thought yesterday because we’ve started killing people”.
“The best way to support the troops is to bring them home” agreed Ben, an 11 year old who had tried to organise a protest at his school, only to be stopped and given detention. “Out of my class of 32, 24 of us disagree with the war. I’m very annoyed, and very disappointed with the school. Everyone should protest against this war. Because the Americans want to take over the world and it’s not good. Because people will die, and that is not good”.
Other local people testified to the impact this "war" is already having on everyday life. Roads around Fairford have been blocked off. Residents have to produce ID if they want to travel even a short distance. And, over it all, the permanent whirr of patrol helicopters, punctated by the periodic departure of B52 bombers.
“The kids scream everytime one goes over. Well, they would. The ground shakes. It’s a nightmare” said one father. No-one knew how long this was expected go on for.
The protest itself was due to stop at 4pm, under police orders. Throughout the day there had been speeches at the main gate, sound from Rinky-Dink’s mobile people-powered sound system, singing, dancing and a lock-on. “I expect to catch the last bus home” said one of the people handcuffed to the fence, cheerfully. In fact, most people left on time; behind Rinky-Dink and to the sound of Julie Andrews singing “A Spoonful of Sugar”. There seemed little doubt that they would be back.
“People aren’t stupid. They know when they’re being lied to” said one local mother. “This whole “support the troops” thing is just inane. As if you’re meant to think differently to the way you thought yesterday because we’ve started killing people”.
“The best way to support the troops is to bring them home” agreed Ben, an 11 year old who had tried to organise a protest at his school, only to be stopped and given detention. “Out of my class of 32, 24 of us disagree with the war. I’m very annoyed, and very disappointed with the school. Everyone should protest against this war. Because the Americans want to take over the world and it’s not good. Because people will die, and that is not good”.
Other local people testified to the impact this "war" is already having on everyday life. Roads around Fairford have been blocked off. Residents have to produce ID if they want to travel even a short distance. And, over it all, the permanent whirr of patrol helicopters, punctated by the periodic departure of B52 bombers.
“The kids scream everytime one goes over. Well, they would. The ground shakes. It’s a nightmare” said one father. No-one knew how long this was expected go on for.
The protest itself was due to stop at 4pm, under police orders. Throughout the day there had been speeches at the main gate, sound from Rinky-Dink’s mobile people-powered sound system, singing, dancing and a lock-on. “I expect to catch the last bus home” said one of the people handcuffed to the fence, cheerfully. In fact, most people left on time; behind Rinky-Dink and to the sound of Julie Andrews singing “A Spoonful of Sugar”. There seemed little doubt that they would be back.
ttroughton
e-mail:
tabitha@gwi.org
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www.gwi.org.uk