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May Saw a "First" in the Anti-War Movement

D. Burbeck | 08.06.2006 18:09 | Anti-militarism

"America's first woman GI to declare herself a
conscientious objector, Katherine Jashinski,
was denied a discharge and courtmartialed on
May 23rd. She is serving a 120 day prison
sentence."

Here are more reports from Protest News in May:
 http://www.angelfire.com/nb2/www.dissentam.org/May6.html

"Protests held for Guantanamo Bay prison closure:
Protesters seeking a shutdown of the Guantanamo
Bay US prison camp marched to the US Mission
to the United Nations on Monday. They also held an
interfaith service in its entryway after building
owners asked New York police not to arrest them."

"Code Pink activists showed up on Mother's Day to challenge
the War Party. They took their case directly to the White House.
In a rally that included a mini-parade, speeches, a sing along
and the waving of plenty of roses, the Ladies in Pink were in
great form. Cindy Sheehan said they are "making a difference."
And, Actress Susan Sarandon read an open letter to Laura
Bush, in which she mocked Laura's husband, "The Decider,"
as a warmonger."

"...former Bush administration official Morgan Reynolds drew
an enthusiastic capacity crowd to the Wisconsin Historical
Society auditorium.... the former director of the Criminal Justice
Center at the National Center for Policy Analysis, and the ex-top
economist for George W. Bush's Labor Department, charged the
Bush administration with gross malfeasance, and proposed the
prosecution of top administration officials."

Demonstrations at Bush Administration Official's homes continued
with:

"Two excellent protests were staged yesterday: One at the 1099
14th st military recruiters, and the other at World Bank president
Wolfowitz's home at 7104 Pinehearst Parkway, where air horns
shattered the still of the night."

ALSO: Ex CIA Agent Ray McGovern
and Cyndee Sheehan took a demonstration from the Whitehouse
to the doorstep of Rumsfeld's home. Wolfowitz, Negroponte (twice)
and Bill Frist were also targets of home demonstrations.

"Citizens Attempt Citizens' Arrest of Halliburton CEO at the Shareholder's
Meeting. DUNCAN, OK -- On May 17th, 2006, sixteen people from all
over the Heartland attempted a citizens' arrest of David Lesar at the
Halliburton Shareholders' meeting in Duncan, Oklahoma."

Bush, Cheney, Rice and McCain were all met with protests at speeches
they gave around the country.

Over a week of demonstrations at the Port of Olympia, Wash. brought
dozens of arrests, and demonstrators were pepper sprayed while
protesting against the loading of a ship bound for Iraq.

"Anti-war protests target lawmakers (in New Hampshire). The slogan is
the rallying cry of New Hampshire Peace Action, which organized
similar protests at all 14 congressional offices throughout the state
Wednesday. They are demanding a clear exit strategy for the war
and an open debate in the House about the war."

"Marcy Winograd, candidate for Congress, 36th District (LA-Beach
Cities), attempts to present an arrest warrant to Republican appointed
Sec of State Bruce McPherson who was "NOT IN!" Fearing a repeat
of the Ohio fiasco, Winograd demands verifiable voting. Her supporters
demonstrated in front of the Secretary's office last weekend."

Worldwide, protests were held in Nicaragua, South Korea, Edinburgh,
Sidney, and many cities in England.

"Student Activists from two universities will be Bicycling cross-country
from New York City, to Portland OR as part of the Bikes Against Big
Oil campaign, to express concern over rising gas prices."

And the most unusual - "One man's answer to the question, 'What
can I do to stop BushCo's dismantling of our Democracy for his
Imperialistic fantasy?' How one guy calls hundreds of Portlanders
to action each day, as part of his regular routine..."

For these reports and many more, see Protest News:
 http://www.angelfire.com/nb2/www.dissentam.org/May6.html

D. Burbeck