Fifty-One young Americans have died despite the port protests

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Fifty-One young Americans have died despite the port protests

Submitted by jlw on Thu, 07/05/2007 - 10:57pm.

Remember those misdemeanor charges (recently dismissed) against nonviolent protesters for their participation in the May 2006 demonstrations at the Port of Olympia? Those dangerous criminals weren't just (allegedly) trespassing for kicks; they were trying to block the shipment of equipment sent in advance of the 3rd Stryker Brigade.

Remember those images of TJ Johnson committing civil disobedience by climbing over a sawhorse (a terrible crime!)? Again, that act of protest was about something. TJ and other protesters were trying to prevent the shipment of equipment through the Port of Tacoma prior to the 4th Stryker Brigade's participation in Bush's "surge."

Unfortunately, the Stryker units ended up in Iraq regardless of the protests; 51 American soldiers who shipped out to Iraq with those units are now dead. A chart of the fatalities protesters were trying to prevent is now available in the July issue of Works In Progress, compiled by Phan Nguyen. Also featured is a story about the dismissal by pro se defendant Nguyen, as well as articles by Olybloggers Drew Hendricks, Pat Tassoni and Rob Whitlock.

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Thanks for all your hard

Submitted by Robert Whitlock on Sat, 07/07/2007 - 2:14am.

Thanks for all your hard work with WIP Janet. The reality of these deaths of Stryker Brigade Soldiers really hits home. What are they dying for? It's obvious that the "war" isn't about improving the lot of the Iraqi people. It isn't about terrorism (except for creating more terrorism and exacerbating anti-USA sentiments.)

It's clear that the military occupation is designed to secure access to Iraq's oil for Western Nations and Corporations. It's also designed to effect regional military and economic hegemony and to further geo-strategic dominance.

Oil and Hegemony are not good enough reasons for these soldiers' sacrifices.

What's it going to take to stop this unjust "war?" I think that it might take a widespread and large protest movement.

Really?

Submitted by Norm on Sat, 07/07/2007 - 11:53am.

What's it going to take to stop this unjust "war?" I think that it might take a widespread and large protest movement.

I just don't see it happening Rob. Congress maybe, the president for sure, not protesters though.

what war is "just" for volunteers?

Submitted by chad360 on Sat, 07/07/2007 - 8:14am.

What war has been just?

When the Celts sacked Rome? Good Ole WW2? --wars have always been about control & access.

What really disappoints me is that so many Americans WANT to serve in the "forces", to volunteer for "action", even though most veterans and such speak out AGAINST US foreign policy...go figure?!

I am constantly amazed how young people flock to the forces for employment...what a waste of your life.

...what a waste of your

Submitted by Ehver Green on Sat, 07/07/2007 - 8:45am.

...what a waste of your life.

That's how I feel about Evergreen, Chad.

Let's see: Mostly teenage

Submitted by Norm on Sat, 07/07/2007 - 11:58am.

Let's see: Mostly teenage boys, you get to use a gun, get in shape, money for college, and for some, get out of a crappy household.

Add onto those that there are the silly girls out there that will bend over backwards for a guy in uniform, the chance to see foreign places, and various training opportunities.

How does any of this amaze you? I don't think most guys make a career of it but there are a few out there who just plain DIG being in the military.

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