Contact:
Sam Green (360) 480-0074

On Monday, November 5, 2007 the USNS Brittin arrived at the Port of Olympia. This ship is transporting the damaged remains of the 3rd Brigade 2nd Infantry Division Stryker Combat Team’s equipment. We, Olympia Port Militarization Resistance realize our obligation to respond.

The goal of Oly PMR is to end our community’s participation in the illegal occupation of Iraq by stopping the US military’s use of our port. In May of 2006, we attempted to block the outgoing shipment of the 3rd Brigade 2nd Infantry Division. That same brigade returned with 46 less soldiers killed in Iraq, alongside 100s who have been wounded. What remains of the machinery is being unloaded at the port this week.

Through non-violent actions we intend to stop the Port of Olympia from becoming a revolving door of military machinery furthering illegal war. This war has taken the lives of 3800 US soldiers, over one million Iraqis, and displaced millions more. These weapons are returning to be repaired and refitted for further combat. We see this as an escalation despite our nation’s overwhelming opposition to the war.

We seek to support an economically sustainable port that doesn’t rely on profits from war and occupation in the Middle East. The equipment being unloaded is likely to be contaminated with depleted uranium; consequently, we are concerned about the health effects on our local port workers, and hope to reach out with information regarding the effects of DU. This material is hazardous to all people; if moved through Olympia it poses a threat to our community’s safety as a whole.

This is a local decision to resist the local participation in a war whose effects have been felt worldwide. As a community we are tied to the war as a larger system. We ask that the people of Olympia join in resisting this militarization.

I have to respond to your statement The equipment being unloaded is likely to be contaminated with depleted uranium; consequently, we are concerned about the health effects on our local port workers, and hope to reach out with information regarding the effects of DU. This material is hazardous to all people; if moved through Olympia it poses a threat to our community’s safety as a whole.

What proof does PMR have that equipment unloaded is likely contaminated with depleted uranium.  Without proof this statement is true, isn't PMR using scare tactics to to rally support?  Does PMR really think putting unfounded fear in the port workers and the general Olympia community a noble stance?  Wouldn't it make more sense to have proof it definitely is contaminated before crying wolf?

"Do not mistake for conspiracy and intrigue what can best be explained by stupidity and incompetence." - Unknown