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No Drones Over Gaza Or Anywhere!

Direct action at Holloman AFB in New Mexico

LISA SAVAGE, APR 28, 2024.Went to the Bridge – Substack

Dozens converged at for a week of nonviolent resistance to the illegal drone training program at Holloman Air Force Base, including several students and teachers from New Mexico State University (NMSU), Las Cruces. Many of their signs noted opposition to the role of drones in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.

On April 24, business at the drone training program was interrupted at two main gates by a nonviolent blockade during morning commute hour. After five activists blockaded the less used West Gate for about 20 min, they ended their blockade after the one minute police warning.  Some then joined others at the Main gate and continued the interruption of criminal activity at the base.  Ultimately six were arrested:  Denise Sellers (San Diego), John Reese (High Rolls / Mtn. Park, NM), Natasha Robinson (Berkeley, CA), Toby Blomé (El Cerrito, CA), Virginia Hauflaire (Phoenix, AZ), and Ray Cage (Tucson, AZ).  No warning was given at the 2nd gate and arrests occurred.

Arrestees were held at the police station and told that they would be be taken to the Otero County Detention Center to be processed and held over night.  But after a few hours arrestees were taken directly to court, arraigned, and released at about 1pm.

Participant Scott Thompson of Alamogordo said, “Our government primarily serves an elite class that profits from wars and is unconcerned with the suffering we inflict on other humans. It is the duty of every good citizen to look beyond the headlines and understand the inhumane waste of resources making unconstitutional wars on others. Via public outreach and thoughtful actions we hope to get the attention of the misinformed.”

New local allies joined the Holloman campaign for its week of actions. …………………………………………

The secrecy of the drone program keeps it from the public eye. “Drone strikes” are rarely mentioned in the media or by the military, and the term “Air Strikes” provides convenient “shelter” from public scrutiny.  Our week of action uncovers the secrecy and educates the local community, as well as the base employees!  Equally important:  The inhumane US drone program causes deep moral injury to our military personnel themselves.  We offer alternatives and support to the new recruits and other employees, via signs, banners and leaflets that offer resources for GI support.  https://went2thebridge.substack.com/p/no-drones-over-gaza-or-anywhere?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=1580975&post_id=144108116&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=c9zhh&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

April 29, 2024 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | opposition to nuclear, USA