Quotable

I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones
-Albert Einstein (contemplating nuclear devastation)

Monday, April 15, 2013

News Flash!!! Youth Witness Against Trident at Bangor Base

Yesterday (Sunday, April 14th) a contingent of young people led a vigil at the Bangor Trident nuclear submarine/weapons base in witness against the scourge of nuclear weapons.  They were also showing solidarity with activists in Scotland who, on the same day, held an action at Faslane, the UK's Trident sub base.

During the vigil the young people held a Skype call with the activists at Faslane. George Rodkey said, "Skyping the Scots was great!  We even sang 'We Shall Overcome' in unison, over skype, across the world to each other!"

We'll have more to share later on yesterday's vigil.  For now, here are a few photos (with thanks to George Rodkey).  More details about the vigil in the earlier announcement.

Reading the Pledge of Nonviolence at
Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action
before walking to the Bangor gate.
Vigiling at the Bangor Trident submarine base Main Gate



Saturday, April 13, 2013

Japanese visit Bangor as part of "Extended Deterrence Dialogue"

Nuclear deterrence is alive and well at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor in Silverdale, Washington.  The Bangor base showcased its capabilities to Japanese officials who are currently a bit uneasy about what crazy stunt North Korea might pull any day now.  Officials at Bangor assured the Japanese that "US extended deterrence continues to be credible, capable and enduring."  It must make the Japanese feel much less jittery knowing that (God forbid) should the North Koreans launch anything remotely resembling a nuclear attack the US would reduce North Korea to a pile of cinders, while rendering surrounding nations (including Japan) to radioactive wastelands (think Fukushima on Steroids).  Read more in the AFP article below.
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US, Japan review nuclear 'deterrence' amid Korea crisis
WASHINGTON — The United States reaffirmed Friday a longstanding commitment to protect Japan through nuclear "deterrence" after talks that coincided with mounting threats from nuclear-armed North Korea.
The three days of discussions between US and Japanese diplomats and defense officials focused on "maintaining a credible deterrence posture in a changing security environment," said a Pentagon statement.
The meeting, part of what the Defense Department called a biannual "extended deterrence dialogue," was held at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington state.
Japanese officials were given tours of a naval submarine and Trident missile facilities, which form part of America's nuclear arsenal.
The talks are designed to make "clear to our allies that US extended deterrence continues to be credible, capable and enduring," the statement said.
As North Korea has progressed in its nuclear weapons program, South Korea and Japan have weighed developing their own capability but US officials have sought to reassure their allies that the American "triad" of nuclear-armed bombers, submarines and land-based missiles can counter potential threats.
The Pentagon statement made no explicit reference to North Korea.
Japan, meanwhile, vowed it would respond to "any scenario" after a threat by North Korea that Tokyo would be "consumed in nuclear flames."
North Korea is widely expected to launch medium-range missiles off its east coast in the run-up to April 15 national celebrations, in defiance of UN resolutions and international warnings.
Japan, the only country ever to have suffered a nuclear attack, has ordered its forces to shoot down any North Korean missile headed toward its territory.
Along with US military forces in the region, Japan and South Korea have bolstered missile defenses to prepare for a possible North Korean launch.
Copyright © 2013 AFP. All rights reserved..

Source URL: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/world/16711353/us-japan-review-nuclear-deterrence-amid-korea-crisis/

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Youth-Led Vigil this Sunday at Bangor Nuclear Weapons Base


Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action (in Poulsbo, Washington) welcomes all who come with nonviolent spirit to build a better world.  

This Sunday, April 14th, Ground Zero welcomes young people from St. Leo Church, Tacoma (and other young people who will join them) who will hold an afternoon vigil at the Bangor Trident submarine and nuclear weapons base in Silverdale, Washington

The Bangor Base, officially known as Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor and Strategic Weapons Facility, Pacific, is home to the largest operational concentration of nuclear weapons in the U.S. nuclear arsenal (and quite possibly the entire world).  The Trident submarines deployed from Bangor patrol the seas prepared (24 hours a day, seven days a week) to launch their missiles armed with thermonuclear warheads at the President's command.

This group of young people - junior high and high school students, and Jesuit Volunteers - has come together on its own to plan an event at the Bangor Trident submarine base in witness to the immorality of nuclear weapons and the continuing threat of use of these horrific weapons of mass destruction.  

Individuals from Ground Zero are volunteering (as Peacekeepers, etc.) to assist these young people.  Participants will gather at Ground Zero this Sunday (April 14th) by 1:00PM.  At approximately 1:15PM, after an opening circle, they will walk down to the Bangor sub base Main Gate where they will hold their vigil in witness against nuclear weapons.  The young people will lead those assembled in songs and prayers.  After the vigil they will walk back to Ground Zero for a closing circle and reflection.  Note: They are NOT planning any sort of action (i.e., risking arrest); this will be a vigil only event, and of course strictly in the spirit and practice of nonviolence).



They are holding this Sunday's vigil in global solidarity with "SCRAP TRIDENT: WEEKEND OF PROTEST AND ACTION" held by Faslane Peace Camp at the UK's Faslane Submarine Base in Scotland.  Faslane is the home port of the UK's nuclear ballistic missile submarine fleet that carries the same Trident II D-5 ballistic missiles (armed with thermonuclear warheads) that are deployed on US Trident submarines.

All are welcome (young and old and everyone in between) to join this youth-led vigil.  Bring your non-violent spirit and your walking shoes.  It is a short (approximately 10 minute) walk from Ground Zero to the Bangor Main Gate.  

Directions to Ground Zero at our Website.  For more information on Sunday's event please send an email to Eli Rodkey.  

Please join in supporting these young people in their commitment to nonviolence and a nuclear weapons free world.