Livermore Lab Rally TODAY!

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

 

I sent the email below yesterday, but it looks like it didn't go through,

so forgive the re-posting.

 

Final reminder: Livermore Lab protest and rally is TODAY!!! 1:00pm.

 

-Matthew

_______________________

 

***The protest/rally against Livermore Lab is Sunday, August 8th

at 1:00PM at Jackson Elementary in Livermore, then on to Livermore Lab.***

*Carpool details are below.*

 

If you recall my email from a few weeks ago, this is an issue that should

be of great interest to animal rights activists. The lab's proposed

biowarfare agent facility will mean certain death for thousands of small

animals by such horrific diseases as anthrax, botulism, and the plague. Its

activities already threaten animals protected by the Endangered Species Act

like the California red-legged frog and the San Joaquin kit fox. And of

course the weapons designed at the Lab are the instruments of Armageddon,

which is also not so great for our animal friends, to put it mildly.

 

This will also be a great opportunity to reach out to a very receptive

audience, and to show support for cooperation between the peace movement

and the animal rights movement.

 

There will be at least a couple of AR groups tabling, including East Bay

Animal Advocates and Vigil for Animals. Stop by and show your support!

 

There were a thousand people there last year. Let's join that immense wave

of popular protest, and demand total liberation from warfare for both

humans and animals.

 

Details are below.

 

Peace,

Matthew Liebman

 

 

***Tri-Valley CAREs***

please forward...

*BOOKS NOT BOMBS*

 

WHAT: Rally and March to the Livermore Nuclear Weapons Lab! Event includes:

speakers, music, a children's peace playground, book drive and art

displays. Peace camp and direct action to follow (details below).

WHEN: Sunday, August 8 at 1 PM

WHERE: Jackson Elementary School, 554 Jackson Ave., Livermore, CA.

(Directions and Carpool Info Below)

 

RALLY AND MARCH TO THE LIVERMORE NUCLEAR WEAPONS LAB - DEMAND AN END TO

NUCLEAR WEAPONS. TELL THEM TO CLEAN UP THEIR MESS.

 

On the 59th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombings of the Japanese cities

Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we will gather at Livermore Nuclear Weapons Lab.

Livermore is one of the primary facilities for nuclear weapons development

in the world and has long been a site of non-violent resistance to nuclear

weapons.

This year, $28 million is requested to develop the Robust Nuclear Earth

Penetrator at Livermore and Los Alamos labs. Yet, two schools will close in

Livermore in order to save $1 million. All over California teachers are

laid off and educational programs are being cut while $6.6 billion is

requested for nuclear weapons work - more than during the Cold War! An

analysis of the U.S. nuclear weapons budget can be downloaded at:

www.trivalleycares.org/FY2005_Nuclear_Weapons_Budget_Request.pdf

 

We are demanding:

*The Abolition of All Nuclear Weapons!* Nuclear weapons are the ultimate

weapon of terror and their elimination begins with our opposition to them

right here in the San Francisco Bay Area! The godlike capabilities that

nuclear weapons provide, the tentacles of empire, are an illusion of

colossal proportions. In 2004 the Mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and

Abolition 2000 have launched a worldwide emergency campaign to abolish

nuclear weapons: http://www.abolition2000.org/groups/mayors/;

 

*Books Not Bombs!* Stop all cuts to public education. Don't raise tuition.

Invest in education, not weapons of mass destruction. More information on

the Books Not Bombs campaign www.nyspc.net;

 

*A Healthy Environment!* Clean-up nuclear weapons sites! Stop building up

the US nuclear arsenal. Livermore Lab has already leaked over 1 million

curies of air-borne radiation in the Bay Area biosphere. In the next few

years Livermore Lab proposes to store and work with even larger quantities

of radioactive materials. For more info on the National Nuclear Weapons

Days of Action and a calendar of events: www.besafenet.com;

 

*Jobs For Peace!* Expand jobs in civilian sciences, end government-

sponsored violence; and

 

*Universities for Peace!* The Livermore and the Los Alamos weapons

laboratories are managed by the University of California. Every nuclear

warhead in the US arsenal was designed by a University of California

employee. UC should stop providing a fig leaf of respectability for the

creation of nuclear weapons.

 

*** TO VOLUNTEER AND TO PRINT FLYERS***

(925) 443-7148 Tri-Valley CAREs www.trivalleycares.org_; (510) 839-5877

Western States Legal Foundation www.wslfweb.org_; and (510) 849-2272

www.californiapeaceaction.org; and Livermore Conversion Project (510) 663-

8065.

 

***DONATE AND SUPPORT ***

1. Please send DONATIONS to:

The Livermore Conversion Project.

P.O. Box 31835, Oakland, Ca 94604

Make checks payable to: Livermore Conversion Project (Checks over $50

are tax-deductible if made out to Agape)

2. Bring a book! Show your support for education. If you can't come,

mail a book (at book rate) to: WSLF, 1504 Franklin Street, #202,

Oakland, CA 94612. Books will be donated to the Buenas Vidas Youth

Ranch, a Safe Home for Boys, in Livermore.

 

 

***PEACE CAMP***

Sunday, August 8, there will be a peace camp at Del Valle (15 minute drive

from the Lab). RSVP strongly recommended (space is limited): Will Parrish

(illparrish) or call Will at (925) 443-7148. Camping is $5 per

person, children 12 and under are free; make checks payable to Livermore

Conversion Project. Mail checks to 2582 Old First St., Livermore, CA 94551,

Attention Will. Please write " camping " in memo line.

 

 

***NONVIOLENT DIRECT ACTION***

We are calling for nonviolent direct action on Monday, August 9. Meet at

7:30 AM at William Payne Park, 5800 Patterson Pass Rd. Take I-580, exit on

Vasco Rd; go South 2 miles. August 9 is the anniversary of the Nagasaki

bombing. We are calling for this action in honor of Father Bill O'Donnell,

who was raised in Livermore. SEE NONVIOLENCE GUIDELINES BELOW.

 

 

***PEACE RIBBONS***

Nevada County Peace Center is displaying quilted and painted panels at the

rally and carrying them to the Lab. Many panels are part of a historic

collection that was part of the Ribbon Around the Pentagon project from the

1980's. You can visit www.theribboninternational.org. If you would like to

mail a panel to the Books Not Bombs action send them to 13929 Quaillan Way,

Nevada City, CA 95959. For more info contact Nettie: leldredge.

 

***SPEAKERS, MUSICIANS ***

Speakers include: Rebecca Solnit, author of " Hope in the Dark: Untold

Histories, Wild Possibilities " ; Father Roy Bourgeois, School of the

Americas Watch; Cesar Cruz, Fast4Education; Jacques Depelchin, Ota Benga

International Alliance for Peace in the DR Congo; Andrew Lichterman,

Western States Legal Foundation; Marylia Kelley, Tri-Valley CAREs; Dr.

Robert Gould, Physicians for Social Responsibility; Maurice Campbell,

Community First Coalition, Hunter's Point, San Francisco; Janis Kate

Turner, retired Livermore teacher; Abigail Balanda, Livermore High School

Student. Miguel Molina, host of KPFA's " La Onda Bajita, " will serve as

Master of Ceremonies. Music By: Clan Dyken and Unity Skate Shop

 

***Children's Peace Playground***

Crafts, face painting, oragami, button making and more!

 

***NATIONAL NUCLEAR WEAPONS ACTION***

In July and August over 35 events will occur across the nation demanding a

precautionary approach to nuclear weapons, marking the Hiroshima, Nagasaki

and Trinity Test anniversary. The days will conclude on August 9 with a

national call in day to President Bush and Democratic nominee, Senator

Kerry demanding: real clean-up, not the continued build up of the US

arsenal. For more info on the National Nuclear Weapons Days of Action and a

national calendar of events: www.besafenet.com; download a flier for the

nuclear weapons days of actions: flier.

 

***TRANSPORTATION: DIRECTIONS, BART INFO AND CARPOOLS ***

 

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: to Jackson Avenue Elementary, 554 Jackson Ave.,

Livermore, CA 94550: I-580, exit on Vasco Rd go South (continue past

Livermore nuclear weapons lab); Turn Right on East Ave.; Turn Right on

Loyola; Park in lot on Left at Robert Livermore Park; Cross the soccer

field to enter the school.

To drop off equipment at the school continue on Loyola and follow the

curve; Left on Jackson Ave. Jackson school is on left. Please park in the

lot by Robert Livermore Park (directions above).

 

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:Shuttle service from Dublin/Pleasanton BART station

to Jackson Avenue Elementary begins at 11:51 and will run every 20 minutes

to meet every train until 1:51. After this time call 510-517-2304 for a

pickup. Vans/cars used for shuttles will be marked " Peace and Freedom

Party. " Shuttles will pick folks up at the passenger pick-up. Shuttles

will run the duration of the event. For shuttle questions contact Ron (510)

540-5469.

 

Transportation for wheelchairs can be arranged by calling Paratransit IN

ADVANCE at (925) 455-7510.

 

CARPOOLS:

BERKELEY BIKERS: This ride is 30 or so miles and has some hills. Bring

sunscreen and adequate water. Lots of sun and wind has been strong. Contact

Chuck 510-465-0892, or e-mail irlandeso.

 

OAKLAND: LMNOP CARPOOLS, e-mail or call Beth Wagner lmnop or

510-763-8712. So far only 2 cars have been filled so be sure to call Beth

if you want to fill another car or offer a car to fill.

 

CHICO: Chico Peace & Justice Center: A carpool is leaving from the Chico

Peace & Justice Center at 526 Broadway, Chico, CA 95928. We are leaving at

9 am sharp. Our number is 530-893-9078. My name is Layne Whitley and I am

the Coordinator at the center. This is our email address and our website

is: www.chico-peace.org.

 

FRESNO: Fresno Center for Nonviolence: This group is encouraging people to

use the Peace Fresno bus (info below), if in case this doesn't work and

people still want to try to carpool, contact Richard Stone to try to

arrange it (559) 237-3223 fcnv2. They however are trying to help

Peace Fresno fill their bus first.

Peace Fresno: call Genie Baronoff at 559-487-2515 for tickets. A bus is

being chartered, $20 a seat

 

MARIN: Jon Oldfather volunteered to organize carpools from Marin. (415)

485-0434

MODESTO: Modesto Peace Life Center: carpool contact John Lucas

lucasjal (209) 527-7634.

 

NEVADA CITY/GRASS VALLEY: Peace Center of Nevada County: Contact Nettie

Eldredge 530 478-1609 leldredge

 

PALO ALTO: Peninsula Peace and Justice Center carpools contact Paul George

(650) 326-8837, ppjc. meet at 11:00 at the Peace and

Justice Center, 457 Kingsley Ave, Palo Alto.

 

SACRAMENTO: Sacramento/Yolo Peace Action Carpools contact: Winnie, 916-448-

7157 www.sacpeace.org.

 

SAN JOSE: San Jose Peace Center: Bill or Alice Cox, (408) 297-2299 or

emailing sjpc, www.sanjosepeace.org.

 

SANTA CRUZ: Santa Cruz Weapons Inspection Team: Contact Marion Vittitow

(831) 429-4225 marionvitt bus and carpool information.

Resource Center for Nonviolence: Bus and carpools leave from Santa Cruz

County Building (Water & Ocean), 11am. Bus tickets $20 at RCNV (some

partial scholarships available). Bus tickets and Info: 831/423-1626;

carpool info. 831/469-9101.

 

***SPONSORS AND ENDORSERS***

Bay Area Nuclear Waste Coalition; Berkeley Citizens Action; Berkeley

Fellowship of Unitarians, Social Justice Committee; Berkeley Friends

Church; Berkeley Society of Friends, Peace Committee; Buddhist Peace

Fellowship, East Bay Chapter; East Bay Sanctuary Covenant; El Cerrito

Democratic Club; First Congregational Church; Fresno Center for

Nonviolence; Global Exchange; Grandmothers for Peace, Hayward Chapter;

Grandmothers for Peace, International Office; Green Party of Alameda

County; Humanist Hall; Lawyers' Committee on Nuclear Policy; Livermore

Conversion Project; Marin Interfaith Task Force on the Americas; Middle

East Children's Alliance; Modesto Peace/Life Center; Monterey Peace and

Justice Center; Nevada Desert Experience; New Fellowship Church; Northern

California District of the Communist Party USA; Pax Christi Fremont; Peace

and Freedom Party; Peace Center of Nevada County; Peace Coalition of

Monterey County; Peninsula Peace and Justice Center; Physicians for Social

Responsibility, Bay Area Chapter; Sacramento Area Peace Action; Salinas

Action League; San José Peace Center; Sisters of St. Dominic, San Rafael;

St. Joseph the Worker Church; Tri-Valley CAREs; United for Peace & Justice,

Bay Area; Veteran's for Peace, San Francisco; Veterans for Peace, Humboldt

Bay Chapter 056; War Resisters League - West; Western States Legal

Foundation; WILPF Berkeley-East Bay; and Women for Peace

Contact Sherry: (510) 663-8065 to sponsor or endorse.

***NONVIOLENCE GUIDELINES***

Nonviolence has always been a core value of the anti-nuclear movement.

Perhaps that is because nuclear weapons represent the ultimate form of

violence. The atomic bomb that destroyed Hiroshima killed some 200,000

people. Most of the 30,000 nuclear weapons in the world today have much

larger explosive yields than that first nuclear weapon. Nonviolence is more

than the absence of violence. Many of us believe that the active practice

ofnonviolence is a direct challenge to the violent policies of our

governments. As we extend our hands to people new to our movement, we

invite you to join us in our nonviolent direct action.

While participants in this action are not required to embrace the

philosophy of nonviolence, in order to create an atmosphere that is

welcoming and safe for all participants, including newcomers, children and

families, the organizers ask you abide by the following practical

guidelines to keep the rally and march peaceful and safe.

1. We will use no violence, physical or verbal, towards any person. We

consider speech or acts that are racist, homophobic, sexist or against

persons with disabilities to be violent.

2. We will carry no weapons.

3. We will not bring or use any alcohol or illegal drugs.

4. We will not destroy property.

5. We will respect the rights of all people.

6. We will accept the legal consequences of our actions as we continue our

struggle in the courts.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, managed

by the University of California (UC) is one of the two principal U.S.

nuclear weapons design laboratories and as such, is one of the highest

security facilities in the country. It is believed that over 1,500 pounds

of plutonium is stored on site, protected by guards who have been given

" shoot to kill " orders in the case of unauthorized intruders. In these

times of heightened security, crossing the facility boundaries or climbing

on or over the Lab fences carries an elevated risk of injury or death. In

addition, UC police over the past 20 years have consistently demonstrated a

zero tolerance policy for people who go limp at the time of arrest. If you

choose to risk arrest and go limp, be aware that you risk extreme pain and

possible injury. If past practice holds, in general those who choose to

risk arrest and cooperate with their arresting officers will not be

subjected to pain holds or injury.