Veterans raise impeachment banner in DC

[countryjake]

Run time: 08:00 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3HDK7lWnmQ   Posted on YouTube: September 26, 2008 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: September 27, 2008 By DU Member: countryjake Views on DU: 1591

 
LIFE ON THE LEDGE

Veterans for Peace

Ellen Barfield

~snip~

The five of us Veterans slipped over the 8-foot spear-pointed National Archives fence and onto the high ledge in the cool autumn air about 7:30am on Tuesday 23 September. We got no interference, or even notice, from security or police.

We were garbed as construction workers in hard hats, with 5 gallon buckets and equipment in tow, to fool any onlookers; an unnecessary precaution as it turned out. The 22 by 8 foot banner went up on the columns like a dream, fortunately with no hitches as we climbed ladders and pulled ropes over a 35 foot deep concrete-floored pit. We set up camp and our 24 hour fast and occupation was begun.

Next, officials finally began to arrive. The first Archives staffer was incensed and vowed we would be jailed rapidly, especially when he saw the double bike locks we had put on the gate to slow any intervention which might be offered. Then Washington, DC, Metropolitan Police came. I must compliment them on their calm, wise behavior. (As a long-time activist I have seen a lot of out-of-control police.) A Sergeant and later a Captain were most courteous, expressing of course their strong urging that we come down, but also their intention NOT to arrest us, and even their support for our First Amendment rights (!)


read more:

http://www.veteransforpeace.org/Life_on_the_ledge.vp.html

[sce56]

1. Right on This should have been front page news across this land !

It is clear that the president and vice president need to be prosecuted for war crimes and for trashing our constitution! I stand in solidarity with Veterans for Peace. From a twenty year retired Vet of the US Army and a Blue star dad!

[countryjake]

7. Yes it should have been!

The only place that I know of, nationally in the MSM, that gave even any mention of these vets' action, was at the LATimes, and that was only on a web blog:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/presidentbush/2008/09/arrest-bush-che.html

All of our voices need to be heard!

[Tutonic]

2. Thank you. Why has our government abandoned the veterans?

[countryjake]

8. Good question!

And why is it such a struggle to even get attention for the concerns of our vets, on funding for their healing and care, fighting for their rights, or listening to their opinions on this aggressive path of perpetual war our nation seems to be headed down?

[wildbilln864]

3. That was great! Thank you, thank you. nt

[countryjake]

11. The thanks should go to the Veterans for Peace!

I would urge everyone who has been moved by this brave action to try and let the organization know how you feel.

They stood alone on that ledge yet spoke for many many Americans!

[wildbilln864]

21. absolutely agree!

And I will thank them also. :hi:

[vanboggie]

4. K&R #4 - need one more

Thank you Vets, for continuing to fight for us and our country. This was a beautiful demonstration, and you expressed my thoughts in that sign (my veteran spouse, too).

[countryjake]

12. It was truly beautiful and should have more attention than it got!

Spread the word of what they did and then let them know that you appreciate their brave effort.

Thanks for the recommend!

[Waiting For Everyman]

5. Are they still there? What has happened now?

A very well done video btw. KR&B.

I'm in support of you too, a VN vet-widow.

[countryjake]

13. Here is the news of what took place during their 24 hr "Occupation"...

Breaking Camp: Veterans Occupy National Archives Building
http://www.opednews.com/articles/Veterans-Occupy-National-A-by-Press-Release-080923-805.html

That article has a few updates throughout the day, while they were up there. I suggest you get in touch with Veterans for Peace and let them know that you have their back.

Here's their web site:

http://www.veteransforpeace.org/Life_on_the_ledge.vp.html


I had nothing to do with either the video or the action, but I support such dramatic demonstrations and the succinct message that they delivered. I found this video while I, myself, was searching for another update or recent news.

[GrannyK]

6. Hey Country Jake

Thanks for catching the follow-up to this great action. Ellen's report is a valuable explanation on how non-violent protest can be carried out effectively. What a great group of citizen patriots. Proud to say I know some of them. Rec'd.

[countryjake]

15. I hope everyone will read her report and then let them know...

how very many of us they spoke for, up on the ledge that day! I looked all over for some national report of this "occupation" but found nothing except for a tiny mention on local DC news, here:

http://www.nbc4.com/news/17538901/detail.html

And at this LATimes blog:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/presidentbush/2008/09/arrest-bush-che.html


Let your friends know how much some of us appreciated their boldness and especially, agree with that clear message that they've sent!

[roguevalley]

9. I *love* these guys.

[countryjake]

16. Me too!

"May the innocent find peace; may the dead find grace; may the wounded find healing; may the homeless find shelter; may America find forgiveness; and may justice find the guilty."



http://www.veteransforpeace.org/

[AnneD]

23. Preach brother preach...

from your mouth to God's ear.

[sce56]

10. Error: You've already recommended that thread.

Umm forgot I was the first K&R! Of course I have to admit that is horseshit!

http://web.archive.org/web/20030602211200/

[countryjake]

17. Thanks at least for trying to get more attention for their message!

"May the innocent find peace; may the dead find grace; may the wounded find healing; may the homeless find shelter; may America find forgiveness; and may justice find the guilty."



I really admire these men and women and the sheer moxie it took to plan it all out and then crawl up there with their banner and demand Accountability. It was one hell of great display, speaking out and bringing Truth and Justice to DC.

Here's another video, with more of Tarak Kauff's interview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1JAFasEYZY

[sandyd921]

14. They are real patriots! Thank you for posting this! n/t

[countryjake]

18. Bringing attention to what they did is the least I can do!

They deserve the recognition for this wonderful display of civil-disobedience!



Pic found here:
http://www.opednews.com/articles/Veterans-Occupy-National-A-by-Press-Release-080923-805.html





http://www.veteransforpeace.org/

[Dystopian]

19. KandR for VFP

:loveya:

peace~

[Hekate]

20. Thanks a bunch, Countryjake These are some of the best guys I know...

STILL serving their country.

:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot:

Hekate

[countryjake]

22. Yup. Vets standing up for their country, again & again! In the name of Peace!

I was once friends with one of them up here...the most principled, honorable, peace-loving fellow ever to walk the earth! I will always support and admire the Veterans for Peace, because of him.

Since I created this topic, the views and the ratings for that vid have jumped astronomically...I sure hope that VFP are hearing from folks and garnering the praise for their effort that they surely deserve.

The Veterans for Peace took a stand, now it's time to add voices to their demand!