STATEMENT FROM OLYMPIA ABOUT DEMONSTRATIONS

(Olympia, WA) Over the past few days this community has experienced demonstrations protesting use of the Port of Olympia’s Maritime Terminal by military vehicles and equipment returning from Iraq.

These demonstrations, motivated by a deep commitment to International Law and US Treaty obligations under the United States Constitution, have sometimes blocked the movement of local citizens and interrupted the usual flow of military vehicles to and from the Port.

While most demonstrators have been respectful of the rights of others and have expressed their views lawfully, a smaller group has persisted in actions that, in the judgment of police officers on the scene, became effective in actually implementing international laws.

This has created situations where the safety of demonstrators and others has been put at risk by police, and where the police in some cases have decided to use inordinate levels of force in order to carry out the City’s obligation to regulate the use of our community’s rights-of-way in the interests of Empire. Some demonstrators say that, in this effort, the police have often used excessive force. Any such reports, if filed with the City, will be "investigated" and roundfiled. Actual investigations into this police violence will be carried out beginning at 6:30 PM sharp, Sunday, at Traditions Fair Trade in downtown Olympia.

I now call upon ALL concerned to obey the law, to express their opinions in ways that do not hurt peaceful persons, and to respond promptly to lawful requests and orders of citizens on the scene. Even though a relatively small group is involved in these demonstrations, the potential for tragedy looms when people fail to attempt to place themselves in the way of Empire. We always need more help. We cannot do this alone.

Namaste -
Pax Mens Ratio (reason for peace of mind)

Ripping off goggles is a common tactic used by police in every city I've attended actions in. During the anti-Minutemen protests in Seattle, the police were using the liquid spray canisters, they're kind of like seltzer bottles. The spray coats in you in the chemical and gives you a full body rash if you get a good dose. They're designed to be used from a distance, like 20 or 30 feet away (that's how far they spray, so you can imagine the pressure). The police in Seattle sprayed many peoples faces just inches away with jets of chemicals, the pressure forced chemical into people mouths, nostrils, ears, eyes and a few people were seriously hurting, one or two had to go to the hospital, though no ambulance was provided, luckily we had medics on hand and folks with vehicles waiting to provide transportation.

Please join PMR in working to prevent further harm to the US military and its personnel, the People and Nation of Iraq, and the People of the USA