Officially, A military ship is coming Monday to Olympia

Navigation

User login

Online users

oldtimeydave
Laurian
stevenl
stevenl
tezzer1

Support OlyBlog

OlyBlog is run by volunteers who care about Olympia. If you like what we're doing, make a donation:

OlyBlog is powered by:

Who's new

mpeper
BalletArtsOlymp...
gail
soemone
jayvee

Officially, A military ship is coming Monday to Olympia

Submitted by DrewHendricks on Fri, 11/02/2007 - 12:06am.

Downtown

Apparently, there is a scheduled cargo (probably the Stryker vehicles of the 3rd 2nd) coming back into the Port of Olympia sometime around Monday, November 5th. The Port of Olympia has reportedly signed a contract with Thurston County Sheriff's Office for security, and the Marine Terminal's front gate has been occupied late into the night for the last week (which is not usual).

Previous plans and decisions within Port Militarization Resistance have focused on the strategy of when we use direct action, and this would be one scenario when we would NOT use direct action to blockade the ship's cargo. After all, we want it to stay here - so why would we refuse its re-entry? The contamination from Depleted Uranium and other sources is washed off in the Gulf of Arabia / Persian Gulf anyway, so we have to worry more about eating fish products from that region than we do about dust coming from these armored vehicles.

That said, there is no monopoly on who can protest, or how they can protest, this use of our port for support of Empire. But if things get ugly, just remember that it was not PMR which did that - not this time. PMR has not yet met (that might come soon) and it is unlikely we'll change our fundamental strategy without a serious and well attended meeting.

If you see anything which could be of use, call 870-3127.

Yeah!

Submitted by Ehver Green on Fri, 11/02/2007 - 12:10am.

Finally.

I concur with Drew

Submitted by Sandy M on Fri, 11/02/2007 - 2:14am.

As a founding member of PMR (Port Militarization Resistance) I agree with the version of PMR's earlier agreements as stated by Drew, AND with his acknowledgment that others may choose a different course. For now, I agree that we should NOT block re-entry of equipment coming IN to our port from Iraq.

Hmmm

Submitted by Norm on Fri, 11/02/2007 - 9:13am.

It's interesting to know that not all military activity in the ports causes the PMR to send up the bat-signal.

I can understand why some folks would still want to act

Submitted by Guglielmo on Fri, 11/02/2007 - 11:52am.

~~against~~ to the off-loading. It is still part of the over-all war effort and the port is contributing.

Check tides, webcam

Submitted by DrewHendricks on Fri, 11/02/2007 - 11:13am.

http://www.swantown-wifi.portolympia.net/
Copy and paste into your browser: hot links are so sneaky.

Then what?

Submitted by Sandy M on Fri, 11/02/2007 - 11:20am.

If we oppose the off-loading of equipment, where are we suggesting they take it and what are we suggesting they do with it? Since we can't make the equipment vanish into thin air, and it has to go someplace, the best alternative I can think of is for it to return to US soil. Once here, our objective is to keep it from shipping out again.

We can and should and WILL use this as an opportunity to express our demand that the US get out of Iraq altogether. I propose that our primary message be something like "US out of Iraq NOW." We could also say things like "Exit only, No entrance to war shipments."

But I do not know how to make sense or even a meaningful statement out of acting against shipments coming back.

Oh, I see your point entirely

Submitted by Guglielmo on Fri, 11/02/2007 - 11:26am.

It certainly has a greater symbolic meaning to actively oppose shipments out than shipment in. But why does "action" necesarrily have to be oppositional. A similar sized crowd of peaceful protestors welcoming equipment "home to stay" would be powerful. I don't have the chops to mobilize that kind of effort, but some do.

Guglielmo and I

Submitted by Rob Richards on Fri, 11/02/2007 - 12:31pm.

are on the same page here. What if we throw a welcome home celebration down there? We've been saying "Bring Them Home" and here some are, home. YAY! We should welcome them back. Hell, now that they've been over there, they probably understand how pointless this war is and a positive welcome home might be just the thing to get them to start opposing the war in a real way. You can't spit at them and expect them to take up your cause.

"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy

Well put!

Submitted by Norm on Fri, 11/02/2007 - 2:00pm.

and a good idea too.

Spitting?

Submitted by Sandy M on Fri, 11/02/2007 - 2:01pm.

Wow. I really take exception to the characterization of my proposal, or any previous PMR action as the equivalent of "spitting on them."

We have previously discussed a "welcome home" theme and I'm sure it will be on the list of considerations at today's meeting. However, it would be highly symbolic since all members of the 3rd Brigade are already home; it is only the equipment we would actually be "welcoming."

While I think there are many strong arguments to favor a welcome home theme, I am torn by the fact that in reality the "surge" rages on and thousands of people, nearly all Iraqis, would be suffering immeasurably -- lives ruined if not ended -- as we celebrate.

I am pretty darn sure Rob is being facetious

Submitted by Guglielmo on Fri, 11/02/2007 - 2:18pm.

It doesn't need to be a celebration but a more somber statement that we hope the equipment is coming home to stay, that we WANT the port to be used that way. It just seems like a good opportunity to make a statement...and let’s face it, they're all highly symbolic. I think it would go a long way to silence the critiques who characterize the community as simply anti-military.

I apologize.

Submitted by Rob Richards on Fri, 11/02/2007 - 3:31pm.

Sandy, I meant no offense. I've been to PMR meetings and was there in the middle of the night for the police attacks in Tacoma. I was not even being facetious, I was being metaphorical.

The surge is not the fault of these returning soldiers, they are pawns in all of this. By applauding the sacrifice that they've made we can really separate these young men and women from the old men and women in the Congress and the executive branch that we have the real problem with. How can our opposition portray as "troop haters" if we're there to greet them with smiles, waves, and welcome home signs?

"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy

Very cool

Submitted by Norm on Fri, 11/02/2007 - 3:47pm.

I was hoping that you were not being facetious. I think it's a great idea, and agree with you %100.

I over-reacted

Submitted by Sandy M on Fri, 11/02/2007 - 11:41pm.

Rob, No need to apologize. In my haste to get everything on my agenda done today, I really misread your post. I completely agree with what you're saying. Sorry to be so touchy.

Think

Submitted by david_olympia on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 7:07am.

First Drew the guard has been there for months and he's gone now if you haven't looked lately. I don't know where you've been.

Second The very top of OMJP website says "Bring the troops Home".

If you were out there with peace signs calling for Peace & welcoming the troops home as called for, then you would have more public backing. But if you show up and act like spoiled brats then the public will not back you at all. People react to common sense.

The show of violence when your calling for peace is hypocritical and the public reacts to that. Now if you don't care to have influence and just want to destroy property then just call your fellow anarchist and have a party. But if your cause is true peace and you are trying to get more people to agree with you then really plan it out.

Think about it.

What exactly are you talking about?

Submitted by Rob Richards on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 11:49am.

Drew never suggested violence. He stated that PMR was not going to protest this. Then the rest of us started talking about positive ways we could welcome them back. Did you misread something?

"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy

I think he may be talking

Submitted by Norm on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 12:00pm.

I think he may be talking about the last time around.

Talking about

Submitted by david_olympia on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 1:09pm.

The latter reply was correct, I am talking about the last ship. I commend you for discussing welcoming the troops back. The guys picking up the equipment are the guys that were over there longer than they wanted to be there. I'm sure most of them would agree with what your saying.

I'm just saying be aware of that and to get pubic opinion on your side, think about the approach. I have a son in the service and let me tell you, they are the last to want to go and the first to want to come home. These guys have been through hell and have lost buddies. Showing them a little respect will go a long way. Keep up the discussion and get public support on your side.

Thank You

berthing room

Submitted by Robert Whitlock on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 1:41pm.

Will there be room for a ship to berth with the dredging equipment that is down there? I think this is a good opportunity and an important one, to bring attention to the wrongfulness of the occupation.

It is unacceptable to use a military action for resource acquisition. I am also worried about the safety of the local community as military cargoes are shipped through. One, does this (albeit involuntary) support for an illegal and immoral military action open up to acts of terrorism.

Two, are there any hazardous materials, e.g. Depleted Uranium, included in the transport that may pose a real and serious health threat?

I don't think this war is about stealing Iraq's oil.

Submitted by Rob Richards on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 2:22pm.

(I may be hijacking a bit here, but why not?)

I've thought long and hard about this. I've read a lot on all of the related topics, including global economics, and business strategy. What this war is about, in my opinion, is strengthening the US oil companies by destabilizing the oil rich middle east. If we tried to go over there and just take their oil we'd have war with Russia, China, the EU, Iran you name it. It'd be the US against the world. What we're doing is making a mess over there, driving up the price of oil per barrel and making our oil companies (Bush's people) tons of money in the process. The reason we're not getting a backlash from other nations is that most of the industrialized nations are reaping benefits from this as well.

I think everybody agrees that the occupation (or whatever one wants to call it) is (getting away from moral right/wrong argument) not effective and not productive. I think every reasonable person now believes that it was a bad idea from the start and that we certainly at least should have planned it a little better.

Common ground is growing quickly on this issue and I think a disservice is done by reminding people that they were wrong. It's time to move on from that and start working with and accepting the folks whose minds have changed and are looking for a place to put their newfound feelings of frustration over the government's inability, seemingly, to do anything right.

I stand firmly in my belief that this shipment coming is what we all have wanted. That is, the troops coming home. I realize that it's not in the way we'd like, but it doesn't matter. We still need to welcome them back. These are people who (no matter the moral dilemma) have just been put in danger and made to stay there all the while being told that they were there to protect our freedom. They were duped the same way we all were. Our angst needs to be foisted upon the ones calling the shots in this, the Bush's, the Democrats, and the Republicans alike. These troops are no different than us in all of this, except we stayed here and criticized, while they gave up that right and went to Iraq.

"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy

thoughtful analysis

Submitted by Robert Whitlock on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 3:12pm.

I agree with you, and I think that it would be more effective to welcome the soldiers home, genuinely. It's hard to do that while also criticizing the occupation.

I also want to admit that my statement that the occupation is about resource acquisition for the petroleum industry is simplistic. I agree with you that the occupation is more about destabilization - which makes sense, because that is what has occurred. Although I think continued access to the resource rich area of Iraq (and surrounds) is also on the agenda. Hussein was considered changing the currency of Iraq to the Euro Standard. What would come after that? Change to the Yuan? Sign lucrative deals with China for oil? Well the USA couldn't have that! So I think the occupation is an authoritarian grasp for control over the oil resource.

How can we welcome the troops home and protest the war at the same time most effectively? Do you have any suggestions?

We have to look at it from a different perspective.

Submitted by Rob Richards on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 3:32pm.

The troops coming home is a good thing, and in line with our desire for the war to end. Troops at home are troops that we can reach out to, troops in the field are cut off from our message. As long as this war is going on we need to be reaching out to the troops that are in our community. Watch "Sir, No, Sir", we need to be reaching out in the same ways they did during that war. Targeting the troops at home, either before they go over, or like the Striker Brigade, while back from the front. The troops are not our enemy, if we have an enemy in this, it is the politicians, and we share that enemy with the troops.

When the troops come home we welcome them back with ticker-tape and balloons. While they're here we reach out to them and let them know what our message really is. They hear everything through a filter and that filter screens out the part of our message that says we care about them, and want them to be safe and most importantly, alive. We have to reach out to them and let them know that we're on their side, and we want to make it so that they don't have to go back over there. I believe in order for that to happen we're going to need their help. They will have to start resisting, but they have to know that the public is going to support them if they do. Right now, I don't think they see that as an option. We can be actively organizing that support system by convincing local churches to provide sanctuary to war resistors and by establishing safe houses for resistors to go to. These tactics have been used effectively before, they work, someone just needs to start organizing.

"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy

Personal opinion here.

Submitted by Norm on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 5:23pm.

You folks really need more money and facetime. I know it isn't a full-time gig for most of you though, so that makes it difficult.

I think educating the current troops is a good plan for how they vote, and who they influence in life, but I don't think it will stop them from deploying. It MAY stop them from re-enlisting though.

Personally I think all of the energy needs to be focused into anti-recruitment (can't believe I'm saying this), I really feel that is where the most impact can be made. Recruit some formers troops, specifically ones that hated the service, and spread the word (youtube maybe?) about how much they hated, be specific about it too. The whole demonstration bit with the blood and uniforms in front of the recruitment office is...well, it's artsy and f'ing stupid imo. It won't convince anyone not to join, they are aware of the blood and guts when they sign the dotted line. They are NOT aware of the everyday life though, THAT is where you need to strike. Stressful situations, little free time, pain and stress that your family faces, broken relationships/marriages. Again, just my opinion.

Those are all very good points, Norm.

Submitted by Rob Richards on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 5:39pm.

My biggest problem with the peace movement has been it's reliance on the symbolic act to make it's point. Squirting ketchup, getting arrested, waving signs. I've never found any of those things to be very productive. They have some benefits in the sense that people are working together toward the goal of ending the war, and that's always good, but it also turns off a lot of people. Some of the most important of which being our biggest potential allies: the veterans. Who better to leaflet in front of a requiting station than someone who has been through it all?

I think if the peace movement really wants to step up to the next level and have a real effect on the war, they need troops and vets with them. Those are the only groups some people in this country of a more conservative ilk will listen to. They're just not going to listen to people like me, or TJ Johnson, or Robert Whitlock, it's got to start coming from the troops.

"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy

One more thing.

Submitted by Rob Richards on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 5:42pm.

Since I'm telling the peace movement what to do today, I'll add this as well. They can't let this election (the presidential election) derail them. Too often people get caught up in election fever and get hopeful about the change that might come if he or she is elected and it weakens movements. We have to realize that there is not a candidate with a chance of winning who will end this war. Period. We have to accept that and keep pushing ourselves and keep organizing.

"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy

The Great Turning

Submitted by Robert Whitlock on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 10:03pm.

Rob, Have you looked into Joanna Macy's ideas about the shift from an Industrial Growth Society (IGS) to a Life Sustaining Society (LSS)? It's really interesting. She highlights three specific types of activism: 1) holding actions, 2) structural changes - the development of alternatives, and 3) shifts in consciousness.

I think that a successful action can include (at least a little bit of) all three. Here's more information: The Great Turning.

Watch Shifts Open

Submitted by DrewHendricks on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 10:49pm.

Watch periods for Budd Inlet

10AM – 6PM Sunday Nov 4th Day/Evening
Midnight to 5 AM Monday Nov 5th Overnight / Predawn
11AM – 6:20PM Monday Nov 5th Day/Evening

It's also a good idea to take road trips to other local ports and parking areas to see what might be going on elsewhere.

The Guest Quay has a sign which mentions that it will be closed from the 5th (Monday) until the 19th. (Surely the 9th)? Someone confirm that, it looks silly now that I put it in "print."

First Watch Report

Submitted by DrewHendricks on Sun, 11/04/2007 - 5:46pm.

Quay and Coast are clear of US Coast Guard activity as of 3PM.

The dredging operation continues: VTS radio traffic indicates that the Barge change happening now (4:20PM) is proceeding under permit number 20-524009 (Budd Inlet to Anderson Island).

It is likely that this dredging operation will be our first real clue whether a military ship is inbound. It cannot remain in the turning basin and allow incoming ships at the same time. It is reporting its position regularly via VTS (FM) at 156.650, 156.700, and 156.800 MHz and can easily be monitored by interested parties.

Securitas had two guys on duty at the front gate, 10AM through 2PM today, probably continuing on into the evening. This is not usual activity. Blue Chevy Van Lic#A66629U is one of theirs.

No sightings of large military vessels or VTS reports of same have been reported.

WSP brought one of its two Surveillance Planes (N2446X) back to Olympia from Spokane in late October, and it is probably available for overflights of local activity. The S Code is 50441033 if you want to monitor that aircraft with an IFF transponder. These aircraft can monitor events using Forward Looking Infrared cameras and also come equipped to track Lojack signals.

Signs on the guest dock do indeed say 5th November through 19th November for the closure. We should probably conclude from this that the ship will also LOAD material as well as discharge it. That is way too long for a simple unloading.

Track status is normal / mothball for the Port Marine Terminal entrances. The derail cleat is still on as of 2PM Sunday. East Olympia reports nothing out of the ordinary.

WOW!

Submitted by JstPlnOnry on Sun, 11/04/2007 - 6:52pm.

how do you get all that information?

It's amazing to me what lengths some will go to to monitor a ship coming home from war.

What I can't figure out is if you're going to welcome them home with words of encouragement or signs of protest.

"Do not mistake for conspiracy and intrigue what can best be explained by stupidity and incompetence." - Unknown

How and What

Submitted by DrewHendricks on Sun, 11/04/2007 - 7:03pm.

We use our eyes and our brains, through direct observation and exploitation of electronic communication channels wherever appropriate and legal. We take this as seriously as we take outgoing shipments because we know that ships like to run full in both directions if they can. And we use it to train our people, just as the military trains its people when they have to respond to unforeseen emergencies.

As for what we're going to do:

Peaceful Protests Against the War Planned for Equipment Returning from Iraq

Members of the Port Militarization Resistance campaign from throughout the region plan several demonstrations and vigils near the Port of Olympia in the next few days. The actions are in response to a military ship off-loading equipment returning from Iraq. The demonstrations are intended to show growing opposition to the US presence in Iraq, and the use of the Port of Olympia to ship military equipment supporting that occupation.

Olympia, WA, November 4, 2007 ― Activists opposed to the war in Iraq and the use of the Port of Olympia as a military shipping facility plan several actions near the port over the next few days. According to recent reports, a ship carrying equipment returning from Iraq is scheduled to arrive sometime on Monday. Although no blocking protests are planned, the Port Militarization Resistance campaign hopes to use the return of this material to increase public awareness of the cost of the war and how the Port is being used to support it.

Unlike previous actions at the Port of Olympia and the Port of Tacoma, which involved efforts to prevent the shipment of equipment to Iraq in advance of troop deployments from Ft. Lewis, the campaign intends to show its support for bringing all the troops and their equipment home. “We want the soldiers to know we’re glad they’re home. We also want them to know we will do everything we can to stop them or their equipment from ever being sent back,” said Sandy Mays, a nurse and local community activist.

The events planned include a candlelight vigil on the Fourth Street Bridge from 4 PM to 5 PM, Monday evening. Participants are urged to bring candles, flashlights, or glow-sticks, along with signs opposed to the war. On Tuesday, a march is planned followed by a rally at the Port of Olympia. The march will begin at Percival Landing at 4 PM. Speakers and music are planned. Families are urged to attend to show the diversity of the community’s opposition to the war and the militarization of the Port.

Organizers hope events surrounding the return of this equipment will be peaceful. “I think it’s a good time for reflection,” said Jody Tiller, the President of the Olympia Veterans for Peace Chapter. “I am glad to see this equipment returning. Now it can’t be used to harm other human beings. I am just sorry for the lives that were lost, while it was in use in Iraq, including the soldiers that did not come home.”

The Olympia Port Militarization Resistance campaign is made up of individuals and groups concerned with ending the occupation of Iraq, preventing future wars, and stopping the use of Olympia’s Port facilities for military shipments in support of war. Members represent many social justice, human rights, and faith organizations from throughout the community.

"Pax Mens Ratio"

OK, Now I'm Confused!

Submitted by JstPlnOnry on Sun, 11/04/2007 - 7:38pm.

You're holding a Peaceful Protests Against the War Planned for Equipment Returning from Iraq

Why are you holding a protest, peacful or otherwise, for equipment and military members returning from Iraq, especially if you're happy the equipment won't be used to harm others?

The definition of protest is to express a strong objection. I would think you all would save your efforts for those things going over, not coming home.

A protest sends the message that you're unhappy it's happening. If you're unhappy they're leaving Olympia with equipment I can maybe understand but not agree with holding a protest. But if you're happy the members & equipment are home, why protest it? Can't you just welcome them home without knocking their service, Bush or the war?

"Do not mistake for conspiracy and intrigue what can best be explained by stupidity and incompetence." - Unknown

Well,

Submitted by Rob Richards on Sun, 11/04/2007 - 8:26pm.

The protest part, I figure, is about the war, it's still going on. I think your questions from the other thread are valid here too.

"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy

Thanks Rob

Submitted by JstPlnOnry on Sun, 11/04/2007 - 9:50pm.

I appreciate your comment and your understanding of someone on "the other side" of the fence!

"Do not mistake for conspiracy and intrigue what can best be explained by stupidity and incompetence." - Unknown

Protest

Submitted by DrewHendricks on Mon, 11/05/2007 - 1:30pm.

We're well aware that this equipment has already been in Iraq twice, and will be used again. We're willing to publicly quarantine, and then decommission, this war equipment. If someone wanted to park their bank robbery getaway car in your garage, it would make you an accessory to their crime. Same idea here. If we let it unload and sit on the quay, we can (and have a duty to) stop it from being used in another crime.

You have a duty to stop our military from....

Submitted by Tschida on Mon, 11/05/2007 - 4:00pm.

Using their equipment? You said "If we let it unload and sit on the quay, we can (and have a duty to) stop it from being used in another crime." Where exactly do you find the moral authority for this? It is not up to you to decide if our military is committing crimes. I am just guessing here but unless you are Jimmy Carter, or some nut from the UN, you probably don't really know do you? C.

One of the great non sequiturs of the left is that, if the free market doesn't work perfectly, then it doesn't work at all-- and the government should step in.

Thomas Sowell

wow.

Submitted by DrewHendricks on Tue, 11/06/2007 - 2:46am.

"Where exactly do you find the moral authority for this? It is not up to you to decide if our military is committing crimes."

So, how do you reconcile that attitude with, you know, civilian control of the military, the rule of law in general, the Magna Carta (limitation of even the sovereign under law), and the whole "democracy" thing? If we're really just supposed to let the 'experts' tell us what is OK for our military to do with "their equipment" (as if it was not bought with our money) then why have, you know, ELECTIONS and stuff? Your sigline kinda gives away that you're a corporatist, but I'll give you some rope...

OlyBlog.net

OlyBlog is devoted to citizen journalism, including hyperlocal news and discussion specifically about Olympia, Washington. If you care about this community and are tired of corporate media, then this is the place for you.

If you'd like to contribute, please register for an account. Here is a list of local news beats that need to be covered. You can post your news as a personal blog entry, and it will be reviewed (and possibly edited) for promotion to the front page. Once you've established a record of responsible blogging, you can become an autonomous user. You can also send news via email. All members of OlyBlog agree to abide by our comment and fair use policies. If you are frustrated about something said in a comment thread, go here.

Now playing at: