Peace activist explains anti-war spray-painting action
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Sunday September 08, 2002 18:29
by Eoin Dubsky - Refueling Peace
info at refuelingpeace dot org
087-6941060
Symbolic disarmament spray-painting U.S. warplane in Shannon Airport
If you have been following the news in Ireland in the past few days then you're probably aware (tired of hearing?) that I entered Shannon Airport and painted peace slogans and signs on a US Air Force "Hercules" KC-130 warplane parked there, then phoned the airport and asked them to pick me up on Wednesday morning, 4 September.
You've probably gathered that I am trying to disrupt U.S. military refueling at the airport, and highlight the issue of America's so-called "war on terrorism". I also intend to use my opportunity in court to put Ireland's participation in the so-called "war on terrorism" on trial, which I believe is illegal and deeply immoral.
This action was part of the 'Refueling Peace' project: a direct action campaign to monitor and stop US military flights refueling in Ireland.
"As global citizens we will endeavour to monitor and stop US military refueling in Ireland. We will expose details of US military planes stopping-over here. We will openly, accountably, safely and peacefully disrupt these operations, which are mostly at Shannon airport." -- From the Refueling Peace 'Invitation to Join' on our homepage (http://www.refuelingpeace.org).
Tim Hourigan, who was also arrested, has been doing most of the meticulous monitoring of US military flights at Shannon Airport close to Limerick city. His "rough guide" to spotting military flights (some of them are on "civilian aircraft"!) is available on our website.
What I painted: I had terrible trouble with the flourescent red spray-paint... most of it came out in blobs!
Still I did get to write "NO WAR" and draw two large peace (CND) symbols on the US Air Force "Hercules" KC-130, which is a mid-air refueling plane which can be used though for troop/cargo transport or dropping "daisy-cutter" bombs even. I sprayed paint on one of the windscreens too (pilot can't take off until that is removed). Finally -- just before I reviewed my work and called airport security -- I affixed the prefix "DIS" in red paint to the stencil-writing beside the door that read "ARMAMENT:".
I'd like to thank especially everyone from Trident ploughshares and people who have taken part in other ploughshares actions -- you have inspired me to work on this campaign and do the action on Wednesday. I'm also most grateful to everyone who has been kind enough to get in touch and support me.
For almost a year I have been campaigning against the so-called "war on terrorism", and Ireland's participation therein in every way that I could. Following months of preparation, and with the prospect of a huge war on Iraq immanent, I entered the airport and painted the US military plane as a small symbolic act of disarmament. It was a truly life-affirming experience, and I hope to it continues this way when I'm in court next at Shannon District Court on 10 October at 11am.
Comments (9 of 9)
Jump To Comment: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9Congradulations on an incredibly brave and absolutely brilliant action. It had a huge effect on raising awareness of US military refueling at Shannon. Everybody I met on the day of your arrest was talking about it and they were unanimous in supporting you and in criticising the government for allowing refueling - without discussion, without debate and without even bothering to discuss it in the Daíl.
Is there any way to use your trial to generate further media coverage and public discussion? How can people support you?
well done eoin (and tim too) on last wednesday morning's actions.
now there is a fabulous opportunity to bring the silent masses into the campaign to stop US military planes using irish airports and airspace. although the upcoming court case may halp to knock the government's stance on assisting the "war on terror" back a little, in reality, to rectify this situation in irish law all they have to do is debate the issue in the oireachtas and take a vote on it. the government has a majority, and also the backing of the Fine Gael party and, disgracefully, many Labour TDs. so this would be a simple formality for the irish ruling classes.
the only way to really stop the US military from using Shannon airport is to prove that there is popular opposition to what they are doing among irish people. the only way to do this is to build a mass campaign: to actually go out and engage directly with people on the issues and to convince them of the need to oppose this and to demonstrate their opposition.
one thing's for sure, the campaign's base needs to broaden out from the clique or cliques of people who have been involved in various ways up until now.
also, while the internet/e-mail is a very useful campaigning tool, by relying on it as the main method of communicating the campaign's aims by default huge sections of irish society are excluded from participating fully. (this is a limit of the medium which is sometimes not realised!)
Fantasic
if that pathetic little attempt of sabotage and vandalism took months of preparation one wonders at how sad your life actually is. a bit of advice... get one!!!!!!
In reply to Graham Caswell's query ("Is there any way to use your trial to generate further media coverage and public discussion? How can people support you?"):
Firstly I'd like to thank everyone for all of the support they have already given in emails, phone calls, radio phone-ins, and even flowers. I intend to invite expert witnesses to give evidence about the (il)legality of America's so-called "war on terrorism" and will need some financial support to pay their expenses. In the coming weeks I'd like to setup a fundraising program (bank account, etc.) so that people who can help in that way, can make a contribution to the case.
Especially if you live close to Shannon Airport, it would be a big help to the campaign if you started a regular vigil or demonstration there again. Visit our website too (http://www.refuelingpeace.org/) for tips on military flight-spotting -- and keep in touch about your findings. If you've got a car or live nearby (very helpful if its pissing down!!) you could support people monitoring.
In reply to Rob's comments: People here could help keep the issue of Ireland's participation in Bush's war on the agenda by writing letters to the papers, calling into radio stations, organizing meetings and attending demos and talks.
Congratulations Eoin!
Hopefully the US will reward you by banning you
from entering their country. I am sure a criminal
record won't affect your job-hunting either, as your type rarely do any work.
I and others have requested that Aer Rianta ban you and your pals from entering the perimiter of the airport, which should prevent your hippy get togethers.
Since the media has been rightly ignoring your recent protests, I am sure that this act of vandalism was just to get a bit of attention. Well done, I hope your parents have grounded you for a few months!
Robert.
anyone who while speaking in a context of war and all the atrocities it entails, descibes paint on machinery 'criminal' is truly a person who lacks any abilty to hold a broad view... tis sad that people hold a coat of American paint in higher esteem than non-white lives.
ha ha.now we are seeing what it is all about. think u are famous( in your own mind) by spraying an airplane in 'protest' and now you are looking for financial reward...oh sorry!!! financial help to keep this stupid campaign going, now we will see how loyal your cronies are. remember that the crusties in your rag tag group probably survive off the welfare so good luck in getting money off of them.you and them will have faded long from the memory in a few short weeks so please dont hold your breath (or do if it helps!!) in setting up a trust fund for re'fooling'peace.org
Eoin,
Thank you very much and keep up the good work. Oh, and ignore the bigoted idiots who attempt to slander you. On behalf of an American who is completely opposed to this current immoral Bush Administration and it's war.. THANK YOU
Go Raith Maith Agat Agus Slan Go Foil Mo Chara Nua .. An Comhoantas Glas..
Not too bad of the 'auld Garlic fer a yank eh???
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