4 Arrests at Baldonnel Demonstration

by Revolt Video Sun Apr 16, 2006 16:04

Police getting quite confrontational at Baldonnel...
So far two arrests have been reported..
At least 40 protesters present...
Pics and further reports as we receive them..

by Revolt Video Sun Apr 16, 2006 16:24

It has been confirmed that there was one arrest..
Police have refused to name Police Station the person is being taken to so far..

Allegedly the police have created a 'protest pen' outside the Airport where it is believed they will attempt to shepherd protesters into...

A Helicopter has just arrived.....Hovering Lowdown on the scene...

more details to follow..

by Revolt Video Sun Apr 16, 2006 16:31

Heavy military presence at the base,,
military outnumbering protestors by about 4:1..
lots of police too...

by Revolt Sun Apr 16, 2006 17:11

Another arrest confirmed at Baldonnell..
Most likely being taken to Clondalkin... as was previous person arrested who should be charged, bailed and released within the hour according to the station..

reports of an another two arrests have come through...

That makes four arrests so far...

Police reportedly being very heavy-handed...

by revolt Sun Apr 16, 2006 18:15

People have begun to disperse from the area..
Arrested people, 4 confirmed, have been held in Clondalkin
The Legal Support team are attempting to clarify the situation.

by kwiat Sun Apr 16, 2006 18:43

thanks to revolt video for the lastest info from demo in dublin...some people cant be there but they appricite for news what is gonig on at the moment...
slan

by C.ops Sun Apr 16, 2006 18:59

... is the word used to describe how the police reacted, according to one of our bloody faced friends from Baldonnel.

All on film, coming soon.

Solidarity and Respect guys, well done.

by revolt Sun Apr 16, 2006 19:13

The four people are being held in Clondalkin and should be released within the next hour according to a solicitor engaged by Legal Support..
A Group of up to 15 people are present at the station in support of the anti-war protesters..

plenty of film footage and stills to be posted later..

by Anarchist Prisoner Support Sun Apr 16, 2006 19:35 weknowitwasyou at riseup dot net

All the 4 people have finally been released from custody. It is important that as many people support these activists when they appear in court.

by MichaelY - iawm - personal capacity Sun Apr 16, 2006 20:24

I am asking our comrades of the iawm, the Steering Committee and all our members, to support the activists arrested in the Baldonnel demo. Let us do all we can to turn their appearance in court and the trial that will follow a test of strength against the support of the Coalition for the Crusaders. Shannon and Baldonnel should cease being used as warports.

Solidarity

by was once a member of IAWM Sun Apr 16, 2006 20:37

'I am asking our comrades of the iawm, the Steering Committee and all our members, to support the activists arrested in the Baldonnel demo.'

This Baldonnel action has been publicised for some time - was it discussed at the most recent Steering Committee meeting? If so, what kind of support was talked about? Did they organise the lawyers? bail money? and so on? not trying to bash IAWM here - that's too easy - but i am rather curious what real solidarity is being offered here now and what has been talked about before.

by Revolt - Revolt Video Collective Sun Apr 16, 2006 20:58 revoltvideo at hushmail dot com

. More pics and film to follow....

Anarchists Against The War!

Baldonnel here We Come...

Do I see trouble ahead...

Gridlock on a Country Lane

You'se Don't Need A push Lads?

How Many More Deaths Will It Take..

For Sale to the Highest Bidder?

"If We Ignore Her Maybe She Will Go Away"

And Still They Came...

by young anarchist Sun Apr 16, 2006 21:07

I have cuts all over my hands and a busted nose from where a garda pushed me to the ground and punched me in the face.

The gardai out in baldonnel dont know the first thing about how to police a demonstration.

by Barry - 32csm Sun Apr 16, 2006 21:14

all the best to those arrested

will there be any video ?

by Liam Sun Apr 16, 2006 21:18

Those hard hats are very "fashionable", using your noggin well done.

by video Sun Apr 16, 2006 21:19

There is plenty of footage of the brutal arrests and repeated attacks the police made against the protestors.
If I was the baldonnel gardai I would start getting very nervous.

by Barry - 32csm Sun Apr 16, 2006 21:24

Im getting a number of reports about heavy handed tactics at our commemoration in Dublin this afternoon but nothing remotely like this . Boys in blue must be smarting after the riots . Are all protestors fair game now ?

Fair play to you all again .

by revolt - Revolt Video Collective Sun Apr 16, 2006 21:25

We are in the process of editing over 5 hours of footage from Baldonnel and todays events...
We will place most of the stuff up here and the revolt site asap..
We also intend to screen a full version on the Indymedia Film Night http://www.indymedia.ie/article/75151

by Paul Sun Apr 16, 2006 21:28

Where were the Gardaí involved from? (which station?) What laws were broken by the protesters? (loitering??etc.)

by Jonah Sun Apr 16, 2006 21:45

http://www.jonahhouse.org/F&RHW06.htm

by local Sun Apr 16, 2006 22:10

I was talking to the people who live in "Baldonnel house" during the demo and they were very supportive, they said their windows are regularly rattled by suspicious flights in the middle of the night.

Good job protestors, keep up the good work, support your prisoners!

by Starstruck Sun Apr 16, 2006 22:39

.

by Starstruck Sun Apr 16, 2006 22:43

.

by opinionated absentee Sun Apr 16, 2006 23:00

I know I cant talk cause i wasn't there but I think that there needs to be more of these confrontational, getting arrested things instead of those marches through town. Everyone who has commented so far seems to think Baldonnel was a success. There was only around 60 people there. The march on 18th march had 900 and was a disaster. So do more of these kind of events, you dont need as much people to show up and you get more results (strain on state's apparatus of violence, moral boost etc).

Its just too bad that the RTE news didnt cover it or show any black shamrocks at the army parade. That means there needs to be more of them. RTE might have been silenced today by a patriotic commitment to but they cant ignore this knid of thing if it is repeated a few times.

Fair play to everyone who protested and organised it. Hopefully there will be more to come.

by Statin' the Obvious Sun Apr 16, 2006 23:22

U.S. Iraq Deaths up to 47 this month-The Irish sold them a pint & duty free & sent'em to their death
See link...........

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060416/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

by camerawoman Sun Apr 16, 2006 23:37

didn't get many pictures due to clashes with the cops, can't wait for the footage.

critical mass from the bus

by Edward Horgan - PANA Peace and Neutrality Alliance Mon Apr 17, 2006 01:10

At last some attention is being drawn to the misuse of Baldonnel by US military and CIA. I will mention this demonstration to EU Parliament on Thursday next 20 April.
Meanwhile the number of US troops passing through Shannon each day is now over 1,300. That is more than half the number of Irish troops on the shambolic Easter parade in Dublin on Easter Sunday. Nothing will bring back the 100,000 Iraqis from the dead, unless there is a resurrection in the hereafter. If there is a hereafter, some of our ministers will have a few questions to answer, like: why did you help to murder so many little children?
"He who scandalises one of these, my little ones, etc..."
Thank you for your courage at Baldonnel.
Edward

by revolt Mon Apr 17, 2006 01:44

short vid @ http://indymedia.ie/article/75499
more to come.....
we predict a long hot summer.....
do you?

by Dr. Coilín Oscar ÓhAiseadha Mon Apr 17, 2006 01:48 Máigh Nuad, Co. Cill Dara

An admirable demonstration, well planned, and conducted without violence on the part of the demonstrators.

Sixty people is a good showing for a demonstration like this (as was the 900 on 18 March). I wish I could have been there, but I spent the day proofreading Ed Horgan's submission for the European parliament's committee investigating the extraordinary renditions.

As a doctor, I'm wondering whether I can have confirmation that the Gardaí gripped some of the protesters on the front of the neck, as reported in the other news item from the Baldonnel demo? If so, have all such victims of potentially lethal force been examined by a doctor, and had photographs of bruises taken in order to document the use of excessive force?

And have complaints been made to the Gardaí? Detailed, written statements should be made as soon as possible after the event.

Short of apprehending a violent criminal, it can never be appropriate for a Garda to take somebody by the throat, as this may be lethal in various ways. I don't work in Accident and Emergency myself these days, but I would consider it the duty of any doctor to report to the Gardaí in the event that he/she witnesses bruising to the throat arising from throttling. Given the conflict of loyalties that the Gardaí may face in the event of a complaint to themselves, I think there must be other possible routes to criminal proceedings - perhaps by reporting directly to the DPP?

If it can be proven that people were throttled or otherwise subjected to disproportionate force, then it may be possible to have compensation for battery awarded through criminal or civil prosecution.

And even if no legal proceedings take place, I think it's worthwhile documenting such violence so that the culprits - supposed guardians of the peace - can reflect on the gravity of their violent actions and so that others, who were not present, can appreciate the courage of the protesters.

Looking forward to the video of this important historic demo.

Deep respect!
Coilín.

by he who was there Mon Apr 17, 2006 02:42

Was that the best you could do ??

You really lost that battle

The gardai shone true and were very much in the right

PS who is the mad woman in green with feathered hat !!!

by nooly Mon Apr 17, 2006 02:58

how could the gardai be in the right? they don't have a stance, they just do what they're told. more sophisticated trolling, please, this is just silly.

by Barry Mon Apr 17, 2006 03:15

Sure Ill wait till tomorrow . Hope yis are alright anyway . Good to see people giving a damn .

by iosaf Mon Apr 17, 2006 03:36

stand up. be counted. cycle forward. good costumes blah de blah. took courage and looked like fun @ the begining and ended up as always with state violence / intimidation. you did well. be proud.

by Conor Cregan Mon Apr 17, 2006 06:12

So! What happens now?

For what it's worth here is a few thoughts I have on the matter.

It's really important that all arrestees have meeting very soon to discuss what they are going to do. I strongly suggest that every person that attended the demo at Baldonnell take the time to write a statement of events. That is everything that they can remember of what happened. As peoples memories fade its best to do this sooner rather than later. Everybody that was on the demo is potential witness for the defence at pending court cases.

Ironically, sometimes in the district court, it can come down to who has the most credible witnesses. You can bet all the Gardai present yesterday will be busy writing their statements and they will be able to read from their notebooks on the stand.

It is also be a good idea for the defence to secure all photos and video evidence. You will not have to show this to the state unless you or your lawyer enters it as direct evidence to the court. (Show it to the Judge)

If RTE are to be believed they are all charged under section/s of the pubic order act. Many activists, arrested at Shannon, have been charged under this act. Many have pleaded guilty and come away with conviction and a fine. Others have pleaded not guilty and taken their chances with a solicitor to fight their corner. Some have won and some have lost.

Even if all arrestees have different solicitors it still a good idea for all involved to meet to discuss what may happen in court. Some of you may want to plead guilty straight away and some might want to use the court as a platform to stand up against the state to highlight the rendition flights at Baldonnell. Whatever you choose to do it better that everyone involved has an idea of what is going to happen. This makes it easier for people to show solidarity for each other. .

Court is not a pleasant and it’s designed so that you can’t hear what people are saying. The Court officers (Judges, Solicitors, Guards, Clerks etc.) all seem to talk in a code and before you know “justice is served in a swift manner and you re standing there, with one eyebrow higher that the other, looking at your solicitor for answers.

Remember if you plead guilty straight away you might be let off with probation for a period of time where you will be bound to behave yourself and there will be no record of your offence but if you don’t you will be liable to be punished for this self confessed crime and penalized heavier for the next conviction.

And if the Judge doesn’t see fit to give you the benefit of the probation act or if you have already been the beneficiary of this act then it is a conviction for sure no matter how lenient the Judge is.

I personally believe it is always worth fighting. There is always an angle even if you are caught holding a smoking gun. If you don’t that’s up to you and I wont hold it against you.

You might be entitled to “Legal Aid” if you are unemployed, a student or of you have a low income. This means that you can avail of solicitors services free of charge but be warned, as all too often, you get what you pay for. It’s worth remembering “Legal Aid” is paid for by the State. The “Legal Aid” panel of solicitors can often only offer quite a small choice and many of these lawyers are bottom feeders scooping up easy business. This could mean they could have hundreds of cases on the books and will be too busy to take your calls or ring you back. Mind you, on the bright side, they will be well versed on the “Public Order Act”. You might like to see www.ratemysolicitor.com for a review of these Legal Eagles.

If it is your intention to use your case as a platform to highlight rendition flights at Baldonnell then be advised that most legal aid briefs will not raise these issues on your behalf. One legal aid solicitor based in Shannon Town cut off this kind of conversation with an anti-war defendant with “you are not Eoin Dubsky” and proceeded to have her convicted at Shannon District Court on public order charge that could have easily been fought.

Representing yourself is also an option. This doesn’t mean that you have to go it alone as you are entitled by law to have a (McKenzie) Friend to advise you while you make your case in court. There are plenty of people who have experience of this hanging around the scene. Representing yourself means you can ask the Gardai all those embarrassing questions a solicitor would be afraid to ask.

i.e. Why did you punch the activists in the face and then stand on their heads?

Oh no I didn’t!!!

Well then how do explain this photograph then?

Oh yes you did matey!

Cases like this can go on for months on end ensuring that you are dragged to court every month "for mention". This gives the State time to prepare the case against you.

As the law stands you or (your Solicitor) will have to receive copies of all Gardai statements and evidence they will use against you i.e. Photographs, CCTV etc. You are also entitled to any have any evidence that they don’t intend to use against but that can benefit your defence. Don’t worry too much about that though as I can't see them producing anything you don't know about. As you can imagine, this can be a lengthy process so expect to wait quite some time before this is all over.

It’s a good idea to make sure the DPP or the Court doesn’t split up your cases. This is a tactic the cops may use to make sure you don’t have witnesses on the day. Remember safety in numbers.

For example during the court case, through the direct evidence of a witness, it comes out that An Gardai Siochana had exceeded their powers or were overly robust while making arrests it may darken the view of the Judge on the validity of all the arrests of all the people in front of the court on the day but if your case is heard on another day and that evidence is not put forward then you could be convicted.

Putting up a strong challenge against the State may be enough to make the DPP drop the charges altogether. Who Knows? It has worked for me for four of us in Shannon last month.

Well Done and Good Luck to all those involved.

Conor

Oh yeah! Your action made its way on to telly-text.

As reported on the news headlines on Aertel tonight

*********************************************
Baldonnell War Demo: Arrests Made

Five people were arrested during an anti-war demonstration at baldonnell in Co. Dublin this afternoon,

Gardai say the arrests were made after a number of peel attempted to gain access to Baldonnell Aerodrome.

According to the Gardai, all the arrests related to public order breaches.

Cosantoiri Siochana, an anti-war group, had organised the rally to protest the use of the Irish air space by the US Military.

The organization said 60 anti-war protestors took part in the rally, with 20 of them dressed in white overalls with “anarchists against the war” inscribed on them.
.

*********************************************

by Ciaron - Ploughshares (personal capacity) Mon Apr 17, 2006 06:54 At Large Down Under!

It loks like we're at the beginning of a very long war. The war is going to escalate and expand before the U.S. leaves. They are losing militarily and the war has never had any popularity. Scarey thing, shows you they can have a war these daze without any popularity.

A lot of us will be going through the courts and the jails before this war ends.

After much experience, I think a good ethic to embrace is if you go on one of these NVD actions where folks are arrested. One should commit themselves to the next 6 months (or however long it takes for those arrested) to accompany those who have been arrested through the judicial experience. We have to develop the attitude that this and other actions don't begin and end on the day, it is the beginning of the action un til everyone who went in is out. (Hopefully it won't take 3 1/2 years and counting like the Pit Stop Ploughshares!)

Nonviolent resistance an be the most empowering experience of your life or the most disempowering - it all depends on the solidarity from the rest of the movement. We may have different hair styles, musical tastes, ages, politics, theologies, football teams etc ...but when any our people are before the courts it shouldn't be an experience of isolation.

Congratulations on the action at Baldonnel..it has been a source of inspiration for us 12,000 miles and lots of time zones away!

by Ciaron Mon Apr 17, 2006 07:30

http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2006/04/110727.php

by ('',) Mon Apr 17, 2006 12:00

Yesterday was a disgrace. Police punching protesters in the head, stomping on peoples bikes when the owners had put them down, not telling us where the 1st arrestee was being taken, denying all 4 a phone call at the police station and asking younger activists how old they were and where there parents were.

Nice video, so far.

by Lord K - (wsm personal capacity) Mon Apr 17, 2006 12:41

"Opinated absentee: So do more of these you dont need as much people to show up and you get more results
(strain on state's apparatus of violence, moral boost etc)."

I was there yesterday and I think it’s an excellent start but increasing numbers should always be an aim. Imagine (Q John Lenon back round music) 1000-2000 people
intent on action and non cooperation with "Bushes light auxiliaries" in the Gardai.
More
yes
Bigger
yes
Diversity of tactics (including marches - where there's a point, a plan and an objective...)
yes .
More actions at Baldonel
YES!
There is no dichotomy between mass action and direct action (despite what some would have you believe) - in fact they rather nicely together.
So we should keep at it and encourage more people down.

He who was there says "The gardai shone true"

Punching and kneeing 16 year olds what a glorious way to earn your treble time mate!

KP

by Deirdre - Pitstop Ploughshares Mon Apr 17, 2006 13:53

Well done; looks like a really good action, and it's certainly a great idea to start highlighting Baldonnel.

I'm surprised there's no info up here as to how people can support the people arrested, though (?)

by guydebordisdead Mon Apr 17, 2006 14:57

There is an anarchist legal support group who are organising the support for all those arrested on the day.

They have a blogspot - www.prisonersolidarity.blogspot.com

And all those arrested yesterday will be meeting with them to go through the footage.

by :;...,,:;...,,;: Mon Apr 17, 2006 16:50

“The first arrest was made as protestors left the bus - arrested for urinating no less”

It’s against the law so what’s your problem? …..Pure Propaganda

“Reports indicate that a section of the crowd attempted to rush the fence around the airfield. At least 4 arrests were made and our correspondant indicated that these arrests were carried out with some violence - with police officers kneeling on protestors' heads.”

Were the Police officers to let these bunch of "activists" trespass and cause damage?

They went there to cause trouble and got arrested so what’s your problem? …..Pure Propaganda

“More news as it comes in”

Don’t you mean, the next time we can instigate shit happening we will post it on indymedia?

“If you build it, they will come” “If I break the law, I will get arrested” “If we can create shit to happen, we will post it on indy”

by iosaf Mon Apr 17, 2006 17:35

a quote from Martin Luther King Junior whilst in prison in Birmingham Alabama 1963 :-
"One has not only a legal, but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws."
& so to the interpretation and application of justice and injustice.
In the previous paragraph of that letter, MLK(jr) explored his own way of determining what could be a just or unjust law. He touched on Aquinas and others. The myth of international terrorism propogated by the Bush regime & military industrial complex centred on the Pentagon in the last years has seen consistent erosion of national sovreignity amongst friends and allies in the West, NATO, and the EU. Ireland has not been left out. The same myth has seen the invasion of 2 countries one illegally and the other under the veneer of the Bonn conference "legally", neither invasion has effected emergent democracy and neither war as I wrote in many languages 3 years ago may be prosecuted meaning neither war may be won. Rather we have seen acts of astounding illegality spawn barbarism, push values of energy resources (the primary private wealth of the Bush regime) through the roof, and the continuing evil predominance of the miliatary industrial complex. Whilst at the same time we have seen an unprecendented attack on civil and social rights and perversion of our western and others' ethical and moral values.
We have as a global peace and justice movement {and I count noted and respected spokespeople of the national Irish arms of that movement in the comments expressing support, thanks and admiration to the young people who undertook the action at Baldonnel this last weekend} highlighted and presented evidence of constant breaches of international and national law, treaties by the USAF, CIA and other agents of the Bush administration at airports throughout the EU. There are more than 10 law suits pending against the USA for these abuses. There are in addition inquiry processes open by the Council of Europe, Germany, Spain, Sweden and others into the illegal use of European and national air-spaces since 2002 by the USA.
Baldonnel as well as Shannon airports in the republic of Ireland are on the lists of sites consistently used for rendition. Rendition is illegal. no debate. No-one may point to any law national or international which gives the USA or its agents a right to rendition. Rendition ends in the transport of prisoners who have not been charged of any crime, according to any due process of law to prisons, some of which are un-known and others which are known. Those which are known are site to abuses of the International Declaration of Human rights and the European declaration of Human Rights both of which declarations, Ireland is a party to.
Those young people who mounted their action yesterday have every moral right to protest the abuse of Baldonnel (Ireland's defence forces' airport). They count on support which is local, national and international.

If one was arrested for pissing after alighting from the bus as the last commentator alledges, it is all the more ironic, since I believe the law covering such in Ireland is "public indecency". The true public indecency is the perversion of our liberties, and common values in the name of US foreign policy. The true public indecency is the myth of "international terrorism".

Again I say, as many others more respected than I implied in the comments above -

Well done! you were brave! tell us what you need to support you, do not think that such moral courage goes un-noted, and that the punishments given by your society / state & criminalisation may not be countered. Let us know what you need, there will always be jobs, homes, and solidarity for you.
you stood up. you were counted. you walked the walk. bless you!

by Starstruck Mon Apr 17, 2006 19:48

For the first time anti-war activists have in any meaningful way confronted the state
at Baldonnel over its complicity in the war on terror and its rental of Irish airspace
and airports to U.S warplanes.
The response that they were met with indicates very well the extent to which the state
wishes to silence these dissenting voices,to avoid public knowledge of their crimes,
embarrasment and possible electoral damage.
The Gardai behaved like animals baying for blood yesterday.It is abundantly clear that
they viewed this as their first real opportunity to attack and brutalise protesters since Mayday
2002 Reclaim the Streets.They have since that date had to tiptoe around activists for the
most part due to the plethora of mass media vultures that were invariably present waiting
for them to lose their cool again.
The situation yesterday was different,the mass/corporate media were absent and it was left
to us to film for ourselves the heavy-handedness that occured with many high-ranking officers,
whose numbers have all been recorded,striking protesters randomly in the face and body,
lying knee-first on protesters faces,attempting to break activists' camera equipment,
driving over critical massers bicycles and making violent,tokenistic arrests that defy the law.
Once these arrests were made,the officers involved,whose numbers have also been recorded,refused illegally to inform the arrestee's colleagues and friends to which station
they had been taken,and once at the station the arrestees were denied their legal right to a
phone call and legal representation.
All they got were mind-games,filthy cells,ignorant meathead Gardai trying to coax them
into "deals" and into signing documents without being allowed read them..
This Garda behaviour appeared to be being coordinated by higher ranking idiots known
as the "specail " branch,with many lower ranking Gardai appearing clearly uncomfortable
with what they were both witnessing and being ordered to do.
The Gardai viewed yesterday as a blank scorecard and a chance for revenge for all the
successful actions that have occured in the past few years,actions which they have been
outsmarted upon or powerless to prevent.
The brutality at Baldonnel will not be forgotten we will return to Baldonnel and maintain the highlighting of the Governments hypocrisy.
Hopefully the many activists and groups that were absent yesterday will accompany us
there and make our next action even more succesful.

ORGANISE!

by Starstruck Mon Apr 17, 2006 20:50

End quote,dribble like this doesnt deserve attention.
Obviously never heard of civil and constitutional rights.
SIgh

by hs - sp (personal capacity) Mon Apr 17, 2006 21:30

The mobilisation by the anarchists in my opinion was a brave and comendable action, which although ignored by the mainstream media at least made an attempt to expose whats going on in Baldonel. Mobilising 60 people was also immpressive considering the type of action and danger of violence and arrest. (i couldn't download the video so i can't comment on the actual violence) I think everybody who is opposed to the imperialist war and the use of shannon and baldonel should unreservedly give support to those who will face court, including financial or political support if it's needed (or wanted). it was always going to be difficult to get media attention during easter weekend with the hullabalue in town and people on holidays, but the symbolic nature of the date was also significent for the protesters. The protesters were highlighting the illegal arrest, transportation and possible torture of unknown prisoners and the fact that irish airports are being used to facilitate this. They should not be treated as criminals for highlighting what is illegal activity being facilitated by the Irish State.

(could the organisersplease post any details for financial appeals etc )

by hs Mon Apr 17, 2006 21:37

obviously meant to say comendable in the title,

by Support Tue Apr 18, 2006 00:27

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/75505

by Mary Kelly Tue Apr 18, 2006 00:39

great to see the sap rising for direct actions on Baldonnel. Well done to all involved!
Thanks Conor for posting sound practical advice about preparing for court.

by Justin Morahan - Peace People Tue Apr 18, 2006 01:08

Thanks to all. It shows the strength of non-violence when the powers of the State must be mustered to stop a simple act of non-violent civil disobedience like this.

by Niall Harnett - Cosantóirí Síochána Tue Apr 18, 2006 01:46

You confronted them and exposed them for what they are. You show the hypocrisy of that shame of a parade in Dublin yesterday. You shame them all, the coppers, Ahern, Mansergh, McDowell and co. I'm sorry you had to take those assaults to do it, I hope everyone is ok.

Just watched the footage. I like the way ye spoke to them when ye met them C & W. I think that's really worth doing to get in to their heads, if it's possible to get past the meat. Making a statement declaring wish to make a weapons inspection absolutely spot on.

It seems that the coppers had already decided that they were going to use the 'obstructing the Gardaí' line to give them legal excuse for their brutality. You can hear that a lot during the film, so I assume that they had pre-planned to use that to cover all ground. But that is wide open to abuse, as you obviously discovered. Suggest really probing that in court.

'He put his hand on me' was another one, as if by putting your hand on a Garda, they way you would to get his attention, constituted an assault on a Garda. How fuckin' dare they?!

Towards the end the cameraman was then thrown to the ground by a copper who announced 'Excuse me, you're obstructing', while filming the lads being put in the van. Outrageous assault plain and simple.

That 'palm into the jaw' trick on one of the pics is probably something they learn in cop school to 'subdue'. Special branch looks like he's really enjoying it, I bet you he slammed your face into the ground and took real pleasure in it. How is your jaw? He could have broken it.

Yeah right from the start they were out 'to do you'. Being arrested for taking a piss in a field is fuckin outrageous and so petty. Shame on them all.

Takes guts to risk and take a beating to expose all this. But like I say, I really don't like to see people getting hurt though and/or risking serious injury from these bullies. Much respect to ye for putting your necks, literally, on the line. And great to have it all documented.

Have people been charged and if so with what?

Best wishes to all assaulted, arrested and to ye all.

Niall.

by Seán Ryan Tue Apr 18, 2006 09:43

A superb action.

Not only must Irish citizens highlight our involvement in crimes against humanity, many must even experience unjust brutality and persecution just to do so.

It took guts to go to Baldonnel and it took more to stay there when it became obvious that the mainstream media were not there to afford you some degree of protection.

I think you folks have accomplished something very special. You have highlighted that the issue of Irish complicity is not confined to Shannon Airport or just Shannon airspace.

The East is awake. And it's down to yourselves and the activists who infiltrated the State's debacle on the streets of the capital.

Ye spilt blood.

It didn't just fall on the ground to be washed away either.

We shouldn't let it be just washed away.

Many thanks,
Seán

by Coracha Tue Apr 18, 2006 13:01

More Pics.

Led and Followed by long q of unmarked cop cars.

Large Garda Presence

How Many more deaths? (and a welly?)

One of the arrests/showing ripped clothes and mud stains from being dragged to the ground

by blank Tue Apr 18, 2006 18:08

... has already appeared in the video, and they've been arrested - why is their face blacked (browned!) out?

Just curious as to why people do it, the reasons.

by Coracha Tue Apr 18, 2006 18:20

I choose not to show people's faces out of consideration and respect for them. It's my own individual choice as perhaps the tables will be turned on me one day, and I'd appreciate the same to be done. That said I'm not advocating others do the same, It is entirely up to themselves.

by B Tue Apr 18, 2006 18:24

It's great to see that the Real Spirt of 1916 lives on to this day..Also great to see that the youth in Ireland still have beliefs and Coronation Street, gossip megazine's and shit Pop "bands" havent sucked Political activism out of everyone (yet)..

The brits wanted our SeaPorts America wants our Airports. Resist
Always towards Victory

by Michael Wed Apr 19, 2006 10:59

The protest at Bal' on Easter sunday was a disgrace. While I am sure that the Irish peace movement probally does have a few genuine people in it, the majority of them are little more then attention seaking spoiled brats who would be better served by going out and doing volenteer work , and learning what things are really like in the world, instead of listening to total lies about what is happening in Bal' and Shannon.
There is nothing illegal happening in either Bal' or Shannon, I hate to break it to you , but legally [and probally in some other ways too] nothing untoward is happening in either of these locations.
But , lust to clarify a few things, Bal' is a military airbase, yes , we have one, just one, because we need it. Maybe when you all grow up a bit you will understand why, until then you will have to thrust me on this...
Because of it's military status, it can be required to operate aircrafts at all times of the day or week,there is nothing even remotely suspicious about this, Bal' is also base to the Garda air -support fleeet, which are required to operate 24/7 as well. They police the roads, and try and prevent crime generally, ya know the sort of thing , rapes , murders, ect. Occasionally there are military visitors there too, they also have a right to be there , they may be carrying visiting diplomats, they may be delivering people doing courses on humanitarian aid, they may be onroute to deliver such aid, as was an aircraft several years ago that was damaged in Shannon, by a so called peace protester.
Bal' also provides air assets to help train the Irish Army , now before you start jumping up and down again and singing them moronic songs, let me point out that soldiers do not start wars, despots do,
The Irish Army does a lot of peace keeping in the world, they need to be trained in this function with air-support, if the attention seeking yobs disrupt the work of Bal' , there is a potential for more third world, and conflict zone kids to die, bear that in mind, next time some bastard who you do not know , and will probally never know, encourages you to block a road,
Now, supposeing these terrorist supporting ,err, peace protesters, encourage you to enter the airbase , somewhere where you have no bussness being , as it happens, it is too dangerous an envoirment, and it is a working airbase, understaffed , because of our meger militry budget, and not designed for visitors.
The military within Bal' are armed and you can be detained, you may in certain conditions become seriously hurt, you may force some young trooper into a position where he/she may have to shoot you.
If this happens, I will not be a bit sorry for you, but I will be sorry for the soldier who will have to live with his/her actions, despite the fact that it was your fault. I will be sorry for your parents and loved ones, despite them probally not giving you sufficent attention during your continued youth, which caused you to become a "peace" victim.
Incidently , if you are shot you will not leave a beutiful corpse, you will just look stupid, waste your life if you must.
Before I finish, I would like to pose a question: if peace people disrupt the workings of Bal' who benifits?.....apart from the drug smugglers and the bank robbers of the ira........and other terrorist groups.

by Terence Wed Apr 19, 2006 13:33

Micheal,

To some of the points you raised:
1) ..majority of them are little more then attention seaking spoiled brats who would be better served by going out and doing volenteer work , and learning what things are really like in the world...

I think many of them actually do volunteer work and yes they happen to know quite a lot of what things are like in the real world and they are not pretty.

2) ..instead of listening to total lies about what is happening in Bal' and Shannon...

What lies would these be? Is the fact the war in Iraq a lie? So are there really WMDs there? Is it a lie that its a lie? Are rendition flights a lie? Is the existence of Guatamano a lie? Tell us more please.

3) ..Maybe when you all grow up a bit you will understand why, until then you will have to thrust me on this..

What a condenscending attitude you have. Its you that needs to grow up. You are so terrified of thinking for yourself and standing out that you daren't question a single thing about the status quo or anything that comes from officialdom.

4) ...there is nothing even remotely suspicious about this.....
Who told you? Why of course the newspapers and radio said so. They were just reading out what the government said and since the government are supposed to represent the people, therefore they must do and it is wrong for them to lie so they never do lie. At least thats what they told me in school. You are so obedient.

5) ..Occasionally there are military visitors there too, they also have a right to be there , they may be carrying visiting diplomats, they may be delivering people doing courses on humanitarian aid, they may be onroute to deliver such aid ....

Or they might be carrying troops in a war of aggression, or weapons like cluster bombs, DU weapons, missiles. Or sure they may be kidnapping people and renditioning them to Guantamano so that they can help them with their inquiries.
Oh yes, maybe they did carry some aid. Remember at the start of the Afghan war, they dropped all those yellow-lunch-box surivial packs with one meal. How nice. Perhaps they passed through Shannon. Except, lots of kids there, then mistook the yellow cluster-bombs they dropped a few days later and picked them up too and blew their faces and arms off. Ah but weren't they just silly do that. If they had had private schools in Afghanistan they would have taught them the difference between yellow-pack lunches and cluster bomblets.

6) ..The Irish Army does a lot of peace keeping in the world, they need to be trained in this function with air-support, if the attention seeking yobs disrupt the work of Bal' , there is a potential for more third world, and conflict zone kids to die .....

So lets get this straight by protesting outside Baldonnel, this will cause more people do die in the Third World. Why do these wars start in the Third World. Who are the leading arms sellers in the world? Would it be the UK, USA & Russia by any chance? Does the Third World debt have any bearing in this and the policies of the IMF / World Bank. Probably not Micheal, because the newspaper told you so.

7) ...if this happens, I will not be a bit sorry for you, but I will be sorry for the soldier who will have to live with his/her actions....

Are you trying to show that you have feelings too? Does it extend to all humans or just people of the same nationality or just the same political outlook, or just to members of the state apparatus that keep you safe? Again tell us more about your humanitarian side.

by Davy Carlin - Organise! {PC} Wed Apr 19, 2006 15:12

Well done folks, fair play to you.

{ I'm just beginning to catch up and trawling through a few weeks of threads!}

In Solidarity D

Organise! - www.organiseireland.org.

by Michael Wed Apr 19, 2006 15:26

[1] I have seen little evidence that these attention seeking brats do any work at all.
[2] Troops are being moved thru Shannon , there is no lie about that. nor is it any way illegal
[3] I do think for myself thanks, have done for the last 48 years, maybe you should look up condecending in a dictionary.
[4] perhaps evidence of wrongdoing would help, at the moment there is none, therefore there is nothing suspicious about it , is that too conplicated for you?
[5] If you had any knowlage of air transport , you would know that the only time munitions are loaded onto aircrafts is when they are to be used, it is uneconomic and impracticel to deliver them by air, so this talk of munitions going thru' Ireland is just that : talk.
Incidently cluster bombs are not a perfect wepon, so they paint the canisters yellow to aid the clean up operation, but after they have been used the target area is massively disruppted, why parents would send their children into such an area is beyond me......have you an explaination?
[6] If the work of Bal' is disruppted by these stupid protests then people will take longer to train,is that simple enough?, also air ambulance and neo-natal care operate thru Bal', Am I getting thru to you yet?
[7] who the f**k are you to question my feelings? Unlike you I condemn all voilence[ while recognising that occasionally, however unpleasent, it must be used] you and other "peace" protesters only condemn the voilence of America, Britain, and Israel, never bothering to condemn the acts carried out by terrorists.
Who is doing the killing in Iraq? f**king terrorist sucide bombers, perhaps you did'ent notice?

by Davy Carlin Wed Apr 19, 2006 15:53

Some good points I found myself nodding in agreement with

by gurggle Wed Apr 19, 2006 16:36

Its just one little cliché nestling in your comment "disgraceful behaviour" it [Baldonnel] can be required to operate aircrafts at all times of the day or week,there is nothing even remotely suspicious about this, Bal' is also base to the Garda air -support fleeet, which are required to operate 24/7 as well. They police the roads, and try and prevent crime generally, ya know the sort of thing , rapes , murders, ect.
Michael you're being silly, sillier than usual, if you're attempting to play the devil's advocate you're not terribly convincing. Garda air support doesn't stop rape or murder, I doubt you'd even find a Garda who would think loads of extra plod on the street can do that, since most rapes and murders occur in homes. A balanced and healthy society may however reduce the level of violent crime. Balanced and healthy societies are not encouraged by the barbarism which has daily been seen on our TV screens posing as "the liberation" or "the imposition of democracy" on Iraq. & I hate to break it to you, but the Council of Europe has been considering the evidence of rendition flights through Ireland since 2002 for the last months. Are you suggesting the institution which regulates our comittment to human rights is somehow inventing that evidence? Now as for the "growing up" and understanding why Ireland needs a military airbase, I'd love to read your explanation. Really I would. I suppose its not to launch sea and air rescue operations, since we always seem to rely on the RAF to do that, what other reason can you come up with? we need a military airbase to house a Garda helicopter? As you may well know visiting diplomats land at Dublin airport, only on very rare ocassions such as the Thatcher / FitzGerald summit has Baldonnel been used. & you're old enough to remember that. So stop gurggling please, you're well capable of better comments, and since the invasion of Iraq we have all become well used to the appearances of corpses, your trite reminder that if a "trooper" [sic] had shot one of the protesters is quite un-neccesary, and as you might know, IDF (irish defence forces) may not fire without the order of a senior Garda officer.

We are, locally, nationally and internationally behind the young people who dressed up, walked the walk and brought their creative protest to Baldonnel on Easter Sunday. & it appears to be quite a comprehensive list of supporters.
& we'd like them to tell us soon what help they need.

by attention-seeking brat Wed Apr 19, 2006 16:42

"I have seen little evidence that these attention seeking brats do any work at all."

What's your point? When I do volunteer work, when my comrades do volunteer work, do you expect us to provide evidence of it here? Why on earth would we do that? What evidence do you have of ANY random individuals who you don't know doing any work? This is actually one of the stupidest points I have ever seen made here, and that's saying something.

"Troops are being moved thru Shannon , there is no lie about that. nor is it any way illegal"

First of all, as most people there were anarchists, this is a redundant point. We don't care if it's illegal or not, we're not happy with our airspace and resources being used to aid an unjust war. Secondly, rendition flights ARE illegal. See, for example:

http://www.villagemagazine.ie/article.asp?aid=1579&iid=...ud=41

"perhaps evidence of wrongdoing would help, at the moment there is none, therefore there is nothing suspicious about it , is that too conplicated for you?"

see above

"If you had any knowlage of air transport , you would know that the only time munitions are loaded onto aircrafts is when they are to be used, it is uneconomic and impracticel to deliver them by air, so this talk of munitions going thru' Ireland is just that : talk."

See: http://www.breakingnews.ie/2006/01/31/story242544.html

"Incidently cluster bombs are not a perfect wepon, so they paint the canisters yellow to aid the clean up operation, but after they have been used the target area is massively disruppted, why parents would send their children into such an area is beyond me......have you an explaination?"

Oh, I get it, it was the parents fault. Dropping aid packages the same colour as cluster bombs was a perfectly responsible thing to do. Hmm. Should we penalise those parents, or give the kids ASBOs? I'm sure the wealth of knowledge you've gained by reading the Sindo will show us the way.

"you and other "peace" protesters only condemn the voilence of America, Britain, and Israel, never bothering to condemn the acts carried out by terrorists.
Who is doing the killing in Iraq? f**king terrorist sucide bombers, perhaps you did'ent notice?"

I condemn suicide bombings. Where have we ever defended them? I condemned them while I was VOLUNTEERING in Palestine, seeing the conditions which lead to people blowing themselves up. Because things aren't black and white. I can disagree with both sides of an argument.

"they may be onroute to deliver such aid, as was an aircraft several years ago that was damaged in Shannon, by a so called peace protester."

Proof?

by Jon G Wed Apr 19, 2006 17:13

Shannon airport makes 14 million from US military

Shannon airport has made an estimated profit of 14 million euro from the US military so far this year.
New figures released by the Shannon Airport Authority show that Shannon is set to exceed the record number of troops that passed through the airport last year.
743 US millitary planes carrying over 116 thousand troops passed through Shannon Airport in January, February and March this year.

it`s an increase of 21 per cent on 2005.

It`s estimated that in the past 4 years, Shannon has generated almost a hundred million euro from allowing US planes pass through the airport on their way to and from Iraq and Afghanistan.
The controversial flights accounted for 10 per cent of the overall numbers going through Shannon.
A spokesperson for the airport says they are not commenting on the financial figures but pointed out it is up to the Government to assign military flights through airports.
http://u.tv/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=72503&pt=n

by redjade Wed Apr 19, 2006 17:29

think of it another way...

Shannon has to be one of the cheapest US Airforce bases in the world.

As I've always asked: why does Ireland sell itself so cheaply?

Prostitution can be an honourable profession, but not if you sell the goods too cheaply.

{no offense meant to prostitutes - make love, not war}

by me Wed Apr 19, 2006 19:20

ahahhhhh ahaa

Micheal your 48 and the best you can do is come onto indymedia and bitch on about what a few kids have done and debate weather they work or not? you sad man!

but you'd prefer if they sat at home and played computer like good little boys and girls, what were you doing when you were 17/18......wait let me guess working in a mine or something?

get bent.......48 .........pifft

by APS Wed Apr 19, 2006 19:50

APS has called for those present at Baldonnel to get in touch: http://www.indymedia.ie/article/75551

by R. Isible Wed Apr 19, 2006 19:55

perhaps evidence of wrongdoing would help, at the moment there is none, therefore there is nothing suspicious about it , is that too conplicated for you?

What would convince you of wrongdoing? How about we pile up the rotted flesh and shattered bones of the hundreds of thousands of Iraqi children murdered by the USAF? If you love the US so much why don't you send your family to live under its administration in Iraq.

Your false ad-hominem attack on the people that drew attention to the violation of our national sovereignty on this day is a disgrace and indicates that no matter how young those protesting at Baldonnel were, they're light years ahead of you in emotional development, intellectual honesty, maturity and bravery.

You're a disgrace, but you serve well as a foil or counterpoint to highlight the necessity for the Baldonnel action.

Well done the protestors.

by Michael Thu Apr 20, 2006 08:32

"and as you might know, IDF (irish defence forces) may not fire without the order of a senior Garda officer. "

Thats not true......I have been in the Irish Defence Forces and know that for a fact that a soldier may fire without a garda even being present, you do not have to take my word for it, just try and disarm one. [get your will made first ]

As for by me, I did not come on to this site to bitch about any kids, I replied to a bunch of people protesting at an airbase which has nothing to do with the war on terrorism, regardless of wheather it is just or not.

And, r.isable, do you really belive that shit that you wrote?

what " violation of our national sovereignty" did these wasters draw attention to?

and by the way I see no sign of your "emotional development, intellectual honesty, maturity and bravery."

As for the repeat of the munitions arguement, it's down to simple physics, particularly with regard to Bal' whch can only handle up to medium cargo aircrafts.
With a damn sight more maturity then most of you have I find that if a thing seems unlikely then it, more then likely, is not happening.

As for the rest I never posted here before my disgrace post and will probally never post or read here again, the majority of posters here are stupid beyond belife,.
Go and wallow in your illusions, I have to deal with the real world.

by MG Thu Apr 20, 2006 10:09

It would help Michael if you could spell before you started calling people stupid. Your posts are difficult to read due to the appalling spelling and the incredible lack of knowledge and insight. We are assisting in an illegal invasion of Iraq, and as such the Irish government has blood on its hands. Your "arguments" amount to nothing but immature abuse and idiotic arguments of demanding proof despite widespread proof being shown in both National and International media. At such an old age I don't hold out much hope in you either improving your spelling or putting forward a decent argument.

by Patrick Hayes Thu Apr 20, 2006 21:32

I have always wondered. Why is the invasion of Iraq illegal again?

Without using the myth of "international law" what laws are being Broken in this country every time a US military aircraft lands in Ireland?

Oh and just to emphasise one of Michaels points. Casement Aerodrome is a Military Barracks the same as Cathal Brugha, Mc Kee or Aitken Barracks. Gardai have no jurisdiction within its perimeter, unlike Shannon.

In fact I would commend the enthusaism of the Fine members of the Garda siochana who prevented your entry to what was quite possibly certain death. If you were to read any of the "biased" national media in the weeks coming up to Sunday, there was a strong fear that elements unknown would seek to disrupt the events in the same way as the Attempted Unionist parade some weeks ago.

Those tasked with the protection of Casement Aerodrome would have been on high alert, due to the activity of Irish Military aircraft involved in the parade, and the above fears of disruption.

It strikes me that the Casement Aerodrome protest is merely a token gesture for those who are too lazy to make the trip outside the pale to Abbeyshrule and Shannon, where the real protests are ongoing.

by Seán Ryan Thu Apr 20, 2006 22:12

I have an answer for you Patrick. But before that I want to comment about something you said that I agree with. The myth of international law.

However this statement is quite vague. To clarify: International law exists, we as a nation are bound to it constitutionally, however international law is mostly ignored.

Now to where us helping the yanks inflict wanton destruction, misery and theft is in disregard to Irish law.

"And seeking to promote the common good, with
due observance of Prudence, Justice and Charity,
so that the dignity and freedom of the individual
may be assured, true social order attained, the
unity of our country restored, and concord
established with other nations,"

That's from the preamble of our Constitution.

I wonder would you care to argue the legal merit of the preamble or the truth that our treatment of the Iraqis via our facilitation of the American war machine is in total violation of the very law that defines the template for all subsequent Irish law.

As for calling activists lazy for not going to Shannon - I think their action has highlighted that we facilitate the American war machine in more places than Shannon. Your own comment doesn't seem to recognise this fact, so I think you should thank these activists rather than offer rebuke

You also remark that the activists would have faced certain death had they gained access. I admit this was a very distinct possibility and that this would add to my admiration of the activists. I do believe however that it was and is quite obvious that the activists presented not a single threat to any individual. The individuals serving in the army that day would have recognised this, I don't think they'd have shot an activist. Common sense would have prevailed and capture rather than kill would have been the standing order. If you know different I'd be obliged if you'd say.

by Patrick Hayes Fri Apr 21, 2006 10:38

The Army do not provide armed security within the fence of Casement Aerodrome. Instead it is done by those who would not be as experienced in gun handling, the Air Corps. Their weapons training is minimalist, and unlike the other branches of the Defence Force their training with them would for the most part end with their basic training, the remainder of their career spent fixing helicopters and planes.
As a example of this point, the failure rate in their annual weapons shoot is over 50%, and some years ago many of them had their weapons taken from them and Given to an FCA unit instead.

If the young boys and girls involved on sunday had managed to gain forced entry to Casement via one of its emergency perimeter gates, those people would have posed a risk to the safe operation of the airfield, and the many aircraft that were taking part.

Now if you were in the position of an armed member of the air Corp, on a high pressure day when trouble was feared, and you have heard exaggerated tales of the shannon protests and people with hatchets and hammers doing damage to the might of the US air Force, and you are tasked with preventing the same thing happening to the miniscule fleet of the air corp..next thing a gang of white suited intruders come into view......

Its a chance I wouldn't take personally.

Martyrs for a cause are a dying breed.

by anon Fri Apr 21, 2006 11:59

It seems all this talk of certain death by our so called army pundits would seem to reflect a deep down wish upon that this would happen to activists entering baldonnel. I say this is a measure of their anxiety and inability to tolerate any form of dissent whatsoever. They are authoritarians and as such crave for discipline and obedience and just love the boys in uniform.

by concerned Fri Apr 21, 2006 12:56

wonderful moral courage.
pity about the language.

tsk tsk but we're not allowed say C**T coz its sexist

by Richey Fri Apr 21, 2006 17:55

Patrick Hayes, it's quite obvious that you relish the thought of activists being gunned down in cold blood. The pleasure you would take from the sight of a few dead "lefties" bleeding all over the tarmac oozes from your obnoxious posts.

by anon Fri Apr 21, 2006 18:44

"For information, a large number of spotters who gathered at various viewing points around Baldonnel on Sunday morning to witness/photograph the launch and recovery of the formations of Air Corps aircraft endured a serious level of harassment/intimidation by members of the Garda Special Branch.

At least six spotters had airband scanners "confiscated" by these wonderful chaps whose behaviour was more in keeping with Police services from 3rd world dictatorships."

http://www.irishairpics.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?s=5d3...st=20

by Anto Nov Fri Apr 21, 2006 22:07

All these reporters and plane-spotters, radio stations, anarachists and the rest failed to report the presence of military hardware being shipped to Hugo Chavez through Shannon. Incredible.

Don't tell me it's because their concept of neutrality is as selective as their policies.

by Bennedict & kOFI Sat Apr 22, 2006 00:23

Patrick Hayes, the reason why Kofi Anan believes it to be an illegal invasion is because it didn't have a U.N. security mandate. The U.S. was set up after a period (WW2) of unilateral iunvasions of other countries was generally frowned upon.

Anto, you assume that to be anti-war is to be a pacifist. The pacifists like the Catholic Worker, Quakers, War Resisters League have always been a minority in broaDer anti-war movements. The U.S. coming through Shannon is an invading imperial force. Venuzeala is on the short list to be invaded bythe U.S. and will eventually fighting a defensive Just War. In the Catholic tradition the pacifist position may have been the original one but is now a minority one eg. Catholic Workers et al. So there would be a distinction in Catholic teaching between the moral use of Shannon for arming Venezuala for defence and the U.S. on one of its many invasions (it now has a military presence in over 100 countries)

by Richey Sat Apr 22, 2006 13:35

Venezuela has every right to buy arms in order to protect its elected government and democratic system against the aggression of the Bush administration. If Irish soil is being used to facilitate the defence of Venezuela against a foreign invasion, we should all be proud of that fact.

Hard luck Anto, you won't embarass anyone here by pointing out non-existent contradictions - it's entirely appropriate that people who oppose the bloody colonial occupation of Iraq should be in favour of the Venezuelan people taking whatever steps are necessary to deter another illegal war. Only the terminally dishonest will detect any inconsistencies here.

by Poof - Santa's factory Mon Apr 24, 2006 08:49

You anarchists are pathetic, do you really believe that baldonnel is allowing american troops through Irish military grounds.
Hah! Let alone the fact that you're mentioning the CIA. I can't say anything about shannon, but as for baldonnel, You've gotta be the most idiotic morons to try and break into a Military Instalation, and Not expect a Good Smack from the Authorites, You just Attacked a air base, designed to protect Ireland from would be aggressors, and you wanted to disable it for some time?
The force used by the Gardaí was perfectly justified, i don't see how you all have missed the fact that a garda ban was knocked to the ground and kick repeatedly by your peaceful protestors, and another garda was hit a few more times.

Oh no, i'm sure those who were there will deny it, and i couldn't care. But if you have read this, you should also realize that this website, i designed and run in the exact same manner as Al-Queda, you're propaganda, utilizing edited footage and slapping in some rock music to insight anger and emotions is a really cheap trick to basically be an anarchist.
You all obviously got tired of going all the way out to shannon, and decided baldonnel was closer and easier to bother.

Think again. You're not just messing with an airport manager, there are soldiers stationed at that air base, and i doubt they like to be messed around with.
Don't expect to see any replies.

by robocop - Heavy Gang Mon Apr 24, 2006 10:27

we can smell your ilk a mile off. Your views are so well represented by the likes of Jim Cusack/Indo/herald etc theres no need to troll here.

"i don't see how you all have missed the fact that a garda ban was knocked to the ground and kick repeatedly by your peaceful protestors, and another garda was hit a few more times."
thats an obvious lie. Since its not on the video and you claim to know it happened you must be one of the boys in blue yerself. you're probably here to spue your vitriol because you or your blueshirt/brancher mates are embarassed by being on the tape and in least some way accountable.

we know its you. fuck off

by exer Wed Apr 26, 2006 23:48

I have spent the last 28 years trying to make peace in war zones around the world and I think if we could harness the energy that was displayed at Baldonnell on Easter Sunday, one persons could make REAL changes in the world, one thing I have learned in all that time is honesty above all things, if you lie ,you soon lie to yourself.
And be sure of one thing, if you instigate violence you prove yourself to be less than the person that reacts to you.

I can assure all that a member of the defence forces CAN shoot if he/she feels that their lives are at risk or that other members are at risk or in order to stop him/herself from being disarmed and they may do so without warning,.

As for the idea that some sections of the Irish army are less well trained in the use of arms than others this is a VERY Bad idea, how much training do you need to pull a trigger or thrust a bayonet (I have seen boys/girls as young as 12 do this)

I have to add that having worked with the Irish army (as an NGO) around the world I have NEVER seen them behave other than in the most humanitarian fashion. But I was never in doubt as to their steel in the devoution to their duty (as they see it)

so I am very worried that SOME uninformed and ultra foolish factions have gave the impression that that they may just stroll onto a military base in ireland as if they where going for a walk in the park as a very sad day for us

Let us all try to live in peace

by anon Thu Apr 27, 2006 03:05

Irish Army spends its time facilitating neo-imperialism, (maybe the soldiers have shares in Petrel? or is rubber stocks from Liberia thats your concern.) Jumping to, to protect Bush and Rice, don't tell me its because of us, those APCs were not there to take on protesters.

+ Guardian of the peace NOT vengence.

Photo by Kyran O'Brien March 30, 2004 one example