Coalition Insists that Windmills Outrank Missiles
The Vandenberg Action Coalition in cooperation with
the Global Network Against Weapons in Space is
preparing to demonstrate at the Vandenberg Gate on
Saturday, October 11th, at 2:00 pm. This is the first
demonstration to demand the conversion of Vandenberg
to a center for the improvement and use of sustainable
energy technologies.
October 4-11 is Keep Space for Peace Week:
International Days of Protest to Stop the
Militarization of Space. Vandenberg is not only the
main test site for the Missile Defense System, it is
a major center for directing weapons to their targets
around the world and has the announced goal of the
complete domination of space.
Many billions of taxpayer dollars have not produced
a workable system. In fact, all of the proposed
systems are behind schedule and and in trouble. Yet
the Bush administration has requested over $9 billion
for FY'04 to start building this unproved system.
China, Russia and other nations feel threatened by
the Missile Defense System, which could start a new
and wasteful arms race. At the same time, the
launching of sattelites and the testing of missiles
has resulted in the perchlorate pollution of
Vandenberg and surrounding areas. This chemical in
drinking water or on vegetables can cause birth
defects and developmental problems in children.
Senator Barbara Boxer has introduced legislation to
require the EPA to set a safe standard for this
contamination at an early date.
WHY WE DEMONSTRATE
We reject the use of our tax dollars for this
unproved and destabilizing system at a time when the
world is suffering from hunger, disease, ignorance and
global warming.. Global warming increases killer heat
waves, melts polar ice, which causes the sea to flood
lowlands, and threatens food crops with reduced
yields.
Japan is the world's leading producer of solar
panels. Denmark is leading the world in wind enery
production. The United States leads the world in
spending for death and destruction. We Must Change our
Priorities.
We demand the conversion of a large part of
Vandenberg AFB to a reasearch center for the
improvement of alternative energies and the creation
of a wind farm to free this area from dependence on
foreign oil.
We demonstrate to increase public awareness of how
our tax money is being wasted when other problems
pose a greater threat to our nation, humanity and to
the world in which our children must live. WE MUST
CHANGE OUR PRIORITIES
For more information:
Peter Cohen, coordinator, (805)
884-0704
Global Network Against Weapons in Space
www.space4peace.org
Vandenberg Action Coalition, Bud Boothe (805)
688-2520
