Report of Westport Against War launch
Westport Against War hosted a lively evening of debate and music on thurs. 6th in Westport. 60 people attended.The invited speakers covered all aspects of opposition to war from humanitarian,political, economic,democratic and moral perspectives.
Dr. Jerry Cowley T.D. acknowledged the value of the public involvement in monitoring U.S. war planes in Shannon in pressurising our government to enforce regulations regarding notification to irish authorities.He said he was glad to represent the views of the majority of irish people opposed to war in the Dail.He said he disageed with the actions of the peace campaigners who damaged property in Shannon airport.
Michael Kilcoyne presented the views of the Labour Party, and deplored the use of the Irish Army, which has excelled at peacekeeping duties throughout the world, to guard U.S. planes.
Aoife O'Farrell spoke for the Irish AntiWar Movement.She reminded us of the misuse of the media in the cause of war, referring to now discredited propoganda publicised to gather public support behind the first Gulf war including satellite pictures which apparently showed the Iraqi army massing at the borders to Kuwait which through investigative journalism were proved to be false.She spoke also of the activists in Shannon who took hammers to war planes and supported the action, putting it in the context of a long history of civil disobedience actions against weapons of war by the Ploughshares movement (they act on Isaiah's Biblical prophecy of turning "swords into ploughshares").
Richard Douthwaite spoke of the lessons of history with respect to the Suez canal crisis in 1956 and how the unpopular British and French takeover plans were thwarted by economic pressure by the Americans.He presented a novel and intriguing way in which we as individuals could reverse the pressure now. This is also presented in an arcticle commissioned by Resurgence magazine called "How to stop the war".(see the website http://resurgence.gn.apc.org/).
Micheal MacGreil clearly restated the values of neutrality and resistance to the new colonisation. He reminded us that the way to counter evil was with good, specifically negotiation, generosity of gesture, and removing the need for despotism.
We thank the speakers for their contributions, Papillon for playing for a great evening of dancing, the support group - the Empty Shells,all those who worked to bring this event about and all those who came to support it.
Forthcoming events include the National Day of Protest against War on Iraq on Feb. 15 (for info contact 098-42868 or 094-25445), and a Multicultural Dance Night in aid of Iraqi children is being held in Westport on Feb.21 in the Central Hotel.
From Michele Gill, on behalf of Westport Against War. contact phone 098-42868
Start Date: 2003-02-10 19:00:00-05
End Date: 2003-03-12 19:00:00-05
Created By: Michele Gill