tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89773226106559631582024-03-14T09:13:45.892-07:00No Drones Great PlainsJoe Scarryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02622018908879921573noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977322610655963158.post-49668775725182364302015-02-09T18:02:00.000-08:002015-02-09T18:02:10.332-08:00IN MARCH: All Roads Lead to Nevada (Shut Down Creech!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shutdowncreech.blogspot.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM14HIG55GnqzvSk8fEVD93u3lD9YU4ZAybSWdCO8iS-wTxmQ7GrCtLenlZyYR6T12F3diQdTISBFVDutBwdf-ZylrLBMuMa_gV86U6uOKRvTIOoa4Hun8FoxNFxIBZXL3AdvZse7EesQ/s1600/usa3.jpg" height="356" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://shutdowncreech.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Shut Down Creech!</b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>In March, 2015, all roads lead to Nevada . . . </i></span></td></tr>
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Join activists from across the country and around the world to <b><a href="http://shutdowncreech.blogspot.com/2014/12/march-2015-shut-down-creech-stop-drone-wars.html" target="">Shut Down Creech!</a> March 4-6, 2015 at Creech Air Force Base, Indian Springs, Nevada</b>,
for a national mobilization of nonviolent resistance to shut down
killer drone operations in Afghanistan, Pakistan,Yemen, Somalia, and
everywhere.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shutdowncreech.blogspot.com/2014/12/shut-down-creech-photo-gallery.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwV9taLyoA6Y3e7CiJWbndeB0SsE_sbm7pjJ8c2kr7YnQz_m8pRz2mreKRmSJMtZ9GLL9RnfB3ImnVF46LIm73BKqTm3KJ53gyE7IC1Z2P-1aX74Iu-oh7YH9NEvuVGnBP0AitSukfuuL/s320/walk.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>April 2014, CODEPINK Resisting Drones at Creech, </b><br />
memorializing the victims on pink paper drones.<br />
(See <a href="http://shutdowncreech.blogspot.com/2014/12/shut-down-creech-photo-gallery.html" target="_blank">more photos on the Shut Down Creech! website</a>.)</td></tr>
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(See the <a href="http://shutdowncreech.blogspot.com/2014/12/day-by-day-program-for-shut-down-creech.html">full program of the multi-day mobilization on the Shut Down Creech! website</a>.) <br />
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The convergence is sponsored by . . .<br />
<b> </b><br />
<a href="http://www.codepink.org/" target="_blank">CODEPINK: Women for Peace</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nevadadesertexperience.org/" target="_blank">Nevada Desert Experience (NDE)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.veteransforpeace.org/" target="_blank">Veterans For Peace (VFP)</a><br />
<a href="http://wilpfus.org/" target="_blank">Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)</a><br />
<a href="http://vcnv.org/" target="_blank">Voices for Creative Nonviolence (VCNV)</a><br />
. . . and more (<a href="http://shutdowncreech.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-to-endorse-andor-sponsor-shut-down.html#sponsors">see full list</a>) <b> </b><br />
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<b>TESTIMONIALS</b><br />
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Activists from across the country will be converging there:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://nodronesnewyork.blogspot.com/2015/01/john-amidon-please-join-us-march-4-6-to-shut-down-creech.html" target="_blank">John Amidon: "Please join us March 4 - 6 to Shut Down Creech!" on No Drones New York State</a><br />
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<a href="http://nodronesillinois.blogspot.com/2015/01/kathy-kelly-shut-down-creech.html" target="_blank">Kathy Kelly: "Let's rehabilitate CREECH!" on No Drones Illinois</a><br />
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<a href="http://shutdowncreech.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-to-endorse-andor-sponsor-shut-down.html" name="solidarity"></a>
<b>SOLIDARITY ACTIONS</b><br />
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<a href="http://nodronesiowa.blogspot.com/2015/02/march-4-des-moines-iowa-vigil-protest-drones.html" target="_blank">March 4 in Des Moines: Candlelight Vigil Against Drones on No Drones Iowa</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>TAKE ACTION</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Join <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1525740921010540" target="_blank">Shut Down Creech! on Facebook</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">and invite friends</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Social media: Tweet, RT, Favorite </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ShutDownCreech&src=typd" target="_blank">#ShutDownCreech</a> posts on Twitter</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Plan your participation via</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">the <a href="http://shutdowncreech.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Shut Down Creech! website </a></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shutdowncreech.blogspot.com/2014/12/shut-down-creech-photo-gallery.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBNkYF-gPyf3ZupX27uf3uXYqOTk_v1ss3pGJO_4u6TL_ThdQ03fGnBeumGFJklOby2lLuRw9EhEHPT3e0BRataXQv4X20C6Oa95JcTeq_E_hMKbNSviOWV1f7jd8P88dCdCfGDyzNSEG/s1600/one-people-one-earth.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>One People One Earth . . . Stop Drone Attacks!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b> </b>(See <a href="http://shutdowncreech.blogspot.com/2014/12/shut-down-creech-photo-gallery.html" target="_blank">more photos on the Shut Down Creech! website</a>.)</span></td></tr>
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Joe Scarryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02622018908879921573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977322610655963158.post-5548889786642326152014-07-11T11:08:00.000-07:002014-07-11T11:08:25.494-07:00Drone Bases in the Great Plains<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6WXVo3kIgU0ScOrEwZ4CPoPO4bDrQkHbPx4C_ZipZJ6SWcVwu-xtPh0jRz8kF7VjRlKuiKLE3gqdm7fzQkSgBX6DbL9otk_FZVH_g6nArW_62hq7iK6IJt3agEC3RRTmsMFu-k72jSw/s1600/800px-178th_Reconnaissance_Squadron_-_General_Atomics_MQ-1B-10_Predator_08-0247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6WXVo3kIgU0ScOrEwZ4CPoPO4bDrQkHbPx4C_ZipZJ6SWcVwu-xtPh0jRz8kF7VjRlKuiKLE3gqdm7fzQkSgBX6DbL9otk_FZVH_g6nArW_62hq7iK6IJt3agEC3RRTmsMFu-k72jSw/s1600/800px-178th_Reconnaissance_Squadron_-_General_Atomics_MQ-1B-10_Predator_08-0247.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Dakota: 178th Reconnaissance Squadron based at Hector International <br />
Airport (Fargo). General Atomics MQ-1B-10 Predator 08-024 shown.<br />
(Source: Wikipedia)</td></tr>
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According to the <a href="http://www.fas.org/irp/program/collect/uas-future.pdf" target="_blank">Department
of Defense Report to Congress on Future Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Training, Operations, and Sustainability (April 2012)</a>, there are five locations in Great Plains states that have been designated as potential
basing locations for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) [i.e. drones] (p. 8
ff.).<br />
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The table below gives information on the types of drones that are proposed for basing at each location.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 10pt;">
<table border="1px">
<tbody>
<tr><td><b>BASE</b>
</td>
<td><b>Predator/Reaper type</b>
</td>
<td><b>Shadow/Raven type</b>
</td>
<td><b>Other</b>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td>Fort Riley - KS</td>
<td>MQ1C</td>
<td>RQ-11B, RQ-7B</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr><td>Devils Lake - ND</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td>RQ-11B</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr><td>Grand Forks AFB - ND
</td>
<td>MQ-1B</td>
<td>RQ4-Blk40</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr><td>Hector - ND</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td>see below</td>
</tr>
<tr><td>Camp Guernsey - WY</td>
<td><br /></td>
<td>RQ-11B</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Predator operations complex at Hector, ND, is a $5.5 million project in the FY 2012 President's Budget.<br />
<br />Joe Scarryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02622018908879921573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977322610655963158.post-62083383084786326112014-07-10T11:25:00.002-07:002014-07-10T11:34:30.251-07:00Call for "No Drones" in Great Plains Colleges, Universities, and Research InstitutionsFriends,<br />
<br />
In early 2013, a national call was made for <a href="http://nodronesnetwork.blogspot.com/2012/12/national-anti-drone-group-calls-for.html" target="_blank">“April Days of Action”</a> to focus on three key components of U.S. drone work: Drone Manufacturers, Drone Bases in the U.S., and Drone Research.<br />
<br />
Given the fact that drones are now the primary weapons of warfare used
by the US, and for surveillance both domestic and abroad, the research
and development of this warfare is growing rapidly at academic
institutions, in our towns and neighborhoods. Drones are the perfect
instrument for endless war that kills civilians, even as they target
“militants” in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, and Afghanistan.<br />
<br />
Academic institutions often receive large grants from the U.S.
Department of Defense, enabling them to build labs within schools of
engineering, for instance. We are well aware that without this research
in robotics, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), and the accompanying
accessories, these drone warfare projects would probably not take place.
So there is an interdependent relationship between the universities and
the U.S. government and or its Department of Defense and CIA. (CIA
drones are used in countries with which the U.S. is not “at war”, ie
Yemen, Somalia, Pakistan, Mali, and others.)<br />
<br />
While universities tend to publicize some information on their
respective websites regarding the drone work, it is most often said to
be for non-military purposes. And there are students working in the labs
who are convinced that all the research is for humanitarian purposes.
However, history has told us that non-military can quickly and easily
become military. Moreover research has shown drones make mistakes on
recognizing their targets.<br />
<br />
We are therefore asking organizations and individuals, nationwide, to
explore any drone research that might be going on at their local
university. We are calling for local actions between April 16 and 18,
2013 (Suggested actions are listed below) Our limited research into
University and Academic UAV programs indicates that research centers are
operating in Great Plains universities: <br />
<br />
<div style="font-weight: bold; margin: 15px;">
University of Kansas - Lawrence, KS</div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; margin: 15px;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.kansas.com/2012/04/23/2308759/drones-flying-in-kansas-skies.html" target="_blank">Drones flying in Kansas skies as well</a>
- "Kansas State University has about a dozen drones, ranging in weight
from 2 pounds to just under 50 pounds, said Josh Brungardt, unmanned
aircraft systems program director at K-State-Salina . . . . 'We
specialize in civilian use of drones, not military use of drones,' he
said. </span></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; margin: 15px;">
University of Nebraska - Lincoln<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.dronejournalismlab.org/" target="_blank">Drone Journalism Lab</a>
- "Links, thoughts and research into using drones, UAVs or remotely
piloted vehicles for journalism at the Drone Journalism Lab at the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Journalism and Mass
Communications."</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; margin: 15px;">
University of North Dakota - Grand Forks, ND </div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; margin: 15px;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.uasresearch.com/home.aspx" target="_blank">UND Aerospace</a>
- "The Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research, Education and
Training will provide a conduit between private industry and UAS
researchers, promoting commercialization of new UAS-related products and
services while bringing new UAS-related business ventures to North
Dakota."</span> </div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; margin: 15px;">
South Dakota School of Mines - Rapid City, SD</div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; margin: 15px;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.camp-sdmines.com/index.php/camp-teams/unmanned-aerial-vehicle" target="_blank">South Dakota School of Mines and Technology’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle team</a>
- "The unmanned aerial vehicle team was formed for several reasons. The
primary reason, for at least the first few years, is to compete in and
win the International Aerial Robotics Competition. We would also like to
gain some real world experience that we can take to our jobs after
graduation. Another important reason for the SDSM&T UAV team is to
explore the frontier of aerial robotics. The team would like to someday
develop some new technologies which will be used in both commercial and
military UAV’s." </span></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; margin: 15px;">
<br /></div>
<b>Suggested actions </b><br />
<ol>
<li>Learn what research is being done by searching on a university website. Look especially at the Engineering Dept.
</li>
<li>Organize a forum, preferably on campus, with speakers and
discussion. Be sure to publicize in campus newspapers, and possibly
include a professor as one of the speakers. Also include local
activists.
</li>
<li>Plan a small meeting with the appropriate persons in the department working on drone research, both professors and students.
</li>
<li>Hold vigils and leaflet on or close to the campus, as well as in town.
</li>
<li>Let us know if you need further tools for your research.
</li>
</ol>
With all good wishes,<br />
<br />
Marge Van Cleef, WILPF, Philadelphia<br />
Leila Zand, For USA<br />
Kathy Kelly, co-coordinator, Voices for Creative Nonviolence<br />
<br />
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<b>Related posts</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://joescarry.blogspot.com/2013/07/do-we-have-drone-problem-at-midwest.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3nTgVsUHD7FLNIsaXWl0XGFFw-q87yEbJdmvuoetV31CrW559pWcziQyRz1vlVayTOZ2_fDEdYo-qtLv-bLzIiqb_lOakRBKmaJVn9EScmLcdzAGcERYOS9oxn4Yvjmn55V6e6mgLFkV/s320/region-Midwest-green-b.gif" height="254" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><b>Do we really want the American heartland serving as the
brain-trust for the U.S. global project of drone surveillance and
killing? </b></i><br />
<br />
Here is a round-up of research, development, and training
activity connected to drones at Midwest colleges and universities. I've
indicated those schools that are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land-grant_university" target="_blank">land-grant universities</a>. There appears to be a high concentration of drone work at land-grant universities.<br />
<br />
(See <a href="http://joescarry.blogspot.com/2013/07/do-we-have-drone-problem-at-midwest.html" target="_blank">Do We Have a Drone Problem at Midwest Colleges and Universities?</a> )<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://nodronesmaryland.blogspot.com/2012/08/anti-killer-drone-activists-seek.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-V2u9b7eLPBhuyJ5N8imHnTKOFrsAoIkIKk345JI-4xD2tBfGNtiJ2F_B28T4v0YFKvRaE7-cDymw4lYn3fLbNfELYHNoS9MED8fdmKQ0z28fQYOTdgq7aTsSdIujH4IwKtWALDY0/s320/jhu-apl.JPG" height="228" width="320" /></a><br />
What are some of the forms that campus activism might take? Since Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory has a
contract to do drone research, the National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance [NCNR], on May 1, sent a letter to Ronald
J. Daniels, JHU president, and Dr. Ralph Semmel, director of the APL,
seeking a meeting . . . .<br />
<br />
(See <a href="http://nodronesmaryland.blogspot.com/2012/08/anti-killer-drone-activists-seek.html" target="_blank">Anti-Killer Drone Activists Seek Meeting with Johns Hopkins University President</a> )
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://nodronesnetwork.blogspot.com/2013/02/call-for-no-drones-at-us-colleges.html#list" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3DpOn1oWmwsxUYJJEDxLNei4H-mMiWr0iHpx3BvqcWo5eL08Ai3S5IOQYE95ifhw1eiwHKUAExFKy-nkWLX2lzNSnbJJEOAJtBs9Ft5jjrJfVIYkDsVcA5eYRLzCx-ty566BSSJm0L8/s320/college-pennants.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Preliminary research into University and Academic UAV programs indicates
that a research centers are operating in dozens of locations.<br />
<br />
(See <a href="http://nodronesnetwork.blogspot.com/2013/02/call-for-no-drones-at-us-colleges.html#list">List of U.S. Drone Research Sites</a>)<br />
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<br />Joe Scarryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02622018908879921573noreply@blogger.com0