Don't miss the talk by Ann Wright this Sunday!   Here are the details:

Sunday, December 30, 3pm
A talk by Ann Wright
On the Growing Movement Against Drones

For the past year Ann Wright has been at the center of a growing movement against the U.S. military's use of drones.   She's demonstrated at military bases in the U.S., has participated in conferences, and has spoken out against drones around the world.   Most recently she traveled to Pakistan with a U.S. delegation against drones.  While there she participated in a major protest to the Waziristan border and spoke with victims of drone attacks.

You won't want to miss this talk!  Ann is a compelling speaker.  Bring your families and tell your friends. 

Revolution Books is located at 2626 South King Street (between Puck's Alley & 7-11).  There is no admission, and there's free parking in front of the store.

Have you signed the petition against drone warfare?   Sign here:
http://www.change.org/petitions/governor-neil-abercrombie-representative-colleen-hanabusa-end-u-s-drone-attacks-end-hawai-i-s-complicity-in-drone-attacks

Following are some pictures from Ann's trip to Pakistan

Protest At Obama's Residence Cancelled!

Obama left earlier than we had anticipated and plans to demonstrate against drone warfare in front of his Kailua residence have been cancelled. However, there's a lot you can do!

 1. Sign the petition protesting drones and Hawai`i's complicity in drone warfare at: 

http://www.change.org/petitions/governor-neil-abercrombie-representative-colleen-hanabusa-end-u-s-drone-attacks-end-hawai-i-s-complicity-in-drone-attacks

 2. After you have signed the petition, forward the link to your friends. Let them know you have signed it, and ask them to sign it.   Post the link on Facebook and Twitter.

3. Attend the talk on drones by Ann Wright this Sunday (December 30) at 3pm at Revolution Books (2626 South King Street). 4. Join the anti-drone contingent in the MLK Day Parade on January 21st! We have big plans and need lots of people to make them happen!

Sign Our Petition

The use of Predator and Reaper drones (unmanned flying vehicles that are often armed with video-guided missiles) by the US military and CIA has caused thousands of deaths in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen and Somalia, many of whom are women and children. Drone strikes are illegal and immoral and Hawai`i is directly involved.

For more information about why your signature is so important, along with the petition, go to: 

http://www.change.org/petitions/governor-neil-abercrombie-representative-colleen-hanabusa-end-u-s-drone-attacks-end-hawai-i-s-complicity-in-drone-attacks    

Revealed: U.S. carried out 333 drone strikes in Afghanistan this year alone - more than the entire drone strikes in Pakistan over the past eight years COMBINED

• U.S. carried out 333 drone strikes in Afghanistan in 2012, report says, up from 294 in 2011
• Controversial method of fighting uses remote pilots to operate aircrafts

By BETH STEBNER

PUBLISHED: 20:00 EST, 20 December 2012 | UPDATED: 20:00 EST, 20 December 2012

The United States carried out more drone strikes in Afghanistan this year than it has done in all the years put together in Pakistan since it launched the covert air war there eight years ago, it has been revealed.

The statistics, published by the U.S. Air Force and published by Wired’s Danger Room blog, show that there were 333 drone strikes in Afghanistan in 2012 alone, up from 294 in the previous year and 278 in 2010.

It is far more than an estimated 338 strikes carried out by the CIA in Pakistan since it began hunting down remnants of al Qaeda, the Taliban and other militant groups in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas eight years ago.

*********

 

 

Read this very important report on Wired at http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/11/drones-afghan-air-war/.    These are new statistics and reveal the extent to which drones are being used in Afghanstan.   How many more civilians killed?   Obama says the U.S. will be pulling its ground troops out of Afghanistan, but the drone strikes are sure to continue.

 

Our drone replica has not yet arrived, but will be here soon.  Make plans now to join the anti-drone contingent in the MLK Day Parade!     

 

Rally against drones outside of Obama's Kailua residence on Saturday morning, December 29th, at 9am.  Note:  This may be changed to Thursday morning if it is announced that Obama will be flying back to Washington.  More details coming.

 

Talk by Ann Wright at Revolution books on Sunday, December 30th, at 3pm.  Ann will focus on drones and her recent trip to Pakistan to join an American-Pakistani delegation against drones. 

 

 

 

Pilot operators control an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on a mission; drone operators typically work out of small bunkers thousands away from the actual drone strike - droping bombs with a joystick. 
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Good news!   We've raised the money for our drone and it should be here by the end of December!   We are still in the process of purchasing a "drywall lifter" that will hold the drone in the air, and above the heads of pedestrians on the sidewalks.   It's going to be amazing!

More good news!   World Can't Wait-Hawai`i has just received a grant from Hawai`i People's Fund to help with costs of its educational materials. 

Hold these dates:  

Saturday, December 29th.  President Obama has announced that he plans to be in Hawai`i over the holidays.  We're tentatively planning to be near his residence on Saturday morning (with our drone!).

Sunday, December 30th, 3pm at Revolution Books.  Ann Wright is scheduled to speak on her recent trip to Pakistan to join a delegation against drones.  She is currently in Gaza.  Given the current situation the date for her talk is tentative, but save the date and we'll send updates. 

January 21:  MLK Day Parade.  Save the date and tell your friends.  We're planning to have a BIG anti-drone presence in the parade!  

For the second time this week motorists were reminded that as people gathered for holiday celebrations and shopping in the U.S., the suffering of the people of Gaza is continuing. 

During the Friday afternoon rush hour about 20 people held signs at the corner of Keeaumoku and Kapiolani.  Cars were bumper-to-bumper at the intersection.  The sidewalks were filled with people getting off at three corner bus stops to shop at Ala Moana; hundreds were walking between Walmart and the shopping center.   Many didn't know anything about Israel's murderous attacks on Gaza.  A few shouted epithets or shouted "read your Bible."   Some stopped to ask questions and comment.  Many more gave quiet nods of approval, thumbs up, or a quiet "thanks for doing this."  

It appears that the cease-fire is largely holding at this time.  This does not mean that the suffering of the people of Gaza is any less and it is important that we continue to oppose U.S. funding for Israel and speak to the unspeakable crimes being committed against the Palestinian people.   Following are links to several articles, as well as photos from the protest on Friday.

Article by Ann Wright on the trial against Israel for the murders on the Mavi Marmara (she was in attendance in Istambul):   http://www.opednews.com/articles/Israeli-Violence-Finally-o-by-Ann-Wright-121123-72.html

"Blogging and Nothingness:  Progressives Turn Their Gaze From Gaza" by Chris Floyd:  http://www.worldcantwait.net/index.php/palestine/8061-blogging-and-nothingness-progressives-turn-their-gaze-from-gaza

Here are photos of just a few of the signs at the four corners of Keeaumoku & Kapiolani:

Oppose the Murderous Israeli Attacks on the People of Gaza!
Stand With the Palestinian People!

Join the Signholding on Friday, November 23
4pm - 5:30pm at the corner of Keeaumoku and Kapiolani
(near the entrance to Ala Moana Shopping Center)

On Monday about 20 people held signs on Ala Moana Blvd near the Federal Building.   Our signs were see by many passersby during the busy rush hour.   Friday is "Black Friday," the busiest shopping day of the year and the Keeaumoku/Kapiolani intersection, between Walmart and Ala Moana Center, will be especially busy. 

World Can't Wait-Hawai`i will bring some signs and banners, but we urge you to make one of your own.  We'll also make sure we have posterboards and pens in case you don't have a sign.  

We suggest you take the bus if possible.  Take any bus to Ala Moana, or the No. 9 down Kapiolani Blvd.  Of course there's a lot of parking at Ala Moana Center but it may be difficult to find a space.

Recent articles at http://www.worldcantwait.net

Some photos from different locations by Activestills
http://www.flickr.com/photos/activestills/

Names of Palestinian victims of the current assault on Gaza
http://palestinefrommyeyes.wordpress.com/2012/11/17/gazaunderattack-names-and-ages-of-killed-people-who-fell-victim-during-the-past-ongoing-israeli-attacks-on-gaza/

Some photos from Monday's signholding follow

ALERT! Protest/Signholding at the Federal Building
Protest the Crimes of Your Government!
End the Siege of Gaza!
Monday, November 19, 2012, 4-5:30pm

Bombs and rockets made in the USA are raining down on the Palestinian people.

Israel launched the operation on Wednesday, beginning the offensive with an unexpected airstrike that killed Hamas' powerful military chief, and since then has relentlessly bombarded Gaza. Yesterday they bombed Hamas's government headquarters in Gaza, completely demolishing it.  At least 64 Palestinians have been killed by rockets and bombs and more than 500 civilians wounded, according to medical officials. The actual number of dead and wounded is undoubtedly much higher. Buildings have been reduced to rubble. Hospitals report that they have few medicines to treat the wounded due to the blockade. During the same period, Israel reports that 3 Israelis have been killed and 50 have been wounded by rocket attacks from Gaza.  Israeli Defense Forces claim 600 airstrikes have struck Gaza.   There were 300 airstrikes on Saturday alone.  Today (Sunday, Nov 17) we woke to the news that a residential building had been bombed.  Eleven civilians were killed and many more were wounded.   Reports from hospitals report burns consistent with phosphorus bombing. Israel's military, including 75,000 reservists who were called up for special duty, are now amassed on the border, and are preparing for a ground invasion.    During the last several days there have been hundreds of demonstrations against Israel's attacks on Gaza, including within Israel itself. See a partial list here: protests. Join us at the Federal Building on Monday! Bring signs if you're able. Come for 10 minutes or 90. Demand an end to U.S support for Israel! Not In Our Name! For information on the current situation:
www.worldcantwait.net
www.freegaza.org

Thanks to everyone who has sent in a contribution toward a drone replica!  Your contributions have enabled us to raise HALF of our goal of $200.  We've now placed our order for the drone and are depending on our supporters to send a donation to cover the balance.  Just 20 people sending $10 are needed (or 10 people sending $20).

Checks should be made out to World Can't Wait-Hawai`i and sent to:
World Can't Wait-Hawai`i
P. O. Box 11228
Honolulu, HI   96828

Photos:
1.  World Can't Wait at the DNC
2.  Protesting drones in Washington D.C.
3.  Protesting a pro-drone Ohio Congressman

 

 

World Can't Wait needs a drone!

Why?

Drone warfare is the U.S.'s "weapon of choice."

Hawai`i is one of the states designated to base drones being used for drone warfare against the people of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia and Libya

 Two bases have already been named: Wheeler and Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station.

 Hawai`i's Colleen Hanabusa is one of 50 members of the government's "drone caucus," which promotes the use of drone warfare.

So we think the Hawai`i Chapter of World Can't Wait should have a drone! Won't you help us buy one?

The drone we want to purchase is a replica of the Reaper Drone, which is used to drop 500-lb bombs. It is about 20% the size of a Reaper and can be displayed easily above a sidewalk. Check out the video about demonstrating with the drone in front of the New York Art Museum: drone video.

Other World Can't Wait chapters have already been using drones. They were at the Democratic National Convention, outside of presidential debates, and on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago. Photographs of the drones have appeared in news media around the world. Check out www.worldcantwait.net.

This replica of the drone will be an invaluable visual form of protest! Think about its impact in the MLK Day Parade, or outside of the K-Bay gate, or even on Waikiki Beach!

Once we have the drone we'll also become part of the No Drones network, a growing network of activists across the U.S. who are opposing drone warfare. Check out the network at: nodronenetwork.blogspot.com.  

We need 40 people to send us $10 each to bring the drone to Honolulu! Or 20 people sending $20! Make out your check to "World Can't Wait Hawaii" and write "drones" on the memo line.  Send it to:

World Can't Wait Hawai`i
P. O. Box 11225
Honolulu, HI 96828

NO DRONES! STOP THINKING LIKE AN AMERICAN, AND START THINKING ABOUT HUMANITY!

Notice about this blogsite

This blogsite has been inactive for many months.  Beginning now the site will be updated at least weekly and will primarily be used to announce local events.  Of course our e-list postings will also continue.  If you would like to be included on our e-list, send an e-mail to worldcantwaithawaii@yahoo.com with your request.  To receive regular e-mails from the World Can't Wait National office go to their website at www.worldcantwait.net and sign up.