Support Edward Snowden!

Signholding at the Federal Building June 19th

About 25 people participated in an action along Ala Moana Blvd to support Edward Snowden and Bradley Manning, and to demand that Guantanamo be closed. Most came to show their support for Snowden, but most could quickly see how the three issues related. Some had been to numerous events to support Bradley Manning in the past, or had been at protests against torture, but some were joining us for the first time because of their outrage over the blatant illegality of such widespread surveillance and the trampling of the 4th Amendment.

Traffic was especially busy Friday afternoon, and often cars were at a standstill - enabling passengers to carefully read all of the signs. A few gave a thumbs up and some some honked enthusiastically but it wasn't really possible to read the reactions of most. Nonetheless, when the group gathered afterwards spirits were high and plans were being made to hold further actions.   We'll attempt to keep you informed of any concrete plans as we hear about them.

For up-to-date news and analysis about Edward Snowden, Bradley Manning, and the hunger strike at Guantanamo be sure to go to the National World Can't Wait website at www.worldcantwait.net.

Following are some photos from the local action on the 19th. 

 

 

WE HAVE A CONSCIENCE...
WE WILL NOT BE COMPLICIT...
WE WILL NOT CONSENT...
AND WE WILL RESIST!

Protest & Rally
Friday, June 21, 4-6pm
Federal Building (along Ala Moana Blvd.)

No Government Spying on Whole Populations
Hands Off Snowden & Manning
Close Guantanamo NOW

NSA programs PRISM and Boundless Informant are illegitimate, illegal and wrong! They must not be covered over, excused, or accepted as the “new normal,” but opposed – and millions must be aroused to politically RESIST! Snowden must not be rendered, extradited, prosecuted with secret evidence, or face anything like what has been inflicted on Bradley Manning for exposing war crimes.


We must defend Edward Snowden, build momentum through this to stop the persecution of Bradley Manning, and demand the illegal prison and torture camp at Guantanamo be closed forthwith.    Bring signs, banners and noisemakers. We will stand along Ala Moana Blvd. from 4-5:30 pm and then come together for a rally and the latest updates! Spread the word everywhere!
 

For the latest updates on Edward Snowden, Bradley Manning and the Guantanamo Hunger Strike go to:  http://www.worldcantwait.net. 

World Can't Wait Hawai`i Represents in the Annual Honolulu Pride Parade

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FREE BRADLEY MANNING!
STOP THE DRONES!

On June 1st almost two thousand people rallied to support Bradley Manning at Fort Meade, where Bradley’s trial is set to begin on Monday. At the same time rallies, signholdings and marches were held in cities around the world. For what happened at Fort Meade, see www.bradleymanning.org.. Be sure to go to the photo-stream for pictures.

In Honolulu we showed our support for Bradley in a contingent in the Annual Pride Parade. Several thousand people participated in the parade itself, and thousands more lined Waikiki's Kalakaua Avenue to show their support for contingents organized by LGBTQ organizations, progressive churches, unions, and civil rights organizations. The mood was up-beat and celebratory coming off of recent victories for LGBTQ rights.

 World Can’t Wait-Hawai`i has had a contingent in the Pride Parade for many years. Most years our contingent has focused on our opposition to war and torture, and has been warmly welcomed by parade organizers and many of its participants. This year our contingent was led by a big banner reading “Humanity and the Planet Come First” and was followed by two trucks – one decorated to show support for Bradley Manning and the other to Demand an end to Drone Warfare – along with marchers.

The first truck was decorated with big pictures of Bradley Manning, along with signs reading “Telling the Truth about War Crimes Is Not a Crime.” Drummers on board kept up a loud and energetic beat.   

The second truck carried our awesome drone replica, signs reading “Stop the Killer Drones”, and a World Can’t Wait organizer who kept up a steady chant to the beat of the drums.   For the entire three-mile route “Free, Free, Free Bradley Manning” and “Stop, Stop, Stop the Drones” echoed through the dense labyrinth of hotels.

All along the route people clapped, cheered, and gave us a shaka or thumbs-up. Some yelled their support for Bradley, others sat along the curb and clapped. A few made gestures showing their disagreement. A few ran up to the truck and asked who made the drone. It was notable that many of the tourists from Japan along the route seemed to immediately recognize Bradley and showed enthusiastic support for Bradley and opposition to the drones.

Thousands of spectators held up their cameras, cell phones and i-pads to take pictures, and photos of our contingent have already hit social media.  That the International Day of Support for Bradley Manning happened to be on the same day as the Pride Parade in Hawai`i turned out to offer us an awesome opportunity to show our support for Bradley at this event and also reach thousands of international and mainland visitors as well as locals who come out to support LGBTQ rights! We may not be what was expected at a Pride Parade, but the response showed overwhelming support.