Peace activist explains anti-war spray-painting action

by Graham Caswell Sun Sep 08, 2002 19:29 caswell at indigo dot ie

Congradulations on an incredibly brave and absolutely brilliant action. It had a huge effect on raising awareness of US military refueling at Shannon. Everybody I met on the day of your arrest was talking about it and they were unanimous in supporting you and in criticising the government for allowing refueling - without discussion, without debate and without even bothering to discuss it in the Daíl.

Is there any way to use your trial to generate further media coverage and public discussion? How can people support you?

by Ron Byrne - SP Sun Sep 08, 2002 21:37 ronbyrne at skynet dot ie Limerick

well done eoin (and tim too) on last wednesday morning's actions.

now there is a fabulous opportunity to bring the silent masses into the campaign to stop US military planes using irish airports and airspace. although the upcoming court case may halp to knock the government's stance on assisting the "war on terror" back a little, in reality, to rectify this situation in irish law all they have to do is debate the issue in the oireachtas and take a vote on it. the government has a majority, and also the backing of the Fine Gael party and, disgracefully, many Labour TDs. so this would be a simple formality for the irish ruling classes.

the only way to really stop the US military from using Shannon airport is to prove that there is popular opposition to what they are doing among irish people. the only way to do this is to build a mass campaign: to actually go out and engage directly with people on the issues and to convince them of the need to oppose this and to demonstrate their opposition.
one thing's for sure, the campaign's base needs to broaden out from the clique or cliques of people who have been involved in various ways up until now.
also, while the internet/e-mail is a very useful campaigning tool, by relying on it as the main method of communicating the campaign's aims by default huge sections of irish society are excluded from participating fully. (this is a limit of the medium which is sometimes not realised!)

by Stephen Mon Sep 09, 2002 06:22

Fantasic

by mr jinks Mon Sep 09, 2002 07:35

if that pathetic little attempt of sabotage and vandalism took months of preparation one wonders at how sad your life actually is. a bit of advice... get one!!!!!!

by Eoin Dubsky - Refueling Peace Mon Sep 09, 2002 11:17 info at refuelingpeace dot org 087 6941060

In reply to Graham Caswell's query ("Is there any way to use your trial to generate further media coverage and public discussion? How can people support you?"):

Firstly I'd like to thank everyone for all of the support they have already given in emails, phone calls, radio phone-ins, and even flowers. I intend to invite expert witnesses to give evidence about the (il)legality of America's so-called "war on terrorism" and will need some financial support to pay their expenses. In the coming weeks I'd like to setup a fundraising program (bank account, etc.) so that people who can help in that way, can make a contribution to the case.

Especially if you live close to Shannon Airport, it would be a big help to the campaign if you started a regular vigil or demonstration there again. Visit our website too (http://www.refuelingpeace.org/) for tips on military flight-spotting -- and keep in touch about your findings. If you've got a car or live nearby (very helpful if its pissing down!!) you could support people monitoring.

In reply to Rob's comments: People here could help keep the issue of Ireland's participation in Bush's war on the agenda by writing letters to the papers, calling into radio stations, organizing meetings and attending demos and talks.

by Robert Mon Sep 09, 2002 12:25

Congratulations Eoin!

Hopefully the US will reward you by banning you
from entering their country. I am sure a criminal
record won't affect your job-hunting either, as your type rarely do any work.
I and others have requested that Aer Rianta ban you and your pals from entering the perimiter of the airport, which should prevent your hippy get togethers.
Since the media has been rightly ignoring your recent protests, I am sure that this act of vandalism was just to get a bit of attention. Well done, I hope your parents have grounded you for a few months!

Robert.

by daithi Mon Sep 09, 2002 13:57

anyone who while speaking in a context of war and all the atrocities it entails, descibes paint on machinery 'criminal' is truly a person who lacks any abilty to hold a broad view... tis sad that people hold a coat of American paint in higher esteem than non-white lives.

by mr jinks Tue Sep 10, 2002 17:36

ha ha.now we are seeing what it is all about. think u are famous( in your own mind) by spraying an airplane in 'protest' and now you are looking for financial reward...oh sorry!!! financial help to keep this stupid campaign going, now we will see how loyal your cronies are. remember that the crusties in your rag tag group probably survive off the welfare so good luck in getting money off of them.you and them will have faded long from the memory in a few short weeks so please dont hold your breath (or do if it helps!!) in setting up a trust fund for re'fooling'peace.org

by GreenPartyMike - U.S. Green Party Mon Oct 07, 2002 15:56 ollamhfaery at earthlink dot net

Eoin,
Thank you very much and keep up the good work. Oh, and ignore the bigoted idiots who attempt to slander you. On behalf of an American who is completely opposed to this current immoral Bush Administration and it's war.. THANK YOU

Go Raith Maith Agat Agus Slan Go Foil Mo Chara Nua .. An Comhoantas Glas..

Not too bad of the 'auld Garlic fer a yank eh???