US Navy patrols Cobh quayside: Anti-War Ireland demo called against US warship

by Cork activist Sun Jul 09, 2006 12:02

Well done on being so vigilant. Great to see Anti-War Ireland taking its own initiative again. People need an alternative to the IAWM, which doesn't represent the majority of anti-war activists in the country in its moderation and will only work with groups to the right of it.

by Seán Ryan Sun Jul 09, 2006 12:49

Afraid I cannot make the demo. But I wish that I could.

The sailors who were guarding the quayside, and who prevented the activists from gaining access to the public quayside - were they armed?

Were there any Gardaí present?

Even if they were not armed, they do not have the right to police Irish territory. They are violating our sovereignty, and are openly committing of an act of war.

We cannot allow this to continue. We are citizens of Ireland and enough of us have died to make this possible.

This act is an insult to our history, our heritage and the peoples of Ireland.

It's coming to the time to stop asking warmongers and facilitators to desist. They must be ordered.

by AWI (Cork branch) Sun Jul 09, 2006 12:59

We intend to remain vigilant! We've been on the radio this morning about the ship and we'll continue to protest against the presence of these killing machines in Irish waters.

Also, remember the AWI public meeting in the Metropole Hotel on MacCurtain Street at 8.30pm on Friday evening. Held in solidarity with the Pitstop Ploughshares, the speakers will include the prominent US anti-war activists Kathy Kelly and Jimmy Massey (former Marine), as well as Prof John Maguire of AWI.

A big shout-out also to the Belfast members of AWI who picketed and leafleted in support of the Ploughshares on Thursday and Saturday! Well done Ulster! 'We're on the one road...'

Solidarity,

Anti-War Ireland (Cork)

by Cork Native Sun Jul 09, 2006 13:08

What a shower of idiots you people are, all you do is print total bullshit and lies to suit your cause which is dead in the water now.

Wow you are able to find out where the ship is in Cork, did you think it would be hidden its the biggest thing there and if you missed it you would be blind, blind like you crusties are to the rest of this World but your only interests are Anti- American and Anti-British s..t and you use Iraq to suit your causes.

There are no American Sailors patroling around Cobh only our own Garda to keep idiots like you people away from this ship.

Will you get a F.....g life or better still get out of this Country where you are no longer wanted.

Pissed off Cork Man

by MichaelY - iawm Sun Jul 09, 2006 13:26

Good to see AWI being vigilant and adding to the increasing anti-war activity gaining momentum all over the 32 Counties.
There will always be, of course, anonymous ranters whose ideology, interests, and possibly both, will be threatened by our consistent opposition to the Empire. They will hide behind 'anonymity', they will vilify activists...they will even threaten us with deportation from our own country.....Their anxiety and anger is our strength.
As for the earlier anonymista 'Cork activist' who could not resist taking a swipe at IAWM a comradely question: the IAWM has been recently working along with the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Committee, AWI, Catholic Workers/Ploughshares, the WSM, Organise, Cosantoiri Siochanna, the Socialist Party Youth, Labour Youth, SinnFein, the Workers Party and RSF among others. Over 500 of us marched yesterday in the streets of Dublin under pouring rain - in support of Palestine and against Israeli expansionism and barbarism - photos in Indymedia under a different thread by Revolt Video. Which exacly from these oprganisations are on our 'right' and which on our left' or 'centre'.....? And where in this vista does our anonymous Cork critic stand?
Well done again AWI comrades - keep up the good work.

by anonymista Sun Jul 09, 2006 13:45

The iawm is a discredited organisation and your bluster won't change that. It always sneered at direct action and civil disobedience. You've done the minimal possible for the pit stop ploughshares(late in the day) and you did nothing for mary kelly. You're a Dublin based clique who wouldn't survive five minutes if the swp stopped providing the foot soldiers. Luckily for you the swp have no intention of releasing their grip on the iawm so you can continue to go about with your chest puffed out as a "member of the iawm steering committee". Generals with no army beyond what the swp wheels out. No well known antiwar activists are involved with you - they're all in Cosantoiri Siochana and Anti-War Ireland. Bluster and bull won't change that. RBB and the swp run your show, my friend.

by MichaelY - iawm Sun Jul 09, 2006 14:32

Hey,

The time in Ireland when ignorance was bliss is well gone....those who have eyes can see, over the last 12-18 months who is doing what in the anti-war movement in the 32 Counties. We are not exactly overblown by either 'civil disobedience' or 'direct action'....by well-known activists or generals with major armies....or anonymous action brigades!
On the contrary, we can see about 100 people, perhaps a few more perhaps a few less, well-known and respecting each other trying very hard to re-generate an anti-war movement that had its peaks, went into a decline and is now on the up again. Those activists are in the AWI, in Cosantoiri, in the anarchist movement(s), some in Labour Youth, others in the Socialist Youth and the SWP + Sinn Fein - and in the IAWM....Those who think straight and are not suffering from incurable diseases like arrogance and sectarianism are working together very well. Like those of us who set up and continue to co-operate in the Anti-War Network.
The Catholic workers are on trial again tomorrow - they need support. Jimmy Massey and colleagues will be going around the country. Jeb Bush is coming to town on the 21st - we should welcome him with open arms. An ex-Abu Ghraib interrogator along with an Iraqi and an Iranian militant will also tour the 32 Counties from July 23 - August 4th......these are actions of a movement on the up.
So 'my ignorant friend' - you can join us in our work or, alternatively, organise your mates/group/organisation/club and carry out types of actions your heart may desire. I am sure all of us, well known or not, will be delighted.......Show us what YOU can do, lead the way and we'll follow. RBB or no RBB!

by anonymista Sun Jul 09, 2006 15:03

MichaelY, antiwar activists are up to date on what you and iawm mean by "cooperation" and it bears no relation to "working with people". Do you think we are stupid? The iawm doesn't work with awi, Cosantoiri or anarchists. You issue 'calls' - you don't coperate. Who called the Jeb Bush demo? Tell us the full story there MichaelY. Actually no need cos the word is out on that piece of sectarian trickery and how the antiwar network you praise was pissed on by RBB and the iawm.

The rowers (or some of them anyway) have been changed on the iawm "steering committee" in recent months but the boat remains the same: same undemocratic arrogant group who think nobody else is capable of organising. Dazzled by your own self-appreciation. In the real world, you don't exist outside of Dublin and you never will because the swp is weak beyond the pale. Even in Dublin you're in an absolute minority among antiwar activists. How many of you are there? Five? Seven? Oh, and and the swp footsoldiers.

You ask about direct action over the past year. Were you at Baldonnel for the action some time back? Did the iawm donate to paying the fines? I could go on. We all know where the iawm stands on direct action and civil disobedience and your sly sneer at anarchists is more proof of it. However you are mistaken if you think you are discredited only among libertarians. I can think of many prominent antiwar activists who wouldn't give the iawm the time of day. You are contemptious of those outside your meagre ranks and it's not as if people don't notice.

The antiwar movement will grow and radicalise despite you.

by MichaelY - iawm Sun Jul 09, 2006 16:46

This is a thread started for supporting, encouraging and showing solidarity with all anti-war activists in the Cork/Cobh area.

Wish all anonymous know-alls/critics/and assorted ranters concentrated on the issue - answer perhaps and argue against those who are irritated and annoyed that the anti-war movement is making great strides all over the 32 Counties.
The more succesful we all become, the greater the movement becomes, the smaller these 'fundamental' differences will appear.
And, anyway, very hard to concentrate on faceless/nameless 'opponents' who are, to say the least, very badly informed of the reality of our situation.
Federer, unfortunately, got a 2-0 lead on young Nadal.....much more exciting than this very stale debate that's become a distraction. Good luck.

Our solidarity again to the Cork comrades.

by i hate provos Sun Jul 09, 2006 16:58

amazing how the seiners will picket an american warship but adams will go hand on knee to bush in get into the states

by emla86 Sun Jul 09, 2006 17:27

i'm an american activist who just got back from livinging in cork for 6 months. and y'all are fucking amazing. and an inspiration for the lack-of-anti-war movement on this side of the atlantic.

i wear my black shammrock everyday as a sign of solidtarity.

by AWI supporter Sun Jul 09, 2006 18:59

At least the provies turned out for this protest. I'll bet you and your hate were nowhere near Cobh. Don't agree with the Shinners on many things but good on them for supporting this picket!

by bystander Sun Jul 09, 2006 20:52

I counted three protestors there today. Did I miss the larger protest?

by anti-war Sun Jul 09, 2006 21:57

The picket was only organised yesterday yet about 16 or more people turned out. About 12 were present most of the time. Good mix and good attendance for a picket called at very short notice in a harbour town. WP, SF, WSM and non-aligned turned up for the Anti-War Ireland picket.

by bystander Sun Jul 09, 2006 23:23

The camera never lies....

count em...one , two, twelve...

by anti-war Sun Jul 09, 2006 23:43

Very interesting. Are you one of the cops who was taking photos? Or a US sailor perhaps? Or just a eejit?

Well done, you photographed some picketers. Very covertly taken by the looks of it. And what does all that tell us? Emm...maybe, that you didn't hang around for too long? That you oppose the picket, support the US war machine and are selective with the truth?

In total, the picket was attended by about 16 people but during most of it there were about 12 present.

Now sod off..."the camera never lies". Eejit.

by Laughing Man Mon Jul 10, 2006 01:01

So the guys backs up his count with some evidence and you start insinuating that he is some sort of spook.....

by Corkie Mon Jul 10, 2006 10:17

The 'guy' with the camera clearly has a very short attention span cos the protest was attended by a dozen and more people. He either arrived and left before it started or as it was finishing up.

Anyway, what do you mean 'backs up his claim'? I see about five feet of the scene in his photo. I could take a photo of two guards standing to one side and claim that was all that were there too. Nonsense.

The bottom line my doubting buddy is that the joker with the camera either missed the protest or is trying to mislead. Frankly, I beyond caring which it is.

by anon Mon Jul 10, 2006 10:24

I don't see any gardai or even a US warship in the photograph either. Obviously, they weren't there so. No sailors either. In fact, I don't see Cobh in the photograph, so Cobh clearly doesn't exist!

The Sneaky Photographer is a troll. Ignore him. Don't feed the trolls!

by lol Mon Jul 10, 2006 11:19

Lovely photo--shows the overwhelming support there allright...LOL, jokers the lot of em

by antiamerican Mon Jul 10, 2006 11:23

if thats a covertly taken photo--explain why 2 of the 3 idiots are smiling for the camera

LOL

by moi Mon Jul 10, 2006 11:47

For a real report on the picket by somebody who was there, go to:

http://indymedia.ie/article/77130

by Fintan Lane - Anti-War Ireland (Dublin) Mon Jul 10, 2006 12:08

The report I received immediately after the picket indicated that roughly a dozen anti-war activists joined the protest and received good support from passers by, including from Americans. Those on the picket included members of the Workers' Party, WSM, Sinn Fein and the Green Party, as well as non-aligned activists. Locals from Cobh comprised a fair proportion of the picket.

This picket against a US killing machine was literally scrambled together at the 11th hour, so it was an excellent turnout - and well done to all concerned! It is important that these ships do not slip in and out of Irish ports without some sort of protest being mounted. With more notice, a much larger picket could have occurred as many people in Cork and Cobh are sick to death of these visiting imperialist warships.

Once again, well done to all who took part!

by John Jefferies - Anti-War Ireland (Cobh) Mon Jul 10, 2006 12:47 Cobh, County Cork. 086-3004573

"Cork Activist" - states that there were no American military patrolling the streets in Cobh. I was present so I wish to clarify this point.

For those that don't know Cobh, the town has a long series of waterfront quays fronting onto Cork Harbour. One of these quays is the Deepwater Quay which is directly behind Cobh Heritage Centre / railway station. It has one of the deepest berthages in Cork Harbour and has always been used to berth ships with deep drafts including the many cruise liners visiting in recent years.

From the Deepwater Quay to the nearby hamlet of Whitepoint (1 mile away) there is a walkway known as the Five Foot Way (because of its original width). It was recently cleaned up and is recognised by the local council as an amenity / walking area. It is also a right of way, however the Port of Cork company has a large pair of gates at the town-end, though these are open 99% of the time. Sometimes the main gates are closed to traffic, but a small gate is left open for pedestrians accessing the Five Foot Way. Only during military visits are all the gates locked, though it's still usually possible to get in from the other side. Cobh's new Garda station directly overlooks the Five Foot Way and has it covered with CCTV cameras.

Anyway, getting back to the point, I went for a walk on Saturday evening and found the Deepwater Quay completely gates locked, including the pedestrian gate. Two uniformed US Naval officers stood behind the gate and refused entry. There were some gardai present, but they were well back inside the compound and were clearly not in control of the gates - the Americans controlled it themselves.

I could not say whether these men were armed, however at least two US naval servicemen onboard the ship were patrolling the deck with rifles on their backs. I made clear my objection to the military personnel at the gates and informed them that there would be a protest on Sunday at the ship's presence and the blocking of the walkway.

Incidentally, on Sunday there was a different US serviceman, this time wearing a fawn shirt, brown trousers and sunglasses, but without any insignia or cap. A double cordon of crash barriers had been erected by gardai outside the locked gates and this gentleman was opening and closing the barrier for a short period until I voiced my objection to the gardai. After the protest ended I paid a visit to Cobh Garda station and notified them of my intentention to make a complaint about the US military's involvement in policing the Five Foot Way and the approachway to it. I will be pursuing this complaint later today.

Incidentally on Saturday evening I spotted a large group of US navy people on the Department of Defence's private pier in the town. They were clearly awaiting the arrival of the tender "David F" which is the ferry which brings Irish naval staff out to the Naval Base at Haulbowline. I assume that these US navy personnel were on their way out to Haulbowline to enjoy the hospitality of the Irish Naval Service, including the large bar they have out there.

by Popsiq Tue Jul 11, 2006 01:35

Interesting, the USS the Sullivans was named for 5 brothers (Albert, Francis, George, Joseph,& Madison)who volunteered after the Pearl Harbour attack & served together on the Cruiser "Juneau" which was Torpedoed & sunk in the Solomons in 1942, none survived.

Sinn Fein protests a US ship, yet wants to raise funds in america, I wonder how the collection will go, once the yankees find out that their being "two-timed"?

by EZ Sun Mar 18, 2007 16:38

TO ALL YOU DO GOODERS
mY BROTHER DIED ON THE USS COLE ATTACK,
IRELAND IS FREE BECAUSE BROTHERS DIED
SO IS THE USA.
REMEMBER WHERE YOU COME FROM.

by Paul Sun Mar 18, 2007 17:01

I am sorry your brother died on board USS Cole but if you think that US warmongering has anything to do with freedom you are seriously mistaken. Least of all that it has anything to do with Irish freedom. The USA might like to justify its actions by saying that they are fighting for freedom but the truth is nastier. They are fighting for oil and other cash enriching commodities. Unfortunately they need cannon fodder to do it in terms of working class American citizens whom they recruit and train to do their dirty work.