45 years ago, on 4 April 1967, at the riverside church of New York City, the rev Martin Luther King Jr explained his opposition to the war in Vietnam:

War is unjust.  War kills God’s children, exploits the dispossessed, and steals from the poor.  He said:

“I am convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values. We must rapidly begin the shift from a “thing-oriented” society to a “person-oriented” society.    When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism, and militarism are incapable of being conquered.”

As I look around me in the world today I see those three evil giants at play.  Tearing at the fabric of life.

As a nation in 2012, Australia is being pressed into military service for Washington, the Metropolis of modern war.  Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Iran, (and Israel) constitute the immediate field of operations.  We are becoming embroiled in the South China Sea.  We are on the path to perpetual war.

On 4 April 2012, more than 200 marines from Fox Co, 2^nd Batallion, 3^rd Marines arrived in Darwin to initiate a new phase of Australian war-making.

Our country is to become both a pivot, and a rear echelon base to project US power via the Indian and Pacific Oceans and into their associated states.  China, India, middle east, se Asia.

Darwin, Perth, and Rockhampton are to become garrison cities for the US Empire, training and deploying forces as circumstances arise.  HQJOC at Bungendore is the seat of joint command.  Pine Gap outside Alice Springs remains the centre of space-based intelligence.  Swan Island trains special forces.

These are six key sites through which we can address Australian support of US war-making.

What to do?

Blockaders about to be arrested at the Swan Island Peace Convergence (4-8 July 2012)

I’m heading down to Silver Wattle (just outside Bungendore) between 23 and 27 April for the 2012 edition of Putting an End to War  (P@E2W-2012).

Why?

Those who’re interested in beginnings can read the open letter issued by the first P@E2W-2010

Among other goals, the 2010 letter gives attention to Exercise Talisman Sabre, calling for:

“A recurring “Shoalwater Wilderness Pilgrimage”, containing and reflecting Christian Civil Disobedience to be developed and publicised for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011, and subsequently;”  tick

Rockhampton is one of the six national sites.  Since P@E2W-2010, I’ve had two years of mostly good fun putting together a set of activities and events in Rockhampton over winter 2011, culminating in the Rocky Tiger Ploughshares action of July 21.   tick    This was a peak action for me, with fabulous engagement from Graeme Dunstan and Margaret Pestorius.

Margaret Pestorius also got to run a wilderness pilgrimage like she wanted.  Helen Bayes from Silver Wattle gave some spiritual guidance and after care to all remaining.  Graeme made a major effort facilitating traditional “convergence” activities and coordinating with Darrumbal.  All consistent with the goals chosen in P@E2W-2010.

Margaret and Andy on the 2011 Shoalwater Wilderness Pilgrinage. At the shrine to Franz Jaegerstaetter, inside the military training area.

So I’m interested in extending the lessons and responses from Exercise Talisman Sabre, yet it’s only one of five goals we talked about in 2010.  There has been progress on quite a few.

In 2011 and again in 2012 there has been a lantern lit peace vigil in Canberra on ANZAC Eve.   tick

Simon Moyle and Jessica Morrison lead a continuing experiment at the Swan Island SAS facility.  That group ran a one week parallel event in July 2011 and is planning further events in 2012.  tick

Over two years, we’ve experimented in the Gandhian manner at putting an end to war.  We’ve all got stuff to share, learn, and plan around using in future experiments.

So as I head to Bungendore to hang out for a week with friends, including Margaret, Graeme, David Johnson, Jo Valentine, Jessica Morrison, and a dozen other faith-based peacemakers I’m thinking it will be an uplifting sort of gathering, from which we might facilitate some continuing good results.

For those who would conquer the evil giant of militarism, one task is clear.

Australia must be brought to withdraw its cooperation with US war-making. 

Australian citizens must stop our own country from fighting in US initiated wars, and we must stop aiding and abetting the US in making those wars.

So how exactly do we do that?

I’m not completely sure, but I strongly believe that ploughshares actions and their equivalent have a role to play.

From the experiments I’ve been involved in, I want to share some of the lessons learned and applied – through the citizens inspection of Pine Gap in 2005, Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2007 and 2009, the trial of the Waihopai Ploughshares in 2010, and the Rocky Tiger Ploughshares at Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2011.

My best hope lies in the ongoing impact of the Peace Preacher and Ploughshares campaign in Rockhampton in 2011.

This radical action of direct disarmament by mattock was pretty well received by many of the various publics in Rockhampton.  The majority of folk I spoke with about it afterward (mostly in the Hospital) were more concerned about the failure/lies of the Defence establishment that the ploughshares action disclosed (and the war in Afghanistan) than they were about the civil disobedience itself….  which they had been expecting.

I cannot over-stress the importance of advance notice of intentions.  It has proven a crucial means of projecting integrity and initiating public debate.  It was featured as prosecution evidence in our Pine Gap trial.  It will feature as defence evidence in the forthcoming ploughshares trial.

Three year old Tyler Rose from Rockhampton tries on body armour with the help of US Marines Lance Corporal Andrew Los and Lance Corporal Jonathon Ashley, both from 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines Weapons, California, during the Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 Open Day.

Likewise important is the need to physically disrupt the “business as usual” of the military machine.  There’s something metaphysical, something more than real, in the moment when the machine stops, pauses, and has to reset.  I believe very strongly that we must continue to develop our capacity to make such moments happen, and to hold them out as an example of what every citizen can do in the event of failure by government to cease making war.

A large majority of Australians oppose the war in Afghanistan and fighting for the USA.  How are we doing so poorly at PR?

I think the circumstances are such today that P@E2w-2012 is a timely opportunity to improve and render more effective the widespread sentiment for peace.   I’m looking forward to hearing and thinking with others about steps we might take.  Among other things I’d like to think about using the upcoming ploughshares trial to best effect.

Underpinning the pragmatic and tactical aspects of our gathering lies the spiritual practice of revering God.   Of living out our vocation, whether that is a discipleship to Jesus, the enactment of Buddhist teachings, or adherence to satyagraha.  The gathering will be a time to count our blessings and rededicate our lives to the good.

Cheers

Bryan

with son Joseph on the beach near Yeppoon June 2011

Headquarters Joint Operational Command

Just outside Bungendore, in NSW, right on the ACT border.

“This is probably the most secure location in Australia,” Brigadier Wayne Budd told the Sun-Herald Newspaper in 2008.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=603629

Google Earth photo of HQJOC

It certainly has a magnificent fence

Steel, concrete, razor wire, clear zones and lights. Part of the outer Octagonal fence of HQJOC

The main entrance of HQJOC, tailor-made for a protest action.

HQJOC is the command centre for whatever Australian military forces are active anywhere in the world.  Operations in Afghanistan are run from here.

There is a proposal to initiate NVDA towards this facility on 26 April 2012.  http://www.cairnspeacebypeace.org/?page_id=1358

That proposal contains and relies on a residential nonviolence workshop at the Australian Quaker Centre at Silver Wattle, about 10 kilometres from HQJOC as the crow flies. http://silverwattle.org.au/about-silver-wattle/  The workshop will examine possibilities for peak NVDA involving civil disobedience.  In addition to the residential workshop, it may be possible to organise a larger presence for a more low key picket at the facility’s front entrance.

Google map showing HQJOC and Silver Wattle

US AH-64 Apache attack helicopter

Hi groovers,

Page 2 of the Australian this morning really pissed me off.  It ran this story: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/defence-set-to-give-us-great-military-access/story-e6frg8yo-1226130072045 US military forces being given use of Stirling Navy Base in WA, Darwin, Bradfield Training Area, Townsville Lavarack Barracks.  The deal will be signed by Defence Minister Stephen Smith (among others) later this month.

Next to the article was a photo of Defence Minister Smith, launching the book “An Unwinnable War: Australia in Afghanistan” by Karen Middleton, and saying that “we’ll stay the course”.  The Herald Sun gave a fuller explanation.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/afghan-war-unwinnable-says-new-book/story-fn6bfmgc-1226129938569

This is a more detailed feature story on joint AUS/US military planning for interoperability.  The AUSMIN sign-off this month is a next step.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/planners-make-the-case-for-us-bases/story-fn59niix-1226080870943

I reckon we ought mobilise and draw attention against this manifestation of empire.

I reckon a creative, dynamic, and powerful action against HQJOC at Bungendore in April 2012 would be a very useful thing to do.

I reckon we can combine it with a prior national gathering at the Australian Quaker Centre, which would include participation at the ANZAC Eve Peace Vigil on 24 April.

What do you think?

Cheers

Bryan

Recorded at the East st Mall on Friday 15 July 2011.

Bryan spruiks about airport security, weapons, and the killing of children in Afghanistan.  He affirms his intentions to attempt a ploughshares action.  Six days after this recording, the Rockhampton Tiger Ploughshares disabled an Army attack helicopter, just like the ones in the slideshow.

Hey groovers,

On 21 July 2011, with support from Graeme Dunstan of peacebus.com, I struck an ADF Tiger helicopter with a mattock – putting the narrow blade through a carbon fibre panel, and putting the helicopter out of commission.

Captured from TV - Bryan Law sinks a mattock blade into the carbon fibre panelling of an ADF Tiger helicopter. July 21 2011 at Rockhampton airport.

As a result, Graeme and I have been charged with a number of indictable offences.  If convicted I face a near-certain term of imprisonment, while Graeme may be able to qualify for a probation or suspended sentence (then again he may not.

Over the next month or three, Graeme and I have to think about what our legal stance ought be.  It seems to be a choice between:

Running a defence based on necessity, similar to the Pine Gap defence (but hopefully better staffed by legal advisors and advocates).; or

Pleading guilty, but opening up the issues around the cost of repair.

Too late! Soldiers and guards run to stop the ploughshares mattock from striking again.

I’d appreciate it if you could look at the following two links, and give us the benefit of your thinking and feeling about the best course forward.

The first link is to a 2008 article by Alice Springs Legal Aid Lawyer Russell Goldflam about the trial and appeal of the Pine Gap Four.

http://www.globalcollab.org/publications/essays/apsnet/policy-forum/2008/goldflam-satellites/

The second link is to a piece I wrote in 2010 about lessons to be learned from the Pine Gap Four, and from the trial of the Waihopai ploughshares, where Adi Leason, Peter Murnane and Sam Land failed in the necessity defence but were acquitted of all charges due to claim of right.

http://www.cairnspeacebypeace.org/?p=376

One conclusion I draw in the 2010 article is “By choosing targets such as airplanes, ships, tanks etc (less secret, more direct weapons systems/components), and by majorly disabling said piece of equipment, it may yet be possible to get a necessity defence in front of an Australian or New Zealand jury.”

I’d appreciate any feedback you have to offer.

Also we’re considering a name for our ploughshares group/action.  Any suggestions?

Why a Ploughshares Action – Organising a Peace Movement

Excerpt Bryan’s CIB Interview from 8th July:
Film by Sweated Workshop – Maiia

Bryan Law just after damaging the Tiger attack helicopter

Photos by Chris Ison – Rockhampton Morning Bulletin

Bryan, arrested and taken to the watchhouse Rockhampton, 21st July 2011

Youtube footage – Exclusive to Win News.

MEDIA RELEASE Friday 22 July:

BRYAN LAW and GRAEME DUNSTAN held in custody for damaging ATTACK HELICOPTER
- PROBABLE CHARGES
- BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS
- QUOTES
Contact Spokesperson: Margaret Pestorius 0403214422

Bryan Law 57 from Cairns Peace by Peace and Graeme Dunstan, 67 of Peace Bus have both been arrested and placed in custody after being allegedly involved with damaging a Tiger attack helicopter at Rockhampton airport yesterday.
They have been charged with 4 and 5 different offenses respectively. They will face court today, Friday, 22nd July.

The Charges will most probably be as follows
THREE Wilful Trespass [different Commonwealth Acts] as follows
1. Wilful Damage of a chain to gain entry
2. Wilful Damage under the Aviation Transport Security Act
3. Wilful Damage under the Crimes Act [Commonwealth] Section 29

ONE  Possession of Tainted Property [That is property used to commit a crime] regarding

1. a garden implement
2. bolt cutters
3. a camera

1 Breaking a Bail undertaking not to go near the Rockhampton airport [Bryan Law]

Bryan is relatively well and pleased that he was able to carry out a strong act of disarmament that signals his abhorrence for Australia’s ongoing involvement in overseas wars.
“I can sleep with myself and with my conscience during this abominable war. The Tiger helicopter is a malicious weapon – the same sort of attack helicopter as the Apache gunship the US’ers use. The main cause of civilian deaths is when helicopters misfire on civilians when searching out ‘insurgents’ in operations – this is why I chose this helicopter.”
The Tiger helicopter is worth $40 milllion: only 2/3 what Australian taxpayers spend EACH DAY on military equipment, operations and personnel.

Bryan had previously said that he would target a US helicopter, but the US has hidden their machinery away from the public eye during this TS11 – even Samuel Hill airbase has not been used for aircraft. This seems to be a direct response to the threat of protest intervention.

A mattock was chosen to evoke the imagery of Isaiah – that we should turn swords into ploughshares. The mattock is a garden tool that is usually used to prepare the soil for planting and new growth.

Graeme has been charged as an associate in the act and therefore with the same offenses.

Above all, both hope that others will find inspiration in their actions and seek their own ways of directly resisting this permanent state of war that Australia finds itself in.

Both are seasoned nonviolent and community activists. Graeme is a military veteran having trained at Duntroon. Graeme has been leading the Peace Convergence by sewing colourful flags, building lanterns and banners as a back drop for all nonviolent actions and protests that have been held.

Graeme’s flags and supporters will be at the court for visuals and for interviews.

Spokesperson Margaret Pestorius – margaret@cairnspeacebypeace.org 0403214422

BACK GROUND INFORMATION
You can see Graeme Dunstan’s website at
www.peacebus.com

And this website for more information

Well, things aren’t getting any quieter around here.  I was arrested by Rockhampton CIB on Friday and charged with “threatening an aircraft” under section 24 of the Aviation (crimes) Act.  It’s an indictable offence carrying a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment.  I’m to appear in Rockhampton Magistrate’s Court on Monday 25 July, which is real good timing for me.  Margaret appears then too, in relation to her arrest last night.

Peace Bro!

It was a bit confronting to have it happen on Friday, which was NAIDOC Day – a day set aside for doing solidarity work/relaxation with no actions or confrontations re Talisman sabre.  I suppose from the Police perspective now’s a good time to constrain me and impose bail conditions (or lock me up).  I’m proud of my truth-telling in the police interview – which you can find here: http://www.filefactory.com/file/cc4a56d/n/Bryan_s_CIB_interview_part_1.mp3

(It’s a bit fiddly to download, but best we can for now)

Before I describe some of Yesterday’s events, I want to mention a memorial service held for WW2 US and Australian troops at a bush chapel just outside Rockhampton.  The readings referred to Isaiahs ploughshares prophecy, and to John 15:12 “love one another”.   http://www.cairnspeacebypeace.org/?page_id=1185

Yesterday was major fun at the people’s open day for Talisman Sabre.  Police had an extensive presence aimed at controlling our behaviour, but the outcome gave us access to every citizen going in to the open day event.  I dressed up in a tuxedo, a death’s head mask, and the Bob Katter Hat, and held aloft a copy of the maimed child that Jim Dowling made a focus of the Pine Gap actions.  It was a real thrill to see how many citizens recognised and responded to my costume – and looked at the hideous picture.

Jeanette ans Sister

There was street theatre, peace balloons, participation from celebrated Darambul elder Jeanette Yoh Yeh, and a real good vibe as we put peace front and centre before war.  Jim Dowling was arrested for preaching the gospel, but was given a move-on direction rather than being charged.  Hundreds and thousands of mainstream people, and they ALL got the message.  http://www.cairnspeacebypeace.org/?page_id=1194 We did some media too.

So for me the prep work has achieved its aims.  We’ve created a genuine presence and debate inside Rockhampton before the war-games start.  Now we’re going to move on the direct action front.

Margaret Pestorius was magnificent last night as she forced the police to arrest her by insisting that she be allowed to use her tickets to enter the ball.  There weren’t any media there, but there were 15 activists, including two locals, who are prepared to undertake direct action over the next two week.  Margaret set an inspiring example.  http://www.cairnspeacebypeace.org/?page_id=1201

I just want to go to the ball.

Things are going very well.  Stay posted for more news as it breaks.