Well my faithful readers, here is another update.
I have spent a great deal of time this summer working with my good friend Tom Sturtevant to plan a protest the presence of the Blue Angels in Brunswick. I am mildly nervous to say the least, as this is the first protest that I have had a hand in planning in within the peace community here in Maine. I am excited though, because I have had counteless arguments with my family this summer over my plans to attend this protest, because they think that the Blue Angels are tradition, and should not be messed with.
My letter to the editor of the Kennebec Journal was published today, which was pretty exciting. I've never had one published before. And my family was also rather impressed which I was happy about, because they never seem to approve of my passions. But my Dad told me that it was well worded.
A copy of the letter is below.
"The Green Angels to Protest the Presence of the Blue Angels"
A group of peace activists dubbed the "green angels" has plans to oppose the Blue Angels air show on Aug. 27 at Cooks Corner in Brunswick.
The protest will call attention to the projected cost of the air shows -- $40 million in 2011 -- and the pollution they cause.
The Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, a quasi-public Maine state agency, is sponsor of the show. The U.S. Navy requires the authority to provide 48,600 gallons of fuel for the weekend show and space for military recruiters.
The Blue Angels used 97,619 barrels, or 4.1 million gallons of fuel, in 2010 with a corresponding CO2 emission of 88 million pounds.
The public is invited to join the "green angels" for the event that begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until 1 p.m. Participants are urged to wear green and carry appropriate signs and banners.
The event is sponsored by Maine Veterans for Peace, Bring Our War $$$ Home, and Maine AFSC Program on Youth & Militarism.
Nicole Moreau
Livermore Falls
Stay tuned for pictures and an update sometime soon about Saturday
