Audio: 4th July "Independence FROM America" protest at NSA Menwith Hill

Thank you so much to whoever recorded the speeches and took these excellent photos. Please would you let us know who did this?

CAAB Report 260

Independence from America Event held at Menwith Hill on Thursday 4th July 2013.

The weather smiled on those gathered outside the gates of NSA/USAF Menwith Hill during the late afternoon and evening of 4th July 2013. Banners and posters spelt out messages that sum up a lot of the anxiety felt widely about the activities at Menwith Hill. An Edward Snowden look alike drifted around the crowd. A giant postcard was signed by many present to encourage the real Edward Snowden, wherever he may be now. A good sized crowd was rewarded with music and engaging speeches, all supported by a good supply to tea, coffee, cakes and vegan food.

The Walk of Witness celebrating 100 years of Northern Friends Peace Board arrived in good spirits having walked for 3 days from the site where Conscientious Objectors were imprisoned in Richmond Castle during World War 1. A brief silence was observed before the reading of the People’s Declaration of Independence FROM America, after which a model drone was presented to Geoff Dickson (Squadron Leader – RAF Liaison Officer NSA / USAF Menwith Hill) to pass on to Christopher Gilmore, current US Commander of NSA Menwith Hill. Christine Dean spoke of her childhood terror of the doodle bugs flying into World War II London and her feelings that unmanned killing machines are now flying and killing once again. Geoff Dickson in reply emphasized the need to give all people the right to speak, even if you do not agree with them.

As in previous years the East Lancashire Clarion Choir gave a wonderful, uplifting burst of song. Other music was provided by Mizan the Poet, Ziggurat, Peter Pollard and Karl Dallas.

Andy Worthington reflected on the cry for independence 273 years ago and the sad paradox of incarceration at Guantanemo Bay. He understood President Obama’s statements that it was a disgrace but found it more difficult to understand why he does not actively resolve the problems. The stain of Guantanemo Bay will be on American hands for many years to come with inevitable tragic consequences.

Salma Yaqoob considered the search for Full Spectrum Dominance with its use of fear as a means of gaining support. She encouraged us to think of the power of stories of humanity and the nurture that comes from love and compassion.

Martin Wainwright reflected on the positive appearance of the domes reminding us that not everyone thinks they are ugly. So many positive values were exported to America from the Pilgrim Fathers to the thousands of people who followed them. Great power corrupts and we are called upon to remind ourselves and others that power brings responsibilities with it. We must be accountable for what we do.

Thank you to everyone who made the annual Independence FROM America demonstration possible. We were so grateful to all who helped.

It would be so good that there was no need to return on 4th July 2014 because the base had gone or so changed its accountability arrangements that the basis for requesting Independence from America had gone. However please plan to join us then and on any Tuesday evening between 6pm and 8pm when the witness continues.


9 July 2013