From School of the Americas Watc

From School of the Americas Watch
2008 - 2010
For our reports during 2007 >>

Presbyterian David McPhail reports on his witness against School of the Americas -- and his arrest

April 15, 2011 [posted here 4-20-11]

Dear Friends and Family:

I am writing to let you know that I have returned safe and sound from my journey into the belly of the beast – Washington D.C.

I was arrested on Friday at the Pentagon with 24 others and again on Sunday evening with 26 others in front of the White House.

In between I attended the Latin American Solidarity conference, hearing reports from the front lines about many “hot spots” in Latin America – Honduras, Haiti, Colombia Guatemala, Mexico. Generally folks felt that there had been a set back for the progressive forces, following the coup in Honduras, which had been on the ascent. One can pick the countries with the worst human rights records by seeing which countries receive the most military aid from us. Another common theme is that those with the worst records will usually be sending the most candidates to the SOA/WHINSEC for training in the art of counter insurgency warfare. IMPUNITY, whether in the US or in Latin America, is another sign of demonic forces at work.

SOAWatch supporter Representative Jim McGovern (D) of Massachusetts is submitting a DEAR COLLEGUE letter to Obama requesting the school be closed by executive order. Please write your representative and urge them to sign on to this letter even if you know they will.

Thank you again for your support, your thoughts and prayers this past week.

Seeking to say Yes to Life,

Peace/Shalom,

David McPhail

Click here for the report from SOAWatch >>

Click here for videos of the SOAWatch march to the White House >>

David McPhail announces plan for civil disobedience to challenge School of the Americas [4-5-11]

We received this note a few days ago, and what with one thing and another (mainly unpacking after moving to a new home!), we’re just now getting it posted:

March 28, 2011

Dear Friends:

On April 10 I will be taking part in a new effort to close the School of the Americas and more broadly to challenge our nation’s Imperial Foreign Policy. This will include an act of civil disobedience at the White House front gate. I am hoping you will join me by remembering to pray for peace on April 10 and by giving me your name. I will take this with me to remind me that I am not alone.

WHY I DO CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE – SAYING YES TO LIFE

In part I am doing this for my own self - I need to find a way to say NO to the ever-increasing militarization of our nation's foreign policy. I believe that my country has drunk so deeply of the poison of violence that we no longer recognize its consequences in our own backyard. We cannot comprehend how it is undermining the world we want our grandchildren to inhabit. For me civil disobedience is being a part of the drip, drip, drip, that erodes support for evil forces at work in the world. When others in my family were discussing the futility of this witness my 11 year old grandson said no, grandpa is showing us all what to do. I do not see myself as being alone. On good days, when I have eyes of faith, I see myself as being a part of great cloud of witnesses, led by Jesus, the prince of peace. Whatever guide you follow I ask that you join me in pursuing and praying for peace, seeking new ways to stand against our present destructive path.

David McPhail irenendavid@yahoo.com

Thousands Converge at the gates of Fort Benning for 20th Anniversary of November Vigil to Close the SOA

26 PEOPLE ARRESTED AND HELD IN THE COUNTY JAIL ON MULTIPLE CHARGES

[11-20-10]

Nonviolent civil disobedience action was followed by indiscriminate arrests and targeting of journalists. Among those arrested by Columbus police were three journalists, including TV news crew from RT America and unrelated bystanders.

Thousands of human rights activists, torture survivors, veterans, faith-based communities, union workers, students, musicians and others from across the Americas are gathered today at the gates of the U.S. military base Fort Benning to call for the closure of the School of the Americas (renamed Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation).

Following the SOA Watch rally, human rights activists brought their nonviolent witness to close the SOA into the street leading onto the military base. The activists briefly shut down the road with a large sign that said, "Stop: This is the End of the Road for the SOA." Their action is part of a longstanding tradition of creative civil disobedience to call attention to the atrocities committed by graduates of the School of the Americas. 10-12 people were arrested, and others charged, including the 90-year old Jesuit priest Bill Brennan, and ordained Catholic priest Janice Sevre-Duszynska.

Two human rights activists crossed onto Fort Benning through the highway entrance. They have been charged with federal trespass and face up to six months in federal prison and a fine up to $5,000.

When the rally participants tried to leave the vigil area, the police blocked off all exit points. After a few minutes, the police allowed people to leave on the sidewalk, only to follow them, indiscriminately arresting people who had neither committed any crimes nor engaged in civil disobedience. Among those arrested was the RT America TV crew, who was filming the police misconduct and bystanders. All arrestees are currently being held in the Muscogee County Jail for up to a $5,500 bond.

SOA Watch is a nonviolent grassroots organization that works for the closing the School of the Americas and a change in U.S. foreign policy - www.SOAW.org

Actions Speak Louder than Words

Engage in Nonviolent Direct Action to Close the School of the Americas/WHINSEC [11-2-10]

This announcement comes from School of the Americas Watch

November 19-21, Vigil to Shut Down the SOA

Gather at the gates of Ft. Benning in nonviolent resistance to let our voices be heard.

This year there will be different ways for people to be involved in the Saturday action including crossing the line of the base of Fort Benning which risks federal arrest, or a city side action, outside the permitted area. But note that you may also participate without risking arrest. SOA Watch has permits for the activities in front of the base, and the acts of civil disobedience for those risking arrest will be clearly marked.

Due to our presence at the gates of Fort Benning every year, SOA Watch has become known as one of the largest, grassroots movements in the U.S. We gather in the diverse traditions of nonviolence of those who walk before us. It is one of our strongest strategies of defiance to U.S. militarism that is increasing throughout the Americas. This direct action is also what keeps pressure on the Department of Defense and Congress to SHUT DOWN THE SOA/WHINSEC.

See you at the gates of Fort Benning, Georgia!

For more information >>
SOA Watch
202-234-3440

October 11, 2010:
Day of Action to Confront U.S. Militarism
Organize an event or protest in your community and mobilize for the November Vigil and Action in Georgia. [9-23-10]

As part of the Latin America Solidarity Coalition, SOA Watch invites you to join the National Day of Action to Confront US Militarism in the Americas. October 11 is the day the United States "celebrates" the beginning of the European invasion of the Americas and indigenous peoples mark as the 518th year of resistance to invasion and colonialism.

The November Vigil at the gates of Fort Benning is less than 2 months away and local events like the October 11 Day of Action are a great opportunity to mobilize your community to arrange car shares or bus trips to the vigil in Georgia.

Click here for the SOA Watch website >>

Thanks to Gene TeSelle

Report from the first Encuentro of the Americas:

Resisting Militarization and Promoting a Culture of Peace

from School of the Americas Watch
[7-14-10]

In the shadow of Venezuela´s emerald green Andes mountains, activists from 19 countries of the Americas gathered in June to share experiences and strategies in resisting militarization and promoting a culture of peace.

Among them were those who had witnessed the disappearance of their family members at the hands of the SOA as well as an SOA graduate now committed to the closing of the school. They were joined by those who had gone to jail in the U.S. to protest the SOA, and those who had been jailed and tortured in Latin America by SOA graduates. The group, spanning 50 years of age and thousands of miles of distance, was united in their commitment to work together bring peace to "Una Sola America".

SOA Watch activists from Toronto to Florida, and California to Maine shared their multiple efforts to bring the doors of the SOA to a close. Their partners from the South brought awareness of U.S. militarization in their countries, such as 7 military bases occupied by the U.S. in Colombia, an SOA-engineered repressive regime in Honduras, U.S. troops and ships headed to Costa Rica, the military occupation of Haiti and the militarization of the U.S.-Mexico border, among other concerns. The Southern partners expressed their gratitude for the efforts of their northern partners in trying to close the SOA, but encouraged them to broaden their focus to these new expressions of the SOA that pose even greater threats to their people.

On the final evening of the gathering, in the cool mountain air, participants gathered around a map of "America" from Alaska to Patagonia, with no borders delineated. At the center was a clay pot containing a mixture of the soil brought from 19 lands. One by one the participants passed some of the mixed soil to one another to take back with them, saying, "Somos una Sola America" (We are one America). Hours earlier, ten agreements had been reached, such as the organization of simultaneous actions throughout the Americas in coordination with the November vigil. However, it was clear that even more than written agreements, it was the connections and the vision of being Una Sola America that would truly move peace forward in the continent. As one participant said on the last evening, "this Encuentro has not ended. It has just begun."

Converge on Washington, DC

April 17-19: SOA Watch Lobby Days

from SOA Watch [3-1-10]

Join us in Washington DC, April 17th through the 19th as we organize to close the School of the Americas/WHINSEC.

We will be demanding that members of Congress stand with us as we work for justice in Latin America. Currently HR 2567, the bill to suspend and investigate the SOA/WHINSEC has 98 cosponsors. Your voice is needed in Washington DC as we lobby and vigil.

We will gather to build community on April 17th with an evening social. We will host panel discussions on torture and immigration, go through an in-depth legislative training, and on the evening of April 18th, SOA Watch will host our first public event on U.S. access to military bases in Colombia. On Monday, April 19th we will spend the day lobbying and vigiling on Capitol Hill.

This is a critical moment for our movement and an important time to be in solidarity with our partners in Latin America. We hope that you will join us!

For more information about SOA Watch's Legislative campaign, visit www.SOAW.org/legislative

Human rights advocates given maximum federal prison sentences of six months for direct action opposing the School of the Americas (SOA/WHINSEC)

News release from SOA Watch, January 25th, 2010 [Posted here 1-29-10]

On Monday, January 25, 2010, U.S. Magistrate G. Mallon Faircloth sentenced three human rights advocates to six months in federal prison for carrying a protest against the School of the Americas onto the Fort Benning military base in Georgia. This school, re-named the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, is a controversial U.S. Army training school for Latin American soldiers.

Father Roy Bourgeois, a Roman Catholic priest and the founder of SOA Watch, the organization that works to close the School of the Americas said "Judge Faircloth has sentenced our sister and brothers to 6 months in federal prison for speaking the truth about the SOA/WHINSEC. We are saddened by the court's continued blindness and hardness of heart, but we are stronger than ever in solidarity. These sentences are symbolic of our nation's misdirection, but they are also great steps forward for our resistance movement. It is truer today, than ever before, that although they jail the resisters they have not, and cannot, jail the resistance!"

The "SOA 4" are:

	Nancy Gwin, long-time activist from Syracuse, New York - sentenced to six months in prison
	Father Louie Vitale, veteran and priest from Oakland, CA - sentenced to six months in prison
	Ken Hayes, SOA Watch Council member from Austin, TX - sentenced to six months in prison
	Michael Walli, a member of the Catholic Worker movement from Washington, DC refused to appear for the trial in Georgia. Walli had told the court during his November arraignment that he would not pay any bail and that he would not voluntarily return for the trial. "I walk out and it's goodbye" Walli told Judge Mallon Faircloth. Michael Walli made good on his promise and on Monday, Judge Mallon Faircloth issued a warrant for Michael Walli's arrest.

The "SOA 4" were among the tens of thousands who gathered on November 20-22, 2009 outside the gates of Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia to demand a change in U.S. policy in Latin America and the closure of the SOA/WHINSEC. The group peacefully crossed onto Fort Benning while thousands stood vigil at the gates of the base in memory of those killed by graduates of the institution.

The SOA/WHINSEC, a military training facility for Latin American security personnel, made headlines in 1996 when the Pentagon released training manuals used at the school that advocated torture, extortion and execution.

November 20-22, 2009 -
Converge on Fort Benning, Georgia
Mass Mobilization to Shut Down the School of the Americas (SOA/ WHINSEC)!

[7-28-09]

The military coup by SOA graduates in Honduras has once again exposed the destabilizing and deadly effects that the School of the Americas has on Latin America. The actions of the school's graduates are unmasking the Pentagon rhetoric and reveal the anti-democratic results of U.S. policies. It is time for a change towards justice.

From November 20-22, 2209, thousands will vigil at the gates of Fort Benning, Georgia, to stand up for justice, to shut down the School of the Americas and to end the oppressive U.S. foreign policy that the school represents.

The campaign to close the SOA is in a crucial phase right now. Despite promising comments from President Obama during his election campaign, the SOA/ WHINSEC is still in operation and the Pentagon is moving forward with plans for new U.S. military bases in Colombia. With a Democratic administration in the White House, it appears that some Democrats in Congress are becoming timid when it comes to opposing the Pentagon.

It is up to us to keep up the pressure and to hold them accountable. People power is going to win over Pentagon lobbying!

It is tremendously important that we have a strong showing at the gates of Fort Benning for the annual vigil and nonviolent direct action, in order to demonstrate that we won't go away until the SOA is shut down and the U.S. government has stopped turning to "military solutions" (or political-economic interventions) to enforce its oppressive foreign policy in Latin America. Too many people have suffered and died at the hands of SOA graduates.

You can take a stand for solidarity and justice now! Join hundreds of organizers around the country and start planning for the November vigil. Contact your local unions, universities, workers centers, social justice organizations and faith communities and ask them to re-commit to the struggle to close the School of the Americas.

Click here to forward this Call to Action to your family and friends.

To download the SOA Watch November organizing packet, for a travel guide and a hotel listing, as well as information about accessibility and information for people without U.S. citizenship and more, visit www.SOAW.org/november

Congress to Vote on Amendment to Force the SOA/ WHINSEC to Release the Names of Graduates and Instructors. [6-23-09]

[From SOA Watch]

Click here to send an email and fax to your Representative. Start calling Congress NOW!

SOA Watch has received confirmation that Congress will vote on an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act that would require that the School of the Americas/ WHINSEC to release the names, ranks, country of origin, courses and dates attended of students and instructors at the institute.

The amendment will be offered by Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA), Representative Joe Sestak (D-PA), Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA) and Representative John Lewis (D-GA) and we expect the vote to happen on Wednesday, June 24.

For the past few years, despite the WHINSEC PR machine proclaiming an open and transparent school, the WHINSEC has been unwilling to provide information about the students and instructors. The Pentagon secrecy took effect after research revealed that the SOA/ WHINSEC continues to train known human rights abusers, and that instructors have been involved in numerous crimes. Freedom of Information Act requests since FY 2005 have all been denied, proof of WHINSEC's unwillingness to submit to oversight from the public whose tax-payer dollars help fund the school.

Access to information regarding SOA/ WHINSEC graduates of previous years has been a valuable asset to human rights organizations who have been able to identify Latin American military officers and police that have committed human rights abuses or engaged in criminal activity in their home countries after attending the school as instructors or students.

SOA Watch supports the release of this important information at all U.S. military training facilities in the spirit of openness, transparency, and the public's "right to know." We see gaining access to the names of SOA/ WHINSEC graduates and instructors as a crucial step towards closing the SOA/ WHINSEC for good.

We expect a close vote and it is crucial for the success of this amendment that you contact your Representative TODAY and TOMORROW!

SEND AN EMAIL AND FAX TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVE NOW!

Be sure to click the "Send a Fax" box to have the fax sent.

CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE!!! -- TUESDAY, June 23 AND WEDNESDAY, June 24

Call the Congressional Switchboard at 202-224-3121 or toll free at 1-800-473-6711

Ask to speak with the military legislative assistant. Here is a suggested message for you to convey:

"Hello, My name is __________, and as your constituent, I urge you to vote YES on the McGovern-Sestak-Bishop (GA)-Lewis (GA) amendment to the National Defense Authorization bill.

The amendment would release the names, country of origin, rank and dates of attendance at WHINSEC for graduates and instructors. This amendment is supported by Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Congressman Ike Skelton.

As you may know the School of the Americas, renamed WHINSEC, has a notorious history linked to serious crimes and human rights abuses throughout Latin America. In the past few years under WHINSEC, known human rights abusers have attended the school and WHINSEC instructors have been arrested in Colombia for returning home and aiding the drug cartels. None of this information would be known if the basic information about enrollment at WHINSEC were not disclosed. This information is vital to the work of Congress and human rights organizations who seek protection of human rights and promoting transparency, however all FOIA requests for this information are now being denied.

What is WHINSEC hiding?! Voting YES on the McGovern-Sestak-Bishop (GA)-Lewis (GA) amendment is a vote FOR human rights and FOR transparency. I urge your boss to vote YES!!!

From School of the Americas Watch:

Legislation introduced in congress to suspend operations at the School of the Americas and to investigate its connection to human rights abuses in Latin America.
[5-29-09]

Contact your Representative Now!

New SOA/ WHINSEC Legislation Introduced in Congress!

On May 21st, 2009, Representative Jim McGovern introduced HR 2567 in the House of Representatives with 42 original cosponsors! This new legislation would suspend operations at the SOA/ WHINSEC and investigate the association of torture and human rights abuses associated with the school.

We need your help generating more cosponsors and support for HR 2567! Visit the Legislative Action Index on our website to learn more about how you can get involved and add your cosponsor as a supporter of this legislation. Use our Online Action to send an automatic email or fax to your Member of Congress or access our sample call script and the toll-free congressional switchboard phone number to make your views heard in Washington! You can also access the updated list of cosponsors at the bottom of the Legislative Action Index.

If you haven't already signed the petition to President Obama asking that he close the SOA/ WHINSEC by executive order, click here to sign the petition online!

For more information, please contact the Legislative Coordinator of SOA Watch, Pam Bowman at pbowman@soaw.org or 202-234-3440.

Click here to Send a Message to your Representative

U. S. House of Representatives acts to require release of information about School of the Americas [5-24-08]

Carol Wickersham of No2Torture tells it well:

Dear Friends,

We have not had many victories to celebrate, so we should take advantage of giving thanks to God for every one. Yesterday, the Congress voted to force the release of significant information regarding SOA/WHINSEC. For more details go to http://www.soaw.org/

It is obvious that fear and secrecy go hand in hand, and that together they fuel violence. Transparency is the first step in countering this potent mix. Jesus knew that as he unmasked the powers of his day. The only way to counter the lies of violence is with the truth. This is one step in the right direction.

So thanks to all of you who have steadfastly witnessed and prayed, even at significant cost to yourselves. I know yesterday's breakthrough will encourage us all to bolder love in the name of Jesus and our other tortured brothers and sisters.

pax,

Carol Wickersham

Call Congress Now! -
Vote on the SOA/WHINSEC This Week
[5-21-08]

SOA Watch has received confirmation that Congress will vote on an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2009 that would require that the School of the Americas/WHINSEC release the names, ranks, country of origin, courses and dates attended of students and instructors at the institute.

The amendment will be offered by Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA), Representative Joe Sestak (D-PA) and Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA) and we expect the vote to happen on Thursday, May 22.

For the past few years, despite the WHINSEC PR machine proclaiming an open and transparent school, the WHINSEC has been unwilling to provide information about the students and instructors. Freedom of Information Act requests for FY 2005, 2006 and 2007 have all been denied, proof of WHINSEC's unwillingness to submit to oversight from the public whose tax-payer dollars help fund the school.

Access to information regarding SOA/WHINSEC graduates of previous years has been a valuable asset to human rights organizations who have been able to identify Latin American military officers and police that have committed human rights abuses or engaged in criminal activity in their home countries after attending the school as instructors or students. SOA Watch supports the release of this important information at all U.S. military training facilities in the spirit of openness, transparency, and the public's "right to know".

It is crucial for the success of this amendment that you contact your Representative TODAY and TOMORROW!

SEND AN EMAIL AND FAX TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVE NOW!
(Be sure to click the "Send a Fax" box to have the fax sent)

CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE!

WEDNESDAY, May 21 - THURSDAY, May 22:
202-224-3121
(Congressional Switchboard Number)

Once your call is forwarded to the office of your Representative, ask to speak with the foreign affairs legislative assistant. Here is a suggested message for you to convey:

"Hello,
My name is __________, and as your constituent, I urge you to vote YES on the McGovern-Sestak-Bishop (GA) amendment to the National Defense Authorization Bill for Fiscal Year 2009. The amendment would release the names, country of origin, rank and dates of attendance at WHINSEC for graduates and instructors. This amendment is supported by Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Congressman Ike Skelton.

As you may know the School of the Americas, renamed WHINSEC, has a notorious history linked to serious crimes and human rights abuses throughout Latin America. In the past few years under WHINSEC, known human rights abusers have attended the school and WHINSEC instructors have been arrested in Colombia for returning home and aiding the drug cartels. None of this information would be known if the basic information about enrollment at WHINSEC were not disclosed. This information is vital to the work of Congress and human rights organizations who seek protection of human rights and promoting transparency, however all FOIA requests for this information are now being denied.

What is WHINSEC hiding?! Voting YES on the McGovern-Sestak-Bishop (GA) amendment is a vote FOR human rights and FOR transparency. I urge your boss to vote YES!!!"

SEND AN EMAIL AND FAX TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVE NOW!

For more information, visit the SOA Watch website and the Legislative Action Index.

Two prisoners of conscience begin serving sentences
[4-10-08]

Presbyterian Peace Fellowship sends this word on two prisoners of conscience, sentenced for their participation in the vigil against the School of the Americas at Fort Benning, Georgia, on November 18, 2007.

Our two Presbyterian prisoners of conscience reported to begin serving their sentences on April 3. LeAnne Clausen will be in a county jail for 30 days and Chris Lieberman was assigned to a federal prison for 60 days. I know that they would appreciate letters.

McHenry County Jail
LeAnne Clausen
2200 N. Seminary Avenue
Woodstock, IL 60098

Chris Lieberman #93645-020
FCI La Tuna
Federal Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 3000
Anthony, TX 88021

Eleven SOA protesters sentenced to prison [1-30-08]

News release from School of the Americas Watch, Jan. 28, 2008
“I crossed the line at WHINSEC and prayed on the grounds to bring attention to the teaching of torture and assassination. When enough people learn the truth about this school and act to end these practices, the healing can begin.”

– Diane Lopez-Hughes, one of the SOAW 11

The Eleven courageous souls who willingly put their freedom and bodies at risk to stand in witness against the SOA/WHINSEC during the November 2007 Vigil were sentenced on January 28 to federal prison on charges of “trespassing on a military base.”

The trial took place in a courthouse located just a few miles from Fort Benning, the current site of the SOA/WHINSEC. An institute known around the world for its ties to brutal dictatorships and human rights abuses, which continues to operate, unchallenged by our government but not by the people.

Two of the people headed to prison are Presbyterians: Le Anne Clausen, a seminary student in Chicago, and Chris Lieberman, a minister in Albuquerque.

The rest of this story >> And for more about the SOAW 11 >>

SOA grads implicated in Bogota bombings [1-24-08]

When many participants in the November vigil against the School of the America went onto the SOA base to hear a “briefing” for some of the leaders of the school, one of their main points was that “our graduates have never been proven to be involved in the actions they have been accused of.”

Here’s the latest from SOA Watch:

A director of Colombian military intelligence and another officer implicated in a series of false attacks and a bombing that killed a civilian and injured 19 soldiers in Bogotá in 2006, attended the US Army School of the Americas, an examination of records shows.

The Colombian Public Ministry is investigating Colonel Horacio Arbelaez, former director of the Army’s Joint Intelligence Center; Major Javier Efrén Hermida Benavides; and Captain Luis Eduardo Barrero for orchestrating placement of bombs in a Bogota shopping mall and other sites in July 2006, on the eve of President Uribe’s inauguration for his second term. At the time of the bombing and false attacks, they were attributed to guerrillas of the FARC. In most cases, the bombs were not detonated, but were denounced by the accused officers and deactivated to demonstrate the FARC threat and show military intelligence was doing its work.

More >>