Dawn Joyce recently launched her book of reflections: Imagining Peace at the Brisbane Quaker Meeting House.
Sometimes playful but always passionate, Imagining Peace offers a glimpse into the private world of a quirky systems reformer. The great-granddaughter of a social activist, Dawn Joyce invites us along as she challenges peace and justice issues at the personal, community and global level. We are introduced to a network of reformers who offer creative alternatives to a world in crisis.
This is written in response to The Afghan Files by Dan Oakes and Sam Clark published by the ABC. 11 July 2017.
Graeme Dunstan 12 July 2017
As at July 2017 Graeme Dunstan and others are protesting the US/Australian Alliance practicing for war at Talisman Saber, Shoalwater Bay near Rockhampton.
The Special Air Service Regiment deployed to Afghanistan in December 2001 and, along with other special forces units of other invading countries, it was made part if US Special Operations Command (SOCOM). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Special_Operations_Command
This meant that although the Australian SAS conducted operations as all-Australian units, it took its operational orders for SOCOM.
Neither the Australian Parliament nor the Australian people have had much information about what exactly the Australian SAS have been doing in Afghanistan, journalists and publishers are forbidden reporting on “operations matters” and what’s more the SAS is especially secretive. Continue reading “SAS absorbed toxic US military culture”
We are planning some peaceful responses to Talisman Saber 2017…. And hope you will join us! We know it is a hike up to Rocky so we are asking people to do something in their own region. Other than promotion and general solidarity/support our key ask is for you to take action on:
Seventeen people are currently occupying the Swan Island SAS training base in Victoria and have stopped operations including access to the base. Photos and updates of this action and others can be followed on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SwanIslandPeace and twitter #sipc13. For background information visit the Swan Island Peace Convergence website http://swanislandpeace.org
We can do change….Did you hear about the Aussie who struck an attack helicopter with a garden mattock so that it couldn’t kill more people? Have you heard about his friend who helped him in this action? Do you know about the ongoing US military activity in Australia and that people just like you are working to put a stop to US led wars and Aussie involvement in them?
Graeme Dunstan (the friend who helped) has amassed $164,000 in fines for “damaging” the helicopter. Others arrested opposing the Talisman Saber US-led war games in Queensland this year are still to face court.
We Can Do Change’ Community Peace Event will feature music from David Rovics – and Brisbane’s own revolutionary songwriters Andy Paine and Kimbeaux Dawson, comedy from Corey White… art, spoken word, good food drinks, chai and politics! Proceeds will go to support Talisman Saber arresteess…
If you are not in Brisbane, listen to David’s songs and join us from wherever you are in action to close the bases – stop military exercises and – end the wars!
https://peaceconvergence.wordpress.com/2013/08/21/david-rovics-dedicates-a-song-to-graeme-dunstan/
More info: With the United States preparing for a war on Syria it is a timely reminder to us all that peace is what is needed on the planet. A Community Peace Event is taking place in West End, headlined by American singer/songwriter and long time campaigner for peace, David Rovics. The event also features local musicians Kimbeaux Dawson and Andy Paine, with spoken word and poetry between acts.
Andy Paine was one of four people arrested in Rockhampton last month and is now facing charges alongside Jim Dowling, Robin Taubenfeld, and David Spriggs. Also arrested recently for trying to disrupt the Talisman Saber war games were Graeme Dunstan and Brisbane activist, Greg Rolles. These people were brave enough to stand up against the ongoing expansion of the US military presence in our region.
‘We Can Do Change’ is inspired by these people and people all over the world who are saying enough is enough. This event is a way of supporting our local peace activists by raising funds for their ongoing legal costs. A $10 entry charge is suggested.
For more information please contact Hugh Dickson on 0402 603 471 or email lewislama@hotmail.com. http://www.peaceconvergence.wordpress.com
Peace Convergence 