Yakima Valley Peace Advocates Network

YVPAN MInutes jnuary 11 2010 Present were Gene Michael Carole Larry Hal

MLK Day is next Monday.

Hal is working as a mediator and said that almost all mediation is around parenting issues.

Ken Zontek brought to YVCC a woman who runs shelters for women in Afghanistan. She was cheerful and wellspoken. Present were the two young Afghan women who were brought here to study at YVCC. The point was made that ALL women in Afghanistan need psychological help. Gene said that at the Veterans for Peace Convention a woman from Afghanistan said that our presence has made things worse. She was kicked out of Parliament.

Larry talked about the Spokane Peace and Justice group (pjals@pjals.net). As well as peace issues they are concerned with police oversight and progressive tax reform. he gets their emails. They are fast at reaching out. Larry will liason with them. Gene is in contact with a group in Spokane who are into labor organizing.

Larry reported on the gunshow. He had a camera which he was told he could not bring in. I did and was followed closely . He took a picture of a big pistol and was told to leave. There was unbelivable paranoia. It wasn't highly attended.

The Veterans for Peace National Meeting will be in Portland Maine. Gene said ther is a movement to have a meeting on each coast.

Larry wondered if we should go before the City Council about the mayoral crisis and about guns.

Gene says we have $140 in the Treasury.

We sign next on February 8 at 16th and Nob Hill from Noon to 1:00PM.

We meet again on February 8 2010.

YVPAN Minutes December 14 2009

The UN Declaration of Human Rights was read along with some poetry in the park at 10th and Summitview.

Michael was at a meeting in Seattle with his sister-in-law who is an immigration lawyer. There were about 40 people.

They heard speak a woman with 2 kids who was raped by a "coyote" while entering the country.

Two people from Iritrea traveled the world to get to Canada. Were arrested at the Canada-US border but got political asylum here.

The ICE detention facility in Tacoma was discussed. Inmates are allowed out 1 hour per week and were given nothing to eat but beans.

Re: the gun show, Larry and Riley went in. We will hear from them next month. Reporters were not allowed in.

We will sign this Sunday December 20 at 16th and Nob Hill from Noon to 1:00PM.

Gene brought DVD's for the library. they were "War Made Easy" and two copies of "Rethinking Afghanistan".

Michael said when Larry does the inventory of the library he will put it on the website.

Gene talked about possible outreach to Tri Cities who observe "Nagasaki Day" every year as World Citizens for Peace with JIm Stoffels.

We have made a connection to the Spokane group Peace and Justice Action League. He will tell us about the conversation.

Gene recommended the website "Real News".

Ed said that the Pentagon is studying the mass migration that could result from global warming.

Ann Goodman's article about population was mentioned.

We meet again January 11 2010 and sign on january 17.

YVPAN Minutes November 9 2009

Present were Ed Hal Gene Riley Michael Carole

The Principals Conference was discussed. We concluded that it was worthwhile. Several people thanked us for our effort.

The Tea Party was discussed. Larry and Riley were of about 10 people signing outside. Inside there was a film about the military with much flagwaving.

A pastor from Selaj spoke to many "amen"s. There were shouts of "throw out Proposition 71!".

We will move our regular Sunday signing on the 15th to Fair Avenue and Nob Hill. The gun show is at the Modern Living Building and we will protest the

gunshow loophole. Larry will do a press release. Larry and Riley will go inside and Larry will have a small camera.

Gene brought a book called Winter Soldier and a video called Rethink Afghanistan. Both are in our library.

Larry asked Michael if we can connect with others with our website. Michael says that we have a Facebook page.

The weekly U/U Bulletin will send out our info. He will call Rob Sherwood and ask to be on the mailing list.

YVCC wants to network with us. We should contact facebook person.

Should we sign in December and January?

Gene asked if we can put some of our resources on the website like the video Rethink Afghanistan.

Can we have an inventory of books and video.

Hal talked of domestic partnerships and how few here have contacts with them. Regarding the issue of defense of marriage, what about divorce?

He does mediation. Most cases are family issues like several marriages and children living with others.

We meet again on December 14.

Our scheduled signing date is December 20.

YVPAN Minutes October 12 2009

Carole will get Mike Dedrick of WaTir and Gene together to arrange housing during the Principals conference.

Ed said he would come by and Larry if he is not subbing.

The War Resister's League has published a pie graph showing that 51% of tax dollars goes to the Military. We discussed getting those pamphlets at 10c each or downloading it from the internet. Larry talked about the gunshow loophole and that there will be one at the Sundome on Nov 15. We should sign there. Riley was amazed to learn that there are no background checks at gunshows. At our next meeting we can discuss this further. Larry will get the hours and find out where the parking will be. Ed asked if we should be ther at opening. It will conflict with signing. Ed said he would be at 16th & Nob Hill in case there were newcomers.

Ed saw "Capitalism: A Love Story" in Seattle. Said it was wonderful. Mercy Theaters are hesitant about showing it.

Riley recommended the magazine "Ad Busters".

Gene brought some zucchini from his garden and said if you aren't given zucchini in the Fall you don't have any friends. He then enchanted us with a song about zucchini.

He brought a book called "Winter Soldier" inspired by the Vietnam Winter Soldier hearings about atrocities we have committed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Ed said suggested a sign saying "End Gunshow Loophole". Larry will make one.

Gene gave out more cards re: Israel occupation.

We learned that the idea of a Department of Peace is still alive and wants to use 2% of the military budget.

A New Patriots video from Gene to Ed and Ed put it on Pac TV

Riley said there will be a "Tea Party" at the Convention Center. The key speaker will speak against Prop 71. There will be three speakers. It is this Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30.

We meet again on November 9..

YVPAN Minutes September 14 2009

WATiR will have a table at the Washington State School Principal's Convention in Yakima. Marion Ward asked if we would help staff that table. It will be set up on Sunday October 18 and will be taken down on Monday afternoon. Carole emailed her that we can do this and Gene will host the person they send.

We will sign this Sunday the 20th Noon to I:))PM at Nob HIl and 16th.

We will need to get our library from St. Michael's to U/U.

Larry emailed us about closing the loophole at gun shows. We might sign at the next gun show scheduled for November 14-15.

Gene wondered if it might be antagonistic and have no benefit. Larry wants to get change in gun access in the city.

Michael was at an assembly dealing with young people's violence. Crime victims services were there and families who have lost people to gun violence.

Gene gave us a report of the Veteran's For Peace Convention.

We meet next on October 12 at U/U.

YVPAN Minutes August 10 2009

Present were Ed Michael Larry Carole

We sign this sunday at Nob Hill and 16th from 12 Noon to 1:00.

We discussed moving to U/U. Michael will speak to the managment. The time will be the same.

Michael said that the Jackrabbit News is now online and YVPAN now has a Facebook page.

Larry suggested that we take a stand to close the gun show loophole.

Michael suggested that we make a sign on this subject for our regular signing.

We wondered if the city government can regulate this. We could sign at gun shows. There are about three a year here.

We should force the country to register hand guns.

Ed wondered if we could have an ad in the Super Saver using an article in TIME showing how much more the US spends on

the military compared to other developed countries. Our high standard of living is part of the reason.

We meet again on September 14 at U/U upstairs.

YVPAN Minutes July 13 2009

Present were Carole Mike Gene Hal

We had a discussion on how it went at the Folklife Festival. The cocensus is that it was very worth doing and there were several thoughtful conversations with people who came by our table. The question often put was "What can I do?" We felt that our presence was important. [Ed's signs were a great visual]

Hal said that we had a free table for three years and handed out FF membership forms. Membership is $10 per year. He talked to Diane (organizer) and she said that she wanted input regarding the Franklin Park location. There is no possibility of charging admission and there can be no beer or wine because of the pool.

Cindy Sheehan will be giving a talk in Wenatchee on Monday the 27th at the U/U. Mike will put this on our website. Hal has a van which holds 6 people, first come first served.

Ed brought an article from WIN about the military industrial complex. It said that our military uses more fossil fuels than any other entity.

Hal suggested putting the Jackrabbit News on our website.

Gene will miss our next meeting because he will be at the national Veterans for Peace meeting.

We discussed moving our meetings to U/U.

Signing will be noon to 1PM at 16th and Nob Hill on July 16. Hal will get the Vets for Peace flag to Ed.

Next meeting will be August 10 at St. Michaels at 6:30PM.

YVPAN Minutes April 13 2009

Marion Ward asked if one of us could write a letter to use in the application for a grant. Carole said she would do this.

Signing next month will be on Sunday May 17 only at 16th and Nob Hill from Noon to 1PM.

We discussed ideas for signs and inviting other groups to join us.

Some ideas for signs were: No Afghan War pasting AFGHAN over IRAQ on exidting signs.

                                         Dispute Resolution

                                         Pray for Peace

                                         Stop Militarism

                                         Cut Military Budget

                                         WAR Who Dies Who Pays Who Profits

                                         What Part of Thou Shalt Not Kill Don't You Understand?

                                         Tired of Paying for War?

Michael will email two groups to join us next month.

Hal said that concerning forming a Veterans for Peace with Wenatchee he has had no reply.

He said he will email interested people there.

Our taspace at the Folklife Festival is all set.

We meet again on May 11 2009.

YVPAN Minutes 12/10/08

Present: Mary McDaniel Michael Gene Riley Larry Jim Hal

From WATiR: Marion Ward Molly Gibbs Todd Boyle

December 10 is the anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Jim will read from it as he has done for years and we will join him. We will meet at "Peace Park" at 2nd Street and Yakima Avenue at 5:30PM. Jim says that this park and Millenium Plaza belong to Allied Arts. He was once accosted by security personnel and they threateded to call the police if he did not leave. Carole will call Allied Arts and ask about this. Jim holds a peace vigil most every Saturday in "peace park" from 2:30 to 4:00 and we are welcome to join him.

Gene passed out a petition to close the School of the Americas.

WATiR representatives

Marion is a retired accountant with 2 children and 4 grandchildren and lives in Vancouver WA. Her Dad was a 4 star Admiral in the Navy and was a nuclear submarine commander. She was against the Vietnam War and supporter of women's reproductive rights and the environment.

WATiR is a 501(c)3 and meets 2 or 3 times a year and communicate by email and conference call. It was founded in 2004. It has 9 people on it's board. They have received a small grant.

Todd has kids 13 and 21 years old.

Molly is from Olympia She said that a group in Shelton did road signs like the Burma Shave signs saying :

Prom Graduation Enlistment Iraq Body Bag What Will You Do?

She has been in Mental Health and knows what war does to people sucked into fighting. A friend did a film "Voices in Wartime".

We told about ourselves:

Hal was in the Military and the Peace Corps. He is retired and works with Score.

Jim is a Vietnam vet.

Larrry was in the Air Force and loved it but is anti- recruitment. He joined the first march in 2002 with 300 people.

Mike is with YVPAN.

Riley is a student at Davis and protests on his unicycle.

Carole has been anti war since opposing the Vietnam War in 1963.

Mary has always supported peace and has grandchildren.

Gene is a WWII vet in the navy. He is editor of the Jackrabbit News which supports peace and the environment.

WATiR then gave their presentation. Summary will follow, with a list of their printed material which will be in our library.

WATiR

We saw a picture of a recruiting table in a school.

The recruiting van had many ways of approaching kids.

Four billion dallars are spent every year on recruiting.

Among the unethical tactics are bait and switch and pandering to fears.

We need wholesale systematic thinking.

How can we change the whole school?

Recruiters should not have unllimited access to schools.

Molly said that there is one career day a year in High Schools with collages, employers and recruiters.

At a school in Olympia students must ask to see a recruiter and a counselor is present.

Schools are for education and are not responsible for national defence. After all, we don't teach religion in the Public Schools.

Outside agents come in and they are not educators. There is no oversight.

Students are under-age minors and by definition they can lack judgement and maturity.

Omitted are the true facts about war. There is no protection by way of truth in advertising.

Larry said that they exploit hardship, confusion, problem upbringing. In the last 3 years most recruits were from rural areas. In urban areas as much as 50% opt out. Race and class are targeted.

Get ROTC out of schools. If a Concientious Objector, must keep record of objection so when draftad can succeed.

Larry said ther is a stigma attached to Concientious Objection

Google GI Rights Hotline so when in the military can get out.

Molly saw Lt. Watada at the opening of the GI Coffee House. It is just outside Fort Lewis and is owned and run by veterans.

We must notify parents that students can opt out.

Recruiters should have the same access to students as colleges and employers.

We need to get this out and visible.

We must have hand-over dates for opt-out forms and and we must hold the recruiters to them.

We must change these requirements.Even if one opts out there is no guarantee of privacy.

The Armed Forces ASBAB test is not a vocational test but is mandatory in most schools.

Schools do not have to pass them on.

Marion talked about strategy:

Get parents involved.

Form Peace Clubs and Amnesty International groups.

Involve the counselor.

Kids talking to kids is the best but kids graduate.

Go to the PTA State Meeting.

Put books in libraries. They will take almost anything.

It doesn't cost a lot to copy off literture.

Lood for free literature. We are up against a $4 billion budget.

Career counselors have rules and must be objective especially when they sit in on recruiting.

Our next meeting is January 12 2009. We are not signing this month.

YVPAN 11/10/2008

Concerning our meetings with Pax Christi: Ernie sent emails to 27 members of Pax Christi. He got 8 responses. The concensus was that they want to go back to meeting on their own. When we have big projects they can get together with YVPAN and Vets for Peace. Ernie said that if we want to continue meeting at the same time there is another room in the church. They feel that they have lost the format and traditions of Pax Christi. It is a national and international organization with form and traditions around prayer.

We will be signing Saturday November 15 at 40th and Summitview from 2:30PM to 4:00PM and on Sunday November 16 at 16th and Nob Hill from Noon to 1:00PM. Michael suggested that we suspend signing for a few months to see what the new Administration will bring. We agreed to not sign in December, January and February. Jim Leonard will be at his spot at "Peace Park" at 2nd and Yakima.

December 10 is Human Rights Day. We will meet in Peace Park to read the UN Declaration of Human Rights.

Concerning the ongoing situation with ICE, Ernie said that at first they went for felons and deported them, now go after everybody. Hospitals are refusing to care for the critically ill and are deporting them. Gene pointed out that the Yakima Herald-Republic is very conservative on this issue and would print mean letters. The North West Immigrant Rights Project presentation was mentioned. Ernie talked about his adopted son in Mexico. Larry knows those who give their most to the agrcultural industry are fine hardworking people.

Ed and Carole told about leafletting La Salle and getting positive responses from the students and from Brother James, the Principal. We had a good response leaflettng Davis and even a pleasant exchange with a recruitment officer.

We will be leafletting Ike next week. We thought we should alert the media so Ed will email a statement to Michael and he will get it to Larry.

We now have 8 vets wanting to form a Vets for Peace chapter. We need 10. Paul George indicated that he was interested.

Carole told of an email from Tom Brookhart concerning our connecting with Marion Ward in Vancouver. She had been in the Seattle Vets for Peace chapter and now lives in Vancouver WA and is President of WATiR, Washington Truth in Recruiting. Tom directed her to us saying that we would really like what she has to say.

Ken Zontak says that there are 2 Afghan women students at YVCC. Visas were difficult to get but they managed. It was suggested that a presentation by them could be a good occasion for a joint meeting of YVPAN and Pax Christi.

Gene passed out copies of a very moving photograph and story of a returned wounded vet.

We meet again on Monday December 8.

YVPAN/Pax Christi October 13 2008

Signing this month will be on October 18 at 1st and Yakima and October 19 at 16th and Nob Hill. Regarding leafletting of high schools: Becky Sholl will be a liason between the school district and the public. Ed will call the Principals ahead of time. The $109 for the brochures was picked up by the Jackrabbit. Stickers identifying us are on the brochures. We plan to do La Salle and Riverside. Riley cautioned that La Salle will be hard. We will be at the stop sign on Goodman Road on Monday the 20th. Michael suggested that we have a sign saying "Do You Know Enough to Enlist?". Riley said it would be good to get into the courtyard. Michael will email the location date and time. We discussed trying to have brochures as the military does inside the schools without threatening loss of NCLB funds. We would need approval to have someone inside.

Larry put out the question of whether we have offended Pax Christi since none of them were here. Ernie said that last January there were only Ernie, Dottie and Larry present. He said tht Pax Christi ebs and flows. People are busy. We could never have pulled off Arlington NW with out them. People are working on immigration and other things. Ernie pointed out that YVPAN was an outgrowth of Pax Christi. Larry said there were 300 people at hat march before the war and when the war started anyway we felt defeated. Let's not agonize.

Larry brought up going to the recruiters. Carole said she would go with someone. Katie thought this would antagonize them. Katie said that she went to private schools and there were no recuriters. Larry wondered if we could ask other groups how they are doing this and maybe get tips, perhaps from The Friends. Riley asked for some flyers. He said he had made a peace flag. Carole asked Larry if he had been working of a mission statement. He didn't realize that we had three already. He will take them home to read. he read a prologue he had written and concluded that it sounded like a sermon.

Ernie brought up the subject of immigration and awareness of the Public Detention Center, opened four years ago to house people awaiting deportation. This is being run by a private contractor and costs $95 per day per individual. They did not know if they willl be deported. Ernie said a member of his parish was held and then out on bail. He was married to a US citizen and that citizenship is no longer "automatic". He must leave the country and petition to come back. Their adopted son left the country voluntarily and told not to return for 10 years.

Ed said that population will be moving. We will have an explosion of population and must find a way to stop this as soon as possible. He sees the connection between immigration and population. He says if we are to talk about saving the species we must talk about populatioan control. Ernie said his famiily came as economic refugees. Ernie describe the conditions for those detained.

We were told about stickerjunkie.com. They cost $25 for 100.

Ernie had three articles about immigration we could take.

Our next meeting will be November 10.

September 8 2008 YVPAN/Pax Christi Minutes

Present: Larry Hal Ed Roy Barbara Ernie Dottie Riley Carole Gene Leni

Larry said he hopes the new President can overcome the damage from the present one.

Ernie said that the Free Speech Network showed things not gettinf into the mainstream press. Vets for Peace mad a powerful statement.

Gene was at the Veterans for Peace National Conference in Minneapolis. It ran for four days just before the Republican convention in St. Paul. Among the guests were: A Priest leading a drive against the School of the Americas. He became a

                                                        Priest after seeing the situation in Central America.

                                                       .

                                                        Scott Ritter who was the UN Chief Inspector looking for WMD and reported none.

                                                        Jeremy Scahill who wrote a book about Blackwater.

Also present were the War Resister's League and Iraq Vet Against the War.

The last day he got a glimpse of Ann Goodman.

There were workshops on Iraq mercenaries, Israel and Palestine, coalition agents and military sexual assalt, Col. Ann Right re: Afghanistan saying that it isn't a "good war" and may never be conquorable, cluster bombs and land mines (Barb sais that Lebanon stopped clearing landmines put there by Israel because of the cost)

There was a peace march Sunday and Monday during the Convention.

Ernie said that Amy Goodman after released went to policd to get co workers relaeased. They are all subject to felony charges.

Larry said there were 10,000 people taking part in the peace protest.

Larry brought up the subject of, as we are opposed to war and recruitment for war, how do we feel about capital punishment?

Riley said that a pedopile/murderer violates peace.

Larry said that execution costs more than life imprisonment.

Ernie said that if we believe that life is sacred we are playing God when we take the life of a killer and put ourselves in the same category. Life without parole is no problem. WA law says that to get on a jury one must agree to the potential for execution. Larry said that meant loading the jury.

Hal said that DNA has proven that mistakes have been made. There have been 152 executions in Texas. Do they have more bad people than other states?

Roy said there are some people who do not want to take revenge. That is a laudable goal.

Ernie mentioned the Amish school killing. The press couldn't understand their forgiveness.

Barbara brought up "Living Next to the House of Death" near where executions take place. Interviewed was the prison system from both sides.

Gene said that almost all developed countries have eliminated capitol punishment.

Larry said it is a terrible thing and quoted Desmond Tutu. Eye for and eye toth for a tooth leaves everyone blind and toothless.

Larry asked if capitol punishment is the same as dropping a bomb?

Leni said we train to kill in the military.

Roy wondered what percentage of those deployed are on medication.

Leni said that the local medical school is training Doctors in psych for the military.

Larry asked if the execution of the Green River killer would be revenge or elimination. He asked if we have a mission statement?

Barbara said that Pax Christi has one.

Leni said that the Friends have one.

Larry said we have the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He said he's like to write one.

Leni asked how we can make a judgement. In Rwanda there were two groups with a long history of genocide. We couldnt hold everyone "accountable".

Larry talked about his letter to the school board. Carole told of going before the Selah School Board. Riley said that if the recruiters are there why can't we be there.

Ernie talked about the new interfaith sanctuary movement online titled "For You Were Once a Stranger". Also "Christians at the Border", an historical review of immigtation with Biblical references to hospitality.

Dottie talked about a woman worker in agriculture then hotel business who had two children born here. They were taken away. They saw her in Mexico and heard her side, telling about her experience in detention. She said what they need are phone cards. Cannot bring them food. They were deported handcuffed and shackled on an airplane with no speaking allowed. In El Paso they were put on a bus and left off in Juarez with nothing. Larry said that children come home from school and don't know what happened. No letter left for them. Dottie said that US citizen kids who are sent back have a horrible time. Roy met someone in detention and says most are innocent but become bitter. Larry said as a teacher he has seen that 25% are Hispanic and are good students. He says that Anglo and Hispanic students get along beautifully.

Leni got an email from a woman who works for the Center for Development in Central America. She is Quaker working in Nicaragua and travels aroun the US to talk about it. She could come here October 2 or 3 and do a power point talk and bring handicrafts. Ernie said she can have the AA room. Larry will send out a press release.

Hal talked about friends back from Romania who were there when during the Russia/Georgia conflict. Older people remember the Soviet era. They are now "less prosperous than Cuba". There was much goodwill toward the Americans "except we don't like your government".

We will be signing September 20 and 21.

We meet again on October 13.



July 14 2008 YVPAN Minutes Pax Christi not present

At the Folklife Festival we had at our Veterans for Peace table visitors from the Tacoma and Wenatchee Vets for Peace chapters. We sold several copies of "Addicted to War". We handed out several copies of the "Jackrabbit" and had several people sign up for email.

Signing this month will be at 1st and Yakima on saturday and 16th and Nob Hill on sunday.

We talked about the immigrant "disappearances" and the existence of detention centers. Michael suggested that our street corner signing should inform and witness for human rights.

Jim suggested a sign saying "No One is Illegal". Gene talked about the breaking up of immigrant families. Jim passed around articles about refugee and immigrant hardships.

Tony worried about the Obama idea that the Afghan war is "righteous". Gene said that Obama wants to beef up troops in Afghanistan. Hal hopes that is a "ploy".

Concerning the leafletting of schools and meeting with the school boards: Jim went before a board a long time ago, maybe 15 years ago.

Issues to take before the school boards are: Getting a place on campus to leaflet.

Placing materials in schools

Being present when recruiters are present

Hal suggested writing a proposal presenting alternatives to military service and having the presence of several of us.

Carole said she would be in touch with Ken Lewis to get dates of school board meetings.

Dale wondered if we now may have enough vets to form a Vets for Peace chapter here and asked if we should sponsor the Seattle Peace Choir.

Gene will be going to the national convention in Minneapolis.

It was suggested that we talk to Steve Gaulke about the homeless vets in Yakima.

The VFW and the American Legion should have lists of vets in our area.

Gene talked about the New Yorker Cover with the Obamas dressed as Arabs meant as satire but taken seriously. Rolling Stone had a beautiful cover and article.

Dale brought up the subject of Cl. Bob Bowman who was involved with Star Wars and resigned.

Gene said Richard Eastman came to see him and talked about the Colonel.

Michael said the Colonel talks about a 9/11 conspiracy. He is a Ron Paul supporter and anti Israel.

Richard Eastman arrived and discussed at length the theory and asked if we would help sponsor the Colonel's talk later in the month.

We made it clear that the issue is far from those on our agenda.

YVPAN/Pax Christi June 9 2008

We will be signing on the 21st at First and Yakima and on the 22nd at 16th and Nob Hhill.

We will have a Veterans for Peace table at the Folklife Festival July 11-12 from 10AM to 5PM. We will have Vets for Peace material and an Arlington NW display.

We will meet on the 14th of July without Pax Christi (who don't meet iin the summer). Carole will get the key to the church from Ernie. We plan to continue to meet thru the summer.

Dr. Gottlieb gave us some books about the Bahai proposal for world peace. They were added to our library.

Larry suggested "No more war forever" as our motto. We discussed having it translated into Latin, Arabic, German, Tagalog and Spanish and perhaps more languages.

Ed and Carole leafletted Naches High School with great success. We decided to wait until Fall and go thru the school boards to get access to the campuses and leave material in the schools.

Shelly wondered how we can reach more women. She sugeested having a 'My Space" page. She can get graphics from our web site.

We talked about David Weyeneth and his getting a study group together.

Ernie noted that Father Chuck and the Simms were not present, but asking if YVPAN and Pax Chrieti still wanted to meet together and we voted yes.

He also aske about the tratment of immigrants and what we can do about it. People are disappearing from our community. There is talk of a detention center here.The Tacoma Detention Center is run by a big corporation and they are making big bucks. In the town of Pacific police took people of color without documents. One was a legal resident and law student. They locked him up and impounded his car. They usually pick on laborers. They break up families and leave children abandoned. Can they deport them all? There aren't enough trains. Hal said the raids are publicity stunts. Larry asked how as a group do we feel about punishing the companies who employ them. Ernie called it modern day slavery. Northwest Justice is a place they can go for help to see that the documented and undocumented are treated fairly.

We meet again July 14 at 7PM without Pax Christi.

YVPAN/Pax Christi Minutes 5/12/2005

Arlington Northwest: $268 was taken in. We have $60.

Next time Michael suggested we have better sinage facing the museum, more US flags and more publicity.

We had great volunteer turnout. Volunteers came from many different viewpoints.

Jim said that people brought their own stories of combat.

We should have identified the markers of local soldiers more clearly.

Ed is leafletting the high schools. He will meet others at Bi Mart at 1:30PM to car pool to Natches High School. The next week it will be East Valley then quit for the school year. Becky Shoel (sp) will get back to Ed regarding getting equal time as regarding the recruiters.

We will be signing at 40th and Summitview on Saturday May 17 2:30 to 4:00 and Noon to 1PM surnday May 18.

Concerning the Phillipine War Statue: Washington Mutual has a Alex Deccio fund for repair of the 1902 commemorative statue. Gene suggested reading Howard Zinn's book "a people's History of the United States". The war was brutal.for the Phillipinos.

Pride Fest will be on JUne 14. Carole did it last year but will be out of town this year. She knows someone who may want to do it.

At the Folklife Festival next month Hal will once again have a Veterans for Peace table.

Dr. Ken Zontec, a history professor at YVCC, did a very moving and encouraging presentation of his year in Afghanisan, establishing women's shelters.

We meet next month on June 9.

YVPAN/Pax Christi Minutes April 14 2008

Larry introduced a young man, Riley Forster, his neighbor. He is one of the unicycle riders who join us in our marches.

Ernie talked abut the movie "Under the Same Moon" which is out now. He passed around a review from the newspaper. It is about a Mexican boy making his way to his mother in Los Angeles.

Gene told us that the movie "Taxi to the Dark Side" is coming to Yakima on Friday. It is the story of an Afgan citizen who dies in US custody after being tortured and beaten. It won the Academy Award for best documentary.

Signing will be the 19th and 20th, Saturday at 1st and Yakima and Sunday at 16th and Nob Hill.

We will be meeting next Monday to prepare for Arlington Northwest.

Carolyn from Move On.org spoke to us about our joining them as a Council. She said that MoveOn started during the Lewinsky afffair. A software entrepenure in the Bay Area got 3000 signatures and stopped the impeachment. Now there are 6.2 million members. Carolyn has the Southern WA area.

Their three main issues are the war, healthcare and the environment.

She said that many are unhappy about their endorsement of Obama. She said that they sent out 30,000 polls and 70% were for Obama and 29% for Clinton. It was overwhelming so they had to endorse him.

She said that they sponsored 17 events last year. When an event is planned there needs to be a coordinator.

Larry is the coordinator. There needs to be one person to contact the media. Larry can do this and send group emails in place of phonecalls. MoveOn can supply names of local people to call about a MOveOn event. We will need to form a telephone tree so that 10 people can call 10 people each. Larry has 30 names so we will need to find 3 people to call 10 each. There are fulltime writhers doing material which can be given to the media. Larry will be Council Coordinator and will need Council Corps members. Maybe Lyle and Tony? Our picketing Doc Hasting's offce was one of these MoveOn events. On the 24th of April they are holding events which tie the recession to the war. Want to get actions around the country on the same day and time. In Vancouver, seattle, Bellington and Tacoma paperwork is taken to Senators' offices. Larry said tht we don't have Senators' offices but we do have a Court House. We want to deliver papers linking the war to our financial problems.

Jim wil do his vigil at the Post Office on tax day from 10:00AM till about 7:00PM. Carole will bring some signs.

Ed will continue to leaflet High Schools. A Seattle conference of about 14 people have been taking out full page ads in school papers. We could do so in the Thrifty Nickel. We know that 30% of women in the service are raped, often gang raped. How can we claim our right to reach those considering enlisting. Michael said that we have anicer Opt-Out form..

Our next regular meeting will be May 12. Ken Zontek will talk about his efforts to create women's shelters in Afghanistan.

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YVPAN/Pax Christi Minutes March 10 2008

Present : Ernie Dottie Ed Larry Tony Michael Dale Gene R Marilyn Jim Kim

Arlington NW will take place April 26 &27. We have a permit from Parks and Recreation. The Vets for Peace people form Seattle will come here on Friday. We have from 7:00 AM to start setup. It takes an hour or two. We can be there untill 10:00 PM but will start the takedown at 6:00 PM. Hal has volunteered to stay overnight. Will look at having the restrooms open or getting a key. There will be an $8 fee. Michael said that the middle school group at U/U can help. We can have tables. Larry will notify the media including YPAC. It would be good to have a conversaation with Adriana Janovich of the H R-P. Carole said she would write a letter to the editor prior to event saying it is a Vets for Peace event. Michael asked if they will bring flyers. We don't know. We have a list of local families who have lost members and Hal will contact them. Carole said she would go before the City Council to let them know what we are doing. We wonder what to do about awareness of the Iraqi dead. A show of civilian shoes? Michael suggested a poster with the estimated numbers. Dottie said they have a "Face of War" poster and they will bring it. Hal said any questions could be emailed to him and he will direct them to ANW. Larry asked if there should be a religious presence there. Perhaps benediction by Father Eckert. Perhaps an Islamic cleric? Richard Gaulke sees them regularly. Dottie said that when YVPAN formed there was an attempt to connect with the Islamic House. There is an Imam in the TriCities.

Michael said there is to be a Department of Peace Conference. It will be in Portland-Vancouver on April11-13. There will be some very interesting speakers. See Michael's email for details.

Concerning the "Do You know Enough to Enlist?" leafletting, Ed has met with counselors at Davis and Eisenhower and was welcomed. He left about 40 flyers at each school. They didn't have the "Opt Out" form but the rest of the flyers will have them inside. Roy Simms took two to work to give to co-workers. They each brought them home and both had kids change their minds. As for having some in Spanish, we feel we have limited funds.

Larry will coordinate our connecting with MoveOn.org

We will have a Candelight vigil at Millenium Plaza on March 19 to mark the 5th year of war. It will start at 6:45. Larry will notify the media.

Gene brought up the subject of the School of the Americas (which has changed their name but not their tactics). This is where we have trained members of Latin American countries to carry out the worst of atrocities. Every year a group convenes at Fort Benning GA to try to close it down. A group from the "South American Watch" is in South America to convince the governments to pull their people out. Gene gave us contribution forms and envelopes so we can donate to them.

The Folklife Festival will be July 11-13. We will be able to be there again under Veterans for Peace. Carole will be one of those to man the table.

Jim told us about a show at the Larson Gallery of photographs by Ken Zontek, and Afgan vet who set up a woman's center there. He says the show is very moving. It will be their until March 19. Dottie says that he is a colleague at YVCC and could speak to us. We said yes, in May.

Ernie said that on the Common Dreams website one can get buttons with Iraqi children's faces (St. Michael"s has distributed many) and buttons that say "I have family in Iraq".

Larry brought up the subject of our new President. How can we keep the new President from inheriting the same problems. How can we take apart the franchise? Tony said we must get on Congress' back.

We then watched a wonderful video of an American group, The Fellowship of Reconcilliation, visiting Iran.

Marilyn suggested that we invite the media to one of our meetings. Hal said maybe if we have a speaker.

We will be signing on Saturday March 15 at Ist Street and Washington and on Sunday March 16 at 16th and Nob Hill.

We meet again here on April 14.

Pax Christie/YVPAN Meeting February 11, 2008

Present were: Barbara Alice Ray Marilyn Gene R. Nancy Tony Ed Carole Ernie Dottie Michael Jack Gene M.

Ernie told us about "Marcha Grande" from San Diego to Brownsville to call attention to all who had died trying to cross the Mexican border. There were crosses on the fence at Tijuana.

Next discussed was the Tacoma Detention Center and the 1000-1200 people held there waiting for hearings with Immigration. There is a monthly vigil and food brought for the families of the detained by St. Matthews in Auburn. One woman tried three times to see an inmate whom she had the right to see and waited without result for hours. A caravan is coming from Blaine and will stay at St. Michael's. They are about 15 people protesting the deportation of Alvira who took sanctuary in Chicago and was deported. They will then head to Boise and then to Salt Lake City and on to Las Vegas and San Diego. Their focus this time is voter registration. Marilyn passed around mail-in voter registration forms.

Michael told us that we have a park permit for April 25-26 for Franklin Park to put up Arlington NW. We will need volunteers, about 20, to put it up and take it down. Hal has obtained the names of the Yakima County GI deaths. Perhaps we can do something specific with these names.

Ed said that the NFSC leaflet "Do You Know Enough To Enlist?" leaflets arrived today. We have 500 of them. He also said they've done a 15 minute DVD which is rather good. Ed put it on PAC. It can also be gotten at the library. Roy asked if we can have a table. Ed said he would check on this. Tony asked if he could have some for his son's classes at YVCC. To set up a table at YVCC one needs to go thru a campus group. Ed has also an "opt out" form. It needs to be submitted at the beginning of the school year. It protects a student's information from procurement by the recruiters. Ed asked for volunteers to hand out the fliers. A book is coming out soon showing alternative forms of service to mark the 47th anniversary of the Peace Corps. There will be a booth at the Job Fair at the Convention Center.

Marilyn brought up the Death with Dignity motion and says there are signatures needed to get it on the ballot.

Ernie said there are about 100 people a week coming to St. Michaels for AA meetings who can be presented with voter registration.

We watched a video of Bill Moyer's Journal in which he interviewed Reverend Samuel Rodriguez, who is the head of the organization of Hispanic Evangelicals. This contains 18,000 churces as members. He said that the Latino vote will decide who is President.

There was a discussion of the brown/black division in the country and it's role in the division at the South East Community Center.

We will be signing Saturday the 19th from 2:30 to 4:00 at 40th and Summitview and Sunday the 20th from 12N to 1:00 at Nob Hill Blvd and 16th.

We agreed that we want to continue to meet together and our next meeting will be March 10 at 7:00PM at St. Michaels.

0

YVPAN/Pax Christi Meeting January 14, 2008

Present were: Reverend Ernie Harrelson, Dottie Harrelson, Chuck Schmitz , Barbara Simms, Roy Simms, Kim Kovelic(sp), Ed Patton, Hal Frantz, Charlotte Johnson, Dale Johnson, Gene Rupel, Larry Breer, Michael Collins, Mike ---, Tony Landreau, Marilyn Telez(sp).

Pax Christi was founded in Yakima in 2001. One year later YVPAN was formed. It was suggested that we get together. This is our first joint meeting.

The Martin Luther King Jr. observation was discussed. The speaker is to be Colonel Clark Magriff hosted by Stone Church. He is a Miltary Chaplain. Rosalinda Guillen(sp) out of Bellingham will be here. She was an organizer of the Chateau St. Michelle strike in the 1990's. It was questioned who selected a Military Chaplain. The service seems to have been co-opted by fundamentalists. Last year it was ordered: "No anti war signs in the MLK March". "We carried them anyway". The commitee sems to be made up of three different ministerial associations. Ernie said that it seemed to him that the "non war" decree did not come from the committee. The march details will be in the newspaper before the 21st.

The NW Detention Center is holding people awaiting deportation hearings. There is a vigil being held there. St.Matthews in Auburn is aiding detainees and families. They are providing legal assistance and food for visiting families. This has all been kept quiet. Rumors are that there would be one here out on Ahtahnum Road They are waiting for the rundups to start.

Carole presented three projects planned by YVPAN:

We continue our signing, this month Saturday January 19 at 1st Street and Yakima Avenue from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM and on Sunday at 16th and Nob Hill from 12 N to 1:00 PM.

Thru Veterans for Peace we will doing "Arlington Northwest". It is more than 3000 grave markers which we will set up in Franklin Park April 26th and Take down the 27th. Someone will stay ther overnight to guard agains vandalism. We will also have a table with brochures and invite people to talk and personalize the event. It will be done with dignity and respect and will not be "protest"but a memorial. We will need about 20 volunteers. Michael suggested church youth groups. Larry wondered if we can find those who hav lost family members. hal said that this can be found on the internet. He will follow up on this. Kim suggested that we could put names on the monuments. We should contact the families of those who have lost members. Michael pointed out that the markers are not crosses. Gene has seen this and says it is very impressive. Dottie remarked it is "against the law" to show coffins of our GI's. Dale saw the American Friends Service Committee's Empty Boots in Seattle. Roy said that people brought shoes to represent the Iraqui dead and they were more impressive than the boots.

Regarding the pamphleting of high schools, Ed got permission from the school district to do this at Eisenhower and Davis. We must not do it on the school campus. Larry remarked that the recruiters can drive a humvee blasting rock music onto campus. Michael asked Ed to let us all know when we are ready to do this. We will be using the AFSC pamphlet: "Do You Know Enough to Enlist?". We can download it for free. Ed asked if the color brochure was better and Dottie said "absolutely!". Gene said that we have some money left and we passed the hat. They cost 15 cents each. We totaled about $100. Ed said we can find out when the recruiters are there. Marilyn asked about YVCC and Tony said we would need a YVCC comittee to do this on campus. We thought Jason (YVCC philosophy teacher) might help. Larry said that schools must let recruiters in or they will lose federal funds. Dottie pointed out that students can opt out of this recruiting effort but most people don't know that. We cn also get the pamphlet in Spanish. Larry is a substitute teacher and says that 45% of the students are Hispanic and that 10% at least are not functioning English speakers. Most Hispanics however are very literate. Kim said we should definitely be ther when the recruiters are there. She also said that the "aptitude test" required for enlistment is very easy.

Gene brought several copies of "Addicted to War", a history of our military engagements, to sell at $3.00. Several were bought by those present.

It was brought up the possible join up with MoveOn.org. Larry sid we should keep our own name and identity. We were reminded that we want to create a chapter of Veterans for Peace.

We will meet again here on February 11 at 7:00 PM.

We decided to join our libraries and Dale said he would bring it here.

YVPAN Minutes December 11 2007

Present were: Carole, Michael, Hal, Dale, Jason, Ed, Gene, Larry.

Dale asked Michael if he could get the film "The Ground Truth" on Netflix. Dale has rented and recommends "No End In Sight".

Several of us joined Jim at the "Peace Park" to read the UN Declaration of Human Rights yesterday evening.

Hal spoke to Pax Christi and had the impression they would help us with Arlington Northwest. There were about 12 people present.

He spoke to Tom Burkhart who said we can pick a date in April and they will help us set up Saturday AM and take down Sunday PM. It was noted that spring break is the first weekend of the month. Once we settle on a date Hal will send the form to Parks and Recreation. After January 8th we can talk to councilmembers. It was suggested that we talk to Dave Edler and Kathy Coffee. Michael will talk to the U/U Youth Group.

Larry was at Pax Christi and saw a DVD about the Palestinians and the Israelis. He suggested to Ernie Harrelson that we might combine our meetings. He said that they have a beautiful meeting room. We agreed to meeting together on thier meeting day which is the 2nd Monday of the month from 7PM to 8:30 PM. If necessary YVPAN could meet the following day.

On December 13 we will protest in front of Doc Hasting's office and present a petition against the war. Michael will bring signs and we will meet at 1:00 PM.

Regarding military recruitment in high schools, the AFSC brochure "Do You Know Enough to Enlist?" can be made by Hal in black and white. It was noted that kids are walking out of school in Tuckwilla to protest recruitment. Ed asked the question: Should we have a draft? The West Valley swim team was asked this and had mixed response. We would like to do leafletting at the schools when recruitment is going on and we should find when this will be. We agreed to check with the school district, tell them what we want to do and find out what the rules are. Hal urged us to do this as a group so as to get more attention. I will bring copies of the recruitment flyer "Dare to Compare". Larry said he will not participate because he is a teacher. We will make more specific plans at our next meeting. If we want to poster the campus we must get it stamped and give a copy to te Principal. Should we ask the recruiter's office? There is one in Union Gap on the second floor. Dale said we should "just lie" about our motives. Ed will talk to the school district about regulations. Dale asked about YVCC and Jason said yes there are recruiters on campus.

Signing this month will be: Saturday 2:30 - 4:00 at 1st street and Yakima Avenue

Sunday 12N - 1:00 at 16th and Nob Hill

Michael will update and print out "Are You a Peace Advocate?"

Our next meeting as noted will be with Pax Christi on January 14th at 7:00PM at St. Michael's Episcopal Church.

YVPAN Minutes November 13 2007

Present were: Larry

Michael

Gene

Jason

Dan

Ed

Carole

Jim

Hal spoke to Pax Christi at their last meeting. There were about eight people there. He talked about wanting to form a chapter of Veterans for Peace and wanting to get Arlington NW here, likely in April. He showed the DVD of Arlington NW. The group was slightly younger than YVPAN. Two combat vets talked about their experiences. One Marine in 1964-1966 was on Okinawa and then sent to a listening post in DaNang before our invasion. Hal brought the AFSC pamphlet "Do You Know Enough to Enlist?".

Gene was in Seattle for the big protest. He said it was a nice day and all were in good spirits. Ther were good talks, costumes and signs. There was no hostility toward the protesters.

Gene is providing temporary housing for an Iraqi family of three. Dr. Mohammad and his wife and one and a half year old son left Iraq and first stopped in Jordan. He had been working in an American clinic, and so was endangered. He is waiting for the opportunity to practice here as an MD. They will be with Gene until the end of the month and then move into an appartment. Gene says that people were generous to them. They received clothing from the Goodwill and St. Vincent's. They were given a bicycle for the boy and a baby jogger.

Ed recommended the film "Lions and Lambs".

We discussed what we should do when our military deaths reach 4000. Perhaps a cacerolazo, a tradition of clanging pots and pans, as Molly Ivens suggested in her last article. It was noted that a woman who was signing with us was doing Qi Gong.

We concluded that we should have a vigil at Millenium Plaza the weekend following. Last time we read the names of those from Washington, and will do that again. Larry will contact the media. Larry knows Father John Eckert and will invite him to join us.

Our next signing will be Saturday at 40th and Summitview from 2:30 to 4:00 and on Sunday as usual at 16th and Nob Hill from Noon to 1:00PM.

Larry has asked Coligan regarding our becoming a 501(c)3 and was put off.

Regarding Arlington NW, we will present the project to City Council members. We are hoping to talk to Ron Bonlender and the Park Comission. Parks are public domain but would need permission to stay overnight.

Kucinich wants to find out what is the real Iraqi death toll. Two million Iraqis have left Iraq.

Larry read from the ACLU News asking for FISA reconcideration by Congress. Restoring the Constitution cannot wait until the 2008 election. Gene: "The Constitution is not self- enforcing."

Jim reminded us that Monday December 10 is International Human Rights Day and he will have a vigil as he has had every year at the park at 2nd and Yakima from 5:30 to 6:00. The UN made the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Eleanor Roosevelt worked to create it.

Larry, speaking as a substitute teacher, said that most students are opposed to the war and that we should be leafletting schools.

Our next meeting will be on December 11 at 6:30 PM downstairs at the U/U Church.

YVPAN Minutes 10/9/07

Present were: Larry, Dale, Ed, Michael, Carole and Jason.

Michael said we should not plan Arlington NW until spring. U/U youth group will be dealing with "leadership" in February. Will connect with ANW.

Larry left to join the WWII program at the library.

Dale said that the program is on YPAC. Ed Stover was the MC. Hal spoke. A copy is available for $20.Hal said there were 30-40 people. Showed a PBS documentary narrated by Robert McNeil. It contained letters home from vets from the current Iraqui/Afgan War back thru all wars to WWII. A woman read a letter from her son in Iraq. Poems were read. A plaque and war mementos from a grandfather in WWI. Poets Jim Bodine and Cynthia M read poems. Hal gave out about 40 brochures for Vet's for Peace.

Hal was asked to speak to Pax Christi. It's too late for their next meeting and will be on November at 6:30 at St Michael's Episcopal. Gene will be there also. Hal will show Arlington West. Perhaps we can recruit help.

Hal talked to Denise Nichols of Parks and Recreation. We need an applicaation and if we meet with trouble we can turn to her.

They need to know: Applicant and address (can use Hal's)

What kind of event

When

Where

Probably they will waive any charge. Hal will do a Vets for Peace cover letter. Michael said we can call Tom B.about how many people they drew.

Dates possible are March 1-2 8-9 15-16 22-23 29-30. Will see when it is available. Hal will call Tom B. We agreed that later is better, in April.

We will wait until after election for City Council to meet with some of them.

It was noted that some Russians have been withdrawn from potential targets in Iran.

Perhaps at our next signing we should have new messages, like "Out of Iran".

Noted was Saturday October 27 are peace actions around the country. Eleven cities will have rallies and marches.

Signing in November will be on November 17-18 at 40th and Summitview. In December, it will be on December 15-16 at Washington and 1st Street.

We talked about thanking soldiers when we see them and tell them we want them home.

Larry said that Pax Christi meet on the 2nd Monday of the month. We are going in the same direction so should share email addresses and website with them.

Jason will be discussing war in his Ethics class and will mention us to his students.

Noted that the film "11th Hour" will be playing in Yakima. It is Leonardo di Caprio's film about the climate crisis.

Gene presented two videos : "Sir! No Sir!" and "War Made Easy" for our library.

YVPAN Minutes 9/11/07

Present were:Dale,Tony, Ed, Larry, Gene, Jason and Michael.

Discussed was the possibility of instead of Arlington NW we could do Arlington WA. Michael said that Tom Brokhart emailed him and said that they had stopped at 3100 markers. Dale suggested northwest casualties.

It was noted that Clarence Gipson is giving up politics.

Gen reported on the Veterans for Peace national conference. He said that there were good speakers and he was sorry that he missed Kuchinich. There were about 30 workshops. They included discussions of:

PTSD, GI coffee houses as in Vietnam, Chapter effectiveness, the whole family going to war when one member does, rethinking the Imperialist nature of war as in government in league with business to wreak their will on the 3rd world. The history of US imperialism was traced in views of Washington and Jefferson, NY the "Empire State", the Monroe Doctrine, the Mexican-American war and the taking of the Phillipines with 200,000 Phillipinos killed.

Discussed was effective lobbying including Letters to Congress and letters to the editor .. Congress gets two milllion emails a year. Better is to write the congressperson's local office or to fax a handwritten letter.

The Veterans for Peace is action oriented and after the Convention did a demonstration including 400 delegated and others.

Next year the Conference will be held in Mpls/St Paul.

It was noted that Hal was at the gathering of Yakima veterans at the library where there was a preview of the PBS documentary, "The War". Larry left the our meeting early to join that gathering.

Gene brought up the DVD (?) of "Yes Sir, No Sir" chronicling the rebellion in ranks in the Vietnam War and the Congressional hearings. The "handfull of radicals" was actually in the many hundreds. He also mentioned the DVD "War Made Easy" about the propaganda machine designed to commit people to war.

Larry had two pieces of positive news:

General Petreus said that 30.000 troops will be home by next summer. This is either an honest prediction or merely a parroting of the White House.

The Yakima Herald-Republic has reported that a judge has knocked down the right of the FBI and NSF to use security letters to justify asking for records. They must now have a warrant from the court or judge to ask for records of finance, medical info, from Charter, AOL, etc. They can no longer hand a letter to Verizon and get information about a customer.

Larry was certain there will be appeals ongoing. This important work was carried out by the ACLU.

Dale wondered if we could have a press release about signing and get a small article in the paper as we had last month.

Gene reported that we have $81.

It was reported that Ellensburg has a weekly demonstration in front of the Post Office Noon to 1PM each Wednesday.

Ed brought up the possibility of changing our signing policy. Perhaps new more current signs and possibly changing location to ones with greater traffic.

Our next meeting will be 10/9/07.

YVPAN Minutes 8/14/07

Present were: Jason Gooch

Danny Dibble

Dale Johnson

Larry Breer

Ed Patton

Carole Sahlstrand

Hal Ftantz

Gene Rupel

Michael Collins

The September 15 march on Washington calling for the impeachment of the president was discussed.

It was noted that Charlie Rose is now on PBS at 5:00.

Old Business: Michael reported on the success of our table at the Folklife Festival. There were 15-20 sign-ups for email.

Several people took brochures for Veterans for Peace.

There were 5 signups for the Jackrabbit News.

Concerning Arlington NW: Tom Brockhart sent a grave marker and post and a sample application for park space

We would need about 20 people for about 4000 markers. We should check out with the city parks to see if

there is resistance. Though this is essentially non-political, death IS poltical. We would have to fit in with the

existing park schedule. We should have a project manager to check out possibilities. Larry said we should feel

out Parks and Recreation and the City Council. Dale brought up the subject of vandalism and we agreed that we

must have people present all the time. Larry said that someone stole all the Curtis KIng signs near him and

Gene said in his 40 years in Yakima that it was par for the course. Ed said that ist is legal to put signs on city

property as long as they are removed. Hal asked about the cost and Michael said that they supply everything.

If we were not able to get enough young people to carry this off maybe we could do a symbolic 400 markers

or perhaps do WA dead. Michael will talk to Tom to see if there is a smaller display. As far as help puting it up

is concerned, we all know others like U/U. Perhaps high school groups. Larry asked how much area it takes

Michael showed us a picture of it in Wenatchee. Larry suggested that we might find confederates at YVCC.

Dale said that the Quaker boots display got too big to handle. Hal has a connection to Denise Nichols of

Parks and Recreation and will make that contact. We noted that the toll now is 3695, about 100 a month.

We concluded that this should happen in the spring after the ground has thawed. Carole said she would contact

Susan Whitman (whose son was killed in Iraq) and Ron Bonlender.

We discussed "ofting out" of service. Ed said we should write letters to the editor saying we are supportive of the military but we think the GI's are being abused.

hal drove from Yakima to Nashville and stopped in Nebraska with signs on his car. He woke up to finkd hae was parked next to a car with Kucinich for President stickers on it.

Gene reported on the Nation cruise to Alaska. Among the participants were Katrina vanden Heuvel, Victor Navasky, Richard Dreyfuss Ralph Nader and the editor of Ramparts. Juneau was their first stop and Vets for Peace had a reception for them. Katrina was almost in tears accepting a check for $100.

Gene will be going to the Veterand for Peace national meeting in St. Louis and will report to us about it.

Hal has a list of Veterans for Peace. He will get a list of WA members. We nee 10 and have 4 at present.

Gene brought copies of " Addicted to War"/ He got a bulk price thru the Jackrabbit and will sell for cost and will put the money back into the Jackrabbit. Several copies were sold to us and $3.

Larry called an agency which could help us become a 501(c)3 organization.

Jason said what he wanted was education that taught the true sense of American history, and that we should not be jest consumers but activists. He said this is an age of apathy. Larry noted that the 203 march here, before the war, had about 300 people. Then people saw that Bush was going to have his war. We hope to renew enthusiasm because we have more than a year left of this administration.

It was noted that our next meeting will be on September 11.

.

YVPAN Minutes 7/10/07

The subject of what to do when the US deaths reach 4000 was put off since there are only 36XX deaths now.

The YAHOO group link is at the bottom of emails. One can click on it. Go to YAHOO groups and give information and email address. Register as yakimavalleypeaceadvocatesnetwork.

We discussed the scedule for our table at the Folklife Festival. Carole will be there all day Saturday. Larry will be ther at 12:30 Sunday. Michael will help the setup before 10:00. We must be off the grass at 10:00.

Gene will suply Jackrabbit News and a signup sheet for the Jackrabbit.

Hal will supply a Veterans for Peace flag. Michael will supply yard signs and bumper stickers and "What You Can Do" fliers.

Carole will bring duct tape, weights for the flagpole, canopy and extra chairs.

We discussed Arlington West. Possible locations might be Frankiln Park and Garg Hubbard Park. We would need volunteers. Perhaps we could connect with Interfaith. Dale suggested the Quakers and U/U. Also possibly veterans organizations.

It was noted that Senator Murtha was one of 26 to vote for closing the School of the Americas.

Ed said that the military recruitment goals have not been reached. The goal was 8000 and they are 15% short this month. There was a positive article int the Y-P about protesting the school board allowing recruiters in the public schools.

Hal talked to Veterans for Peace. Members are us and Jim Bodine and David Carlson. Hal will call and invite to YVPAN.

The subject of data mining was discussed. It is a huge feature of National Security. The government uses three data miners so it will have no data bases of its own. Larry said that when filling out a form he askes what is necessary and supplies only that.

Was noted that packaging "peanuts" are now made from corn and are recyclable.

Was noted that Cindy Sheehan is going to run against Nancy Pelosi.

Physicians for Social Responsibilty want us to join with them regarding the nuclear weapons program. Leni Skarin asked this and Larry emailed us and got several OK's. Patty Murray was told and 23 organizations have joined the appeal for no more nukes.

Was noted that the California population is 35 million and will be 60 million by 2050. Population growth will put a strain on natural resourses.

Hal said that Veterans for Peace is a 501(c)3, an IRS "not for profit". Registeing as a not for profit in WA is an expensive process. Most people hire someone to do it for $1000. We could use a connection with a not for profit. Check 501(c)3.org for information.

Hook queston: "Do you want recruiters in schools?" "Do you want to work for peace?" Sign in.

YVPAN Minutes 6/12/07

Dale told us that Tony Landreau has lung cancer. Gene will email his address to Michael who will send it to us. We can all call him and writhe him.

Carole asked how she can email everyone. Larry said that he has set up a YAHOO group. We can all sign up. All that is sent to website address Michael will evaluate and and choose whether to send out to all. We have an email list of abut 200. The agenda announcement can go out with meeting announcement.

Carole reported tht at the Pridefest there were some donations and a few flyers and bumper stickers were picked up.

We discussed having a table at the Folklife Festival on Saturday and Sunday July 14-15. We would like to have a long table and volunteers for the two days. We need materials for the table.

There will be a U/U gathering in Portland(?) of Peace Advocates groups. Marilyn will be there and will volunteer to help a blind person. Ben Cohen and Daniel Ellsberg and the author of "Everything I Learned I Learned in Kindrgarten" will be there.

Gene brought a video called "Arms for the Poor" by the Maryknoll sisters.

Larry asked if anyone saw "Kansas to Kandehar" on PBS. He noted that in it not one shot was fired, and Dale said not one door was kicked down.

Dale noted that Jane of the Rainbow Church made a sign for our library shelf.

Michael said that he will put the YAHOO address on the website and will email us as to how we can get on it.

Regarding getting signups for the Folklife Festival, Marilyn suggested having a gathering on her patio for our next meeting, and Michael said it would be more consistent to stay where we are. Michael thought that 11AM to 5PM would be sufficient. Carle said she would do all of Saturday and Larry said he would do Sunday except for 11AM to 12N when he will be at church.

Carole brought a flyer she got from a recruiter in the NYC subway. Gene made copies for everyone. Larry has a knephew without a high school diploma and refused by the Air Force but was accepted by the Navy. Larry pointed out tha the had a fine career in the Air Force. Carole asked if going to the front was luck of the draw and Hal said that no it wasn't fair who was sent to the front. The question was asked "Do we want to picket recruitment in schools?" It was suggested that we write to and make calls to our representatives. We agreed to shelve recruitment oposition till fall.

Marilyn asked if we need officers. Michael said that we are small enough that all officer functions are covered.

Dale asked for Vets for Peace local members list and invite them to YVPAN. Hal will find listAll present are members or auxilliary members.

Michael reminded us that we are signing this weekend, and that athere will be an immigration rally in the park on Saturday earlier in the day.

Marilyn suggested we could be more active, for example by picketing in front of Doc Hasting's office.

We talked about what we would do when our GI deaths reach 4000. Suggested were a march, candelite vigil with taps and songs. It was suggested to walk from Millenium Plaza to Doc Hasting's office and back. Larry said we shouldn't have a crowd in front of the Federal Building.

Dale received a letter from Michael McPherson of Veterans for Peace saying we must defund the war, bring the soldiers back and take care of them. We talked about sign ideas when we reach 4000 lost.

Marily brought up the Gang Law that seems to be coming. The ACLU considers this an issue.

Arlington NW was brought up by Carole who will check the website to see how feasible it would be to do it here.

Marilyn is going to talk at 10AM at U/U about what baby boomers want.

We meet next on 7/10/07.

0

YVPAN Minutes 5/8/07

The speakers from Seattle Veterans for Peace will speak at U/U since we have not heard from YVCC. .

The Interfaith Coalition was mentioned as a good idea to contact.

That we should not pay rent to U/U because we are an "affinity group".

Michael will bring refreshments to supplement the leftover coffee and hot water from the U/U Congregation Meeting.

Gene got a call from the Seattle Chapter 92 asking about audio/visual equipment.

Hal will bring brochures.

The May 1st Walk was joined by Michael. He said there were fewer people. Dave Edler gave a good kickoff saying "justice for everybody". There were flags from Mexico and Central and South America. Michael said his family came over in the 1860's and were treated llike dirt. Becky saw Minutemen and there was hate in their eyes and on their signs.They are orgaized with the Minutemen on the north coast. Marilyn said if they are orgaized we could go to their meetings. Marilyn said that they know of us and hate us.

Hal said that the Vets for Peace website has merchandise 10% off.

The alleged terrorists who had a plan to kill soldiers at Fort Dix and were arrested by the FBI included some illegals. They were from several countries including Turkey and Lebanon.

Ed said related to immigration issues is the allowance we make for the Mexican oligarchy. We need to help establish a decent government in Mexico. The Catholic Church and the population explosion are root problems.

Marilyn talked about the Pride Festival and that we should support gay rights. We should have a table there. She will be there as a "floater". Carole will contact Ken Lewis. Michael said that we shouldn't pay more that $35. Gene said that we have $140 and want to pay the Vets for Peace for their gas.

Dale brought up the Folklife Festival in July at Franklin Park. Carole said she could be ther and Marilyn said she could also. We noted that keat is a factor. Hal is a member of Folklife and will be going to their meetings.

Dale said we should have a calendar of events in Yakima.

Hal will be out of town for the Vets for Peace talk but will print up 50 brochures and leave them on the bookshelf.

We addressed the military recruitment activity in the schools. We will try to find out when that is going to happen and be there to protest. Gene showed us a publication called DMZ which gives practical advice about how to protest. He said to also check the War Resisters League website. Marilyn said the they had a booth at JobFair and there were recruiters there. She said that JofFair is sponsored byWorksource and we should send them a letter saying that we oppose the presence of recruiters there. Smeone should show opposition to presenting the military as a "job". As for finding out when they are going to schools, Dr. Terry Bergeson is Superintendent of schools and sould be available. It was said that if schools don't admit recruiters they will lose funding.

Ed looked at DMZ magazine and wondered about the bulk cost and how to target groups to get the maximum change.

Hal asked if we have a mailing list when we signing and tableing. Larry said that we have a list of about 200. Gene said he bulk mails the Jackrabbit. marilyn suggested that we have adonation bucket.

Larry brought up the subject of licensing and agreed to take on the task of making us a legal not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. he will also find out if donations are allowed at both gatherings.

Ed talked about trying to raise awareness about how to disuade people from joining the military. He will write a letter to the editor. Marilyn talked about doing letter writing in a more organized way. We should bring letters to meeting so as to keep them in print. The Wall Street Journal says that job opportunites are not good. Larry said that he was in the Air Force and it was a great life.

Ed's going to the City Council to support forming a Department of Peace needs to be supported by letters. If we can have a Department of Defense we can have a Department of Peace. Michael said that if there is a Title 9 for sportswomen tere should be a Title 9 for $ for Peace. Dale said that when Ed did his presentation he was suported by Ron Bonlender. He will be running for City Council again. Ed said that Paul George helped him to revise and improve his text. Paul George was seen as becoming more and more supportive of our causes.

Marilyn said that we should have an archive of what we have been writing that has been published. We discussed going outside of Yakima. Larry said that the P-I and the Oregonian would be good to write to.

Dale suggested that there might be a letter of the month in the Jackrabbit. Gene said if there were room.

Larry asked if the DMZ were rabid and Gene said no, for instance it says that one CAN change his mind about joining the military and that parents can opt out of recruiting directed at their children.

We talked about bringing Rena Patty to talk about a Department of Peace but we agreed not till fall.

Larry talked about forming a YAHOO group and could send thing around without a long mailing list. marilyn asked about having a blog. Gene said he was a blogger and suggested going to Yakima Democrats which has a blog. Michael said he didn't want to do it. Larry said he will find out about how to do it.

Larry said it "burnt him to the ground" to see the story in the paper about the 6 Fort Lewis dead right next to the picture of Bush with the Queen.

Our next meeting will be June12.

YVPAN Meeting 9/12/06

Present:

Carole Sahlstrand

Mike Collins

Tony Landreau

Danny Debble

Cindy Rasmussen

Marilyn Tellez

Jack and Jaquie Walker

Gene Rupel

Brett Dillahunt

Lawrence Breer

Dale Johnson

Brad Dillahant from Zillah, a teacher in Prosser who's wife teaches with Gail Perlman, is conneted with Portland's "Witness for Peace" who sent a delegation to Latin America to serve as an educating force to tell Latin America there are peace lovers in North America. He asked us if we would join Peace Northwest in hosting Freddy Urbano, a Columbian organizer with an organic fair trade coffee cooperative, on a speaking tour, to speak at the Davis High Kiva on September 30. He will speak about "Plan Colombia" and it's coca eradication efforts which includes arial fumigation which destroys organic coffee growing. This plan included $5 billlion in aid to the military. He travels with a translator.

"Witness for Peace" in an annual protest againse the School of he Americas at Fort Benning Georgia.saw many arrests including his friends. The majority of arrests were people over 55 years. The director served the full 6 month's sentence.

Michael said he will put the information about Urbano's talk and willl send out a notice a week before. Michael brought up the possible involvement of U/U and said that Lyle will be asked. Bishop Sevilla will also get a notice.

Gene reported on his trip to Seattle to join Veterans for Peace at the University of Washington. He said that when approaching the venue, one saw "Arlington NW": 2600 crosses and grave markers with the name and age of the soldiers. The motto of the meeting was "Sow justice, reap peace". Participating were Iraq Vets for Peace, Non Violent Communicaton, Peace Alliance, Department of Peace and the oldest peace group "Women's International Leage for Peace and Freedom"

Speakers included Jim McDermott, Sgt. Camillo Mejia (who served 1 year in prison and a dishonorable discharge for refusing to serve in an illegal war), David Cortland, Antonia Juhass, Todd Boyle. Cindy Sheehan was to speak but was too weak from 40 days of fasting. Topics included war profiteering, environment and the military industrial complex. Gene suggested we bring someone from Seattle Chapter 92 of the Veterans for Peace to speak to us. Gene said that he will attend the next meeting of Veterans for Peace wherever it is held.

Dale told us of seeing the Friends Service Committee show of empty boots called "Eyes Wide Open". We discussed getting them to come here.

With the number of American war deaths approaching 3000 we discussed plans to have a vigil when that total is reached. Larry agreed to do press releases. Carole will bring an uptated version of the "coffins".

Michael said that Kay will be giving the sermon at U/U on Sunday 10/24 at 10:00 AM. She will discuss the Vietnam war and the Iraq war, using music of the times and quoting Shakespeare's Henry V. He asked us to suppoort her.

The Harmon Center is hosting a dinner and talk by Jan Lynn on the subject of "Big Christianity Keeping Government out of Churches". Dinner and the talk is $35 and the talk alone is $10. He will autograph his book. Larry has tickets.

We discussed wounded Vets and how we can help to bring forward the nature of thier suffering.

We discussed the film shown at U/U on 9/11 "9/11 revisited" and it's premise that the buildings were deliberately demolished. One can find it at 9/11 revisited.com.   DVD's are free.

We discussed the threat of nuclear war. Larry said that he taught nuclear physics for years in the Air Force. he said that a nuclear weapon is so precise and complex that though a "dirty bomb" was possible, a true nuclear weapon can only be built by a government and not by a terrorist.

We will be signing again Saturday 10/21 and Sunday 10/22.

We meet again Tuesday 10/10 ar 6:30.

Yakima Valley Peace Advocate's Network Members:

We met at the Uni Church, in the upper room on 2/14/06 at 6:30 P.M., with Dale Johnson, Tony Landreau, Gene Rupel, Carole Sahlstrand, Mile Collins and Larry Breer, and discussed the following:

•Larry Breer, said he will continue to work with the Peace Group, but has asked the members to find and settle on a new chair, he stating a case of burnout. Breer said he will continue to present an agenda through the April, 2006 meeting, resigning, after that meeting—a new chair needed for the May, 2006 meeting.

•Coalization of Organizations--perhaps joint work and networking with other groups, such as Pax Christi, Friends, Fellowship of Reconciliation, American Friends Service Commitee, Social and Justice group in churches, schools and higher education facilities.

•March 19 is the 3rd Anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq War. We discussed protests on March 17 or 20th, but have now noted thatwww.answercoalition.org has announced national protests on Saturday and Sunday, March 18 and 19. Our group probably wants to correlate our speechs, protests and short peace walk with the national movements.

•One of Tony Landreau’s son’s students has offered to do a documentary on YVPAN, if we can come up with historical notes, a statement of our cause, etc. The group felt this is an advantageous undertaking.

•Mile Collins does an excellent job on our website and has pledged to continue. He noted we can best work with collection decision-making, an agenda with someone in charge, and he will arrange to take over the email list. He also noted that others will need to do publicity and news releases. Tony Landreau said that our organization needs to be in place as a vehicle to organize peace movements and war protests, appropriately.

•We momentarily discussed the Bush national budget of $2.77 trillion, Dale Johnson noting that Al Neuharth, the founder of USA Today, has calculated this to equal $9,293,62 per U.S, person. The heavy load (45%) will have to be paid by income tax. In this light, we had to ask, “where is the outrage?” regarding our national morals and unbelievable debt.

••Our plans for our Peace Walk and Speeches on March 18, 19.--date change subject to approval of our members—we originally planned for March 17th or 20th.

Our Peace Outreaches on that date might include--

1.   1:00 P.M. – Assemble at Milennium Plaza.

2.   1:15 P.M. – Short March on sidewalk north to Yakima Ave., west on Yakima Ave. to First Street, north on First Street to B Street, cross First Street to other side, back on First Street to Yakima Ave., cross First Street and return to Plaza on Yakima Ave.

3.   Roughly 1:45, regather at Milennium Plaza for speeches, songs, poetry and open mike for those who wish to protest the Iraq War. We should also have a silence and tribute to those who have given their lives in Iraq, Afghanistan and other conflicts.

These plans can be detailed at our March 14th meeting.

Yakima Valley Peace Advocate's Network

Our meetings are the Second Tuesday of each month (this past meeting an exception due to conflicts) . Our next meeting will be January 10, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Unitarian Universalist Church, 215 N. Second Street, Yakima. Please enter by the alley door, where there is plenty of parking after hours. Best vehicle entrance is off 3rd Avenue into the attorney’s lot, adjacent to St. Joseph’s School parking lot. YOU ARE INVITED.

Met Dec. 14, at 6:30 at the Unitarian Church.

Present:

Dale Johnson

Tony Landreau

Lyle Whiteman

Gene Rupel

Dan Adolf

Glen Brower

Mollie Brower

Larry Breer

I’d very much like to welcome new members Mollie and Glen Brower, and extend a welcome back to Dany Adolf who is now returning to our meetings.

We discussed some of the things that were included on the long list that I sent to each of you, recently, with the point that if we wanted to further explore the subject, we would have further discussion and act on it in upcoming meetings.

By way of Tony Landreau, MoveOn.org asked if any of us would like to write and op-ed piece for the local paper.

Military recruitment in schools

Invite Iraq veterans to sit in with us at meetings

Further discuss the Memorial to service people who have given their lives in Iraq

Discuss once again taking the anti-Patriot Act resolution before the NEW city council

View the tape of the project put together by Tony Landreau’s class after attending our meetings.

Lyle Whiteman said he has some DVD’s on human rights and other matters. We said we should view some of them at meetings.

Discuss our dependence on foreign oil and what we might do to influence changes.

Agreed that poverty is the driving force behind most of the worlds problems

Agreed that part of our mission is to show others that they have permission to dissent, and enforce the idea that dissent is not unpatriotic.

Lyle Whiteman mentioned what the feds call “The Fence,” which he said is really a wall, and at the end of construction is designed to stretch from San Diego to Nogales, to control illegal immigration across the Mexican-U.S. border.

Dany Adolf brought to our attention a news piece that showed a small east-coast anti-war group. The network reporting on them had gotten an inch-thick report developed by the Pentagon that listed this small group as a “Threat.”

We decided that one of our goals is to have a regular letter-writing campaign for Letters to the Editor, Congress people, state-legislative people or any entity which needs to be reminded of our peace-devoted endeavors.

Dale Johnson reminded us that we should keep March 19 in mind as the Third Anniversary of the start of the Iraq War.

Now here are some internet reminders. Below is the link for the Senator that promises a filibuster if the Patriot Act come to full vote. Let’s send him praise and thanks for his efforts.

Russ_Feingold@feingold.senate.gov.

Also, here are the email addresses for our own two Senators and our Representative. Both Senators are Democrats and our Representative is a Republican.

                           Maria Cantwell = maria@cantwell.senate.gov

                           Patty Murray = senator_murray@murray.senate.gov

                           Richard “Doc” Hastings = ??

You can see his Website at house.gov/hastings, but you cannot email until your fill out a long form.

We agreed to share the places we go for NEWS on the Internet, TV, newspapers and such, so here are my favorites. Please REPLY TO ALL and share yours too.

CNN, MSNBC, ABC or NBC News, Matthews Hard Ball, Sunday morning interviews, Yakima Herald-Republic, Occasional USA Today, Occasional New York Times, Newsweek (every week), Atlantic Monthly (when a headline interests me), Harpers (when a headline interests me), The Week (when a headline interests me). Occasionally I watch city council on YCTV. Occasionally I attend city council.

The address of the Yakima Valley Peace Advocate's Network website is YVPAN.net. If you have one of the more modern browsers, this is all the address you need type in. If an earlier browser you might need to do www.http//YVPAN.net

Minutes of the August 9, 2005, YVPAN meeting Unitarian Universalist Church at 215 N. Second Street.

We have selected the date of September 24, to display our dislike of military conflict (except in the art of defense), and particularly the unjust and dollar-inspired war that has taken now almost 2,000 good American lives and perhaps 100,000 good Iraqi children, women and men.

Our goal is to allow “witness”—to give others permission to display protest against war without feeling guilty or unpatriotic. We are dedicated to support the military 100%, but we disagree vehemently with the purpose to which they are being used in Iraq, to enrich Halliburton and to attempt to export democracy abroad.

Sign making will come Saturday, September 17, at 2:00 p.m. in the basement of the UU church at 215 N. Second Street. Bring markers, scissors, staple guns and your thinking caps.

However, before that comes, we’ll have the next regular meeting of the Yakima Valley Peace Advocates Network, on September 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the above location. Please mark your calendars and please come and spread the meaning of peace.

In order to make our message effective, we have chosen three exposure sites, for display on September 24.

1.    Summitview and 40th Ave. –9:00 a.m.

2.    Wards Mall at 24th and Nob Hill –at 2:00 p.m.

3.    Gateway Shopping Center –at 3:00 p.m.

The rationale of these locations is that we can expose our peace signage to traffic that will be coming to see the Sunfair Parade, and to persons who will be driving to the shuttle-bus areas for transportation to the fair.

In any given situation where we might offend certain individuals, there is always chance for confrontations or vocal jabbings, so be prepared for those consequences. At the signage party we will devise some mutually agreed upon panic signals should that sort of thing occur.

Committees –

Lyle Whiteman – Letters to the Editor and to the Police

Marilyn Tellez – Bus and shuttle-location information

Dale Johnson and Tony Landreau – Telephones

Gene Rupel – Spanish-language signs

Larry Breer – Media Releases

Carole Sahlstand – Signs

We would also like to engage other anti-war groups in our effort. These could come from Pax Christi, YVCC students and other church groups opposed to the war. If you know of any who will fit this identity, please invite them to attend and dissent with us.

Moveon.org, Truemajority.org, Notinourname.org (maybe NOIN.org), all have supporting information.

Watch your newspaper and if you can write a Letter to the Editor, supporting our anti-war move, then our message will be more effective. Silence is the implied, and understood agreement that the war-makers desire.

See the August 11, 2005, Yakima Herald-Republic for a story about Cindy Sheehan, of Vacaville, Calif., who has a tent near the Crawford, Texas road leading to President Bush’s ranch. She intends to confront him to ask why her son had to die in Iraq. Her tent is lettered with large signs, asking, Who Lied?, Who Died? Who Paid? Who Profits? Heartfelt thanks to this bereaved mother willing to face up to the highest ranking personage in the world to as him “Why?” Courage, courage to Cindy Sheehan.

Google – Look for United for Peace and Justice

We are dedicated to the military men and women of America. We oppose the way they are being used to enrich Halliburton.

(Not sure but my original send of this might have reached you as a blank page--if this is a duplication for you I apologize)

The Yakima Valley Peace Advocates Network, met May 10, at 6:30 at the lower-meeting room of the Unitarian Universalist Church, which graciously provides us this space.

Six members were present in addition to Deborah Beadle. Thank you Deborah for your attendance.

-Tony Landreau
-Dale Johnson
-Dick Gaulke
-Mike Collins
-Rosemary Bocek
-Larry Breer

A general discussion hit points by Tony Landreau and Mike Collins, that of the work we have done--those events and actions with the most gravity were our peace marches, our opposition to the Patriot Act, our peace vigils at Millennium Plaza, our signing on major traffic ways and our continued stance against violence and war.

It was suggested by Tony Landreau that we re-visit the city council with continued appeals to approve a resolution supporting the civil rights of all citizens—and opposing the more lethal portions of the US Patriot Act, --namely the portions which deal with library, medical, financial and personal information which belongs unerringly to the individual and not to the government. There is also concern for the violations of civil rights that we have all heard about, prominent of which have been the jailing and holding of persons with Islamic backgrounds and middle-eastern names, and no-notice and sneak peaks of personal property and homes by G men.

As you are aware, we are a community tucked away from national attention. We have not been threatened, or intimidated by the workings of government. Our physical location, or our presence in a strong Republican center, has not been a particular threat. But, at least one individual in our community has been notified that they are on the no-fly list, and it’s likely because of an Arabic name. So attention has been directed locally. The person in question will remain un-named out of respect for privacy. The Patriot Act has visited the Yakima Valley.

We discussed the option of a petition, as a way to approach the city council, which would carry the weight of many signatures. We also discussed re-writing the resolution we sent before the city council, asking that they only support the civil rights of individuals, but not asking them to resolve opposition to the Patriot Act. We are not clear as to which approaches might be best, but Dick Gaulke and Tony Landreau will write Petition statements which might be used at the top of any page of petitions we will seek signatures for. We will attempt to get some support from those sympathetic to our cause.

I will be attending city council meetings off and on through the summer. When it is apparent that we should go ahead with a move, your support will be greatly appreciated, on the First and Third Tuesday at 2:00 P.M., except in June they will meet on the First and Fourth Tuesday due to a date conflict. Please mark your calendars and prepare to go when we begin our action.

Rosemary Bocek rose to support the film shown at Pax Christi which details, according to her witness, that Palestinians are greatly suffering from the actions of the state of Israel. It seems that the oppressed are now visiting oppression on the Palestinians. But, of course, never forgetting that the Palestinians have enflamed Israeli confrontation with nearly unending suicide bombers for the past decade. Nothing is totally black and white, but it would seem Israel has economic and military powers over the Palestinians, to secure some means of peace. The wall being built by the state of Israel is only an echo of the wall that separated the two Germanys. As peace lovers we are opposed to deadly force being used by either side in the issue and lend our support to those Palestinian and Israeli leaders who are willing to forge a peaceful agreement between the two.

Dale Johnson will seek a CD or VHS tape of the movie “Unconstitutional,” which depicts our losses of civil liberties in detail, to be available in our lending library.

I urge you to go to our website, YVPAN.net, and read under the heading, Oppose The Patriot Act, the ACLU of Northern California Patriot Act Resolutions Toolkit, which contains:

•A sample resolution

•List of eroded liberties

•Steps to pass a resolution

•Section 215 fact sheet

•Surveillance fact sheet

•List of conservative voices opposing the Patriot Act

•Text of the US Patriot Act (lengthy and verbose and scary)

Thank you for your strength and dedication in this long and fatiguing fight to regain our civil rights and to put an end to war. This coming Tuesday is a city council meeting. It is not too early to show our persistence, and let the council and the public know we are still a potent element of determination and intelligence. No speaking or demonstration is planned, but mere presence. Be there if you can be.

Larry B

Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2005, 6:30PM, Yakima Unitarian Church Old Business: Venue and plans for a public showing of the film "Unconstitutional" - report given concerning Davis KIVA site - publicity was discussed regarding the public showing and a preview showing for educators to be held at the April YVPAN meeting - possible dates are April 19th & 26th Availability of storage space for YVPAN properties at the monthly meeting site will be explored. May 1st "End of Combat" vigil plans were discussed - Franklin Park will be looked into as possible site New Business: March 19th activity marking anniversary of start of Iraq War was discussed - vigil at Millennium Park proposed Next meeting - Tuesday, March 8th, 6:30PM, Yakima Unitarian Church

Minutes from December's meeting:

Yakima Valley Peace Advocates Network

General Membership Meeting

December 14th, 2004

Discussion topics:

ACLU and venue for ACLU Movie “Unconstitutional” - Becky Castilleja reported that the Davis High School KIVA is available for a showing of the movie in February or March, and the fee is $60 per hour (a combination of two separate charges of $35 per hour, plus a $25 per hour use fee). A hat was passed to collect donations for this and Gene Rupel will hold the funds collected. Larry Breer volunteered to get a copy of the building use form from the school district administration office. David Weyeneth volunteered to contact the Black Student Union to see if they could co-sponsor – this might reduce fees or help secure the date because school groups receive priority in scheduling facility use. Dale Johnson volunteered to see if there is a copy of the film available for us to show. We discussed showing the movie on January 25^th, 26^th or 27^th. Those volunteering to check on various planning pieces agreed to be in contact and to report back about the event details and needs for publicity as soon as arrangements can be confirmed.

Suzen Willette reported on possible establishment of a NION (Not in Our Name) chapter in Yakima. The headquarters for NION is in San Francisco and there is a link to their website on the YVPAN website. Suzen has spoken with the Seattle area coordinator and will continue to investigate the process for setting up a chapter.

Mike Collins reported that our YVPAN Web Site had more than 15,000 hits in November, probably due to interest in election issues. The site continues to have regular activity of several thousand visits most months.

Gail Pearlman reported information from the Community Members for Snokist Strikers. There is a rally at the strike line on Friday, December 17^th at 5:00 (early arrival encouraged if possible) and YVPAN members will be making community support signs on Wednesday, December 15^th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church. Carol Sahlstrand will bring sign making supplies. We approved Gail sending e-mails to the YVPAN list and she will also send updates to the web site.

David Weyeneth handed out flyers about the NAACP sponsored forum, E.A.C.H (Equal Access To Health Care), which will be held on January 8^th at the Southeast Community Center from noon to 3:00 pm.

Richard Gaulke reported that Pax Christi is looking into ways to make sure that draft counseling is available to area youth as a counter to the military recruitment and general militarism to which they are exposed in school. Others expressed support of trying to find more ways to support non-violence and social justice groups or clubs for both high school and college students.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, January 11^th at 6:30 pm. (notes taken by Leni Skarin)

Yakima Valley Peace Advocates Network

    General Membership Meeting

    November 9^th, 2004

Agenda Items

ACLU and venue for ACLU Movie “Unconstitutional”

What’s next for YVPAN

“Not In Our Name”

Snokist Strike

Web Site

Communications within the group

Health Care Forum

Date and time for next YVPAN Meeting

Other meetings and local/national actions

Members in Attendance

Clarence Gipson, David Weyeneth, Dale Johnson, Bev Luby Bartz, Tony Landreau, Aaron Case, Larry Breer, Leni Skarin, Mike Collins, Becky Castilleja, Raina Willette, Suzen Willette, Gene Rupel, Richard Gaulke, Jack Lines, James Thomas

Minutes taken by James Thomas

ACLU and venue for ACLU Movie “Unconstitutional”

We are looking for a venue to show the ACLU Movie “Unconstitutional” which documents the attacks upon our freedoms by the USA Patriot Act. Possible sites included the South East Community Center, Glenwood Square, YVCC, Carpenters Hall, Davis High School KIVA. Some of the mentioned sites would entail getting cosponsorship from other organizations and clubs. Dale, Tony, Aaron, Becky, Larry volunteered to pursue the issue. We hope to be able to present more educational forums and events in Yakima.

What’s next for YVPAN

            This topic took up most of the meeting. We went around the table and let everyone speak about what they would like to see YVPAN be involved in during the next year. Following is a brief recap. We will be initiating an email conversation in the near future encompassing these ideas.

1>    Sponsor/Cosponsor more educational events such as movies and community forums.

2>    Increase our community involvement and especially our youth involvement.

3>    Become affiliated with the national peace organization Not In Our Name. Almost everyone present felt that such an affiliation could only benefit us. Suzen is pursuing this and will present her findings at our next meeting on Tuesday December 14^th. At that time we will make a decision on whether to affiliate ourselves with NION or not.

4>    Get more high profile speakers to come to Yakima and present their point of view on the issues of the day.

5>    Non Violence Training, Direct Involvement Training, etc.

6>    Plug in to as many organizations locally as possible. It was noted that peace starts at home. It is our local commitment to our neighbors well being that helps to shape our environment. Protesting inequities is important but being involved in local community organizations that benefit members of our community will do more to promoting a peaceful society. Three local groups that were mentioned were the NAACP, the ACLU and the MLK March Committee. Their meetings are as follows:

NAACP           2^nd & 3^rd Thursdays @ 6 pm @ the Southeast Community Center

                        (2^nd Thursdays are the Board Meetings)

                        (3^rd Thursdays are the General Membership meetings.)

                        All are welcome at both.

ACLU              Local meetings will begin in January.

To join go to www.ACLU-WA.org or www.ACLU.org



MLK March Committee           They will begin meeting this month to plan January’s local march and remembrance of Dr. King’s life. Watch your email for notification of meeting times and places.

7>    Help the Democratic Party. Meetings are on the 3^rd and 4^th Mondays of the month.

8>    Maintain a community presence. Lower the comfort level of people locally about our involvement in Iraq and elsewhere. It was mentioned that there are people in Yakima (and nationally) who are not aware of the realities of the Iraq War, the War on Terrorism, Central America, The US role in the world, etc. An important part of our mission should be to make people more aware of what is going on, or at least to get them to question their beliefs and assumptions.

9>    Support Veterans and families of our local service men and women.

10>                        Initiate a local vigil. For years Jim Leonard held a peace vigil at Millenium Plaza on Tuesday nights. Only recently due to ill health and lack of support did he end his Tuesday presence in downtown Yakima. We feel this is an important activity to restart and support.

11>                        We need to collect more signs and images we can use on signs. We need to be more sophisticated with our message. A picture will sometimes speak louder than words.

Snokist Strike

            Leni gave us the details on the November 12^th march in support of the Striking snokist workers. They have asked for our support. There will be a sign making party Friday at 2 pm at the Unitarian-Universalist Church in Yakima and then a contingent from YVPAN will going out to the picket line to lend their support. Signs for the Support Picket should include the words: "We support WCIW # 3023" That is the Western Council of Industrial Workers local 3023.   It was noted that you will be welcome anytime, 24 hours a day, on the picket line. Food and donations to their strike fund are greatly appreciated. If you are unclear on the issues, go talk to the workers and find out about their side of the story first hand.

Web Site

            Mike talked briefly about our web site. www.yvpan.net He has been doing an excellent job keeping it updated. If there are any items you would like to see posted there just send an email to yvpan@hotmail.com.

Communications within YVPAN

            We discussed our email policies and James role in the process. It was brought up that no messages should be censored. It was also brought up that some candidate endorsements were not communicated to our members due to a lack of communication from the group to James. We also discussed the importance of limiting our email communications so that they retained value to our members. Cited was the example of the local Democratic Party who sometimes send out 4 or more messages in a day due to having 6 or more people authorized to send emails. These emails are quite often deleted without being read because we are all inundated with too many emails on a daily basis to keep up with.   These are issues we will need to keep discussing at future meetings.

Health Care Forum

            E.A.C.H (Equal Access to Care and Health). The NAACP is planning a series of forums and Health Camps locally. They will be partnering with the Yakama Nation and other groups to address health concerns and to perform health screenings in the Yakima Valley. If you are interested in participating please attend the local NAACP meetings on the 2^nd & 3^rd Thursdays of the month at the Southeast Community Center.

YVPAN Meetings

            We decided to give Tuesdays nights a try for awhile. We will be meeting on the 2^nd Tuesday of the month @ 6:30 pm @ the Unitarian-Universalist Church. Next meeting is on Tuesday December 14^th at 6:30 pm.

Calendar of Events

            We are going to try to compile a monthly list of events happening locally, in the Northwest and nationally to email to our members. It will also be posted on our web site. Mike tells me that he has posted a link to the SNOW Coalition Calendar already.

Meeting was adjourned.

james

YVPAN Meeting          November 5, 2003

Members Present: Larry, Leni, Richard, James, Dale, Lyle, Aaron, Bev, Mike, Tony.

Facilitator: Larry

1. PATRIOT ACT

            Larry and Aaron are working on a proposal to present to the Yakima City Council in opposition to the Patriot Act. Larry has blended the best parts of other Cities statements and created one for us to present. (See attached statement at the end of the minutes). We decided unanimously to wait until the January 20^th Council Meeting to present our proposal. This will allow the 4 new Council Members to be installed and give us time to find more partners and community support for this action. At this time the League Of Women Voters has joined with us in support of our statement opposed to the Patriot Act. We will be approaching the local Yakima for Dean group later at their meeting (they elected to join with us) and also the democratic Party at their next meeting on November 17. Aaron, Lyle and Bev will be working on the wording of an Email flier to be sent out to all our members announcing a program being put on by the Unitarian Universalist Church on November 30 at their 10 am service:

            “The ACLU and the Patriot Act”

            “Matt Adams, an ACLU Board Member and attorney with the NW Immigrant Rights Project in Yakima, will speak on this issue. Join us for this timely presentation.”

November 30, 10 am U.U. service.

            Larry also passed around a good editorial that appeared in the Yakima Herald Republic Wednesday November 5 and some literature on the Bill Of Rights Defense Committee (see our link to them on the ‘Oppose The Patriot Act’ page on our web site.) They have literature, bumper stickers and buttons available.

2. COMPLIMENTS TO MIKE C.

            We all expressed our thanks to Mike for his excellent work on our Web site. Many thanks for a job well done.

3. THANKS TO HEIDI V.

            Many thanks to Heidi V. for all the work she did on our display board for the Folk Life Festival and Farmers Market. She did an excellent job. If you know Heidi, please give her a call and thank her personally as she was not at the meeting.

4. EMAIL ADDRESSES

            Larry read off some of the unidentified email addresses we have on our membership list to try to identify them.

5. CONVERSATION CAFES

            James is still hosting two Conversation Cafes each month at Grant’s Pub on the 2^nd and 4^th Mondays of the month at 5:30 pm. Been getting a good mix of Conservatives, Moderates and Liberals. Have had some lively discussions. The C.C. that was at the Mall Food Court is no longer meeting as the Food Court is no longer open.

6. NEW MEETING DATE SET

            It was resolved that the first Wednesday does not work for most members present because that is also the night the Yakima for Dean group meets and most of us are also members of that group. Meetings have been moved to the SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH, at 6 pm.

Meeting Adjourned.

The Resolution

WHEREAS, Public Law 107-56, The US Patriot Act, enacted at the Federal
level, and several Executive Orders, appear to place in jeopardy some
fundamental Constitutional guarantees, most particularly including:

•Freedom of speech, religion, the press, assembly and privacy;

•The rights to counsel and due process in judicial proceedings; and

•Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures; and the right to
petition grievances.

WHEREAS, the City of Yakima seeks to protect and expand civil rights
and civil liberties for all its residents, non-citizens and citizens
alike; and

WHEREAS, the City of Yakima houses an admixture of students and
working population, including migrant workers, whose contributions to
the community are vital to its economy, culture, and civic character;
and

WHEREAS, many provisions of the US PATRIOT Act and other related
Federal orders and measures may pose a threat to the civil rights and
civil liberties of the residents of our City, particularly to those who
are immigrants of Middle Eastern, Muslim or South Asian descent, by
potentially:

       a. Producing threat of law regarding telephone and Internet usage.

       b. Expanding the government’s power to conduct secret searches
without warrants.

       c. Granting power to the federal Secretary of State to designate
domestic groups, including political and religious groups, as
“terrorist organizations”.

       d. Granting power to the Attorney General to subject non-citizens
to indefinite detention or deportation even if they have not committed
a crime.

        e. Granting the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) access to
sensitive medical, mental, health, financial and educational records
about individuals without having to show evidence that a crime has been
committed.

        f. Granting the FBI the power to compel libraries and bookstores
to produce circulation or book purchase records of their patrons, and
forbidding disclosure that such records have been requested and
produced; and

WHEREAS, the City of Yakima is proud of its tradition of protecting the
constitutional rights and civil liberties of its residents; and

WHEREAS, it is possible that city employees, particularly police
officers, will receive requests to take actions from federal law
enforcement agencies pursuant to purported authority of the USA Patriot
Act, which requests, if complied with, may violate the constitutional
guarantees of Yakima residents; and

WHEREAS, the City of Yakima honors the memory of victims of the
terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, by denouncing acts of violence
and intolerance against all people, and affirming the civil rights of
people of all ethnic and ideological backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, a nation headed to a foreign war must do everything in its
power to lessen fear at home and reinforce constitutional protections
for those who in times of war may be victimized; and

WHEREAS, the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution and the
Declaration of Rights of the Constitution of the State of Washington
guarantee all people living in the City of Yakima freedom of speech,
assembly and privacy, equality before the law and the presumption of
innocence, access to counsel and due process in judicial proceedings,
and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures; and

WHEREAS, the preservation of civil rights and civil liberties is a
pillar of American society and is essential to the well-being of any
democracy, particularly during times of conflict when such rights and
liberties, especially those of immigrants and ethnic minorities, may be
threatened, intentionally or unintentionally, under false pretense of
national security or patriotic zeal; and

WHEREAS, the City of Yakima denounces terrorism, and acknowledges that
federal, state and local governments have a responsibility to protect
the public from terrorist attacks, but should do so in a rational,
deliberative and lawful fashion to ensure that any new security measure
enhances public safety without impairing constitutional rights or
infringing upon civil liberties; and

WHEREAS, law enforcement and security measures that undermine
fundamental rights do irreparable damage to the American institutions
and values of equal justice and freedom that the residents of the City
of Yakima hold dear; and

WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Yakima believes that there never
need be a conflict between security and the preservation of liberty,
and that residents of this City and this nation can be both safe and
free; and

WHEREAS, cities and counties in more than 180 communities, including
major cities such as Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Seattle,
Bellingham, and Olympia have enacted resolutions reaffirming support
for civil rights and liberties in response to the USA PATRIOT Act and
other government policies that threaten these values, and demanding
accountability from law enforcement agencies regarding their use of
these new powers

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA

             REAFFIRMS its commitment to the protections guaranteed by
the Constitution of the United States and the State of Washington and
further condemns any measure which impairs such constitutional
guarantees.

             REAFFIRMS the commitment of the City of Yakima to observe
and respect the constitutional protections, particularly those
guaranteed by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment, of all people
living in or traveling through Yakima, regardless of citizenship or
national origin.

             ESTABLISHES as the policy of the City of Yakima, that in
the event a request is made by an outside agency, the compliance with
which, in the judgment of the City employee receiving such request, is
contrary to or in violation of the Constitutional protections afforded
to any person in Yakima, --the employee should promptly communicate
such belief to his or her supervisor or manager for transmittal to the
City Attorney for review and, if appropriate, commencement of judicial
proceedings to review the constitutionality of such request, should
begin.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THE CITY OF YAKIMA

REQUESTS that the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of
Investigation, Immigration and Naturalization Service, and any other
local, state, or federal law enforcement officials acting within the
City work cooperatively with the Yakima Police Department, abide by the
Department’s policies prohibiting racial profiling and detentions
without charges, and regularly and publicly report to the City the
following:

A.                 The extent of electronic surveillance carried out
within the City of Yakima under powers granted in the US Patriot Act;
B.                 The extent to which federal authorities are
monitoring political or religious gatherings, or other such activities;
C.                 The number of times library records have been
obtained from libraries in the City of Yakima under section 215 of the
USA Patriot Act.
D.                 The number of times that records of books purchased
by store patrons have been obtained from bookstores in the City of
Yakima under section 215 of the USA Patriot Act.
E.                  The names of Yakima residents who are detainees
pursuant to Sections 411 and 412 of the USA Patriot Act.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED

That the Mayor of the City of Yakima communicate a copy of this
resolution to all City Departments, the Governor and Attorney General
of the State of Washington, the Washington Congressional delegation,
the United States Attorney General, and the President of the United
States.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED

That the provisions of this Resolution shall be severable, and if any
phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this Resolution is declared
by a court of competent jurisdiction to be contrary to the Constitution
of the United States or of the State of Washington or the applicability
thereof to any agency, person, or circumstances is held invalid, the
validity of the remainder of this Resolution and applicability thereof
to any other agency, person or circumstances shall not be affected
thereby; and

FURTHER REQUEST

             That the Member of Congress representing the Fourth
Congressional District and our United States Senators actively work for
the repeal of those parts of the US Patriot Act which violate
fundamental rights and liberties as enumerated in the Constitutions of
the State and the United States.

We, the undersigned, hereby declare our belief and concern that certain
aspects of the USA Patriot Act passed by the US Congress, as described
herein, since the tragic and murderous September 11, 2001 attacks on
our nation, seriously infringe upon constitutional protections and
guarantees.

Adopted by the City Council the _____ day of _______________, 2003, and
signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this
_____ day of _______________, 2003.

Concurring:

City of Yakima Mayor _________________________________________

City of Yakima Chief of Police ___________________________________

County of Yakima Commissioner ________________________________

County of Yakima Commissioner ________________________________

County of Yakima Sheriff _______________________________________