Rally for Bradley! Quantico VA. Sunday, March 20
On March 20, 2011, there will be a rally at the Quantico Marine Base in Virginia to support accused WikiLeaks whistle-blower Army Pfc. Bradley Manning. Supporters will gather for a 2pm rally at the town of Triangle (intersection of Anderson Road and Route 1/Jefferson Davis Hwy), then march to the gates of Quantico. Bradley has been held at the Quantico brig in solitary-like conditions for eight months without any meaningful exercise. We stand for truth, government transparency, and an end to our occupation wars… we stand with Bradley! Event endorsed by the Bradley Manning Support Network, Veterans for Peace, Courage to Resist, CodePink, and many other groups.
We will meet at 2pm immediately adjacent to Rt. 1 and Anderson Road. Parking can be found at the Marines Corps Museum. They have HUGE parking lot, there. About 1/4 mile walk. There might also be some parking behind church adjacent to Inn Rd and Rt. 1, behind the rally location.
The day before, on Saturday, March 19th, in Washington DC, supporters of Bradley’s will be joining the noon rally at Lafayette Park and march on the White House to “Resist the War Machine!”
Reserve your seat (only $10 round trip) on our chartered bus from Washington DC at couragetoresist.org/bus. Buses will leave from in front of Union Station, Washington DC, at 12:30pm.
Download, view, print and share the event leaflet (PDF)
WHO: Daniel Ellsberg, Pentagon Paper’s Whistleblower; Ret. Col. Ann Wright; Representatives from Veterans for Peace, Bradley Manning Support Network.
WHAT: Rally in support of Pfc. Bradley Manning
WHERE: US Marine Corps Base Quantico Entrance and neighboring Triangle. Rally to be followed by a march to the intersection of Rt. 1 and Fuller Road where the main entrance to Quantico is located.
WHEN: Sunday, March 20, 2011 at 2:00 PM ET
CONTACTS: Pete Perry, Veterans for Peace. (P) 202-631-0974 (W)pete4peace [at] gmail [dot] com; Trevor FitzGibbon, FitzGibbon Media. (P) 202.406.0646 (W) Trevor [at] FitzGibbonMedia [dot] com
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE QUANTICO RALLY
General Directions: Park in the Marines Corps Museum Parking Lot first. If that lot fills up, try and park in the church parking lot behind where we are going to rally.
After parking in the museum’s parking lot, walk back to Route 1 and turn left. Cross over Joplin Road. In another 30 yards you will be at the rally point on the left hand side of Route 1.
DIRECTIONS FROM I-95 SOUTH:
- Take Exit 150A to Route 1 (Jefferson Davis Highway)
- Turn right (South) onto Route 1
- Travel approximately one-quarter (1/4) mile to the Museum entrance on the right.
DIRECTIONS FROM I-95 NORTH:
- Take Exit 150 (Jefferson Davis Hwy)
- Turn right (South) onto Route 1
- Travel approximately one-quarter (1/4) mile to the Museum entrance on the right.
I’m too far away (BC, Canada) to make it to the rally, but my thoughts go out to all who will be there and Bradley himself.
A suggestion for the organizers (although I feel some guilt suggesting this seeing that I won’t be there myself): Is there any way figure to turn this into the beginning of a multi-day vigil instead of a one day protest? I think to even have a chance of bringing about reasonable and just treatment of Mr. Manning it is going to take the same continued and powerful protest that is creating change in the Middle East and challenging Governor Walker in Wisconsin.
Recently Obama dismissed concerns over Bradley Manning’s treatment by saying that he had checked with the Pentagon and that they had assured him that everything was being done for his ‘safety’. We need to demonstrate that this type of lip service to the cause of justice (a hallmark of this administration) is not even close to good enough. We are quickly sliding down the slippery slope to fascism and if we do not exercise our right to speech now it may become much harder in the future. We are all truly Bradley Manning, or Maher Arar http://www.amnesty.ca/human_rights_issues/maher_arar_overview.php, or any one else that has been subject to government repression in this war on terror. If they can do this to one of us they can do this to any of us.
This quote has been used before and perhaps overused but I can’t but help to feel that it is appropriate to our moment in history:
First they came for the communists,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
-Pastor Martin Niemoller
To be perfectly honest, I’m terrified. In my own life I am struggling to figure out how to create a living for myself and pay rent, and it takes a great deal of energy just to stay afloat in this world… And yet I have enough awareness to realize that we live in that requires action from all of us. History is composed of the actions of many “ordinary” people, like Bradley Manning, it is up to each of us to figure out what we can do to create a better world for ourselves and then do it. Each action has ripples that we can never truly understand, our actions together can create waves of change more powerful than we can possibly imagine.
My heart goes out to Bradley Manning and everyone engaged in the struggle for Peace and Justice.
I am so glad that there still are people who care about human rights on this continent! I am from Canada, and I would love to go, but I am unable. I hope that all goes well, and that the gathering is enormous, so that people will pay attention. Thank you, Bradley, for being true and for reminding us how we should live on this earth.
CHICAGO__
Sleep deprivation, isolation, nakedness, cold, restraints, no exercise or other sanity-preservation activity…
Obama’s Gitmo! Obama’s Abu Ghraib!
Shameful.
“You all right, Bradley. I need a verbal response.” [Wake up, Brad. You all right? I need a verbal response.] Every five minutes, a wellness check in this U.S. hell-hole. Call Pres. Obama.
Wish I could be there, March 20, 2011!
James E. Gierach
Chicago, Illinois
To whom it may concern,
I’m puzzled and outraged that a hero such as Bradley Manning and another hero like Julian Assange can be made out to be criminals for taking steps to inform and protect our citizenry. These are brave people who had no profit motive for their actions other than the feeling of satisfaction that comes w/a good job well done. I’m proud to ba a fellow American of Bradley Mannings and a fellow planetary citizen of Jullian Assanges. It is most important that these citizens be treated w/respect and human decency. Please take whatever steps are essential to arrive at this point and then onto complete freedom for both men.
Respectfully Yours,
Percy Hilo
If anyone is going to travel by car from Portland, OR and has room for another, I would sure like to go to this. I can help with gas and pay my own expenses…just don’t have a car I can use. Email me at [email protected].
We will be thinking of you this Sunday. It is the 8th year of the Attack on Iraq and Poets for Peace will hold a happening, Monday March 21 from 8 pm to 10…. at the Cafe Coco, 210 Louise Ave., off of Elliston Place in back of Exit/In, Nashville, TN 37203 This will be a poetry slam and accoustic music jam to remember 8 years of the attack on Iraq, the start of the Rebel With A Cause bicycle ride to aid Bradley Manning, and to celebrate the reawakening of our spirit of independence. Come a little before 8 to sign up. Several poets and musicians of note will be there. A special poem for Bradley will be unveiled that night.
Please release Bradley Manning as he is a U.S. Patriot who the military should view as a hero and nothing less!
I wish so much that I could be there, but difficulty with finances prevents this. I will keep you all in my heart and my prayers…..Kathy J.
Why I Will Be Standing In Solidarity With Private Bradley Manning At Quantico, Virginia On Sunday March 20th At 2:00 PM- A Personal Note From An Ex-Soldier Political Prisoner
Markin comment:
Of course I will be standing at the front gate to the Quantico Marine Base on March 20th because I stand in solidarity with the actions of Private Bradley Manning in bringing to light, just a little light, some of the nefarious doings of this government, Bush-like or Obamian. If he did such acts. I sleep just a shade bit easier these days knowing that Private Manning (or someone) exposed what we all knew, or should have knew- the Iraq war and the Afghan war justification rested on a house of card. American imperialism’s house of cards, but cards nevertheless.
Of course I will be standing at the front gate to the Quantico Marine Base on March 20th because I am outraged by the treatment of Private Manning meted to a presumably innocent man by a government who alleges itself to be some “beacon” of the civilized world. The military has gotten more devious although not smarted since I was soldier in their crosshairs over forty years ago. Allegedly Private Manning might become so distraught over his alleged actions that he requires extraordinary protections. He is assumed, in the Catch-22 logic of the military, to be something of a suicide risk on the basis of bringing some fresh air to the nefarious doings of the international imperialist order. Be serious. I, however, noticed no ‘spike” in suicide rates among the world’s diplomatic community once they were exposed, a place where such activities might have been expected once it was observed in public that most of these persons could barely tie their own shoes.
Now the two reasons above are more than sufficient reasons for my standing at the front gate to the Quantico Marine Base on March 20th although they, in themselves, are only the appropriate reasons that any progressive thinking person would need to show up and shout to the high heavens for Private Manning’s freedom. I have an addition reason though, a very pressing personal reason. As mentioned above I too was in the military’s crosshairs as a soldier during the height of the Vietnam War. I will not go into the details of that episode, this after all is about soldier Manning, other than that I spent my own time in an Army stockade for, let’s put it this way, working on the principle of “what if they gave a war and nobody came.” Forty years later I am still working off that principle, and gladly. But here is the real point. During that time I had outside support, outside civilian support, that rallied on several occasions outside the military base where I was confined. Believe me that knowledge helped me through the tough days inside. So on March 20th I am just, as I have been able to on too few other occasions over years, paying my dues for that long ago support. You, brother, are true winter soldier.
Private Manning I hope that you will hear us, or hear about our rally in your defense. Better yet, everybody who read this join us and make sure that he can hear us loud and clear. And let us shout to those high heavens mentioned above-Free Private Bradley Manning Now!
I would love to attend this rally for Bradley Manning. I am an WWII Marine and a vet of Iwo Jima.
I live just next to Asbury Park, New Jersey and can meet at a convenient point possibly at a Garden State Parkway exit.
Thank you,
Gerry
does anyone know of car pools coming down from NYC? i’d be happy to chip in gas money if i could get a ride down…
deen
Cant make it, too far away- (New Zealand), but my thoughts are with you all. Free Bradley now!!!!!!!!!!
Dante Deen, there is an action right in NYC:
New York City:
Date: Sunday, March 20
Time: 2:00pm
Location: 14th Street – Union Square
There are actions around the world – the more the better. People who can’t be in Quantico can take to the streets in their own towns and cities and protest! I believe there will be another International Days of Action in April besides. Organize one in your own city! There is info on this site about how to organize. I did one in Santa Monica back in September, and it was exhilarating. It is important to show WORLD WIDE SUPPORT!
I strongly suggest you go to Courage to Resist and get yourself a t-shirt at a minimum. There are other tools available such as info cards and buttons to pass out, and banners, but you can make those yourself. A t-shirt is a walking advertisement, and people will go home and google Bradley Manning and learn more about the issue.
Can you hear us Mr. Obama? You are responsible for torturing Bradley Manning, violating the constitution and civil rights. He is a hero, not a traitor! Stop forcing people to quit (Crowley) for supporting this hero. Free Bradley Manning now.
We live an exit away from Quantico. If anyone from out of town needs a ride in or place to stay, feel free to contact me.
[email protected]
This is a question about toilet utilities being provided. Will access to toilets or port-o-potties be available? We’ll be on a bus.
Two Activist Grandmothers {TAG}
I cannot be there, but I would like to be. You have my full support.
Thanks Laurel, I will be driving myself coming from Baltimore. Germantown, Montgomery county right? If you guys are meeting up somewhere let me know as we can go down in a group. I do a lot of work in loudoun county, fauquier county and loudoun county so i am familiar with the area.
Just be careful, guys. Please don’t let anyone do anything stupid out of passion. I don’t agree with you because I don’t believe that the information circling the internet is correct, but I support your exercising the rights my husband fights to protect – it makes me proud that we as Americans have the right to disagree with our government and with one another. Please, please, please stay safe while you’re doing your thing out there.
I get a 404 error when trying to reserve a spot on the bus. Is it too late?
FYI to TAG’s question—Depends.
I just found out that the road into the base is going to be shut down by VDOT.
http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2011/mar/18/3/vdot-closing-roads-quantico-protest-ar-914656/
The three chartered buses filled up yesterday. If there is anyone in DC area that can’t not make it to Quantico otherwise, please do meet us in front of Union Station by 12:15pm, March 20. We’ll have a few cars on hand for backup. The web error message for the bus URL link has been fixed–now it just says, “Sorry, the buses are full.”
The Marine Corps has closed the main road and gate to enter Quantico today. Since we will be holding our rally and march outside of Quantico in the town of Triangle, Virginia, this doesn’t affect our plans.
Toilets will be available on the buses, and I believe additional facilities will be available near the rally.
Beware of right-wing trolls like Jimmy – they are just trying to provoke us – our protest will be peaceful!
Ok first off I dont see how this guy is any sort of hero? For what not doing his job? He isn’t a civilian anymore, if he was then I’d be like yeah he deserves a fair trial asap! But he signed away his rights a long time ago he’s owned by the government now an they can do whatever they want with him and they’re not torturing him! He told the guards he’s goin to kill himself with his underwear and clothes and things so they took it away! He’s just a guy with serious problems who got in trouble got demoted and decicided to act like a child and leak information! He’s a Benedict Arnold he spat in the face of every American. Let the military decide what to do with him he isn’t a civilian he’s a traitor.
Why is the protest at Quantico? No one in Quantico has any authority at all to release him. The only person who can order him released is General Horst at Fort McNair in DC.
Here’s a Link to a LIVE stream from Quantico: Protest for Bradley Manning
http://www.politicalfailblog.com/2011/03/live-from-live-from-quantico-protest.html
We just got back from the protest, my 3 yr old daughter and I. I will see about posting our video and photos somewhere.
Well, the BMSN Admin has again deleted my post – so, I guess it would be a little hypocritical of you to complain about the Quantico Admin when you are no better!
Kim, maybe you can tell your 3-year old daughter the values of joining the military and then divulging classified information. I’m she’ll understand.
Tom – I agree. James, I can tell you don’t have children yet or you wouldn’t have mentioned my 3 year old. You’ll know what I mean when you have little ones of your own who you actually love and know.
Kim, you are the one who brought up the topic of your daughter. Look 2 posts above mine in case you forgot. Bringing a 3 year old to this type of event is completely irresponsible. Will your daughter understand why Manning is going to be in jail for the rest of his life?
I was there with my 8 year old – showing him a what democracy looks like! Bradley Manning is a hero!
Poetry Slam & Music Jam for Peace & Justice 8pm @ Cafe CoCo 120 Louise off of Elliston Place in Nashville, TN. No need for 10 years war. Rebel With a Cause starts up the Trace. Free Bradley Manning. Solidarity with working people! Bring our war $$$$ home!
James – this wasn’t a boxing match or dog fight. Lord. All we did was walk around and smile and wave at a few people. You should have come. It was actually quite a nice way to spend the afternoon. Beautiful weather and the moment she was pooped we headed home. My mom carried me on her back with my dad at a protest in DC in the 60s and I have always wished they had taken a photo. So I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity for Amelia’s baby book. She can make her own mind up on every given topic. Of course if anyone had gotten nutty we would have left post haste. There were about 200 police and another hundred swat in the woods just in case. I have never felt so safe.
The person above who said Boycott Hollywood is right. I’m really disappointed that the well-knowns in my town are silent on Manning.
Oh, and I agree with Kim. Kids should see role modeling of what democracy looks like. Otherwise, they won’t know what to do when they grow up. They need to be encouraged to think for themselves and given all the relevant information and not shamed if they disagree with their parents—but they should be able to see, for themselves, what peaceful demonstration looks like, what courage to speak up looks like when people like you give their Mommas and Daddys grief…they need to see that problems can be worked out through civil discourse.
One of the finest things in the world that people do is gather to send out a message. I’m proud that we have parents like Kim in our country who understand how important it is to get the truth out.
What about those kids in the collateral murder video? “Shouldn’t be in a war zone!” Well, they live there.
Our kids here in the U.S. would be horrified to know what happened to those kids. You want to explain it to them?
Or would you like to explain to them why this is allowed to go on and nobody does anything about it?
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