[OccupyComms] White Flag Call / Occupy Menwith Hill

[Helen Alexander]

Hi Folks, 

This is Helen from Occupy Leeds.

Great reading the White Flag call on tonight's digest. It made it seem timely that we hurry up and tell you all what we're planning here in Yorkshire for the global day of action against military spending on April 17th.... 

For the past few months, a few of us from Occupy Leeds have also been intensively working on a new campaign against Menwith Hill. The most secret US spy base in the UK, run by the NSA and completely unaccountable, unlawful and undemocratic, is right here on our doorstep just outside Harrogate. Menwith Hill plays a strategic role in the corrupt elite's global power projection and as a critical weapon in the covert, intelligence-led warfare that lies at the heart of our struggle. 

We've been working on the publication of 'Lifting the Lid on Menwith Hill': a new academic report which reveals the scale of the secrecy and unaccountability, the outrageous breaches of Human rights, and commercial espionage that takes place there on behalf of the 1%. It also highlights the extent to which the claims of 'local economic benefits' of the base are grossly overstated by the US authorities and duly repeated by the uk government and points to the hidden costs to both the local and national economy. 

Please, please all go and read the report by downloading it here:

http://www.yorkshirecnd.org.uk/campaigns/menwith-hill/

You will be angry.

And please help us by sharing the link in as many places as possible. 

Meanwhile, an affinity group of us from Occupy Leeds have plans to Occupy Menwith Hill on April 17th. 

There'll be a full day of action to kick things off, we have a great space planned, lots of creative direct action ideas. 

Obviously, its a long shot, and we're not sure how long we'll get away with our physical occupation but we're determined to give it our best shot! 

We invite all occupiers everywhere to come and join us as we fly many, many, white flags in the face of the NSA and re-occupy what should be one of the most beautiful and peaceful corners of the UK, but currently lies in the shadow of one of the US's most covert and deadly weapons of mass destruction. 

Bring it on! We can't wait. 

We haven't got tech set up yet, but we meet on Thursday to start planning properly, so watch this space and we'll start sharing news, web details, fb & twitter links etc over the next week or so. 

In the meantime, if anyone wants to help or get involved, just get in touch with us through the usual Occupy Leeds channels. 

Sending peace, love and shit loads of positivity to you all. 

Spring is in the air and May seems but a moment away. And oh what a May it will be! 

Xxx 


















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