AWE protesters cause rush-hour tailbacks
12:33pm Monday 12th November 2007
MILES of tailbacks snaked through Tadley this morning as anti-nuclear protesters staged a demonstration outside the Atomic Weapons Establishment.
About 60 protesters gathered from 7am onwards and formed four separate human roadblocks in the roads leading to the entrances at AWE.
Others stood in the entrances with signs and banners, displaying messages including "beep for peace" and "are there not better ways to spend £75billion?".
The protest was organised by the direct action group Block the Builders.
Thames Valley Police were notified in advance of the blockades and attended in vast numbers to ensure a peaceful protest and to manage the large volume of rush-hour traffic.
Nine people were arrested in connection with the protests.
For more on this story see this Thursday's Gazette.
Your Say YourGazette
simon, tadley says...
1:00pm Tue 13 Nov 07
What a colossal waste of time. It wasted loads of people's time in traffic delays. It cost money for police and most importantly - no one is remotely interested in such a protest. The police were enjoying themselves - I saw 6 or 7 of them laughing and joking about it all. Protest about something worthwhile - like xmas arriving in the beginning of November!
Chris, Basingstoke says...
1:47pm Tue 13 Nov 07
Just let them inside the wire then accidently give them all a massive radiation dose, job done..waste of police time, so charge the protestors accordingly.
Leigh, basingstoke says...
4:26pm Tue 13 Nov 07
Im sorry, but i disagree with the last three comments. What part of what they did makes them stupid, a waste of space, and apparrently worthy of being killed?
It that kind of thing they are protesting against, atomic weapons being used to kill innocent people.
These however are the people that protest outside the naval base where my brother works but however is still think those kind of mindless views about what they are doing completely unreasonable.
All they are doing is standing up for something that they believe in. Freedom of speech. Yes it maybe a joke to some people, but they are trying to get through to people.
How awful that for a few hours at most you were stuck in traffic whilst some people gave up there time to try and better the world. Heavens.
It that kind of thing they are protesting against, atomic weapons being used to kill innocent people.
These however are the people that protest outside the naval base where my brother works but however is still think those kind of mindless views about what they are doing completely unreasonable.
All they are doing is standing up for something that they believe in. Freedom of speech. Yes it maybe a joke to some people, but they are trying to get through to people.
How awful that for a few hours at most you were stuck in traffic whilst some people gave up there time to try and better the world. Heavens.
simon, tadley says...
9:01am Wed 14 Nov 07
Leigh -
1: It is a waste of time - a nuclear deterrent will never be abandoned - the world is a truly horrifying place you know.
2: the protesters probably like the camaraderie and lifestyle, the message itself incidental.
3: being stuck in traffic is enough to make one want to depart this world! Causing delays is not bettering the world.
4: Ultimately wouldn't it be better if the human race was wiped from the planet? We have become a nightmare.
5: Why do you care? You are young I expect. When you get to your late 30's you realise that we just don't matter a jot.
1: It is a waste of time - a nuclear deterrent will never be abandoned - the world is a truly horrifying place you know.
2: the protesters probably like the camaraderie and lifestyle, the message itself incidental.
3: being stuck in traffic is enough to make one want to depart this world! Causing delays is not bettering the world.
4: Ultimately wouldn't it be better if the human race was wiped from the planet? We have become a nightmare.
5: Why do you care? You are young I expect. When you get to your late 30's you realise that we just don't matter a jot.
Leigh, basingstoke says...
11:00am Wed 14 Nov 07
well dont you just have a negative outlook.
causing delays in traffic may not be bettering the world but nor is it ending it.
it did not harm what they did. they just stood up for something.
assuming im young doesnt mean anything. if i am, what does that mean. that im not entitled an opinion on such matters? and if i am already in my late thirtys im allowed one, but would agree that they should be shot?
i think not.
causing delays in traffic may not be bettering the world but nor is it ending it.
it did not harm what they did. they just stood up for something.
assuming im young doesnt mean anything. if i am, what does that mean. that im not entitled an opinion on such matters? and if i am already in my late thirtys im allowed one, but would agree that they should be shot?
i think not.
simon, tadley says...
12:03pm Wed 14 Nov 07
Hi Leigh,
Good for you Girl! Tell me straight. Bear this in mind though - if your young now and intelligent with a good mind that can think clearly, by the time your in your thirties I guarantee you won't be bothered about anything anymore. All is nonsense. You don;t seriously think those daft people at that demo actually care about what they're protesting do you? And incidentally - in ancient Rome, peoples opinions were disregarded unless they were over 60 years old - you could not be a senator until you reached this age. Young people are happier stuck in front of the TV watching mind numbing junk.
Good for you Girl! Tell me straight. Bear this in mind though - if your young now and intelligent with a good mind that can think clearly, by the time your in your thirties I guarantee you won't be bothered about anything anymore. All is nonsense. You don;t seriously think those daft people at that demo actually care about what they're protesting do you? And incidentally - in ancient Rome, peoples opinions were disregarded unless they were over 60 years old - you could not be a senator until you reached this age. Young people are happier stuck in front of the TV watching mind numbing junk.
Leigh, basingstoke says...
3:04pm Wed 14 Nov 07
Simon,
Yes, ancient rome . things have changed a bit then, else i could start pulling up things like women didnt get the right to vote until 1918 and even then that was with a degree, were they not entitled to an opinion?
but things have changed alot since then so its a bit pointless.
i do seriously think these people care about what they are protesting about. knowing a fair few people that take part in these events i know that they do. and one of them is a "nearly 30 something" who apparently shouldnt care about issues like this.
why else would they do it. for a giggle? why risk criminal records of disturbing the peace.
please dont generalise to the younger generation that they all sit around watching "mind numbing tv" those are the people that one day will be running this country when there 30 and dont care about anything.
so think when you next sit down and watch your episode of corrie, isnt that just a mind numbing junk?
Yes, ancient rome . things have changed a bit then, else i could start pulling up things like women didnt get the right to vote until 1918 and even then that was with a degree, were they not entitled to an opinion?
but things have changed alot since then so its a bit pointless.
i do seriously think these people care about what they are protesting about. knowing a fair few people that take part in these events i know that they do. and one of them is a "nearly 30 something" who apparently shouldnt care about issues like this.
why else would they do it. for a giggle? why risk criminal records of disturbing the peace.
please dont generalise to the younger generation that they all sit around watching "mind numbing tv" those are the people that one day will be running this country when there 30 and dont care about anything.
so think when you next sit down and watch your episode of corrie, isnt that just a mind numbing junk?
simon, tadley says...
9:04am Thu 15 Nov 07
Hello Leigh,
I am outraged young lady. I have never watched Corrie in my life! I barely watch the Telly at all- load of rubbish. Your pals are obviously idealists - that will go, but in the meantime they are perfectly entitled to protest whatever they wish, but there is no need to lay in the road - that is daft - causing problems to people completely unconnected with the dastardly bomb factory. It is also like king canute trying to hold back the tide - pointless - the AWE has received billions in funding over the last few years. They are hardly going to shut it all down because a few 'deeply concerned and earth aware' persons lay in the road and sit around in their little tents - are they? Also, I would rather live in ancient Rome - far preferable to the insanity of our modern age. Your under the impression that there has been progress throughout history - this is incorrect - read 'Straw Dog's' by John Grey - this will set you right. Also, as to who runs the country, it is of no concern to me. Is it to you? Do you care about who runs Marwell Zoo? I don't. Do yourself a favour and do not concern yourself with the trivialities of politics and the like - politics are a pursuit of those with nothing better to think about. As for women getting the right to vote in 1918 - why bother? I've never voted in all my 36 years and have no intention of ever doing so. I think you should also read the 'naked ape ' and 'human zoo' by Desmond Morris. These are vital for any human's education. Have a nice day young lady. Kind regards, Simon.
I am outraged young lady. I have never watched Corrie in my life! I barely watch the Telly at all- load of rubbish. Your pals are obviously idealists - that will go, but in the meantime they are perfectly entitled to protest whatever they wish, but there is no need to lay in the road - that is daft - causing problems to people completely unconnected with the dastardly bomb factory. It is also like king canute trying to hold back the tide - pointless - the AWE has received billions in funding over the last few years. They are hardly going to shut it all down because a few 'deeply concerned and earth aware' persons lay in the road and sit around in their little tents - are they? Also, I would rather live in ancient Rome - far preferable to the insanity of our modern age. Your under the impression that there has been progress throughout history - this is incorrect - read 'Straw Dog's' by John Grey - this will set you right. Also, as to who runs the country, it is of no concern to me. Is it to you? Do you care about who runs Marwell Zoo? I don't. Do yourself a favour and do not concern yourself with the trivialities of politics and the like - politics are a pursuit of those with nothing better to think about. As for women getting the right to vote in 1918 - why bother? I've never voted in all my 36 years and have no intention of ever doing so. I think you should also read the 'naked ape ' and 'human zoo' by Desmond Morris. These are vital for any human's education. Have a nice day young lady. Kind regards, Simon.
Leigh, basingstoke says...
9:45am Thu 15 Nov 07
again with the assuming i am a young person. bit of a difference between marwell zoo and the country dont you think? i hardly think a giraffe is going to decide how much tax people should be paying!
So, how did women get the vote in the end? by sitting around, moaning to fellow women. no, they did exactly what these protesters did. stood up for something they believed wasnt right. and changed history.
understandable, people in school wont be learning about the people "lying in roads in their little tents" to try and stop atomic weapon threats. but they ARE learning about the women who protested in exactly the same way to get the vote.
if like you say, you have never voted in your 36 wonderful years of life. you have no right to say that the modern age is rubbish. you have a vote. maybe you wont change the world with that one vote but the millions of people like you that sit and moan yet do nothing about it might.
As for concerning myself politics, im simply making a point that they are doing something they wish to make a stand for. leave them to it. yes those few precious hours at most you were stuck in traffic may have been annoying. but you'll live.
And as for the book recommendation, as the young person i apparently am, are you sure i could find the libary?
Have a wonderful day.
So, how did women get the vote in the end? by sitting around, moaning to fellow women. no, they did exactly what these protesters did. stood up for something they believed wasnt right. and changed history.
understandable, people in school wont be learning about the people "lying in roads in their little tents" to try and stop atomic weapon threats. but they ARE learning about the women who protested in exactly the same way to get the vote.
if like you say, you have never voted in your 36 wonderful years of life. you have no right to say that the modern age is rubbish. you have a vote. maybe you wont change the world with that one vote but the millions of people like you that sit and moan yet do nothing about it might.
As for concerning myself politics, im simply making a point that they are doing something they wish to make a stand for. leave them to it. yes those few precious hours at most you were stuck in traffic may have been annoying. but you'll live.
And as for the book recommendation, as the young person i apparently am, are you sure i could find the libary?
Have a wonderful day.
simon, tadley says...
10:44am Thu 15 Nov 07
Find the library and find these books. Also, we seem to have drifted from the point somewhat. I think our viewpoints are polar opposites. I have no interest in anything other than observing the madness and then dying. You obviously take yourself and humans more seriously. I advise reading Dawkins and Colin Wilson also. Kind regards, Simon.
Mrs Winthorpe, Bramley says...
11:16am Thu 15 Nov 07
I agree with Simon. I am 72 years old and I was held up for 2 hours for a hospital appointment and as such a clot in my leg has gone into my lung and I am now stuck in hospital on my own. I have no problem with people protesting, but please don't sit in the road.
Bonzo, Local says...
11:33am Thu 15 Nov 07
Protests have been going on at Aldermaston since the fifties and it hasn't changed things one tiny bit.
What is produced there helps to keep the power nations in balance and of course we don't want to upset that precious balance do we?
Go and protest at the door of those fragile third-world countries with hair-triggers that could so easily be activated.
That is where the risk is and is why we need defence at this high level to protect what is so precious to us all. I think you'll find the majority are quite content with the comfort we take for granted.
Without it we would be so vulnerable!
What is produced there helps to keep the power nations in balance and of course we don't want to upset that precious balance do we?
Go and protest at the door of those fragile third-world countries with hair-triggers that could so easily be activated.
That is where the risk is and is why we need defence at this high level to protect what is so precious to us all. I think you'll find the majority are quite content with the comfort we take for granted.
Without it we would be so vulnerable!
Leigh, basingstoke says...
12:49pm Thu 15 Nov 07
well. i guess thats why we're to different people. your here to exist. im here to live.
as for taking myself and other humans to seriously, well what should i take seriously?
THERES NOTHING ELSE.
It appears you have won the vote of the narrowminded people in this country.
congratulations.
But then again, i just did exactly what they did. i stood up because i thought something was wrong...and shockingly. i was told that i was a "young lady, to young to have an opinion should get back to watching my mind numbing tv and not concern myself with such politics, until the day i turn 30 in which i should expect a birthday card from which ever person is running the country into the ground with a note saying i can now have an opinion."
by which point i apparently wont care. and all because i stood up for something.
my, what have i done.
as for taking myself and other humans to seriously, well what should i take seriously?
THERES NOTHING ELSE.
It appears you have won the vote of the narrowminded people in this country.
congratulations.
But then again, i just did exactly what they did. i stood up because i thought something was wrong...and shockingly. i was told that i was a "young lady, to young to have an opinion should get back to watching my mind numbing tv and not concern myself with such politics, until the day i turn 30 in which i should expect a birthday card from which ever person is running the country into the ground with a note saying i can now have an opinion."
by which point i apparently wont care. and all because i stood up for something.
my, what have i done.
Bonzo, Local says...
12:56pm Thu 15 Nov 07
Just because the majority backs the nuclear deterrent doesn't mean we all want it.
I'm sure we'd all like a world without 'weapons of Mass Destruction' but going back to the 'previous alternatives' could be just as dangerous but on a smaller scale as in WW1 and WW2? (sorry to bring sarcasm into this serious debate but I'm sure you understand?)
I'm sure we'd all like a world without 'weapons of Mass Destruction' but going back to the 'previous alternatives' could be just as dangerous but on a smaller scale as in WW1 and WW2? (sorry to bring sarcasm into this serious debate but I'm sure you understand?)
Kerry, Petersfield says...
1:00pm Thu 15 Nov 07
I can see and agree with Leigh's point, and I cannot find Simons through the mire of male chauvinist attitude and patronising comments. Perhaps before you recommend books to other people you should consult a dictionary? Regardless of any age issues, this is simply a difference in opinion based on prejudice. Now I am neither a teenager or 36, but I can say that you do not give up caring when you get older, what a horrifying thought to suggest that in your late 30s you do not care anymore. I feel this is probably Simons personal issue not a generalisation on the generation to which I am closest to, as I have never met a person in that age bracket who felt that way. If that is how he feels I truly pity him. And as one of the people who have attended such protests before, we are not there for the atmosphere, if we wanted to get together surely a coffee morning would be easier? We are there to express our rights to stop the degradation of this world we are passing to our children. As for not voting, well I am not shocked, as it is people who do not vote who do not care about anything in this world apart from their little bubble, and yet whine like a kid with a skinned knee when it doesn't go their way. Maybe if you considered more that yourself in this world, you would take an interest in issues in politics and the environment and affect a small change for future generations. But sadly this negative and prejudiced post will probably be the only legacy you leave. Good for you Leigh for having an open mind.
simon, tadley says...
1:06pm Thu 15 Nov 07
Ladies please...My point is simply that I am simply disinterested in protest and human vanity. Personally I would rather face nuclear apocalypse than be stuck in another traffic jam. Good day to you.
MRS WAINTHROPE, BRAMLEY says...
1:19pm Thu 15 Nov 07
Leigh, I think you are getting too angry. That is no good in a debate. You should be cool and clear. Also yuo say that you care about yourself and other humans as there is nothing else - and that Simon is narrowminded? This is logically unsound. Caring about humans and nothing else is classified as an 'Anthropocentric' mindset. This is the classic example of narrow minded thinking. Humans are but a speck in the universe. Let us have everyone being more thoughtful in their statements.
Kerry, Petersfield says...
1:23pm Thu 15 Nov 07
Yes I am sure you do, and as you never vote and therefore never affect any change in the use of nuclear weapons, perhaps one day you will get your wish. But that is your choice. But just for your information, as Leigh and Kerry are unisex names, I believe the 'Ladies Please' comment is a bit presumptuous. Have a fabulous day.
Leigh, basingstoke says...
2:11pm Thu 15 Nov 07
Mrs Wainthrope,
Not once have i got angry during this entire discussion. i have sat an typed my opinions with a clear mind. never attacking someone.
i simply protested at the comment, that because i may or may not be young, i didnt know what i was talking about and that i should be concerned with things like this.
I sympathise that as a result you have been put in hospital, however, as personal experience of my mother passing away due to a similar problem i can only express that you should have been in hospital a long time before this. If the two hours in the car cause such drastic results then, one you were not fit to be driving a car due to what could have happened as a worst case scenario when you were at the wheel causing an accient, thus further traffic and two you should have been admit far more urgently.
We may be but a speck in the universe, but we may be the only speck in the universe. Without us. What is left, but a few planets spinning around the sun?
I wish you a speedy recovery.
Not once have i got angry during this entire discussion. i have sat an typed my opinions with a clear mind. never attacking someone.
i simply protested at the comment, that because i may or may not be young, i didnt know what i was talking about and that i should be concerned with things like this.
I sympathise that as a result you have been put in hospital, however, as personal experience of my mother passing away due to a similar problem i can only express that you should have been in hospital a long time before this. If the two hours in the car cause such drastic results then, one you were not fit to be driving a car due to what could have happened as a worst case scenario when you were at the wheel causing an accient, thus further traffic and two you should have been admit far more urgently.
We may be but a speck in the universe, but we may be the only speck in the universe. Without us. What is left, but a few planets spinning around the sun?
I wish you a speedy recovery.
Doris Jones, silchester says...
2:57pm Thu 15 Nov 07
Dear Leigh,
Without us, what would be left? A much nicer universe without our stupidity, vanity, insanity, destruction, barbaric cruelty to all other creatures. What a horrible world it would be without us. Try to have a wider view of existence.
best wishes love, Doris.
Without us, what would be left? A much nicer universe without our stupidity, vanity, insanity, destruction, barbaric cruelty to all other creatures. What a horrible world it would be without us. Try to have a wider view of existence.
best wishes love, Doris.
Leigh, Basingstoke says...
3:03pm Thu 15 Nov 07
That is exactly my point all be it put differently.
a "destruction and barbaric cruelty to all other creatures"
which is exactly what the people were protesting for. exactly what im standing up for. exactly what they were trying to stop.
kind regards.
All im trying to put across is that without humans, destroying the world as we may. there would just be nothing.
a "destruction and barbaric cruelty to all other creatures"
which is exactly what the people were protesting for. exactly what im standing up for. exactly what they were trying to stop.
kind regards.
All im trying to put across is that without humans, destroying the world as we may. there would just be nothing.
Kerry, Petersfield says...
3:19pm Thu 15 Nov 07
I think everyone is now rounding on Leigh, and that is not what a debate is about. By being patronising and condescending to someone who was brave enough to enter a comment is bullying and narrow minded, precisely what you are accusing her of. Perhaps it is best to respect everyones opinion and leave this alone now.
Oliver, oakley says...
3:29pm Thu 15 Nov 07
I think Kerry and Leigh are a lovely pair of girls and they are right! Simon and some of the others are like apostates from another dimension. If only the world was full of nice girls like these two!
Leigh, Basingstoke. says...
3:32pm Thu 15 Nov 07
yay! someone agreed with me instead of attacking what i said. finally!
and another fellow oakley resident!
there is hope out there!
and another fellow oakley resident!
there is hope out there!
Carlos Tilbury, says...
4:25pm Thu 15 Nov 07
I think every person has the right to protest, having grown up with the threat of greenham and aldermaston on the grand tour of russian missiles on holiday during the 80's!
I'll be honest I see both sides to having atomic weapons, but the fact that non N weapons are pretty pin point with there targeting then maybe we dont need them.
The fact a mad man has them is a problem I find, I mean George W Bush did cheat his way into office!
No country would in there right mind would use to be honest, only two have ever been used in anger and no country would want to take the blame to be the first to fire.
Sorry Mrs W you had a problem, I'm sure the protestors didnt want that to happen.
Oliver is right these girls are smashing and great and keep up the great work your right on many counts.
I'll be honest I see both sides to having atomic weapons, but the fact that non N weapons are pretty pin point with there targeting then maybe we dont need them.
The fact a mad man has them is a problem I find, I mean George W Bush did cheat his way into office!
No country would in there right mind would use to be honest, only two have ever been used in anger and no country would want to take the blame to be the first to fire.
Sorry Mrs W you had a problem, I'm sure the protestors didnt want that to happen.
Oliver is right these girls are smashing and great and keep up the great work your right on many counts.
dave, basingstoke says...
6:00pm Thu 15 Nov 07
Three cheers for Leigh and Kerry!!!
dave, basingstoke says...
6:00pm Thu 15 Nov 07
Three cheers for Leigh and Kerry!!!
kerry, Petersfield says...
7:07pm Thu 15 Nov 07
Thanks for the cheers guys, glad someone can see beyond their own views on here!
Leigh, basingstoke says...
11:41am Fri 16 Nov 07
many thanks to dave, carlos and oliver!
nice that someone thinks we're doing the right thing.
nice that someone thinks we're doing the right thing.
Dan, London says...
12:10am Sat 17 Nov 07
Hi,
I was one of the protesters at AWE on Monday, but did not myself block the road. We always follow a policy of nonviolence, which means we will not knowingly inflict harm on others through our actions. Blockaders will always give way to emergency vehicles, etc. I am very sorry if anybody suffered because of the traffic delays. Not all of us approve of directly blocking public highways, but I can understand why some choose to do so. Most would much rather block the gates to the bases directly, but the heavy police presence generally makes this impossible. One of the reasons we carry out these blockades is that just holding a regular demonstration doesn't command the same level of attention the mainstream (national) media tends not to report on these things. If we hadn't carried out this action, you probably wouldn't be discussing the nuclear issue here at all - we want it to be debated. Those who choose to blockade (including pensioners) may face two hours or more lying down exposed to the elements, heavy-handed police treatment (I speak from first hand experience), six hours or more in a police cell, various court appearances (often travelling from afar), and then often a hefty fine and/or possible jail term (especially those who refuse to pay the fine on principle) obviously nobody does such things lightly. Inevitably, there will be those who disagree with our politics and ideals - they are entitled to their opinion; but we dont see any counter demonstrations demanding that the government continues upgrading Trident and undermining the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Love, Peace and Harmony to you all.
I was one of the protesters at AWE on Monday, but did not myself block the road. We always follow a policy of nonviolence, which means we will not knowingly inflict harm on others through our actions. Blockaders will always give way to emergency vehicles, etc. I am very sorry if anybody suffered because of the traffic delays. Not all of us approve of directly blocking public highways, but I can understand why some choose to do so. Most would much rather block the gates to the bases directly, but the heavy police presence generally makes this impossible. One of the reasons we carry out these blockades is that just holding a regular demonstration doesn't command the same level of attention the mainstream (national) media tends not to report on these things. If we hadn't carried out this action, you probably wouldn't be discussing the nuclear issue here at all - we want it to be debated. Those who choose to blockade (including pensioners) may face two hours or more lying down exposed to the elements, heavy-handed police treatment (I speak from first hand experience), six hours or more in a police cell, various court appearances (often travelling from afar), and then often a hefty fine and/or possible jail term (especially those who refuse to pay the fine on principle) obviously nobody does such things lightly. Inevitably, there will be those who disagree with our politics and ideals - they are entitled to their opinion; but we dont see any counter demonstrations demanding that the government continues upgrading Trident and undermining the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Love, Peace and Harmony to you all.
Bonzo, Local says...
9:06am Sat 17 Nov 07
If you notice Dan, the topic was soon forgotten even due to poor spelling and punctuation.
This area has seen it all before and it's been debated to death many times. Your futile protests only get mentioned when it effects the health and safety of local people trying to go about their lives. No one cares what the protests are about as long as it doesn't block any roads, then you'll quickly loose any support you had.
The age of protests in this country are a thing of the past usually by old hippies and other social missfits with nothing else/better to do.
We're expected to vote out the offending government, but as all governments agree to Nuclear weapons what chance have we got I ask?
This area has seen it all before and it's been debated to death many times. Your futile protests only get mentioned when it effects the health and safety of local people trying to go about their lives. No one cares what the protests are about as long as it doesn't block any roads, then you'll quickly loose any support you had.
The age of protests in this country are a thing of the past usually by old hippies and other social missfits with nothing else/better to do.
We're expected to vote out the offending government, but as all governments agree to Nuclear weapons what chance have we got I ask?
Dan, London says...
2:42pm Sat 17 Nov 07
"No one cares what the protests are about as long as it doesn't block any roads"
- In our defence, I would say that this action was publicly announced well in advance of the date. The police (who were clearly expecting us) therefore had a duty to inform local motorists to expect disruption and to use alternative routes wherever possible. In addition, much of the traffic disruption was actually initiated by police road blocks, not by the protesters themselves - around Burghfield in particular, where it was only the private MoD road that the protesters blocked (and there was in any case an alternative entrance to this road from the opposite end).
"We're expected to vote out the offending government, but as all governments agree to Nuclear weapons what chance have we got I ask?"
- Not every political party in this country supports nuclear weapons: the Green Party wholeheartedly opposes Trident (they now have many councillors in the UK; and two MEPs Dr Caroline Lucas is the local one); and the Scottish Nationalists are making great strides in the Scottish Parliament to get Trident booted out of their nation, thanks in no small part to publicity for the recently-completed 365-day blockade of the Faslane Trident submarine base, in which well over 1000 people were arrested. Clearly it was an effective non-violent direct action campaign. Perhaps then it is time for something similar at Aldermaston? Care to join us??
- In our defence, I would say that this action was publicly announced well in advance of the date. The police (who were clearly expecting us) therefore had a duty to inform local motorists to expect disruption and to use alternative routes wherever possible. In addition, much of the traffic disruption was actually initiated by police road blocks, not by the protesters themselves - around Burghfield in particular, where it was only the private MoD road that the protesters blocked (and there was in any case an alternative entrance to this road from the opposite end).
"We're expected to vote out the offending government, but as all governments agree to Nuclear weapons what chance have we got I ask?"
- Not every political party in this country supports nuclear weapons: the Green Party wholeheartedly opposes Trident (they now have many councillors in the UK; and two MEPs Dr Caroline Lucas is the local one); and the Scottish Nationalists are making great strides in the Scottish Parliament to get Trident booted out of their nation, thanks in no small part to publicity for the recently-completed 365-day blockade of the Faslane Trident submarine base, in which well over 1000 people were arrested. Clearly it was an effective non-violent direct action campaign. Perhaps then it is time for something similar at Aldermaston? Care to join us??
Bonzo, Local says...
5:42pm Sat 17 Nov 07
Sorry Dan, I meant to say 'political party's that matter.' I didn't mean to include all the other insignificant ones.
Maybe your protest we be better if you protested about the lack of votes for these party's. But once in power I bet they'd change their ideals pretty quickly. Still, I guess we'll never know eh?
Maybe your protest we be better if you protested about the lack of votes for these party's. But once in power I bet they'd change their ideals pretty quickly. Still, I guess we'll never know eh?
Dan, London says...
7:35pm Sat 17 Nov 07
So the mainstream political parties and national media of this country are morally corrupt. This is precisely why I prefer nonviolent direct action to wasting my time lobbying MPs, etc. Or as a prominent campaigner and grandmother put it (with regard to the invasion of Iraq), "write a letter to the Prime Minister, but wrap it around a rock and throw it through his window!" (making sure there's no-one on the other side of it first, of course).
Bonzo, Local says...
9:51pm Sat 17 Nov 07
We all disagree with the govt. Dan on numerous topics during their reign, but as the majority votes them in we can't really complain.
Of course they are corrupt, it goes with the power thingy, but whoever is in power will do what they think is best in the time that they have and hopefully do enough to get them back in again.
I'm sure many would like to have seen Mrs. T gone long before she did but somehow she survived the hate that she deserved.
Of course they are corrupt, it goes with the power thingy, but whoever is in power will do what they think is best in the time that they have and hopefully do enough to get them back in again.
I'm sure many would like to have seen Mrs. T gone long before she did but somehow she survived the hate that she deserved.
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Russ, aldermaston says...
11:37am Tue 13 Nov 07