StopBlackwater.net
 |  View of Round Potrero Valley, where the training camp is proposed. This is a valley that should be returned to its native state and to the wildlife in the Cleveland National Forest. |
 | Remember the bill passed just before the November elections to fund the military? ("John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007" (H.R. 5122)) Well, hidden in that bill are provisions that seriously weaken two bulwarks of liberty--the Posse Comitatus Act and the Insurrection Act of 1807--by expanding the power of the president to declare martial law and use troops as a domestic police force in response to a "public emergency" or any "other condition". Blackwater troops (which were deployed domestically in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina) or other private mercenary and paramilitary forces pose a severe threat to the civil liberties of the American people and now could be deployed to quell public dissent, put down popular uprisings, or even to stop opposing points of view through intimidation or outright force. These are bases of an invading force that is bent on stealing our country from us, right under our noses! CONNECT THE DOTS! |
Blackwater USA, one of the largest private military contractors in the world, has proposed "Blackwater West" to be built in a valley just north of the small town of Potrero, in East San Diego County. The facility will comprise 824 acres, and includes a portion of the Cleveland National Forest. The valley is one of a chain of valleys starting in Descanso, part of the original two-million acre preserve originally designated by Teddy Roosevelt. Since then, it has been reduced to 650K acres, and swiss-cheesed with private ownership. This valley has been used as a chicken ranch.
The proposed boot camp will substantially develop the property and utilize it for target practice using pistols and carbines, a two-mile race track for emergency vehicle training, an 18,000 sqft armory (almost 1/2 acre of guns and ammo,) dormitories, mess hall, etc. The intention is to service 15,000 soldiers each year (300 per week) with 60 staff in residence on site.
Learn more...(Enter wiki site)
Jeremy Scahill -- Came to San Diego May 1/2
Video of his presentation is available on the website (Click above)...Potrero Planning Group Meeting 10 May 2007
This PPG meeting is going to be intense. I imagine that we will have all the local and national news media present. At the same time, Potrero Planning Group chair Gordon Hammers is going to try to avoid the issue of Blackwater, by claiming that nothing can be said due to the lawsuit. It looks now like Gordon is being forced to keep the meeting OPEN per the County Counsel.I have drafted some proposed talking points for residents to speak to. I will be able to pass these out prior to the meeting. Please ask me for talking points if you want some suggestions OR WRITE YOUR OWN SPEECH, about 1 page usually is all you'll have time for.
Our goal is to be VERY APPROPRIATE AND DEAL WITH THE ISSUES, not just spout off. This will make the PPG look ridiculous as they haven't dealt with any of these issues, and I'm sure Gordon will respond to them anyway, as he can't seem to stop talking as if he works for Blackwater.
MORE DETAIL HERE: Click to View Meeting Information
I also recommend that we have small (letter size) signs that say "NO CLOSED SESSION" "STOP BLACKWATER" "SAVE POTRERO" etc. as these will be visible by the media.
OUTSIDE, all other protesters, large signs, etc. WE SHOULD RESERVE THE ROOM FOR THE POTRERO RESIDENTS AND THOSE WHO PLAN TO SPEAK. However, the outside protesters should be in place by 6pm to have the maximum effect! Everyone arriving at the meeting will see the signs and the massive number of protesters.
THIS MAY BE THE MOST IMPORTANT MEETING TO TURN THE TIDE AND STOP BLACKWATER!!!
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