Report on May 7, 2014 No Drones Peace Vigil in Bloomington, Indiana

As reported in the Indiana Daily Student and on WFHB community radio, twenty-four people participated in the May 7th No Drones Peace Vigil in Bloomington, Indiana. Those present read 114 names of people in Pakistan and Yemen who have been killed by U.S. drone strikes, including many of the 69 children’s names who were killed in the attack on the madrassa in Chenagai, Pakistan on Oct. 30, 2006.

Bearing witness to the victims of U.S. drone terror.

Those reading names were a female singer/ performing artist
 originally from Iran, a businessman originally from Iraq,
 an Indiana University professor originally from Somalia,
 and an Oxford graduate/ writer/ Peace activist who is the
 son of a U.S. diplomat, who also recounted about the period
 between 9/11 and the launch of U.S. wars in Afghanistan and Iraq,
 and how a return to diplomacy and a change of policy is now needed.

Timothy Baer MC’ed the event, gave an introduction about the U.S. drone program and why it should be ended, and encouraged everyone to contact President Obama to call for an end to drone strikes. 

"The MQ-9 Reaper drone...statically
 hovered over the assembled group
 and drew attention from passersby."

The MQ-9 Reaper drone replica with a nearly 12’ wingspan statically hovered over the assembled group and drew attention from passersby. Full color signs promoting the Drones Quilt Project exhibit, the ‘Not A Bug Splat’ project in Pakistan, and maps of areas where U.S. drone attacks occur were displayed. Newly printed signs were held, that read: Respect Human Rights, No More Drone Attacks, End Extra-Judicial Assassinations, End U.S. Drone Wars, and Stop Drone Killings. 

"STOP DRONE KILLINGS!"

Copies of the Drone Control Act, the proposed local anti-drone resolution, and anti-drone literature, as well as contact information for President Obama and Indiana members of Congress, were available and taken. 

People were encouraged to use pre-paid postcards and a suggested message to write to President Obama to end drone killings/ extra-judicial assassinations and to support international law. A number of postcards were written by participants and collected to be mailed.

The Spring Days of Drone Action are in full swing nationwide!
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