Kucinich Declares Victory for Protecting the Great Lakes-U.S. Coast Guard Ceases Live Fire Weapons

[Kolesar]

Kucinich Declares Victory for Protecting the Great Lakes; U.S. Coast Guard Ceases Live Fire Weapons Training Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 18) - Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. Coast Guard's decision to terminate its live fire weapons program on the Great Lakes:

"The U.S. Coast Guard heeded the calls of the American people. Today the Great Lakes were protected by those who rely on its integrity."

Kucinich fought to halt the live fire weapons training program on the Great Lakes. He was the only Member of Congress who spoke out at a U.S. Coast Guard public meeting in October, urging the agency to reconsider. He also worked in collaboration with various local environmental, recreational, peace and labor groups who oppose the live fire arms training program. He held an environmental summit in his Lakewood office where he heard the concerns of different agencies. He then took these concerns and voiced them in the public meeting.

"The Coast Guard's decision to cancel live fire exercises on the Great Lakes was democracy in action. Nearly 1,000 public comments testify to the people's strong objection to militarizing our peaceful border with Canada. Today, the Coast Guard listened to the people."

Kucinich vowed to closely monitor any future proposals and to work closely with the U.S. Coast Guard to safeguard the Great Lakes, the world's largest supply of fresh water.

"Lake Erie and the other Great Lakes are a vital resource for commerce, recreation, transportation, species diversity and international cooperation.

"I commend the Coast Guard for recognizing the importance the Great Lakes play in millions of Americans' everyday lives. The Coast Guard listened and the people prevailed."

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. The last time Lake Erie heard the firing of military guns

was during the War of 1812. Good for Kucinich for keeping it that way.

[Broadslidin]

2. The U.S. Cowboys Wanted So Much To Use A Heavy Machine Gun on...

Lake St. Clair,
faced with chasing after all the Hoity-Toity Boaters
operating out of the 3000 boat slips
located along the St. Clair Shores Nautical Mile...!!

[louis-t]

3. At the same time, they're allowing Nestle to siphon water

from a 'new well' in Osceola County. 210,000 gallons a day, for its Ice Mountain Water subsidiary. Reports say it won't affect nearby rivers and streams. Sure.

[Kolesar]

4. The new rule is that water can be taken in containers

..in the Great Lakes watershed. The advantage is that those local to the resource get the "added value" of bottling and marketing. It is much better than if ships took water from a Great Lakes port by the tanker-load. A critique of this and any policy is appropriate, though. :hi:

[louis-t]

6. I guess it is better than a pipeline to AZ n/t

[Benhurst]

5. Good for Kucinich! While I'm tired of the puff pieces which are

overwhelming us on DU, this post is the kind we need, keeping us informed as to the actions being taken by our elected officials, especially those taken by potential presidential candidates.

Surely anyone posting on DU pretty well knows all the candidates and possible-candidates by now.

Enough already of the puff pieces. But when any of our people take action over the next two years, either good or bad, we need to be kept informed.

Again, good for Kucinich.

And thanks for the post, TheBorealAvenger