report, photos from demo in Vicenza, Italy against new U.S. military base

[stephinrome]

See more photos at: http://www.peaceandjustice.it/g-dal-molin.php

No Dal Molin, No War
Somewhere between 20,000 and 30,000 people marched peacefully through the city of Vicenza, Italy on December 2, 2006 to say no to the proposed U.S. military base at the Dal Molin airport, and to say no to war. It was, in fact, one of the biggest demonstrations ever held in the city known for Andrea Palladio, thanks in large part to the tireless work of local organizers and despite the fear mongering by city officials, who had warned residents to stay inside their homes and keep the car in the garage and advised shop owners to close for the day.

These same local officials had been involved in secret negotiations with the former Berlusconi government, going back as far as two years, to turn over the Dal Molin to the U.S. military in order to expand the existing base at Camp Ederle. City residents became aware of the plan in May 2006 and mounted an incredible grassroots campaign. Residents of Vicenza and the surrounding area formed 9 citizens' committees and held public assemblies, meetings, debates, protests and sit-ins. All this culminated in a national demonstration on December 2 with people coming from all over Italy.

Read the rest of the report:
http://www.peaceandjustice.it/nomilitarybases-post.php

Steph

[Goat or Panic]

1. I lived just outside of Vicenza

from 1977 to 1980, my mom was stationed at Ederle. I remember whenever we would drive by Italians on the street, they would flash a peace sign and smile. My how things have changed.

BTW, Vicenza and Italy are amazing, beautiful places. Beautiful buildings and people.