Quick Post From Today's Recruiter Protest

Just a few brief observations about the action before I get editing photos, video and audio:

• Background on the highschoolers who organized today's action at the Freep.  I didn't get a chance to talk to Emily Coon, who was the prime mover, because she was so busy with press, which she handled very, very well (I eavesdropped a lot).  Bravo to them all.
• I got to the location about 15 minutes early to scope out the place and saw a group with signs a couple blocks away at the Shaw's parking lot, so I meandered over there to join them.  "Are you press?" they asked.  "No, I'm a blogger, and I'm here to support you."
• It was bitterly cold with the wind, which made me feel rather cold and stupid for leaving my gloves at home.  Hey, it was warm when I left, but the Arctic storm front started to move in apparently.  Out of the wind it wasn't bad.  Thanks to the kids who offered me gloves.
• The Army recruiters closed shop for the day before we got there in proactive response to our action.  So we hung out there for a while, then half the group (there were scores of people) went over to the National Guard recruiters while the rest of us maintained a presence at the original location.
• A bunch of people were able to occupy the National Guard facility, so we all moved there for support.  About 14 remained after being asked to vacate, and they eventually engaged in a sit-in, were cited for trespass, then still refusing to leave, were arrested.  Four students were in that group.
• Not only were Williston cops there in force, but they called in several squad cars from the State Trooper barracks, the South Burlington police, cops from Essex, and the Chittenden County sheriff.
• I met JD Ryan finally, but didn't get to meet Michael Colby because he was busy getting arrested.

From where I sit, it was a total success.  One potential recruit did get escorted through our people to enter the National Guard station, but we effectively shut down recruiting for the day.  Looks like another planned action next Friday, but I won't be attending since I'll be down in Deerfield, MA, for the war tax resisters gathering.

More soon!

ntodd

Comments

[Brendan]

Wow! You’ve been doing a lot there Todd! I wish I could be there helping out, but I’m stuck here in school today, learning (ironically) about war. :(
i had no idea the military comes to places like my home town and tries to recruit us fresh from high school! The thought saddens me and fills me with rage at our government. As I look around the room, I just see kids. Children. Underclassmen. These are the people they want fighting for us? Half of them can't even pick up a gun! Let alone fire one straight, or have the courage to aim it at another human being! I really appreciate what you have been doing here. Both you Todd, and the other people in CODEPINK.

~Brendan

[Nickolas Beard]

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[Patti Silva]

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[bob jones]

I hope you enjoy the freedoms given to you by those who choose to serve there county. Freedom has a flavor the Free will never know