Fwd: Nader says Stop Bombing Vieques

[Yoshie Furuhashi]

>Date: Sat, 28 Oct 2000 10:02:15 -0600 (MDT)
>From: Dayne Goodwin <dayneg at shell.aros.net>
>To: marxism at lists.panix.com
>Subject: Nader says Stop Bombing Vieques
>
>  > Issue Paper    OCTOBER 27, 2000
>>  CONTACT: Jake Lewis or Laura Jones   (202) 265-4000
>>
>>
>>  NADER URGES END TO BOMBING ON VIEQUES ISLAND
>
>>  Vieques, Puerto Rico, is a small, inhabited island which has been used
>>  as a bombing range by the United States Navy for over fifty years, in
>>  violation of fundamental precepts of safe practices, respect for human
>>  rights, and simple common sense. I first spoke out against this
>>  tragedy more than 20 years ago.
>
>>  In fifty years of bombing, Vieques has suffered vast ecological
>>  damage, decimating the agriculture and fishing-based economy of the
>>  island. Coral reefs have deteriorated, and the land has been
>>  contaminated with toxins, including lead. Air, water and soil
>>  pollution are believed to be linked with high levels of cancer in the
>>  population.
>
>
>>  The people of Vieques have been fighting the Naval devastation of their
>>  island for decades. That fight has been hampered by the lack of
>>  representation in Washington for citizens who live in Puerto Rico.
>   
>>  We should:
>>
>>  - Permanently ban the use of live bombs and live ammunition on Vieques
>>  island.
>>
>>  - Ensure that the United States Navy will end all operations on the island
>>  within one year.
>>
>>  - Survey the environmental damage on the whole island and surrounding
>>  waters, and develop a comprehensive cleanup plan.
>>
>>  - Provide funds for ecologically sustainable economic development to set
>>  Vieques on the road to economic recovery.
>
>>  - Find a way to provide citizens who live in Puerto Rico with
>>  Congressional representation and meaningful votes in presidential
>>  elections.
>>
>  > Paid for by the Nader 2000 General Committee, Inc.