URGENT/RALLY FRIDAY: Blackwater is back. Join Rep. Filner in Otay Mesa
Have you heard the bad news?
Blackwater is back.
And this time, they are planning to open a 61,600 square-foot "training
facility" THREE blocks from the Mexico border in Otay Mesa.
Since the story broke on Tuesday in the local media, the bad news has spread
like wildfire through San Diego. Just like the people of Potrero -- the
courageous citizens who kicked Blackwater out of their small town in east
county-- San Diegans are in shock and looking for answers.
Fortunately, Congressman Bob Filner and grassroots organizers across San Diego
are stepping up to stop Blackwater, just like they did when Blackwater tried
to invade Potrero. But, to block Blackwater (again) from building a "training
facility" on the Mexican border, they need your help ASAP.
Congressman Filner is organizing a rally and press conference on FRIDAY at
10:45 AM.
Can you come and show your support?
WHAT: Rally and Press Conference to block Blackwater
Blackwater recently announced that they plan to open an indoor training
center in Otay Mesa to train Navy personnel. Blackwater will operate a
61,600-square-foot building, including an enclosed shooting range, in a
business park on Siempre Viva Road, just south of Brown Field. The building has
been permitted for use as a vocational trade school.
WHEN: 10:45 a.m., Friday, April 25
WHERE: Blackwater's proposed training facility site
7685 Siempre Viva Road
Otay Mesa
CLICK HERE FOR A MAP AND DIRECTIONS
http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/m/6fac91209236f0f6/fW4rAR/VEsF/
At this rally and press conference, Congressman Filner will be announcing his
opposition to Blackwater Worldwide's proposed training facility. Joining him
will be: Councilmember Ben Hueso, District 8; Council President Scott Peters,
District 1; Carol Jahnkow, Peace Resource Center; Raymond Lutz, Citizens'
Oversight Projects; and Jeanette Hartman, Sierra Club.
As Congressman Filner said in a press release today:
"Residents of San Diego County rejected Blackwater's proposed mercenary
training facility in Potrero, and I cannot imagine that San Diegans will feel
any differently about Otay Mesa.
The use of civilian-defense contractors is irresponsible, and should be stopped
immediately. Not only are they unaccountable to the Military, the State
Department and Congress; they are civilians serving in combat and
combat-training. Many have been wounded or have wounded others, and yet, they
are not veterans; there is no safety net when they come home. It is criminal to
ask civilian men and women to perform the role of the military when they lack
the support necessary to return to their civilian lives. The paramilitary-style
training conducted at these facilities has no place in our backyards!"
Congressman Filner and the grassroots organizers who blocked Blackwater before
need your help now to kick them out of San Diego County again. This time, for
good.
Please come to Otay Mesa on Friday morning at 10:45 a.m. and show your support.
And please forward this email to your friends, family and neighbors before the
rally!
Thank you for everything you are doing to make 2008 a new era for progressive
politics in California. And the world.
Rick Jacobs
Chair
..............
The Courage Campaign is an independent political committee and online
organizing network empowering grassroots and netroots activists to build a
progressive California. In 2008, the Courage Campaign will catalyze action to
increase California's importance in the race for the White House, hold our
elected officials accountable, and block Blackwater from building a base on our
border.
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