Vandenberg Air Force Base was the site of a major demonstration October 7, the International Day of Protest to Stop the Militarization of Space. About 200 people gathered at the gate of the principal west coast missile launch facility, located north of Santa Barbara, California, for the largest of 63 coordinated events planned in 16 countries and 38 U.S. cities to protest U.S. plans for the military domination of space. Speakers including Bruce Gagnon, coordinator of the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space, and peace activist Peter Lumsdaine addressed the intimate connections between corporate globalization and space-based warfare, and outlined the programs underway to guarantee the ultimate "high ground" for U.S. military aggression.

Following the rally, 23 people peacefully crossed the line onto the base, where they were arrested and cited for misdemeanor trespassing and failure to disperse. They were also given a letter barring them from the base for one year, then released.

At the companion demonstration at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, 65 people rallied against the next generation of Star Wars technology. Organizer Mary Beth Sullivan writes, "Early on in the demonstration, Maria Telesca-Whipple read the statement from the religious women who last month participated in the Sacred Earth and Sky Plowshares Action. She then read her own short statement, and with blessings from all, and with her own graceful determination, she carried a loaf of bread onto the Air Force Base as a sign of life, stating: 'Who among us would not give our starving children bread instead of stone?' She was arrested and released on bail the same day."

For more information, including participating local organizations, contact the Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space, POB 90083, Gainesville, FL 32607; (352)337-9274; email: globalnet@mindspring.com web: www.space4peace.org