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Surprise Protests at War Profiteers Boeing and Lockheed Martin in Silicon Valley

by Action Report
Noisy visitors descended on two of the "Big 5" war companies in Menlo Park and Palo Alto on December 10. Members of CodePink, the Raging Grannies, Bay Area Sunrise Movement, Vigil for Democracy, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and others joined in protest. Activists delivered messages demanding the war profiteers transition to life-enhancing business instead of making a killing on killing.
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CodePink says that both Boeing and Lockheed Martin are raking in huge profits and destroying the climate, terrorizing and murdering innocent people, and stealing US treasury to build more and more weapons of mass destruction. One of the demonstrators at branches of these two companies on the San Francisco Peninsula said, "Think of what we could do with the billions going to these companies--solar on every roof, healthcare for all, free college, affordable housing, and peace at last."

At Boeing in Menlo Park, two AAA agents from the building next door came over and complimented the demonstrators on their singing and chanting for the cause. A bicyclist who happened by stopped and took photos, and cars driving along the El Camino Real honked in support.

In keeping with the theme "Scones Not Drones," the Raging Grannies served tea along with scones provided by Sunrise Movement, as the Grannies said they are all too busy protesting lately to bake. The women set up "high tea" atop an ironing board; CodePink members decorated the scene with fresh flowers. CodePink also brought giant banners, including their "War is Not Green" banner which had traveled to COP26 in Glasgow.

Following their tasty repast at Boeing, demonstrators carpooled to Lockheed Martin, 3 miles away. A large Lockheed sign near the entrance made the backdrop for photo ops and a ceremonial Dance of Peace. A team from Lockheed's contract security force approached, and objected when one of CodePink's members poured fake blood on the Lockheed sign. Security personnel also refused the attempted delivery of a letter to Lockheed CEO James Taiclet asking him to pivot to peace or resign.

Palo Alto police arrived in around 6 cars, called by Lockheed's security team who continuously chastised demonstrators for being on "government property." For the record Lockheed Martin, while it has huge federal government contracts, is a publicly traded corporation that develops combat, air mobility, and reconnaissance aircraft including the following: ‎F-35 Lightning II, ‎F-22 Raptor, ‎F-21, and ‎F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Boeing supplies war drones to Saudi Arabia that it uses to kill civilians in Yemen. The aircraft company is also helping Australia ramp up for potential war with China.

There were no arrests.



§Some of the demonstrators stood still long enough for a photo
by Action Report
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Others were busy holding up signs along the El Camino or flyering passersby
§High Tea
by Action Report
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§Boeing is Hidden yet in Plain View
by Action Report
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Most people who drive by 99 El Camino Real in Menlo Park don't even notice the large Boeing signs. Photo by Sharat G. Lin. Banner by CodePink
§Dance of Peace
by Action Report
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At far left, Dance of Peace member readies to spread wings for peace. At right, CodePink member announces the group's demands from microphone.
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Youth and age together in action!
The WILPF chapter is known as the Palo Alto or Peninsula Chapter.
§Next stop, Lockheed in Stanford Research Park
by Action Report
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Formerly known as Stanford Industrial Park. Stanford Research Park is a tech joint initiative between Stanford University and the City of Palo Alto
§CodePink Leads the Charge
by Action Report
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§Quick Photo Op
by Action Report
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§Dance of Peace Performance
by Action Report
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§Blood for War Crimes
by Action Report
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§Police Arrive
by Action Report
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One of six patrol cars, a clear over-response.
§We'll Be Back
by Action Report
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Cynthia Papermaster
Fri, Dec 17, 2021 9:37PM
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