The On-Going Call for Justice in Vieques
March 4, 2010Following CNN’s evocative 2-part primetime series on the health crisis in Vieques last month, there has been an on-going buzz in the media and blog community about the issue. Over 60 participants recently joined a press call with scientists and the mayor of Vieques providing updates on research into heavy metal poisoning on the island and outcome of the mayor’s recent meeting with Obama administration officials.
One of the best summaries of the situation on the ground and clearest explanations of our moral responsibility as Americans to do something about it that I’ve read was just written by Robert Keller and published through the Tribune Media Service.
We can’t continue to allow our fellow citizens to die through inaction. With the recent decision by the US government to vacate its former findings claiming there was not a connection between the sky-rocketing sickness and death on Vieques and the US weapon’s testing, there is now virtual unanimous agreement over the cause of the sickness on the island. We need to speak out and create the political will that will allow the Obama administration to do the right thing by these people. As I said earlier, I think Keller provides a wonderful explanation why:
“We owe the residents of the tiny island paradise called Vieques full compensation for the illnesses they are suffering courtesy of the U.S. Navy – and we owe them so much more than that.
We owe them a full accounting of what was done to their Manhattan-sized island, about 10 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico (the island is part of Puerto Rico and hence part of the United States) between 1941 and 2003, when it served as the Navy’s premiere weapons testing site. Bombs were dropped and guns were tested on the eastern portion of the island at least 200 days out of the year for 62 years; an estimated 80 million tons of ordnance pummeled the island’s fragile, tropical ecosystem over that time, contaminating soil, water and air, and bequeathing an array of serious health problems – cancer, birth defects, cirrhosis of the liver and much more – to the island’s 10,000 residents.
We owe them – how can I put this? – a commitment to sanity in the realm of national defense. What kind of defense involves the commission of war crimes against our own citizens? We owe them a national conversation about who we are and what we’ve allowed to happen in the name of national security and global dominance.
Vieques, one of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever visited – its stunning features include what may be the world’s largest bioluminescent bay (microorganisms in the water glow when disturbed, as by swimmers) – was commandeered by the U.S. military as a throwaway site for weapons testing. The Navy occupied three-quarters of the island until 2003; it finally left following four years of protests, which were ignited when an errant bomb killed a civilian security guard in 1999.
The Navy left but, of course, it didn’t really leave. It left behind heavy metal contaminants (arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, aluminum); unexploded ordnance (18,700 live shells or bombs that the Navy itself has identified); barrels of unknown, likely toxic substances dumped into the ocean or stored on ships that were deliberately sunk; depleted uranium; Agent Orange; napalm; secrets, lies and a legacy of irresponsibility almost beyond comprehension.
But it’s irresponsibility in the name of national security. This implicates all of us. The story of Vieques demonstrates that there’s nothing peaceful about preparing for war.
This small, fragile island – sometimes called Isla Nena (Puerto Rico’s “little sister”) – along with its impoverished residents, were, like the Downwinders of Utah, Nevada and Idaho, whose health was compromised by nuclear testing, collateral damage of the Cold War and all the pretexts for perpetual war readiness that have succeeded it. Vieques is proof of the flawed vision of militarism, which uses up the world.
The Navy is in the process of cleaning up its mess, but this too is controversial and problematic. It has detonated about a third of the unexploded ordnance it has identified, thus continuing not only the nerve-wracking explosions but the spread of contaminants, a problem exacerbated by the island’s east-to-west prevailing winds, which carry the smoke to the populated portion of the island. In addition, the Navy has proposed to burn hundreds of acres of contaminated vegetation on its former bombing range in order to facilitate the detonation process. This proposal is vehemently opposed by the islanders, who fear the wholesale spread of pollutants in the process.
Meanwhile, the Navy continues to deny that the pollution left over from six decades of weapons testing, including secret experimentation with biological and chemical weapons, is a health hazard to the residents of Vieques. Ignoring inconvenient science is, of course, standard procedure for the military.
Nevertheless, “The pervasiveness of the contamination and the poverty of most of the population leaves Viequenses with no way to escape the poisonous substances,” according to AmericanValuesNetwork.org. “The toxins are all around them in the air they breathe, the water they drink, the soil where they grow crops, and the food they eat. . . . Children on Vieques are 25 percent more likely to die in infancy than those on the main island of Puerto Rico.” There are, the site explains, far higher rates of cancer and other illnesses among the residents, and the island lacks even a clinic, forcing residents to travel for hours by ferry (with unreliable service) and bus to get treatment.
The damage done to this beautiful island can never be fully undone, but perhaps a better future – for all of us – can blossom here. This is the vision of John Eaves, a lawyer whose firm represents, and has filed suits in U.S. District Court on behalf of, 8,500 residents. Though he titled a legal update he recently gave about the island “Paradise Lost,” he told me: “We see (the suits) as an opportunity for a global solution to Vieques.”
The redress the law suits are seeking, he said, include a hospital on the island, better transportation, windmills for economic development and a research center devoted to the study of environmental cleanup – indeed, to the development of a new science of environmental reclamation.
Military-industrial contamination is, of course, a worldwide problem: the nightmare legacy of modern war. How fitting if Vieques should become home to its solution.”
Originally posted by Eric Sapp on Progressive Revival
I would like to talk to you Mr President..
To The Honorable Barack Obama 25 Dec 2009 President U.S.A.
My name is Hermogenes Marrero. Sgt US Marine Corps Ret. I and thousands of Veterans and Disenfranchised U.S. American Citizens on the Island municipality of Vieques Puerto Rico are concern or belief that as a result of more than six decades of bombing. Rates of serious illnesses among Viequenses, including cancer, hypertension and diabetes, far exceed those on the main island of Puerto Rico, and our Adverse Health Effect are all related to longevity Exposure to Toxicity of Heavy Metal used in Weapons System and the Intentional Exposure to Biological/Chemical and possibly Radioactive Agents. I joined the Marine Corps October 1969 and I was trained in and performed the following duties: Reconnaissance Marine, Proof Technician (Ordnance Testing) Military Policeman, Combat Intelligence, Chemical/Biological Weapons Instructor, Base Security Provider and Weapons Facilities Guard. On or about 3, July 1970 I arrived on the Island of Vieques, Puerto Rico 21.5 x 4.2 miles (Point of Exposure to Contaminated Environmental Medium Air, Water, Food or Soil).and was assigned to the (Receptor Population). The US Marine Corps Special Guard Unit at Camp Garcia. My main task while in Vieques was to guard the Department of the Navy cold-war weapons systems and Hazardous Material/ Chemical and Biological Weapons Magazine’s. And so-called chemical “laboratories” in Vieques. I have first-hand knowledge about the presence and use of Chemical and Biological Weapons on the Island of Vieques Puerto. As a member of Special Operations Command/Marine Security Guard Battalion U.S. State Department. My Mission at Camp Garcia Vieques, Island Puerto Rico was provide security services to selected Department of State Foreign Service Post to Prevent the Compromise of Classified Material and Equipment and to Provide Protection for United States Citizens and United States Government Property But that was 40 years ago. Sir Time is running out on me and fellow Veterans and American Citizens who Honorably Served our Nation, I would appreciate your assurance that you will support and Secure, Defend and maintain these core principles upon which our Nation’s Freedom Depend “The Cold War American Veterans” And the United State Citizens of the Island of Vieques Puerto Rico USA. Need Your Help.
What you do to the earth you do to the people.
“Mother Earth is not a resource but, rather, the source of life itself.”
The earth is a miracle that sustains all life. It is our only home. It has been damaged by Industrialization, ignorance, and cultural and economic systems that see the physical environment as a resource to be exploited and plundered, rather than as a source. Wars, preparations for war, and routine military training have severe long-term environmental consequences and serious effects on human health.
Militaries create the greatest environmental damage world wide. In the name of national security, military operations are carried out in secret, with the imperative of “readiness” for war, and with immunity from much environmental regulation and control. Like cases of industrial pollution, proof of causality is difficult to establish and the Burden of proof is on those harmed. Dealing with military contamination is even more difficult than dealing with industrial contamination. Governments, military authorities, and many ordinary people apparently accept environmental destruction caused by military operations as a necessary evil, one of many forms of Collateral damage, and ultimately justifiable under the ever-shifting rubric of “national security”. Many affected communities are piecing together evidence, pressing for clean-up, and attempting to improve the health of people affected, including those who served in the armed forces. Their determination, courage, and vision are inspiring and give hope. Professional experts, national organizations, reporters, filmmakers, and artists are also active in this process. Standards of “safety” for environmental contaminants are guesstimates, at best, calculated according to abstract notions of “tolerable risk”. Policies and mechanisms for Cleanup of military contamination and compensation for injury are totally inadequate, if they exist at all. Emphasizing the environmental harm caused by militarism shows the fundamental contradiction between so-called military security and environmental security. Those working for the clean up of military contaminants are in a significant place to generate new understandings of security, or to uphold traditional commitments to wholeness and sustainability. These include a land ethics for genuine security.
When is war over?
Toxic Timeline what is known currently about the effects of military Contamination on the environment and people’s health? What has healed? How has it healed? What has not healed? What is likely to happen in each Case? What is needed by way of knowledge, perspective, political will, as well as technical, medical, social, and financial resources in each case?
What has been learned?
60+ years 1945, Atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.
1945, Destruction of crop land: Battle of Okinawa, Japan.
50+ years 1950s, atomic testing, USA, Marshall Islands.
1950-53, Destruction of cropland: Korean War. Bombing training Maehyangri, Korea.
40+ years 1960s, Nuclear Testing, Nevada; uranium mining: New Mexico.
40+ years 1960-2000, Biological and Chemical, Defoliants: Cold War, Vietnam War 1973, routine Contamination of land and water: Hunters’ Point
Shipyard closed.
25+ years 1980s, landmines, Cambodia
20+ years 1980s, Destruction of crop land through civil war, El Salvador and Guatemala.
15+ years 1992, routine contamination of land and water: closure of U.S. Bases in the Philippines 1991, depleted uranium: Persian Gulf War Bombed oil fields/oil fires: Kuwait Late 1990s, depleted uranium: Kosovo Nuclear testing: Mururoa, French Polynesia 5+ years bombing Afghanistan and Iraq Defoliants: Colombia.
Who is involved?
Many thousands of people are working on these issues worldwide. For some, this is a part of their job. They make sure that funds are allocated for research projects, those problems are not pushed under the rug, that information is made public, and that the right decisions get made. Others volunteer their time, professional expertise, artistic talents, and media Savvy and contacts to community organizations and activist efforts. Most of those Involved are ordinary people from affected communities like Vieques. Some are involved against their Will – the unfortunate victim/veterans/survivors of military contaminants like my self that know the Truth that bears the Scars, who are subjected to repeat denial of Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents. also includes: Artists attorneys babies, born and unborn Bloggers chemist’s children community activists Doctor’s ecologists elected officials, Environmental scientist’s epidemiologists Farmers’ filmmakers Families of former military personnel, Grandparents infants interns journalists Judges military officials Nurses radiation experts Regulators (in city, county, state & federal agencies) Researchers organizations (local, national, international) Parents Pediatricians photographers professors Public employees school teachers Student’s teen’s videographers Volunteers whistleblowers Strategies and Actions.
Understanding the Problem
Gathering evidence of military contamination Seeing patterns and piecing the story together from official records (if they exist and are available), news reports, oral histories of former Military; base workers and People who live in the neighborhood; collecting information on illnesses; Estimating the scope of the problem–what are the parameters? The role of experts (public heath, medical, environmental scientists) Difficulties of establishing causation and responsibility—expense, length of time, Controlling for other variables Regulatory framework: international law, conventions on war, laws of the sea, National laws against pollution, Status of Forces Agreements for U.S. Bases and troops overseas.
Pressing for Clean up Organizing.
Who is involved, community leadership, frameworks for activism getting the word out — public education? Rallies, demonstrations, protest Lobbying for official hearings (where expert witnesses and survivors testify); for changes in law and policy, and to get regulations enforced.
What the demands are for clean up?
From Governments?
From those who Committed the damage?
Assessing the scope and effectiveness of policies and mechanisms for Clean-up of military contamination and compensation for injury.
Community-based initiatives enlist support from filmmakers, videographers, and photographers to record issues and organizing efforts; circulating films and exhibits reclaiming land and water directly self-health therapies e.g. medicinal plants, food, physical therapy dealing with feelings of anger, betrayal, stress, hopelessness, and mourning getting community access to sites (e.g. to protect cultural sites and graves, undertake community observation of live-firing exercises, hold prayers and ceremonies)
Caring for victims/survivors, and for siblings and families of survivors Bringing survivors together regional and international networking Putting out a different vision — a future of health, sustainability and Genuine security New policies declaring nuclear-free zones (cities, Counties, nations). Creating a memorial, museum, Peace Park Passing laws and making policies to deal with military contamination.
Support for research.
Dr. John Wargo, a Yale professor who studies the effects of toxic exposures on human health, says he believes that people on the island are sick because of the Navy’s bombing range. Vieques PR. is probably one of the most highly contaminated sites in the world.
Dr. John Wargo “Vieques, in my experience of studying toxic substances, is probably one of the most highly contaminated sites in the world,” he said. “This results from the longevity of the chemical release, the bombs, the artillery shells, chemical weapons, biological weapons, fuels, diesel fuels, jet fuels, flame retardants. These have all been released on the island, some at great intensity.”
Wargo is the author of a new book, “Green Intelligence,” on how environments and toxic exposure affect human health. He is also expected to testify as an expert witness in the islanders’ lawsuit.
He said the chemicals released by the munitions dropped on Vieques can be dangerous to human health and may well have sickened residents or veterans who served on the island.
“In my own mind, I think the islanders experienced higher levels of exposure to these substances than would be experienced in any other environment,” Wargo said. “In my own belief, I think the illnesses are related to these exposures.”
The effects of those chemicals could include cancer, damage to the nervous, immune and reproductive systems or birth defects, he said.
“This doesn’t prove that the exposures caused those specific illnesses,” Wargo added. “But it’s a pretty convincing story from my perspective.”
Since the Navy left the island, munitions it left behind “continue to leak, particularly from the east end of the island,” Wargo said.
“My concerns are now predominantly what’s happening in the coastal waters, which provide habitat for an array of fish, many species of which are often consumed by the population on the island,” he said.
Scientists from the University of Georgia have documented the extent of the numerous unexploded ordinance and bombs that continue to litter the former bomb site and the surrounding waters. The leftover bombs continue to corrode, leaching dangerously high levels of carcinogens, according to researcher James Porter, associate dean of the university’s Odum School of Ecology.
The Environmental Protection Agency designated parts of Vieques a Superfund toxic site in 2005, requiring the Navy to begin cleaning up its former bombing range. The service identified many thousands of unexploded munitions and set about blowing them up. But the cleanup effort has further outraged some islanders, who fear that more toxic chemicals will be released.
The U.S. government’s response to their lawsuit is to invoke sovereign immunity, arguing that residents have no right to sue it. The government also disputes that the Navy’s activities on Vieques made islanders ill, citing a 2003 study by scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that found no link.
That study, however, has been harshly criticized by numerous scientists, and the CDC is embarking on a new effort to determine whether residents may have been sickened by the contamination from the Navy range.
Asked whether his duty on the island made him sick, Marrero responds, “Of course it did.”
“This is American territory. The people that live here are American,” he said. “You hurt someone; you have to take care of that person. And the government’s just not doing anything about it.
Please Mr. President
THE KING CAN DO NO WRONG
TILL HE WRONGS THE PEOPLE!!!
Help me save these American Lives
Thank you for your Service & Sacrifice to our
Country
God Bless America
Hermogenes Marrero 2550357 Sgt USMC Ret.
Relevant time period/place: 1970-1972
Camp Garcia, Vieques Island Puerto Rico.
I checked everywhere to findcomments related to this field….. Thanks alot
I recently decided to create a short video about this, I would be honored if you could maybe take a second to look it and possibly leave a message about what you think, I left the movie link in the “website” field, hopefully you can access it, I appreciate it a lot
Hello there. This really is kind of an “unconventional” question , but have other readers asked you how get the menu bar to appear like you have it? I also have a weblog and am really trying to transform around the theme, however I’m scared to death to mess with it for concern of the major search engines punishing me. I am extremely new to doing this …so i am simply not optimistic just how to try to to it all yet. I’ll just keep working on it one day at a time Thanks for any help you can offer here
Interesting article, the question I have is which sources can you trust. There is a lot of garbage out there and the internet is being abused for profit.
Fed up with getting low numbers of useless traffic to your website? Well i wish to let you know about a new underground tactic which makes myself $900 per day on 100% AUTOPILOT. I really could be here all day and going into detail but why dont you just check their website out? There is really a excellent video that explains everything. So if your seriously interested in producing easy hard cash this is the website for you. Auto Traffic Avalanche