Man did not weave the web of life:
he is merely a strand in it.
Whatever he does to the web
he does to himself.
All things are connected like the blood which unites one family.
All things are connected.
Contaminate your bed,
and you will one night suffocate in your own waste.”
— Chief Seattle
1786 – 1866, leader of the Suquamish and Duwamish peoples,
present-day Washington State. USA
Below is an excellent compilation on depleted uranium. Several articles in the list are about the use of DU in the ocean including http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0109-02.htm
References below state the U.S. Navy has tested depleted uranium munitions in the ocean and on Vieques Island. It was also used heavily in Iraq.
http://www.criticalconcern.com/depleted_uranium.htm
(all links below have not been checked to see if they are still active)
half life of 4.5 billion years *
What is depleted uranium? Natural uranium ore from the mine goes through an enrichment process designed to separate uranium 235 (U-235), the isotope used for nuclear weapons and nuclear reactors, from uranium 238 (U-238), a low-level radioactive by-product. The highly radioactive isotope U-235 accounts for less than 1% of mined uranium; nearly all the rest is U-238.
The vast quantity of highly toxic metal (U-238) generated by this process is called “depleted uranium” or “DU.” DU emits primarily alpha radiation, and its half-life is thought to be about the age of the Earth, or 4.5 billion years. DU is approximately 2.5 times denser than iron and 1.7 times denser than lead. This high specific gravity means that, as a projectile fired from a tank or aircraft, it carries enough kinetic energy to blast through the tough armor of a tank. Furthermore, the impact of this penetration generates extreme heat. DU is pyrophoric, meaning that it burns on impact and can set the target on fire. DU is easy to process and endless quantities can be obtained free from the Department of Energy (DOE), which controls DU and considers its use in munitions to be “utilization of waste material.” Retrieved 08/11/04 http://www.chugoku-np.co.jp/abom/uran/special/index2.html
As U-238 breaks down, an ongoing process, it creates protactinium-234, which radiates potent beta particles that may cause cancer as well as mutations in body cells that could lead to birth defects.
When a depleted uranium round hits a hard target, as much as 70 percent of the projectile can burn on impact, creating a firestorm of depleted uranium particles. The toxic residue of this firestorm is an extremely fine insoluble uranium dust that can be spread by the wind, inhaled and absorbed into the human body and absorbed by plants and animals, becoming part of the food chain. Once in the soil, it can pollute the environment and create up to a hundredfold increase in uranium levels in ground water, according to the U.N. Environmental Program. Retrieved 08/12/04 http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/iraq2002/133581_du04.html
The United States military has never confronted an opponent that used depleted uranium. Most exposure to American military personnel has been a result of fire from their own forces. MATTHEW L. WALD The New York Times Oct 19, 2004
Vets Exposed to Radiation Lose Ruling August 29, 2006 In a quiet ruling that nonetheless resonates nationwide, a federal appellate court rejected efforts by Broudy and others seeking claims on behalf of “atomic veterans.” The same court simultaneously rejected bids by other veterans exposed to biological and chemical agents.
Victory in Washington State: Washington State’s DU Bill in the Final Budget
House Passes McDermott Deleted Uranium Study Amendment The House passed legislation that includes an amendment by Rep. Jim McDermott ordering a comprehensive study on possible health effects from exposure to depleted uranium on U.S. soldiers and their children. 5/11/2006
Possible Depleted Uranium Health Effects on Soldiers Will Be Studied
After years of relentless and unwavering efforts, including speeches, interviews, news conferences, working with groups like Physicians for Social Responsibility, and even appearing on a punk rock album by AntiFlag, Rep. Jim McDermott (WA–D) ordered a comprehensive study on possible health effects from exposure to depleted uranium on U.S. soldiers and their children. The House of Representative passed McDermott’s amendment on May 11, 2006.
Watch this floor speech.
[ Click here to get Windows Media Player]
“As long and winding as the road has been to get where we are today, this is only the beginningbut this is a great day because we have taken the first step to defend the U.S. soldiers who protect and defend us,” McDermott said.
Shortly after passage, Rep. McDermott received a letter from James King, the national executive director of AMVETS, the American Veterans organization:
“This is a very important issue for AMVETS and its membership. Our ultimate goal is to provide atomic veterans with the tools necessary to file a claim and be considered for due compensation. Your amendment will help begin this process.
Again, thank you for your amendment and your support of veterans and their families.”
Rep. McDermott has spent several years working to get the House to study DU. He explained the reason behind his passionate advocacy for the issue in this way:
“For me, this is a personal, not political, quest. My professional life turned from medicine to politics after my service in the U.S. Navy during the 1960s, when I treated combat soldiers returning from Vietnam.
“Back then, the Pentagon denied that Agent Orange posed any danger to U.S. soldiers who were exposed. Decades later, the truth finally emerged. Agent Orange harmed our soldiers. It made thousands sick and some died. During all those years of denial, we stood by and did nothing while soldiers suffered. No more Agent Orange!
“If DU poses no danger, we need to prove it with statistically valid, and independent scientific studies. If DU harms our soldiers, we all need to know it, and act quickly as any doctor would, to use all of our power to heal the sick. We owe our soldiers a full measure of the truth, wherever that leads us.”
The amendment to undertake a comprehensive study of possible health effects to soldiers from exposure to depleted uranium was contained in the Department of Defense Authorization Bill, which passed the House on Thursday evening.
Depleted uranium is a by-product of the uranium enrichment process. Because it is very dense, the U.S. military uses DU for munitions like armor-piercing bullets and tank shells, and as a protective shield around tanks. When used in munitions, DU pulverizes into a fine dust upon impact; it can hang in the air, be inhaled, or seep into the soil.
During the Gulf War, the U.S. military used approximately 300 metric tons of DU as munitions. To date in the Iraq War, approximately 150 metric tons have been used. During conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo, Serbia, and Montenegro, about 12 metric tons were used. (A metric ton is slightly more than 2,200 pounds.)
In addition to its own use, the United States has provided or sold DU and DU munitions to several other nations.
Revision date: May 16, 2006
http://www.mcdermottforcongress.com/DUAmendment.aspx
Depleted Uranium http://traprockpeace.org/depleted_uranium_hamburg03.html#veterans ‘Depleted’ Uranium and Health Glen Lawrence, Ph.D. http://www.traprockpeace.org/du_health.pdf
* This means that it will go releasing ionizing radiation into the environment, essentially forever. After the Gulf War DU remained suspended in the air above Kuwait City for two years.
“The Doctors, the Depleted Uranium and the Dying Children”
A stunning new video made for German television shows the use and impact of radioactive uranium weapons during the current Iraq War. Veterans, military families, activists and interested individuals can now order this documentary with English narration for non-commercial use, through the website for Traprock Peace Center, a not-for-profit peace education center, at www.traprockpeace.org . This documentary, written by Freider Wagner and Valentin Thurn, provides commentary by British veterans about the harm uranium exposure has caused in their off-spring. Canadian, German and Iraqi physicians and researchers discuss their findings, including samples gathered at an Iraqi TV station that indicate the US probably has used uranium and nuclear reactor wastes in bunker-busting bombs, since U236 was detected in debris gathered there.
To purchase “The Doctors, the Depleted Uranium, and the Dying Children” (VHS NTSC format) go to http://www.traprockpeace.org/depleted_uranium_iraq.html
The purchase price is $25.00 for non-commercial, non-institutional use and includes first class mail within the US.
(If you require expedited shipping, please call Traprock at 413-773-7427 as the shipping rates will vary.)
October 18, 2003 Interview (mp3) with Professors Gunther, back from visits to Iraq hospitals, and Schott (on chromosomal damage.)
World Uranium Weapons Conference
Oct 16-19 – University of Hamburg, Germany
NEW International conference reader is now available for free downloads as pdf files. Many thanks to conference organizers for making this amazing resource available for download. It sold as a book during 2004. (see photo at left).
Download reader sections:
Introduction: Dedication to Yalim Yacoub; Editor’s Notes; Index; Forward; Conference Schedule; Opening Remarks by organizers David Kraft, Nuclear Engergy Information Service; Marion Küpker, Conference Coordinator; and Dai Williams, independent weapons researcher. (pages 1-18 – pdf)
Science Panel: Presentations or papers by: Professor Yagasaki Katsuma, Japan; Chris Busby, Ph.D., UK; Dr. Souad Al-Azzawi, Iraq; Dr. Jawad Al-Ali, Iraq; Dr. Jenan Hassan, Iraq; Heike Schröder, molecular biologist, FRG; Professor Siegwart-Horst Günther, FRG; Dr. Eisuke Matsui, Japan; Professor Al-Aboudi Kadhum, Algeria; Professor Yuri Bandashevsky (article on his imprisonment in Belarus); Professor Huda Ammash, Iraq; Professor Alim Yacoub, Iraq. (pages 19-83 – pdf)
Depleted Uranium Video by Dennis Kyne 12 minutes free video by Dennis Kyne.
Poison Dust Poison DUst tells the story of three young men from New York who could not get answers for their mysterious ailments after their National Guard unit’s 2003 tour of duty in Iraq. A mother reveals her fears about the extent of her child’s birth defects and the growing disability of her young husband – a vet. © 2005, DVD 84 min. (with modular chapters): $20; 28 and 57 min. versions: $20; 10 min. versions: $10 — Call 212-633-6646 or order online at leftbooks.com
States with DU Bills Pending
http://www.traprockpeace.org/ct_bill_7502.html Connecticut Bill No. 7502 DU Bill
http://www.traprockpeace.org/la_hb_570.pdf Louisiana DU Bill passed
Not everyone believes that DU exposure is harmful to humans. Certainly the Administration that claimed there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, wants us to believe that DU is harmless. Below is the beginning of articles that express differing opinions from those above.
Sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life: he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web he does to himself. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. All things are connected. Contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste.” — Chief Seattle (1786 – 1866, leader of the Suquamish and Duwamish peoples, Washington State) Chief Seattle, “This Earth is Precious,” produced by Van Brink and Associates, 1989.
Various anti-nuclear events are planned for the week surrounding March 11 marking three years since the nuclear disaster at Fukushima. Sayonara Genpatsu 10 Million People’s Action, Genpatsu wo Nakusu Zenkoku Renrakukai and Metropolitan Coalition Against Nukes have designated this week as NO NUKES WEEK and are calling for joint action against nuclear power generation. Please take part in one of the events in your area. All information here: http://coalitionagainstnukes.jp/en/0309-3/
For a listing of events planned worldwide around the anniversary of the Fukushima disaster, go to http://fukushimathirdanniversaryevents.blogspot.com/
How much more destruction of the ocean can occur before a complete and permanent collapse of the ecosystem for all species takes place?
The United States Navy is planning a new 5-year training and weapons testing program in the ocean to begin in 2015 using sonar, electromagnetic weapons, and explosives. This particular one is for the Pacific Northwest. The comment period ends very soon.
Do you agree?
See links at the bottom of the article below for how to submit official comments to the letter of authorization to the National Marine Fisheries Service (deadline Feb. 28) and to the Navy’s environmental impact statement (deadline Mar. 25). The article excerpted below is from Eureka Times-Standard.
Additional weapons testing is planned off Southern California and Hawaii, and in the Atlantic Ocean. There is extensive information at www.agriculturedefensecoalition.org under “U.S. Navy”.
This is in addition to the destruction of the Jeju Island ecosystem, selected as one of the Seven Wonders of Nature, and the location of 9 of UNESCO’s 66 Global Geoparks, for a U.S./South Korean military base. That is happening right now, and Jeju Island residents have been jailed for protesting.
Then there is the destruction of islands such as Vieques, and the proposed taking of Pagan Island for bombing and weapons test ranges.
http://www.globalresearch.ca/us-to-destroy-paradise-island/5355976
There are also the 48,000 barrels of radioactive waste dumped by the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Ocean off the Farallon Islands (30 miles west of San Francisco) from the 1940s to 1970.
http://www.sfweekly.com/2001-05-09/news/fallout/full/
http://socket.kongshem.com/2007/10/farallon-islands-nuclear-waste-dump.html?m=1
Sailors were told to shoot holes in the barrels that floated. The Navy also scuttled the contaminated U.S.S. Independence there which was used in atomic weapons experiments in the South Pacific.
The U.S. Navy also dumped thousands of tons of radioactive waste in the Atlantic Ocean from the U.S.S. Calhoun County, including two atomic bombs, a contaminated truck, and the ship itself in 1963. Floating barrels were also shot with holes until they sank.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/military/veterans/the-atomic-sailors/2157927
And there is the massive destruction and contamination from atomic weapons tests which is with us still, spread throughout the earth, including the ocean.
How great is the destruction and ongoing damage to the ocean just from the United States military alone?
The former Soviet Union and Russia also has dumped nuclear waste, reactors, and ships including the K-37 submarine, with two reactors full of fuel, “which could re-achieve nuclear criticality and explode.” The Russian government released a report to the Norwegian government in 2011 documenting this, some of which the Russian government had not previously known.
http://bellona.org/news/uncategorized/2012-08-russia-announces-enormous-finds-of-radioactive-waste-and-nuclear-reactors-in-arctic-seas
European nations have been dumping toxics, including radioactive waste, off the coast of Somalia because of lax laws.
How many others? How many other nations are dumping, exploding, using destructive sonar, and otherwise killing and contaminating the ocean?
With your comments on the Pacific Northwest weapons testing, ask for
No more testing. No more dumping. No more weapons on or in the ocean.
No more.
Excerpts from:
http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_25150480/navy-hold-eureka-meeting-training-weapons-testing-area
Navy to hold Eureka meeting on training, weapons testing; area extends to the tip of Humboldt County
Will Houston/The Times-Standard
Posted: 02/15/2014 02:28:20 AM PST
The U.S. Navy is scheduled hold a meeting in Eureka in early March to allow members of the public to comment on the potential environmental impacts of the Navy’s five-year training and weapons testing plans along the North Coast.
During the training period — lasting from 2015 to 2020 — Navy personnel will conduct exercises and test a variety of weapons and equipment such as sonar technology, electromagnetic devices and explosives off the coasts of Alaska, Oregon, Washington and Northern California. The testing area extends to the tip of Humboldt County.
…The introduction of the draft environmental impact statement states the training is necessary to “protect the United States from its enemies, protect and defend the rights of the United States and its allies to move freely on the oceans, and provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to failed states.”
The document also states that the training and testing periods “have the potential to impact the environment,” which former U.S. Department of Agriculture crop loss analyst and environmental activist Rosalind Peterson said is an understatement.
What I’m concerned about along our coast is the way that experimental weapon testing won’t stop during whale and salmon migrations,” Peterson said. “I think it is imperative that we at least buy some time for the public comment period on this environmental impact statement.”
…”We are requesting that the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, in order to give residents time to file public comments, also contact our California senators and Congressman Jared Huffman, requesting them to work toward gaining an extension of time to file public comments,” she said.
…The Marine Mammals Protection Act requires that the Navy receive permission from the National Marine Fisheries Service to conduct tests and training exercises which may potentially kill, harass or harm marine mammals. Peterson said the public comment period on the Navy’s request — which ends Feb. 28 — should also be extended.
”Most people don’t know what’s happening,” she said.
Multiple phone calls to the National Marine Fisheries Service northwest region headquarters were not returned by deadline.
If you go:
What: Navy training and testing public meeting
When: 5 p.m. March 6
Where: Red Lion Hotel Redwood Ballroom
1929 Fourth St., Eureka
For more information:www.NWTTEIS.com
On the Web: Submit comments on the Navy’s environmental impact statement at nwtteis.com/GetInvolved/HowCanICommentontheNWTTEISOEIS.aspx
On the Web: Submit public comments on the letter of authorization to the National Marine Fisheries Service at www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/01/29/2014-01724/takes-of-marine-mammals-incidental- to-specified-activities-us-navy-training-and-testing-activities
Water is alive, as alive as you and me.
Masaru Emoto’s work stresses the importance of water.
Get a glass of water and look at it. Love that water, and not just the water in the glass, but through it to the water everywhere.
We can love the water in everything and everyone. It is capable of cleansing and restoration.
Even if we can’t love certain people, we can love the water.
That water needs our love and support, just as we do.
Especially in this crisis, love the water outward to the ocean, to the reservoirs of drinking water in Japan, the groundwater flowing under the Fukushima reactors, the rivers, like the Columbia River with Hanford radiation flowing into it, and all the streams and rivers drying up on the American West Coast because of the drought created by a high pressure zone (also in North Korea), as well as the water in the Nuclear Regulatory Commissioners and staff, the International Atomic Energy Agency leaders and staff, the nuclear industry executives, public relations contractors, and staff, and the politicians and scientists and nuclear engineers. And the water in people in general, many of whom don’t want to know about this disaster or do anything about it.
Love the water.
Love the water.
Thank you.
The Fukushima disaster needs our prayers every day.
Prayer is an action of the heart. It is our birthright power as humans to focus and send our energies and love to create good. It does not have to involve religions or gods.
Last year, the URI Environmental Cooperation Circle called for every Friday to be a day of prayer for Fukushima and for the earth, when we can join together and focus on Fukushima.
This is in solidarity with the unprecedented numbers of Japanese people who have been taking to the streets of Tokyo on Fridays. Shortly after sending out the notice, URI received a reply that it is happening in Pakistan.
The prayer they created is below. This is a starting point. Please feel free to use or adapt this interfaith prayer, or create one of your own choosing.
The important thing is to do it.
We ask for healing for those in need, and aid from Spirit, that the indomitable spirit of our collective humanity create and enact solutions to all environmental challenges, especially the on-going nuclear disaster at Fukushima Daiichi. May this be a widespread wake up call so that, together, we accomplish the Great Turning for a sustainable, peaceful world with justice, safety and good health for all.
Prayer is needed every day. Prayer is an action of the heart. It does not have to involve religions or gods. It is our birthright as humans in that we can focus and send our energies and love.
Last year, the URI Environmental Cooperation Circle called for every Friday to be a day of prayer for Fukushima and for the earth. Prayer is needed every day , but this is a day we can join our love and energies together to stop this horrible disaster.
This is in solidarity with the unprecedented numbers of Japanese people who have been taking to the streets of Tokyo on Fridays. URI is in many countries. Shortly after sending out the notice, they received a reply that it is happening in Pakistan.
The prayer they created is below. This is a starting point. Please feel free to use or adapt this interfaith prayer, or create one of your own choosing.
The important thing is to do it.
We ask for healing for those in need, and aid from Spirit, that the indomitable spirit of our collective humanity create and enact solutions to all environmental challenges, especially the on-going nuclear disaster at Fukushima Daiichi. May this be a widespread wake up call so that, together, we accomplish the Great Turning for a sustainable, peaceful world with justice, safety and good health for all.
The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors in California unanimously approved the letter below on October 22, 2013
PDF 10-22-13 Mendocino BOS Fukushima Ltr
The cities of Berkeley and Fairfax in California have also approved resolutions.
http://www.fukushimaresponse.org/Actions_files/BerkelyFukushimaReso%21.pdf
http://www.fukushimaresponse.org/Actions_files/Fairfax%20Reso-Fukushima%20Nuclear.pdf
http://enenews.com/county-officials-california-approve-fukushima-action
If your city, county, province, state or other jurisdiction has taken action, contact Fukushima Response (info at FukushimaResponse.org www.fukushimaresponse.org) and this website. Send that information also to ENE News (www.enenews.com –“Submit Your News Tip”, front page)
Finally, take this letter and information on the situation on Fukushima to local officials and tell them to take action on this critical issue. ENE News has extensive information on this situation, and posts information daily.
October 22, 2013
Honorable Barack Obama,
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Obama,
Deteriorating conditions at the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear complex clearly constitute an international crisis of epic proportions that requires the highest level of international scientific and technological assistance in an effort to minimize the continuing damage to international health and safety. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently appealed to the international community to provide the knowledge and expertise needed to avert disaster. We therefore call upon you to issue an Executive Order directing all appropriate federal agencies to assist in leading an international effort to avert what appears to be a looming catastrophe of unprecedented dimensions. We believe it would be appropriate for the United States, in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, to lead this effort and to assure that the needed resources will be available.
Of greatest immediate concern, the unit 4 fuel rods, which are precariously stored 100 feet in the air, in the damaged unit 4 building, must be brought to ground. Removing the fuel rods will be extremely challenging; but is imperative given the compromised condition of the building and the continuing threat of seismic activity or other natural disaster. Additionally, the reactor cores from units 1, 2, and 3 have melted down and are widely believed to have penetrated the floor of the reactor buildings. The fuel rods and the reactor cores must be continually cooled to minimize the release of radioactivity. Contaminated rainwater and cooling water is contained in 1,000 tanks haphazardly placed on site with almost daily reports of leaks. Groundwater also flows freely through the site resulting in the uncontrolled discharge of radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean.
Over two and a half years after the initial disaster of March 11, 2011, the situation remains highly unstable. The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) remains in charge of the containment and cleanup of the site, but does not appear to have the resources or expertise to accomplish the task. TEPCO also does not plan to remove the melted reactor cores until 2020, virtually guaranteeing that contaminated groundwater will flow uncontrolled through the site and into the Pacific Ocean for the next seven years.
In addition to the requested Executive Order, we also call upon you to assure that the federal government is conducting all appropriate monitoring and testing to assess the level and impacts of radioactive contamination to west coast communities and the near shore marine environment. Our County’s link to these events also encompass personal relationships through Sister City partnerships between Fort Bragg and Otsuchi and between Mendocino and Miasa-Omachi.
Given the recent invitation from Prime Minister Abe, it is now both appropriate and imperative that the international community respond to this continuing international disaster without delay.
Thank you for your attention to this request.
Sincerely,
Dan Hamburg,
Chair, Mendocino County Board of Supervisors
Mendocino County Board of Supervisors:
First District — Carre Brown
Second District — John McCowen
Third District — John Pinches
Fourth District — Dan Gjerde
Fifth District — Dan Hamburg
Cc: Senator Barbara Boxer
112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Senator Dianne Feinstein
331 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20510
Senator Jeff Merkley
313 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Senator Ron Wyden
221 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Senator Maria Cantwell
311 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Senator Patty Murray
154 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Congressman Jared Huffman
1630 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Heal Fukushima 