[Peace-discuss] deadly force for protestors- what country is this?

[Dlind49 at aol.com]

Air Force Base OKs 'Deadly Force' Action
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

 
Filed at 8:38 p.m. ET

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AP) -- Security forces at Vandenberg Air 
Force Base are allowed to use ``deadly force'' in some cases if any anti-war 
demonstrators infiltrate the military complex, officials said.

Some anti-war activists have announced plans to trespass in hopes of 
disturbing Vandenberg's mission and to vandalize sensitive equipment they 
believe helps the war effort.

Vandenberg officials revealed Friday that military security police have 
always been allowed to shoot to kill, if necessary, to protect base residents 
and equipment.

It is more critical now that people understand the severity of that policy, a 
base spokeswoman said.

``This is not fun and games anymore,'' said Maj. Stacee Bako. ``We're living 
in post 9-11. We don't know what's going to happen with the war effort in 
Iraq.''

Military police will use their judgment, experience and training to determine 
if lethal force is necessary, she said.

``It's impossible for us to determine what their intent is,'' she said. ``Are 
they protesters? Are there terrorists in that group and (do) they plan on 
killing everyone on base?''

The policy will not deter protesters, said Peter Lumsdaine of the Vandenberg 
Action Coalition, one of the organizers of the planned trespassing.

``I think it does underline that people in the nonviolent resistance movement 
are willing to take some risks,'' Lumsdaine said.