Palestine solidarity in Saco, Maine

Protest in the community that makes 'targeting devices' for the big bombs the US sends to Israel to drop on Gaza.

Thirty people of all ages gathered in Saco today. They came from Biddeford, Belfast, Portland, Brunswick, Hope, Farmington, Edgecomb, Wells, and New Jersey.

The area we stood at for an hour (followed by a circle where folks gave their name, town and why they came) has two bridges over the Saco River surrounded by former textile mills. The traffic along the roadway was enormous - often backing up for long distances - especially when the Amtrak train crossed the bridge choking off movement.

Three unmarked police cars stood watch over us the entire time we were there.

More than half the group were younger people who have become very active across the world over the Palestinian issues. Several were from the University of New England in Biddeford.

Palestine solidarity in Saco, Maine During the circle many of the statements made were deeply moving. John, from Biddeford, grew up in town and talked about how the current General Dynamics plant in neighboring Saco used to make products serving the textile industry before they moved south for cheaper labor. During the US war on Vietnam gun barrels were made there. After that they made mufflers for cars. Today GD makes targeting devices for the big bombs that Washington has been sending to Israel to drop on Gaza. John reported that no protests happened in Saco during the Vietnam war but he was proud to be a part of protests at GD now.

The cars and trucks driving by seemed to appreciate our presence as well. We got a very strong show of waves and honks from the many vehicles passing by.

Our next monthly protest will be held at the big intersection (Hwy 196 & 201) in Topsham (look for Aroma Joe's on GPS) on Saturday, March 22 at 1:30 pm.

Free Free Palestine!

Bruce

~ Photos by MB Sullivan