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The first conference ever organized to challenge robotic warfare will be held in Hood River, Oregon, April 16th through April 19th, near Boeing's Insitu military drone factory. The conference, "Challenging Robotic Warfare and Social Control," is organized by the Columbia River Fellowship for Peace and the newly-formed Alliance to Resist Robotic Warfare & Society (ARROWS). Panelists and featured speakers include Cindy Sheehan, founder of Gold Star Families for Peace, and Joe Roos, co-founder and former publisher of Sojourners magazine.
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| Cindy Sheehan, founder of Gold Star Families for Peace whose son Casey was killed in Iraq, will be a featured speaker at the conference. |
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Boeing's Insitu military drone aircraft, manufactured in the Columbia River Gorge, have been designed to work as the robotic "eyes" of a system that includes missile delivery vehicles, such as the larger Predator and Reaper drones. They are also being demonstrated for surveillance use by domestic police departments here in the U.S.
The conference will explore what development of robotic technology means for both modern warfare and civilian social control. Friday evening and Saturday will highlight educational presentations and discussions. Sunday events will focus on organizing a Northwest and national campaign to challenge robotic warfare in 2010 and beyond. The conference will conclude Monday morning with a nonviolent witness at nearby Insitu.
Conference endorsers at press time include Oregon PeaceWorks, Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility, Rural Organizing Project, Peace Action of Washington, Veterans for Justice, Squadron 13, Code Pink Portland, Greater Seattle Veterans for Peace (VFP 92), Vancouver for Peace, and Goldendale Citizens for Peace.
For more information about the "Challenging Robotic Warfare and Social Control" conference in April, call 509-447-4250, or email ResistRoboticWar@gmail.com. A link to how to register for the conference will be posted on our website soon.
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