Comments on: Niger Needs Food, Not Drones

By: Ed Hedemann

Ed Hedemann — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 17:17:15 +0000

Initially, we had planned to view the eclipse from Libya but because of escalating tensions with the U.S., there was a lot of uncertainty whether visas would be issued and accepted when we were to arrive. So, Niger was the alternative, which proved to be fascinating.

The Intercept article (cited above) ended with an ominous quote: “The Agadez base is now the largest ‘airman-built’ project in Air Force history…. Prior to that, the record-holder was Phan Rang Air Base in South Vietnam, which had nearly 150 aircraft assigned to it in 1969.” In the ’50s and early ’60s many Americans didn’t have a clue where Vietnam was.

By: Erica

Erica — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 17:43:26 +0000

Thanks for this, Ruth! Disgusting that the US military would spend so much money on drones right next to people living in poverty. But isn’t it always… I love your pictures from Niger!

By: Donald D. Kaufman

Donald D. Kaufman — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 20:14:32 +0000

Ruth, I especially like your card which says that “Feeding War = Starving the Poor.”
We know one family in Puerto Rico and did write to them following the hurricane. We still haven’t heard from them even though we know that one daughter lives in Topeka. We hope to send a donation to MCC soon.

We are doing well but the “Golden years” are not the best even for those who have their health!
Still we are fortunate to have Eric Massanare provide a service which is truly amazing in dealing with residents. He is exceptional.
Thanks for the post news. I have also sent new material to Lincoln Rice. Take care, D. Kaufman

By: Larry Bassett

Larry Bassett — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 02:48:10 +0000

I have tried to keep a FCNL yard sign saying “war is not the answer“ outside of the Downtown condominium I have lived at in Lynchburg for the last 15 years. The fact that it has been an appropriate sign continuously for that long and much longer is distressing. The fact that it has been regularly stolen is only to be expected I guess. Now FCNL wants $40 for one of those signs so I can’t keep replacing it! I made them available to other people in town so I’m years ago and the woman mayor put one in her office in City Hall. The DoD will probably tell us how much money they are saving by having a drone base in Niger!