Denver, Boulder, and Grand Junction Monthly Meetings: "Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space" – April 2012

“Some people don’t want to hear this, but we’re going to fight in space. We’re going to fight from space, and we’re going to fight into space.”                                                                             ~Joseph W. Ashy, Commander-in-Chief of U.S. Strategic Command

 

Pax Americana coverThis month, Colorado 9/11 Visibility will present Pax Americana and the Weaponization of Space.  (Denis Delestrac, France/Canada, 2010, 85 minutes. Award winning documentary at 11 international film festivals.)

Film Description:

Star Wars is no longer science fiction.

The prospect of Earth being ruled from space is no longer science fiction. The dream of the original Dr. Strangelove, Wernher von Braun (from Nazi rocket-scientist to NASA director), has survived every US administration since WW2 and is coming to life. Today the technology exists to weaponize space, a massive American industry thrives, and nations are maneuvering for advantage.

Pax Americana tackles this pivotal moment. Are war machines already orbiting Earth? Can treaties keep space weapons-free? Must the world capitulate to one super-cop on the global beat?

With startling archival footage (especially of Operation Paperclip) and unprecedented access to US Air Force Space Command, this elegant, forceful documentary reveals the state of play through generals, space-policy analysts, politicians, diplomats, peace activists, and hawks.

The question we must ask ourselves along with the film makers: Must we have a Pax Americana based on the failed attempts of past empires, or are we able to work toward a Pax Universalis, in which there is a world community of self-determining nations helping each other grow and prosper?

“If we move to the weaponization of space, we can bid farewell to the planet. The chances of survival are very slight.”  ~Noam Chomsky (quote from the film)

Debris in space[Left image depicting rocket debris that is trapped in Earth orbit]

As difficult as this information is, we must know the reality of what we face on our planet before we can know what we can do about it. Please join us for this excellent film and discussion afterward.

For more information, visit the film’s website at http://pax-americana.com/.

DENVER

Mark your calendars!  Colorado 9/11 Visibility Video and Action Meetings are held the 3rd Friday of each month in Denver.

When:   Friday, April 20, 2012, 7:00 PM
Where:
Hooked on Colfax Coffee-Books-Community
3213 E. Colfax Ave., Denver (303-398-2665)
(1/2 mile west of Colorado Blvd., between
Adams and Steele, on north side of Colfax)
*Admission is free, donations are welcome, and buy a beverage from Hooked on Colfax to support them*
Please observe the parking signs: Steele St., 16th Ave., and Colfax Ave. usually have available parking spaces.

Meeting Timeline:
7:00 – 7:15:  Announcements and introductions
7:15 – 8:45:  Video
8:45:  Discussion

BOULDER
Mark your calendars!  Boulder 9/11 Visibility Video and Action Meetings are held the 4th Wednesday of each month.

When:  Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Where:  University of Colorado, Boulder, Math Building, Room 350, third floor, northeast corner
Parking: Free parking is available after 5:00 PM on Colorado Avenue or in CU Lot 359 due west of the Math Building (but very competitive when school is in session).  Paid parking ($3 flat fee) is available in Lot 360 directly across the street from Folsom Field Stadium.
Directions: From 28th St., turn west on Colorado Ave.; go through the lights at Regent St. and Folsom Avenue.  The Mathematics Building will be on your left at the Folsom intersection, although you must proceed west to the parking lots and walk back to the building.  http://www.colorado.edu/parking/maps/documents/main_campus_parking.pdf

Meeting Timeline:
6:00 – 6:15:  Announcements and introductions
6:15 – 7:45:  Video
7:45 – 8:30:  Discussion

GRAND JUNCTION
When: Saturday, April 28, 2012, 9:00 AM

Where: Beans About Beans, 759 Horizon Drive, Grand Junction, CO 81506

Program: Details can be seen at:
http://www.meetup.com/grandjunctioninfocinema/events/60680392/