Lawfare: Does the Audacity Of Dopes Violate 18 USC§ 962?

From 18 USC§ 962

§ 962. Arming vessel against friendly nation

Whoever, within the United States, furnishes, fits out, arms, or attempts to furnish, fit out or arm, any vessel, with intent that such vessel shall be employed in the service of any foreign prince, or state, or of any colony, district, or people, to cruise, or commit hostilities against the subjects, citizens, or property of any foreign prince or state, or of any colony, district, or people with whom the United States is at peace; or
Whoever issues or delivers a commission within the United States for any vessel, to the intent that she may be so employed—
Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
Every such vessel, her tackle, apparel, and furniture, together with all materials, arms, ammunition, and stores which may have been procured for the building and equipment thereof, shall be forfeited, one half to the use of the informer and the other half to the use of the United States.

Does the Audacity of Dopes and other Flotilla participants violate this clause? Time to look into this, doncha think?

Will the "Audacity of Dopes" be grounded by an administrative complaint?

Rumors abound that the US Boat to Gaza, the "Audacity of Dopes, er, Hope" is temporarily grounded by an administrative complaint claiming that the vessel is not seaworthy. The harbor master where the boat is docked has declared that until the compliant is resolved the boat is not permitted to leave. Currently, lawyers representing the US boat are looking into the origins of the complaint.

Medea Benjamin in her blog described the The Audacity of Hope as a "rusty, old thing" and claimed it has been transformed into a lovely vessel fit for 50 passengers. Were there structural issues? Was a coat of paint merely slapped on? These are truly issues that should be resolved before the boat sets sail.

And in other flotilla news, the French vessels are on the move.

Today the first of the Freedom Flotilla 2 fleet has set sail to the rendezvous point in the Mediterranean where it will meet up with the other blockade runners.
Mazen Kahil of the "European Campaign to End the Siege" announced “The first ship of the Freedom Flotilla 2 which bears the name of “Dignity “, was launched from the port of Corsica, in France. The” Dignity” is on her way to the starting point for the rest of the fleet.” The French ship will join the other boat named “Michael Lewis”, where it is now moored in a port in Greece.

There is a press conference planned for Monday, and the boats are expected to be on their way shortly after.

Mama, they're not making Anarchists like they used to: Application process for the UC Boat to Gaza: the Audacity of Hope

They aren't making anarchists like they used to. Did you all get your 4 page application to be a passenger aboard the US Boat to Gaza, the "Audacity of Hope"? What do you think of the invasive personal questions they ask? Many of these would be illegal to ask on any application in America. Applicants are asked specifically to identify their ethnicity, race,religion, and sexual orientation.

The part that really got to me, though was that the form needs to be signed and notarized before it's sent back to the Bearsville, NY Post Office box.

Do you think the IHH members from the Mavi Marmara were also asked about their sexual orientation?

I can't help but wonder if the questions on identity and sexual orientation relate to the recent controversy on sexual abuse of international activists in the Palestinian territories. Its worrying the haters, judging by the "help wanted" they distributed:

Their email:

We are in need of volunteers to join us this winter and spring as we struggle to end the Israeli occupation in all its forms and to promote justice and self-determination for the Palestinian people. We have a wide range of programs lined up for the next few months, and are in need of dedicated, enthusiastic volunteers to help make our goals a reality...

Our Principles:

All internationals agree to respect traditional Palestinian culture. For example, internationals will dress appropriately (long-sleeves, no shorts or skirts, loose-fitting), not engage in sexual activity, drink alcohol or use drugs while volunteering with PSP.
We agree to respect each other at all times. We as internationals agree not to act in racist, sexist, homophobic or xenophobic ways, even if we encounter these behaviors within Palestinian society.


Interesting. Very interesting.

If you always wanted to be the next Rachel Corrie, write to "US to Gaza" Po Box 373Bearsville, NY 12409. And be sure you have a notary lined up. Thats a good anarchist.