Rockwell Collins feeding military drone program

On March 20, four brave citizens went to Mount Mercy to peacefully protest an award given to and a speech by Clay Jones of Rockwell Collins. The protesters had agreed not to be disruptive and wished only to pass out informative fliers about the military drone program and point out how some of his company's work is contrary to the teachings of Jesus. They were told upon arrival that they would be arrested if any fliers were passed out.

Rockwell is waist deep in providing some of the components of drone aircraft, a profoundly immoral weapon, that allows pilots, safely ensconced in Nevada or New Mexico, to rain death and destruction in the Middle East while still making it home for dinner. These strikes have killed at least 2,000 people, including hundreds of women and children in Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan and Pakistan (only one of which is at war with us), all with no discussion of its morality. The dead are referred to as “suspected militants,” the women and children are referred to as “collateral damage” by pilots sitting in front of video consoles. Every person killed in this way inspires thousands of his countrymen to hate the U.S.

Despite apparently having no problem with this carnage, is Jones so sensitive that to be reminded of the results of his company's projects would be a problem? Perhaps it would be a good thing if Mount Mercy were occasionally reminded of its founding principles. Shame on you, Mount Mercy. “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Bob Yeats

Mount Vernon