Author and activist talks about drones

Ethical, privacy, and safety concerns are hot topics of debate when it comes to talking about drones. Citizens for Peace and Justice, a group dedicated to promoting peace, has brought author, activist, and CodePink co-founder Medea Benjamin into Marquette to help inform citizens about the use of drones.

One of the points of discussion is the need for legislation to regulate the use of drones on a national, state, and regional level.

“I think there’s a need to distinguish between good and bad uses, and to put regulations in place for the use of drones, both overseas as well as here in our own airspace,” Benjamin said.

Benjamin has visited many countries in turmoil to help promote justice. Her trips have resulted in significant personal risk, but she believes that her efforts through Code Pink are making a difference.

“We have been changing public opinion,” added Benjamin. “I wrote a book about drones, I’ve been to over 200 cities, and I see that my work and the work of other people has had a significant impact on the way people see this drone debate. We’ve got to take responsibility for our own country, and we’ve got to put pressure on our government when we see that it’s gone off track.”

Benjamin’s first engagement is a speech Monday at 7:00 p.m. in the Peter White Public Library Community Room. Additionally, she will speak at the NMU University Center on Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Those interested in talking to her in an informal setting will be able to do so 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the Sweet Water Cafe or Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church.