These are remarks I made at an Extinction Rebellion Climate Rally, organized by amazing UVM students, on 10/16/20. Speakers were given time on the steps of Burlington’s City Hall.
My name is Cara Montague. I am here today to stand with you against the F35s. I live in Winooski with my husband and two children- Fern who is 10 and Leo who is 5. We agree with you that the F35s do not belong at our airport. Their take offs and landings, which happen 100s of times each month, are too loud, too dangerous, and too polluting. We know that these planes, and the US military, are a powerful contributor to climate change. My house is under the flight path, and my children attend a school that is under the flight path in Williston. They get the noise on both ends of the runway. A few weeks ago I wrote to Senator Leahy, who, as we know, worked mightily and corruptly to bring the F35s to the airport. I wrote to voice my concern for my children and their classmates. Their school has elected to have class outdoors due to concerns about Covid-19. When the F-35s fly overhead, class stops, and everyone puts their hands over their ears to protect their hearing, and, as we know, their developing brains. Often, 8 planes fly out at a time. Senator Leahy responded to my letter by writing the following ‘I understand that the noise is particularly noticeable as Vermonters remain at home during the COVID-19 crisis. And with the decline of commercial flights and road traffic, the sound stands out more than usual.” Now, I realize I have just been gaslighted by a US Senator. Let me repeat what he said, “I understand that the noise is particularly noticeable.” I ask you, have you noticed the noise? Does it ‘stand out more than usual’?
I am taking a stand against the nuclear capable F35s not because it is easy, but because it is the right thing to do. I know that moneyed interests and powerful people (I’m looking at you, Senator Patrick Leahy, Governor Phil Scott and Mayor Miro Weinberger) have pushed to bring the F35s to the Burlington Airport. I also know that the majority of voters in Winooski, Burlington and South Burlington have repeatedly said that they do not want the F35s flying over their homes, and I know that they have lost heart that people in power will stand up to defend their health, safety and climate. I know that given the way the basing decision was made that it will take work, and effort and struggle to get the F35s out of the airport. But I take courage from the facts: We are the majority. And I take courage from the democratic process.
We can stop the basing of the F35s in Burlington, just as people in other states have stopped military aircraft basing actions. I encourage you all to go to the town meetings, raise your voices, stay involved and vote. It is not too late.