The Navy resumed bombing the island of Vieques on Monday, in its first full-scale military exercises since theSeptember 11 attacks.

With the nation on a war footing, leading Democrats are backing away from their demand that the Navy bring animmediate halt to its bombing exercises on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques. And most protesters said they wouldstop their civil disobedience campaign of invading Navy lands in favor of peace vigils to show solidarity with theSept. 11 terror attack victims, and to avoid raising tensions as Washington prepares for war.

Opponents have for years protested the live bombing on their island of 9,100 people. They the bombing harms theenvironment and the health of the island’s people, accusations the Navy denies. In 1999 a civilian security guard waskilled by bombs dropped off target on the firing range.

Guest:

• Roberto Rabin, Head of the Committee for the Rescue and Development of Vieques.