Spirit.56 Creative Christianity - Part 2

Spirit.56.356: Messsage from Howard Reben (moulton) Thu, 06 Nov 1997 16:53:54 CST (12 lines)

Date: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 22:14:07 -0500
From: Howard Reben <hreben@mindspring.com>
Subject: Plowshares Update

My daughter, Susan, and I visited with Phil and Marc in Windham. A
Blue Van takes you to the maximum security area. This is the area
that state prisoners are sent as a punishment and it has 23 hours
of lockdowns. The fact that the Plowshares are there is absurd. We
had a great visit but thought both Phil and Marc need visits if
possible.

Peace, Howard

Spirit.56.357: News from John on Plowshares (moulton) Thu, 06 Nov 1997 16:57:31 CST (30 lines)

Date: Thu, 6 Nov 1997 15:14:08 -0500 (EST)
From: John Hines <jhines@atto.ee.usm.maine.edu>
Subject: Dribblings of News
To: Barry Kort <bkort@atto.ee.usm.maine.edu>

Hey Barry,

A few bits of news. . .Steve Kelly was sent to a San Francisco
holding tank yesterday.  He'll be held there until they find a
California federal prison for him.

The report from last evening. . .The plowshares appreciate
Ramsey Clark's support and recommendations, but he's a lawyer,
and they're activists.  Unanimously they will not appeal.

During some recent proceeding, John Schuchart from Rhode Island
knelt in the courtroom and prayed and when ordered removed he
refused to be removed.  He was arrested then and arraigned
today.

As you read from Howard Rebens's message above, Phil and Mark
are still in Windham and under twenty-three hour lockdown, but
in that one hour out, at least they can go out into the fresh
air. Howard and Phil told jokes all through their visit last
evening -- Phil broke up laughing way before every punchline.

Slight news from the north. . .take care,

John

Spirit.56.358: Barry Kort (moulton) Sun, 09 Nov 1997 11:23:13 CST (20 lines)

I called up John Schuchart to get more details.  He had knelt in
prayer on the sidewalk outside the courthouse back in May, at the time
of the original Plowshares trial.  He was arrested by David Drake,
head of the US Marshalls, who charged him with blocking pedestrian
access to the courthouse.  He pleaded not guilty to the charge and
stood trial.  He was sentenced to time served (some hours in the
county jail) and a $100 fine which he is refusing to pay.

It was the Marshalls who blocked the entrance to the courthouse,
letting a limited number of supporters in to witness the proceedings.
At one point, the Marshalls inside the courtroom occupied the public
seating area to limit the number of available seats.  At the original
Plowshares trial, the Marshalls admitted only 30 people, even though
there was seating for 60.

For this trial, the Feds built a special jail cell in the basement of
the courthouse with closed circuit TV to hold the defendants if the
Judge ejected them from their own trial.  For portions of the trial,
the defendants were barred from presenting their case to the jury and
to the public.

Spirit.56.359: Witness of George Mizo (moulton) Sun, 09 Nov 1997 12:00:48 CST (36 lines)

George Mizo is a seven year veteran of the US Army, including two
years in Vietnam. He was awarded the Gallantry Cross of the Republic
of Vietnam and the Purple Heart.  He was also sickened by the
destruction he saw in Vietnam and by the deception which he thought
our government engaged in.  In recent years he has devoted his efforts
to preventing another Vietnam in Central America.

Here is George's witness, which he handed to me and to others at the
Plowshares sentencing...


You, my church, told me it was wrong to kill ... except in war.
You, my teachers, told me it was wrong to kill ... except in war.
You, my`father & mother, told me it was wrong to kill ... except in war.
You, my country, told me it was wrong to kill ... except in war.

You sent me to war to kill...
And when I had no choice...
You told me I was wrong.

But now I know, you were wrong...
And now I will tell you...
My church,
My teachers,
My father and mother,
My friends,
My country...

It is not wrong to kill ... except in war...
It is wrong to kill ... Period.
And this you have to learn...
Just as I did.

                 George Mizo
                 A Vietnam Veteran for Peace

Spirit.56.360: Maureen Webster's Notes (moulton) Mon, 10 Nov 1997 16:17:17 CST (269 lines)

Maureen Webster has supplied her detailed notes from the sentencing
of the Plowshares defendants and one of their supporters...


Philip Berrigan's Sentencing


Susan Crane's Sentencing


Steve Baggarly's Sentencing


Tom Lewis-Borbely's Sentencing


John Suchard's Sentencing

Spirit.56.368: Frank Vehafric (fvehafric) Wed, 12 Nov 1997 19:24:56 CST (3 lines)

I wonder, just out of curiosity what percentage of folks who self
identify as Christians would also self identify as "members of the
peace movement."

Spirit.56.369: Barry Kort (moulton) Wed, 12 Nov 1997 20:43:40 CST (6 lines)

Considering that 50c of every tax dollar is spent on readiness for
war, I'd guess not very many.

Someone calculated that the worldwide expenditure on military
preparedness is 1.7 million dollars a minute.  And worldwide,
30 children die of starvation every minute.

Spirit.56.370: Roxanna Guilford (jordan) Wed, 12 Nov 1997 22:19:00 CST (3 lines)

About the same percentage as the population at large, I fear.

Pretty damned low.

Spirit.56.371: Barry Kort (moulton) Tue, 18 Nov 1997 13:00:40 CST (6 lines)

I just found the story on the Stewart twins and their friend, the son
of the other Federal judge, who boarded yet another Aegis destroyer to
continue the peace action against the construction of these deathly
weapons of mass destruction...

    http://www.musenet.org/~bkort/plowshares/PortPress.Twins.html

Spirit.56.372: Short News Note From John... (moulton) Thu, 20 Nov 1997 18:18:29 CST (22 lines)

Date: Wed, 19 Nov 1997 16:27:34 -0500 (EST)
From: John Hines <jhines@atto.ee.usm.maine.edu>
Subject: This Era Is Almost At An End
To: plowshares@musenet.org (Plowshares Supporters)

Dear Barry,

Phil Berrigan, Steve Baggarly, and Susan Crane were transfered today.
Miriam, my reporter, doesn't know where.

Mark Colville remains in Windham, and apparently Tom Lewis in
Cumberland County.

I had an appointment to visit Phil in Windham tonight. . .the feds
broke it.

The news shocks me. Their grand vision leaves us now with BIW building
Aegis destroyers in local bays.

Peace friend,

John

Spirit.56.373: News of Plowshares... (moulton) Fri, 21 Nov 1997 17:03:22 CST (27 lines)

Social Action News from Plough Online
-------------------------------------

        Plowshares Members Secretly Moved
                 By Ron Landsel

USS Sullivans Prince Of Peace Plowshares members, Phil Berrigan,
Steve Baggerly, and Susan Crane were secretly moved yesterday from
Portland Maine to Otisville, NY.  Phil and Steve are being
transferred to federal prisons in the east. Luz Colville, the New
Haven Catholic Worker member and wife of Plowshares activist Mark
Colville, reported that she is not sure which of the men would go
to the 2 prisons reported. But one will be sent to Federal prison
in Petersburg, VA, and the other to Morgantown, WVA. Susan is
destined for California, where she will have to answer to parole
violations in connection with a previous Plowshares activity.

Luz Colville said that the move was done very secretly. After an
official prison anouncement that no one would be moved this week,
Phil was called out of the Portland cell he and Luz' husband Mark
Colville were sharing at 9:30 AM yesterday.  Neither Mark nor Phil
had a clue what was up. None of the three were allowed to take
personal properties; i.e. phone numbers, etc. So they won't be able
to write or phone anyone unless they have memorized numbers and
addresses in their heads. Steve Kelley, SJ is in transit over three
weeks and being held in Oklahoma City en route to Federal Prison on
the West Coast.

Spirit.56.374: Barry Kort (moulton) Sat, 29 Nov 1997 19:42:38 CST (9 lines)

There is a story in today's New York Times.  The URL will expire
before many of you read this, so I've parked a stable copy of the
story on my Plowshares page at:

    http://www.musenet.org/~bkort/plowshares/nyt.html

I also found another Bill Nemitz column archived at:

    http://spider.biddeford.com/ph/nemitz/bn050997.htm

Spirit.56.375: News from Ardeth Platte (moulton) Sun, 30 Nov 1997 10:45:55 CST (23 lines)

Date: Sun, 30 Nov 1997 06:20:26 -0500 (EST)
From: Disarmnow@aol.com (Ardeth Platte)
Subject: Plowshares

Phil and Steve are in Lewisburg, awaiting transport to Petersburg,
VA and Morgantown, WV respectively.  Steve Kelly is in a San Jose,
CA jail awaiting a court proceeding for 5 probation violations.

Susan Crane's transport to a Milpitas, CA jail to appear for
violations was a mistake.  So she is sitting there presently,
awaiting the assignment to a prison.  It could be any place in the US.

Yes, you experienced how the bureau of prisons works, abruptly ...
strips inmates of any belongings ... takes them to a jail, drops
them off (without any belongings), does not tell them when they will
go to the next place.  Thank God for the spiritual lives of these
folks.  It sustains them.  I can't imagine how others can be at
peace who do not have the sustenance and beliefs.  Usually folks
have not been permitted to use the phone while in transport.  We
have had calls from each person on the way.

Peace and gratitude to you during this season.  --Ardeth

Spirit.56.377: Letter from Susan Crane (moulton) Wed, 03 Dec 1997 16:27:47 CST (35 lines)

         Letter from Susan Crane to Mike and Mary Donnelly

Dear Mike and Mary,

Peace be with you always. I hope you are well and continuing to
remind all of us about the warships built at BIW.

What a surprise to find myself on the federal airlift headed to
California. The trip was sweetened by the good company of Phil and
Steve B on the first leg, and Steve K on the second. The airlift is
just like people describe it: Marshals with M-16's out and aimed as we
get on and off the plane, we -- all shackled, chained, and cuffed --
shuffle on. Regardless of the temperature we wear short sleeved
shirts. On the way out of Maine, the Marshals drove us to Manchester.
Phil sat next to me, Steve B right behind and we had a good talk and
laughed and were present to each other. They got off on the east coast
and I stayed on to Oklanhoma City. Spent the night in the SHU
(lockdown, the "hole", etc.) so I couldn't call or even get to a
bible. The next day a BOP guard opened my cell to take me for the
airlift -- his first words were "How did you get close enough to the
missile to hammer on it?" Later another guard brought up military
spending, etc., with me. As I went by the men's holding cell, Steve
was there! What a surprise! We were on the same plane, but couldn't
talk. The planes fly from AFB to AFB and have only Fed prisoners on
them. The cuffs and all don't come off ever, and it's hard to use the
toilet.

Today we went to court, and it turns out that Carter had agreed to
transfer jurisdiction to the Maine district, and then after the trial,
changed his mind (the PO said). But Carter got his revenge on us, huh?
Steve had 5 violations -- he goes to court Wed. I had NO CHARGE. The
Magistrate told the Marshals to designate me and get me to prison.
Meanwhile perhaps I'll be here at Elmwood. The women are kind to me.

You are in my prayers -- Love and peace, Susan

Spirit.56.378: Barry Kort (moulton) Wed, 03 Dec 1997 17:16:17 CST (75 lines)

I arrived early at the West Bath District Court this morning, which
gave me a chance to observe Judge Joseph Field handle the arraignments
of pedestrian cases (shoplifting, drunk driving, etc.)  Judge Field is
a compassionate judge.  He is not there to hurt people, but to help
them get their lives under better control.  The only people he sent to
jail were the drunk drivers, who by state law must serve 48 hours in
the clink if they are over 0.15 blood alcohol.  Most of them selected
Alternative Service (community service in lieu of straight jail time),
including two young men from the Navy and a worker at BIW.  Another
BIW worker opted for straight jail time for his drunk driving offense.

Around 10 AM about 20 Plowshares Supporters began showing up, and
shortly thereafter we greeted the three defendants, Jessica Stewart
and her twin sister Audrey Stewart (both 18) and Steve Cohen, 20.  All
three are college students here in Maine.  Their offense was boarding
a US Navy warship and strewing flowers on the helopad.  You can read
the Portland Press news report of their peace action of November 10th
at:

   http://www.musenet.org/~bkort/plowshares/PortPress.Twins.html

Jessica was wearing a hand-lettered T-shirt which read "What about the
Iraqi Children?" on one side and "It's a deathship, not a home" on the
other.  This was a reference to the proceedings from the trial of the
Prince of Peace Plowshares in which Assistant US Attorney Helene
Kazanjian had referred to the USS Sullivans as the "home" of the
sailors who were "terrified and terrorized" when 73-year old Phil
Berrigan and 5 others boarded it in a similar peace action earlier
this year.

The Judge read the charges, as filed by Sagadahoc County Assistant
District Attorney Michael Turndorf.  Criminal Mischief and Criminal
Trespass for entering the BIW yards, and a second count of Criminal
Mischief and Criminal Trespass for boarding the USS Mahan, docked in
the BIW yards.

The Judge stopped cold.  "The USS Mahan is a Flag Vessel of the US
Navy.  It's not in my jurisdiction."   Assistant DA Turndorff
disagreed, saying the statute applied even if the victim was the US
Navy and the incident took place aboard a ship in Maine's coastal
waters.

The judge reviewed the rights and options of the defendants, then
called for their pleas.  The Stewart twins had adopted a policy of
silence, in empathy for those innocents in foreign lands silenced by
the US war machine.  They held up hand-lettered signs for the judge to
read aloud, "I plead silence... I plead innocent."  The judge entered
Not Guilty pleas for both of them.  Steve Cohen also pleaded innocent,
adding that the real crime was the production of weapons of mass
destruction being built at Bath Iron Works.  The judge nodded and
said, "A lot of people would agree with you."

The issue of bail came up.  Before Assistant DA Turndorf could even
articulate his position, Judge Field said that he would let the
defendants walk on the US Navy charges before imposing bail.  "I don't
think these people look like criminals," he told Turndorf.  The DA
backed off.  The defendants would be free pending their trial.

Judge Field set a January 29th trial date, which would apply in the
event the defendants chose a non-jury trial to be held before him.  If
they elected a jury trial, then it would be held in Superior Court
(probably under a different judge) and the trial date would be
rescheduled accordingly.

Afterwards I spoke briefly to the defendants and to their pro-bono
standby counsel, Seth Berner.  Steve Cohen told me his mother views
this as "the worst thing that has ever happened" while his father told
him, "I respect what you are doing, but I think you are misguided."

Steve Cohen's father, and presumably his primary childhood guider, is
the junior Federal Judge in the District of Maine, sharing duties with
the senior Federal Judge, Gene Carter, whom astute readers of these
dispatches will recognize as the judge who just sentenced the Prince
of Peace Plowshares to a total of 9 years in jail for a similar
offence aboard the USS Sullivans earlier this year.

Spirit.56.379: Editorial Opinion (moulton) Wed, 03 Dec 1997 17:30:07 CST (21 lines)

Twice this year, civilian peace activists have boarded US Navy
destroyers (the USS Sullivans and the USS Mahan) to carry out the
Isaiah prophecy of beating swords into plowshares.

The fact that 9 civilians could steal aboard two Navy destroyers that
each carry 50 Tomahawk Cruise Missiles raises a worrisome question.
How is it that security at the perimeter of the Bath Iron Works and at
the gangplank of a Navy destroyer is so poor that such an unauthorized
boarding is even possible?  What if a terrorist walked aboard with a
suitcase bomb loaded with high explosives?  These destroyers are
docked in coastal cities with substantial civilian populations.  And
since they are the most lethal weapons in the US arsenal, they would
be prime targets for terrorists who would like to pay back the US for
launching those very Cruise Missiles at population centers in the
Middle East.

The peace activists may have to answer in District Court for boarding
those ships and strewing flowers on the helopad, but it seems to me
BIW and the Navy also have to answer for parking such inviting targets
of international terrorism in the backyard of Maine's civilian
population.

Spirit.56.380: Lorelei Kring (lorelei) Thu, 04 Dec 1997 00:54:03 CST (1 line)

Thank you, Barry.

Spirit.56.381: Moonbeam (nanwill) Thu, 04 Dec 1997 02:41:40 CST (2 lines)

Excellent point in your editorial, Barry. Thanks for your presence in
that courtroom and for your quality reportage.

Spirit.56.382: Barry Kort (moulton) Fri, 05 Dec 1997 11:48:38 CST (4 lines)

Maureen Webster's detailed courtroom notes of the arraignment of
Steve Cohen and the Stewart twins is now posted at:

     http://www.musenet.org/~bkort/plowshares/Stewarts.html

Spirit.56.383: Barry Kort (moulton) Wed, 10 Dec 1997 23:03:00 CST (64 lines)

It was bright and sunny as I drove up to Nashua NH this morning to
cover today's Peace Action against defense contractor Lockheed Martin
Sanders.  I arrived at Library Hill Peace Park in time to chat with
organizer Sean Donahue and with Officer Bill Constantineau about their
preparations for the Peace Rally and Civil Disobedience.  The Nashua
Police were under the supervision Lt. Craig Ritz.  There would be a
legal rally at the park, followed by a legal march along the sidewalk
to the Lockheed Martin Sanders facility at 95 Canal Street, whereupon
some number of the marchers would engage in nonviolent civil
disobedience on the Sanders property.

The peace activists held many hand-lettered, signs:  "F-16's Kill
Innocent Kurds," "People Before Profit," "Sanders Deals in Death,"
"Sanders Makes a Killing in the Arms Trade," End the Arms Race," "Your
Work Kills," and "Build for Peace."

Sean Donahue addressed the rally, explaining how Lockheed Martin, the
largest weapons maker in the U.S., exports weapons to human rights
abusers around the world -- in East Timor where Indonesian forces have
used Lockheed Martin weapons in a genocidal war that has claimed the
lives of one-third of the people there; in Turkey where Lockheed
Martin's F-16 fighters have bombed Kurdish vilages in southern Turkey
and northern Iraq.  "On Human Rights Day," said Sean, "we are calling
on Lockheed Martin to renounce the arms trade and invest in
life-affirming technologies."

Alan Nairn, journalist and survivor of the 1991 massacre in Dili,
East Timor, recounted a horrifying story of slaughter in East Timor,
when Indonesian soldiers opened fire on mourners at a funeral.

Andrea Needham of Seeds of Hope / East Timor Plowshares also spoke, as
did Jennifer Washburn of the World Policy Institute.  Reporters and
camera crews circulated, obtaining footage, interviews and background
stories.

At noon, the group marched peacefully, with police escort, to Sanders,
where Leo Gagnon, Sanders chief of security, explained where the
Sanders property line was located, and warned that those who crossed
it would be arrested.  Eleven uniformed members of the Nashua Police
took up positions along the perimeter of the Sanders entrance.

The first wave of peace marchers crossed the street to the Sanders
entrance and spread ashes on the corporate sign, followed by origami
peace doves, signifiying the Phoenix rising out of the ashes of
destruction.  On signal from Gagnon, they were arrested.

The second wave of marchers, carrying drums, crossed the property line
and were also arrested.  Then the third wave, carrying placards.

In all, 12 people were arrested, handcuffed with plastic tie-wraps,
and trundled off in the Nashua Police Paddy Wagon.  Among those
arrested were Sean Donahue, and the Stewart twins. The remaining
marchers, who stayed on the city-side of the Sanders property line,
chanted, held signs, and beat their drums, as camera crews and other
reporters captured the story.  There was no violence, and the Nashua
Police handled themselves with exemplary discipline, taking great care
not to engage in any improper behavior.  Throughout the demonstration,
people were calm, civil, and restrained.

At the conclusion of the demonstration, I requested use of the
bullhorn to recite Jean Vanier's Blessing (Posting:Spirit.14.178).

I am told that those arrested will be arraigned in the morning, on
charges of Criminal Trespass.  I hope to be able to cover that.

Spirit.56.384: Barry Kort (moulton) Thu, 11 Dec 1997 20:16:51 CST (118 lines)

Yesterday's Peace Action was front page news in the Nashua Telegraph,
with photos and story occupying most of the space above the fold.  You
may read it at:

     http://www.musenet.org/bkort/plowshares/HumanRightsDay.html

I found my way to District Court this morning for the arraignments of
those arrested yesterday.  Two of the twelve arrested, Guy Chichester
and Ruth McKay, had been released on personal recognizance and were
told to appear on December 17th for their arraignment.  The remaining
10 spent the night in jail.  As far as anyone could tell, there was no
rhyme or reason to why two were released while the others were held
overnight.

The District Court in New Hampshire has instituted a new system,
wherein arraignees in detention are not transported to Court.  Instead
they are transported from jail to the Nashua Police Station where they
appear via low-bandwidth low quality closed-circuit TV.  Although the
system works from a technical standpoint, it's a failure in every
other way.  Several arraignees vehemently objected and protested to
being arraigned in such an impersonal fashion.  One called it
"ridiculous".  A lawyer I spoke to afterward said "It stinks."

The Judge's reading of the rights and options was via a canned
videotape that had been played so often, it would have been retired
for deteriorating quality had it been on the shelf at BlockBuster
Video.

And so we sat in this antiseptic courtroom, starting at monitors and
straining to stay tuned to the process.

One by one, Judge Roger Gauthier called the names of the defandants
who took positions in front of the camera like contestants in Ted
Mack's Amatuer Hour looking for their mark on the stage.

First up was Frances Crow.  The judge introduced himself over the
video link and recited the charges.  A Class 'B' Misdemeanor, Criminal
Trespass.  "If convicted, you could be fined up to $1200, but not sent
to jail.  How do you plead?"  Frances Crow pleaded "for an end to the
military-industrial global media empire..."   The judge interrupted
her, "It has to be Guilty or Not Guilty.  No speeches.  Save that for
the trial."  Bail was set at $500 Personal Recognizance Bond.  Trial
date January 26th at 1PM.  "You're free to go, you don't have to pay
any cash bail."

Next came Sean Donahue, organizer of the peace rally.  He stood as if
at attention, polite and respectful.  In addition to the criminal
tresspass charge, Sean had a second charge of "unlawful conduct" for
pouring ashes on the Sanders sign.  This was essentially a littering
charge, in a place "not designated a public dump."  Same ritual as
before, Sean pleaded "for the lives of the Kurdish children and for
the lives of the people of East Timor."  Same P.R. bond, same trial
date.

Third up was Marcia Gagliardi on charges of criminal trespass.  Her
plea, "I pray for peace."  Same P.R. bond, same trial date.

Brian Cavanaugh came next.  He pleaded Not Guilty and spared the judge
any speeches.  Same deal as the others.

Number 5 was Harriet Nestel.  The judge introduced himself as he had
to all the others.  "Pleased to meet you," she responded.  Her plea,
"I prayed at Lockheed Martin for an end to their production of
weapons."  After the judge recited the same terms and dismissed her,
she smiled at him brightly and said, "Peace to you, sir," as she
walked off-camera.

Audrey Stewart came next.  Criminal trespass.  "I plead on behalf of
the victims of war everywhere, especially the children of Iraq."  The
judge entered a Not Guilty plea for her.

Jessica Stewart followed her sister onto the camera.  Two Class 'B'
misdemeanors.  One of the police officers had charged her with assault
because some of the ashes thrown on the Sanders sign had wafted into
his face.  "Do you need a lawyer, asked the judge?"  Jessica said she
would represent herself pro se, but wished to retain Joshua Gordon as
standby counsel, who would serve pro bono.  The judge said it had to
be one or the other.  Either pro se or Mr. Gordon, no such thing as
standby counsel.  Joshua Gordon made an effort to speak.  The judge
told him to sit down.  Jessica was on her own, no one to counsel or
comfort her before she entered her plea. The video system had cut the
human-to-human communication channel between lawyer and would-be
client.  Jessica entered her plea, Not Guilty to the assault charge.
On the trespass charge, "I plead for the innocent victims the arms
trade."  And she requested an earlier trial date.  Denied.  All the
defendants would be tried together at 1PM on January 26th.
Notwithstanding the assault charge, the judge released Jessica on the
same terms, $500 P.R. bond.  Jessica got in one last lick, "I object
strongly to these proceedings," meaning the use of closed circuit
video wherein she could not face the judge in person or communicate
with prospective counsel.

Mark Tuminsky came next.  Criminal trespass.  "I object to these
proceedings."  The judge seemed oblivious to the complaints about the
process, and asked for his plea.  "I am trying to save innocent lives.
I plead innocent."

The tenth and last arraignee was Scott Warren.  Criminal trespass.
His plea, "In recognition of those who suffered at the hands of the
weapons produced at Sanders, I plead innocent.  And I find this method
of arraignment ridiculous."  A few of us in the spectator's galley
felt the same way.

We drove over to the Police Station to greet the ten as they were
processed out with their fistful of documents.  Several had edited the
terms on their Personal Recognizance Bond forms, adding phrases such
as "according to my conscience."  Many of them had not eaten in 24
hours, so I retrieved a jar of dry roasted peanuts from my car.  As I
popped off the lid and held them out, Hattie Nestel and Marcia
Gagliardi blessed them with a Bhuddist prayer in a language I didn't
recognize.

The group formed a prayer circle outside the Nashua Police station,
and sang a song.  I read the Blessing of Jean Vanier, and the group
adjourned to retrieve their belongings and move on to lunch.

I expect to return to Nashua for the trial of the "Sanders 12" on
January 26th.

Spirit.56.385: Sean Donahue's Report (moulton) Fri, 12 Dec 1997 12:25:11 CST (47 lines)

Date: Fri, 12 Dec 1997 09:26:44 -0800 (PST)
From: New Hampshire Peace Action <nhpeaceact@igc.org>
Author: Sean Donahue
To: plowshares@musenet.org (Plowshares Supporters)
Subject: "Sanders 12" Resist Arms Sales

Thursday's article from the Nashua Telegraph

      http://www.musenet.org/bkort/plowshares/HumanRightsDay.html

gives a fairly good account of the arrest of 12 people at a peace
action organized by New Hampshire Peace Action, Forces of Nature, and
the New Hampshire Greens at Lockheed-Martin's Sanders plant in Nashua
on Human Rights Day, protesting arms sales to human rights abusers.

A few corrections, clarifications, and updates:

Seventy-five people attended the legal rally at Library Hill Park.

All those arrested Wednesday for civil disobedience were released on
personal recognizance by 1:00 PM Thursday afternoon.  Two people were
released on Wednesday when police tricked them into thinking everyone
had been released, and they signed statements accepting personal
recognizance bail.

All 12 of us were charged with criminal trespass.  I was also charged
with "Unlawful Activity" for allegedly dumping ashes on a sidewalk. (I
actually poured them over a sign on Sanders property.)  Jessica
Stewart was charged with simple assault because the police alleged
that she threw ashes at a police officer.  What actually happened was
that as she was pouring ashes on the sign, an officer stepped forward
to arrest her and the wind blew some of the ashes onto his clothes.
The wind has not yet accepted responsibility for its role.  While we
were in custody, the police threatened to pepper spray Jessica because
she stopped walking once she was charged with assault.  Who's the
violent party here?

All charges are Class 'B' misdemeanors carrying a maximum $1200 fine.
Fines are worked off in prison at $20 a day.  So if we are found
guilty, the first 10 could face 30 days in jail and Jessica and I
could face 60 days.  We will be tried on January 26th in Nashua, and
everyone is invited to attend our trial.

Peace and Light,

Sean Donahue
State Coordinator -- NH Peace Action

Spirit.56.386: Barry Kort (moulton) Sat, 13 Dec 1997 16:10:52 CST (9 lines)

Alan Nairn, the journalist who witnessed the brutal massacre in Dili,
East Timor, and who spoke at the Human Rights Day Peace Rally in
Nashua, gave another talk that same day at the University of New
Hampshire. Nairn detailed the atrocities and human rights abuses and
spelled out the role of US weapons makers in supplying the
perpetrators of those atrocities.  The UNH college newspaper reports
his talk in some detail at:

     http://www.tnh.unh.edu/Issues/Latest/News/alan.html

Spirit.56.387: Moonbeam (nanwill) Sat, 13 Dec 1997 17:35:49 CST (7 lines)

"You don't have the option of not being involved," Nairn
tells them. "You are involved because things done in your
name, with your tax-paying dollars that are killing people
overseas and undermining incomes here at home."

Wow, what an informative and troubling article. Thank you for linking
this, Barry.

Spirit.56.388: Barry Kort (moulton) Mon, 15 Dec 1997 21:37:05 CST (28 lines)

Here are the present addresses of the Prince of Peace Plowshares:

Steve Baggarly  #03611-036
FCI Morgantown
P.O. Box 1000
Morgantown WV 26507

Phil Berrigan  #14850-056
FCI Petersburg
P.O. Box 1000
Petersburg VA 23804-1000

Susan Crane  #97098-457
P.O. Box 360910
Milpitas CA 95036-0910

Steve Kelly, SJ  #97042-351
Santa Clara County Jail
150 West Hedding St.
San Jose CA 95110

Tom Lewis-Borbely is still at the Cumberland County Jail, but he
expects to be moved this week.  Mark Colville is still at the FCI
in Windham ME.

Readers who live within visiting range may wish to look into the local
rules for visits.  We would be grateful for reports from any who are
able to visit the Plowshares.  If you are unable to visit, letters to
the Plowshares will prove to be a powerful source of spiritual energy.

Spirit.56.389: Moonbeam (nanwill) Mon, 15 Dec 1997 23:10:21 CST (1 line)

Thanks, Barry -- Christmas cards go out tomorrow to them.

Spirit.56.390: Barry Kort (moulton) Tue, 16 Dec 1997 13:32:41 CST (17 lines)

A technical footnote to the Human Rights Day Peace Rally and
Demonstration in Nashua...

Initially, the City of Nashua had demanded that a three million dollar
insurance bond be posted by the peace rally organizers.  The NH ACLU
stepped in and persuaded the city to withdraw its demand for the
insurance bond. ACLU lawyers persuaded Nashua City Solicitor McNamee
to overrule the determination of an "officious" city clerk that such a
bond was required.

ACLU lawyer Joshua L. Gordon had been prepared to file a Petition for
Injunction had the city not backed down.  His draft petition was not
needed this time, but he now has it on file in case a similar
situation should arise in the future.  You can read his legal
arguments at:

      http://www.musenet.org/plowshares/jlgordon.html

Spirit.56.391: Nobel Peace Prize Nomination (moulton) Sat, 20 Dec 1997 17:13:38 CST (95 lines)

Mairead Maguire, Northern Ireland's 1976 Nobel Peace Laureate -- she
shared the prize with Betty Williams -- on December 17 nominated Dan
and Phil Berrigan for the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize.

This is her statement:

On 17th December 1997, I nominated Rev. Daniel Berrigan and his
brother Philip Berrigan for the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize. These two
brothers are the most prominent faith based voices for peace and
nonviolence in the United States. I nominated these two men, as for
many years I have been inspired by their courageous actions against
war and nuclear madness. They follow in the footsteps of an American
woman for whom I had great admiration -- Dorothy Day.

As a young member working in the Legion of Mary in Andersonstown,
Belfast, I sometimes helped in Regina Coeli Hostel for destitute
women. Through this work I learned of the work of Dorothy Day, Founder
of the Catholic Worker in America. In 1977 I went to the Catholic
Worker in New York to meet Dorothy. She lived in a little room in the
Center sharing the poverty of New York's bagladies. I was shocked by
the extreme poverty and the sheer numbers of homeless. I have many
times visited the States and each time continue to be shocked by the
poverty I see, in all states I have visited. I love America, and there
are many things to be admired, but I long for the day when the
American people will raise their voices together and demand that their
Government stop squandering billions of their tax money, and instead
divert it to feeding the hungry. Dorothy Day was a true prophet of
nonviolence and even in death her voice is heard. She challenged her
Government to divert its huge military budget towards feeding the
hungry and dealing with its growing social problems.

But prophets arise in every generation to speak truth to those in
power and their voices are heard no matter how hard it is tried to
silence them. Such a voice is that of Philip Berrigan. Philip is a 74
year old former Josephite priest, the father of three children and co-
founder of Jonah House, a peace community in Baltimore, Maryland. He
is currently serving a two year prison sentence in a Federal prison in
Petersburg, Virginia for an anti-nuclear demonstration at the Bath
Iron Works, a military shipyard in Bath, Maine, USA.

Together with his brother, Rev. Daniel Berrigan, a 77 year old Jesuit
priest, poet, and author of over 50 books, they have during their
lifetime, inspired many people by carrying out acts of civil
disobedience and thereby taking on themselves much suffering, but
always refusing to inflict pain or suffering on fellow humans. On 17
May, 1968 Phil and Daniel Berrigan were arrested with seven others in
Catonsville, Maryland USA for burning US draft files with homemade
napalm in opposition to the Vietnam War. The Catonsville Nine action
attracted international attention and sparked hundreds of similar
actions. Millions of people joined in the public outcry against the
war because of their witness. Daniel Berrigan served two years in
prison for this action and nearly died while in prison. He was
released in 1972. Philip Berrigan served two and a half years.

On September 9th, 1980 Daniel and Philip Berrigan and six others
entered the General Electric nuclear manufacturing plant in King of
Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA and hammered on the unarmed nuclear nose-
cone, thereby symbolically "beating swords into plowshares" following
the vision of the biblical prophet Isaiah. Their ten year prison
sentence was appealed and overturned in 1990.

Both Daniel and Philip have each been arrested hundreds of times in
peaceful, prayerful acts of civil disobedience against preparation for
war.

We are all indebted to Daniel and Philip Berrigan for their efforts
on all our behalf. They continue to attract widespread media interest
and discussion to influence religions and politics, and to be a source
of inspirations to countless people around the world. From his jail
cell in Maine, Philip Berrigan wrote in November, 1997:

"We will not abolish nuclear weapons, not win representation in
government, not reduce the staggering gap between rich and poor, not
stop the occupation of the United States by military and corporate
elites until we learn again to say NO! How much time will God allow us
to end this mad march towards death and destruction of the planet? We
have already had over 50 years. Only an act of God, working through
the sacrifices of thousands of valiant people has forestalled nuclear
war. But the danger is still imminent. Moreover, the planet is
profoundly poisoned and becomes more so as we delay. We pray with you
from prison that you offer a redounding NO! to the curse of war,
nuclear and interventionary. So help us God.!"

In nominating Philip and Daniel Berrigan for the Nobel Peace Prize I
feel privileged to be adding my voice to theirs in saying NO! to
death, and YES to building a nonviolent culture -- both here, In USA
and around the world.

(Rev. Daniel Berrigan is expected in a visit to Belfast in two weeks
time. He will accept the Nobel nomination from Mrs. Maguire on New
Year's day -- World Peace Day -- reception in Peace House, the Lisburn
Road headquarters of the Peace People. All welcome.)

Mairead Maguire
Nobel Peace Laureate

Spirit.56.392: Moonbeam (nanwill) Sat, 20 Dec 1997 21:24:15 CST (1 line)

YES!!!!

Spirit.56.393: Frank Vehafric (fvehafric) Sun, 21 Dec 1997 00:30:49 CST (2 lines)

It would be grand if they could win it. What a vindication for a whole
generation of peace workers.

Spirit.56.394: The Orenda Project (moulton) Sun, 21 Dec 1997 15:18:38 CST (5 lines)

It would be grand indeed.  But it would be even grander if more souls
raised their voices in support of a cultural sea change to build the
world we all envision.

              http://www.musenet.org/orenda

Spirit.56.395: News From Susan Crane (moulton) Mon, 22 Dec 1997 16:31:41 CST (40 lines)

From: Disarmnow @aol.com (Ardeth Platte)
Date: Sun, 21 Dec 1997 07:52:00 EST
Subject: Plowshares Transfers

Dear Friends,

The fourth of the plowshares, Susan Crane, has received notice of a
designated prison (or has already been transferred).  This message
came in from supporters in California. We have no idea when the
transfer will be completed for Susan.  We'll keep you posted.

Love from Ardeth and all at Jonah House.

Saturday, December 20 @ 2:20p.m. PST

Greetings All!

Susan just called to let us know that she received a letter from
Federal Magistrate Trumble and she has been designated.  She will
serve her sentence at FCI Dublin in California, not too far from here.

She said to tell to you that she has mixed feelings.....happy that she
will be near her family but disappointed that she will be so far away
from her Plowshares Community.  She also said to tell you that at
least they didn't put her in an underground prison....then she
chuckled a bit.

We don't know yet when she will be moved, likely on a Wednesday or
Thursday, typical "move" days, when she will be placed in a van and
moved the few miles down the freeway.  She is eager to leave where she
has been because of all the difficulties she has been enduring but
told me that the women in the jail have been very nice to her.

We will be holding a candlelight vigil and Christmas caroling tonight
at both jails where Susan and Steve are being held.  The forecast
calls for cold rain, but forecasts are often wrong.......  :-)

Blessings & Peace,

Kathy

Spirit.56.396: Aegis Crime Scene - Bath ME (moulton) Wed, 14 Jan 1998 20:14:50 CST (49 lines)

On November 10, 1997, Audrey Stewart, Jessica Stewart, and Steve Cohen
boarded the USS Mahan, which was docked at the Bath Iron Works in
Bath, Maine, and carried out a Peace Action.  Here is their statement,
declaring the Navy warship a "Crime Scene":

------------------------------------------------------------------

       "The Aegis Crime Scene"

        We declare this ship, all Aegis destroyers, and all weapons of
mass destruction crime scenes. The scene of crimes against humanity
and the Earth. We take this action because we feel that we must help
bring to light the truth about Aegis-equipped destroyers and other
weapons of mass destruction. If we choose to not take action we are
complicit in the killing.

        We must stand up, speak out, and cry out for those who
suffered and died in Nazi Germany, those who suffered and died at
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, those who are still suffering and dying in
Iraq, and all those whose lives are affected, indirectly and directly,
by militarism. We must stand up, speak out, and cry out so that these
things do not happen in the future.

        The Aegis destroyers are the most powerful surface ships
today. One Aegis has the capability to destroy an entire continent and
the fleet could destroy the world several times over. We find the
construction and use of these ships to be an unspeakable crime.

        We take this action as one step in the long walk to a peaceful
world in which life flourishes. We long for the day in which the
sacredness of all life is upheld.

        Signed:  Audrey Stewart, Steve Cohen, Jessica Stewart

        November 10, 1997

------------------------------------------------------------------

On January 26th, Jessica Stewart and Audrey Stewart will stand trial
in Nashua, NH for taking part in a nonviolent Peace Action on
International Human Rights Day at Lockheed-Martin Sanders in Nashua.

On January 29th, Jessica and Audrey Stewart have a trial date for
their part in the November 10th Aegis Crime Scene Action aboard the
USS Mahan in Bath ME. Pending the outcome of their NH trial, they will
be holding a trial of the Arleigh Burke Aegis destroyers in front of
Bath Iron Works, Bath, ME at 1 PM.  (Steve Cohen pleaded No Contest
for his role in the November 10th Peace Action, and received eighty
hours of community service.)

Spirit.56.397: Report From Steve Cohen (moulton) Wed, 14 Jan 1998 20:19:52 CST (123 lines)

Steve Cohen has provided this report of the Faith and Resistance
Retreat in Washington DS, December 27-30, 1997.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

                   Faith and Resistance Retreat

                          December 27-30

The Atlantic Life Community puts on a retreat during the holiday
season. The theme for this retreat was the Feast of the Holy
Innocents, where King Herod had all babies under two years old
massacred in fear of a new king taking over his power. Over one
hundred and twenty people of all ages (many young people) gathered to
sing songs, converse, reflect, and plan for actions at the Pentagon
and the White House (otherwise known as the Red House due to its
bloodthirsty actions).

        For me, the retreat was a great time to meet people who have
been longtime activists and learn from their experiences. It was
equally important to be with the younger generation so we could
discuss our views on high school, college, community, resistance,
daily living, and other issues.

        On Sunday the twenty eighth, we went to the White House for an
evening candlelight vigil. As soon as we arrived, the Park Police told
us that we could not gather on the sidewalk in front of the White
House. The rule is that groups of twenty five or more need a permit to
demonstrate--a permit to exercise our right to free speech. We crossed
the street and formed a circle on the sidewalk in front of the White
House. Groups of people led us in prayers from many faiths.

        The police became angry as our nonviolent presence glowed.
They soon began threatening us with arrests if we did not move across
the street. We stayed until we were done with our prayers and made our
way across the street. The cops arrested Art Laffir but then let him
go. Chris Allen-Doucet moved off of the sidewalk and kneeled to pray
in the gutter. The police grew more upset at this powerful witness and
arrested Chris. He was released later that night.

        Early the next morning, we went to the Pentagon. I had never
seen the Pentagon (this was my first D.C. experience) and found it
hard to image all of those people involved in militarism sitting in
their cozy offices as Iraqi children continue to die, poor people
continue to live below acceptable standards, and homeless sleep one
block from the White House.

        We gathered at an entrance where many people would have to
walk by us on their way to work. A semi-circle was formed, some people
kneeling, some sitting, some standing. This group was the mourning
group in our street theater. The first skit recalled the Massacre of
Bethlehem. Peasants carrying their babies (dolls) were attacked by
sword-bearing soldiers of Herod who slashed the babies and dropped
them to the ground. Blood was poured as the last baby was slashed.

        Narratives were read during each skit and the mourners cried
out. For the massacre we cried, "This is the blood of the children.
Stop the massacre of the children." Drumming and the Coventry Carol
were sung between skits.

        The next skit depicted the Massacre at Wounded Knee where many
Lakota people were killed in the quest of frontier expansion. "This is
the blood of the people," was cried as soldiers gunned down the
Lakota.

        The following group proceeded to act out the Slave Trade.
Slaves were led around the circle in chains by owners who "whipped"
them. We related this to modern times as we cried out to "End
sweatshops in Vietnam, Mexico, El Salvador, (and elsewhere.)"

        After this, a group recounted the bombings of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki by scattering ashes on the ground. Ashes were dropped by a
person on another's shoulders. The ashes dramatically rose up like a
mushroom cloud and bodies fell to the sidewalk. Ashes were then
scattered around the bodies in an outline.

        The last skit portrayed the massacre of the Living Earth. I
was in this skit so my recount will be more accurate than the others.
Six of us formed a circle as the narration was read condemning the
violence of our culture towards the Earth. Frida Berrigan was dressed
as a tree and scattered soil around our circle. Hattie Nestel, Audrey
Stewart, Jessica Stewart, Scott Kenji Warren, Peter DeMott, and Steve
Cohen poured blood (contained in baby bottles) on the sidewalk. We
then sat down and began chanting, "Hey yana, ho yana, hey yan yan. .
.The Earth is our mother, she takes cares of us." This is a Native
Turtle Island chant.

        The police then handcuffed us and dragged us nearby where we
were laid face down and photographed. Felton Davis put his hands in
the blood and then made handprints along the wall next to the
sidewalk. He was arrested as well. Frank Carver was also arrested for
putting a piece of bark and a leaf in the blood/soil area. Charges
against Frank were dropped. The rest of us have an arraignment on
March sixth at nine a.m. at the Federal Courthouse in Alexandria,
Virginia.

        On Tuesday, December 30, we all went to the White House to
pray and act out our street theatre again. We gathered in front (where
we were ordered to leave a few nights before). We began our theatre
and were ordered onto the street. Twenty-two of us kneeled on the
sidewalk and began praying, "We pray for those whose prayers are
silenced." We also held a banner with this message. A focus of our
prayer was the recent massacre of forty five men, women, and children
in Chiapas, Mexico while they were in Church spraying for peace. A
paramilitary, government backed, assassin group killed these people.
The United States provides aid to the Mexican government, so we are
all supporting this action as long as we remain silent, buy NAFTA
associated items, and pay war taxes. We were all arrested. Jessica
Stewart, Scott Kenji Warren, Steve Cohen, Audrey Stewart, and Reba
Mathern refused to comply with the system by not giving their names.
Audrey Stewart gave the name Sojurner Truth and Steve Cohen gave the
name Emiliana Zapata. We all spent the night in D.C. Central Cell
Block where we were not given water for over eighteen hours. Twenty
are charged with demonstrating without a permit. Scott and Jessica are
also charged with pouring blood. For all but the five who did not give
names, arraignment is March 18th in D.C. We do not yet know when our
court date is scheduled.

        The actions were powerful witnesses to the strength of
nonviolence and the truth. We are all committed to working for a
socially just world in which the sacredness of all life is upheld.

Steve Cohen

Spirit.56.398: Letter from Phil Berrigan (moulton) Thu, 15 Jan 1998 19:15:43 CST (32 lines)

Letter from Phil Berrigan to Maureen Webster
Dated 12-16-97, Petersburg VA

Dear Maureen,

The mail finally catches up -- stacks of it. And yours in full
evidence. . . . . . . .

W--aaal, just to recap recent adventures -- five dumpsters in six
weeks, pretty much disappearance thru the cracks.  No need to go into
gory details. But Lewisburg was interesting -- the honchos had the
place locked down for three months -- two fatal stabbings.  They were
under the impression that holdovers needed the same treatment, and
worse -- solitary, no phone calls, no mail, etc. etc.   Nothing to do
but what is important -- try to make some atonement, and say one's
prayers.  But they can't handle fasting -- after five days on water
their hearing was improved and I had their attention.

This place is over staffed, over-developed, pretty constipated --
1,400 prisoners, 400 staff.  They have rules on rules on rules -- the
local version of law n order.  Quite reflective of our brave, free
society.  But I'm learning the ropes, and in another week or so I ll
be able to bob and weave with the best.  And then I'll start writing
again.

Please give our love to all friends -- the Donnellys, John Wirtz, John
Hines, John Burke, Howard and Susan et al.  We'll miss them sorely,
but they'll keep the witness going, and break the laws legalizing the
lethal obscenities.  Have a blessed Christmas -- full of the spirit of
Bethlehem.

Love to you and to all.  Peace of Christ -- Phil.

Spirit.56.399: Letter from Steve Baggarly (moulton) Thu, 15 Jan 1998 19:23:56 CST (44 lines)

Letter from Steve Baggarly to Maureen Webster
Morgantown WV,  Dated 12-15-97

Dear Maureen,

How wonderful to hear from you here in a West Virginia mountain
hollow.  Of course they didn't allow the Advent booklet to come in
(thank you for sending it), because even though there is no fence
around this joint, such a booklet could play a critical role in a mass
breakout.  It continues to be difficult to grasp their reasoning.

It is good to be here after living in a tent for several weeks after
leaving Maine -- a week in FCI Otisville NY and then another at the
Federal Penitentiary at Lewisburg, PA.   It has been a joy to be able
to go outside again, and it is very beautiful here.  A mountain stream
runs through this place, populated with ducks.  We're surrounded by
hills covered with leafless trees, and deer come into the field nearby
to graze. Though it is quite cold, it's a good place to walk and
meditate.

Kim and Daniel came to visit last weekend -- eight hours over two
days.  It was SO good to see them. They seem very well.  A reporter
from the Norfolk VA paper came also for an interview; he had
interviewed Phil in Petersburg also. And hopefully a local nun from
Ardeth and Carol's community will be able to visit sometime soon.
Many of the guys here are from Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and DC.  A
few from West Virginia and Virginia.  It is different being here alone
and I struggle with my insecurities, yet I'm getting to know more and
more people.

I've begun working in the cafeteria five days a week, serving food on
the serving line and cleaning during lunch and dinner.  I haven't
heard the official word yet, but I think I'll only  be here til the
first couple days of February.  I was thinking of returning
immediately to Maine to confront the restitution, but it may make more
sense to do that at home.  We still have to decide.

Thank you for the note.  All the fine Mainiacs are in my prayers and
thoughts.  May Christ be born anew everywhere people struggle for
justice and peace this Advent.

Peace and love,

Steve

Spirit.56.400: Letter from Steve Baggarly (moulton) Thu, 15 Jan 1998 19:27:14 CST (35 lines)

Letter from Steve Baggarly to Maureen Webster, via Kim
Morgantown PA.  Dated 12-22-97
Mailed by Kim from Norfolk Catholic Worker

Dear Maureen,      . . . . . . . . . . .

I've finally settled into a good routine here.  I work in the
cafeteria five days a week from ll:30 a.m.--6 p.m. or so.  They move
us around, serving on the line, cleaning the floor or salad bar,
emptying the dishwasher, etc.  You know -- something to do.  Three of
the days we just sit and chat between lunch and dinner for a few
hours.  I'm off Mondays and Tuesdays.  Otherwise, I read, write
letters, go to the library and read three-four day old New York Times;
hang with the guys, catch a movie, and I try to walk every night for a
while. The food beats CCJ, and there is plenty of it, so I just eat
twice a day usually;   mealtime is another good time to meet people.
Meeting people is a constant activity and one that is good for me as I
tend to be very self-conscious when meetng new folks.  A good time to
work on my fears.

I was hoping to find some people interested in a politically,
socially-oriented Bible study, but have yet to find any.  I join the
group that meets weekly in our housing unit, though they are more
heavily into private, personalistic relationship with Jesus.  Good
guys, though.  The chapel advertises a Catholic Bible study but no one
goes.  Little by little.

There's about 700 guys here now, and they'll move another 300-400 in
during the next few months.  Thre's a new housing unit waiting to be
filled.  We're taking in some Michigan state prisoners, too, for a
while.  So the place is in a transition time also.  The prisons are an
incredibly booming business, and the legions of probation offices make
for a huge mechanism of control afoot in the land.

God bless and keep you . . . . . .          Steve.

Spirit.56.401: Letter from Kim Baggarly (moulton) Thu, 15 Jan 1998 19:30:53 CST (22 lines)

Letter from Kim Williams Baggarly to Maureen Webser
Norfolk Catholic Worker.   Circ 12/22/97

Dear Maureen,

Thanks for all your efforts in support of the Plowshares. . . . . .
I feel blessed to have crossed paths with you and the many other
peace-ful folks in Maine.  So glad to make new friends !

Thanks also for  the Christmas cards.  I can't believe they didn't let
your pretty card into the prison.  In some places, a simple message of
love and hiope is just too subversive, can't be tolerated!

Steve has a release date of February 2nd.  He'll come home, pick up
his life as a Catholic Worker.  He may end up "violated" for refusing
to pay restitution. In this time of uncertainty, I try to remember
Dorothy Day's quoting of St. Therese -- that "all the way to haven is
heaven!"

God's grace abounds. Life is good!

Much love, Kim.

Spirit.56.402: Letter from Mark Colville (moulton) Thu, 15 Jan 1998 19:36:29 CST (39 lines)

Letter from Mark Colville to Maureen Webster
Lewisburg PA.   Dated 12-29-97

Hi Maureen!

A blessed Christmas season to you, my friend.  Your mail has finally
caught up with me, here in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.  After a great
week at Otisville, shared with Tom Lewis-Borbely, they bused us here
and promptly split us up.  Tom is/was behind the wall in the prison,
awaiting transfer to Schuykill, New Jersey [actually PA] while I was
placed at the Lewisburg Extension Camp (LEC).  It's much more
comfortable and much less restrictive than the jail at Windham.  The
Federal guards are hard to deal with, and they constantly try to use
the increased freedoms and privileges against us, by threatening to
take them away.  But the experience of the past ten months has left me
well prepared and with a good supply of patience.  Of course it
doesn't hurt to know that they only have me for about two more months!

Thanks for the acrostic puzzle -- I absolutely love them.  The reading
materials are also most welcome. They don't censor our mail here, so
it all gets in.

The timing of the moves didn't allow me to send Christmas greetings to
you and all the other friends in Maine.  But you have certainly been
thought warmly of, thanked God for, and prayed for here.  Please tell
Mary and Mike, Jack and Fay, Loukie, Kevin, John and Mimi, Bill and
Ursula, Greg, Audrey, Jessica, Steve, Miriam, Sean -- please tell
EVERYONE that I miss them, and that I hold them ever in my heart.

By the way, if you wouldn't mind sending an address list of our main
(Maine) supporters -- not an exhaustive one, just the meeting/vigil-
goers -- that would be a great help.  Every time I get moved, as you
know, they don't let me take anything along . . .

Hope you celebrated the holidays well   As you described in your
Christmas Letter, l997 brought us all many good things.  Let's keep it
going in 98!

Love to you -- Mark

Spirit.56.403: Letter from Tom Lewis-Borbely (moulton) Thu, 15 Jan 1998 19:58:19 CST (28 lines)

Letter from Thomas Lewis-Borbely to Maureen Webster
Schuylkill Prison, Minersville PA, Dated Jan 5, l998

Dear Maureen,

Thanks so for keeping up with me and Mark.  We were separated after
Lewisburg, Mark to Allentown, me to Schuylkill.   I am doing well here
with a wonderful visit with Nora and Andreas -- right after Christmas.
Please give my love to our friends in Maine.  My mail has been held
back due to moving around so I am sure many letters and cards have
received no acknowledgement that they wre mailed.  So please give my
greetings and love to all.  It will take some time for mail to arrive
which has been already mailed en route.

I was given an article about Phil and Dan being nominated for the
Nobel Peace Prize by Mairead Mcguire.  I think this is great.  I know
that you in Maine were behind so much of this.  Especially thanks to
John Burke, Bill Slavick, yourself and all others.  Maureen thanks for
Fritz Eichenberg artwork, your Christmas letter and keeping in touch.

We are enjoying some beautiful weather here and hope you are too.  We
also had a large snow storm with l0-20 degree temperatures, but this
made me think of Maine.  We do have beautiful sunrises and sunsets
here because Schuylkill is in small mountains in PA, a very large coal
mining area, now with no work. This prison is new with a camp where I
am and a minimum security nearby.

 Much love always.   Tom, &  For Nora and Andrea

Spirit.56.404: Letter from Susan Crane (moulton) Sat, 17 Jan 1998 17:24:56 CST (64 lines)

Letter from Susan Crane to Maureen Webster

Jan.16.

Dear Barry,

Today's mail brought a letter from Susan -- first time I've heard from
her since she left CCJ on her roller-coaster ride in planes, vans,
local jails that brought her by Christmas Eve to Camp Parks CA.  What
a joy to have her letter today -- snow-covered from the storm outside
that will make restoring  power even harder for exhausted crews
working to repair the damage of the worst ice storm ever in the north
east.   Hardships in Maine, in Montreal Que, and in Camp Parks prison
CA  are lightened by stories of human kindness flowering when the
going is rough, small acts of mercy that make all the difference to
life day by day.

As before, this letter can be shared with your network of Plowshares
support people.

Stay warm and dry!

Maureen

----------------------------------------------------------

Letter from Susan Crane
Camp Parks, Dublin CA.  Dated Jan.10, l998

Dear Maureen.

Thanks for your letter and extra cards (which got to me!  I went to
the law library and made copies!  Instant stationery.  Thanks).   Glad
you've heard from Phil and Steve Baggarly . . . but we are not allowed
to write to any other prisoner -- so please pass whatever you hear on
to me!  I am completely out of touch.  After being here three weeks,
my phone numbers I submitted just got approved, but I'm not permitted
any visitors yet except immediate family (who came Christmas -- it's a
long drive).

I was glad when the marshals picked me up on Monday 12/22 to bring me
to prison. The jail had been a difficult experience.  They drove me
direct to the prison.  In the van, by myself, I looked around at the
homes, streets and parks, realizing I wouldn't be out there again for
a while.  When we got to the prison, the marshals gave me to a B.O.P.
officer, who knew me and said in a friendly way -- Welcome home,
Crane.  So I started to think -- is this my home?  Will I come back
here again?  At any rate, that evening I was eating in the dining room
with all the other 899 women.  Many people were SO generous with me --
giving me warm clothes, food, stamps, kindness and cookies.  Christmas
eve I was able to go to midnight mass, and I was thankful. Good music,
a good priest who talked about how humble Jesus was, and how humble
our situation is.

So many people are here on extremely long sentences for things they
didn't do (the conspiracy laws are really dangerous).  Many political
prisoners are here -- Puerto Rican independence fighters, the
Resistance conspiracy, BLA supporters.  These political people are
looking at 35-80 years -- my sentence is an eyeblink . . .  Please
keep in touch.

Peace to you.

Love, Susan.