30 Arrested at Schoolof Americas, Solidarity Vigil Dublin & Anti-War Resistance Updates from U.S.

international | anti-war / imperialism | news report Monday November 22, 2004 12:37 by Ciaron - Dublin Catholic Worker 087 918 4552

They're in Jail for Us, We're on the Streets for Them!

Over 16,000 people from across the Americas — including actors Martin Sheen and Susan Sarandon — gathered this weekend outside the gates of Ft. Benning, Georgia in the most diverse demonstration yet of opposition to the School of the Americas/ WHINSEC!

Carlos Mauricio, Rev. Graylan Hagler, Father Roy Bourgeois, Davida Cody, Martin Sheen and others lead the funeral procession on Sunday, November 21, 2004.

The gathering culminated today with a solemn funeral procession to the gates of Fort Benning led by actor Martin Sheen. 20 people were arrested in acts of nonviolent civil disobedience, many negotiating a 10-foot-high barbed-wire fence to enter the base. They took this action despite knowing they likely face 3-6 months in federal prison. Since protests against the SOA/WHINSEC began fourteen years ago, 170 people have served prison sentences of up to 2 years for civil disobedience.

“Prison will not deter us,” said Elizabeth Nadeau, who was among those arrested today. “We will be here until we close the school and change the foreign policy that it represents.” Nadeau, 27, is a student and member of the Steelworkers Union in Minneapolis, MN.

Meanwhile in Dublin, we gathered at the U.S. Embassy in the puring rain contrasting the high temperatures in Georgia. Our presence at the Embassy coincided with Irish & U.S. fans heading to the nearby Ireland V USA Rugby match. Lots of interesting interactions ensued.

Half our number at the Dublin vigil were U.S. citizens and half Irish. The reading of names and ages of the victims of graduates of the School of the Americas to the sound of Brenda's harp playing was moving. Names the empire would have us forget.

Hopefully photos, relevant links and other reflections will be added to this posting. Also updates on nonviolent anti-war resistance ccuring in the U.S. names and addresses of antiwar & military resisters.