Date: Thu, 12 Oct 2000 01:01:46 EDT
NOTE: Those of you now reading this for the first time (it's Friday, Nov. 19th), do not skip it because of the Nov. events being nearly over. There are also December events, so read on!Close the School of Assassins!
–Daniel
Vigil and Nonviolent Civil Disobedience
Fort Benning, Georgia ~ November 17th - 19th 2000
a.. Intro
b.. This years scenario & updated schedule
c.. Urgent Appeal for Peacekeepers
d.. Regional NV-training & bus ride information
e.. Update on the upcoming trial against the SOA Watch Activists arrested in Philadelphia during the Republican National Convention
f.. Puppet Convergence Nov.14th - 17th g.. Close the SOA: 2nd Annual Young Adult Convergence - Nov 16th
h.. Development in the cases of the four US churchwomen Maura Clarke, Jean Donovan, Ita Ford and Dorothy Kazel i.. New Video "SOA: Guns and Greed" - connects the IMF/World Bank and Sweatshop issue with the SOA
j.. Musicians across the line k.. Previous notice for legislative action
1.)
In five weeks, thousands will gather at the gates of Fort Benning, Georgia to commemorate our sisters and brothers who have died, and who continue to suffer throughout Latin America - tortured, intimidated, killed and "disappeared" by graduates of the infamous U.S. Army School of the Americas (SOA). Soldiers at the SOA are trained to protect the interests of U.S. corporations and maintain the economic status quo for the few rich and powerful in the U.S. and their cohorts in Latin America.On November 18-19, we will stand in Solidarity with the people of Latin America and serve notice that we will not be accomplices to these cruel politics. We will speak for voices silenced by graduates of the SOA and demand the closing of the 'School of Assassins'. The preparations for the Vigil and the Nonviolent Civil Disobedience are in high gear and the hotels in and around Columbus are filling quickly (If you check the hotels for availability, be sure to mention SOA Watch group rate).
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2.)
This year's scenario will include the traditional funeral procession by thousands of participants onto the Ft. Benning base. It will maintain the same tone and spirit that has inspired and energized so many over the previous ten years. As in the last year there will be a high-risk option for those who are committed to joining the nine currently in prison (last year the nine were among 75 people others who took part in a high-risk-action); they led the procession, donned in black shrouds, wearing "death masks" and carrying coffins. Stopped by the police, they enacted a die-in; ten were prosecuted and nine are currently serving prison sentences ranging from 3 – 12 months. Additionally, this year there will be individual affinity groups grounded in our nonviolent discipline and also committed to going to prison who will engage in autonomous, high-risk actions. To maintain the solemnity of the procession, these actions will not take place at the same time, nor in the same location as the traditional procession. The objective of all actions will be the same--to peacefully bring attention to the violence perpetrated against our sisters and brothers in Latin America by the training at the School of Assassins. Affinity groups planning actions, or those interested in being involved in the high-risk action must contact SOA Watch (PO Box 4566 ~ Washington DC 20017) by November 1st.
For more information about the scenario, affinity-group actions, decision-making and legal issues visit: http://www.soaw.org/Articles/newsletter/combinednovinfo.htm
Organizing-packets with detailed information about the vigil/action at Ft. Benning and an assortment of tools to help you organize your group are available for $3 from SOA Watch ~ PO Box 4566 ~ Washington DC 20017
Updated Schedule:
Vigil at the Gate; Saturday Nov. 18th 11am – 5pm
Vigil and Nonviolent Civil Disobedience; Sunday Nov 19th 9am – 5pm
'Logistics and Orientation' sessions for those 'Crossing the line' in the solemn funeral procession
Bradley Theater, 1241 Broadway Columbus, GA Friday, November 17th 6:00 – 7:30pm or 8:00 – 9:30pm Saturday, November 18th 10:00 – 11:30am. 6:00 – 7:30pm or 8:00 – 9:30pm
Peacekeeper Orientation:
Bradley Theater, Saturday 8:00 – 9:30am
'Logistics and Orientation' session for those planning high-risk or affinity group actions:
Howard Johnson Inn, 1011 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus, GA
Saturday November 18th 8:30 – 11:00am or 6:00 – 8:30am
Meeting of Affinity Group Representatives:
Howard Johnson Inn Saturday November 18th 9:00 – 10:00pm
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3.)
URGENT APPEAL FOR PEACEKEEPERS:
We cannot stress enough how important it is this year, more than ever before, that we have at least 500, if not more, Peacekeepers who are willing to volunteer during the vigil on both Saturday and Sunday. We need your help: http://www.soaw.org/Articles/newsletter/peacekeepers_needed.htm Peacekeeper Guidelines: http://www.soaw.org/Articles/newsletter/peacekeeper_guidelines.htm
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4.)
Send us your contact information: We have added two new pages to our website to publicize local nonviolence trainings ( http://www.soaw.org/Articles/newsletter/local_nonviolence_trainings_sche.htm ) and busses going to Fort Benning ( http://www.soaw.org/Articles/newsletter/groups_organizing_trips_to_fort_.htm ). We are also adding another with the contact information about groups working on the SOA issue.
Please email your information to us at soawatch@knight-hub.com so we can post it!
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5.)
Trial against the SOA Watch Activists Arrested During the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Philadelphia (for Photos of the action: http://www.soaw-ne.org/RNCarrest.htm ): The following SOA Watch activists have rejected the prosecutors "plea bargain" of 6 months probation and $300 fine:
Bill Brown, Becky Johnson, Linda Panetta, Alison Styan and Laurel Paget-Seekins. A trial date of December 19 has been set–this date coincides with the Acteal massacre in Mexico (December 22, 1997); the anniversaries of the El Mozote massacre (over 900 killed), and the 20-year anniversary of the rape and murder of 4 US churchwomen in El Salvador. There will be a vigil / protest outside of the courthouse on the 19th! For more information check www.soaw-ne.org
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6.)
Things are progressing nicely on the Puppet Convergence at Koinonia in November. 20 puppetistas are already confirmed and lots more folks have expressed interest. If you want to participate (experience is not required) contact Laurel or Bruce at Mad River Puppets (253) 572-6582, guadalope@juno.com
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7.)
Last year, nearly two hundred people gathered to network, reflect and dialogue on our efforts to work for social justice locally, nationally and internationally. In light of this past year's events in Seattle, Washington DC, and at the political conventions, let's keep the conversation going and the work moving forward. "Close the SOA: 2nd Annual Young Adult Convergence" will take place at Koinonia Farms, located in Americus, GA, (only 45 minutes away from Ft. Benning's main gate) beginning Thursday, November 16. We'll be holding a variety of roundtable discussions, opportunities for networking and sharing information on issues and methods, optional interfaith worship and much more. Koinonia Farms will be providing meals and accommodations that include bunk space, indoor sleeping space and camping from the beginning of the convergence on through the weekend's events at Ft. Benning. The convergence is being sponsored by the Pax Christi USA Young Adult Forum (a branch of Pax Christi USA, the national Catholic peace movement) and is open to all college students and young adults. To register or for more information, please contact: Christine Brown at freetibet_mercyhurst@hotmail.com or (814) 825-9009 (east coast contact); or Steve Hughes at unterwegs78@hotmail.com or (360) 250-2510 (west coast contact).
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8.)
On Dec. 2, 1980, four US churchwomen – Maura Clarke, Jean Donovan, Ita Ford and Dorothy Kazel – were forced out of their van by members of the Salvadoran National Guard who raped and killed them. Three of the five linked to the case were SOA-trained. Another was a guest speaker at the SOA. Two were granted residence in the U.S. The families of the churchwomen, with pro bono representation, filed a lawsuit in May 1999 naming two former Salvadoran officials for the wrongful deaths of their relatives. Both defendants, Jose G. Garcia (SOA graduate) and Carlos V. Casanova (guest speaker at the SOA) currently reside in Florida. The trial is scheduled to begin October 10, 2000 in a Federal District Court in West Palm Beach, Florida. Check: http://www.lchr.org/lac/nuns/nuns.htm
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9.)
The New SOA Video is Available NOW! >From its beginning, the SOA's mission has been to protect - at any cost - US corporate and economic interests in Latin America. SOA: Guns and Greed connects the SOA to sweatshops, the IMF and the World Bank. This new 20 minute video from Maryknoll World Productions shows how the SOA provides the military muscle to enforce the free trade agenda that exploits the poor and the resources of their countries. The economic rape of the poor could not stand without the repressive military apparatus that brutalizes those who rise up to resist. SOA: Guns and Greed combines rarely seen footage from Latin America with powerful statements from students, veterans, union organizers and others working to close this School of Assassins. Suitable for both experienced activists and those new to the issue, this is an excellent tool to use in your organizing for November and throughout the year. $8.95 + $4 shipping Maryknoll World Productions (800) 227-8523 Fax: (914) 762-6567 mmiller@maryknoll.org
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10.)
Songleaders are organizing to be present with those crossing the line onto Fort Benning this year. We need 150 Songleader volunteers to help facillitate the raising of song among those gathered on the road, inside the base. To be successful, we need ALL local & state SOA Watch leaders / coordinators to contact singers they know in their local communities. Let them know we have a need for singers across the line this year. We all know how song can help magnify our message, strengthen our community and unite our witness. Please help us gather 150 Songleaders for our vigil on the road this Nov. 19. Dave Martin from the Chicago area is coordinating the songleader initiative. If you’re interested, contact Dave at dmmartin@mediaone.net or 630-268-8639.
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11.)
The Congressional elections are approaching soon and we need to let the candidates know, that we are watching their stand on human rights and the SOA. With the floor votes in the House as close as they have been in the last few years, a handful of election victories this fall could make a huge difference in our legislative campaign next year. We will be sending out detailed information and a plan of action in an upcoming email soon! See you in November at the gate!
In Peace and Solidarity, SOA Watch ~ P.O. Box 4566 ~ Washington DC 20017 ~ (202) 234 3440 ~ soawatch@knight-hub.com ~ www.soaw.org
PS: The movement to close the SOA is growing and as our URGENT ACTION EMAIL LIST approached 10,000 subscribers, we out grew the capacity of our office e-mail program. We have moved our e-mail-list to a new server. As before, the SOA Watch list will provide you with URGENT ACTION ALERTS about upcoming votes in Congress and the latest developments so you can respond with legislative work, local media work, and Direct Action. Additionally, we will send out monthly updates regarding the SOA issue.
- Subject: Prepare for Fort Benning! CD Training
Date: Sun, 8 Oct 2000 12:15:20 +0100
From: Julia A. Dowd
Prepare for Fort Benning!
Non-violence/Civil Disobedience (CD) Workshop
Saturday, November 4th, 2000
Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco (Franklin at Geary)
8:30 am - 1:30 pm (People may want to stay later to form affinity groups.)
We enthusiastically encourage anyone planning to go to Fort Benning this year to participate in the workshop. Everyone at Fort Benning, whether or not one "crosses the line," is participating in some level in an act of nonviolent protest. This workshop will explore the history of nonviolent movements, and how to prepare oneself to be truly nonviolent in mind, body and spirit, when standing on either side of the line.
If you do plan to participate in civil disobedience at Fort Benning, please think about what level of risk-taking you want to take prior to attending the workshop.
- Subject: Colombia Demo
Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2000 12:05:19 -0700
From: Alicia Jrapko
Sorry again, folks. Got this one up too late. SOA Watch West was one of the sponsors of this Demo. I post it FYI & it's important.–Daniel
Dear friend, I am a friend of Dale and we both work together in many different struggles. Also a person from CISPES gave me your e-mail address. This is the information about the Colombia demo just in case you did not get it from Dale. We already have a flyer made with some of the endorsers, and we will make sure we add the SOA in it. Thank you so much, Alicia
PROTEST:
U.S. OUT OF COLOMBIA!
Wednesday, August 30, 5 pm, Powell and Market, S.F.
Sponsored by the International Action Center
2489 Mission St., Room 24, San Francisco CA 94110 415-821-6545
On Aug. 30, U.S. President Bill Clinton will travel to Cartagena, Colombia. His visit is a show of support for the so-called Plan Colombia, which the U.S. is funding to the tune of $1.3 billion.
The core of the Plan Colombia is a U.S.-funded military build-up and escalation of the civil war that has gripped Colombia for over 50 years. The U.S. is providing 60 attack helicopters, Special Forces counter-insurgency training, and defoliation chemicals that are wreaking havoc on Colombia's environment and people ù all in the name of a "war on drugs". This is a flashback to the days of the U.S. war in Vietnam.
The people of Colombia overwhelmingly reject the Plan Colombia. On August 3, a demand of the general strike of 700,000 Colombian workers was an end to Plan Colombia. Over 60 Colombian human rights, labor and community groups have issued a public appeal opposing the plan as tantamount to war. The victims in this war are thousands of Colombian people, who have been tortured and murdered by death squads, squads that are set up by the military with the complicity of the Colombian government. The helicopters, planes, tanks, deadly defoliation chemicals, and arms are all provided by the U.S. government, which has no interest in seeing a real peace process take place between the Colombian guerrilla forces and the Colombian government.
The drug crisis in the U.S. is the pretext that the U.S. government is using to finance the military escalation of military . But the U.S. drug crisis doesn't emanate from the jungles of Colombia, it comes from the profit motive and is a worldwide phenomenon. The real solution to drugs in the U.S. is jobs, schools, drug rehabilization and medical care, not a military build-up and prisons.
Clinton's August 30 visit to Colombia is an attempt to justify Plan Colombia. This plan can only lead to thousands more Colombian victims. The people of the U.S. have no interest in supporting another U.S. war. We urge you to join us in protest at Powell and Market, 5 pm, on Wednesday, August 30, to demand: U.S. Out of Colombia!
End the massive U.S. military aid to the Colombian military Stop U.S. support of the death squads and massacres of the Colombian people Protest Clinton's Aug. 30 visit to Colombia
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2489 Mission St. #28, San Francisco 94110 • (415) 821-6545
e-mail: actionsf@actionsf.org • web: www.actionsf.org
- Subject: Sr. Megan Rice
Date: Thu, 22 Jun 2000 11:59:23 EDT
Dear SOA 10. . . . . .
Today, via a friend who lives in New Jersey, a letter from Megan arrived with a salutation to Plowshares "Steve, Phil, Susan, Liz and all at J.H." along with a request that I mail copies to them, to members of her family, and to anyone else I think would want to receive it. The first half of the letter describes her situation in Columbus, and the second half contains details of her two weeks in England and Ireland, when she reconnected with old friends and spent time in retreat, prior to joining you in Columbus. Time is short, so I will type just the first half of her letter . . . . . . .
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HERE I AM writing my first letter in this land of wonderfully kind and generous women. As unsuitable as this county jail is (as a place) with regard to the healing and regeneration most folks desire, I'm really impressed with the warmth, friendliness - god-li-ness - I'm finding in so many. And this despite the far more "spartan" conditions here compared to the super excessive "stuff" of Danbury in 1998. I see the face of God readily in one of our Officers - Miss Stilwell. Her control of the 60+ of us in this block is unquestioned and always consistent and loving - "Good morning, sleepy-heads" when folks wander down a bit late for the 6:00 am count - even though they've woken up at 4:00 for a tray breakfast and a diluted cup of coffee.
Where do we live? Mostly in a pentagonal-shaped "table" room containing four steel octagonal-shaped tables with four stools screwed to them - plus a TV on a shelf and a waste paper drum. Along two sides, there are stairs up and down to two levels of rooms - four on a side, so sixteen. Each room has a double bunk bed with two mats on the floor and walls about 8x10 feet, and a WC, unenclosed as you would know. Some women sleep on mats on the floor along the edge or sides of the "table" area, and others sleep in the halls on the upper and lower levels. Beds are steel and firm with 3 inch mattresses, but no pillows, and there is a brown cover "sheet" and a cotton woven light blanket which, because of steady air-conditioning everywhere, I use as a shawl.
Because of Gwen's note, I'm given milk three times a day. Meals are very spartan: a 4:00 am breakfast; a pastry snack (doughnut or cupcake-style) and a drink at 11:00 but, otherwise, no lunch proper; and a meal around 4:15 pm, which includes few vegetables and no fresh fruit at all (except for diabetics, I suppose.) Folks are here for up to ten or more months.
Already, I've attended some good Bible study/sharing and have been involved in several complicated issues of treatment by police and courts. I'm invited to live in a room, rather than on a mat by the wall, by one of the women. Tonya, on the upper bunk, comes down and insists I take her bunk. She is 33 and puts her mat under the lower bunk; the 55 year old woman who invited me into the room is on the lower bunk. When Tonya lies down, her head and shoulders extend beyond the edge of the bunk. People are so good. (Megan drew an illustration that I can't reproduce . . . sorry about that!)
There are two showers off the table-room, and meals are delivered through a slot in the wall, so everything is in this block.
Pentecost Sunday 8:10 am. All is well. I'm finding plenty of time to remember, be mindful of each of you, individually, plus the graced time in London . . . . . . . .
Peace, joy, and much experience of God's love,
Megan, shcj
- Subject: Letter from Margaret Knapke
Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2000 01:56:27 EDT
Dear family and friends,
I just wanted to let you know that I have received my reporting date to the Federal Prison Camp at Lexington, and it is July 31, just 2 weeks from today. The Dayton POR (Pledge of Resistance) will be hosting a Commissioning Ceremony at Mack Memorial Church of the Brethren at 1717 Salem Avenue on Sunday, July 30 at 7 pm. It will be short and sweet, with light refreshments following it.
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I have called the prison in regards to mail regulations. All mail should come in paper envelopes, no boxes. For those who are interested, my address will be:
Margaret Knapke, my prisoner ID number
Federal Prison Camp (or just FPC) Atwood
P.O. Box 14525
Lexington, KY 40512-4525
To obtain my prisoner ID number, as of August 1st you can call 1-606-255-6812, then press 0 and talk to the operator. She will give you my prisoner ID number. (Please note : I will not be able to receive phone calls, and can only make them collect.)
Anyone who wants to send a paperback may do so, but no more than 5 at a time (!), and again only in paper wrap. If you really think I need a particular hardback book to sustain me, you will have to arrange for the publisher to send it directly. Do not send food or stamps, as they will be returned to you. You may send up to 5 photos at a time. I will get visiting regulations when I get there; as you might expect there is a procedure with several hoops to jump through, so please don't plan on "dropping in" when in the neighborhood ! Please understand that I am giving you this information to prevent your wasting any time, energy or postage. It will suffice and indeed be generous, as far as I am concerned, if you simply keep me and the other SOA-10 Prisoners of Conscience in your thoughts and prayers now and then.
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So far, five of the SOA-10 have received their reporting dates, in addition to Sr. Megan Rice, who began serving her sentence immediately after sentencing. Congressional Medal of Honor winner Charlie Liteky of CA and Judy Bierbaum of NM will also enter their assigned prisons on July 31; Tom Bottolene and Brooks Anderson, both of MN will enter on August 7. Kathleen Fisher of OR will be serving probation in lieu of prison time. That leaves 3 defendants -- Gerhard Fischer of WI, John Honeck of NY, and Chuck Butler of MN -- waiting for their assignments.
My Dayton Pledge of Resistance friends have been amazing, and will play key roles while I am in prison so that I can make the most of that experience, have a strong voice in the media, and stay in touch with my community. If you have questions, either about me or ongoing local efforts to close the SOA, either write DaytonPOR@aol.com, or call #276-4077 (after August 8) and leave a message. We are already planning our November trip to the front gate of Ft. Benning, and are working on a creative way to pay my fine -- in a conscientious, alternative manner -- in the Spring. Life is very good, and I am looking forward to this next phase of the Close-the-SOA work with eagerness, and also with great appreciation for the love and support that have already come my way. Muchas gracias.
Love, Margaret
- Subject: Ban & Bar for Oberlin Students
Date: Wed, 19 Jul 2000 11:41:17 EDT
"hey everyone-
i got this email from my dad today and i thought i'd pass it on for those of you who are not home to get this news.. we didnt get a court date for our action in may.. we got the five year ban and bar as expected. (this is a huge relief for me personally, though i know some of you were wanting to face trial..).. i hope all is well and maybe i'll see some of you in philly, eh?
love
katharine
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"If there is no struggle then there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, want crops without plowing the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightening. They want the ocean without the aweful roar of its many waters...Power concedes nothing without demand. It never did and it never will."
-Frederick Douglass
KC-
FYI: I went to the post office today to obtain a certified letter. It was addressed to you. I decided to open it cuz it looked official. You are not allowed on the Fort Benning Military Reservation for five years. I know this makes you very sad. If you show up there and place your foot on their soil, they can put you away for up to six months and fine you $5000. And I'm not paying the $5000. But I will come and visit you.
Here is what the letter said (if you want me to fax it to you let me know):
On May 24th, 2000 you were apprehended for criminal trespass, obstructing law enforcement officers and disorderly conduct [I thought you knew how to behanve!!] In the post ejection order issued to you that day, you were informed of your right to request a hearing, and that any request would have to be made within 7 working days. In that hearing, you would have had the opportunity to disprove the allegation against you blah blah blah... Accordingly, you are hereby excluded from the Ft. Benning Mil. Resrv. for a period of five years from the date of this letter (11 July 2000) {KC- does this mean you'll be going back in July 2005!!!} You are directed not to reenter the confines... Entering the Ft B... will constitute a violation of section 1382, Title 18 (which is then quoted -- I'm sure you have that one memorized so I won't repeat it here.)
This decision is final and is not subject to further appeal. Sincerely, John M Le Moyne, Major General, US Army, Commanding General.
So there you have it. No more barracks for you, kid! I will carefully place the letter on your inbox in your room. I know you will treasure it. Felon!
Love,
your dad
