o bimonthly publication of the national council for universal and unconditional amnesty
april 1974 AMNESTY UPDATE the national amnesty newsletter issue no. 1
NATIONAL AMNESTY OFFICE NOW A REALITY! HOUSE HOLDS AMNESTY HEARINGS
The National Council for Universal and Unconditional Amnesty has opened its —Duane Shank National on.. | ,i | \>) Lafayette Street, New York NY 10012. Tel. 212/228-1500. Jerry Olsen ha« liffii hired as National Coordinator. (Biographical sketch elsewhere in this (Duane Shank is a convicted non-registrant issue I presently working with NISBCO [National Since April of 197.1 representatives of many organizations have met together to form a Interreligious Service Board for Conscien ii.ii.iin.il .
On 20-21 December Don Luce, journalist, agronomist, and The NCUUA Steering Committee decided at its February consultant on Vietnam, was the featured speaker at public meeting to launch a nationwide campaign for amnesty focusing meetings held in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Toronto, on two representative cases, those of Richard Bucklin and Robert Ontario, by organizations of American war resisters in Canada. Johnson. Luce, recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Dick Bucklin left the army in Germany when he concluded Vietnam and liberated areas of South Vietnam, spoke of the that he could no longer provide even indirect support for the war; reconstruction in both areas. Schools, hospitals, housing and he spent 4/4 years in Sweden before returning to the U.S. and industry are being reconstructed slowly after the terrible gave himself up last Independence Day. He is currently serving 15 devastation of the war, he told those who attended. He pointed months at hard labor in Ft. Leavenworth, after which he will out, though, that the Thieu regime and the U.S. Government receive a Bad Conduct Discharge. were continuing to refuse implementation of the Paris Peace Bob Johnson is a black Mississippian drafted ahead of turn Accords. The Thieu regime, with active U.S. support, has refused because he was a civil rights activist. After 11 months alternate to release more than 200,000 political prisoners they hold, has service as a hospital dishwasher, he was transferred to a hospital refused to work toward free elections, has continued military in Jackson MS, with no provision for his food or lodging. As his assaults against Provisional Revolutionary Government territory, family is large and poor, he was unable to afford the assignment and has been preparing to resume the war on a full-scale and refused to go. He is now serving a five year sentence at Eglin basis—with the possibility of direct U.S. military involvement, Air Force Base in Florida. Luce explained. Literature describing these two men and the need for universal Luce was interviewed by many newspapers and radio stations and unconditional amnesty will be available soon. The immediate during his visit to Canada. He stressed that the war is not over and goals of the campaign are to publicize the cases of Bucklin and that the mass media is ignoring Viet Nam, except for attempts to Johnson,to secure their immediate release; and to emphasize the prepare public opinion for resumption of U.S. involvement by issues behind our call for universal and unconditional amnesty: talking about the "Viet Cong preparing major attacks" and "Reds the criminality of the war, discrimination in the military and the break peace treaty." He insisted that people must mobilize danger of further imperialist adventures. Working from this base, against the Thieu regime and U.S. governmental moves before we will mobilize the hitherto latent support for total amnesty and full-scale war is resumed. compel Congress and the President to grant it. This will require The Luce visit to Vancouver and Toronto was part of a united the cooperation of all amnesty groups on both the national and action endorsed by the nine member organizations of the the local level, and the establishment of groups where they do not recently-formed Coalition of American War Resisters in Canada exist already. (CAWRC). (See Canadian Exiles Unite on Amnesty, elsewhere in Jon Steinberg, an experienced worker in the civil rights and this issue.) By holding the meetings, the exiled war resisters anti-war movements, has been hired to coordinate this campaign. expressed solidarity with the 2-300,000 South Vietnamese Speaking engagements have already been set up in many cities, political prisoners. Vinh Sinh, a young Vietnamese man from the petitions are now being prepared, and contact groups are being Association of Vietnamese Patriots, also attended both meetings. enlisted throughout the country. If your group has not been He received and returned expressions of American-Vietnamese contacted already, and you would like to participate, please write solidarity. the NCUUA National Office. Both in Toronto, where the meeting was organized by AMNESTY AND THE TIMES Amex/Canada, a magazine published by American exiles, and in Henry Schwarzschild Vancouver, the question of amnesty for war resisters was Henry Schwarzschild, a member of the NCUUA Steering Committee, is discussed. Jeanne Friedman, of Campaign for Amnesty and Director of the ACLU Project on Amnesty.-Ed.) Amnesty is in the wind. When the good, grey New York Times calls for WAW/WSO in San Francisco, also spoke at the Vancouver amnesty for resisters, deserters, and veterans with "bad" discharges (reprint meeting, organized by the Vancouver American Exiles Associa in this issue), when certified war hawks such as Melvin Laird and ex-Army tion. Secretary Robert Froehlke, advocate a broad amnesty (however far they Stressing local forums, Ms. Friedman, a representative on the fall short of supporting our demand for a universal and unconditional amnesty), when Senators Taft and Pell call their atrocious bill something NCUUA Steering Committee, said that "what we are trying to do other than amnesty because we have now defined the amnesty issues, then is educate ourselves and other people about the number of people the amnesty movement can take pride in its progress and some assurance of involved who need amnesty, in fact one million. The issue of its ultimate success. amnesty is one of who is right and who is wrong in the war. We The war in Southeast Asia is not over, the draft has not been abolished, want America and the world to remember Viet Nam, not forget the prosecutions (both civilian and military) have not ceased, and this Administration pursues its destructive and vindictive course. But more and it." more people, and more and more institutions and organizations, are Ms. Friedman stressed that amnesty and Viet Nam inseparably coming to see that the continuing victimization of young Americans in the are linked; and that Americans are right to oppose the war and context of that catastrophic war is an outrage to any sense of human the Government was wrong to wage it. She explained that the decency and political justice. As the Times said in its editorial, Lincoln amnestied men who deserted from the field of battle; the country over a Government is trying to say to the Third World that it should century ago extended amnesty to those who made war on their own watch out, or what is happening in Viet Nam could happen to government; how much easier should it now be to begin the process of them as well. But she countered with "we say, if it happens again, redressing the monstrous hurt we inflicted upon our own citizens in the the people will resist the war even more strongly." last decade by declaring a universal and unconditional amnesty for all those who have suffered or still face criminal or administrative disabilities arising from resistance to that war, this military and this draft! AMNESTY UPDATE It is strange, indeed, that so many of our political leaders who spoke out Newsletter staff: Irma Zigas; Jon Steinberg; Jon Siskind; Jerel Olsen. against the war have not yet been heard from about amnesty. During the Published bi-monthly by NCUUA, 339 Lafayette St., NYC 10012. Tel. war, they confined their risks then to what seemed politically bearable- 212/228-1500. Single copies sent without charge to contributors. Sent to others with a request for $3/yr., if means permit. Bulk orders are words, occasional votes, a symbolic gesture or two. But since most of them negotiable with consideration given to ability to pay. were exempt from the actual fighting by reason of age (a species of draft Articles, information, help with publication, all strongly encouraged. Finan dodging), they never put themselves on the line on the issue of killing and cial contributions for the work of NCUUA may be sent to the above address. [continued on page 3/ FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY . . NCUUAs NATIONAL COORDINATOR (Below is a synopsis of events across the country. draft/military counselors, as well as others Readers are encouraged to submit copy promptly knowledgeable about amnesty, this seminar for future columns. In-depth reader submissions devoted the entire day to the question of how to Twenty-five year-old Jerry Olsen was not listed are found elsewhere in the newsletter.) achieve the amnesty which all one-hundred-and- twenty-five participants supported. Specific pro hired on 26 October 1973 as the National •October. Forty-nine prominent community jects related to amnesty were explored in depth. Coordinator of NCUUA. His work official and religious leaders issued a moving four-page A loose areawide communications network ly began on 15 November, when he arrived statement on amnesty. Copies are available from developed. Contact: Karl Bissinger, WRL, 339 NCUUA. in New York City to establish a staffed Lafayette St., NYC 10012. •21 October. The Boston Globe reported that office. •14 January. The most promising Maryland Ms. Pat Bowles of Newton MA, mother of a Council for Universal and Unconditional Am Prior to his move to New York, Jerry twenty-year-old son who received a Dishonorable nesty formed. See Statewide Amnesty Coalitions was involved in draft/military/amnesty Discharge for going AWOL after being refused Form elsewhere in this issue.) conscientious objecter status, has been successful work in the Chicago area. During the past in gathering thousands of signatures on a petition •22 January. The Inter-religious Task Force three years he worked with the Committee calling for amnesty for war resisters. Ms. Bowles on Amnesty is an informal forum for religious on Military Affairs, (formerly the Commit said: "My son deserves amnesty for his stand leaders dedicated to the amnesty cause. Several tee on Selective Service Advice and programs and developments were discussed at against the war. So do all the other boys. But Counsel) as well as serving part-time on the how can you get the general public to believe this recent meeting. Readers interested in joining that those boys have paid their price and that we ITFA, or wanting information about its activities, staffs of the American Friends Service owe them something." should contact Bill Galvin, United Presbyterian Committee and CCCO/An Agency for • 25 October. The Chicago Fellowship of Church in the U.S.A., Room 1244 K, 475 Military and Draft Counseling. Riverside Drive, New York NY 10027. Tel. Reconciliation held a day of talks and workshops Jerry served on the NCUUA Steering on amnesty and related issues. The amnesty 212/870-3143. workshop, led by NCUUA staff, was well •25 January. A day-long forum on amnesty Committee during May and June of last attended by individuals with diverse opinions. and related issues was held by the Episcopal year during its formative stages. The dialogue which followed, and changes in Peace Fellowship and the New York archdiocese attitudes by participants, were most encouraging. of the Episcopal Church in New York City. •3-4 November. The Southern Regional Knowledgeable ' speakers were drawn from along ANN ARBOR CENTER CLOSES Conference on Amnesty was held in Atlanta GA, the East Coast. sponsored by CCCO, the Georgia ACLU, the •27 January. A program entitled "Vietnam: Atlanta Workshop in Nonviolence, the Presbyter Oie Year After the Paris Peace Agreements" was Affiliates and friends of NCUUA will ian Church in the U.S.A., Quaker House and held in New York City. Filling a church with miss the Amnesty Information and Action WAW/WSO. Participants from ten states 1200 people, the event featured former U.S. Center in Ann Arbor MI. The Center had explored ways to organize for amnesty in the Attorney General Ramsey Clark and two been the most exhaustive source of individuals recently returned from visits to South. information on amnesty materials available • December. Denver CALC polled Vietnam, Debrah Wiley and Gabriel Kolko. It was church members on amnesty. Results to date sponsored by the Union of Vietnamese in the across the country, and from the exile from twenty-four churches with 1165 ballots U.S. community. Funds for the Center were received: 21% no amnesty; 40% conditional •4-10 February. A very exciting week-long provided only through 31 December 1973. amnesty; 37% universal, unconditional amnesty; forum in Macomb IL covering amnesty and The last of the well-known FACT 2% no response given. related issues was sponsored by the Concerned SHEETS was sent in mid-January. If •7-9 December. The Southwest Conference on Citizens of Macomb, The Newman Fndn., the Amnesty, War Resisters and Political Prisoners, Macomb ACLU, the Communiversity,the Campus readers have the interest and resources to held in Baton Rouge, was initially sponsored by Christian Ctr. and the Wesley Fndn. continue this separate means of informing the Southern Conference Educational Fund, Contact: Sue Homeyer, 309/837-3047. the public of materials, they can contact CCCO, the Committee to Free the Angola 4, the •5 February. A day filled with amnesty events NCUUA. International Committee for Black Resistance, took place at the Greenwich Village Peace the New American Movement, the Mississippi Center. Contact: Sandra Wolf, 325 West End For their two years as enablers of the ACLU, the Southern Regional Nat'l. WRO and Avenue, New York, NY 10023. Tel. Ann Arbor center, most sincere thanks the Universal Assn. of Ethiopian Women. The 212/874-2489. must go to Dwight and Frances Large. Best purpose of the conference was to bring together • February. The religious-oriented Amnesty wishes to both of you! people from five states to map a gràssroot Education Task Force in Pittsburgh held a campaign around the issues of amnesty and meeting in mid-February to consider local political prisoners. amnesty strategy. This meeting follows a general •18 December. An interim steering committee meeting in November at which thirty to forty VOLUNTEERS NEEDED of the newly-formed National Campus Alliance persons attended. Members of the task force have been speaking at local congregations, and now are for Amnesty met in Washington, D.C. Intending The NCUUA National Office has im to coordinate amnesty on campus, NCAA was concentrating on the media. To learn more about established by the National Students Assn. this group, contact: Sister Betty Sundry, 200 mediate need for volunteers in New York Contact: NCAA, 2115 S St., N.W.,.,Washington, Ninth St., Pittsburgh PA 15215. City. Show your support for the amnesty D.C. 20008. Tel.202/265-9790. NCAA is an •26 February. A statewide meeting of movement by active participation. Whether affiliate of NCUUA. amnesty workers from religious groups and from you only are available once in awhile for a the community met in Syracuse. Upstate •29 December. A demonstration and march mass mailing, or whether you can regularly was held by the Minnesota Fellowship of New York has formed active local and regional Reconciliation, despite five-below-zero weather. coalitions in past months. 10 November saw a offer time days, evenings or weekends,your Their dedication reaped large rewards, with conference, "Healing the Nation's Wounds," in help is needed! excellent media coverage and positive response Buffalo. A training workshop on amnesty was from the public in downtown Minneapolis. held in Syracuse during the week of 14 January. Contact: Dennis Wainstock, 30 Winter St., Regional coordination contact: Jody Pike, New Minneapolis MN 55103. York State Council of Churches, 162 Brookside Drive, Fayetville NY 13205. Tel. 315/637-8237. •12 January. A day-long Amnesty Conference This is the first issue of AMNESTY was held in Dayton OH. It was sponsored by the A Buffalo contact is: J. Edward Cuddy, 406 Peace Studies Institute (University of Dayton), Argonne Drive, Buffalo NY 14217. A Syracuse UPDATE, the voice of a unified movement the Ohio FOR and the local Metropolitan contact is: Robert Breth, 315/446-6151. A for universal, unconditional amnesty for Churches United. The day was packed with a Rochester contact is: Rev. Frank Snow, Inter- resisters of the war in Indochina. Format variety of approaches to amnesty. faith Chapel, University of Rochester, Rochester NY 14627. Tel. 716/275-3688. of future issues is subject to change. Staff •12 January. An Organizers' Seminar was held actively encourages readers to submit copy in New York City, sponsored by War Resisters •Other events are planned for the near future. League, Women Strike for Peace and Fellowship Ibr information about your area, contact the and ideas for format to best meet their of Reconciliation. For present and former National Office. needs. 5 JANUARY 27-A DATE TO REMEMBER [NATIONAL AMNESTY OFFlCE-continued from page 1] Young, CLERGY AND LAITY CONCERNED (New York); veterans representative Ed 27 January 1974 is the first anniversary Damato, WAW/WSO (Chicago). Steering Committee and staff develop the amnesty of the signing of the Peace Agreement for campaign on a national level, act as clearinghouse for information, and respond to Vietnam. It is a date to remember; but requests for information and assistance. A nationwide Speakers Bureau has been how? NCUUA is in solidarity with several established. other groups and coalitions in this country Support for NCUUA is crucial. Amnesty for those who have resisted the war in and abroad, each using the date to meet its Indochina is essential both for our health as a nation and for alleviation of the suffering own purposes. of those who resisted an illegal, immoral war. We must remember the accords, and how its provisions are not being honored. these men and women deserve universal Circuit, December 28, 1973) may be and unconditional amnesty. appealed to the Supreme Court, but The accords ended overt American military As Americans we insist upon universal intervention, but Americans must remem and unconditional amnesty for American chances of its being reversed seem slight. ber the war, and learn from it. We cannot war objectors. We insist that the Peace (2) A decision of the Equal Employ Agreement be implemented; that the allow governmental opportunities, military civilian political prisoners be freed and U.S. ment Opportunity Commission (Decision brass bored without live war games, nor aid to Thieu be stopped. This is necessary 74-25, Sept. 10, 1973), relating to for beginning to build an America in which employment practices of the St. Louis Fire enterprising profiteers to lead us into we can believe. another Vietnam. Department, holds that there is reasonable We must remember more than 200,000 These cards appropriately' may be grounds to believe that to require job political prisoners still incarcerated in mailed to political prisoners in South applicants who are veterans to have an South Vietnamese prisons, in violation of Vietnam, to local and national elected honorable discharge in and of itself the agreement. Free elections promised but officials in the United States, to the constitutes racial discrimination, (Note never realized also must be remembered. Department of Justice,' Bureau of Prisons, that the phrase "there is reasonable And we must remember the hundreds of State Department, and Saigon Embassy in grounds to believe'" is merely the technical thousands of Americans who—even today, Washington, to Thieu, to your friends and phrasing of EK(K" rulings which lay the a year after the Agreements—suffer hard to others of your own choosing. Readers foundation for any litigation thai may be ships for their opposition to the war. Vets must act in the ongoing campaign for needed to enfon i• I 11 >< di with less than Honorable Discharges, exiles, amnesty and political prisoners. (3) The U.S. Distn, i | ourl foi the those underground, those in jail, those District ol Columbia, in Ihf Committee possessing criminal records for offenses of (This is a reprint of an ACLU memoran for G.I. Rights v. SchkltRgm (1 Ml V lion draft and civilian protest, must all be dum on less-than-honorable discharges- No. 835-73, decided January 14. 1474) remembered. NCUUA has produced a with permission.) held that the military may not give "January 27th" card, complete with less-than-honorable discharges tO G.I.'son photographs. The text appears below: Three very important legal decisions mere suspicion or accUMtkM "I drug use, have just been received which limit the or after unsuccessful iffoitl .it drug-use The Peace Agreement for Vietnam was military's right to issue less-than-honorable rehabilitation, without dm- ptOOM .nul a signed on January 27, 1973. Now, on the first anniversary of the signing of these discharges and severely restrict employment fair hearing. < I htrt li ration to btllava dial accords, there are still 200,000 political discrimination against veterans with such veterans who have n |fj honor- prisoners in Thieu's South Vietnamese discharges. able discharges nodal such conditions will prisons. Freedom of the prisoners , is mandated by the Peace Agreement. 1. (1) In Thompson v. Gallagher, the U.S. ha?c tin- right l.> have thru Several hundred thousand AmericaAwat» Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upgraded i objectors also are suffering continuing disabilities for actions surrounding a war establishes the constitutional principle that now acknowledged by the majority of public employers may not discriminate in (t'r>nys ni il.. m can be obtained the American people to have been illegal' hiring against veterans with other-than-hon; from David \ \( I I'l and immoral. In jail, in exile, underground, holding other-than-honorable discharges, orable discharges. "The case ( F Military Rights p tin Pliai St., s I , and otherwise suffering punitive action, .2d , Docket No. 73-1415, 5th Washington
national council for universal and unconditional amnesty 339 lafayette street new york, n.y. 10012 u.s.a.
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June 1974 the national amnesty newsletter issue no. 2
PERSONAL INTERVIEWS FIND EXILES REJECT -LIMITED AMNESTY by Carl Rogers (Carl Rogers is the National Coordinator of Americans For Amnesty). If the Congressional amnesty hearings didn't push the House Judiciary Committee to move on legislation, they did succeed in providing some much-needed visibility for the issue. "Advocacy of amnesty is no longer a far-out cry," said one of the many columnists who wrote about the March hearings. And he, like others, cited the stand of Nixon's former Army Secretary, Robert Froehlke, as evidence of a sharp rise in the public support for "amnesty." VVAW/WSO demonstration at West Point on Armed Forces Day, May 18. Irma Zigas, And therein lies the problem. The "amnes ( nordinator of NCUUA, urged support for universal and unconditional amnesty. ty" sought by Mr. Froehlke—along with similar proposals in Congress which offer VVAW/WSO HOLDING MASS DEMONSTRATION IN WASHINGTON "earned immunity"—calls for a period of written by WAW/WSO National Office national service. This amounts to a limited (continued on page 3) The Vietnam Veterans Against the War/Winter Soldier Organization is holding a demonstration in Washington, D.C. July 1-4 to demand universal and unconditional amnesty for all war resisters, implementation of the Paris agreement ending the war in Vietnam, ending all aid to Thieu and Lon Nol, a single-type discharge for all veterans, decent benefits foi all veterans, and kicking Nixon out of office. The NCUUA Steering AMNESTY Committee has endorsed the demonstration. On the lu t three days, actions will take place at the White House, the Veterans ACTION Adniinistiation, the Court of Military Appeals, the Justice Department and the Capitol Building; each will focus on one of the demands. On July 4th there will be a march • March 17. A Miami AFSC program was beginning at 11 a.m. from the Lincoln Memorial to the Ellipse, where a rally will be held well received at the local First Unitarian behind the White House. Church. All of the demands presented are of major importance to the American people. The • March 21-22. A large Mid-Atlantic state war in Indochina continues, despite the fact that the agreement was signed over a year amnesty conference was held at Princeton ago. The United States continues to violate it by supporting the Thieu regime which, Theological Seminary, featuring several among other crimes, continues to hold over 200,000 political prisoners in its jails. NCUUA speakers. There are hundreds of thousands of Americans who, like the prisoners in Vietnam, • March 29. WAW/WSO chapters in the resisted the Indochina war. As we demand the release of the Vietnamese political Mid-Atlantic area sent delegations to Wash prisoners, we must demand universal and unconditional amnesty for all American war ington to lobby for amnesty and increased resisters. The largest single category of these war resisters is the 580,000 veterans with veterans benefits, while other chapters, less-than-honorable discharges. As a result of their resistance to the Indochina war and the including New York, Milwaukee, St. Louis, racism and repression of the military they face continuous punishment; many veterans Chicago, Miami, Denver and Santa Barbara, with less-than-honorable discharges find that they cannot get decent jobs, or use the held local Veterans Day demonstrations. inadequate benefits provided by the Veterans Administration. • March. A Los Angeles area high school The fight for amnesty and for the rights of veterans are important because they are held an amnesty panel and students at the linked to the system that began the war in Indochina and that now refuses to recognize school formed an Amnesty Club. L.A. its responsibility to the American people. Richard Nixon is the representative of that Women Strike for Peace is helping other system and he more than anyone else in the country has come to symbolize all that is schools to form groups, providing literature wrong with a system dominated by big business and the lust for profits. Therefore we and speakers. (continued on page 3) (continued on page 7) 1 GOLD STAR PARENTS BUCKLIN AND JOHNSON ORGANIZE FOR AMNESTY CONTINUE THE STRUGGLE In 1973 President Nixon piously told Robert Johnson and Richard Bucklin fought with another prisoner and that he the American people that, "there would be are both going to court once more in their shouted obscenities at white women from no greater insult to those who have fought fight against prison authorities and the the window of his prison bus. The latter and died than to provide amnesty to those military. alleged crime was attested to by a white who deserted their country." Since he was After hearing about the harassment of man riding behind a bus who apparently certain of this, he would be happy to see Robert Johnson from NCUUA, Senator is blessed with a remarkable imagination, the parents of Americans killed in Vietnam Edward Brooke of Massachusetts contacted since neither Robert Johnson nor anyone asked their views on amnesty, right? Wrong. the Bureau of Prisons. Since Eglin has a else on his bus shouted anything at any A group of these parents, agreeing the history of harassing resisters of all races, body. Furthermore, the bus is a regular "greatest insult" would be to learn nothing Bureau Director Norman Carlson may have Air Force personnel bus on the base (need from the wasted deaths and the destruction been technically accurate in replying that less to say, even if it had been the prison of Vietnam, formed Gold Star Parents for Robert Johnson's loss of good time toward bus, someone driving behind it would have Amnesty, and quickly discovered that the parole and transfer from Eglin AFB Federal no way of distinguishing Robert Johnson Government feared many other Gold Star Penitentiary was not caused "by racial prej from the other prisoners on it). While wait Parents shared their view: the State Adju udice as claimed by the Council for Univer ing outside the hearing room, Johnson over tant General of Massachusetts, the first sal and Unconditional Amnesty", but this heard his detail supervisor telling the au state they wished to poll, refused to give in no way lessens its injustice. thorities that he knew nothing about the them copies of the casualty press releases Robert Johnson's transfer and loss of alleged incident. This did not prevent them although they are part of the public record. good time stem *from charges that he from convicting him at a summary hearing Pressure from Senator Kennedy ultimately and ordering his transfer and loss of good secured their release and the subsequent time. The hearing was so poorly handled, poll confirmed their hopes and the Govern the WAW/WSO July 4th demonstration according to several lawyers NCUUA has ment's fears: 45 of 130 families responding in Washington. The office is very eager to consulted, that it violated several prison were favorable to amnesty and another 10 hear from any people who would be affect regulations, but no appeal was permissable were undecided. Similar government ob ed by a universal and unconditional amnes until after the transfer had been effected. struction was overcome in Colorado, and ty and will gladly provide speakers to state Robert Johnson is now in Texarkana, 500 the survey found 5 of 35 families favored the case for amnesty. "Like the war itself, miles further from his wife in Atlanta, amnesty. Encouraged by the results, GSPA amnesty is not a problem for most Ameri making it impossible for her to visit him. sought the help of the ACLU and last cans," Pat Simon observes, "therefore per The Southern Legal Assistance Project month succeeded in compelling the Penta sonalizing the problem seems a logical task is handling this appeal along with the earlier gon to release the casualty lists for the for Gold Star Parents, since we are in a reduction of sentence appeal—whose likeli entire country. The GSPA office is current position to impress the public with the hood of success will be considerably reduc ly organizing the list in preparation for a realities of the war. We feel that the nation ed by the new charges. Robert Johnson state by state survey of the entire country. should begin to heal its terrible wounds by writes us that he is ready to "fight it all the restoring full rights to its living sons through With their numbers growing, the Gold way." He is very grateful to those of you universal and unconditional amnesty." Star Parents for Amnesty are able to fill who wrote to Norman Carlson on his more and more speaking engagements, behalf; we hope that your letters to the challenging Nixon's distortion of the views How Gold Star Parents for Amnesty Bureau of Prisons and the Justice Depart in every forum from local church meetings is organizing their campaign to put an ment demanding amnesty for Robert John to the Kastenmeier hearings, where Peg amnesty resolution on the Massachu son and all other war resisters in prison will Mullen of Iowa and national coordinator setts ballot in November: continue. Pat Simon spoke for universal and uncondi tional amnesty. Working out of their Bos 1. People in each district contact the New Bucklin Appeal Town Clerk for the district name and ton office—provided free of charge by the It now appears likely that Richard boundaries. Unitarian Universalist Association-Pat Bucklin's appeal will be handled by Marvin Simon and her assistant Sandy Margolin are 2. They then contact the GSPA office Karpatkin for the ACLU. Karpatkin, one currently working with State Representa to find out if anyone else is working of the top draft and military lawyers in the tive Peter Harrington on a petition drive to on the campaign in their district. country, hopes to have the appeal decided put amnesty on the ballot as a question of before Dick Bucklin's 15 month sentence public policy. (Those interested in initiating 3. Participants then request petition papers (about 25) from the Secretary is completed. People who have visited similar projects in their own states can Bucklin in Leavenworth say that his spirits write GSPA at 25 Beacon St., Boston, of State, Elections Division, in the State House. are high, and he writes us that he is happy Mass. 02108.) to have any part, however small, in the Gold Star Parents for Amnesty has 4. Groups in each district find volun struggle to "make it harder for the Green found that when they speak out on am teers to be responsible for collecting Monster to carry out its mission, which is nesty people listen: together with Legion signatures. (In Massachusetts, 1200 are killing". Letters on his behalf and for naires and pro-amnesty parents of sons who necessary by mid-August, and extras amnesty for all deserters should be sent to legally avoided the draft, they were able to are necessary to compensate for those Howard Calloway, Secretary of the Army, provide a very strong rebuttal to a series of ruled invalid. ) Washington, D.C. anti-amnesty editorials on Boston tele 5. Signatures must be validated at the vision. local Town Hall, and then taken to Late news: Richard Bucklin and Lew GSPA works closely with exiles and the State House. Simon have just been "adopted" by families of resisters and will participate in Amnesty International. 2 PERSONAL INTERVIEWS (cont. from 1) pardon, not amnesty. None the less, this po A Tale of Two Funerals sition has gained support to the point where pollster Lou Harris now reports a plurality of Americans in favor of granting "amnesty" with a proviso for "compulsory alternate service." For advocates of universal and uncondi tional amnesty, the increased acceptance of this position provides a dangerous dilemma, but the growing support for what is called "amnesty" can be seen as an encouraging sign. But it can also be trouble. Most of us have always believed that those who resisted the draft or the war would not accept conditional amnesty since it implies the need for atonement. We've all said many times that they will not compromise their position. But, for me, it had been a while since I talked with any significant numbers of those in exile, and I just wasn't absolutely positive. Somehow I couldn't help but wonder if there weren't others like Dick Bucklin or Lew Simon who wanted to return, while knowing the "conditions" at this time could be months Allen Kill) 11. It photo) returned from exile for his father's funeral and was arrested. in the stockade. Were they in the minority? Ed Starkin, Jr, (right photo) did not return for his mother's funeral; here his father visits Or were there large numbers of other resist linn m \ nu DtniM I ,1 a draft résister from Imperial Beach, Calif., went into exile in 1970. ers who would come back if the "price" i MARGE AGAINST ALLEN KELLY DROPPED were low enough or the risk minimal? These The (halt evasion charge against Allen Kelly, a résister arrested when he returned from questions led me to Canada to find out. Canada toi Ins father's funeral, was dismissed April 30 in Rock Island, Illinois. The My suspicions were confirmed. In two I •mi |udg< dismissed the charge, which carries a maximum penalty of five years and a half weeks of traveling across Canada, m |.nl .nul a S 10,000 fine, on the grounds that Kelly's draft board had failed to state why I found confirmation of my belief that it was danylnj nious Objector application. less than universal, unconditional amnesty Kiils h.nl beet] spotted at the funeral by the head of the local FBI bureau, who was a would be meaningless. close friand "I Ins father's. Obviously feeling the pressure of national publicity, the judge I can't assume that the 30-some men had allowed Kelly to return to his job with the British Columbia Association for the and women I interviewed speak for the tally Retarded on $15,000 bond. Discussing the dismissal, Carla Kelly stated that she tens of thousands of Americans in exile in and hoi husband, who have been in Canada AVi years, plan to become Canadian citizens Canada, but I feel confident this group but noted thai. "it's a pretty nice feeling" to know you can return home or travel without reflected a view unanimously held since feat "It Allen still had this charge hanging over his head and he got his citizen they all said they would not accept any ship and a passpoit alter thai, he still could have been picked up in any other country and punishment for what they had done. Only returned to the U.S. for trial." one person—a 23-year-old deserter from I he Amnesty Committee in nearby Iowa City actively supported Allen Kelly and will Iowa—said he might consider coming back continue its woik with war resisters. They write that they are "confident of obtaining an to the United States under a "conditional onditional amnesty plank in the State Democratic Platform in June." amnesty"—and only after he knows what the conditions are. VVAW/WSO (continued from page 1) Although most of those I met would demand the ouster of Richard Nixon from the Presidency, not because we feel that he is like the right to come back—especially to solely responsible for the crimes against the American people, and the crimes against the see family and friends—many are now clear Indochincsc, but because removing him from office will show that the people of this ly Canadians, or well on their way. Several country are fed up with the system that embarks on imperialist wars, refuses to recognize have married Canadian women, and all but the needs of veterans and all the American people, and refuses to grant amnesty to those a few are pursuing career opportunities or who resisted the war. higher education in "The North Country While we recognize that most people will not be able to participate for the entire four Fair." None of those I talked with ever said days, we call on you and your organization to come to the march and rally on July 4th. they "needed" amnesty, but most said We welcome organizational banners and placards bearing the demands of the demonstra they would like to see it come about. tion. We expect that this demonstration will be successful if all those who support the Few expect it. call for universal and unconditional amnesty come to Washington and join us. Amnesty Some expressed the concern that am can only be won if we get together and fight together. nesty advocates like NCUUA not over For more information, contact WAW/WSO National Office, 827 W. Newport, emphasize those in exile, asking instead Chicago, Illinois 60657. that our major energies go into helping AMNESTY UPDATE veterans with less than honorable discharges. Newsletter staff: Irma Zigas; Jon Steinberg; Bernice Crane. Published bi-monthly by NCUUA, 339 LafayetteSt., NYC 10012. Tel. (212) 228-1500. Single copies sent without charge to contributors. Back in 1970 when I was last in Canada Subscription rate $3 a year. (continued on page 6) 3 THREE DECISIONS AGAI
Below are excerpts from a June 9th article in Long Island's Newsday, the fifth largest daily in the country, by David Behrens. The focus of this article was suggested by Feiifer NCUUA, which also helped arrange the interviews. We hope many groups around the country will initiate similar articles in their own community to personalize the issue I VlVtfT i picw of amnesty. MWT TO B6 WAJOT I F/6HI, H SWEDEN THR6r5 VI6TMI / see this as a moment of joy. I will not have to kill now. I will be able to be BUT 1H proud of being human. Had I served in another war, it might have been good to die TOLP ne for the U.S.A., but nothing about this war is good. . ." IT0)A6 101V H I WA6 David Minugh grew up in Carle Place. He was graduated from high school there in WFSW 1964 as valedictorian. Four years later, after graduation from Wesleyan University, he won a Fullbright scholarship to study Middle English at a university in Germany FReecn for a year. The following summer, in 1969, he was drafted ipto the Army. Today, TnAT5l David Minugh is 28 and is in his fourth year of exile in Upsala, Sweden. AjJPMOOMe lx)U 3l\ie / now am responsible for any future unhappiness you may have, but I won't M6AVÖB i me be responsible for the deaths of minds and bodies in Vietnam, " wrote Minugh eeavse HA07 U to his parents. "Not that I think my desertion will stop the war but it is the only I'M A OOAHUI way I can disassociate myself from it. " tmweR V AÜP AfJ The letter arrived on Monday, Aug. 17, 1970, a date that Mr. and Mrs. Louis ^BAPRASS Minugh have not forgotten. After basic training and advanced training as an interrogator, the 24-year-old soldier had been home for a final leave before leaving for Vietnam. neur. He had not discussed the option of desertion with his parents that summer, although 1 fcè» they knew he was deeply disturbed about the morality of the war. Minugh said that a training officer in of their lives, they said. It was, after all, Texas had told him: "This is what the such an irrevocable move—deserting while for less than $100—returning to his native Geneva convention permits. . . and this is under orders to report to the war. But New York. "And here I am," Ralph said. what we have to do over and above that." through a local church group, the Minughs Back in a city he understands, back to the Minugh was concerned over the possible learned of an agency in Stockholm working nuances of language he can reckon with, use of violence in interrogations of prison with American soldiers fleeing there. They back to food and music and a tempo he ers, forced upon him by his superiors, his wrote immediately: "We're coming over." loves. mother said. Before they left, their son's first letter "Four times in my life, I've been a child. Arriving home, Minugh began sorting his from Sweden arrived. He was well. He said People expect you to know everything belongings, numbering all his books and he felt that he had made the right decision. when you first hit the ground," Ralph said. records, listing which ones were to be He was willing to face the loneliness in He was talking about his first childhood— given to friends. "Mom," he said, "I may exile. He had thought it out for almost a and then Japan, France, and returning never come back." But, Mrs. Minugh said, year. home to an underground world in the "We thought he was talking about Viet ghettos of New York. "Each time, you are nam." On Friday, Aug. 14, Minugh left HIDING just a little boy lost in another world. Even home. He did not return. Friends drove back here, I forgot how the subway trains They knew I was not a coward. In him to Manhattan, and, as pre-arranged, he run." But now back, he will remain here, the bottom of their hearts, they took a cab to Kennedy International "disconnected from the military," as he knew it took more courage to say no Airport. puts it, in hiding but at home. to that kind of crap than to say yes. Ralph agreed to talk about his life in The following day, the Minughs found a It would have been easy to go to letter in a dresser drawer, addressed to the exile and desertion, but only at a carefully Vietnam. . . But that's the human chosen apartment of a friend. He chose his Army. Even before they opened the envel tragedy. Now, when you cannot con ope, Mrs. Minugh said: "He's gone. He's pseudonym, Ralph. Under another assumed template having your own wife and name, he worked in a Manhattan office, a left the country." That Monday, a letter, home and children. Your own kids, mailed by friends from New York, arrived bad job, he called it. For the interview, he seeing them grow up. I think that is sat at a broad table, hidden behind a sheet in Carle Place. "When you read this," it not light stuff. It takes a lot out of said, "I'll be in Stockholm." He continued: suspended from the ceiling. you, living underground. . . But if I Ralph was just over 20 in 1968 when he As with everything about the Army, have to, I will live this way, forever, was drafted. He had grown up on mean I have had to lie to you, lie to friends, if I have to. streets and, because he had heard that the lie to everyone, so as not to implicate Ralph is a deserter. He has been living Marines "train you to stay alive," he signed them or betray my plans. I ask you to underground for more than five years now. up for a two-year hitch. He hated boot forgive me for that. Two years in Japan, after slipping away camp, like everyone else, he said, but he Mrs. Minugh was stunned. For a week, from his Marine unit on Okinawa, three was not an anti-war activist. Then, in boot her husband could not go to his office at a more years in France, working at odd jobs, camp, he discovered Dr. Spock. It changed Wall Street investment house. Physically often as a janitor. Then finally, when he his life. and emotionally, it was the greatest shock could buy the right papers and passport— Dr. Benjamin Spock, baby doctor and 4 ONS AGAINST THE WAR
Feiffer I vi\m I Pi; I RpWTWVIOTTO/^^ MWT TO 86 WAK)T U)9rJA(JARH VRAFWC? eor F/6H AUPA ^66UT wone^vi THR6r5 VI6TI TURK PSfé(ta)^ BUTft TDU? M^ IF (A£ 0/0RVïrHUe> TOLP HB P^fölASUTS CVTAJJP RUO TrlR££ i*Jr5'£? wse A^ IT0)A6 Tap K ' nbi / ÖF S9LW eAsr roup Me I WAS ASt\ W\6 A UfJ-
AldP NO OME TnAT5 WV I CAW (00012 bdU ôl\ie I TAKE A FCf3SlVf3 THOSt M6AVÖB HAß? WUt i ^H9 PIP rOÖT MOPOfJ OtdrWhPtTf nm W6UT5 JöHMSOfO eeavse TO VO-W&1& AkJP I'M A ÇOTV AWI7 SCHART? f^WcTR V (Mow. AÜP AM 6QR1/5 TrIHR ^BAPRASS
tJUc*. ÄW^SJ^SBEJ for less than $100—returning to his native anti-war activist, had written a tract against captain. "What if everyone felt the way New York. "And here I am," Ralph said. U.S. involvement in Vietnam, and Ralph you do?" the captain asked. "Then we Back in a city he understands, back to the carried it with him into advanced infantry would be in heaven," Ralph said. In his nuances of language he can reckon with, training. "Something happened inside of letter, he told his mother: "Don't worry back to food and music and a tempo he me. It is hard to explain but, suddenly, about me—just think I died in Vietnam." loves. things made sense. I had always had a very "Four times in my life, I've been a child. strong Christian feeling. I knew my Bible. I PRISON People expect you to know everything knew that I should not kill anybody. / thought at first I'd get caught. when you first hit the ground," Ralph said. "I told them I wanted to apply for Every day was a miracle, moving He was talking about his first childhood— conscientious-objector status but they from place to place, from one part of and then Japan, France, and returning would not listen, even after the chaplain the country to another. I tried home to an underground world in the agreed I had sincere sentiments." He went Canada, but I'm not Canadian and I ghettos of New York. "Each time, you are AWOL from a base in California and took a couldn't be vocal there. So I stayed just a little boy lost in another world. Even Greyhound back to New York. He would underground here for three years, back here, I forgot how the subway trains not return, he told his parents. Please, they praying I wouldn't be caught. I fig run." But now back, he will remain here, said, go back. But, they said, they would ured five or 10 years in prison, and "disconnected from the military," as he introduce him to influential people, people I'd be destroyed. puts it, in hiding but at home. who might help. Ralph agreed to talk about his life in To honor his parents, Ralph said he met Jack was not a radical to begin with. He exile and desertion, but only at a' carefully and talked with one man on Long Island, grew up in a comfortable suburban home chosen apartment of a friend. He chose his an important figure in the Lindsay admin within commuting distance from Manhat pseudonym, Ralph. Under another assumed istration, and when the interview was over, tan. He went to one of the better public name, he worked in a Manhattan office, a the man wrote a letter to the Marines, high schools in the East, and when he was bad job, he called it. For the interview, he saying Ralph was sincere. 18, halfway through his senior year, he sat at a broad table, hidden behind a sheet "They did not even read the letter." registered for the draft. suspended from the ceiling. Ralph said. Instead, he said, his captain Just before graduation, a group of anti Ralph was just over 20 in 1968 when he assigned two Marines to escort him to war counselors came through his commun was drafted. He had grown up on mean another company, bound for Vietnam with ity counseling young men on the options streets and, because he had heard that the in 24 hours. "The two guards stuck to me of registration or nonregistration. It was Marines "train you to stay alive," he signed like fly paper until we took off," he said. Jack's first introduction to the possibility up for a two-year hitch. He hated boot On the plane, he wrote a letter to his of political protest. But in the fall of 1967, camp, like everyone else, he said, but he mother, the last he would write for two Jack entered an upstate campus of the was not an anti-war activist. Then, in boot years. State University. camp, he discovered Dr. Spock. It changed "Because people don't agree doesn't "I stopped going to classes almost im his life. mean I have to kill them or them kill me," mediately," he recalled. "It just did not Dr. Benjamin Spock, baby doctor and he wrote. He had also told that to his seem relevant at the time, with more and more men on their way to Vietnam every month," he said. Instead, he joined the NST THE WAR campus anti-war committee and, within months, joined a Connecticut group, "made up of people who had burned their draft cards or turned them in, people who were organizing vigils and marches and other anti-war actions." AUPA ^6&T HOM^AIOPI He was arrested for the first time in the ^ARMet? spring of 1968, while planting a tree with wse pç&msz other protesters in Philadelphia after the 1X9 H6 IF (jJ6 THRee death of Martin Luther King, Jr. "After nine O/TAU? RUO pRfôiraJt^ days in jail, my attitude changed," he re OF S9LW SASr Tai? Me „ membered. He was ready to go all the way. ASt\ W*6 A UfJ- Later that April, Jack joined several other demonstrators in Boston who turned their draft cards in to the Selective Service office there. "My father, I remember, came I CAM Mr» XttfJ up to Boston to try to talk me out of it. But fwsive THose <£fjfoei?^ /TtS 3& L after we talked, he changed his mind." OJtV PIP h)0T M0POIÜ The date was April 23, 1968, a date on HMB W6UT5 JöHMSQfO which Jack decided: "I'll go to prison if TO QO-W&lg. AkJP acHAß? I have to." ÇOTW AWI7 He stayed politically active until the 56R\I6 TftétR. WOW. ^J^ spring of 1969. "But we were all getting OXJfjTRV: tired and anguished. The war was still on and we felt we had to stop the draft." @iw/M
national council for universal and unconditional amnesty 339 lafayette street new york, n.y. 10012 u.s.a.
Rita Act R Fight 69 Heidelberg Kurstalltst i'dt.t.e 1 la
s> * p.* xfk FIRST CLASS S o birronthly publication of the notarial council fa universal and unconditional amnesty
October 1974 AMNESTY UPDATE the national amnesty newsletter issue no. 3 NO AMNESTY, LITTLE LENIENCY by Bob Seely; editor of CCCO News Notes
On September 16, President Ford announced a new program of "clemency" for Vietnam-era draft resisters, deserters, and some resis ters with other-than-honorable discharges. It is a program that will bring little relief to war resisters and little healing to the nation. In a move that distressed amnesty advocates and was bound to alienate war resisters. the President made a loyalty oath one of the conditions for "earned re-entry". The oath requirement drew criticism even from such supporters of conditional amnesty as the New York Times. For most resisters, too, "clemency" was to be conditioned upon satisfactory completion ol two years' alternative service Though the service period could be reduced at the discretion of the authorities, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Defense have slated that such reductions would be granted narrowly, if at all. Mr. Saxbe warned any résister entering the program to be prepared to serve the full two years. Military deserters who left the military COMPLEX MACHINERY between August 4. 1964. and March 28. EXILE CONFERENCE The "clemency" machinery is complex, 1973, and who have been charged, but not CALLS BOYCOTT with slightly different procedures for re convicted under Article 85 (desertion), 86 turning deserters and returning unconvict (AWOL) or 87 (missing movement) of the by Jack Colhoun, Amex/Canada ed draft resisters. Mr. Ford also established Uniform Code of Military Justice would a Clemency Board to review cases of draft be eligible for clemency. The electricity in the air was sufficient to or military violations. An eligible deserter may receive clemen power the TV camera lights when 200 An unconvicted draft résister who wish cy if he surrenders to his military depart exiles and their wives packed the hall at the es to apply for "earned re-entry" can ment, takes an "oath of allegiance", and International Exile Conference in Toronto qualify for the program if he has been agrees to perform alternative service under on the weekend of September 2 1 -22. charged with failure to register, late regis the Director of Selective Service. After tak President Ford's fake clemency trans tration, failure to keep his local board in ing the oath, he will be given an Undesir formed what would have been a relatively- formed of a current address, refusal of pre- able Discharge, which will be changed to a small conference with delegates from Swe induction physical examination, or refusal Clemency Discharge (a new catego'y creat den, France, Britain and cities across Cana of induction, and if his offense occurred ed for the program) upon completion of da into a spontaneous show of mass sup between August 4, 1964, and March 28, the alternative service. There is no apparent port for the boycott of the so-called 1973. He "will be relieved of prosecution difference between the Undesirable Dis "earned re-entry program". . . if he: charge and the Clemency Discharge except Official delegates representing the nine -presents himself to a United States the name. Holders of a Clemency Discharge exile organizations voted unanimously for Attorney before January 31, 1975; will not be eligible for veterans' benefits. the boycott. As they defined it, the boy -executes an agreement acknowledg cott allows direct challenges to the board CLEMENCY BOARD ing his allegiance to the United States by those who wish to return to the U.S. and pledging to fulfill a period of al Convicted draft resisters, deserters who and refuse to sign the oath of allegiance ternative service under the auspices received Undesirable Discharges as a result and the pledge to do alternative service. of the Director of Selective Service; or going AWOL, and deserters convicted of Those who defy the program, they agreed, -satisfactorily completes such ser offenses under Articles 85, 86, and 87 of should do so through NCUUA "in the vice." the UCMJ may apply to the Clemency context of a campaign for universal and Any outstanding indictment would re Board for Executive Clemency if their of unconditional amnesty and a campaign to main in effect during the period of service. fenses occurred between August 4, 1964, end U.S. aggression in Indochina". Presumably a résister who quit his job or and March 28, 1973. They must apply be was fired would be subject to immediate fore January 31, 1975. The Board "shall FUTURE PLANS prosecution on the outstanding draft report to the President its . . . recommenda charge. Decisions of individual U.S. Attor tions as to whether Executive clemency Representatives of all the groups present neys about the length of required service shall be granted or denied in any case." emphasized that they will make every would be final; there is no provision for It will also recommend "the form that such effort to warn exiles of the traps in the appeal. (continued on page 4) (continued on page 2) tem sent the files of 39,000 men to U.S. NCUUA TO OPEN attorneys for prosecution, of which less New Numbers Game than half were prosecuted. Following President Ford's announce This means a draft resistor had four REGIONAL ment of the Earned Re-entry Program, new chances out of five of either having his case government figures lor those covered by dismissed or acquitted, and nine chances the program were reported by the New out ol" ten of not being sent to prison. On AMNESTY CENTERS York Times (September IS. 1974). The the average, those imprisoned served much report said "clemency" would apply to less time than they would under Ford's The National Council foi Universal and 15.500 draft evaders, including men con program. Unconditional Amnesty is opening a net victed and those under indictment. It These figures show that President Ford's work ol regional amnesty information ac would cover 12.500 deserters at large, and earned re-entry program offers no favors to tion centers in Los Angeles. Deiner. Atlan dOO deserters in military prison. This is a war resisters. but instead, more punishment ta and New York City in response to the total of 28.600. witli the same race and class bias as the lord so-called "clemency". The program, Interestingly, at the House Judiciary draft, since .the alternate service is to be set up in cooperation with the National Committee Hearings on Amnestv in March assigned by- draft boards. No wonder only Council of Churches and then information 1974. General Leo Benade. Deputy Assis 28 draft resisters had agreed to alternate eenlei in Indianapolis, will attempt to tant Secretary of Defense, testified that service as ol Octobei 5 (.Yew )'ork Times. reach all potential recipients ol a true 28.661 deserters remained at large as ol October 6 I. and the majority of the 896 amnesty. including veterans with bad dis Decembci 31. 1973. It there ate only deserters being processed by the program charges and those indicted or convicted lor 12.500 deserters now at large, and 600 were turned over to the program by the civilian .ml i-war acts. were in military prison at the time ol military--that is. they wee simply transfer The centers will provide information Lord's earned re-entry proclamation, this red from one punishment to another. about amnesty and the Ford program: means thai some 15.56! deserters resolved Ot course, most who need amnesty offet free legal advice in cooperation with their cases (i.e.. received less than honora aren't covered by the program. General NCUUA affiliates, e.g. the ACLU and ble discharges ) m the meantime. Either this Benade testified that 545.472 vets received EC'l.C; explain the need for a single-type is the case or the military is distorting its less than honorable discharges from the discharge, with emphasis on less than hon own figures. military between fiscal year 1963 and fiscal orably discharged Vietnam vets: and con Meanwhile, regarding draft resisters, it year 1973. (This should be expanded to tinue a campaign for universal and uncon should be noted that of 19,273 who have 588,000 to include the full period of direct ditional amnesty. been prosecuted in the past ten years, only U.S. involvement in Indochina.) 7,933-less than half-were convicted, and Finally, the government hopes that we AMNESTY UPDATE , only 4.371 were sent to prison, where their the people will forget the unknown thou Newsletter staff: Irma Zigas; Jon Steinberg; sentences averaged 17.5 months, of which sands of civilians with criminal records or Dee Knight. Published bi-monthly by NCUUA. most served under half. So testified Walter subject to prosecution because of their acts 339 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10012. Morse. General Counsel of the Selective Telephone (212) 228-1500. Single copies sent of opposition to the war-so the govern without charge to contributors. Subscription Service System at the March Amnesty ment can continue to remember them as rate $3 a year. Hearings. Also, the Selective Service Sys criminals.
EXILE CONFERENCE (cont. from p. II implementation of the Paris agreements. resolution was passed demanding a sin Be it further resolved that we whole gle-type discharge for all veterans and Ford program through counselling, the heartedly reject the concept of punitive re decent benefits for all veterans, including media, demonstrations, public meetings patriation. For those draft resisters and de those who currently have less than hono and speaking tours. Demonstrations were serters in exile and underground in the rable discharges. set for U.S. consulates in Canadian and U.S.. for the more than half a million Viet European cities on October 5th in conjunc nam-Era veterans with punitive less than The conference organizers brought tion with the International Week of Con honorable discharges, and for those with home the anti-imperialist character of the cern, sponsored by NCUUA and the United criminal records or subject to prosecution amnesty movement by inviting represen Campaign for Peace in Indochina. because of their active opposition to the tatives of the Association of Vietnamese war, we continue to demand universal, un Patriots in Canada, the Toronto Chilean Buoyed by the enthusiasm for the boy conditional amnesty. Association, and the Toronto Committee cott among exiles, including many who had for the Liberation of the Portuguese Afri not related to the amnesty struggle in the can Colonies. A resolution expressing soli past, conference participants had high Deserter "Loophole" Discussed darity with these struggles passed overwhel hopes that its success will arouse U.S. mingly. public awareness of the total inadequacy of At the time of the conference the the Ford "clemency" and of the continu "deserter loophole" was still thought to On Monday, September 23, the NCUUA ing American intervention in Indochina. exist, generating considerable discussion. Steering Committee met at the Conference Most participants felt that if it did exist, its site, enabling Committee members to ex The first action of the Conference was a purpose was to divide war resisters and to change ideas and viewpoints with exiles. At boycott resolution, passed by acclamation, defuse the amnesty movement. They con a joint news conference, which was well-at which explicitly linked amnesty and the cluded that a Clemency Discharge is at tended by the American and Canadian war: least as bad as the Undesireable Discharge news media, NCUUA expressed total sup Be it resolved that we, as Americans and it would replace after alternative service, port for the boycott of the earned re-entry former Americans, in resistance to the on since it brands the recipient for life as a piogram announced by the exiles and going Indochina war, demand an immediate deserter; bad discharges mean exclusion called upon war resisters underground and end to American aid to the dictatorial re from veterans' benefits and possible denial in U.S. jails to join with them in rejecting gimes of Thieu, Lon Nol, and the reaction of jobs, credit, and even life insurance. A the Ford clemency fraud. ary forces in Laos. We also demand a strict 2 Dick Bucklin Describes Prison Life
Dick Bucklin. one half the subject of the which is now the only Army and Marine tody, where prisoners are in barrack-style NCUUA Bucklin/Johnson Campaign, has prison. The "A" category is primarily for dormitories and given much more freedom, been released from prison by the Army officers awaiting the resolution of their he found almost no racial antagonism; Clemency Board after serving eight months appeals; if the appeals are denied, they are when a Black Muslim began speaking against of his original fifteen month sentence. In a reduced in rank and put into "B" or "C". the white inmates he was silenced by other recent interview with Amnesty Update. Enlisted men are put directly into "C". blacks. Dick never went into "A" custody, Bucklin said that although his early release which resembles a civilian prison. Although which allows prisoners considerable lati- was announced the day after President nearly half the inmates are black or Span tude. but in both "B" and "C" he found Ford's original "earned re-entry" speech ish-speaking, there is de facto segregation. guards employed subtle racism which ex before the VFW, it probably had nothing Prison conditions breed tension, and this is acerbated the considerable tensions of pri to do with the impending "clemency". "I often expressed in terms of racial hostility; son life- "some of the new guards think was there for political reasons," he explain prison authorities use this as their reason for they're Dick Tracy." he observed, "but ed, "and they respect that; there were two never allowing a white and a black to share they generally loosen up after a while, and captains on the Board, a black and a liberal a cell. Thus, even though work teams are then they're a bit better than guards in white, who made my interview much racially mixed, hostility is so high that com civilian prisons, who are generally much easier." munication is minimal, and prisoners segre older." The one politically conscious black There are three categories of treatment gate themselves in recreational activities. in C section led a strike against prison con in the military prison at Leavenworth, When Dick was transferred to "B" cus- ditions; prison officials showed consider able sophistication in dealing with the dis Pick the draft dodger. pute, releasing him and punishing non- participating onlookers with several months in solitary confinement, thus increasing bitterness and tensions. "The worst part about prison life is the routine, the same day in and day out," Dick says. The prisoners are awakened at 5:30 every morning, eat breakfast in shifts, ofc -\oo\f- PPU<^ THAT have work details from 7:30 to 11:20. - Wet> it* After lunch there is lockup for some prison ILUttiSiS ^SCHOOL IT- VRS. ers, freedom of the prison wing or optional religious films for the others. The after noon work details last from 1 2:45 to 4:20, after which prisoners return to their cells while the guard counts to see they are all there "there are always two or three lock ed doors between you and freedom," Dick says-and then they are marched to supper. He OgJecTB) -v> TH6 WAR In the evening prisoners have a choice be OK MoPfM. ôgouHPS WD tween shop, recreation and the library H6 éoT MrVPPieo. ne pPeTcttpeD *> FE 6AY. WCNT -R» CAHADÀ. "The library has a wonderful selection of Tony Auth in the Philadelphia Inquirer mysteries and military books", he notes. Any literature sent directly from the pub lisher is supposed to be allowed in, but AJVINESTY? ASK THE MAN WHO KNOWS Dick never received any of the Amnesty After President Ford announced his them. That place will never be even close Updates and other literature mailed by Proclamation, the New York Times sent a to right again. NCUUA. "I saw a guy blow a baby's head off, reporter to interview patients in a VA "The majority of the men at the prison hospital. Only one, Geryl E. Fish, a black right in her arms when the mother would n't tell us where Charlie was. Just clicked are there for political reasons," Dick says, Vietnam vet, was wounded in combat. off a round and blew the kid's head off "even if they don't say so directly. When Here is his opinion, shared by most Viet right in her arms." ever amnesty was mentioned on television nam vets who saw combat that we have Did he report that murder? he was people pricked up their ears. Virtually encountered: asked. everyone is against the war, whatever the "What Ford offers isn't enough. It "Report?" he snorted. "Report to immediate reason for their going AWOL, ought to be unconditional—no strings, no whom? The lieutenant and the captain and there is a general feeling, particularly nothing. Just leave them alone. I was were standing right behind me." among the black and Spanish-speaking in young when I joined the marines only 19 He touched his knee, injured in a re mates, that they are in as a result of racism cent traffic accident, and then looked up then—and I didn't know any better. I was and because they are poor." stupid. It was not a war to be proud of, to quizzically. tell your kids you fought in, or your "Now who did the best thing?" he Dick has now come to New York, and grandchildren. asked. "Me, because I went and took part has "already begun active work for a true "We were going to help those people, in all that, or them, because they refused? amnesty; he can tell people from personal right? We didn't help them. We destroyed "I was stupid. They were smart." experience just what a Government "clem ency" means. 3 TIGER CAGE VIGIL/DEMOS DOMIN ing a disturbance". Undaunted, the same denying citizens the right to return to their by Dee Knight group set up the tiger cage inside the ancestral homes, a direct violation of the NCUUA Week of Concern Coordinator crowded Port Authority Bus Terminal the 1973 Pans Peace Agreement. The September 29-Ociober 6 Interna following day although they had been There were tiger cage vigils, amnesty tional Week of Concern might well have refused a permit Several of the demonstra meetings, and Vietnamese cultural pro been called the Week of Tiger Cages, since tors were chained together inside the cage grams in other Ohio cities, including Ak vigils and demonstrations with replicas of and refused to move, offering bus authori ron. Canton. Youngstown, Toledo. Colum these American-financed cells were the ties the choice of forcibly removing them bus. Dayton. Cmcinnatti. and the campuses most widely used symbol. The cages dra in front K^\ TV cameras or negotiating. of Wright State. Ohio State. U. of Ohio. U. matically demonstrated the continued While negotiations proceeded, demonstra of Toledo. U. of Akron, and U. of Cmcin American intervention in Vietnam, and tors outside the cage, including ex-POW Al natti. leaflets and the American peace activists Riate. passed out hundreds of leaflets and inside the cages emphasized the link be engaged passersby in lively discussions Mass Demonstrations tween that policy and the fake Ford about who pays for the tiger cages and how amnesty. that money might be usefully spent. The The week began with a demonstration Vigil/demonstrations were held through cage was ultimately dismantled so that the in New York City called by a coalition out the week in dozens of cities, including demonstrators could stay all day and pass including the Guardian, the Village Inde the San Francisco Bay Area; Washington. out several thousand leaflets. pendent Democrats, the Fifth Avenue- D.C; the Chicago area; New York City; Peace Parade Committee. Vietnam Veter New Haven and Waterbury, Connecticut; Catholic Action ans Against the War Winter Soldier Organi- Providence, Westerly and Woonsocket. Rhode Island; and many college campuses Nine New York Catholic activists, inclu ding Dan Berngan, chained themselves out Fviffer New York Police Oppose side St. Patrick's Cathedral m New York on i wyjr iv IfO WICK THf Tiger Cages-In Demonstrations Sunday. September 29 while others handed R£M7 6UI(,TV USO> THE. TC CBrXrT - yienoAHEsr « out leaflets to parishioners which demand P€OPL£ fd, The tiger cage vigils were not passive ed that the Catholic hirarchy speak out 110 A lUAR A TE5TKJ6 f THAT W6 displays for the "edification" of passersby. for universal, unconditional amnesty: their oROOOP WB>o6, föfi. rJguj| leaflet cited Pope Paul's recent call for but local points for mass leafletting and AMP amnesty and the release of political prison AJdp discussions. In New York City, these ef C^IMiMA' - P6APIV forts brought continued confrontation ers, and described the recent Catholic PÇRXIWTS\ ^ with the police, beginning with the arrest protest movement in Saigon-controlled IM WHICH A seoeeT «JAR lid WHICH THf of members o( the Indochina Solidarity areas. All nine m chains were arrested for £UAS WAceP OF THF. U5.3S Committee for "operating a vehicle with "aggravated disorderly conduct". A6A/0ST WAS Pfc- CAMBDPlfl TBMP out a license" when they wheeled their AT HUM?/ WITHOUT TIC AWP tiger cage down the sidewalk. When a Activities in Other Cities ABKAP do/en members of CALC. Catholic Peace JR Aumoe-,, & [ZATOW OF K<. Fellowship and War Resisters League at Cleveland, Ohio activists held tiger cage THe AM£RI- f tempted to set up their tiger cage in Iront vigil/demonstrations and set up a "Viet cw Kcpie- of the U.S. Mission to the UN. they were namese-Refugee Camp" to dramatize the promptly arrested and booked tor "creat U.S.-backed Thieu government policy of
Draft resisters, who are required to re point he spoke oi it as an "upgrading;" yet NO AMNESTY (continued from page 1 ) port to the U.S. Attorney who originally in response to a question, he strongly im indicted them, may find no real opportun plied that the Clemency Discharge would clemency should take, including clemency ity to seek vindication. There is no guaran represent "no relief." conditioned upon a period of alternative tee that a U.S. Attorney will hear or give It is likely, in other words, that the Cle service. any weight to arguments which a returning mency Discharge is of little or no value to Draft resisters would presumably be re résister may present, and there is no appeal its holder. It may be positively harmful, for commended for full pardon or pardon from a U.S. Attorney's decision. A man it will be a certain indication to the world conditioned upon alternative service. De with an unlawful induction order could still and to potential employers that its holder serters would be recommended for Clemen be required to perform 24 months' alterna went AWOL from the military. For many cy Discharge, possibly conditioned upon tive service. There is, at least, no assurance employers and some of the general public, alternative service. that this will not happen. that will settle the matter. The program's treatment of deserters is For veterans with other-than-honorable MANY QUESTIONS at best puzzling. A man with a Clemency discharges, "earned re-entry" is simply a Many questions about the new program Discharge will not be eligible for veterans' bad joke. The best they can obtain from remained unanswered It is clear, however, benefits, but it is not clear whether the the program is a Clemency Discharge, offen that resisters who seek "earned re-entry" Clemency Discharge is otherwise equivalent (presumably) conditioned upon alternative face difficulties even if they do not object to an Honorable Discharge. Speaking at a service. What is worse, the majority of vet to an oath of allegiance and are eager to press conference on September 16, Depart erans with bad discharges are not even serve. For many, the new program otters ment of Defense General Counsel Martin R. eligible for the program. Although AWOL even less relief than was available under the Hoffman seemed confused about the pre is one of the most common reasons for systems it purports to replace. cise effect of a Clemency Discharge. At one less-than-honorable discharge, it is not the 4 RELIGIOUS LEADERS rE WEEK OF CONCERN SPEAK OUT /ation. and numerous local peace groups. Veterans FOR REAL AMNESTY Despite driving ram. over 300 people pic keted the 14th Street Armory chanting The New York City Chapter of WAW, The National Council of Churches over demands for peace and amnesty, and then WSO held a "resistance and the war" film whelmingly approved a resolution rejecting marched through Greenwich Village to a show and leaflet ted every morning of the the Ford "clemency" as no substi rally at Washington Square Park, «here week at the Mayor's office for Veterans' tute for a universal and unconditional Walter Collins and Dee Knight of NCUUA. Affairs (MOVA). where vets deprived of amnesty. Other religious groups which op Bella Abzug, and others gave short addres jobs and VA benefits because of "bad pose the Ford program and call for a real ses. papers" line up before dawn in hopes of amnesty include 88 Episcopal leaders, the Dee's announcement that the exile or assistance-most are told to come back the United Methodist Church. United Church ganizations had called a boycott of the following day. of Christ, Church of the Brethren, Mennon- "earned re-entry" program was greeted tte Church (Canadian and American), the with thunderous applause. Petition Signatures U.S. Catholic Conference, the Lutheran On October 5th there were demonstra Thousands throughout the country Council in the U.S.A. Christian Century tions in Washington, D.C. at die Interna signed petitions calling for universal, un called for unconditional amnesty, noting tional Police Academy, and in front of U.S. conditional amnesty and a complete cessa that under the Ford program, "a man's consulates in Stockholm. Vancouver. Mon tion of U.S. intervention in Indochina. The willingness to accept earned re-entry will treal and Toronto-where Mayor David New York Village Independent Democrats be inversely related to his conviction that Crombie declared an official Week of Con got several hundred signatures at the Satur the war was immoral." cern. day demonstration and rally in New York, Two davs before President Ford made and many more at their table at the hus\ his proclamation. Reverend Theodore M. 8th Street and Sixth Avenue corner m Hesburgh (the same who is now on the Greenwich Village. On both occasions they Clemency Board) issued an appeal for 1W WHICH US HßU, HOUEY also provided stationery and pens so that universal and unconditional amnesty along AUPSüPPües, people could write their own letters to with Rabbi Irwin M. Blank, president of OjesEoset? TDjœep Congress. In the Chicago suburb of Winnet- the Synagogue Council of America; the »J rowéR Al) IV- ka. a giant petition pasted on the wall at Right Reverend Edmond L. Browning. KKVUfL public meetings and other gatherings at chief executive of the National World AUP OJeßypr tracted over 500 signatures. Missions of the Episcopal Church, and 3ÎVERI0- 1 heresa Hoover, assistant General Secretar- Mevr- A New Beginning y of the United Methodist Church's Wo men's Division. The Catholic Bishop of pietu TV s£t>f? cDCDTRV Activities mentioned here are only the Richmond, Va., made a separate statement. ^(CestveS ones reported to NCUUA. We know that Among the bodies issuing statements SOU- there were many more, covering most supporting unconditional amnesty in the HIM states, and would like to hear what your past year are the Berkeley Society of A asppAk). group did. The week was the first joint Friends (June. 1974), General Assembly of national project of the amnesty and the the United Presbyterian Church in the anti-war movement, and many of the new U.S.A. (June. 1974). Immaculate Heart rKe^vjswt coalitions formed are planning to continue Community of Los Angeles (March, 1 974). and develop further unified actions. the Western New York. Northern New York and Northern Illinois United Metho only reason Many a war résister has receiv money in the family, and access to draft dist conferences (Spring, 1474), Christian ed an Undesirable Discharge for "frequent and military counselors or attorneys will Church (Disciples of Christ) (October, involvement of a discreditable nature with find out about the program, and, if he 1973), Union of American Hebrew Congre civil or military authorities;" others have applies for clemency, he will be well-pre gations (November. 1973), National Feder been sentenced to Bad Conducl or Dishon pared and well-represented. The less-edu ation of Temple Sisterhoods (November. orable Discharges for refusing orders, or cated, less affluent résister may not even 1973). even for publishing newsletters which the find out about the program. If he does, he The American Friends Service Commit military found unpalatable. "Earned re will probably be less prepared and less well- tee and the Unitarian-Universalist Associa entry" simply does not apply to these peo represented than his middle-class brother. tion have earlier statements calling for ple, though they are surely war resisters, In the days of the Truman Amnesty Board, universal and unconditional amnesty. Bish and have surely suffered for their stands. this kind of inherent discrimination result op James S Rausch, General Secretary of ed in pardon recommendations for about the U.S. Catholic Conference, called for a CASE-BY-CASE REVIEW ten percent of the cases considered nearly "broad, unconditional amnesty" (June, DISCRIMINATES all of them white and middle-class. 1974). Inevitably, too, any system of case-by- Curiously and ominously-few media If your church or synagogue belongs to case review, even by the most lenient Clem commentators have recognized what a start one of these bodies- or even if it doesn't.— ency Board, will discriminate against the ling extension of Presidential power took try and get it to pass a total amnesty poor, the black, the inarticulate. Many place when Mr. Ford signed orders creating resolution. black resisters are precisely those who did the clemency program. Never before has a not leave the military, but resisted from President, by fiat, created a program of questionably has such power, the possibil within; they are not even covered by the coerced labor. Though the President cited ities for abuse are too obvious to need de program. The résister who has education. his pardoning power, and though he un- tailing here. 5 NCUUA/AFA DELEGATION AMNESTY, VETERANS, AND PETITIONS CONGRESS
THE PENTAGON'S SPN GAME Parents from eleven states joined two wives of exiles. Irma Zigas. and Gold Star by Jeanne Friedman, San Francisco Campaign For Amnesty Mother-Americans for Amnesty Director Louise Ransom in presenting a petition of Aside from the half million veterans of the Vietnam era who carry less-than-honorable grievances in Washington September 19. discharges, tens of thousands who received honorable discharges were branded by a cod The petition called upon Congress to re ing system indicating the alleged reason for their sepaiation from the military. The more move "the punitive and demeaning condi notorious of these codes are: "apathy", "shirking", "unsanitary habits", "unfitness". tions imposed by the President's proclama NCUUA and other groups have correctly helped to focus public attention on the needs of tion", pointing out the racial and economic veterans for amnesty. This coding system, and its results, are very much like the less-than- discrimination ui the draft, and strong honorable discharge system itself. feeling among the American people that The SPN (Separation Processing Numbers) codes appeared on the veteran's discharge the war has been illegal and immoral. paper, in number form. While the veteran could not have known what the numbers meant, potential employers did know; loan agencies knew, and the VA knew. All last winter, Delegation Refused Interviews public pressure around these codes mounted, as part of a general attack on government When the delegation, accompanied by secrecy and record-keeping. In April, the Defense Department announced that it was do TV cameras and journalists, arrived at Carl ing away with them. Any veteran, they said, could write to the appropriate branch of the Albert's office, the people were told that service for a new, codeless, discharge paper (DD 214), and the new ones issued would not the House Speaker's office would see only have such a code. two of them; they demanded admission for It is true that a veteran can send away all. and were finally given an interview with for a codeless DD 214. What will come dreds of thousands of veterans, but their Rep. Albert's administrative assistant. Mr. back is the old one. with the number existence is aimed at convincing the public Jankowski. If nothing else. Mr. JankowskJ "whited-out". and then re-xeroxed. Any that they can. Our goal of amnesty as it re certainly learned that those directly con employer knows instantly that the only gards veterans must be carefully aimed at cerned consider Ford's "clemency" a cruel reason for such an odd-looking DD 214 is the group as a whole, otherwise the military hoax; he promised that the petition would that there was a "had" SPN code. The new will maneuver by creating more Boards, be entered in the Congressional Record. ones aren't any better, because in the com perhaps by shortening the amount of time Senator Mansfield's office refused to see plete absence of a code, the employer asks it takes to review each case. Ultimately, the the delegation on the grounds that they for permission to look at the complete real solution lies in an end to the military's had not written in advance. After the angry military file, and in that file is a brand-new ability to determine the course of any vet families impressed them with the urgency coding system, no longer called SPN. but eran's life by ending the multi-discharge of their petition, they were given the SPD or SDN, which means exactly the same system and replacing it with a certificate of choice of sending one representative in or thing. The results are again the same no military service; and by permitting no code leaving. They left, and announced the lobs, no loans, the same stigma. system of any kind to appear in military rejection to the waiting journalists and TV The Pentagon's goal of "branding" vet records that can influence a veteran's fu cameras outside. Several parents read the erans as they see fit has remained unchang ture employment. petition aloud, and the delegation spoke ed. It is now even more difficult for the with Reps. Drinan and Abzug, who came veterans themselves to find out exactly out to greet them on the Capitol steps. what the code means. The entire process is In Truth. now less visible to the public than it was We Are Bombing Ourselves Lobbying Brought Results before, and most of the veterans who carry Snails speak louder to truth In the afternoon, exile relatives from "bad" SPN numbers don't even know that than our politicians speak to conscience Minnesota, New York and Massachusetts they have the right to request a clean copy, and the voices of frogs are clearer yet were able to get appointments with their because the Pentagon is making no attempt than poets: congressional representatives. When Chris to notify them. Six months after the an words are not being, only thin vibrations King, whose husband Bill deserted to Cana nouncement that SPN code secrecy was in a universe of sound da, presented the petition to Representa ending, we find ourselves in a much more the truth which touches me tive Otis Pike of New York, he told her complicated dual coding system-, and we across time and space sharply, "I think Ford's plan is a good one; can recognize the ability of the military to is risking all for life: what's the matter, don't you like living in maneuver a bureaucratic situation so that 9 it flows in mother's milk Canada " Chris responded that her hus it appears to meet public demands, and in echoes from the feet of band and other exiles were not criminals fact remains the same. would-have-been soldiers and protested that Nixon had received a full pardon while they were still suffering. As we consider the need for amnesty t who walked away for veterans with less-than-honorable dis is carried on the backs of snails We later learned that after she left Rep. charges, it is helpful to keep the SPN num proclaimed in the voices of frogs Pike told his staff that he had never really ber shenanigans in mind. The current pro and knows no boundaries. thought about unconditional amnesty and cedure for reviewing and changing the -David Krieger asked them to supply him with informa nature of a discharge is to go before a Dis tion so that he could reassess his position. This poem won first prize in an amnesty charge Review Board which sits in Washing The day's action helped to personalize poetry contest sponsored by the Santa ton, D.C. There is one Board for each ser the issue of amnesty and we all felt it was Barbara Committee for Amnesty. The vice, and an additional one to handle writ very successful" in impressing politicians SBCA hopes to print a booklet with all the ten requests in St. Louis. These five boards with the importance it has for the people poems submitted. can in no way handle the needs of hun- directly concerned. 6 charge. GIs opposed to the war or racism ui the military have resisted in the only ways available: demonstrating, refusing or ders, going AWOL and taking drugs. The Pentagon has a vested interest in ascribing all of these activities to character disorders, but their own Task Force on the Admini stration of Military Justice concluded that racism is the most significant factor ac counting for the higher incidence of bad discharges among blacks. Even taking the Military Justice system at its own self-estimation, a bad discharge is cruel and unusual punishment. Rep. Louis Stokes, who has introduced legisla tion m the House (HR 9o46) to eliminate discharge descriptions, notes that, "under die present system, a man may have to pay for the rest of his life for a mistake which he made at the age of 18 or 19."
Preparing for 2376
At a time when unemployment nears Exiles' families speak for amnesty. Mr. and Mrs. Louis Minugh (right ). of Carle Place 6'v even by official count, and the rate Long Island, spoke September 19. in Washington on behalf of their son David, an AWOL among Blacks and other minorities is Gl who is exiled in Uppsala. Sweden. Ms. Sarah Clemens (left) joined them at a press nearly double that, many veterans with conference in New York September 1 1. where she spoke for herself and her draft résister good discharges are saying they never did husband Alfred. They live in Toronto. Photo by Jill Palmer. VVAW/WSO military service: they have learned that employers often assume they are prone to violence and take drugs. BAD DISCHARGES DISHONOR THE U.S. MILITARY Since the establishment of the Army by Jon Steinberg, NCUUA Project Coordinator Discharge Review Board 30 years ago less than 15,000 veterans have gotten their Many people don't think it's a crime, but last year 41 people were effectively deprived discharges upgraded. At that rate those of decent jobs, credit, and some veterans' benefits for the rest of their lives because they with Vietnam-Era bad papers will have to allegedly wet their beds. These young men and women are among the 588,000 wait for the 600th anniversary of the Vietnam-Era veterans with bad discharges; like all others who received General or Declaration of Independence before getting Undesireable Discharges, they were given administratively, without even the semi-justice all their discharges upgraded-assuming that afforded to those who get Bad Conduct or Dishonorable Discharges. their appeals are looked on sympathetical ly, which was true in only 14% of the cases Out of Sight, Out of Mind "X" an Undesireable Discharge. As a conse in 1972. quence he is ineligible for VA educational Perhaps it's time we decided to upgrade The Army gives nearly three out of four benefits and unable to find work. A survey the system rather than the discharges. General Discharges for "character or behav of 1.000 employers published last year in ior disorders". Military authorities seem to the Military Law Review indicates that one believe that GIs who protest against the third reject job applicants because of UDs IF SOMEONE YOU KNOW WANTS war, or racism in the military are suffering and three quarters admit to being negative INFORMATION ABOUT THE FORD from such problems; perhaps they reason ly influenced by them. PROGRAM, WARN HIM NOT TO that anyone who demands justice from the ASK THE ARMY military should have his head examined. War On Poverty Why don't these people demand an Here is what people have been re impartial examination by a psychiatrist? In 1967 World Bank President Robert ceiving by return mail: someone might ask. "X" was in the Air McNamara, then Secretary of Defense, gave 1. Reference: Your letter/telephone Force in 1970 when the Supreme Court an early indication of his concern for the call of 21 September 1974. mied that belief in a Supreme Being is not poor by initiating "Project 100,000", a 2. By above reference you have re required for Conscientious Objector status. program to draft young men who would quested to participate in the program He immediately asked for a CO. applica ordinarily be rejected by the military, and established by Presidential Proclama tion, and was told by his NCO that C.O.s teach them useful skills: they were taught tion 4313 of 16 September 1974. A should be "sent to Russia". Soon afterward to kill, sent into combat in a war they review of your service records indicates he was sent to a psychiatrist, who refused opposed, and then very often put out of that you are eligible for this program. to discuss his views on war and wrote him the military with a bad discharge, virtually Accordingly, you are directed to pro up as an "immature personality". After a ensuring that they will be rejected by most ceed and report to. Fort Benjamin Har fruitless narcotics search, the Air Force employers. Not surprisingly, a survey of rison, Indiana (located in Indianapolis) used the unsubstantiated testimony of a the California State prison system revealed on or about 30 September 1974. convicted drug user as the basis for giving that one inmate in four has a bad dis MICHIGAN CHURCH DELEGATION MEErS WITH EXILES GOODELL SPEAKS OUT by Nelson Brown. Michigan Council of Churches FOR WAR RESISTERS This summer a delegation of 18 Michigan citizens and newspeople boarded a bus in Ann Arbor. Michigan for a weekend trip to Toronto to visit American exiles. Sponsored Charles Goodell. Chairman of President by the Peace Education Program of the Michigan Council of Churches, this trip was part Ford's Clemency Review Board, had this to of the Peace Education Program's efforts to keep the human plight of exiles and other say about war resisters: victims of the Indochina War before the Michigan public and to raise the question of At first there was almost no opposition, amnesty both within the Michigan churches and among the general public. at the end almost all Americans were con Our all day Program on Amnesty was arranged by exiles centered around the exile vinced the Vietnam war was a mistake. In publication AMFX/Canada and impressed me both for its thoroughness and for the poli the span of one decade, a nation was con tical understanding expressed by this group of exiles. They explained the difficulties of verted. Those first lonely'dissenters and being an American in a Canada developing its own nationalism, and they reviewed the civil disobedients, and the millions who fin plight of all the victims of the Indochina War including deserters, those living under ally followed them into the streets, were ground, convicted resisters, those with less than honorable discharges, as well as their own proven right. Their stubborn resistance plights. against the popular will was vindicated. In their consideration of the need for universal and unconditional amnesty, they put Unfortunately he said this in 1973, and this issue within the context of stopping American military aid to the Thieu regime as seems to have forgotten. The quote is from well as the context of the American people coming to terms with the true nature of the his book. Political Prisoners in America, Indochina War. Although not all exiles would have such political sophistication, the which is dedicated "To my friend, Richard way these exiles saw the struggle for amnesty as a part of their original resistance to il Nixon-mav he do more than listen." legitimate authority moved me very much. Part of the fallout of this trip has been media coverage in eight major Michigan papers, NEW AFFILIATES and some contacts which I hope to develop into an ongoing effort to keep the question of amnesty and the continuing War in Indochina before the Michigan public. British Committee for American war resisters "ENCOURAGE HESBURGH TO RESIGN!" Group 68 (Great Britain) talker about the bad apples spoiling the University of Rochester Students for Father Theodore M. Hesburgh. a mem other good apples fighting the war, our Amnesty ber of President Ford's Clemency Board, Vice President Spiro T. Agnew who was South City Coalition for Social Concern seems to believe that amnesty means for super-anti-amnesty until he was caught (Holyoke. Mass.) getting his own moral convictions. Here doing something that was really bad—and Lawyers for Amnesty (Rochester) is part of his statement in the Chicago what does he do? He wheels and deals Project Amnesty (New York City) Sun-Times last June: with all his might to achieve amnesty—of all things, for himself. And he gets am Community Church of New York I used to think that maybe it could be nesty, quickly and effectively. Other dis Village Independent Democrats sorted out. some way, selectively—if some tinguished, mature public servants are also Greenwich Village, New York City one had the time, the patience and, es copping pleas for amnesty. pecially, the wisdom to study each case Paris American Exile Group (Zero) and pass judgement individually. I guess If you share our belief that Father Hes Mid-Peninsula Coalition for Uncondi what really pushed me over the line into burgh should be encouraged to follow the tional Amnesty (Palo Alto, Calif.) the position favoring unconditional am example of war resisters and live by his American Exiles for Total Amnesty nesty for all was the sight of one of the beliefs, join us in urging him to resign 1089 Greene Ave., Montreal, Quebec greatest war hawks of them all, the strong from the Clemency Board. 514-5 21-3405
national council for universal and unconditional amnesty 339 I af ay et te street new york, n.y. 10012 uj.a.
FIRST CLASS o bimonthly publication of the natbnal council fa universal and unconditional amnesty
January 1975 the national amnesty newsletter issue no. 4
FAMILIES TO WASHINGTON FEBRUARY 1, 2 & 3! Families of those who need amnesty, and Gold Star Relatives, are going to Washington for a Convocation on February 1, 2 and 3—immediately after the schedul ed end of the "earned re-entry" program. They will serve notice on Congress and the President that Ford's non-amnesty has no more ended the need for amnesty than the Paris Accords ended the war in Southeast Asia. The Convocation is to consist of a day of briefings on the Ford plan and alterna tives to it, noted speakers on the subject of unconditional amnesty, and visits by the families to Senators and Representatives. BORDER SOI II)ARII Y l.inc Fonda (left) and David Harris (middle) of the Indochina Main organizers of the Convocation are Peace Campaign, nu-t with Dairy I Adams and Diego Collins (second and fourth from left), Americans For Amnesty and Gold Star and other im-mlx-rs of the Vancouver American Exiles Association at the international Parents for Amnesty. NCUUA urges all park on the U.S.-Canada border on Saturday, November 16. Both groups pledged to amnesty organizers to encourage family continue struggling for real peace in Indochina and universal, unconditional amnesty, members from your area to go to the (photo: Jeff Dowd/IPC) Convocation and make it a success. For more information, or to register for the Convocation, contact Americans For Am ASSEMBLY TO SAVE THE PEACE AGREEMENT nesty, 235 E. 49th St., New York, NY 10017, phone 212-371-7080. by John McAuliff, Assembly Coordinator and Director, Indochina Program AFSC
^^On the second anniversary of the signing of the Peace Agreement in Paris, a national tors and Representatives, Vietnamese, wri Assembly is taking place in Washington to protest the continuing U.S. sponsored war in ters, religious figures, and peace activists South Vietnam ami Cambodia. The Assembly to Save the Peace Agreement is being (including Tom Hayden, Don Luce, and organized by the Washington based Coalition to Slop Funding the War and the United Ron Young). Campaign for Peace in Indochina. NCUUA and three dozen religious, peace and liberal Monday, a briefing on aid legislation organizations are co-sponsors. will preceed a day of lobbying. Greatest will carry the name either of a Vietnamese emphasis is likely on lowering the still-to- The Assembly is Saturday, January 25th held in Thieu's prisons or of an American be-adopted $617 million economic Aid through Monday, January 27th, the date of needing amnesty; (3) announcement of a Appropriations Bill, and counter-acting the the anniversary. Major discussion themes Tuesday post-Assembly briefing and lobby expected Pentagon demand for $300 mil are the situation in Indochina today, the ing on amnesty. lion supplemental military aid for South strategy to end the war through pressure The largest event of the Assembly is a Vietnam. on Congress, and current methods of orga public Convocation for Peace Sunday even For further information, contact: Peace nizing. ing in the New York Avenue Presbyterian Assembly, 120 Maryland Ave. N.E., Wash The focus of the Assembly is implemen Church, 14th St. and New York Ave. N.W. ington, D.C, 20002, or call 202-546-8646. tation of the Peace Agreement through Among the speakers are: Senator George LOCAL MOBILIZATIONS TOO ending aid to the regimes in Saigon and McGovern; Methodist Bishop Paul Wash Phnom Penh. Support for universal and burn, a recent visitor to North Vietnam; Local mobilizations are being planned in unconditional amnesty is being expressed Ngo Cong Duc, a Catholic exile leader of communities across the country to demand through: (1) a workshop Saturday after the Vietnamese third force; and Anita real peace in Indochina and universal, noon to explore joint and/or cooperative Gradin, a Swedish Social Democratic Mem unconditional amnesty, on January 25 to work on the issues of amnesty and ending ber of Parliament and chairperson of the 27. NCUUA urges all its affiliates to aid; (2) a Sunday evening candlelight walk Stockholm Conference on Vietnam. Other activate themselves during this important to the White House in which participants speakers during the 2V£ days include: Sena- time. 1 KENNEDY FINDS CONDITIONS CONTRADICT CLEMENCY from exile last fall to challenge the Two days of hearings before Senator Edward Kennedy's Judiciary Subcommittee on program, expressed the feelings of war Administrative Practices and Procedures served mainly to confirm what most of the resisters that a real amnesty is the only just country has known for some time—President Ford's Clemency Program is a dismal failure. solution. (Charges were dropped against The hearings, held on December 18 and 19, were designed to provide an on-the-record Meis after he refused the earned re-entry examination of the program and to attempt to discover the reasons for the low response program and took his case to court.) from resisters. Although amnesty was not the issue directly at hand, it was the An American Legion spokesman inescapable conclusion, as Senator Kennedy expressed his feeling that it was the reiterated the Legion's opposition to conditional nature of the program keeping those eligible from participating. amnesty, and said that the earned re-entry He also stated that the Board was program should resolve the matter once Resisters Reject Clemency attempting to institute a policy of persons and for all. The conclusion that resistance was still receiving a Clemency Discharge being able -Thanks to Duane Shank of NISBCO alive and well and a universal, uncondition to go before the services' Discharge Review for most of the information in this article. al amnesty remained the solution was also Boards with the pardoned conviction not brought home by an event that took place, TOTAL AMNESTY BILL being taken into consideration. Goodell IN NEW CONGRESS not in the hearing room, but in the hall. said this proposed policy had received firm As Clemency Board chairman Charles assurances from the Defense Department, The War Resisters Exoneration Act of Goodell was leaving, Richard Stock, a but was contradicted the following day 1974 was introduced as the new Congress furloughed résister who had refused to when Martin Hoffman, General Counsel of opened January 14, by Rep. Bella Abzug. apply for clemency, appeared before him the Defense Department refused to give The bill would grant unconditional amnes and presented him with a letter from Philip any assurances saying it was still under ty to draft resisters, deserters, veterans Alford, also on furlough and one of the 18 consideration. with less than honorable discharges and^ persons the Clemency Board had just grant civilians with criminal records or subject t^P ed a conditional pardon. "The extraordinary public support prosecution because of anti-war activity. which the President's Clemency Program Philip's letter stated: "The context of The bill would restore U.S. citizenship has received" also surprised and impressed to war resisters who had taken up citizen clemency and pardon is not that of U.S. Goodell, he said. As an example, he poin Selective Service or military law. The over ship in a foreign country, or grant visiting ted to programs set up by church and rights if the individual preferred to remain riding context is that of the criminal veterans groups to counsel potential appli actions waged against the people of South a foreign citizen. Bad discharges received cants. But Richard Killmer, director of the from the military because of AWOL, resis east Asia." He went on to explain that he Special Ministries/Vietnam Generation of was refusing the pardon because: "A single tance or "insubordination" would be the National Council of Churches, contra changed to Honorable, with no codes crumb of charity is not enough to manipu dicted him. Killmer said the counseling late thousands and thousands of men's indicating the Army's attitude to the per projects funded by the NCC around the son. consciences, some of whose consciences country in response to the earned re-entry and decisions of resistance have been in program "should in no way be interpreted The bill would establish a commission, tensely affirmed through prison or exile." as our taking a position for or against the appointed by the President with the advice A further letter, organized by CCCO President's earned re-entry program as Mr. and consent of Congress, to review compli and signed by Stock and other resisters, Goodell's testimony would seem to imply! cated cases, especially anti-war acts invol was also read: "We support all those who ving significant personal injury or substan are not willing to apologize for making Killmer added that he knew of no tial damage to property. stands against a continuing war that church at a national level which supports Ms. Abzug plans to reintroduce the bill America is trying to forget. We want it the clemency program, and that the NCC with co-sponsors on February 3, in concert understood that this 'clemency' program is has specifically criticized it, calling for "a with the Convocation of Families for An^Bk just another lie to cover the truth of genuine amnesty". nesty. We suggest that readers urge their^^ American involvement in Indochina." Mr. The Pentagon's witness attempted to representatives to co-sponsor this excellent Goodell responded with a few words about explain that the Clemency Discharge did bill. the war not being the issue anymore, and not have a bad effect on an individual. The walked away. Justice Department witness was asked to GOVERNMENT MOUNTS CAMPAIGN The witnesses heard in the hearing room produce a list of men still being sought for TO REVIVE DYING PROGRAM included representatives from the four draft violations. There are more men in this In an effort to make the earned re-entry governmental agencies involved in adminis category than the 6,500 men already program work in its dying days, the Gov tering the program, and the bulk of their indicted. The witness promised a list by ernment is mounting a big publicity cam testimony consisted of explaining how January 20, but would not guarantee its paign aimed at the relatives and friends of their share of it was supposed to be completeness, finality or accuracy. war resisters. The main vehicle of the working. Nothing was said that was new or Only four non-Government witnesses campaign is public service announcements surprising, but a few highlights may be of were allowed to testify: Henry on TV and radio, urging war resisters to interest. Schwarzschild of the ACLU Amnesty apply to the program before it expires Goodell said he was "impressed" that Project gave a legal critique of the earned January 31. NCUUA has already succeeded many applicants "do not fit the re-entry program and called for total in getting equal time to broadcast our side stereotypes we had assumed.... They are amnesty. John Schultz, editor of the of the story on WCBS radio in New York generally unsophisticated, inarticulate Military Law Reporter, said that greater City. people who were unable to pursue their efforts by the Justice Dept. and draft Stations are legally bound to provide remedies properly within the legal system." boards are needed to let individuals know equal time for differing views on He didn't say if he thought this was true of when indictments against them are controversial issues. We urge our affiliâtes the majority of people eligible for the dropped. to demand equal time with the program, who have not applied. Bill Meis, a draft résister who returned Government to tell war resisters and their 1 familial hm !•• pal raliabla, tympathettc AMNESTY ACTION CENTERS TIE COUNSELING TO ORGANIZING Informatiofl aboui amni icnii.iii Ihc Njhuii.il Council loi by Dee Knight lltlunal Amneity in your for amnesty information announcemeni n pou d<> 501 have local Everybody in the amnesty movement counaalii . people to us .u knew the "earned re-entry" program was DOlfT CALL THEM ...CALL • M York, NY (and is) bad. The problem was how to make sure that war resisters knew it—be 1001 (213) fore they were caught in it—and how to "amnesty action information center make the public understand that a real ARMY SAYS SOLDIERS MUST amnesty is still necessary. NCUUA's answer REFUSE ILLEGAL ORDERS to the problem was regional Amnesty •i - »nngi rammen) and most Action/Information Centers, in Los Ange This sign graces the Los Angeles Center. Othl 1 tin- la« of war very les, Denver, Atlanta and New York. Funds Nrtoual) aiyi 1 S Army Training Film for the Centers were provided by the 21-4 IU-V« film w.is produced to National Council of Churches Emergency real peace in Indochina and universal, explain in ajgphk tarmi ;i soldier's respon- Ministries to the Vietnam Generation. unconditional amnesty. libilitiei In warfare according to Army The Centers combine the counseling and spok ol the film appeared in legal resources of the draft and military Getting Out the Word the NM December 15. resistance movement, with the coalition Public service announcements have been "Afin World Wat II many members of form of political organizing. As a result, all placed on radio stations in some of the e German and Japanese louts were war resisters and their families have had cities. They tell war resisters where they ought to trial OH charges of having access to competent, free legal help, and can receive safe, reliable information about éCOmmittad war crimes," the film says. the amnesty movement has grown, instead the "earned re-entry" program. The one- "The accused often claimed that he was of shrinking, in response to the "earned minute tape recordings were made free for 'just following nitlcrs'. But this was ruled re-entry" program. NCUUA by Project Amnesty, a group of DO defenai 1 hoaa who hid committed acts Coordinators in the four cities drew advertizing specialists working for amnesty. they knrw. m ahould have known, were together the counseling and political re The local coordinators have had to place wrong, wrto held responsible for their acts. sources of NCUUA's affiliates: CCCO, the announcements themselves, contrary to Convicted, they were jailed and, in some American Civil Liberties Union, American the original plan, which ran into a snag cases, excuied" Friends Service Committee, Episcopal when executives at ABC rejected the an The same fate awaits American military Peace Fellowship, Women Strike for Peace, nouncements as "too political". men whu violate international law, the Vietnam Vets Against the War/Winter Sol The other main tool for getting out the audience li reminded. The best way to dier Organization, and other local groups. word has been NCUUA's leaflet, "Have respond if ordered to do something unlaw Counselors have cooperated with the Cle You Heard the Joke About President ful is to ask questions, the film says. But if mency Information Center in Indianapolis Ford's Clemency Program? It's On You." this doesn't work, the soldier must refuse and with exile counseling groups in Canada 10,000 copies of the leaflet have been the order. and Sweden. printed and distributed around the coun The film depicts an enlisted man refus After setting up counseling, organizing try, and it has been reprinted by numerous ing the obey an illegal order to use prison and publicity mechanisms in the base city, groups. ers in 1 lail I path through a mine field, coordinators have made field trips to sur Of course, the main credit for the and the officer refusing to retract his order rounding cities to stimulate activity there. failure of Ford's non-amnesty plan rests nder questioning. "No sir, I refuse," the In each city they drew together people with the plan itself. But the fact that at the «)ldier tells his lieutenant. from various groups interested in building end of the year less than 10% of those The narrator admits that "it takes guts support for amnesty to discuss how to eligible had surrendered to the plan is in no to stand up in this kind of situation." What combine counseling with political work. small part due to the effective counseling is not said is that one reason if takes guts is Travelling to other cities and holding and political work that has been done. The that the Army itself has so far been the public and private meetings has proved an Centers helped make the war resisters' only judge of what constitutes an illegal excellent vehicle for stimulating publicity boycott of the "earned re-entry" program order. If the Army decides the order was in those cities. It also affords an opportun a success, and have laid the groundwork for legal, then the GI is found guilty of ity to set plans in motion for mobilizations a continued and expanded movement for unlawfully disobeying an order, and is January 25 to 27 around the demands for total amnesty and real peace. subject to court martial and a maximum sentence of five years hard labor and a na. Unless pressed, the Army will undoubt Dishonorable Discharge. edly take the position that MyLai was an The film was made as a result of the isolated incident, in spite of the testimony *» I killing of civilians at the South Vietnamese of hundreds of GIs to the effect that hamlet of MyLai, according to Army Secre MyLai was "standard operating procedure" tary Howard Callaway. "Our training takes for the U.S. Army in Indochina. VIETNAMNESTY into account what happened at MyLai and As part of its new approach, the Army takes into account the seriousness of it," says it is stressing General Order 100, Callaway said. issued in 1863 by President Lincoln, that War resisters might well ask if this said: "Men who take up arms against one means the Army intends to drop all charges another in public war...do not cease to be against men who refused orders or deserted moral beings responsible to one another BUTTONS: $25 per 100 from NCUUA; from the Army during the war in Indochi- and to God." Similar bumper strips same price. 3 How to use electoral politi There has been much debate on the use of "electoral politics" to build supporrt for our outstate groups). amnesty. The following article outlines the method used successfully for this in We sent out a letter to all Minnesota Minnesota, by Minnesotans for Amnesty, a statewide coalition coordinated by Minnesota Clergy & Laity Concerned members and Clergy and Laity Concerned, 122 W. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, Minn. 55404, phone our Amnesty Task Force encouraging them (612) 871-8033. We anticipate that this practical guide to action will be useful for future to attend their precinct caucuses. We at state conventions of the Democratic Party. tached a sample amnesty resolution. This Support for amnesty must be generated from the top. resulted in approximately 100 universal, on the state and local levels before Con Here is the way our amnesty resolution unconditional amnesty resolutions being gress will be ready to act. Grassroots appeared in the proposed DFL State Plat passed at the precinct level around the political activity is a key to the enactment form brought to the Convention: Our state. More names of interested State Sena of universal, unconditional amnesty legisla nation has been built on the fundamen torial District and County delegates were tion. There are many activities that can be tal principle of diversity of opinion and sent in to the office. pursued on the local level—state legislatures respect for conscience. In order to We sent out a letter to District and memorializing Congress, city councils pas strengthen our country now, we must County delegates and our Amnesty Task sing support resolutions, etc. This article forget past differences so that the body Force with information on what happened focuses on what can be done to get a politic may be given a chance to heal. universal, unconditional amnesty resolu The granting of amnesty is not a moral tion passed at a political party's state judgment, and therefore will help heal convention. past differences. We therefore favor The following steps outline the process unconditional amnesty for all draft refu we used, beginning in September, 1973 sers, deserters, persons convicted by through to the DFL (Democratic Farmer courts-martial for military offenses not Labor) State Convention in mid-June 1974. punishable under civilian law, those The ten-month period coincided with the given less-than-honorable discharges, DFL party's timetable of pre-caucus meet and civilian protesters and resisters to ings to the State Convention. It was helpful the Vietnam War. for us to have already been into our The resolution was passed unamended— campaign for six months. We had devel 70% yes, 30% no, at the DFL State oped a Speakers Bureau, educational pac Convention, June 16, 1974. ket, bumper stickers, buttons and many good contacts—all essential to this project. What We Did Our goal for this project was not merely A decision was made to focus on the to get a universal, unconditional amnesty DFL party rather than the Republican, or plank in the state DFL platform but to do both, because of the time and energy it so because the delegates from around the would take to follow this through to the state truly supported it. This involved state convention. However, we did have extensive "grassroots" educating in addi people and literature at the Republican tion to party leadership support, and it convention. involved doing the very best we could in Chairpersons of the eight Minnesota educating folks and then taking our chan Congressional Districts were contacted by ces it would pay off at the State Conven phone to explain our campaign and our tion rather than pushing the plank through hopes for an amnesty resolution at the state convention and to offer our services AMNESTY GAINS IN by way of speakers and literature. We were invited to speak to two Congressional RECENT NATIONAL POLL District meetings of party activists and Members of the Maryland Council for Support for unconditional amnesty for officers. We sent amnesty information to a Universal and Unconditional Amnesty used Vietnam draft resisters and deserters was third district's county officers. the old Burma Shave idea to get their up to 41% in a Gallup poll taken November We mailed out an informational letter 5. This is an increase of five percentage explaining our plans and included a speak at the precinct level and asked them to points from the last previous poll, taken in ers bureau brochure and our amnesty attend the District/County conventions. the spring of 1974. The poll also reflected resolution to all State Senatorial and Coun This resulted in approximately 40 univer a major break-through: it was the first time ty chairpeople, again offering our services sal, unconditionaal amnesty resolutions be that military deserters were included in a of speakers and literature. This was follow ing passed at the State Senatorial and national poll on amnesty. Supporters of ed by a phone call in about a month. County level around the state. We presen universal, unconditional amnesty would do We were invited to speak and present ted our case for universal, unconditional well to press for a poll asking, "Would you our resolution at 20 different pre-caucus amnesty before the State DFL Platform support unconditional amnesty for Viet meetings in Minneapolis. We decided a- Committee. This is very important because nam draft resisters, deserters, veterans with gainst any pre-caucus meetings in St. Paul they are the ones who write the proposed bad discharges, and others with criminal because they were in the midst of local plank for the state convention. (The am records because of their opposition to the elections. We estimate about 20% of out- nesty plank they proposed was identical to war in Indochina?" Write George Gallup, state (outside the Twin Cities) pre-caucus the one we presented.) Our people around Princeton, N.J. meetings were reached (by reports from the state testified before their District 4 es to win amnesty support Platform Committee Hearings. ue helping on the amnesty campaign (we much left to do (as is common with We got a list of all delegates and got contacts in 60 new outstate communi conventions) we asked a member of the alternates to the State Convention from ties and many more from the metropolitan Platform Committee to call for a "suspen the DFL office. We selected about 130 areas. These will be extremely important as sion of the rules" to move the Convention amnesty subcaucus delegates, Minnesota we begin our national legislative push). ahead to a vote on the amnesty plank (and Clergy & Laity Concerned members, and Another important point to remember a number of other controversial issues). We Amnesty Task Force people from around at the convention is always have enough did this because we didn't want the amnes the state. A letter was sent to them about people at the literature table so you can ty plank sent to the DFL State Central two weeks before the Convention urging talk personally to the delegates when they Committee, we wanted a true sense of the them to support our resolution as it ap stop. We recommend four. state on the issue. peared in the Platform. We included a list Below are the reasons we thought it of amnesty facts and a list of other state We urged the delegates to: *Wear an amnesty button on the floor would be worthwhile to put time and and national groups and organizations sup energy into this project: porting universal, unconditional amnesty. to show support. *Talk with other delegates from their There would be educational value in it We planned a series of Amnesty Forums district and ask for their.support. even if the resolution failed. *Stop back at the table after they have It would provide state-wide visibility for talked with other delegates to help give us our Minnesotans for Amnesty Campaign. a sense of the Convention's attitude toward It would be an excellent way of getting the plank. new amnesty supporters from around the state. Other Activities at the State Convention If the resolution was adopted by the State Convention it would give us some We put a simple informational fact sheet more support for our position with Minne on every delegate's chair before the Con sota Representatives. However, we are not vention started. under any illusion that now that the DFL We moved around amongst the dele State Convention passed a universal, un gates, talked with them about the issue, conditional amnesty resolution, all of the listened to them, and handed out simple DFL politicians will openly support it, but factual leaflets. it will help us put pressure on them. We asked pro-amnesty delegates to spread the word not to vote for any AMNESTY WINS ON THE BALLOT amendments to our plank. We decided IN MASSACHUSETTS beforehand we would rather have no am nesty plank rather than a conditional one. The largest amnesty referendum in A- The DFL Reform Caucus worked with merican history took place last November us, especially on the floor of the Conven in 23 Massachusetts towns, around the tion. These kinds of alliances are very question: "Shall the state Senator from important. this district be instructed to vote to ap We asked one person to be the "Floor prove a resolution memorializing the Con organizer"—someone who would act as gress of the U.S. in favor of amnesty for all coordinator for the delegates. those who resisted the Vietnam War?" When the amnesty plank came up on A majority of the people, 50.67%, voted the floor we had one delegate who was Yes. The total vote was 98,629 Yeses and going to ask for an immediate vote, with 96,378 Nos. There was wide variation out debate, since we felt everyone would among the five polled districts, ranging message across to passing motorists in have, by then, made up their mind and we from 64.3% in favor in Brookline and Baltimore, November 8. The group stood were only allowed six minutes to present Newton, to only 43% in the Plymouth and on the chilly corner for about 40 minutes. our position. We were also anxious to have Norfolk district. Thus, even the lowest a vote on the plank as it was (unamended). support was higher than the 41% in the around the state one week before the We had three delegates from various nation reported in a November 5 national Convention in order to get publicity on the parts of the state ready to speak for the poll. issue, educate more folks, and generate plank if it went to debate and each was to Organizers found the amount of support more community support. If it is at all speak directly to a specific point, e.g., a directly proportional to the amount of possible for you to do this in your area we Vietnam vet was going to speak to the organizing they did in each district. Brook- strongly suggest it—it generated much argument of amnesty dishonoring those line-Newton is the home district of Pat thoughtful discussion, especially in the who served. It is very important that this Simon, coordinator of Gold Star Parents outstate areas we went to. be planned ahead of time so the important for Amnesty, who worked hard on the We arranged to have an amnesty litera points are covered because of the limita referendum, which was sponsored by the ture table at the Convention for the entire tion in time and people who can speak to Massachusetts Coalition for Amnesty three days. Two important points: the issue. (MCA), including Clergy and Laity Con *Have a lot of amnesty buttons to sell When it looked as though the amnesty cerned, AFSC, the Presbyterian and Epis (we sold over 400). plank wouldn't be voted on because the copal Peace Fellowships, Harvard/Radcliffe *Encourage people to sign up to contin Convention was in its last four hours, with Students for Amnesty, and GSPA. 5 NCUUA CONFERENCE SHOWED UNITED, GROWING MOVEMENT by Jack Beckford, Lexington People for Amnesty Delegates to the Second National Con still a need for universal, unconditional ference of the National Council for Univer amnesty. President Ford's clemency pro sal and Unconditional Amnesty (NCUUA) gram is totally unacceptable. Emphasis was came away convinced that the movement on how best to work for such a total for a real amnesty is alive and growing. The amnesty. conference, held in Louisville, Ky., on The high point of the conference came November 15 to 17, had more than 200 as Michael Branch, a former POW now delegates in attendance representing most working for amnesty, announced the "re of the 100 organizations that now make up turn" of draft résister Steve Grossman NCUUA. from Canada. Steve used the conference as The emphasis of the conference was the beginning of a two week tour of educational: sharing knowledge, ideas and speaking engagements denouncing Ford's experiences in amnesty organizing. The earned re-entry program. His speach at the workshop sessions were designed to aid conference set a high tone of commitment local groups with amnesty organizing. to total amnesty and real peace. Workshop topics included: organizing with Other speakers also attacked Ford's in the church community, with veterans, program as a "fraud" and "worse than no with families of resisters, and how to best amnesty at all". Though NCUUA is advoca utilize the media. Fundraising, legal and ting a boycott of the program by resisters, counseling aspects, and work with Congress there was much discussion about the pro were also subjects of workshop discussions. gram. People realized they need to know The formation of NCUUA Amnesty the program's particulars so that it can be Action Centers in Atlanta, Denver, New criticized. EXILE WOMEN TOUR FOR AMNESTY York and Los Angeles was announced. The conference was hosted by Louisville These centers act as regional headquarters People for Amnesty, at the Presbyterian Following on the successful tOUl <>l her for amnesty activity. Emphasis is more on Theological Seminary. It attracted consi homestate of Texas by exile Kerry Geraho- educating and organizing people than on derable local publicity, all positive. wil/, sitiiil.n tiiuis .m- bring organized in other states. Kerry wrm to Canada m ll>68 immediately pressuring the government for Delegates left the conference with mi with ht-i imsh.inii. Gerald, In n-sistance to amnesty. proved understanding of ways to go about the draft. They an- pretend) active with Even with no formal resolutions, the winning a real amnesty and a determina the Toronto American I xilcs Association. intent of the conference was clear. There is tion to keep struggling for it. She travcllftl to right ; ties in 18 EXILE CONFERENCE CORRECTION KHI law that could compel a deserter days, spoke to about MI diffefenl audien actually to perform the pledged alterna ces, and made eight TV appeaiances, one In the last issue of Amnesty Update, tive service. If this is the case, a deserter radio i.ilk, and wa» wutirn up in five two glaring errors were caused by the could get an Undesireable Discharge newspapcis Shr ihm was able to reach editors in re-writing the article by Jack from the military and then refuse to many thousands of Texans with a compel Colhoun about the Toronto exile confer report for alternative service, thus gain ling aigumrnt |><-iM>iial and pohin.il loi ence, printed under his name. As printed, ing freedom from the military and from total amnesty and real pa the article says "200 exiles and their the earned re-entry program. Military rioiii l.muaiv I t to I 7, Kcrty is touiindfe wives" attended the conference. After criti counselors are unsure as to whether the the state ol Michigan, und« tin- auapeoee eil^ cism from Canada we now understand that so-called deserter loophole exists or the Peace Education Program Ol ihr Mu lu women in exile are just as much exiles as whether it is a trap by which the gan Council of Chin, ttei Sin- will speak m men. Jack Colhoun's original article did Pentagon can bring further charges a- Detroit, LaflatDf GftJtd Rapidl and Kala- not make this error. gainst individuals for obtaining a dis mazzoo. On the weekend ol January ] The re-written article also shortened the charge by fraudulent means. 27, Kerry will speak at various amnesty report of discussion about the "deserter Participants agreed that the purpose rallies in upstate N • >n I .1 loophole" in the earned re-entry program. of the loophole, if it exists, is to divide 1, 2 and nul loin olhi-i Wonirn Following is the full text of the original war resisters and to defuse the amnesty memberi ol the roronto \ I ties report: movement. Association will participate in the Convoca The Conference also tackled the so- We apologize to Jack Colhoun and our tion of families loi Amnesty in Washing called deserter loophole. The Ford earn readers for the inaccurate editing. ton, D.C. ed re-entry program as unveiled so far Exile women are particular!) by the Administration makes it appear LET CHURCH MEMBERS KNOW... in pressing Ihr peraotul and political argu that deserters can get off easier than Here's an action suggestion: distribute ments loi total amneet) it draft resisters. The deserter is required leaflets to local church members telling interested in having such a M nd Is to take an oath of allegiance to the U.S. them of their own denomination's state able to pay hei li ange and to pledge to complete a period of ment supporting total amnesty. We find housing, ci \ oi the alternative service, the length of which that most people are not aware of the fact Toronto Amerh an I xilr» As will be determined by the military. that their church organizations have taken Box 189 S I Spokespersons for the Justice and De stands for amnesty. 2S7, Canada. I »trtl m fense Departments, however, have stat (Thanks for this suggestion to Gold Star speaking to I also ed that there is no corresponding civil- Parents for Amnesty.) contact elthei NCUUA I \i \ 6 637,357 LESS THAN HONORABLE DISCHARGES SINCE 1961 PUERTO RICAN LEADER REJECTS CLEMENCY DEAL The largest number of people who need Administration officers have the disc retion amnesty has become even larger. The total to grant certain benefits to veterans with NEW YORK-A member of the Central of vets with less than honorable discharges UDs.) Committee of the Puerto Rican Socialist from July 1961 through June 1973 was While only slightly more than 2,000 GIs Party (PSP) categorically refused an offer 588,321. Through the end of 1973, anoth have received UDs under the Clemency of "clemency" from the Federal District er 49,036 GIs received bad discharges- Program, many thousands more have re Attorney in early January. The district most of them as a result of AWOL or ceived them through normal military pro attorney offered to drop the case pending insubordination. The breakdown of these cessing at other bases, notably Fort Dix, against Jose Valazquez before the Federal discharges, for the entire period, is as New Jersey, and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Court for having refused induction into the follows: Presently, AWOL GIs who show up at United States Army and for refusing to General 348,693 these bases with the proper preparation are cooperate with compulsory military Undesireable 242,455 out of the military within a week, with no service, if he would do "alternate service" Bad Conduct 41,309 alternate service obligations. The only pun as defined by the President's "earned Dishonorable 4,900 ishment is the Undesireable Discharge, re-entry" program. TOTAL 637,357 which seems minor at the time. Velazquez, who is also a member of the The U.S. military issued fewer honora Only later does it begin to feel like the Political Commission of the United States ble discharges, percentage-wise, in fiscal life sentence it is. Already faced with a Branch of the PSP, reaffirmed his position year 1974 (July 1973 to June 1974) than tight job market, the veteran with a bad because, "as an advocate of independence at any other time in the quarter century discharge is worse off than otherwise, does for Puerto Rico and socialism, I maintain ^aWi records have been kept, according to not qualify for any GI Bill benefits, and is that the Yankee military is our enemy. ^mtagon figures released to the New York not allowed, in many states, to teach, Also, my refusal is a statement of concrete Times on December 29. Some 12.2 per practice law or -medicin«, or work at solidarity with the peoples of Indochina." cent of all discharges in fiscal 1974 were municipal, state or federal jobs. He explained that for these same less than honorable—the first time the The military hopes that the amnesty reasons he would not accept the clemency percentage has been above 10 per cent. movement will ignore bad discharges be offer. "I would be incriminating myself One reason this is true is that the cause then it can solve the war résister when the real criminals are in the United military uses Undesireable Discharges to "problem" without changing existing poli States Government, the aggressor of the get rid of AWOL GIs, and has been doing cy. But if justice is to be done, all vets with peoples of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia." this at an accelerated pace since 1973. bad discharges must have this stigma re Velazquez's case is pending in the Under the "earned re-entry" program, moved from their records—either by auto Supreme Court, and is expected to be AWOL GIs receive Undesireable Discharges matically receiving an Honorable Dis heard next month. His lawyers, Michael after promising to perform up to 24 charge, or by the institution, retroactive at Ratner and Richard Levy will use a legal months alternate service. After they com least to 1961, of a single type discharge for defense based on "double jeopardy", a plete this punitve service, their discharge is all veterans. procedural violation committed by the the to be changed to a Clemency Discharge, (Full figures for bad discharges in 1974 Appellate Court when it reopened the case which one member of the Presidential were not available at this writing.) after the District Court dropped the Clemency Board has called an Undesireable charges. Discharge with a red ribbon around it. (In Now Available: "Less than Honorable", a 15-minute segment of a Mike Wallace fact a Clemency Discharge is worse than a Berkeley resident shall be forced to fight in SIXTY MINUTES show which forcefully UD, because absolutely no veterans bene- the undeclared war in Southeast Asia," and p are available under it, and it labels the shows the plight of veterans with less than that it would therefore support "any per f lder as a deserter. Individual Veterans honorable discharges. Write NCUUA. son who is unwilling to participate in CHRISTMAS AMNESTY REUNION HIRE WAR RESISTERS- military action." AT NIAGARA FALLS NO DISCRIMINATION! The group sees a victory in Berkeley as the beginning of efforts to win similar About 100 families of resisters and The Coalition for Action on Amnesty in other amnesty supporters came from Buf campaigns throughout the San Francisco Berkeley, California, has begun a campaign Bay Area. falo and the upstate New York area to join to get the Berkeley City Council to take with a delegation of a dozen war resisters action to establish a non-discriminatory from Toronto, at a Celebration of Con city hiring policy for all war resisters, SEND US YOUR AMNESTY NEWS! science December 14 in Niagara Falls, which would include Vietnam veterans It's important that we know what's Ontario. The event was sponsored by the with less than honorable discharges and happening on amnesty all over the country. Amnesty and Reconciliation Coalition of individuals with criminal records resulting The best way for us to find out is for you Buffalo. Mainly an opportunity for amnes from their resistance to the war. This effort to tell us, and to send us clippings of ty supporters to contact war resisters and is part of the push to get the Council to amnesty publicity in local newspapers. We renew their commitment, the "ceremony" support universal, unconditional amnesty. suggest that amnesty groups set up "media served as an excellent platform for achiev The group sees the effort as a means for watch" committees with the responsibility ing local publicity for amnesty. Reports reaching other groups in the area, such as of clipping a copy for the local group and were carried on two Buffalo TV stations the NAACP, religious congregations, uni one for NCUUA, of everything that ap and newspapers in Buffalo and Niagara versity students and the student govern pears in your local papers. The media Falls, NY, as well as Hamilton, Ontario. ment, etc. Chances of winning the cam watch committee can also take responsibili Exile participants were from the Toronto paign are high in Berkeley, where the city ty for responding to the news with letters American Exiles Association and Amexj council went on record against the Indo to the editor, etc. Canada magazine. china War, and later resolved that "no J SCRAP "CLEMENCY"-GRANT REAL AMNESTY WAR RESISTERS CAN As the Washington Post editorialized January 9th, "to judge by the numbers of RESOLVE CASES participants, President Ford's Vietnam Clemency Program has failed." Since September, OUTSIDE "EARNED RE-ENTRY" only 890 of an estimated 200,000 convicted draft resisters and deserters, 167 of some It's extremely important that draft re 6,500 men indicted for draft law violation, and 2,627 of 12,500 deserters at large, (all sisters and deserters know that it's possible government figures) have come forward to take an oath of allegiance and perform to resolve their cases without resorting to alternate service in order to win clemency. "Suppose," the Post says, "that lasl the punitive "earned re-entry" program. September Mr. Ford had predicted that his clemency offer would be accepted by one, NCUUA and its legal and counseling af two and 20 per cent, respectively, of those in the three categories.... The offer would have filiates—especially CCCO—can provide the been instantly denounced as a sham...." following services: One good thing was accomplished by the President's program: many more people than If you are a draft résister, there is a before have come to understand and accept the need and justification of universal, good possibility that the case against you unconditional amnesty. The boycott of earned re-entry by most war resisters proved they doesn't hold water and should be dismis are prepared to fight for a real amnesty, and the unity of the amnesty movement in sed. NCUUA and CCCO counselors regular support of them shows it can be done. ly check the draft files of draft resisters As the program nears its end, some want it extended. We don't. We think it should be who know or think they are indicted for scrapped. Let's have a real solution: universal and unconditional amnesty. We ask all who violating the draft law. Attorney General agree with us to let the President, their representatives and the public know it. Saxbe recently ordered all U.S. Attorneys A WORD ABOUT MONEY... to drop charges against draft law violators unless they were confident ol conviction. The amnesty movement could use a lot more money than it has, and this is doubly Over two-thirds of all drafl cases have '"aftk true for NCUUA. The past four months, since President Ford announced the "earned dismissed. ^^ re-entry" program, has meant an enormous increase in NCUUA-'s •activit-ies—the national If you are a dcseiin. it's possible that amnesty conference in Louisville, establishing the four regional Amnesty Action/Informa you can obtain an honorable discharge tion Centers, and taking on two additional staff people at the national office to keep up because ol some lUegaJ procedure In your with mailings and all the other work we've been doing. In the rush of things, we haven't case by the militais Ol VOUl draft board. given the necessary amount of attention to general fundraising, so we are now running at Al | minimum, il foi vou to a deficit. obtain an I without NCUUA is the only national coalition of groups working for amnesty. Over 100 groups pioniising to iH-i fur m any alternate service are affiliated, and we coordinate and unify their efforts. anil Without signing a losalls Oath, as you Theoretically, the cost of operating NCUUA is to be paid by its affUiatoa But we would bavr to uinlci the •'.-.unci ir rntry" know as well as you do how strapped for funds local groups are, and we arc doing what mi we can to raise money through direct mail appeals, approaches to foundations, etc. But as to war the new year begins and we plan for the crucial months ahead, we must ask our local resist. NCI I A phone affiliates to chip in what you can to help us meet our continuing expenses. 212-221 I MM) Well tad UM beat lawyer We suggest that you organize fundraising activities with half or some percentap oi oounaaloi neu ) the proceeds to go to NCUUA. This could be done in connection with your activities on January 25 to 27. Chances are we can help, by providing a speaker. This way, the _ AMNI «.TV UPDATt , effectiveness of combined local and national activity is obvious, as is the joining of Nowilottfr «tall Irma Zi0ai, Jot« Urgo, Dee fundraising and political activity. Knight. Dick Bin Hi" Published in monthly by NCUUA, 339 La'ayau» Si. Naw Y.»k. NY To our individual readers, we say thank you to those who responded to our Christmas 10012. Phon» 7122281500. Sam without appeal, and to those who didn't we say there is not a more important time than now to charga to oontrlbutort % >»t» $3fjh show your support and help keep us going. Thanks in advance! yen
national council for universal and unconditional amnesty 339 lafayette street new york, n.y. 10012 u.s.a.
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FIRST CLASS o bimonthly publication of the rational council fa universal and unconditional amnesty
april 1975 AMNESTY UPDATE the national amnesty newsletter issue no. 5 W,\\ 'CLEMENCY' END: GOOD RIDDANCE! Alici .i\ ami a ball months and two those who were "eligible" for it, and in extensions. Presidenl Ford's "clemency" Sweden, the Boycott Victory Celebration ;if program is im.ilh ovei Clemency Board at the end of January was possibly the chairperson Charier Goodell, circus barker largest gathering in the history of the exile for the program admitted he expected community there. beiu-i results, but termed It "a reasonable The program did not even deal with success". people who resisted within the military by, Tin I victims think otherwise. for example, refusing to obey* "lawful" "Failure to quit" is the charge against The program attracted less than 17% of orders—who were punished with stockade 62 people who were arrested March 1 at the White House. They refused to stop These Now Need \nmesty: sentences and/or less than honorable discharges (over 500,000 such cases). demanding an end to U.S. involvement in 4,400 iii.it t reeisten -.till indicted Indochina, freedom for South Vietnamese •> non-registrants for ihedraft Neither did it help the thousands of civilian resisters who are now saddled with felony political prisoners, and universal, uncon (estimâtes hum 200-500,000) ditional amnesty for U.S. war resisters and 7,200 deserters officially at large records for acts of anti-war civil disobe- diance (not directly related to draft laws). veterans with bad discharges. They also 1 deserters on active-duty files refused to leave the White House grounds (hall ol applicants at Ft. Ben Har- Not that "clemency" helped those who without talking to President Ford, to listin) could apply: four-fifths of the applicants whom they wanted to address their 637,357 veis with bad discharges to the Clemency Board are vets with bad demands, and their rejection of his punitive "administrative"—without discharges. The Board can offer them (a) a "earned re-entry " program. trial) pardon, which they do not need since they were never convicted of a crime, not even All 62 people who were arrested face ? civilians labelled "criminals" for trial on April 25 in Washington, D.C. auli W.II BCtS by a court martial for a military offense; or (b) a "Clemency Discharge", which is The 62 were part of some 350 people who gathered in front of the White House These look < lemency": actually worse than their original discharge, since it allows no veterans' benefits whatev to mark the end of the first extension of 550 draft iesisleis-8.4% of 6,500 the "earned re-entry" program. Those who nails eligible. er (not even medical care for veterans who need it because of wounds incurred in did not sit-in on the White House lawn 5,300 oil 2,500 declared picketed along the White House fence. A eligible Vietnam). A Clemency Discharge can never be spirited rally was In hi before the sit-in and 16464 people with records Ol bail ills picket, and a meeting was held afterwards charge« 1 i ol 11(>,000 eligible upgraded, and it brands ils bearer as a Vietnam-era deserter against whom major to discuss ways of sustaining and broaden ing the movement. 22,414 Total-16.3% of 137,000 continued on page 8 75% OF U.S. PEOPLE SAY NO MORE VIETNAMS! An overwhelming 76-18 percent majori opposes $220 million in emergency aid for Phnom Penh and Saigon. ty of Americana think that "we should Cambodia. It is clear from the Harris poll that most never again commit American soldiers to a This impressive rejection of U.S. in Americans have learned a lesson from Viet war such as Vietnam," according to a volvement not only in Indochina, but also nam. But what of our national leaders who March 20 1 Ian is poll. Other questions asked in future similar situations comes against have consistently supported the mass in the poll revealed that a 71-20 percent the backdrop of the near total collapse of murder of Indochinese and Americans? majority believes that "the U.S. should U.S. policies in Indochina, along with the The current "humanitarian" concern for avoid all guerilla-type wars;" and a 67-20 U.S. supported dictatorships in Cambodia percent majority think that "we should not refugees and orphans by the government and South Vietnam. The recent Indochina that made them is too ironic. Ambassador commit American lives to the defense of developments demonstrate conclusively Martin was caught supporting the so-called corrupt governments abroad." what the U.S. anti-war movement has been babylift because it would "help create a saying for years: without continuous bil A 74-17 percent majority opposes grant shift in American public opinion" in favor lions of U.S. taxpayers' dollars and direct ing President Ford's request for $300 of the Saigon regime. million in additional military aid to South American military support, corrupt dic Vietnam and a 68-21 percent majority tators could never have stayed in power in continued on page 8 1 AMNESTY SUPPORT GROWS IN CONGRESS
by Barry Lynn and did not cause "any significant properly categories of resisters covered by the Ford damage or substantial personal injury to program are amnestied unconditionally in The focus of the amnesty movement others...." the Hart approach, including the granting can never be solely on the Congress. If the violation did cause property of Honorable discharges to military absen However, there is now more support in damage or personal injury, the commission tees instead of the useless clemency dis Congress than ever before, which needs would have the power to grant amnesty "if charges now offered by "earned re-entry". encourgement. it finds that such conduct was justifiable RESTORATION OF CITIZENSHIP The broadest unconditional amnesty on the basis of a moral or ethical belief bill in the House of Representatives H.R. deeply held by the individual." Under this Both the Abzug and Hart bills provide 2568) is sponsored by Bella Abzug (D. provision, for example, people who had means for persons who have become citi N.Y./20), Benjamin Rosenthal (D. N.Y./8), poured blood on draft files would be able zens of another country to either become Elizabeth Holtzman (D. N.Y./16), Michael to apply for it. Karl Armstrong would American citizens again or obtain visiting Harrington (D. Mass./16), Parren Mitchell probably need enormous political support rights in the U.S. by altering a section of (D. Md./7), John Conyers (D. Mich./ll), to convince the commission that bombing the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act Don Edwards (D. Cal./10) and Henry the Army Math Research Center—which which precludes U.S. citizens who became Waxman (D. Cal./24). A similar piece of involved the accidental death of a guard- naturalized abroad from re-entering the legislation, not quite as far-reaching for was "justifiable on the basis of a moral or U.S. if they left "to avoid military training veterans with less-than- honorable discharg ethical belief although it was clearly or service". motivated by opposition to the U.S. war in es is H.R. 345 sponsored by Ronald Del- Obviously, the Congress will not take Indochina. lums (D. Cal./8). Some 23 other House serious action on these bills or on the members have already expressed to constit The amnesty commission would also amnesty issue generally unless there is uents a willingness to support some type of have power to decide cases of bad discharg strong national and local support. There unconditional amnesty bill. es disputed by the military. This is impor fore, it is still vital to get local action In the Senate, Philip Hart (D. Mich.) has tant because the vast majority of bad groups started to educate and organize. introduced an unconditional bill to cover discharges were given without stated rea Fundamentally, though, we should not all those classes now covered by the Presi sons. If the commission found that a bad forget that members of Congress are as dent's "earned re-entry" program with discharge should be up graded to honor subject to changing their minds on amnesty co-sponsorors George McGovcrn (D. S.D.). able, this decision would be binding on the as any other American. Since the merits arc Gaylord Nelson (D. Wise), and Mike Grav military ami not reviewable, However, if all on our side, the case will ultimately be el (D. Alaska). the decision VM-III againsl the Individual won! The Abzug bill calls for unconditional applicant, be oi she could appl) foi judicial amnesty for virtually all those who came icview in the IS (Hun ol Appeals. Bad Discharges used to into conflict with the draft or military The amnesty commission is a contro from January 1, 1961 to November 22, versial provision Ol the bill because of OUI "throw away" soldiers 1974 (the date the last draftee was released continued opposition to tin- idea ol case "Apparently the services are throwing from military service). It would grant an in case review Uni tin- bio.nl iovera oui a big net and scooping up as many automatic general amnesty for all draft the commission, that is. "am Federal law... volunteers as they can get, and later the non-registrants or those men who refused or State m local law" virtually necessitates military decides which ones will make good to perform alternate service, who refused some case-b) case adjudication. I be com soldiers and gets rid of the others." This is induction into the armed forces, or who mission in fact makes possible an extension the conclusion of Congressman Les Aspin violated any other provision of the Military of amnesty to many who would otherwise (I) WIS), after finding that a highei Selective Service Act. Likewise, it would not gel it. On the oihei hand, if cases were percentage of less than honorable dischar amnesty all military personnel listed as not reviewed, we could have John Mitchell ges were issued by the military in 1974 deserters-at-large or who have already been and U.R. Ilaldenum claiming thai their than ever before. discharged for virtually all offenses listed in Watergate related offenses were motivated Aspin explained that of the 77,420 bad the Uniform Code of Military Justice by opposition to the war in Indochina. discharges issued last year, approximately which would not be crimes in civilian life The Hait bill docs not have as broad a 74.000 were either General or Undesirable. (disrespect for officers, insubordination. coverage. There is concern thai if all people meaning they involved no judicial process AWOL, desertion, drug abuse, and so on). with less-than-honorable discharges are whatever. The remainder were given after It offers for all amnestied full restoration included, the bill would then surely end up court martial hearings. of civil rights, protection against prose in the Armed Services Committee where it These men and women are "branded for cution, expurgation of all criminal records, would lie in state for the whole session. As life." Aspin said, and this happens without an un-coded Honorable discharge (for it stands, it will probably go to the any due process and with an extremely military personnel), and nullification of Judiciary Committee with Senators Hart. minimal chance of any change through any other legal consequences (foi example, Kennedy, Abourczk. Bayh. Tunncy, Math review. a man will not have to admit to employers ias and Burdick, several of whom have that he was ever in legal jeopardy). already indicated support for (but not AMNESTY UPDATE The Abzug bill would create an co-sponsorship of) the Hart bill. Newsletter staff this issue: Irma Zigas, Joe Urgo, "amnesty commission" to deal with viola Regrettably this committee includes such as yet unenlightened foes as James East Dee Knight, Gerry Condon, Dick Bucklin. Pub tions of laws not specifically amnestied by lished bi-monthly by NCUUA, 235 E. 49th St., land and Strom Thurmond. Senator Hart is the bill. The commission would amnesty 11th floor, New York, NY 10017; phone 212- any violation that was mainly motivated by now working on a separate bill dealing with 688-8097. Subscription rate S3 a year. opposition to the U.S. war in Indochina, Vietnam-era bad discharges. All of the TOTAL AMNESTY: WHY SETTLE FOR LESS? i loi total amnes some 100,000 vets with bad discharges or "insubordination", and would upgrade ty has in l\ in the past received them specifically because of to honorable any discharges received for yeai A poll nbci placed il at AWOL, desertion, or missing movement, violation of these articles. The problem i ' more than evei before, This and were thus eligible for "clemency". with this is that most bad discharges do not suppoii is .1 tribute io the e/ork of the There are 637,357 vets who received indicate the reason they were given. So amnesty movement .nul haï also produced bad discharges between July 1961 and veterans would end up being subjected to lupporl m ( m ill. howev June 1974. Of these, 591,148 were either case-by-case review before their discharges er, no hill m ( , alls im universal, General or Undesirable—that is, "adminis could be changed to honorable. Such a nditlonal amnest) We believe the trative", without court martial. This means system has already proven to be discrimina amnest) movement should continue to these people received life sentences with tory, cumbersome, and in the end unjust. toi total ami 1 nothing less. out trial—at the caprice of commanding Few people believe that either bill officers. 46,109 vets received Bad Conduct stands a chance of being passed in this Ib.- N( I i \ ,n earlier this year sug or Dishonorable discharges via court mar session of Congress. If they were, we gested that wi should consider supporting tial. But in the majority of cases they were believe that the Abzug bill would be the new unconditional amnesty bills intro- "convicted" of charges that would not be weakened to make it fit the Hart bill. We diin-il In Rep II. im the House crimes in civilian life—like refusing orders therefore believe neither bill should be of Représentait I and Sen Philip Hart (in or other acts of "insubordination". The supported as it stands. the Senate) Hut sftei some thought and minority who were found guilty of real Both bills would have to be broadened discussion Wt llunk this would be wiong. crimes have already been punished and to call for universal and unconditional The Hail hill would provide uncondi their crimes have been recorded. The bad amnesty before they would get our sup tional ill those people who are discharge punishes them again—for the rest port. People who wish to pressure Congress eligible foi the "clemency" program which of their lives. should call for total amnesty, not less. But expil M Ibis means it would The Abzug bill also excludes many vets we believe the main focus of our efforts exclude the v.isi majorit) of people who with less than honorable discharges, al should remain educating and organizing the need amnest) linn- is no provision for though it includes more than the Hart bill. U.S. public for total amnesty and real civilian .mil w.n acta otbei than draft eva It lists nearly all the articles of the Uniform peace. We have had good results so far, and sion And the (leniency Board says that Code of Military Justice covering resistance if we continue, we will succeed. N.Y. City Council Gets Amnesty Resolution Resolution Is''. calling on President letters of support, including the argument foul and tin- Congress to immediately for inclusion of all vets with bad grant unconditional amnesty to all Viet discharges, should be sent to Councilman nam wai was Introduced March Henry Stern at City Hall. l'i in Manhattan Council Member-at-Large Co-sponsors of the resolution include Hems Stem Ibe resolution was referred Council members Friedlander, Samuel, to ibe i ommitl I i neral Welfare. Burden, Waggner, and Weiss of Manhattan; Ibe resolution tails foi immediate and Pinkett and Wright of Brooklyn; and automatii amnest) foi "all Vietnam draft Katzman of Queens. Weiss and Wright sit resisteis .mil de-.cileiv ami to all Vietnam tin the General Welfare Committee. veterans who because of theii opposition Behind introduction of the resolution to the w.u m militer) received less than lies months of background work by the honorable discharges;" .mil "to all persons Amnesty Committee of the Village "CONGRESSIONAL HEARING". Sena who. because ol their opposition to the Independent Democrats in cooperation tors Alan Cranston and Gene Tunney of Vietnam War, have received or may receive with Mickey Levine, former New York California had a chance to hear the opin punishment by administrative or court State Chairman for Americans for ions of their constituents January 27 when action." Democratic Action. a group of 50 people sat and stood in their The only difference between this and For more information on what can be offices. the NCUUA position is that we call for done to win support for the resolution, Members of 16 amnesty and peace amnesty foi all veterans with less than contact Hilliare Wilder, chairman of the groups expressed their alarm at Ford's honorable discharges. This is an important Amnesty Committee of the Village Inde request for more money to continue the difference because a requirement that a pendent Democrats, home address 310 war in Indochina, and their opposition to bad discharge was for opposition to the Riverside Drive, Apt. 1714, New York City the "earned re-entry" program. The action war or the military automatically leads to a 10025, phone 850-1944. was coordinated by the Los Angeles Am case-by-casc review of each discharge. (For nesty Action/Information Center. more on this see the accompanying article, Berkeley resolution passed "Total Amnesty: Why Settle for Less'?") The Berkeley, California City Council This change should be recommended at has established a policy of no job discrimi East Bay Coalition for Action on Amnesty. hearings on the resolution. Amnesty nation against war resisters—including Viet Organizers hope to extend this decisive supporters should urge such hearings by nam vets with less than honorable discharg victory to other cities in the San Francisco writing to Aileen Ryan, Chairwoman of the es and people with criminal records be Bay Area. NCUUA suggests the same ap Committee on General Welfare, at City cause of active opposition to the war. The proach to local amnesty groups throughout Hall, New York, N.Y. 10007. General resolution was passed at the urging of the the country. SPEAKERS FOR AMNESTY/PEAC One of the most important ways of Tapes of screaming victims made him Angeles Military Lawyers Panel since 1968. overcoming people's confusion and oppo realize that those he was bombing were real He is an active member of the Steering sition to amnesty is by talking directly people. That experience was the straw that Committee for the Amnesty Action Infor with them on a grass-roots level. Steve made him quit both flying and the military mation Center in Los Angeles. Grossman and Gerry Condon (draft and machine. He is now a full-time activist with Residence: Los Angeles military resisters respectively) have had Americans For Amnesty. terrific response from live audiences, as Residence: Danbury, Connecticut Gay Deal well as through media and TV talk shows. Coming from a family with a strong Don Dawson, ex-B-52 pilot, had a few military background. Gay's son Oliver (the members of a conservative Lions' Club eldest of 6) joined the Marines, became a chapter walk out, but most stayed to ask lieutenant, and was killed in Vietnam in questions covering the spectrum from 1969. She and her remaining children were hostile to friendly. bitter that Oliver was killed in a useless war; feeling she must do something Steve, George and Don are among the positive, Gay became active with Gold Star people who have been travelling around the Parents for Amnesty and since last year she country speaking for NCUUA. Most have has been Southern California coordinator. direct involvement with the war or with Residence: Santa Monica, California resistance, that allows them to speak from personal experience. We hope you take advantage of their availability, for it is absolutely crucial that local amnesty Ed Miller groups are encouraged to begin or grow at Enlisting in the Marines as a teenager, Ed this particular point in time. We must eventually rose to the rank of full colonel, continue to be active now to insure that an having served in both the Korean and ever-widening number of Americans under Vietnamese wars for a total of 24 years in stand the true nature of the Vietnam War the military. He was shot down while not only to fight for universal, uncondi piloting an F-4 Phantom. His ankle was tional amnesty for those who now need it, crushed and his back broken. The next five but also to prevent a new generation from years and four months were spent as a needing it. POW. Since his repatriation in March 1973. You may schedule any of the speakers Ed has been an outspoken advocate of listed here by contacting NCUUA- amnesty and peace. He is 43, the father of Speakers Bureau, 235 E. 49th St., Uth five children, and is presently studying law. floor. New York, N.Y. 10017. Phone Residence: Anaheim, California 212-688-8097. If you or anyone you know wishes to speak publicly in the amnesty/peace campaign, please contact NCUUA, or your local NCUUA affiliate. WCWDmoNAL
AMNESTY Gerry Condon After six years in exile following his public resignation from the Green Berets, Gerry returned to the United States in February Pat Reif, IHM 1975 to refuse the punitive "earned Pat is Professor of Philosophy at Immacu re-entry" program, and spark the campaign late Heart College, presently on leave to for total amnesty and real peace. Risking serve as Coordinator of Action-for-Social- arrest, he has been touring the country ever Justice for the Immaculate Heart Commu since, speaking to live audiences and nity. She is Director of the Amnesty through the media on behalf of the war Action Information Center in Los Angeles, résister boycott of "earned re-entry", and and Chairperson of the Southern California the right to resist unjust wars. Gerry was Chapter of Clergy and Laity Concerned. convicted—in absentia and without his Residence: Los Angeles lawyer being notified—in March 1969, on charges of refusing orders to go to William G. Smith Vietnam. He also faces a charge of Bill has been practicing law in Los Angeles desertion or AWOL. He intends to Don Dawson for the past ten years. He specializes in continue speaking until the government Since he always loved flying, Don went to military and draft law, and has counselled either arrests him or waives his conviction college at the Air Force Academy, where more than 4,000 clients since 1963. From and sentence and drops the charge of he had his first doubts. Concern over 1966 to 1974 he served as Chairman of the desertion. Before returning to the United America's military position increased while Los Angeles Selective Service Lawyers States Gerry was active with the Toronto he was a B-52 pilot in Southeast Asia. Panel, and has been a member of the Los American Exiles Association. He is an E: BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME aditor of the exile journal, AMEX/Canada American Committee for Cultural Free from high school, and served in the 101st He is the son of a conservative Irish dom. Since 1960 he was active in the civil Airborne. He was killed in January 1968, Catholic family of cops. rights movement in the south, and is at just before his 19th birthday. Since present the Director of the Project on November of 1973 Pat has been the Amnesty of the American Civil Liberties national coordinator for Gold Star Parents Union. He is a member of NCUUA's for Amnesty. steering committee. Residence: Newton, Mass. Residence: White Plains, New York Ellen Wilkinson is the amnesty coor dinator for CCCO- the agency for mili tary and draft coun seling. She grew up in Paoli, Pennsylvania (near Westchester), and after graduating from high school Robert Chenoweth there she worked as a reporter for the local Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Bob newspaper before becoming active with the graduated from high school in June 1966, peace education committee of the Friends and that same month he enlisted in the Peace Committee in Philadelphia. From army. After training as a helicopter late ll>73 until mid-1975 she worked in crewchief/mechanic, he went to Vietnam Cyprus with a refugee settlement team. in January 1967. One year later his Residence: Philadelphia, Pa. chopper was hit by NLF ground forces and crashed. He was captured and he spent the Barry Lynn next five years as a POW, returning to the The Associate on Amnesty for the Center U.S. in March 1973. Within six months he for Social Action of the United Church of was touring the country with the Indochi Christ, Barry is the coordinator of an na Peace Campaign and has been active in informal Washington, D.C. bureau of the anti-war work ever since. amnesty movement. In this capacity he Residence: Cleveland, Ohio gets information to and from congress- people and the executive branch. An or dained minister, Barry taught social ethics at Cardinal Gushing Central High School in South Boston. He has also served as a parish minister. He graduated from Dickin son College in Carlisle, Pa., and from the Boston University School of Theology. He represents the National Council of Church es on the NCUUA steering committee. Residence: Arlington, Virginia
Louise Ransom The director of Americans For Amnesty, which helps organize the families of those who need amnesty, Louise is a graduate of Vassar College and the mother of six children. She and her husband Robert Ransom, an attorney for the IBM corpora tion, became active for peace and amnesty in 1968, "totally because of our son." Lt. Robert (Mike) Ransom, Jr., wrote to Henry Schwarzschild his parents in early 1968 thai the South Henry's family left Hitler's Germany when Vietnamese did not want him or any other he was 13 and settled in the U.S. After American there—the United States did not serving in counter-intelligence during World Pat Simon belong in Vietnam. He urged his parents to War II, he held executive posts in such Pat is an elementary school teacher and the do everything they could to bring the war organizations as the Anti-Defamation mother of four children. One of them, League, Department of State, and the David, enlisted in the army after graduating continued next page \ SPEAKERS... policies toward the Third World—especially the war in Indochina. She went to Canada to an end. In May of that same year he was with Steve Grossman in 1972. She is now killed while serving as an infantry platoon an editor of AMEX/Canada magazine and a leader with the American Division near member of the Toronto American Exiles MyLai. Association. Residence: Toronto, Canada Louise has written and spoken widely for total amnesty and real peace, and has testified in favor of amnesty before Sena tor Edward Kennedy's Committee of the Judiciary. She and her husband also joined former Attorney General Ramsey Clark in supporting arguments for unconditional amnesty on the nationally televised pro Steve Grossman gram, "The Advocates", as well.as appear While serving in the Peace Corps in Malay ing on a number of other broadcasts. sia from 1967 to 1970, Steve discovered Residence: Bronxville, N.Y. first-hand that the U.S. foreign policy in Asia was to support dictatorships and The following speakers can be scheduled suppress freedom movements. He decided through the Toronto American Exiles As he could not be a„part of it, and after sociation, c/o AMEX/Canada, P.O. Box resigning from the Peace Corps he also 189 Station P, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S7, refused to be drafted. Intending to fight in Canada; phone 416-925-7211 or 924-6012. court for his right to refuse, Steve went all the way through arraignment, only decid ing this tactic would be futile when his judge turned out to be the notorious Julius Hoffman. He spin foi Canada In i(>72. where he is now ,m edltoi ol the exile Journal, IMEX/i anada, and .i membei ol t berk Stimai the Toionlo Anient an I s il. \ ilion Ibe son oi .m Immigrant (Yugoslavian) win! I.imilv in Detroit, < bailie's lbs Indictment w.i^ dismissed last fall iftei lion lo ibe I S wai in turned to the I ticaily refuse I ord Indochina has always been connected to on liti- job oi communlt) organizing. While and take Ins use lo |h< siiii m high school m 1967, in- worked to spoke m ipport Ol .m» build the enormousl) morator and pei.i durini • whirlwind loui ol M da) s ium igalnsl the wai thai yeer. In the Resld i i .Kb following ihn he helped organize Kerry Gershowitz ople m the Detroit ghetto, and While she and her draft-resister husband students -it We)ne Stat -. \i ibe Gerald have been boycotting Ford's puni end of 1970 in-, student deferment was tive "clemency" program, Kerry spent time withdrawn, .md Charlie wem to live last fall speaking on the war and amnesty "underground" on ,i firm m northern in their home state of Texas. There she was Mim ' i wem to Canada two able to reach people who were previously latei so thai in- could be more opinis opposed to or ignorant about amnesty. She active ii - m u ditoi ol n// \ < a won many unlikely supporters because of nada .mil a mcmbci ol the [OrOntO her compelling political and personal American i KJ]I \ Hon. Hi la also a arguments. Kerry graduated from high membei ol the United Auto Workers uni school in 1967, got married later that year, was .i local slew.ml until l.niloll in early and the next summer moved" with Gerald 1975. Ihe Indictment against bun loi draft to Toronto where she has worked as clerk resistance was recently disn .ml he and bookkeeper. She is presently active Evangeline Mix now plans to woik lull-time speaking for with the exile journal AMEX/Canada, and In the Peace Corps in amnest) ami to audiences of a member of the Toronto American Exiles Malaysia from 1967 to 1970, Evangeline organized workers m the United states. Association. developed a keen solidarity with Asian Charles is married to lenn) Stlmac and Residence: Toronto, Canada peoples. This led her to oppose U.S. the) have two . Inl.li i|d mil au Infant. STAFF PERSON NEEDED NCUUA needs phone 212-688-8097. We are looking for Realdi i a competent, creative and committed per someone to start by either the first of May son to work full-time in the national office. or first of June. lers to Preferably this person would have some i to 1,-ml a hand in our experience in the amnesty movement or in VOLUNTEERS WANTED The amnest) main luffing envelopes, the war resistance movement. Skills in movement is a people's movement, which ml all the rest. either publicity and writing, or counseling, means we live on volunteers. This tSSUml) ( ont ! (.88-8097, or are needed. Call or write NCUUA, 235 E. true fbt your local amnesty group, but up i<> ihr office at 235 East 49th 49th St., 11 til floor, NYC NY 10017. also line |t the national office in New > oik, N.Y. Should he get 10 years for saving kids from napalm? In 1970, Alvin Glatkowski was a civilian Army deserter finally getting away. Glat- crew member on the SS Columbia Eagle. In kowski's unsuccessful escape attempts left February, the Columbia Eagle steamed out him in poor health, and finally, almost a of Long Beach harbor and headed for year after the hijacking, he found himself Thailand with a cargo of napalm. on a plane with federal officers headed for On March 14, Glatkowski and another the United States. civilian crew member, Clyde McKay, seized Back in the U.S. he pleaded guilty to the Columbia Eagle. Holding the captain two charges at the urging of his attorney, and chief mate at gunpoint, Glatkowski who encouraged him to plea bargain. Glat and McKay announced that they were kowski was then sent to the Federal seizing the vessel because the napalm was Correctional Institute in Lompoc, Califor to be used for an unlawful war. Ordering a nia, to serve a ten-year sentence. A Glat core of crew members to stay aboard, they kowski Defense Committee has recently instructed the captain to signal to abandon Alvin Glatkowski been formed, whose address is: ship. The lifeboats were lowered, and the and this persuaded their "escorts" to turn Columbia Eagle resumed at full speed. away. c/o WAW/WSO, 1421 State Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101; phone The mutineers then broadcast pleas for Soon after Glatkowski, McKay and the 805-963-9119. political asylum. Their message eventually Eagle arrived in Cambodia, the Sihanouk The movement for universal and uncon got to Prince Norodom Sihanouk, who was government was overthrown in a CIA-direc then chief of state in Cambodia. Sihanouk ditional amnesty demands that all people ted coup, and eventualby replaced with the who resisted the war in any way be granted relayed his affirmation that they were pro-U.S. Lon Nol regime. As a result, exiles welcome in Cambodia. amnesty. It is a struggle to legitimize such as Glatkowski and McKay were placed people's actions against the war. This in En route to Sihanoukville (Kompong under house arrest. Their attempts to cludes Alvin Glatkowski. Som), they spotted ships following them denounce their citizenship and seek passage and were approached several times by a to another country were denied. (Alvin Glatkowski's address is 10096-116, U.S. reconnaissance plane. The mutineers During the next year, several escape Ol, K-Unit, PO "W", Lompoc, California threatened to blow up the Columbia Eagle attempts were made, with McKay and an 93436) NCUUA to hold congressional briefing on amnesty SUPPORT FROM EUROPE Some people think amnesty only con by Irma Zigas, NCUUA Coordinator cerns Americans. Jean-Paul Sartre thinks On April 15, 1975, NCUUA will hold a in Sweden (Americans For Amnesty). differently. Following is an excerpt from Congressional briefing on universal, uncon *Joseph Urgo, veteran of one year in his recent letter on the subject: ditional amnesty for members of the 94th Vietnam, and NCUUA staff person. An act docs not lack political signifi Congress. Representative Tom Harkin of *Irma Zigas, NCUUA Coordinator cance just because it is not articulately Iowa and five other freshman congresspeo- This briefing will be especially impor expressed in wonts: these men opposed ple have co-signed a "Dear Colleague" tant in light of the fact that the Clemency an imperialist army that was bringing letter which was circulated to the 91 newly Program has expired, and in the same week war to another continent. Amnesty can elected representatives inviting them to as the briefing, Rep. Robert Kastenmeier is not thus he limited and granted case-by- attend the briefing. holding hearings in a subcommittee of the case. The only just amnesty must be Barry Lynn of the United Church of House Judiciary Committee. The hearings unconditional (no alternative service) Christ and Duane Shank of the National will be a review of the Clemency program. and universal. This is a political prob Interreligious Service Board for Conscien Witnesses who will testify include Charles lem. The intention is ohviously not lo tious Objectors, will be doing the overall Goodell. and representatives of the Depart demoralize the army, but to recognize presentation. The following people will be ments of Defense and Justice, and the the citizen's right not to obey an unjust present to act as resource people and to Selective Service System. order, and further, not to participate in answer questions: It is entirely possible that Senators an imperialist war. And we, the people *Gerry Condon, former Green Beret, who Gaylord Nelson and Jacob Javits will testi of Europe, have the right to call for this refused orders to Vietnam (Toronto Ameri fy, too. They have introduced in the amnesty as a sign that your government can Exiles Association). Senate, S1290, "a bill to reorganize the has no intention of someday involving *Walter Collins, draft résister who spent 16 clemency board". This bill, if passed, us in an unjustifiable war months in prison, and director of the would have Congress legislating the contin THANK YOU! This issue of Amnesty Southern Conference Educational Fund. uation of the Clemency program. Update does not contain the usual "busi *Pat Simon, whose son died in Vietnam There is a danger that the Kastenmeier ness reply" envelope for your contribu combat in 1968, and who is director of subcommittee would draft a House version tions, because we have asked most of you Gold Star Parents for Amnesty. of S1290 as a result of the hearings. Letters for money at least twice since Christmas— •Colonel Ed Miller (USMC-Ret.), former should be written to Rep. Kastenmeier and some of you more often than that. Let POW who spent 5Vi years in prison in (D.-Wis.), Rep. Drinan (D.-Mass.), Rep. us take this opportunity to thank those of North Vietnam. Badillo (D.-N.Y.), Rep. Pattison (D.N.Y.), you who have contributed for your genero *Henry Schwarzschild, Director of the urging them not to consider writing such sity. It is your contributions which keep us ACLU Project on Amnesty. legislation. Passage of a bill to extend the going. To those who haven't yet made a *Rowena Whitmore, whose son was woun Clemency program would only serve to donation, please don't get the idea we ded in Vietnam combat and is now exiled deflect support for total amnesty. don't need it! 7 CLEMENCY END.../'continued....) in the United States, or even to use the vigorously oppose the passage of this bill, employers are bound to discriminate. To period for organizing. In fact, one amnesty through full use of all our various means. win this prize, a veteran must submit to lobbyist in Washington, D.C, feels that This should be an all-out effort. alternate service. because of the latter possibility, this provi sion will be stricken from the bill. FREE LEGAL HELP OPPOSE NELSOlM-JAVITS BILL! Congressional specialists think that the Nelson-Javits-Goodell bill has an excellent NCUUA and its affiliates-CCCO, the Given the failure of the "clemency" chance of passing in the Senate and that ACLU and counseling groups in exile—con program, one would expect the govern tinue to offer free legal help and counseling ment to let it die. But chairman Goodell quite possibly it will find enough support to all war resisters who need or want it. We and other members of the Clemency Board in the House to become law. This would be believe there are still many draft cases that have drafted a new clemency bill which has a setback for the amnesty movement. Not should be dismissed, or can be won in been introduced in the Senate by Gaylord only would it lay the amnesty issue to rest court. Deserters can have their files Nelson (D. Mich.) and Jacob Javits (R. in Congress, but many Americans would checked for flaws leading to an Honorable N.Y.). The bill would in essence revive the think the issue was resolved. This, of Discharge—or obtain an Undesirable Dis clemency program and continue it indefin course, was the intention of the first charge without any alternate service obliga itely. It would also make some minor "earned re-entry" program, but it actually tion. People who want counseling should changes—some of which are merely cosmet backfired on the government, raising the contact NCUUA for referral to the appro ic, and others which would have a practical amnesty struggle to a higher level. But this priate counselor. benefit for some. would be less likely to happen with the It is in this way that NCUUA intends to For purposes of streamlining and unifor new program. continue our campaign for a real amnesty mity, the whole program would be under If we wish to continue to build support and real peace in Indochina. the jurisdiction of the Clemency Board. and pressure for a.real amnesty we must Exiles could return to the U.S. and investi gate the program without fear of prosecu NO MORE VIETNAM-TYPE WARS! (Continued from page 1) tion; they could return unhindered to the In the meantime, President Ford contin resisters?). country from which they came. Further ues to push for further military aid for the But however the leaders of government more, all war resisters in exile would be beleaguered governments in Phnom Penh and industry manage to ileal with their given a 30-day non-immigrant visa at least and Saigon, while blaming Congress for the defeat in Indochina, the American people once a year to allow for visits to the U.S. recent defeats in Indochina. The time for have clearly rejected a policy which killed There would be a procedure by which placing the blame for the Indochina deba and maimed millions of Indochinese and exiles who have given up their U.S. citizen cle has come. But do the warmakers really hundreds of thousands of Americans. They ship could petition for its restoration. And want to risk such a debate? President Ford, realize now that the war was nevei in their there would be no loyalty oaths. The Senate majority leader Mike Mansfield and interest or in the interest of ibe Indochi Board could give either Clemency, General columnist James Reston have all called for nese peoples. Of those who oppose the war or Honorable Discharges. The question of a halt to recriminations. Mansfield has policy, however, many tlo not yet realize veterans' benefits would be decided on a called for a "bi-partisan re-assessment" of the level of criminality which II represents. case-by-case basis. U.S. foreign policy, suggesting that it is a If they ditl, they would iecogiu/e the The most attractive part of the bill is bit out of date. But Ford, once he con correctness ol resisting tuen an unjust w.u. aimed at exiles, who have been in the cedes the total "loss" of South Vietnam, and then- would be .111 e.pi.ills unpiessive vanguard of the "clemency" boycott. It seems more likely to go along with Res- majorit) oi American people In support of might be hard for exiles to turn their noses ton's suggestion: let's blame the whole a universal and iiiicoiitiiiion.il amnest) I he up at a chance to visit old and new friends mess on Thieu (and perhaps the w.n amnest) movement's work is mi out foi It.
national council for universal and unconditional amnesty 235 east 49th street, 11th floor new york, n.y. 10017 u.s.a.
FORWARD 1 Berlin **5
FIRST CLASS o bimonthly pubücoton of the notbnol council fa universal and NCUUA unconditional amnesty
summer 1975 AMNESTY UPDATE the national amnesty newsletter issue no. 6 and Mrs. Nelle Reilly of Amnesty For Americans (AFA), Gar Mac Arthur of the Greenwich Village Independent Democrats A NDRE W DA VIS FREED Amnesty Committee, and Dee Knight of NCUUA. b) Dee Charles Knight letters and petitions demanding his free Mrs. Stewart also spoke at the African When Rosalie Stewart heard the news dom and an unconditional pardon. Liberation Day rally on May 24 in Harlem, on May 30 that her son, Andrew Davis, was Delegates with Mrs. Stewart included while Andrew's lawyer, Conrad Lynn, really coming out ol |aJJ that day, she said Mr. A. Reid of the Fight Back organization raised the case at the ALD rally in Boston. she was the happiest mother in the world. of black and Puerto Rican construction It was a well won victory for Mrs. Stewart, workers in New York City, Don Dawson (Continued on page 5) her son, NCUUA, and the other people who had come to Iben support. Andrew was released on a 30-day furlough, pending a final decision by the Clemency Ho.ml lo accept his application for clemency. His lawyer, black liberation- ist Conrad Lynn. leys be does not believe the Boa ni BU refuse jurisdiction after ordering bis luiloiigli from prison. "But ultimately it will be a political decision, not a legal MM " Lynn said, "and continued public MBpotl fol Andrew is the key." 32-year-old Amliew was |a0ed on Apnl 10 when he returned lo the United Slates after five years' exile. He went directly to the U.S. Attorney Im tin- I astern District of New York in Brooklyn, without so much as checking with a lawyer or a counseloi lu-, .m,e he thought he was still eligible Im ilcnu-mv. even though lie was Photo: Art Zigas ten days late. He had called the U.S. Consulate in THE ' WAR IS O VER 'RALL Y Toronto before the end of the program, and was told he could return and get Amnesty was "The Issue", as the New Medical Aid for Vietnam. clemency any time, since he'd already been York Times said, of "The War is Over" The turnout was very heartening and convicted and sentenced to three years for rally, May 11 in New York's Central Park. the spirit of the day very upbeat. Crowd refusing induction. The NCUUA/AFA booth was a center of estimates ran as high as 75,000. Richie In addition to opposing the U.S. war in much activity: fund-raising, a petition Havens, Odetta, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, Indochina, Andrew claimed the make-up of drive, and one-to-one education by mem Phil Ochs and Paul Simon were among the his lily-white draft board was racist and bers of the NCUUA/AFA staff and families entertainers and organizers. Bella Abzug unconstitutional, since it served a commun of war-re sisters. Gerry Condon interrupted spoke, as did Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman of ity—Jamaica, Queens, N.Y.—that is one- his tour of the South to return to New Brooklyn whose 3-sentence speech ended third black. He also noted that a York and speak. He was introduced by with a call for "total and complete disproportionate number of blacks were in Louise Ransom of AFA. His was the key amnesty". the military, especially at the front lines, in speech on amnesty. James Houghton of The enthusiastic turnout for an event relation to their percentage of the U.S. Fight Back and a long time leader of the that was organized on ten days notice is a population. black working class spoke on the relation hopeful sign for the amnesty movement Andrew's incarceration attracted con of the war to unemployment and hardship and the effort to keep alive the movement siderable publicity after NCUUA mounted in this country. David Dellinger spoke for a non-aggressive foreign policy. a campaign to free him. Mrs. Stewart and a about the reorientation of U.S. foreign The Central Park rally was a reminder of delegation of supporters visited the Clem policy. Reconstruction in Indochina was how important it is to organize events ency Board in Washington two days before another major issue and funds collected around the issue of amnesty .. . now. Andrew was released, and presented 1,000 from button and poster sales went to GERRY CONDON COMPLETES NATIONAL TOUR Government Dodges Confrontation do you?", asked one young man. "They by Gerry Condon sent 'em to Detroit," responded another. I left those classes confident that those Six years ago last March I was sentenced students would resist imperialist war. by an Army Court Martial to ten years For one month I toured the South. I'd imprisonment at hard labor and a Dishon never been there before except for a few orable Discharge. That's what happened in assorted Army bases and towns. I found 1969 when a Green Beret refused orders to the generalizations about Southern hospi go to Vietnam. But, I fled the country to tality and friendliness to be true, the Canada and Sweden. In early June I generalizations about Southern reaction completed a four month national speaking aries to be false. Some areas were quite tour which has taken me to about 50 conservative, and I took a fair amount of American cities. I am still a fugitive from flack on a few radio talk shows down American injustice. My jail sentence has there. But there exists a broad cross-section been reduced to two years and my Dis of opinion in the South as elsewhere in the honorable Discharge has been reduced to country. And many very progressive folk. a Bad Conduct Discharge. But I am free! Racism and police murders in the Black The authorities have not moved against community are common all over the me. The people granted me amnesty. country. On a people to people level, My return from exile at the end of blacks and whites seem to get along better January was a highly organized tactic to in the South than anywhere I've seen. dramatically reject President Ford's "sham- I was frequently approached by veterans Photo: Art Zigas GERRY CONDON SPEAKS AT nesty" and challenge the government to of both World Wars, the Korean War and "END OF WAR" RALLY arrest a war résister who had the active the Indochina War. They offered me support of the whole amnesty movement. deeply felt support and encouragement. I how rapidly the Thieu government and But the government is on the defensive. told a group in Rochester, New York that army crumbled before advancing liberation Although the FBI has stepped up efforts to some active duty "lifer" marines had called forces. apprehend war resisters since the end of into a radio talk show in Philadelphia to FBI REFUSED TO ARREST GERRY the "earned re-entry" program, it has done tell me they didn't think I should get so on the sly. veterans benefits. A short, burly man told FBI agents have been spotted by local The massive public support for the me later: If you ever talk to any marines activists at public meetings where I have vindictive war mongering over the Maya- again, tell them you know a man who spoken, and I have been followed by guez incident lends a note of sobriety to served 25 years in the Corps and he military intelligence agents. The Army my generally favorable report on what I supports you one hundred percent. wanted to have me arrested at Tougaloo have seen around the U.S. This might have I kept running into ex-Green Berets. U., an all-Black college in Jackson, been the beginning of another war. I am all One I met near Boston was typical. He'd Mississippi, my first scheduled stop in the the more aware now that I have spoken been to Nam and wished he hadn't. He was South. But the FBI refused to cooperate. mostly to a selected sample of Americans. in touch with almost every guy who'd been They had orders not to pick me up. Most of the people who come to hear me in his unit, and they all were now opposed Eventually, the Army concurred with that speak have been actively opposed to the to the war enough to believe there should judgment. Indochina War for a long time, and be total amnesty. My case was given special consideration continue to be involved with progressive A subcommittee of the House Judiciary by the General Counsel of the Department causes. But while it's clearly a mistake to Committee held hearings on the "clemen of the Army at the Pentagon. Since then make sweeping general conclusions about cy" program, and knowing full well I was a my name has been removed from the the American consciousness, positive fugitive, they invited me to testify. Colonel national computerized list of fugitives, and change I an be very clearly noted. Ed Miller (ret.), the highest ranking Marine the Army's legal department has recom The all-Black high school and college Corps POW, testified along with me, very mended that my jail sentence be dropped classes I spoke to in Alabama and eloquently and credibly calling for a total, and that I be given a Bad Conduct ippi. ii-spoutled very well when I no-strings amnesty, and arguing against any Discharge. This action has not yet been pointed mil that the essence of the demand kind of case-by-case review. finally approved or executed, so I am si ill for amnesty is the right and necessity to When I was introduced to the 50,000 liable to arrest. And I certainly have no resist rich men's w.us m the future. I people in New York's Central Park intention of quietly accepting a less-than- mentioned bllltles foi future celebrating the end of the war, they honorable discharge. Ainei .ne students expressed honored all war resisters with a standing The authorities are clearly trying outra i told them thai the U.S. was ovation-clapping, cheering, peace signs, avoid a public confrontation over the likely to give military tupped lo the e/hite, and clenched fists. Most of these people amnesty issue. If they don't feel they have mlnorit) aoeemment In South Africa had actively opposed the war, I imagine. enough public support to put me in jail. when ibe Black majori!) met up against Hut nobody actively supports it any more. they should immediately grant total then tyrana) and lon't How COUld they? The last holdouts went amnesty to all war resisters and bed!) mein they'd wild B thuuigh some real changes when they saw discharged veterans. 2 VICTIMS OF 'CLEMENCY'
by Fred Adler This case came to our attention when Mary The inequities and injustices of the Ford McGrory's column about it was printed on clemency or "earned re-entry" program the front page of the Washington Star- become clearer every day. The NCUUA News, causing severe embarrassment to the office has been in touch with a number of Clemency Board. men and their families who are victims of AND MORE WAITING the program. The Andrew Davis case is one of the most dramatic though the outcome Keith and Laurie Albin lived under of that shows every hope of being a major ground in the United States for three years. victory for the amnesty movement. He did not contact his conservative Kansas family for the entire time underground. FIRED FROM ALTERNATE SERVICE When he finally did, he was surprised to find them totally behind him, so harassed Jim York, who deserted the Army in had they been by the FBI. For a long while 1969 and went into exile in Canada, Keith and Laurie held off marrying for fear returned to his hometown of Winfield, of exposing him to prosecution. For the Kansas and was accepted for the clemency same reason they decided that Laurie program in December 1974. Having gotten should bear their first child at home. It a $2.67/hr. laborer's job with the City died for lack of an emergency oxygen Parks Department in nearby Lawrence, he supply. ran into an organized campaign to have Keith was arrested in April 1973. The Photo: Art Zigas him fired. An ad-hoc citizens' group federal judge found Keith guilty of draft Bea Robbins, mother of exiled war résister, pressured the Lawrence City Commission resistance and threatened him with a three talking amnesty and collecting signatures at to fire York. When the Commission year jail sentence. But he then said that AFA/NCUUA booth during End of the refused, the case was taken on to the Keith could do two years of alternative War rally. Kansas Comprehensive Manpower Planning service instead. So Keith has been working and Services Division, who did dismiss in a hospital pharmacy in North Carolina. Changing of the Guard York. They contended that a participant in the clemency program could only take a But he doesn't like the work. He would at NCUUA job that "no one else wants" and were rather be free to work outdoors. Along came the "Clemency" program. Dee Knight and Joe Urgo, who have supported in that stand by Kansas Selective seen us through much of the hectic activity Service. The Albins didn't expect much but hoped it might provide them some relief. Two of the last nine months, have recently left Faced with this York took work with a months after applying for "clemency" they NCUUA. Dee, a former editor of AMEX sympathetic private employer and quit the had not received even an answer. Laurie, -Canada, has taken a job with Monthly clemency program. It's now unclear wheth who stays home in the Carolina country Review Press, and Joe will be devoting more of his time to the New York City er the government can or will take any side with their new baby, called the White chapter of WAW/WSO. legal action against York. But he has House and spoke to the Clemency Board decided to take this chance rather than try staffers many times. They were uncoopera We thank both of them for their his luck again at "clemency" tive and rude, giving the distinct impression dedicated service to the cause of amnesty and wish them well with their continuing that they could care less. MOTHER DIES WAITING labors for real peace and justice. Special Finally the Albins spoke out publicly thanks to Dee for his invaluable assistance David Ganger of Murray, Kentucky against the President's "shamnesty" and with this issue of Amnesty Update. spent five months in prison for draft their plight attracted NCUUA's attention. Irma Zigas and Dick Bucklin have now evasion. He was out on probation last July After intervention by Barry Lynn, of the been joined by two new staffers. Fred when his mother's doctor in Nashville United Church of Christ, on Albin's behalf, Adler, a former draft counselor with the announced that it was a "matter of life and Keith has been assigned to 3 months Resistance in Palo Alto, California, who death" for her to be near a hospital facility alternative service. Once he receives written has lived in Canada and England, will be with a cardiac unit. There was none in notice of the assignment from the Clemen Murray. But Ganger, under the terms of his working full-time in the NCUUA office. cy Board he'll be free to search for a new Gerry Condon, formerly an editor of probation, could not leave the Western job. District of Kentucky and was unable to AMEX-Canada, and still a fugitive deserter help her move. His attorney made an oral in need of amnesty, will be editing presentation before a Clemency Board Amnesty Update and will continue his panel on February 8 and was confidentially MAKE-WORK PROGRAM speaking and organizing around the told by a staff lawyer that he should be country. optimistic. Murray learned by March that To date the Presidential Clemency Board he had been recommended for uncondi has disposed of 145 cases out of the nearly AMNESTY UPDATE tional pardon and that his papers had been 20,000 which it has taken on. The size of Newsletter staff this issue: Fred Adler, Dick the Clemency Board has been doubled Bucklin, Gerry Condon, Dee Knight, Irma Zi sent to the White House. By April 13 he gas. Published bi-monthly by NCUUA, 235 E. still had no word from the Clemency from 9 to 18. The staff is estimated at 400i 49th St., 11th floor, New York, NY.10017; Board. That day his mother died. He has What are all these people doing? phone 2I2-688-8097. Subscription rate $3 a year. not yet heard from the Clemency Board. L. A. Project Warns Draft Resisters of Potential Entrapment NCUUA's Amnesty Action/Information and convicted for a violation of the Center in Los Angeles has been making a Selective Service act simply because neither careful and painstaking comparison of the defense attorney, prosecutor or judge was list of draft resisters under indictment, etc., aware that his name had been left off the furnished to Senator Kennedy in January list." of this year, with the old list furnished to The project also is aimed at notifying Kennedy in October, 1974. those individuals whose indictments have One purpose of this comparison is to been dismissed that they are now free to ascertain the identity of all individuals for surface or return from exile if they wish. whom a dismissal of charges should have Another target of the study is future been made and to force the U.S. Attorney litigation challenging the thoroughness and to dismiss charges in cases where the names good faith of approximately 100 U.S. N.J. Memorial Day parade sees amnesty were left off the new list inadvertently. Attorneys who were ordered by the car driven by war résister parents. Bill Smith, the Center's lawyer who is a Attorney General last fall to throw out all specialist in draft law, has issued an draft cases that the government could not important warning in his report on the clearly win. The California survey showed, project: "It should be understood that for instance, that while the U.S. Attorney although the Attorney General has agreed in Los Angeles dismissed 35% of the to dismiss the charges in all cases involving indictments, his counterpart in San Fran mittee's Subcommittee on Administrative individuals whose names were left off the cisco dismissed over 90% of the indict Practice and Procedure), Attorney General January list, the process is not automatic. ments. Edward Levi issued a "final list" of people Unless someone calls the error to the Different criteria and level of willingness who could be prosecuted. attention of the U.S. Attorney in question to cooperate are indicated here. This can When the final list of 4,400 men still (in the individual's local federal district), and should be challenged legally. Such facing possible prosecution was released, the dismissal does not occur. arbitrariness is virtually inevitable in such a the amnesty movement was assured by the "Thus, it would be theoretically pos case-by-case legalistic approach to the mass Justice Department, by way of Senator sible for a person to be apprehended, tried problem of amnesty. Kennedy, that, apart from cases of late or non-registration, men left off the final list CATCH-22 would not be prosecuted. Many of these men are Canadian citizens and a good by Fred Adler him that the alternative of removal of the case to New Jersey, where his draft board number of Canadian citizens have, in fact, David Zimmerman has lived in exile in had been and the indictment was outstand been processed through the clemency Toronto since 1965. He was not on the ing, would result in a severe sentence. program. However, there is a provision of "final list" of men liable for prosecution When David was released on a $2,000 the immigration law which allows for the for draft violation issued by the Justice bond, three days after his arrest, the U.S. exclusion of aliens who have left the Department this February. But when Attorney and court appointed attorney country to "avoid military service". The Zimmerman, wishing to enter the U.S., drove him into Canada. While driving they fact of having taken Canadian citizenship presented himself to border officials at the plied him with liquor, David told us, and does not of course in any way establish Thousand Islands border crossing between they tried to talk him into entering the that a person has left the U.S. to avoid Ontario and New York he was arrested and guilty plea. As before, he refused. David service. thrown in jail. was never read a deportation order, but Attorney General Levi's instuctions to Zimmerman was charged with "failure was given no choice as to his destination all U.S. Attorneys in his February 27 to report" for induction into the Army. upon release. memo include the following: "Dismiss Apparently an indictment had been out When the "Clemency" program began draft evasion indictments covered by the standing since 1967. When contacted, the last September, the Justice Department for clemency program against all individuals Assistant U.S. Attorney foF New Jersey, the "first time released a list compiled from whose names were not submitted to the Stephen Mills, explained that he had not U.S. Attorneys all around the country of department in accordance with the depart turned David's name over to the Justice men who had outstanding indictments mental instruction of December 20, 1974." Department for inclusion on the list against them for draft violations. Many Attorney General Levi's letter to Senator because David was a Canadian citizen, draft resisters found that they had never Kennedy states that, "The list is final therefore excludable as an alien and been indicted and need not worry about except with respect to individuals subject ineligible for the "clemency" program. But prosecution. to criminal prosecution for late or David had not been excluded; he had been The 6,200 men on the list were eligible non-registration". arrested for draft violation. for "clemency", but it was not clear if any The legal question in this case is During his time in jail David was other men, not on the list, would still be whether the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey repeatedly pressured by the sheriff, the subject to prosecution on charges of is obliged to follow the instruction of the U.S. magistrate, the local U.S. Attorney violating the draft law. On February 27, Attorney General. A broader question is and by his own court-appointed attorney after sustained pressure from forces within whether former U.S. citizens with no to plead guilty and accept the sentence of a the amnesty movement, and from Senator outstanding indictments against them can New York court which they assured him Edward Kennedy (in his capacity as be arbitrarily excluded from the country of would be "light". They wished to convince Chairperson of the Senate Judiciary Com- their birth. 4 Employment Problems of War Resisters résister are: to lie and get a job or to be honest and remain unemployed. The by Ron Blackwell York City. Who could possibly fail to situation is not likely to change for draft Apart from the loss of time spent understand why someone would choose to resisters unless and until their records are in prison and the suspension of various civil go to prison rather than fight in such a cleared by a universal and unconditional rights, the heaviest penalty suffered by the war? I was initially very straightforward amnesty. convicted draft résister is surely his about my prison experience and the inability to find employment once he is reasons for it. I learned very rapidly that released. Jobs are scarce today for such honesty carried a heavy price. Not everyone but the situation of the convicted only did I find it impossible to find a job felon is especially difficult. Regardness of but after two months of intensive searching Andrew Davis...(from page 1) the phase of the business cycle—boom or I had not managed to arrange a single bust—there are no jobs for those with interview. Dennis Harney, the union steward at the criminal records. The resistance of employers to me was Brooklyn welfare center where Andrew Before serving a three-year sentence for not, I learned, my anti-war opinions, but worked for several years before his exile, "failure to submit for induction," I was an my criminal record. The offense itself was gathered over 125 signatures from the economic analyst for a large private of little importance to them just as was the welfare workers at the center, demanding research firm. I chose to refuse induction fact that I had pleaded "nolo contendere". Andrew's release and an unconditional feeling that if such resistance became Conversations with my parole office, the pardon. sufficiently widespread it would become federal employment officer and various Andrew's two younger sisters, Kathy very difficult for the government to organizations doing research into employ and Linda Stewart, circulated many leaflets continue to prosecute its imperialist war in ment difficulties of convicted felons and gathered petition signatures for their Southeast Asia. In making the decision to convinced me that there was nothing brother at the "War Is Over" rally in New resist I anticipated most of the personal unusual about my problem. They were all York's Central Park on Mothers Day (May costs of such a decision. I expected that it in fact amazed that I should expect 11). would be difficult for me to adapt to anything different. At his victory celebration June 6 at the prison life and, to a certain extent, it was. I "If you want a job, lie", advised my Fight Back headquarters in Harlem, An recognized the difficulties I would have parole officer, "You may be fired if they drew told his happy supporters that the once released in re-establishing my rights to discover that you have falsified an ahility of blacks and whites to work vote, to obtain a passport, driver's license, application but one thing is sure: you together for his release was the key to our and professional licenses. What I did not won't get a job if you don't". success. He asked all present to continue sufficiently consider was how difficult it As things turned out I did get a job pressuring the government for his uncon would be for me to find a job. (without lying) as a treasurer of a small ditional pardon, and for total amnesty for I was paroled after serving two years non-profit research organization. But I all war resisters. "If we win this," he said, and released from prison without a job. recognize this as a very atypical situation; "my time in jail will not have been in Normally paroled prisoners are expected to the realistic options for the convicted draft vain." obtain employment before release, but I was considered to have "marketable skills" and was therefore exempt from the rule. I expected only minor difficulties. After all I was a doctoral candidate in economics with good work experience and many contacts in the university, in business, and in non-profit organizations. Besides, the Viet nam War was a very unpopular war, especially in 1972 and especially in New
MORE CHURCH SUPPORT FOR AMNESTY
The leaders of three historic peace churches wrote a joint letter to President Ford in May, calling on him to "take the initiative in granting amnesty to United States citizens still alienated from their nation because of their opposition to the Vietnam War." The American Friends Service Commi- tee, the Mennonite Central Committee 4' and the Church of the Brethren are tra ditional pacifist churches. *+* The General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., meeting in Photo: Art Zigas Cincinnati, Ohio in May, also urged am 5,000 signatures were collectedy by NCUUA/AFA workers at the End of the War nesty "in a spirit of reconciliation". Rally. Irma Zigas wore her UUA T-shirt. AMNESTY FOR VETS AND GIs- DEMAh The amnesty movement has maintained manipulation and harassment and go from early on that a real amnesty—one that before a kangaroo court, which convicts is universal as well as unconditional—must over 90% of military defendants. It is not necessarily grant honorable discharges to until later that he discovers the level of and full veterans benefits for the 640,000 discrimination for which he has been vets who were punished with less than marked. Even though his offense (or honorable discharges during the Indochina non-offense) would not be considered a War. This astounding number of punitive crime in civilian life, he is not only denied discharges must be seen within the context veterans benefits, but is given a life of widespread anti-war resistance in the sentence of discrimination on the job military, increasing repression by the market. Or* "brass" and a general breakdown of Why is such a discharge system neces P6ÏÏSJBQ morale. sary? "It is a repressive measure," accord Many soldiers received "bad papers" not ing to Evangeline Mix (Amex, Nov/Dec because of direct resistance to the war, but '74), "used within the military to stop all rather rebellion against the racism and activity which runs contrary to the rules repression they encountered in the service. and regulations of the military, no matter It is therefore hardly surprising to find that how feudal these rules may be or how many Blacks, Chicanos, and Puerto Ricans, who people protest against them and call foi were forced to do more than their "fan- change. More important, it is a way by share" of the fighting and dying in which the military helps industry by rapped and replaced by a Vietnam, have also been awarded a highly weeding out people who will be 'IIIHICMI Single-Type Discharge, retroactive and into disproportionate percentage of the less able' as workers, in order to keep the the future. The military should not be than honorable discharges. whole system running smoothly and allowed to label vets for the rest of their An amnesty which included case-by-case efficiently." lives. To demand universal, unconditional review of military offenses would not only Presently, a veteran branded with a bad amnesty is to struggle for the democratic be impractical and unworkable, it would discharge has only one possible remedy: a right of all people to resist unjust, illegal also deny the class and race discrimination lengthy legal and bureaucratic procedure wars. Therefore, we must abolish a inherent in the draft and military struc known as discharge upgrading. But only discharge system which punishes people for tures, and legitimize the discharge system about 15% of those who apply for a lifetime for exercising that essential itself. upgrading get it. NCUUA is in touch with human right. There are now five different classifica counsellors and lawyers who will assist tions of discharge besides honorable: two interested vets. But these people know Moves to Cut GI Benefits which are given as a result of court martial better than anyone that this is too massive (Bad Conduct, Dishonorable), and three a problem to be effectively solved on a case-by-case basis. In a May 7th Presidential Proclamation, which are given out "administratively" Jerry Ford declared that the Vietnam era In our fight for unconditional amnesty (General, Undesirable, and "Clemency"). had ended. Under his authority as Presi for all war resisters, we must demand the Over 90% of the bad discharges have been dent, he called a halt to special wartime GI upgrading of all Vietnam-era less than "administrative." They do not result from benefits such as burial allowances and honorable discharges to Honorable ones. a judicial proceeding, and even though a death pensions. More important, we must join progressive soldier has the right to refuse such a He also presented Congress with a disposition and demand a court martial, he veterans and GI organizations who are demanding that the discharge classification legislative proposal which would deny GI is not likely to submit to more military educational benefits (GI Bill) to persons who enlist in the military after July 1st of What's So Bad About a Bad Discharge? this year. This move will likely run into stiff oppostition in Congress where one of "There can be no doubt that (an inquired into an ex-serviceman's type of many opponents is Senator Vance Hartke undesirable) discharge ... is punitive in discharge. While 60.1% accepted the (D-Ind), Chairman of the Senate Veterans nature, since it stigmatizes the serviceman's individual's word of the discharge, one- Affairs Committee. The head of the reputation, impedes his ability to gain third required the actual discharge certifi parallel body in the House is also opposed, employment and is in life, if not in law, cate and 6% made an actual inquiry to the as are many (if not all) veterans organiza prima facie evidence against the service military. tions. man's character, patriotism or loyalty." Employers' discrimination against the In December of last year, the Congress (Stapp vs. Ressor, 314 F. Supp. 475,478 discharges went according to the severity overruled President Ford's veto of a bill (S.D.N.Y. 1970) of the discharge: 77% Were "influenced" providing a 22.7% increase in educational The judicial opinion rendered above is by a Dishonorable Discharge; 75% by a Bad benefits for Vietnam era veterans. Despite specifically supported by a study under Conduct Discharge; 69% by an Undesirable Ford's opposition, the basic monthly taken by Army Major Bradley K. Jones and Discharge; and 51% by a General Dis allowance was raised from $220 to $270 published in the Military Law Review (Vol. charge. In terms of automatic rejection, for single veterans, and higher for veterans 59, Winter 1973). He surveyed employers, 34% of applicants were rejected with a with dependents. Special educational bene educators, and professional licensing au Dishonorable Discharge; 27% with a Bad fits have been available to veterans thorities to determine how they react to Conduct; 20% with an Undesirable; and 8% continuously since 1947, when Congress less than honorable discharges. 65.6% with a General Discharge. passed the GI Bill. ETS AND GIs — DEMAND A SINGLE-TYPE DISC, harassment and go ourt, which convicts defendants. It is not liscovers the level of SPN-SDN- which he has been igh his offense (or not be considered a he is not only denied Even vets with H< )ut is given a life labelled by the mili ination on the job ious SPN (Special aw 8LT UMT ABOUT which were renamei icharge system neces- AMucsry roe m$? and are now called S ive measure," accord- Number) codes. Bel lix (Amex, Nov/Dec the SPN was writtei papers. Now a vet ca îe military to stop all to Washington, an contrary to the rules "whited out." This 1 le military, no matter there's something th may be or how many «**.*•% the vet, and a call o st them and call foi will get the inforn tant, it is a way by brass decided it wou helps industry by system be scrapped and replaced by a issue new dischar who will he 'nndesir- Single-Type Discharge, retroactive and into Bad Discharge characterizing code i order to keep the the future. The military should not be besides, large corpo ning smoothly and allowed to label vets for the rest of their date the service. lives. To demand universal, unconditional Ratio Highest Ever n branded with a bad amnesty is to struggle for the democratic le possible remedy: a right of all people to resist unjust, illegal Official Pentagon statistics publicly ireaucratic procedure wars. Therefore, we must abolish a released by Congressperson Les Aspin upgrading. But only discharge system which punishes people for (D-WIS) show that last year, for the first jse who apply for a lifetime for exercising that essential time in the 25 years that such records have THIS ES UUA is in touch with human right. been kept, Honorable Discharges fell below AGAINST yers who will assist the 90% level. 77,420 servicemen and these people know Moves to Cut GI Benefits women, or 11.25% of all military dis DISCHARC hat this is too massive chargees, were branded with less-than- fectively solved on a In a May 7th Presidential Proclamation, honorable discharges. HIRING P( Jerry Ford declared that the Vietnam era The figures showed that a Marine has a nconditional amnesty had ended. Under his authority as Presi 17% chance of receiving a bad discharge; an we must demand the dent, he called a halt to special wartime GI Army GI has a 16% chance; about 10% of ietnam-era less than benefits such as burial allowances and the Navy's sailors receive "bad papers"; to Honorable ones, death pensions. and fewer than 4% of the Air Force's must join progressive He also presented Congress with a dischargees get less-than-honorable dis PE ganizations who are legislative proposal which would deny GI charges. lischarge classification educational benefits (GI Bill) to persons If we are to win z who enlist in the military after July 1st of be forced to recogni; large? this year. This move will likely run into against war resisters stiff oppostition in Congress where one of Racism in the Army ??? "people's amnesty", need it. serviceman's type of many opponents is Senator Vance Hartke 3.1% accepted the (D-Ind), Chairman of the Senate Veterans Discrimination b; veterans is not somel the discharge, one- Affairs Committee. The head of the military-industrial coi tual discharge certifi- parallel body in the House is also opposed, Department of the Army statistics actual inquiry to the as are many (if not all) veterans organiza reveal that in fiscal year 1972, when black We have the clear tions. men and women comprised 17% of the this discrimination, such a campaign. An nidation against the In December of last year, the Congress Army personnel, they received 32.6% of educated about the rding to the severity overruled President Ford's veto of a bill the Dishonorable Discharges, 20.7% if the community leaders c 7o Were "influenced" providing a 22.7% increase in educational Bad Conduct Discharges (BCD), 19% of the could be generated charge; 75% by a Bad Undesirable Discharges, 16.9% of the benefits for Vietnam era veterans. Despite system. This would ?% by an Undesirable General Discharges; and only 11.8% of the Ford's opposition, the basic monthly attempts to pass itse Honorable Discharges. In fiscal year 1971, by a General Dis- allowance was raised from $220 to $270 need it. automatic rejection, for single veterans, and higher for veterans when 14.3% of the Army were black rere rejected with a with dependents. Special educational bene people, they were awarded 27.7% of the Such a campaign ' ge; 27% with a Bad fits have been available to veterans Dishonorables, 19.3% of the BCDs, 19% of NCUUA staff encour this tactic, which she i Undesirable; and 8% continuously since 1947, when Congress the Generals, and only 11.7% of the amnesty. rge. passed the GI Bill. Honorable Discharges. DA SINGLE-TYPEDISCHARGE
SPN-SDN— **T*DischargM e Upgradin: g >» What Next? Even vets with Honorable discharges are No Solution labelled by the military—with the notor ious SPN (Special Processing Numbers), tSN BUT UMAX ABOUT which were renamed after a public furor "Adding to the burden which less-than- and are now called SDN (Special Discharge honorable discharges and adverse codes Number) codes. Before the public furor, place on affected veterans is the cumber the SPN was written on a vet's discharge some process of appeal to have discharges papers. Now a vet can send the papers back upgraded.... The process is so admini- to Washington, and the code will be strately cumbersome and has resulted in so "whited out." This tips off employers that few upgraded discharges that it can hardly there's something they should know about be considered a remedy. Only one en.**»* the vet, and a call or letter to Washington Discharge Review Board sits in Washington, will get the information. The Pentagon D.C, to judge appeals cases; it heard only brass decided it would be too expensive to 95 out of 500 appeals cases which were issue new discharge papers with no submitted to it since 1972." (from a report Bad Discharge characterizing codes to all vets. And on Vietnam Era Veterans published in besides, large corporate employers appre February 1975 by the New York City Ratio Highest Ever ciate the service. Commission on Human Rights Hearings)
Official Pentagon statistics publicly released by Congressperson Les Aspin (D-WIS) show that last year, for the first time in the 25 years that such records have THIS ESTABLISHMENT DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE been kept, Honorable Discharges fell below the 90% level. 77,420 servicemen and AGAINST VETERANS WITH LESS THAN HONORABLE women, or 11.25% of all military dis DISCHARGES, OR OTHER WAR RESISTERS, IN OUR chargees, were branded with less-than- honorable discharges. HIRING POLICY. The figures showed that a Marine has a 17% chance of receiving a bad discharge; an Army GI has a 16% chance; about 10% of the Navy's sailors receive "bad papers"; and fewer than 4% of the Air Force's dischargees get less-than-honorable dis PEOPLE'S AMNESTY charges. If we are to win amnesty, the people must grant it first, and then the government will be forced to recognize it. So in our struggle for an end to repression and discrimination against war resisters and vets with bad discharges, we must work concretely for a Racism in the Army ??? "people's amnesty". This means winning relief at the community level for those who need it. Discrimination by unions and employers against less-than-honorably discharged veterans is not something required by law. It is rather a long established practice of the Department of the Army statistics military -industrial complex. reveal that in fiscal year 1972, when black We have the clear possibility of either convincing employers or pressuring them to halt men and women comprised 17% of the this discrimination. The sample pledge card above might be a useful tool in beginning Army personnel, they received 32.6% of such a campaign. Any employer, large or small, private or public, could be approached, the Dishonorable Discharges, 20.7% if the educated about the nature of bad discharges, and asked to sign the pledge. Union and Bad Conduct Discharges (BCD), 19% of the community leaders could be asked to lend their support to the campaign, and publicity Undesirable Discharges, 16.9% of the could be generated which would educate the whole community about the discharge General Discharges; and only 11.8% of the system. This would insure that people are not fooled by any eventual legislation which Honorable Discharges. In fiscal year 1971, attempts to pass itself off as amnesty, but excludes the largest category of those who when 14.3% of the Army were black need it. people, they were awarded 27.7% of the Such a campaign would be grass roots organizing in the truest sense of the term. The Dishonorables, 19.3% of the BCDs, 19% of NCUUA staff encourages all our friends and affiliates to seriously consider implementing the Generals, and only 11.7% of the this tactic, which should reap both short and long term benefits in our struggle for total Honorable Discharges. amnesty. AMNESTY LEGISLATION BEFORE CONGRESS by Irma Zigas At the May 7 NCUUA steering com mittee meeting in New York it was deci ded that we would not endorse legislation for less than universal and unconditional amnesty. So far there is not any bill in Congress that is for total amnesty. NCUUA held a briefing on April 28 for the 91 new congresspeople, and we also testified at the recent hearings held by the Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties and Procedures. At both these sessions we pointed out the inadequacies of the existing legislation. We were asked by several Congresspeople and by Rep. Kast- cnmeier, Chairperson of the Subcommit tee, to draft the "perfect bill" and submit it to them for review. A committee has been set up to do that and we are in the Gerry Condon prepares to address Congresspeople at NCUUA briefing. Also pictured (1 to process of working up the perfect piece of r) are Irma Zigas and Joe Urgo of the NCUUA staff, Irene Wren of CCCO, Col. Ed Miller legislation. (ret.), highest ranking POW and amnesty advocate, Walter Collins of the Southern Confer Now that the war is over in Vietnam, ence Educational Fund (SCEF) and NCUUA's steering committee, and Gary Capobianco, there is definitely a new mood among the legislators in D.C. In the Senate, The former exile who returned to the U.S. and was given a Chapter 10 (Undesireable) dis National Reconciliation Act (S. 1145), charge from the Army, a better deal than he could have gotten with Ford's 'clemency'. sponsored by Philip Hart (D—MI), Mike Not pictured are Pat Simon of Gold Star Parents for Amnesty, Henry Schwarzschild of Gravel (D-AK) and George McGovern the ACLU Project on Amnesty, Barry Lynn of the United Church of Christ, and Roeaner (D-SD), now has the additional sponsorship Whitmore, mother of a black Marine deserter living in Sweden. of Mark Hatfield (R-ORE) and James Abourezk (D-SD). In the House, H.R. person who stated that they renounced For those persons amnestied, the effect 6875, sponsored by Edward Koch (D-NY), their citizenship because of disapproval of would include a restoration of all rights is the exact equivalent of the Hart bill. the war in Indochina and would waive a lost, immunity from prosecution, expunge This bill would provide an uncondi provision of the Immigration and Nation ment of all records and notations to be tional amnesty for the same classes of ality Act to allow visits by persons who made in public records where expungement people as were covered by the "earned have become foreign citizens and wish to is not possible, Honorable discharges with re-entry program, i.e., convicted and remain so. no indication of the reason for the unconvicted draft violators; and convicted, The War Resisters Exoneration Act in discharge and nullification of all other legal administratively discharged, and uncon the House (H.R. 2568) sponsored by Bella consequences. victed military absentees. Although it does Abzug (D-NY), John Conyers (D-MI), Don For offenses other than the ones not grant amnesty for other military Edwards (D-CA), Michael Harrington automatically amnestied, a five member offenses, it provides that for the govern (D-M.), Elizabeth Holtzman (D-NY), Par- Commission would be created to review all ment to prosecute other alleged violations rin Mitchell (D-MD), Benjamin Rosenthal other violations of federal, state and local of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (D-NY), and Jenry Waxman (D-CA) now laws. It is specified that the Commission (UCMJ), it must establish at trial that the has these new co-sponsors: Shirley Chis- contains at least two women, at least two offense was not reasonably related to holm (D-NY), Steve Solars (D-NY), James members of a minority group and at least objection to service in the armed forces or Scheuer (D-NY), Fred Richmond (D-NY), two persons who have not served in the was a crime of violence against property or F.H. Stark (D-CA). A similar bill with the armed forces. The Commission would have persons. Any person who is serving a term same title, H.R. 353, has been introduced the power to amnesty violations which of Reconciliation Service under the Presi by Ronald Dellums (D-CA). were motivated by opposition to the wai m dent's program would be released and be The Abzug bill would grant uncondi Indochina and which did not involve entitled to the provisions of the uncondi tional amnesty and is the closest to "significant property damage or substantial tional aiim universal of the existing legislation. It personal injury". In such cases of damage The bill would grant Honorable dis would grant automatic amnesty to all draft or injury, the Commission could also grant charges to military resisters who receive the law violators; all military offenses which amnesty if it found the action to be amnesty and would make denial of are non-violent and not criminal in a justifiable on the basis of a deeply held employment n U) Othm nvil right to a civilian context (this includes absence moral or ethical belief. The bill also person because of a violation of law for offenses, disobeying orders, insubordina contains a provision for restoration of which they were an <' meanor, tion and many others—22 Articles of the citizenship and visitation rights. punishable by law .i Uniform Code of Military Justice); and, The Dellums bill, while virtually the The law would provide t"1 mge- two sections of the criminal code relating same, does not include as many military ment of all recordl rfUtifl| ••' il«- tiding and abetting desertion and offenses in the list of those to be amnestied violation. A final pfOlMuti causing or encouraging insubordination in automatically amnestied, including them m would restore U.S. citi/<-u\lup to any the aimed Int. the section to be reviewed individually by a 8 Commission. The Vietnam Era Reconciliation Act COMING: NCUUA's "PERFECT BILL" (H.R. 7875), sponsored by Robert Kasten- To let the legislators know what we the U.S. war in Indochina. meier (D-WI), Herman Badillo (D-NY), and really want, NCUUA has asked a commit The committee's draft suggests an Robert Drinan (D-MA), has now added tee of our own to draft "the perfect Amnesty Commission which would grant James Scheuer (D-NY) and D.M. Fraser amnesty bill". The committee, consisting amnesty for any violation of law besides (D-MINN). This bill would provide am of Duane Shank, Barry Lynn, Henry the ones automatically included, if the nesty for draft violators, military absen Schwarzschild, Robert Musil and Irene infraction were shown to be the result of tees, and persons who in the military, Wren, has finished a draft which is now resistance to the draft, the military or the disobeyed a direct order "which would being circulated and discussed by the war. The onus would be on the government have led to the death of another human NCUUA steering committee and others. to prove otherwise, and if an applicant felt being". The only condition would be that The draft bill provides an unconditional that he or she didn't get fair treatment, the person submit a certificate affirming amnesty, with restoration of all rights, there would be an appeal procedure to the that the violation of law for which they immunity from prosecution and, expunge federal courts. seek amnesty was a result of their ment of records, for all violations of the Once this draft has been approved or disapproval of the military involvement of Selective Service and related laws, and for revised by our steering committee, we will the U.S. in Indochina. This draft bill also almost thirty sections of the Uniform Code see that ever/ legislator gets a copy, and contains provisions for restoration of of Military Justice. hears the opinion about it from people and citizenship and exemption from the immi Our bill would give an uncoded papers around the country. gration exclusion of visits. Honorable Discharge to every Vietnam-era It is now clear that we can win universal A bill that isn't amnesty but is related is veteran. It would restore U.S. citizenship and unconditional amnesty if we mobilize the Clemency Board Reorganization Act, to war resisters upon request and exempt for it strongly and consistently. And, we sponsored by Jacob Javits (R-NY) and aliens from exclusion provisions in the have committed ourselves to fighting for Gaylord Nelson (D-WI) in the Senate, with immigration laws if they renounced their what we really want, until we get it. a twin in the House. It's just a refurbished U.S. .citizenship because of opposition to version of the "clemency" program, and has inherited that boondoggle's opposition from the amnesty movement. LEGISLATORS VISIT EXILES Servicemen or former servicemen who apply for relief under this bill shall be War resisters in Sweden played host May Steve Kinneman of the American granted a certificate of resignation with 29 to a Congressperson and staff members Deserters Committee (ADC) in Stockholm out condition from the armed forces. of a House subcommittee which has welcomed the Congresspeople into his This certificate supercedes any less than prepared a bill calling for unconditional home, where they were joined by deserters honorable discharge which may have been amnesty. Representative G. Danielson Terry Whitmore and David Minugh. The issued earlier but it does NOT entitle the (D-CAL) was joined by Bruce Lehman and exiles informed their guests that most war applicant to VA. benefits. Tim Boggs, staff members of the House resisters in Sweden want to return to the Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on United States with unconditional amnesty. AFA REPORT Civil Liberties, Courts and the Administra The ADC recently sent a letter to tion of Justice. NCUUA stating that they opposed any Americans For Amnesty/Amnesty For The Subcommittee has drafted the legislation which calls for less than Americans has recently initiated a new "Vietnam Era Reconciliation Act" (HR universal, unconditional amnesty. "The effort to invite families of war resisters to 7875), and they wanted to hear the appearance of bills which resemble UUA is participate more fully in amnesty work. opinions of the exiles about the proposed a good indication that the amnesty Part of this program involves putting bill. It calls for unconditional amnesty for movement is having effect," the letter said. families and key contacts in touch with all draft resisters and military deserters, as The Congresspeople said they were each other and encouraging initial "get- well as GIs who refused orders which they pleased by the friendly welcome they togethers" to consider the possibility of "reasonably believed would involve the loss recieved, and added that a frank and open local amnesty work. of life." exchange of ideas took place. Also part of this program is AFA NOTES, a monthly newsletter by and for families. With an editorial board of ten families, our first issue came out in May greater regional cooperation. We welcome people to the amnesty booth where AFA and another is on its way. The newsletter all to register their opinions, comments, families and NCUUA collected over 5,000 focuses on ways in which families can raise and suggestions. signatures in favor of total amnesty. the amnesty issue locally, articles by During the week of May 26 Louise AFA is enjoying new contact with 1-2 families on the varying natures of the need Ransom, director, had a very successful families each day. Families of war resisters for amnesty, and an update on legal, speaking tour in northern Ohio. Newspaper are an essential element in clarifying to the legislative, and amnesty movement news of and media coverage were excellent. The public why universal and unconditional particular concern to families. trip was sponsored by the Akron American amnesty must be granted. If you know of AFA and NCUUA are proposing region Friends Service Committee. families not already in contct with AFA, al conferences to be held across the Louise Ransom joined Gerry Condon as please let us know! country beginning this fall through next the amnesty speakers at the May 11 th THE spring. It is projected that these confer WAR IS OVER celebration in Central Park. AMERICANS FOR AMNESTY, ences, in which families would play a Our 25-foot banner (UNIVERSAL, UN 235 E. 49th St., significant part, would increase amnesty's CONDITIONAL AMNESTY) was extreme New York, N.Y. 10017 already broad base of support and facilitate ly visible and attracted large numbers of (212) 371-7080 McGRORY QUERY SPARKS NEW AMNESTY FLURRY Editorial and Popular Pressure Tip Ford's Hand
"I was wondering if now that the war is over for everybody and we are admitting many thousands of Vietnamese, including, we are told, some young men who did not obey their country's draft laws, have you reconsidered your position on amnesty toward young Americans?" This question, asked at a May 6th presidential news conference by nationally syndicated Washington Star columnist, Mary McGrory, spurred an impressive flurry of nationwide action around the unresolved issue of amnesty. First there was Ford's answer, which New York Post columnist, James Wechsler labelled "lamentably unresponsive". The president woodenly replied that he had already initiated a program to take care of that problem, and after giving inflated figures for "clemency" takers, he said, "... I have taken, I think, a step that was right, it is a good program and I just wish that wmmjL-w i WISH JTOVVOUU) KEEP US INFORMED ON JUST WHAT HES UP TO/' more had taken advantage of it." Ford's answer was not evasive enough. Too many people in this country know of the Washington Star followed the Times on April 4 that April Fool's Day was an how unjust and ineffective "earned re by one day with a lead editorial headlined appropriate date for the end of a program entry" was; they know that only about "Unconditional Amnesty." which "fooled both those it was intended 16% of eligible war resisters participated "We have in the past opposed uncondi to benefit and the rest of the nation as and that even they are finding little if any tional amnesty and we still have some well.... relief. Critical letters, telegrams and phone problems with it; but we believe the "Not merely for cleaning the slate and calls streamed into the White House from arguments against it are over-balanced by binding up the wounds," wrote the Globe all over the United States. Almost all of the good that would flow from offering it editors, "but for reasons of justice and them called for universal and unconditional now. Leaders can talk about putting the morality and a sounder sleep at night, we amnesty. war behind us and binding up the nation's urge the Congress strongly to von- fin I And almost immediately the editorial wounds, but this never will be truly total amnesty." writers of some of the nation's largest accomplished until this issue is resolved." Amnesty editorials have not l>ccn newspapers broke their silence on the Clearly the Star does not admit the limited to big city newspapers. The failure of the "clemency" program and criminal nature of the war and the Intelligencer Journal of Lancaster, Penn called for unconditional amnesty. On May correctness of resisting it. They speak, as sylvania, called for unconditional amnesty 8th, the New York Times justified amnesty did the Times, of reconciliation and play for "expatriates", on Apnl »dth. ÜM day in the context of President Ford's call on off war resisters against the Vietnamese after the last 11 Marines were rescued from all Americans "to close ranks." refugees who are being admitted to the the roof of the Amem-m I mbassy in "The danger that full amnesty may U.S. The Star also speaks only of exiles, Saigon. absolve some whose motives were surely who constitute a relatively small minority All of this movement did nui go questionable," wrote the Times editors, "is of those in need of amnesty. Nonetheless unnoticed at the Whin HOW) Kmnors a far lesser risk than saddling the nation's their editorial is part of the writing on the that Ford summoned i fctond «nd conscience with this singular exception to wall. adviser, Melvin I.ml HUM the the spirit of the new beginning." On the WBZ-TV and radio, CBS affiliates in possibility of an unconditional amnesty opposite page, Anthony Lewis questioned Boston, went in one year from a "no program were mON M 'med in a whether indeed this talk of a "new amnesty" position to support of "condi May 15 column by nationally syndicated beginning" was just convenient rhetoric for tional amnesty" to calling for uncondi Detroit News oohUBBl I I I »rHont. the new faces with the same old policies. tional amnesty. Ford's form« press set i d mat Two Philadelphia papers, the Inquirer in a White House staff mectm» I Old had "Is there to be amnesty only for the 1 officials whose policy brought disaster to and the Evening News, called for a new briefly ponden-d ÉM KM - ;•" the Vietnamese?" he asked. improved clemency program. But they may unconditional amnesty program, lord was For the time being, the answer to that go further yet. Newsday, Long Island's troubled n<- mttMd thai mi publk was question is clearly "yes". But the snowball major paper and fifth largest in the nation, aware ol the tmtm liis ing response from representatives of the supported the "clemency" program, but ii.iih.ii.il unity th. supposed com- Establishment itself is a clear indicator that recently editorialized in favor of total passion loi Viciiumcw irlugees, and the grass roots piessure for real amnesty is amnesty. lack "I .my ical IflUMat) fitM Ml u-sisters. having its effect. The conservative editors The liberal Boston Globe pointed out Terliorst reeJgned from I Ofd'l staff last 10 fall because he opposed the unconditional flank and assuring that he will be the unconditional amnesty, our job is to make pardon of Richard Nixon without similar Republican presidential candidate. He feels people realize that a real amnesty must also 'Hisideration for those who had resisted that he'd better do something about be universal, covering all persons who were the Indochina War. But he is still privy to a disabled veterans and honorably discharged penalized for resisting the government's lot of the goings on in the inner circles of veterans before he makes any further aggressive policies in Indochina. the White House. Contacted recently by gestures to war resisters. We cannot allow draft card burners or representatives of NCUUA, he emphatical So total amnesty is probably not just veterans with less than honorable dis ly debunked speculation that Ford might around the corner. But the White House charges to be excluded. One way of act soon. Any consideration of an uncondi has revealed that they know the amnesty spreading this word is to write letters to tional amnesty program should be seen in a issue is not resolved. And there is more the editors of our local newspapers. Many "long term" sense, he said. Ford is more amnesty action in Congress than ever people read these and, as we have seen, concerned now with protecting his right before. As public pressure builds for editors (and legislators) may well respond. Government Drops Charges Against Cincinnati Activist
Six weeks before the clemency program system is discriminatory: "Young sons rich man's war, in the Middle East or South started last fall, Buddy Gray was arrested with money or political connections don't America or wherever—this time they may on charges of refusing induction, failing to get drafted. But sons of workers, sons of have to fight it themselves." report to his draft board, and "hiding out". poor parents, minority sons, sons of color He said his victory is partial so far, The U.S. attorney in Cincinnati offered do. I wouldn't cooperate with such because "there are still nearly one million clemency as an alternative to a trial, but discrimination." people facing persecution by the U.S. Buddy refused the offer and planned a He felt the government dropped the government for their opposition to the political defense campaign instead. charges because it "clearly had more to Indochina war-that includes thousands About six weeks after the end of the lose than I did by bringing me to trial," and thousands of other war resisters in the clemency program, the government and added that it's a good sign for the U.S. or forced out of the U.S., or Vietnam dropped all charges, and Buddy is free. He future because "this growing knowledge of veterans with bad discharges due to that credits this to the widespread support from the American people gives warning to the war." Vietnam veterans, religious leaders, com present U.S. rulers—if they start another munity groups, and political organizations in and around Cincinnati. "I was born and raised here in FBI Harassment Stepped Up Cincinnati," Buddy said in his victory statement, "and I live and work in All during the long years of the Vietnam leaving, "See you next year." The com Over-the-Rhine, (a neighborhood in) cen War relatives of war resisters have been ment from the family was that "the agent tral Cincinnati. The government claims subjected to visits by the FBI. These visits seemed sympathetic." they drafted me in 1971, though they did were constant and were meant to force These agents are not sympathetic. They not arrest me till August, 1974. They said I information from the unsuspecting rela are trying to milk information from people was a 'fugitive from justice', but I have tives as to the whereabouts of the war in order to find out the resisters' never tried to hide myself or my beliefs." résister, especially if they were suspected whereabouts in or out of the U.S., status of Over-the-Rhine is a poor black and of being draft or military resisters. During citizenship, places of employment, motives white Appalachian neighborhood in Cincin the six-month Clemency Program period for leaving country, present address, etc. nati. Buddy said, "My time and energy are these visits were held in abeyance, families This is harassment. committed to our community struggle for were not visited and the FBI generally It is extremely important that people be decent living conditions for all—a part in stayed in the background. aware of the fact that giving any the people's struggles going on all across Now that the Clemency Program has information whatsoever to the FBI could America and the world. It's obvious to expired, families, friends, neighbors and be extremely prejudicial to the war résister, people that know me that I have been relatives of war resisters are being subjected and could put the individual in jeopardy. anything but hiding out!" to new and increased visits from the FBI. You do not have to admit an FBI agent Prior to his arrest Buddy was subjected We have received letters telling us of the into your home. You do not have to call to months of FBI harassment. He pointed procedures used by the agents. In some him up if he leaves his card when you are to a secret Justice Department memo instances they stake out the home of a out. It is your right to refuse to answer any leaked in late 1973 which ordered the FBI family, visit neighbors whom they question questions. It is your right to say that if to give arrest priority to political activists. as to the whereabouts of the résister. In they want to speak to you, you will be glad "I began to understand the truth of the one instance the agents confronted and to arrange an appointment with your Indochina wars about seven years ago," surrounded a new arrival in the neighbor lawyer. Buddy said, "and I decided I would never hood, asking him if he was the résister and Most citizens when confronted by a go. Our O-T-R neighborhood is an demanding identification. government official, especially from the oppressed colony much like Vietnam was. In some cases the agents approach the FBI, can become frightened or intimidated. Our land, our housing, our lives are parents of the résister, asking his where We urge that you be aware of your rights. controlled by the rich class who are abouts. One parent was threatened that if Do not Ue. Be firm, you are not obligated outsiders to O-T-R. If there is any she refused to cooperate they would go to to answer any questions. If you have been "freedom fighting" for me to do, it's right her son's employer in Canada and embar subjected to such visits and need legal here, and not against oppressed peasant rass him. Another family was visited and assistance, please contact us and we will farmers 10,000 miles away." after the questions the agent said as he was provide you with legal support. Buddy added that the whole draft 11 f> AMNESTY AND THE PEACE PEACE ACTIVIST DIES; MEMORIAL GIFTS SENT TO NCUUA recriminations" translates to "let's not STAFF EDITORIAL have a national debate about our Manny Wenger, a Long Island resident Indochina War policy." Too many people and long-time advocate of peace and civil The war is over! The Vietnamese and might learn the truth. They might learn rights causes, died recently. His family Cambodian peoples have defeated the that the war was not a result of good asked friends to contribute money to peace United States and its client governments in intentions gone sour or an aberration of froups-including NCUUA-rather than Saigon and Phnom Penh. This is a policy. It was a war to protect the interests send flowers. NCUUA very much appre momentous victory for Indochina and a of the American empire. It was a war ciates these contributions and we feel that cause for great rejoicing for all Americans fought neither in the interests of the this was a fitting way to mark the end of a who opposed the war which was wrongly Indochinese nor the American people, but fine man's life. fought in our name. in the interest of that small minority which Manny is remembered as a gentle, Faced with the collapse of thirty years controls our economy and formulates soft-spoken man. During the McCarthyite of U.S. policy in Indochina, President Ford government policies. anti-communist terror of the early Fifties, and Secretary of State Kissinger have For war resisters and supporters in the he helped organize the Five Towns Forum suddenly switched to the Bicentennial amnesty movement, the war is not over in Long Island. The forum defied the days' rhetoric of national unity. They say let's until we win universal and unconditional reaction by raising progressive issues in the forget about the 56,000 GIs killed, the amnesty, and in the process help others to Five Towns community. more than 300,000 wounded, and the understand what we were forced to learn Manny is survived by his wife, Rose more than $150 billion squandered in aid. about the nature and meaning of the war. Wenger, a daughter and a son. His nephew Let's forget about anti-personnel weapons, A recent "Open letter to the American is a draft résister in exile in Canada. chemical defoliants and poisons, My Lai's, people" from AMEX-Canada and the etc. Let's look to the future greatness of Toronto American Exiles' Association America. Let's bind up the domestic (TAEA) put it this way: "The fight for KEEP US GOING! wounds caused by the war. total amnesty should not merely concern It is all too easy for war resisters to see itself with winning back our rights, but also through this phony reconciliation line. "No must be an instrument with which to drive The movement for Peace and Justice, recriminations" rings rather hollow on the home a fuller understanding of America's just like the War Machine, needs both ears of people who have been told they Thirty Years' War. In a wider sense, it is human energy and buying power in order must submit to two years of forced labor the struggle to win the right to resist to carry on the struggle. We strongly ("alternate service"), loyalty oaths and unjust, imperial wars." And the sooner we encourage you not only to participate in forget the last war, the sooner we'll be less-than-honorable v* Clemency") dis community organizing, but also to contri charges in order to "earn their way back" ready for the next... bute financially to the cause according to into American society. And the thousands NCUUA's statement of purpose calls on your ability. of civilian resisters and half million badly us to educate the American people Of course, the cause of our immediate discharged veterans who were not even concerning the structures and institutions concern is the coffers of NCUUA. Not only covered by Ford's so-called "Clemency" that created the war in Southeast Asia. are we broke, we are substantially in debt. program must wonder exactly whom the There could not be a bettestime than now And, as you can see from this issue of President wants to reconcile with whom? to make this commitmern: real, and to Amnesty Update, amnesty developments All the evidence indicates that he wishes make it the context for the campaign for are hopping like never before. We mustn't to reconcile middle America to the total amnesty and real peace—meaning no let the momentum die down now. Send us warmakers. In White House lingo, "no more U.S. wars of aggression. your check today.
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I rit ALASKA Dear Friends, Letter writing to the Governor. Radio As a result of many long hours, the tapes were played on local stations. resourcefulness, the employment of varied skills, and the enthusiasm that thousands contributed to National Pmnesty Week, the amnesty issue has received unprecedented ARIZONA public visibility! From almost every section of the country the call for amnesty Tucsonans for Universal Unconditional is being heard...and it is clear there will Amnesty set up table with amnesty lit be no stopping us I erature, petitions, buttons and bumper From all fifty states, over 300 ac stickers at three different College tions took place ranging from essay and campuses on three different days during poster contests, to public meetings with Amnesty Week. In addition Mary MacEwan veterans, to vigils and demonstrations, to arranged for two radio stations to broad petition drives and public leafletting, to cast amnesty tapes. 400 signatures were radio and TV shows, and much more. AFA collected on petitions. 2 letters to families, Gold Star parents, clergy, veter the editor appeared during the week. ans, and all the NCUUA affiliates played a key role. Twelve governors declared National Plead For Amnesty Amnesty Week, as did dozens of mayors and Editor the Star: city councils, including San Francisco, All of us who are concerned with the Viet Louisville, Baltimore, Berkeley, Rochester, nam war's bitter legacy of no real amnesty for war resisters would like to repeat our plea and Detroit. for universal and unconditional amnesty. This joint issue of NCUUA Amnesty This week, February 22 to 28, has been Update and AFA Notes is dedicated to those designated National Amnesty Week by the who made National Amnesty Week a success. National Council for Universal and Uncondi What follows are pages of clippings and re tional Amnesty, an umbrella organization for ports on what went on across the country groups favoring amnesty. Our Tucsonans for Amnesty, an affiliate of excerpted from a monumental amount of ma that organization, urges everyone to make terial we have received — for each report amnesty a campaign issue. Make it clear to there are many more. each presidential candidate that to win our votes he must plan to implement a real no- National Amnesty Week has now ended strings-attached amnesty for all war resisters but the ongoing campaign for universal and if elected. unconditional amnesty continues. In this issue is a most important call to action MARY MacEWAN around the April 30th anniversary of the end of the war and a proposal for regional CALIFORNIA caucuses to be held in the near future across the country. Report from NCUUA West: "Hundreds of The upcoming presidential campaigns people were involved in a multitude cf provide us with another opportunity to air -activities". the issue of amnesty; a how-to organizing The Bay Area Coalition for UUA: guide on this is in preparation. Obtained Amnesty week proclamation from Please let us continue to hear from Berkely Mayor Weidner which was mailed to you - your input is vital! 30 dally and weekly papers. San Francisco Mayor Moscone also issued a proclamation. The NCUUA, AFA staff 2 radio stations broadcast free speech mes sages which the group wrote. BerkeleyPub- lic Library put up amnesty display for 2 Newsletter staff this issue: Susan weeks. El Cerrito Public Library to show Ikenberry, Ginny Horton, Irma Zigas. Pub enlarged version of the display for 2 lished by National Council for Universal weeks starting March 2nd. Unconditional Amnesty and Americans For " Two sermons on amnesty were delivered, Amnesty, 23TE. 49th St., 11th floor, New Hearts and Minds was shown. Sent post YorkTNY 10017; phone 212-688-8097. Sub cards to Presidential Candidates, Ecumen scriptions - $3.00 a year. ical Peace Institute will ask that cand- idates be contacted re: amnesty. Worked L.A. carried a 4'XIO' UUA banner with Students for Peace, S.F. Women for and distributed leaflets on a 10 mile Peace, Palo Alto Amnesty Coalition and segment of the Continental Walk. other groups. Updated their amnesty leaflet and distributed on the Continent al Walk. Mid Peninsula Coalition for Amnesty-Palat o COLORADO Al to : Helped plan Continental Walk,' 'dis Governor Lamm proclaimed National Amnesty tributed leaflets and carried placardit s on Week: DenverCALC was the prime organizer the Walk from Palo Alto to Santa Cruz. Tör~~the week's activities. Letter writing Amnesty packets mailed to 38 members of was organized to the media, the Governor , the Ministerial Association. 2 sermons and to 200 Clergy throughout Colorado, were delivered, 2 announcements made and urging them to incorporate amnesty in 6 Congregations received literature. one of their sermons on Feb 22nd and 29th. Free speech messages were used on A press conference was held with 7 other major TV station. Talks arranged for organizations. Media coverage was excel Gerry Condon at S.F. State College, U.C. lent. at Santa Cruz, S.F. Press Club, 2 radio ar.d 2 t.v. stations. The group is starting a long term project to secure state amnesty by doc umenting the discrimination in state statutes ar.d administrative orders against Vietnam Vets with other than honorable discharges. Plea for Amnesty Pomona Valley Council for Peace: Sent letters to pasters in the area announcing Recalls Viet War Amnesty Week and asking them to deliver Immediate universal and unconditional amnesty for sermons. Distributed flyers including Vietnam-era deserters and draft evaders was called for articles by Vernon Jordon and Duane Shank. Tuesday as the American Ci vir Liberties Union (ACLU) and several other organizations announced National Sent information to Pomona College radio Amnesty Week. station, put up posters at Claremont Coll Gov. Dick Lamm has proclaimed this week as Colora ege. Collected signatures on petition at do Amnesty Week in response to an appeal sponsored showing cf Hearts and Minds. by the National Council for Universal and Unconditional Amnesty. Amnesty Action/Information Center,L.A.: Recognition of the week began at a press conference Sent out letter and material to 250 sëT- at the First Unitarian Church, 1400 Lafayette St. ected religious leaders asking them to John Wafer, spokesman for the Colorado chapter of preach sermons for amnesty. (The United Clergy and Laity Concerned, praised Lamm's action. Methodist Headquarters sent same letter "We congratulate Governor Lamm for recognizing the enormous failure of President Ford's program in and material to 500 ministers in S. Cal. proclaiming amnesty week for the state of Colorado," and Ariz.) RESULT: 62 Ministers and Rabbis Wafer said... delivered sermons for amnesty. The group araanged for interviews on 2 TV stations and 12 radio stations. Participants for these programs were in dividuals and representatives of organ CONNECTICUT izations in the S. Cal. area. Flyers Beth Kricker, parent of a war resist on National Amnesty Week were distributed or and coordinator of New Haven AFA organ at the Community Relations Conf. of S. ized actively in the New Haven area. A Cal. Leaflets and petitions were dis coalition was formed with the National tributed at 4 shopping centers and the Veteran's Fraternity,they work with Viet UCLA campaign table of Tom Hayden. Mat nam era vets who found no responsiveness erials were also distributed at the L.A. in conventional veterans organizations. Diocesan Episcopal Convention. Amnesty A joint meeting was held Feb 21st , the speakers appeared at various groups and theme of the meeting was "Ways and Means clubs, and good publicity for Amnesty of Achieving a Total Amnesty in 1976". Week was received from various organ Co-sponsorship of the meeting included izational bulletins and magazines. the NAACP, Urban League and other local church and social action groups. Prior DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA to the meeting a mass mailing was sent urging clergy to deliver sermons, a let ter writing campaign to the Governor and Mayor. Mayor Logue of New Haven issued a A Joint House/Senate Congressional proclamation. It was received by a del Conference on Amnesty sponsored by Sen. egation from AFA and the National Veteran's Philip Hart and 39 other members of Con Fraternity . The group immediately aall- gress was held Feb. 26th as part of Nat ed for additional signers from churches ional Amnesty Week. The conference and organizations. brought together Members of Corgress, Ad Together with the signed proclamation ministration officials, church leaders, and petitions the delegation was received representatives of the business cormiun- by Conn. State Sen. Joseph Lieberman,Maj ity,the legal profession, members or ority Leader of the State Senate. He former members of the military, gold signed the Proclamation as did Rep. Irv star parents, families of war resisters ing Stolberg. The delegation was asked to and potential amnesty recipients to dis attend a full session of the Senate, where cuss the question of amnesty. on a point of special crder the Proclama Over 100 people attended the Con tion was read into the Record. The group ference to listen to the 25 parti ci parts was introduced from the floor of the State discuss the issue from different points Senate and received a standing ovation. of view and covering the different cat The proclamation was also read into the egories involved. Conn. House of Rep. Record. TV covered 14 Senatorial and 24 Congressional Sen. Lieberman receiving the proclamation Offices attended in addition to 6 Gov and petitions from the delegation. In ernmental Offices and a wide variety of addition, Jeff Jones a member of the Vets groups and individuals. The Fund for Fraternity participated in the D.C. Conf New Priorities initiated the Conference. erence on Annesty Feb.26th. CBS TV Nat NCUUA assisted in providing participants ional News interviewed Marvin Wilson, a and encouraged people around the country Vletnan Vet with e. BCD as part of their to urge their Legislators to attend. ccvere.ee of National Amnesty Week. A transcript of the Conference is forthcoming and will be available some time in April. Various Congressioral Offices enter ed the-Governors and Mayors Proclamations into the Congressioral Record. Women Strike for Peace in D. C. was instrumental in getting the D.C. City Council to pass a resolution for UUA. DELAWARE
Oak Prelum, Del-, (Bit ftlntag T'illlctin r«bruqiyîî, 1976 AMNESTY WEEK: FLORIDA National Observance Begins Two public amnesty meetings were held But Trlbbltt Nixes Proclamation in Florida. One was a state-wide youth con ference on amnesty and another was a commun- ity meeting. Both were addressed by Rev. Horton of Prisoner Visitation and Support Conmittee - he hasvisite d more imprisoned Activities in Delawaee consisted of let resisters than perhaps anyone in the coun ter writing urging the Governor to issue try. Both events were well-attended. a proclamation) leafletting and petition In addition a silent, vigil fcr amnesty signing. The Delaware issue of the Sun was held and leafletting continued through day Philadelphia Bulletin carried an out the week. There was excellent cover in-depth story on National Amnesty Week. age in the press and good radio exposure. HAWAII Dear Friends, ... I can only hope that every county The Governor of Hawaii, George Ariyoshi in every state of the Union was as and the Mayor of Honolulu, Frank Fasi thoroughly covered as we covered our issued proclamation for National Amnesty county! Week. Mrs. Marianne Seibert There was a great deal of activity Parkersburg, IL in Hawaii, including letters to local news papers and several articles in the press, VETERANS FOR PEACE of Chicago, ILL, radio messages played on 3 local stations circulated a sample letter addressed to and exhibits and petition drives. Senators Percy and Stevenson and their There was an exhibit for 3 days at representatives challenging them to grant the State Capitol rotunda, and a literat total amnesty: "Does Congress have the ure table at the University of Hawaii. courage to act? FULL AND IMMEDIATE Over 324 signatures were obtained on pet AMNESTY" and "FULL PARDON FOR NIXON - itions. Local organizers were also busy PHONY 'AMNESTY' FOR RESISTERS" were among with letter writing campaigns to local the headlines on the letter Vietnam veter editors, local religious groups, to Con ans and others signed and sent to their gress and to other contacts with Amnesty representatives. Week suggestions. The Hawaii AFSC was involved in all this activity as was the various Church groups. The Hawaii Council of Churches resolution on Amnesty was in FULL PARDON FOR NIXON- cluded in a notice they sent out about National Amnesty Week. PHONY "AMNESTY" FOR RESISTERS. In addition, The Honolulu Advertiser, one of the two major dailies, had a lead editorial en amnesty. Ian Lind of AFSC was interviewed on local TV. Sumner, Illinois Frank F. Fasi. Willard Gray (Father of a Vietnam Vet) % The Feb. 22-28 week is Isle Amnesty being publicized by the Locally, Mrs. Seibert, her family, American Friends Service and I made some progress and lost some. Week Declared Committee and others to point to the plight of thou At her suggestion we approached the Amnesty Week procla sands of American desert ministerial associations of three counties. mations have been signed ers and draft evaders who One, Wabash, was most encouraging. In by Gov. George R. still live outside the Ariyoshi and Mayor United States. Lawrence county a meeting was called specifically for this reason and was well attended. In the discussion of a planned ILLINOIS radio station it was mentioned 3 times that they would enjoy having a speaker like me en this subject. It was both gratifying CHICAGO PEACE COUNCIL ar.d encouraging... I met with 3 separate Catholic Priests or Parish Council Chairmen and I feel that Friends: the meetings were for the most part a We here in Chicago stand off. But they were amazed at the held a demonstration and new information and trend of thought from petition drive on the 27 a diversified concerned group as us. February. We passed out My childhood church was a complete more than 1,500 leaflets bust. "Ma Christian the minister and and obtained more than deacons could not entertain the issue. " 350 signatures on the petitions. This all This is an actual reply from the minister. happened 'in less than two hours and 'people I spoke with two high school govt, waited in line to sign the petitions.... classes and I feel the 2 hrs. were success Susan trauaott ful and enlightening for the students and the teacher. I probably have an invita tion to return. 5 Personally I feel the church is the The original petitions you will find largest obstacle aside from the patriotic enclosed with the check. I duplicated organizations which I feel we can deal with. these petitions and sent the copies to the How does one make an inroad into the posi 9th district congressman from Indiana, Lee tion of the church? Of all the questions K. Hamilton. He has been responsive to in school only one was of a put down nature other correspondence from me and is up coming from a girl who asked how I could for re-election. be for this issue when the scriptures said, I and my group hope that you can use < "Render unto Ceaser that which is Ceaser's". the meager funds that we collected and I was able to get articles published hope that you will keep us informed of other amnesty action that is taking place in 6 city and local newspapers including arcund the U.S. the St. Louis Post-Dispatch... Sincerely, David Stilwell, Cr.rpsn. Amnesty IOWA The PEOPLES BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION of Iowa City did the following: appeared before the City Council with a resolution week declaring the week of Feb. 22-29 as Nat ional Amnesty Week in Iowa City (which was passed). A resource seminar was held, Screen star a videc tape interview dealing with am nesty, amnesty was tied in with George Richard Dreyfuss Lakey's appearance (author and noted paci n fist thinker). lobbies for one millio QUAD-CITY CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF PEACE AND NON-VIOLENCE (Father John Smith) s By LESTER JACOBSON worked on Mayors in the Davenport and 111. Staff Writer area, personally urging them to declare AMNESTY IS NOT a subject one quickly asso Naticnal Amnesty Week. Amnesty was also ciates with screen and stage actor Richard Dreyfuss, < star of "Jaws," "Duddy Kravitz" and "American presented alone with George Lakey's ap OS Graffiti." pearance in the area. CQ W Yet Dreyfuss, 28, a former conscientious objector fa and currently in town at the Arlington Playhouse in his S own production of Strindberg's "Miss Julie," has gone out of his way to lobby for total amnesty for the esti Amnesty w a, <5 mated one million Americans who are in jail or in ex eu ile from the Viet Nam war. For that reason, Dreyfuss took a morning out of W divides Z his busy rehearsal schedule this week, which is also # Amnesty week in Illinois and seven other states, to dis « 2 cuss amnesty with Rogers Park resident Ronald Freund, who is Midwest director of the peace group City Council Clergy and Laity Concerned. By MARK MITTELSTADT Asst. News Editor While most of the nation has forgotten about granting national amnesty for INDIANA draft evaders, Iowa City has proclaimed next week as "National Amnesty Week. " United Student Activists At Tuesday's formal City Council meeting, Mayor Mary C. Neuhauser, New Albany, Indiana over the objections of two council mem Friends, bers, proclaimed next week as "National Our group at Indiana University South Amnesty Week" in Iowa City. The pur east sponsored several activities during pose of the proclamation, as contained in National Amnesty Week. We ran a film, a her statement, was to "encourage all citizens to bring attention to the need for debate, petition drive , and an Amnesty love, justice and mercy by means of an Action Sale. You will find a check en amnesty,',',, closed for half the proceeds of our sale. 6 Dear AFA workers, KENTUCKY Enclosed is a print of an ad we ran dur ing Feb. -- we decided on the City Briefs People in Kentucky circulated films because in our local paper that is the such as "Amnesty or Exile", sent speakers most widely read section. to a number of cities and campuses, dis Following Susan Ikenberry's call on Tue. tributed literature, launched a letter- Feb. 17 we wrote other families of re writing and publicity campaign, and held sisters and urged them to call Gov. Ray; public forums. Petitioning was conducted called Gov. Ray's office twice; called my in churches and shopping malls and dis sister in Des Moines - she had already cussions were led in schools. heard from you and made her call and Their response was excellent and their urged others to do so; urged other sympa pressure on Gov. Carroll and Mayor Sloar.e thizers here in town to call Gov. Ray; resulted in both proclaiming National took written messages to Rep. Blouin's, Amnesty Week. Sen. Culver's, Sen. Clark's, and Rep. Mezvinsky's offices urging them to attend the Conference en Feb. 26th; contacted NAINE Mayor Don Canney (Cedar Rapids - he al Letter writing and phone call campaign ready had his head made up - definite no_: was initiated to the clergy and to the "these guys broke the law" - however he Governor. did listen for half an hour; we are both Eayh delegates to the Dem. County conven tion on March 6 and hope to get 5 minutes to speak in support of amnesty... MARYLAND We have heard of other relatives of I Mayor Sçhaeffer of Baltimore issued a resisters in the Tea but, due to fear or proclamation. The Maryland Council for concern for their jobs they are unwilling UUA worked on a resolution to be pre to discuss the matter. sented to the Maryland Library Assoc. Thanks for all of your help. Posters and materials were taken to + + A Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Adams libraries in Baltimore. Letter writing National Amnesty Week, Cedar tapids, Iowa campaign was initiated. Radio tapes Feb. 22-29. Spirit of 76! Parer's of a résister. were aired. Participation was encouraged •Pol. Adv. by other groups in the State. Sermons viere delivered. A resolution against discrimination of. other than honorably discharged vets is being worked on for KANSAS presentation to the City Council in Balt imore and the State Legislature. Many Despite the work of Kansans urging the Baltimore folks attended the 2/26/76 Governor and mayors to proclaim National Conference on Amnesty in D. C. Amnesty Week all declined. The mayor of Topeka promised local people that he would proclaim the week, but backed down at the MASSACHUSETTS last minute. Jim York of Winfield participated in Pat Simon of Gold Star Parents for the Washington DC conference on amnesty. Amnesty wrote to the Governor of every He spoke of the injustices of the Clemency state and to 100 Mayors, requesting them Program and the continuing need for total to issue proclamations for National Am amnesty. (See "Victims of Clemency", sum nesty Week. 12 Governors and 18 Mayors mer 1975 issue, NCUUA Amnesty UPDATE.) responded favorably issuing proclamations, Amnesty contacts in Kansas found that In addition Pat received letters from a a) there was little receptivity to the is dozen ether Governors and Mayors, stat sue on the city level though there was ing they were sympathetic but could not much interest on the "grass roots" level; issue proclamations. b) contacts in Kansas are also heavily in volved in other issues: death, penalty, nuc Governor Dukakis of Mass. issued a lear power plants...; c) NCUUA material was proclamation which was received by a del very helpful in sharing among people. egation of gold star parents, families Wayne Howdeshell, Wichita, KS of resisters and amnesty supporters. 7 A press conference was held and the news media covered the event widely. AWOL Marine An amnesty rally was held at the Arlington Street Church on Sun. Feb. 22nd, Austin Hodge, a Marine Corp AWOL surfaced speaks at Rally at this rally, after 7 years of living underground. CBS National News carried the story of National Amnesty Week the same night and featured Austin Hodge and a Mass. Gold Star Parent. A defense committee has been formed in Boston for Austin Hedge. For inform ation on how you can support him, write to the Austin Hodge Defense Fund, 48 Inman St., Cambridge, Mass. 02139 In addition to the above, sermons were delivered in over a dozen churches and synagogues in the Boston area/ In Duxbury, Mass. Myriam Eobera sent out invitations calling on people to come- to her home for "an exchange of views" on amnesty. 20 people came and more tel ephoned that they could net attend but wanted to do something. They wrote to AMOclatad Pr«t Wlr«pholo their Congresspeople on the issue of am AWOL MARINE — Austin Hodge (left), 29, of nesty. The response was most gratifying, Shelton, Wash., confers with lawyer Mark E. since Duxbury is a small town which has Schrieber In his office. Hodge has been AWOL not had any amnesty activity since 1973. from the Marine Corps for seven years. Ms. Eobera stated in her letter that "people may be much closer to agreeing to amnesty than the Government, in its incompetence thinks". MICHIGAN
MARINE DESERTER'S PARENTS TELL ABOUT THOSE SIX LOST YEARS The State Journal3 Lansing3 MI Feb. 25
Mrs. Patricia A. Simon, seated, of Newton, dis- cusses the question of amnesty with Donald E, ! Dawson of Springfield, former air force pilot who resisted orders to bomb Cambodia in 1973, and Mrs. Margaret Holt of Springfield, Satur day. Mrs. Simon is national coordinator of Gold •i m Star Parents for Amnesty. Allen and Mildred Andrick i Monday, March 8, 1976 -
MOUNT CLEMENS - Mary Grace Guild of Grace Episcopal Church is spon soring a Bicentennial Essay Contest among eleventh and twelfth grade stu dents in the Mount Clemens area schools in recognition of National Amnesty Week. Essay contest slated on U. S. amnesty week To: Everyone tc preach amnesty-related sermons and in •*£RH*- cluding a sample sermon. RE: NATIONAL AMNESTY WEEK Minn, for Amnesty are currently still From: Nelson Brown, Jr. Directoron the road with the filnu Peace Education Program Earl Schwartz of the University of Minn. FOR/WRL writes: Of & ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ "Enclosed is the leaflet we distrib The National Council for Universal and Un uted following our viqil in front of the conditional Amnesty (NCUUA) has declared MPLS. Federal Building"on Feb. 28. Other February 22-28 as National Amnesty Week. Twin Cities amnesty activities included the The Peace Education wants to encourage showing of "Hearts and Minds" (also used to every group and individual who can to par raise money for FRIENDSHIPMENT), and our ticipate in this week in some fashion, appearance as questioners of the head of no matter hew small. The following letter Selective Service in Minn, on a local inter reprinted from the National Amnesty Week's view program..." organizers guide explains the purpose of this effort... ROOT RIVER CHURCH of the BRETHREN
Preston, Minnesota 55965 a Anti-War Leader 22 February 1976 Renews Campaign WE THE UNDERSIGNED... As United States Citizens, believe that reconciliation is more important for our For Total Amnesty Nation than the punitive wrath of the law, BY THOMAS C FOX Fret Prest Staff Wrlttr and . Nearly one million Americans have lost their civil rights and As Christians believe that our ministry of the ability to find good jobs as a result of their resistance to the reconciliation begins now. Whatever the Vietnam war. • > STEVE GROSSMAN. 29, a Government does, we must begin working now prntorr FREE PKTISS vrfir résister and editor of to bring recondiliation between those who Amex-Canada, a magazine have become separated because of their Tuesday. Feb. 14. '76 published by Americans exiled in Canada, was in Detroit views on war, and Monday as part of the week's Therefore, urge the Congress of the United activities,«« States to grant unconditional amnesty to all those affected by the war in Southeast MINNESOTA As i a. SIGNED... MINNESOTANS FOR AMNESTY reached an audience of several thousand across the state with the film HEARTS AND MINDS, en MONTANA couraging discussion of the war and amnesty. Montana. A small demonstration was held in Min Letter writing to the Governor and Mayors neapolis in support of amnesty. A large was spearheaded, by the clergy in the mailing to clergy was sent encouraging them state. only wayto right the injustices heaped upon MississippiANs SPEAK OUT ON AMNESTY minorities and the poor. Any form of case-by-case review would only result in more injustices. They stated, "The draft has never been and can never Tlxe following, an excerpt from a WIN be fair and equitable. As an institution, it reflects Magasine article, Z.H.76, reports on the the worst in our society." .... _ presentations made by 3 Mississippians at Black people comprised only 12.6% of the Armed the Joint Senate/House amnesty conference Forces in Vietnam, but suffered 20% of combat held in Washington D C (2.26.76). fatalities. Even with the war over, black men re , ., , Among the-partici ceive twice as many courts-martial as whites and pants was Bennie Thompson, Mayor of Bolton, have twice as many bad discharges. Mayor Mississippi. Mayor Thompson spoke of the in Thompson ended his testimony by stating: justices of the draft from personal experience. His More than 100 years ago men fought to keep my trouble began when he announced his candidacy people enslaved—including Robert E. Lee and for public office in 1969. Along with two other Jefferson Davis—and were subsequently given black men, he was elected to the Board of Alder amnesty. A little more than a year ago, Richard men in Bolton, giving the board a black majority Nixon's crimes were pardoned. It will be the for the first time. The old white power structure gravest injustice if President Ford and the knew that if they could remove him from office Congress continue Nixon's vindictive policies they could restore their control, because the toward those who opposed the Indochina War. mayor's office was still held by an old-guard white man who would have appointed his successor. Another perspective for amnesty was provided by They tried to draft him. (He lost his teaching Dr. Richard Harger, Associate Professor of deferment when he was elected to office.) He filed Psychology at Jackson State University. A former for CO status. The all-white draft board refused Air Force intelligence officer with four years of his claim, while whites in the area got CO classifi Vietnam-related service, he received the bronze cations almost automatically, without a hearing. star and air medal with oak leaf cluster for combat They sent the now Mayor an induction order while in Vietnam. He pointed out that because he was a his appeal was pending, a violation of their own former intelligence officer, he knew far better regulations. He received three more induction than most how the American public was deceived orders and was only able to keep his office by about our country's military involvement in Indo going to court. He was constantly harassed until china, and how that deception has since been used the draft came to an end. to cloud the issue of amnesty. Deception during the war involved misinforming the American Another speaker was Charles E. Jenkins, a people regarding the conflict and withholding in native Mississippian and former SNCC organizer formation from them. Dr. Harger pointed out that who lived for four years with the cons ant fear bf the American public was not officially informed of imprisonment. He also applied for C^ status and our bombing campaign in Laos until 1970, tho it was denied. He appealed the decision and lost. In began in 1964; a flagrant violation of the Geneva 1969 he was ordered to report for induction and Accords. He also stated that as early as J anuary refused; he was arrested in March 1970. During 1968, US medical officials in Saigon estimated that J the FBI interrogation he was questioned primarily civilian war casualties were occurring at the rate about civil rights activities. He was released on of about 100,000 a year. This estimate indicates bond and confined to the Northern District of that civilian casualties were considerably higher Mississippi. In September 1970 the DA dropped than the combined military losses of American all charges because of the Welch decision (that conscientious objection could be based on moral and South Vietnamese soldiers He issues). This did not faze the State Director bf ended his testimony with the following statement: Selective Service, who immediately reopened the As a combatant in Vietnam, I was an instrument oi case. Charles had to go through the whole ordeal a policy of oppression and indiscriminate destruc again, requesting CO classification, making tion. When I followed our country into the jungles personal appearances and appeals. In January of Indochina, I began a long and exhausting 1971, he again refused induction, was not arrested journey, one which took me deep into the heart of until J uly 1972. After a year of motions and hear human suffering. On that journey, I learned well ings the trial was held in j une of 1973. He was the role of foreign taskmaster. I know how trying finally acquitted. Four years of Charles' life was to dominate other peoples in other lands saps the spent fighting for his rights. He stated in his strength of strong men and strong nations. testimony "Had not my local board been Our military crusade against the Viet Cong and composed Of a group of racists, I would have been the North Vietnamese left us physically and granted CO status when I first applied." When it morally exhausted. To continue the Ford was pointed out to the Mississippi Director of Administration's vindictive crusade against those Selective Service that the Chairman of his local who refused to be agents of death and destruction board was a member of the Ku Klux Klan, the in Vietnam will serve only to further divide and director replied that there was not anything illegal degenerate us as a people. There can be no about that and said it was the same as a Catholic greater miscarriage of justice than to grant a full being able to make an unbiased classification of a Presidential pardon to a former Chief Executive Jewish registrant. who committed crimes while in office, and then to Both Mayor Thompson and Charles Jenkins denyuniversal and unconditional amnesty to agree that total and unconditional amnesty is the those who refused military service in an immoral and illegal war. 10 MISSISSIPPI The Mayor of Biloxi, Miss, issued a Amnesty Call proclamation for Amnesty Week. in Ridgewood 100 at Rally
NEBRASKA :^^:;.:^:W|::^::^::?';^:|::^.::::^>^:^;:::;:;:;::.::rS^ Nebraskans for Peace Lincoln, NE Enclosed is a contribution for mater ials sent. Not all of the things we are working on for Amnesty are happening this week, but we at least have gotten going on several projects - a radio station has promised to play the Gerry Condon tape series he did for "In the Public Interest"- a billboard will go up on April 15th for a month about Amnesty; 30 pastors were urged to bring Amnesty into sermons. Mrs. Louise Ransom (left) of NY, a Gold Star mother and the director of a group known as Sincerely, Betty Olson taericans For Armesty and James Daly, of Teaneck, a former POW in Vietnxxm, listen to speakers at an all-day amnesty convocation NEW HAMPSHIRE Sat. at the Ridgewood Unitarian Church. Both...spoke at the meeting. Letter writing to Mayors and Governor took place. Radio tapes were played. PATERSON EVENING NEWS, PATERSON, NJ 2.23.76 The Governor sent NCUUA a copy of his By ROBERT GRAYSON non-registrants, 20,000 civilian Anti-Amnesty Week Proclamation which RIDGEWOOD — An outcry resisters, 26,000 deserters and he issued in 1974. for amnesty for those who 4,000 draft resisters. refused" to serve in the The convocation, which was Vietnam War came out of organized through the efforts an amnesty convention held of Mrs. Bea Robbins of at the R'dgewood Unitarian Ridgewood, director of the •JEW MEXICO Church Saturday. Northern New Jersey Over 100 people from Committee for Universal and WRL South West wrote letters to the edit- throughout the state, Unconditional Amnesty, was or, collected signatures and wrote to neighboring New York City used to kick off National and Canada attended the Amnesty Week. the Governor. A meeting was called and convocation and heard One of those who attended radio tapes were used on local stations. speakers issue à plea to the gathering was Joe President Gerald Ford to Somsky, , originally from grant amnesty, to 650,000 Jersey City and Lyndhurst, veterans with less than but a resident of Canada for honorable discharges, 300.000 the past seven years.«« NEW JERSEY Governor Byrne issued a proclamation for National Amnesty Week. The Bergen Coun cil for UUA held a Convocation on Feb 2lst NEW YORK at the Ridgewood Unitarian Church. Over ICO people from N.J., Rhode Island,NYC, National Amnesty Week activities took place Conn, and Pa., heard Louise Ransom of AFA, all over-New York State. Upstate activities James Daly, former POW and Joe Somsky, a were widespread and diverse. 60 Clergymen draft resistor, now living in Toronto. signed a resolution on UUA which was in Art work of children of exiles was dis troduced by the Rochester City Council. played. Media coverage was excellent. Vice Mayor Costanaa issued a proclamat i on, pea Robbies, parent of an exile was the Dor Luce of CALC spent 2 days upstate organizer of the event. speaking on Vietnam and Amnesty. Jeanne 11 Baylor in Clinton aired radio tapes and wrote to the clergy urging they deliver sermons on amnesty. Leaflettingland pet Proclamation itioning also took place. The Genessee Valley people organized an essay contest in the Livingston Coun Launches ty School District /The Case for UUA". First prize is $25.00. Many sermons were preached and news and radio-t.v. media 'Amnesty Week was excellent. Cortland people wrote letters to the editor and Mayor. Buffalo and Syracuse people had letter in City writing to the Clergy and Governor plus leafletting and petitioning. S-UB The New York. City Council had a cer- emony in City Hall. Councilman Henry FEB 2*1 liryg Sterr. read his resolution. A delegation Vice Mayor Costanza of geld star parents, families of resist Vice Mayor Margaret Costanza yes or*» Vietnam Vets and supporters went to terday proclaimed "Amnesty Week" City Kail to urge the Council to hold in Rochester...' hearings on the resolution. Mayor Beame and Gov. Carey renegged on issuing procla mations. Brooklyn Heights SAME had a Voice of the People meeting, letter-writing, and a speaker. LEMPA in NYC did petitioning on the lower East Side and held an amnesty street fair. Attention Sara Lawrence College had an all day conference. Reconstruction for Vietnam Directed to and Amnesty were 2 topics discussed. Mike Jendrzejczyk of FOR went on a speak Amnesty Week ing tour of the mid west. To the Editor: This week has been designated by peace activists National Brmorral ma (tftronidt Amnesty Week. Attention is Metro being called to the need of all ROCHESTER. NY SATURDAY. FEBRUARY 21. 1976 draft and military resisters for universal and unconditional ONE MILLION STILL NEED amnesty... AMNESTY 60 clergy ask no-strings THE ONLY JUST ANSWER IS UNIVERSAL, UNCONDITIONAL AMNESTY The war in Indochina has finally »nded and refugees from Vietnam have Been *etor"Pd lüAme'ca By Inf II S government Richard Ninon has been pardoned loi his very real crimes, while Am»nun «ai nMiSWri suK) Myol reiusing to be. oart ol a arnimal «ar continue la be scapegoated and punished The («l'y lust answe' is a universal and unconditional amnesty anauiomatic. no- sinngs amnesty mthnui unworkable and inherently discriminatory case by-case ludgemenis open to all draft military and civilian tesislers and including the ei pungement of criminal" records tot anti war acts, the upgrading ot all IOSÎ man honorable discharges and the replacement o) MM I unenl McAiejrj system wrth od on left was Viet amnesty one thai employs a Single TypeOischa'ge By PETER STUTZ initiated and Sixty clergymen from Monroe and able thins that they can do " NATIONAL AMNESTY WEEK Livingston Counlies have endorsed a The basic injustice, the Rev Mr. resolutton asking unconditional Massa said, has fallen on those least Feb. 22nd-28th placed by the amnesty for Vietnam War resisters. able to defend themselves — those military deserters and veterans with who lack money, education or family Westchester - other than honorable discharges support "They either had to run or be têtu 111 punished," he said •"The Judeo-Chnstiar» community Dons Caplan *u*p | Rot in He said that military commanders [«•«m Castro Putnam amnesty must accept responsibility for helping Chuck Conk» often used the less-than-honorable dis »tin MtG. Shtiiti to heal the nation's wounds inflicted Mae[((in Sara Sperber during the war in Indochina," the charge as a way to get dissidents out S rltia Feilsten Alvin Warren coalition. resolution said of the armed forces without having to Westchester Putnam A mo« sly Coalition Louise Feldman Rhoaa Rot hm an Carol I.Ferr, Dermce I. Sten go through judicial proceedings c-oWtSP« tit, SPARK A universal, unconditional amnesty Hannah Gin stier{ Charlotte Mate 100Mamj-«i.<»A«. POBoiSli lerntet CoUmark ( *t h Hues! one will aid in bringing together "all The other signers of the resolution WW«Plains,NY. 1060] M***K. N y lOM] members \>f the divided national fam included the Most Rev Joseph L 9.M0W 2253941 Selena Custelc Sim (tamers FawiiL. Shier ily." the resolution said Hogan and the Rt Rev Robert S. let W*im Irwn (•1er Mmstn Genesee Valley Citizens For Peace, Spears Jr. bishops, respectively of the Roman Catholic and Episcopal Charlotte C the group that drafted the resolution, Mariaimt Mabnt) said "President Ford's amnesty pro Dioceses of Rochester, and Rabbi II utk Mi ruber s Sik.cMti HIM Fawittt gram was limited We are asking for Aaron Solomon, president of the Ibee Hareus Monroe County Council of Rabbis lie y J Minus lit) I Chasid a true amnesty that will affect more Dorothy MarrJei Constance Hoi.artk Amnesty is expected to be the topic than a million people " Dtnytkyflitli «ermine Sitenwefi Chester Rich A million people are in legal jeo of sermons by many area clergymen pardy or are suffering the consé tomorrow, the beginning of National quences of felony convictions or Amnesty Week Copies of the resolu other than-honorable military dis tion will be sent to President Ford and charges for their resistance to the to area congressmen war, the resolution said. The Rev Conrad H Massa, senior pastor of Third Presbyterian Church, PARENTS PRESSING in Rochester, said 'The church stands for reconciliation We think it is lime for reconciliation for the approximately one million so they can become part of our society It is AMNESTY BATTLE unjust to make this the one unforgive-
True amnesty will affect million' Aim of the Croup Is to Obtain Easing of Ford's Stand 12 The Union of American Hebrew Congre gations issued a letter to all their con stituents throughout the country urging them to participate in the amnesty issue. The Westchester-Putnum Amnesty co alition had a table of literature and pet itions at a Pete Seeger concert. They summed up National Amnesty Week as fol lows: "It seems to have revitili zed us up here, seeing so much other work going on gives us both support in our strug gle and ideas to be picked up on later. The most important aspect though, is that amnesty Week has been a beginning for us and not an end unto itself. The procla mations, radio shows, public meetings will keep us busy in the future."
Families and supporters being presented with amnesty resolution by K.Y. N. CAROLINA city council at city hall in new york city (photo: Karl Bissinger) St. Gabriel's Church GREENVILLE, N. C, 27834 side. Amnesty is amnesia, that is, for Dear Friends, getting. The nation must say to the The Greenville Peace Committee held a 1,000,000 young men and their families an demonstration supporting AMNESTY on Monday, and friends and sympathizers: Forget It: Feb. 23rd from 12:00 Noon to 1:0C PM in the And it must expunge all records and Down-town Mall in Greenville, N.C. erase all less than honorable discharges. There were seven of us present, inclu It must say to the men in Canada, in ding a Catholic Priest, college professors, Sveden, in jail, in hiding,FORGET IT" a retired Presbyterian minister, and some students. We distributed about 100 pieces of literature and gained some recognition. We appreciate the help and leadership 11, DAKOTA ycu have given in the cause of Amnesty and offer ourselves as ready to help in any way Dear Friends, We got... the film HEARTS AMD MINDS Merely ,CQl^^^ from Minn. CALC. We were able tc get the cooperation cf the local junior college and Rev. H. C. Mulholland Cinema 100, a local film group, to show the For the Greenville Peace Committee. film March 2nd. After the film, Carole Nelson (Minn. CALC) led a discussion on the W.W. Finlator, Pastor of the Pullen Mem purpose of the film...One person's long ar orial Baptist Church in Raleigh, N. Car guments prevented discussion of amnesty. It olina, inaugurated Amnesty Week by was a start in breaking the harsh attitude preaching a sermon entitled "Forget It". here, I think. He asks,"How do we resolve this impasse? Carole came to Bismarck on Sunday... There is one way, and that is by amnesty. She suggested that at the coffee I had Amnesty is not forgiveness or pardon. planned for her, we include local clergy... Forgiveness will never work on either Only...two came...One told me he had not. 13 nagel (supportive mother of an exiled draft résister) on talk and phone-in pro gram. WERE-AM Wednesday, Feb. 25. Reporter Norma Joseph commenting on amnesty with MINUS remarks by Roma Foldy and Maesine Rick nagel. Played several times during the day on this all-news radio station. "LWV on CLV" WCLU-F'M Th'urs., Feb. seen the publicity for HEARTS AND MINDS, 26. 5-min. League of Women Voters issue- though I gave it to his secretary as he discussion program: Bob Bonthius, legal walked through and out the church, and re intern in the ACLU office, was inter marked, "Well, I'm concerned about so many viewed. things new". When I mentioned Clergy and Case Western Reserve University and Laity Concerned, another minister said Cleveland State University radio Stations "Concerned about what?" ... played Gerry Condon's tapes all week long. As my young Catholic friend remarked... Fri., Feb. 27: Leafletting and plac "Kathryn, don't you knew you don't go to ard demonstration on Public Square in the Christians when you're concerned with front of the old Federal Bldq. from questions of morality?" 11:30 AM to 1 PM. About 1200 leaflets Amnesty Week did not take hold here. were distributed...we were dismayed by It was difficult to stir up interest... the surprisingly large number of ugly, hos The general attitude seems to be, "It's tile responses... over now, and they had their chance (Ford's And still to come: WWWM-FM. Sun. Mar. clemency), sc let's not worry about it." • 7 and Sun. Mar. 14, 8:30 AM - 9 AM. Bob We did have a good discussion of what Chenowith and Bob Bonthius will be dis we could do to overcome the extreme conser cussing the needs for continuing action on vatism here... The believ surfaced that Amnesty and the NCUUA draft till as a we'd have to be somewhat subtle and indirect, means to that end. so as not to rile up the reactionaries and Supporting groups: CALC, AFSC, ACLU, John Birchers. We thought of getting in Women Speak Out/WILPF, Ohio Public Interest touch with a Gold Star couple in Fargo... Research Group, Friends of Indo-China. Carole Nelson brought lots of liter ature about the FRIENDSHIPMENT program and Roma Foldy, Greater CIevelanders amnesty, CALC...and that was eagerly picked for Amnesty up by the largely student audience at the film. Guess there's hope! Kathryn S. Wisdom, Bismarck, ND NC also received good radio, TV, and news paper coverage. The Cleveland Press
Saturday, Feb. 21,1976
JHIO For uncohdstbnal amnesty Dear Friends, On Monday the National Council for Unconditional Amnesty will start a.week- This is what happened in Cleveland long campaign to persuade President Ford during National Amnesty Week: to declare an unconditional amnesty for all Vietnam War draft resisters. Many groups in Article on open Forum page of the Cleveland will join the national council... Plain Dealer. EditorTal in the Cleveland Press. Dayton Draft & Military Counseling Center "City Club Comment" WCLV-Fr-TT'mln- ute talk on need for amnesty made by Sheldon Clark (one of us). The talk was Dear Brothers and Sisters, "Amnesty is or, the move... We felt here taped and played by the radio station that our activities during National Amnesty twice a day from Feb. 22 - Feb. 29. Week were a success. 1,035 Dayton citizens "Merl Sous Show", WSUM-AM, 8:3C AM signed petitions during the week. A public to 11 AM Tuesday, Feb. 24. Bob Chenowith demonstration was held attended by 50 people. (former PCW in Vietnam) and Maesine Rick- 14 We received excellent TV coverage. Mayor & City Commission were approached with a resolu photo at left tion on amnesty, but refused to approve it. appeared in the Two City Commissioners signed the petition cxncinnatti en for amnesty. We had, we felt, great support quirer during for a week's organizing work, and we feel national Amnesty that indifference to amnesty, or confusion Week about Ford's shuck, is more of an obstacle to public support than the real amount of opposition -- quite small we think.. No one will come out to debate the issue here, a good sign... Beyond all that, the highnote of the demonstration was the presence of a member of the White People's Organizing Committee ...bedecked with SS epaulets and a swastika OKLAHOMA arm-band. He...came up nervously after wards, told me his group opposed the govern Ella Mae Proctor, parent of a war resist ment.and would join us. in armed struggle or in exile, contacted people in her state against it, and that he was a sign painte'r to get involved. Clergy men promised to ...who would help us make any more signs write letters. The Oklahoma Daily ex pressed interest in a story. NCUUA put that we wanted Of course I flashed on Mrs. Proctor in touch with people in the wave of the future, thousands of people the National Lawyers Guild, the ACLU and fill Pennsylvania Avenue, marching behind others who wrote letters to the editor a huge banner: NAZIS FOR AMNESTY! WHITES of their papers. Mrs. Proctor wrote to FOR PEACE: ..." NCUUA. "Since I have made a few more con Cur solidarity and support. tacts here, I feel there really are other John Judge, Bernadine Cope!and, Tim Huey, people in Oklahoma who are interested in Rick & Cindy Lavoie... Dayton, Ohio amnesty, although not very much was done about Amnesty Week. I appreciate the list Issue is complex, not simple of contacts which you sent me and hope The case for a military amnesty soon to write and encourage them."
THE HAIN DEALER ROLUD'A, OHIO Amnesty Week FEB 26 1976 coalition shifting into By John Looney /Many persons think the case against amnesty is .simple and *> clear.-cut. Breaking any law. they - feel, can never be forgiven. Since 'final phase' this is NaUo^l^mjig§ix»l,eig^for _i Vietnam draft and military law THE OKLAHOMA DAILY violators, it.is timely to seek more understanding. The issue is quite _ complex. University of Oklahoma, Saturday, February 21, 1978 i This becomes apparent when we Norman, Okla. ^) ask about laws and military regu- ^^Hations that conflict with (1) reli gious or other training (2) American traditions and/or (3) international law. 15 OREGON Governor Straub issued a proclamation for Amnesty Week. NWjyiarine %©|W".:;':.'; ; ' In Portland 2 Billboards were put up announcing National Amnesty Week and ençÉ 7 years FE8 2.«1973 calling for UUA.Portland people appeared on *shr TV show with a draft counselor as AWOL and a Vietnam Vet. Received good cover I would like to go or. * age in local weekly paper. record as supporting universal, unconditional Salem people convened a meeting to amnesty for oil draf4. law violators, military discuss activities and on going program. riesertprs, veterans with less than honorable dis Eugene people took a resolution on charges, and civilians with "criminal" records amnesty to the County Democratic Pre- or sub.iect to prosecution because of their acts ol Primary Platform Convention. Lobbied opposition to the U.S. delegates to the state platform con war in Indochina. vention. Designed and printed. 2100 amnesty mailers for distribution in Southern Oregon. Amnesty tapes were air ed. There were discussions and inter views on radio shows. Parent of an ex 03 Ui s > h-i O ile spoke at a church study group. 2 > M amnesty sermons delivered. They pushed i •-3 for amnesty to be included in the Contin- M nental Walk."Local organizing for Amnesty Week not good, people sympathetic but have no energy, discouraged but still C-3 hanging in there"
"The same liberals who PENNSYLVANIA vacillated on the issue of the war until it was PAGE S HARRISBURG INDEPENDENT PRESS FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5, 1976 beyond their own Shapp, Swenson sign amnesty interests not to oppose proclamations it, continue to vacillate on the issue of amnesty." quote by steve adler which appeared in an article in Willamette week a portland,ore. newspaper
Mayor Harold Swenson proclaims Amnesty Week in Harrisburg as members Coryallis: Parent of a draft resistor OI the Harnsburg Council for Universal and Unconditional Amnesty look on. worked with a loose organization of in dividuals through the churches. Wrote The range of activities was excellent., letters to newspapers, to Congress- Letter writing campaigns, City Council res people and Senators urging them to sup- olutions, press conferences, letters to pert UUA the editor. Meetings were held all over 16 the State, sermons were delivered, Hearts and Kinds was shown widely. Media cover age was excellent. Unconditional amnesty sought for all The week of February 22-28 has been designated as National Amnesty Week. f-:ï One of the most urgent causes today is the need to truly bind up the wounds
of our immoral involvement in Viet z CJ '•• • nam by enacting a "no-strings," un *, r _• s. conditional amnesty for the more than 1,000,000 Americans still being pun ished for following their'consciences by resisting that war. 3> Si These include the many thousands of Americans who were given less than honorable discharges, or who are still in exile, and great numbers who live underground in the United States; also hundreds of thousands who never IfTJ registered for the draft and live in OD MR. AND MRS. FRANKLIN R UÎTEMER ...son is now Canadian citizen constant fear of apprehension... In this Bicentennial year, let us demonstrate our compassion as a na w tion which is celebrating its freedom tpp Wants "Amnesty Week" by liberating these young men and reuniting them with their waiting C30 families back home. Doris F. Sigmund Elkins Park, Pa.
Open lette- to Governor Shapp: acts of resistance to United States Civil War Confederate soldiers. The Peace'and Service Commit involvement in S.E. Asia. The Peace and Service Committee tee of Bucks Quarterly Meeting of deems the country to be still LANGHORNE. PA. The nation was able to offer in the Religious Society of Friends capable of the same generoisity of ADVANCE OF BUCKS asks that you declare February 1794 a presidential pardon to all spirit. 22-29 State Amnesty Week, in who participated in the Whiskey During the Vietnam era we, as conjunction with the observance Rebellion; in 1800 a presidential American citizens, called for an FEB 1 9 1976 of National Amnesty Week. We pardon to all who fought in the end to the War; now we call for an feel that universal, unconditional "late and treasonable insurrec end to the suffering. amnesty is a necessary and tion against the just authority of appropriate response to the the United States"; in 1876 a Mary Bye, Convener 1,000,000 Americans who still complete amnesty granted by the Bucks Quarterly Meeting, suffer the consequences ot their House of Representative« to all Society of Friends
RHODE ISLAND a news release publicizing the proclamation and urging clergy in the state to preach Rhode Island: amnesty-related sermons and to put the is Mailing was sent out to clergy. Austin sue into their bulletins. Amnesty radio Hodge, deserter whc surfaced in Boston spots were aired on several stations. was sent to Providence R.I. Hospital. Rev. Wesley Hunter Media covered him with a wire service story. TEXAS
s, UAKQTA IMEF Van with Evangeline Mix was in Texas just prior to Amnesty Week. Petitions Gov. Kneip issued a proclametion de and materials were handed out at various' claring National Amnesty Week. The Associ colleges and churches. Radio tapes were ation cf Christian Churches of S.D. put out played. ^ TENNESSEE important... We have been given the mandate à BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION by Lutherans in Virginia to come up with recommendations and directions for local AV^ MINISTRY congregations to become involved with the pilight of the Vietnam era veterans and those | THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH who served their country by heeding their Dear Gov Blanton: NASHVILLE,TENNESSEE consciences and refused to serve in the un just war of Indochina, namely, the war Attached is a copy of a letter...It resisters... announces the call for the week of Feb. 22- Jim Baseler, Bethel Evan 29, 1976 to be declared National Amnesty gelical Lutheran Church, Week in every state. Virginia I have worked in the area of the gen erational problems related to the Vietnam conflict for over 5 years. Thus, without National Amnesty Week Begins hesitation, I firmly believe a wide and gen eral amnesty is the only answer toward solving many of the continuing problems and hurts resulting from that sad and tragic episode in our nation's heritage. It is with this conviction, and as a citizen of Tennessee, that I Would urge you to support this call by declaring National Amnesty Week in Tennessee...
Sincerely, Glenn B. Hosman, Jr. Chairperson, United Methodist Staff Task Force on Special Minis tries/Vietnam Generation fzlc-cZaH^*rt^ld^-f^. I (?A**£^ ^w Ott /7'ü-Mf-l, pf'/ïr'Ct, /CùZcf û-^ UTAH Governor Rampton proclaimed National Amnesty Week. Letter writing campaign took place. Press conference was pro jected. Radio tapes were played.
VERMONT *H /7, /?7& Charlottesville Mayor Charles Barbour gets in Letter writing campaign to clergy and the spirit of National Amnesty Week as he the Governor. Sermons were delivered. places a bumper sticker on his car. Mayor of Burlington proclaimed National Amnesty Week. Charlottesville Bicentennial Amnesty Charlottesville, VA
Dear Friends,
VIRGINIA Amnesty Week here began with Obser vances for Victims of the Indochina War at Friends, the Dogwood Memorial in Mclntire Park. I am the chairman of a recently-formed The memorial is inscribed with names of task force of the Social Action Managing the Vietnam war dead from this area. Par Group, Virginia Synod, on Amnesty and the ticipating in the ceremony were three mem Vietnam Veteran. The title may seem long bers of the clergy: Rev."James MacDcnald enough but our purpose and function is more of the United Ministry, Rev. William Smith ' 18 * and Rev. Wynn Legerton, both of the West minister Presbyterian Church. Father appeals There were about two dozen people there, including a man, woman, and daugh ter who had lost a son in Vietnam. They for amnesty held a sign to the effect that their son Story on Page One also would not be honored by such "Ccmmunist- SEATTLE (AP) - A World War II veteran plead inspired" groups such as ours. ed Sunday for amnesty for his son, a Marine Corps deserter who emerged from exile in Boston, saying he We held a dialogue with them, in the had suffered enough. course of which the Gold Star mother Lloyd Hodge of Shelton said his son, Austin, des accused us or the likes of us of having erted in 1968 rather than fight in Vietnam. He said his stolen half of the memorial, one of two son has been living in stones was missing. With the exception of Canada. "If he did anything one moment when I do admit to having wrong," Hodge said, raised my voice, it was nonetheless peace "having to live outside ful, though no views were changed. We his own country away asked them to participate during the "State from his family and friends is punishment ments of Reflection, Conscience, and Hope" enough." part of the ceremony, which the man did. The elder Hodge The entire experience was moving and appeared in Seattle at rather disturbing, I think, to most of us, University Unitarian Church to help launch for we realized for the first time in Amnesty Week pro rather concrete human terms the kind of claimed by Gov. Dan gulf that must be bridged'among all of us Evans for Feb. 22-29. who are, in one sense or another, "war Hodge said his son "considers himself a victims". conscientious objector." John Israel "Austin called me a few weeks ago and told me he couldn't keep it up," he said. "He had WASHINGTON hoped that by this time LL-UYU HOUufc Governor Dar Evans proclaimed National there would be general amnesty." ... Amnesty Week. The film, Hearts and Minds was shown all over the State, along with Seaifleîfes back a speaker from local amnesty groups. Dorothy Wright of Seattle wrote during the week,"We are still getting new phone Shelton man who calls daily from schools and churches that want to show the film---the response was A.W.O.L has been excellent." In addition there were articles and letters to the editor The Seattle Times 2.22.76 in the local press. On Sunday, Feb 22, and Amnesty forum was held at the University Unitarian Church in Seattle. Among the participants was Washington state Lloyd Hodge, a World War II Navy Vet, and father of Austin Hodcje , the Marine AWOL has Amnesty Week who surfaced at the same time in Boston. Mr. Hodge, who lives in Shelton, Wash., SEATTLE (UPI) - Gov. Many hundreds of thousands supported his son and spoke for a total Daniel J. Evans officially has of Americans and their fami amnesty. The event received national proclaimed this week as lies still suffer the effects of news coverage. Sermons for amnesty were Amnesty Week. the war. delivered around the State, including In his proclamation, the "Throughout our 200-year Republican governor of Wash history, amnesty has been the Lutheran Church of Wenatchee. ington state said, "The Indo declared after wars in which NCUUA has received a request from china war, which touched the Americans have fought. Be it the Governor's office for statistics on lives of all American citizens, resolved that the wounds of who needs amnesty in Washington, and for has ended. Our prisoners of that war will be healed, that war have returned and the we will remember those who suggestions as to what can be done for United States has given ref have perished and seek pea« amnesty on the state level. uge to Indochinese refugees. with those who remain." 19 WISCONSIN The efforts of people in the state of Wise, were rewarded in that the Gov. and In Madison a large AMNESTY rally was the Mayer of Madison proclaimed National held Sunday, March 14th. Over 600 people Amnesty Week following many letters, per attended. Key;speakers included Daniel sonal visits, and phone calls. Ellsburg (Pentagon Papers), Ron Freund (Metro Chicago CALC), Jim Peck (WRL-NYC), Amnesty Week and Peter Yarrow (folk singer). Midge Miller, the Madison State Representative, made introductions. A press conference that Freedom for those preceded the rally drew wide-spread inter est on the part of both press and media- who resisted in fact it had to be dispersed in order for the rally to begin. Both speakers and participants report that there was a tre By SCOTT III1J>KRKANU of thr < animal Staff mendous spirit and excellent audience par Amnesty activities are being organized nationwide this week, ticipation! with the hope of mobilizing public support for total amnesty for those who demonstrated op Madison Center for Conflict Resolution position i(j American military involvement in Southeast Asia. The National Council For sponsored a visit by Dave Cortwright, Universal and Unconditional Amnesty i NCUUA > has author of SOLDIERS IN REVOLT. Other'ac designated the week of Feb 22-a as National Amnesty Week M ITA IS Tilt: main office for tivities included a benefit amnesty dinner, a nationwide amnesty support network During the past year. several radio shows, interview with the NCtTJAhasheenactive trying to educate the public arid political candidates of the need for press, a large mailing, and special pres universal and unconditional amnesty sure on the Gov. and mayor. NCUUA's affiliate in Madison is Ihe Wisconsin Coalition for New Priorities The coalition has organized various activities for Pax Christi of Edgawood College in National Amnesty Week Madison are focusing on amnesty this week with a Mon. PM radio show, a Wed. PM talk show, and a conference at Edgewood College on amnesty.
DAILY CARD i NAL UNiVER OF WISCONSIN MAO iSON, MS DAiLV NCOM QNAL MNESTY #*\ Ellsberg on Vietnam] A de resisters
20 Daniel Ellsberg at Sunday amnesty ratty several British M.P's, trade unionists WYOMING and representatives of peace groups. The vigil was held to demonstrate support for Wyoming: UUA. A delegation of M.P.'sand an exile Radio Staion KOWB in Laramie requested representative had an appointment with a information on resistors. They were put State Department person at the Embassy. in touch with ACLU and AFSC contacts. Overall 50-60 people attended the daily Future actions should take place. noon hour vigil. These groups will be lobbying the foreign delegates to the Dem ocratic National Convention. BELGIUM International Collective Resistance sent GERMANY a letter stating they would try and org anize something in front of the U.S. Em FORWARD; a G.I. Newsletter in Berlin bassies in France and Belgium. A repre had an article on Amnesty Week. Action sentative of their organization was at suggestions included were: write to your the London vigil. representative and ask their position on the Amnesty/Discharge issue: Write to past employers about their hir CANADA ing policies;
Amex-Canada held a pot luck supper at the beginning of National Amnesty Week. An SWEDEN exile representative went on a speaking tour in the Mid West. 2 representatives are on tour with the Indo China Mobile Announcing National Amnesty Week, the Education Project vans in the South and American Exile Newsletter from Sweden had West. an article, "New Push for Amnesty". "Here in Sweden it* s time for us to pound on that American Embassy door again, reminding them and the mass media that we ENGLAND are still here...still in exile and proud of it...and still demanding an end to the 2 London based American groups,Concerned injustice and slaughter being so ironically Americans Abroad and the Vietnam Veterans carried out in the name of the "silent Against the War maintained a 5 day vigil majority." 2/23-2/27 for one hour daily in front of the U.S. Embassy. They were joined by
cover photo credits:
proclamations ... art zigas upper right photo ... Bea Robbins, parent of a draft résister, on right with Jeremy Mott, former draft résister with wife and child. •The Sunday News, Newark, N.J. lower left photo ... Redina Trembath, parent of a résister. The Record, Epis. Diocese of Michigan Newspaper, center right photo ... Vigil at U.S. Embassy in London. Morning Star, England center photo . . . Vietnam Vet trying to get honorable discharge (left) with Joe Keleman, military counselor. The Evening Times, Trenton, N.J. cover montage ... S. Ikenberry 21 Reqiort^t Caucuses "Proposed
Ala« W.o.
One of the things we learned while working toward National Amnesty Week is that It was also proposed that an NCUUA national there is a great need for increased regional representative be present to listen and to participation in NCUUA program development. make sure proposals are brought back to the That is, if we are to be more effective in attention of the steering committee. amnesty work, there is a need for greater We would like to suggest that you bring coordinated effort between intra-state this up at your next meeting and call or groups, between states and regions, and write us as soon as possible with your re nationally. We found that in many states sponses. and some cities amnesty contacts do not We have arbitrarily divided the coun even know each other. Many groups could try into the following regions but let us not consider inviting a speaker to come be know if you have better ideas. We can put cause of the cost and lack of resources — you in touch with others in the region as however, where several groups cooperated, soon as we know of your interest. such a visit was possible. Also, when trying to coordinate a nation-wide activity, 1 MILLION RMERICRN5 it would be less costly for NCUUA to call one person per state or region and know tha ) 650.000 VETERANS WITH LESS that network will be taken care of. / THRN HONORABLE DI5CHRRCES I 3OO.0O0 NON-REOISTRRNTS In many states there exists only a s \ 20.000 CIVILIAN RESISTERS 'vertical relationship" between NCUUA and ZS.OOO DESERTERS 4.000 ORRFT RESISTERS contacts/groups without a good "horizontal \\ 1,000.000 relationship" between contacts themselves. Hence at the March 10 steering committee meetingit was decided that, as a first step THEY SRID NO TO toward having regional participation in the FIN UNJUST WRR actual decision-making process of NCUUA, we should facilitate the setting up of regional caucuses across the country with the pur poses of: a) people from the region getting SUPPORT acquainted with each other; b) discussing NRTIONRL what can be done together in the region and AMNESTY WEEK what the problems are; and c) sending FEB. 22-29, 1976 resolutions and program proposals to NCUUA. 2 2 Organizing Ougojcstîons in coalition, will be building activities for April 30 in support of the demands for recognition and reconstruction aid. These groups already support total amnesty at their national levels, and should be willing Dear Amnesty Supporter: to raise the demand for amnesty locally, but you should take the initiative in making Congratulations! Our February 22-29 contact with them, and in building local National Amnesty Week was a tremendous suc unity and activities around all four demands. cess, mobilizing more people in more communi ties into action for total amnesty than ever A^s examples, New York groups are before in the history of our movement.' Pub planning a two-week program with mobile lic support for universal and unconditional street "booths" with literature and peti amnesty moved out into the streets and tions, college workshops and slide shows, meeting halls of America more than ever ' worker-to-worker" fund-raising in labor before as you can see, and the probability unions, renting Hearts and Minds for the of winning our struggle has grown visibly. free use of any group, and a benefit con Now we must build on these successes. cert. Madison, Wise, is planning a four- We have developed "new muscle" which day program to include a concert, program needs exercise to keep strong and grow of speakers, an out-door rally, and a stronger. We must use that muscle again, block festival. before summer vacations, if we are to keep As you approach these groups, NCUUA the power we have and build it further. We will communicate with the national offices need to follow our successful National of their organizations. We will urge these Amnesty Week effort with another national effices to notify their local chapters of effort, simpler, on a single day, and with this combined effort, so that they will ex a nationally-coordinated focus. pect your initiative. Our primary tasks fcr The NCUUA Steering Committee has set April 30 are to join together the four is- » our next effort for April 30, the first anii sues, and to cement the working relation versary of the end of the war in Indochina. ships of local groups involved on these is Anti-war organizations around the world will sues, so that we can go forward on four * be celebrating this joyous occasion, and fronts with strong local unity. American anti-war and amnesty organizations FRIENDSHIPMENT will send a packet of can use the date to join forces locally, literature and other materials dealing with calling for *U.S. recognition of and *recor- these issues for $2. Write FRIENDSHIPMENT, struction aid to those countries, •univer 235 E 49th St, NYC 10017. FRIENDSHIPMENT sal, unconditional amnesty, and *no more gathers and sends "people-to-people" recon U.S. wars of aggression. These issues are struction materials to Vietnam. inseparably inter-linked in our work; to Good luck in this effort! Let's, build gether they represent the cutting edge of on the successes of National Amnesty Week the current anti-war movement -- the con and make our issues as visible as possible tinuing effort to learn from the war and on April 30! the effort to help alleviate some of the Please look over your National Amesty immense suffering it has caused. Organi Week Organizing Guide and the clippings and zations building the reconciliation and examples of activities in this pamphlet for friendship of the American and Indochinese ideas you can bring to your local coalition. peoples and trying to heal the wounds of We particularly recommend, the following: war in Indochina are the natural allies of public meetings, a stationary or mobile the amnesty movement. "booth" with visual aids, petitions, liter In your community, it is probable that ature, etc, sermons by clergypeople, public groups like the American Friends Service Com leafletting, city council or mayoral reso mittee, FRIENDSHIPMENT, Friends of Indo* lutions, essay and/or poster contests, china, Clergy and Laity Concerned, War Re* letters-to-the-editor, generating media, sister«; League, and others, individually and door-to-door petition drives...
23 April 30,1976 The U.S. government militarily intervened in the le gitimate independence struggle of the peoples of Indo china. We call upon the President and Congress of the United States to deal justly and immediately with the still un resolved problems resulting from U.S. involvement in Indo china. Though the war is new over, and though the great ma jority of Americans came to oppose U.S. involvement, more than one million Americans remain in legal jeopardy or are permanently stigmatized for their opposition. We demand universal and unconditional amnesty for Indochina War re sisters, including honorable discharges for all war-era veterans and a Single Type Discharge for the future. The U.S. government has not yet recognized the govern ments of Indochina, seeking to weaken them through a policy of diplomatic quarantine and trade embargo. Vie do not in tend to see'this legitimate recognition delayed, nor to see the Indochinese peoples deprived of the materials necessary for national reconstruction. We demand that the U.S. immediately recognize these governments and end its embargo. The U.S. government pledged large-scale unconditional reconstruction aid to the Indochinese nations in the Paris Agreement of 1973. A U.S. and Vietnamese "Joint Economric Commission" finalized the terms. Nixon committed the U.S. to 3.25 billion dollars. So far, not a penny has been sent. The American government must accept the principle of its commitment, whatever the final figure of U.S. aid. Beyond the legal claim, however, lies the binding moral obligation to help restore the devastated land-scapes of Indochina, ravaged by unjust U.S. intervention. On March 6, the U.S. House of P»epresentatives voted to end the embargo, indicating the changing attitude in Washington toward Vietnam. Even if «the Ford Administra 2& tion is able to ignore that vote, it cannot ignore the trend it represents. We demand that the U.S. fulfill its pledge and assist in the reconstruction process by pro viding its promised funds. We further demand that the U.S. government never again intervene in national struggles for independence and freedom;'no more aggressive U.S. wars! NCUUA (Ml AMNESTY UPDATE
NCUUA AMNESTY UPDATE No. 8 Spring 1976 AFA NOTES II, No. 4 m AMNESTY WORK IN THE SPRING PRIMARY AND FALL ELECTION PERIODS
A POST-ELECTION PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY: that will otherwise be largely a CONGRESS HASN T GOT THE GUTS. public relations campaign which Senator Philip Hart stated on skirts the issues. The amnesty February 26th in Washington D.C. that movement can play a significant "Congress has the power to grant un role in transforming this process conditional amnesty, but we lack the into a discussion of the unfinished guts to do it." Both Senators Hart business of the Indochina war era: and McGovern told NCUUA that the only ^universal, unconditional amnesty, hope for another move on amnesty is ^reconstruction aid, ^diplomatic a post election Executive Action. recognition for the new governments in Indochina, and *no more aggres There is now no reason to believe sive U.S. war s. If we are able that the present Congress will during the election process to es legislate an amnesty. No adequate tablish these issues as being polit legislation has yet been submitted, ically "legitimate" and no longer and the inadequate legislation that "extremist", we will have come a A has been introduced is going nowhere. long way toward achieving our goals^ The NCUUA amnesty bill, a bill that in 1977. If we don't, it is likely puts universal and unconditional that these issues will be put on a amnesty into legislative form and back burner for a long time to come. language, has yet to be sponsored or introduced. We have chosen this strategy over numerous others such as supporting NCUUA believes that the best use a candidate(s) or lobbying delegates, of our political energies during for a number of reasons: this election year is to concen trate on using the local appearances It has been advised by some of Congressional and Presidential that the best way to win support for candidates during the primary and our demands is to drop amnesty as a campaign periods to publicly raise campaign issue because it is "too the amnesty issue at the community controversial". Another suggestion level. If we focus on a campaign of has been that we should redirect our public pressure throughout 1976, a energies into general campaign work newly elected President will have to for progressive candidates, assuming act. that if we force them to take publicA stands for universal and uncondi tional amnesty their chances for nomination and election would be hurt. It is also suggested that once we get private assurances from the candidate(s) we should be quiet about amnesty until after the candi date is elected.
THE FOCUS However,we have found that, un The pre-arranged political for less there is constant visible pres ums of the spring primary session sure put on even "friendly" candi and the fall election campaign pro dates and politicians, they will vide an excellent opportunity for "back-slide". In 1968, many of us the amnesty movement to inject ths in the anti-war movement were at issue of universal and unconditionsl tracted by the promises of the amnesty into an election process Eugene McCarthy campaign; we came "in off the streets" to get behind debate and the generation of public McCarthy as a way to end the war. pressure, a major point of our work from the spring through the fall is to encourage the American people to think about the "structures and institutions that created the war", (NCUUA statement of principles) and the need for tp.otal amnesty. Should candidates indicate their support in private, we should urge them to go public. Should they come out in opposition to am nesty or in favor of partial or conditional amnesty, we should pub licize this too and compare the various positions to universal, un conditional amnesty. The issue should be discussed whenever and wherever possible. The public should be given the op portunity to think and discuss the issue, rather than having a candi date decide for them. While it is still true that working within the political establishment to win anti-war support is a good idea, we found it was a mistake to place full reliance on the so-called "anti-war"politicians to represent our demands. We found that a Con gress that supported the end of U.S. involvement in Indochina supported the U.S. role in the 1975 Mayaguez incident. Finally, a liberal candi date, no matter the promises, falls under heavy pressure to tone down "controversial" positions during the campaign period. "The same liberals ho vacillated on the issue of the far until it was beyond their own interests not to oppose it, continue Carolyn and Louis Minugh to vacillate on the issue of am nesty." (Steve Adler, Coordinator, Oregon FOR and Portland CALC, Port TACTICS land, OR) Only with a strong show of popular support for amnesty will # Taking the Initiative the candidates be public, consis When we attended the Louisville tent, and forthright in dealing with Democratic Issues Convention (11.75) this issue! we learned we could gain consider able support for amnesty by taking • Another suggestion has been the initiative in raising the issue that we restrict our work during the in p'rivate talks with candidates election period to winning private and their aides, by leafletting, and support of the candidates and their by bringing up the issue from the organizations. While this is im meeting floor. Had we not done so, portant, it is only part of the job. it is likely that the issue would Not only do our best chances for not have heen discussed as frequent winning our struggle lie in public ly, if at all. For example, Rep. Morris Udall al records". Therefore, even if a who was also present, told NCUUA candidate's position is "pro- that he was for "amnesty" (see his amnesty" it is highly unlikely that position, attached) but said that he or she understands the scope of he wouldn't mention it because the issue. "it's not a vote-getter". However when we proceeded to bring up the issue of amnesty from the floor we received tremendous support from the delegates who then began to bring it up themselves. • Making Amnesty Visible In private, and particularly At both the Louisville Confer in public, we should question candi ence and the American Bar Associa dates in such a way that the total tion Conference last August in spectrum of the amnesty question Montreal, NCUUA representatives becomes clear. Because Vietnam era found that it is possible for a veterans with bad discharges and small number of organizers to get civilians with "records" or who are large assemblies to consider am still imprisoned are often left OU1Ä nesty by making our presence very of the discussion, questions shoulcPJ visible. direct the candidates to speak par ticularly to these categories. A In order to do so it is use few sample questions follow. ful to have literature booths, to saturate a meeting or rally with NCUUA has compiled a list of leaflets, to button-hole key people the major candidates' positions on and learn from them other key total amnesty - see attached. Some people to approach, and to raise of these positions are ambiguous universal and unconditional amnesty and subject to change. Although in meetings from the floor or get a NCUUA has been in contact with all sympathizers to do so from the the major candidates and their speakers' rostrum. national organizations at one time or another in the last six months, Since many of the candidates' it would be beneficial on the local/ meetings for the next several state level to write the candidates months will be getting alot of or arrange meetings with their local media attention, it is also a good campaign workers to discuss the idea to have as many large amnesty candidates' positions on total am- äk banners and placards as possible. nesty. This alone, however, is not^ After making amnesty visible in enough. this manner on many stops on the candidates' routes, they will real ize that it is in their interest to bring up the amnesty issue them selves.
% Clarifying the Amnesty Issue Universal, unconditional am nesty is such a complex issue, in THE IMPORTANCE OF 1976 cluding not only draft resisters and deserters in exile or underground If we are to be successful in in the States, but also almost requiring that the issue of univer 800,000 war era veterans with less sal, unconditional amnesty be re than honorable discharges, perhaps solved for all America's war re as many as 1.7 millioi» draft non- sisters, we should be highly visi registrants , and untold thousands ble from Spring to Fall. It is of civilian resisters with "crimin- clear that we can't count on Presi- 4 dent Ford or the supposedly "lib be pointed out as such in our work, eral" post-Watergate Congress to Furthermore, we must reaffirm our act on amnesty in 1976. No matter opposition to any reinstatement of whether a "liberal" congress is the Ford program, even in a cos elected in the fall, both branches metically "improved" form, such as of the government will be slow to the Nelson-Javits plan. We con act unless they feel public pressure tinue to be firmly opposed to con to do so. ditional and punitive "clemency". After the elections, there is generally a "honeymoon period" for the new President — unless amnesty is already on the new President's agenda, we could be in for a long wait until the necessary climate is developed to force the government to take action. Even if a conservative is elected as President, it is not totally un- ikely that there will be another * mnesty move (see Reagan, Jackson positions, following). The possi bility of another phony "amnesty" should not be discounted. How well we do our job of edu cating the public on universal, unconditional amnesty in 1976 will play an important role in how the amnesty question is finally re solved.
Ronald Reagan "I do not favor amnesty for draft dodgers or military deserters, I do believe that clemency should AMNESTY POSITIONS be considered, on a case-by-case OF basis, for those who return and \ who recognize that they have broken v VARIOUS CANDIDATES the law, and are willing to make Except when otherwise noted, up their service." quotations are from candidates ' letters to the VFW in January, 1976, •The Democrats range from no am Positions are subject to change. nesty at all, to conditional for some, to an ambiguous uncondition •The Republicans support the al one for more. "earned re-entry" approach: case- by-case review with "alternative Hubert Humphrey service": Humphrey supports a program modeled Gerald Ford on the punitive and unsuccessful According to Theodore C. Marrs, Ford Clemency program: Special Assistant to the President, "I continue to believe that "The President does not intend to some form of alternative civil, so extend or replace this (the Clem cial or humanitarian service to ency) program." This is clearly our country should be rendered as an unacceptable position and must a condition for repatriation. In the fields of health, education, The decisionmakers in Washington and social welfare, there is a want the American people to forget great need for services, and I cer the crimes they engineered in Indo tainly believe these young men china. However these crimes are the could make an important contribu basis on which the amnesty argument tion in such areas. is grounded. Hubert Humphrey played "The Vietnam conflict marked a a central role in the history of the tragic era in our history. The ef Indochina war, not only in stumping» fects of our involvement there will the country and world in order to undoubtedly be the subject of de build support for Johnson's genocidal bate and discussion for years to war policies, but also in the 196 8 come. Nevertheless, thousands of Chicago convention and in running Americans lost their lives there in for President in 1968 as a "peace the service of their country. A candidate" while supporting John program of unconditional amnesty, son's war policies. absent some accomodation on the part While it is Humphrey's obliga of the beneficiaries, would be dis tion to move to universal and un service to the memory of those who conditional amnesty, it is not our fought and died in Vietnam. Also, duty to help him erase from America's I think all of us need to be contin memory the part he played in the A ually reminded that the obligations Indochina war. of citizenship may and should in Not only must we convince Hum clude various forms of direct ser phrey that his punitive position vice to our country." on amnesty must be changed, but also According to the New York Times he should be informed that amnesty (4.14.76), George McGovern has come is riot (as McGovern said) just for close to giving the undeclared "protesters who exiled themselves..." Humphrey campaign the endorsement but also for military deserters, of antiwar liberals "many of whom veterans with less than honorable share some lingering resentment of discharges, non-registrants, and the former Vice President's ardent civilian resisters. defense of the Vietnam War in the With the support of the liberal late I960's. To earn their for anti-war wing of the party predi giveness and support, Mr. McGovern cated on a more progressive amnesty told reporters...Mr. Humphrey should position, Humphrey's present posi endorse unconditional amnesty for tion is vulnerable to pressure from the protesters who exiled themselves the amnesty movement which now has to avoid the draft." an opening to change his position. The Gallup poll shows that there will be a close race for the nomin ation of the Democratic party be tween probably Carter (who has a Jimmy Carter "better" position on amnesty) and Humphrey. If Humphrey wants to be "I am not in favor of blanket that nominee he is going to have to amnesty because this would equate seriously consider changing his am illegal defection from service in nesty position. If we are able to Vietnam with sacrificial service generate enough pressure on Humphrey there by many who objected to the at the same time as McGovern and war but went regardless. I believe other party insiders apply pressure, that those who have lived in exile it is likely that Humphrey will have for many years have been adequate to change his stand. ly punished. I favor a pardon for McGovern's logic however is faulty, them." "If those young people are willing to While saying this, however, forget the role he (Humphrey) played Carter also professes to under in the war, he ought to forget their stand the lack of options that most opposition to the war. I say that as lower income people had available a friend of Humphrey 's." when faced with the draft : 6 "Most of the people in my section Carter speaks only of exiles, and of Georgia are quite poor. They follows the position of pitting one didn't know where Sweden was, they group of war victims (veterans) didn't know how to get to Canada, against another (resisters). By they didn't have enough money to creating this antagonism between hide in college. They thought the categories of war victims, he side steps dealing with the issue of the war itself. He must be pressed on the situation of vets with bad dis charges and civilian resisters. War resisters do not need to be "pardoned" (which presumes guilt) for refusing to be part of a crim inal war.
Frank Church "I support amnesty for those who-« for reasons of conscience—refused to fight in Southeast Asia." He should bé pressed publicly for what he means by "reasons of con science". If he means case-by- case adjudication, he needs to be confronted with the practical im possibilities and class discrimin ation implicit in such a solution. Also, resistance took many forms, only a few of which involved "re fusing to fight". war was wrong.... They were extra»- ordinarily heroic, serving their Henry Jackson country in great danger even if "I am opposed to a general or they didn't have the appreciation unconditional amnesty for those who of their fellow citizens and even refused service or fled in order to if they thought the war was wrong." avoid the consequences of their re (The Washington Post, 21 March 1976) fusal to serve. It would not be By courting both liberals and fair for those individuals who vio conservatives with such responses, lated the law to be officially ex (^arter hopes to finesse his way a- cused from penalty while others, ^round the issue of amnesty. Regard often at the risk of life, accepted less of the short-term political the obligation of service. success he may achieve with this "However, in the interest of tactic, the inadequacy of his posi reconciling the divisions created tion must be emphatically pointed by the Vietnam conflict, we must out. also seek ways — which fully re Most of those who served were spect the responsibilities of cit from lower income homes, and it is izenship — for individuals who re true that they have not received the fused service to return to this rights and benefits due following country." their return. They are, however, Right up to the end of the war victims not heroes. Others who Henry Jackson was a staunch sup were victimized include not only porter of the Indochina policies of those who were wounded or killed Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and during the war, but the 700,000+ Gerald Ford. Jackson's record on veterans who were tagged with bad the war should be emphasized when discharges and now face permanent criticizing his amnesty position, job discrimination and loss of bene one that seems to be restricted to fits. exiles, ignores most of those who 7 need amnesty, and seems to require served if amnesty can be granted some form of alternative service. through an Act of Congress. How Furthermore, it should be noted ever, if the Congress fails to act, that Jackson has been exposed in I would, as President, use the ex the New York Times as one of Con ecutive authority to institute a gress"1 most steadfast defenders of program based on the following prin the CIA. We cannot forget the ciples: CIA's "Operation Phoenix", the sys "*There must be no strings attached. tematic assassination of over Clemency should be granted to all 40,000 civilians. those who signed statements that they violated the draft laws or sections of the military code because they were sincerely opposed to the war. Only if there is clear and convincing evidence to establish a lack of good conscience would a Clemency Board be empowered to look beyond the applicant's affirmation. " * There are many young Ameri cans who were not conscientious ob jectors but who became the war's un-A willing victims in another way. HurP dreds of thousands of Vietnam-era veterans have received less than fully honorable discharges, marking them as virtually unemployable. Those individuals who did not com mit serious crimes, but who simply could not adjust to the Vietnam military experience, must not be George Wallace stigmatized for life with this post- "My firm stand against general service punishment. amnesty remains unchanged. I have "...After most major wars, we have long been on record against amnesty acted swiftly and compassionately to for draft dodgers and military de bring conscientious dissenters back serters and have spoken out publicly into society. In the aftermath of to that effect many times." Vietnam, so bitter and divisive an episode in our history, we must do not less." * Udall requires, clemency board âÊk applicants to affirm a form of conscientious objection. To grant amnesty on the basis of "good conscience" is to grant amnesty on a case-by-case basis. Already clearly demonstrated by Morris K. Udall the procedure for granting con "President Ford's limited clemen scientious objector status during cy program has failed. Many con the war, such a mechanism would scientious dissenters were excluded work to the detriment of many from eligibility from that program, vets with bad discharges, racial and less than 20% of those eligible minorities, working class people have been granted clemency. I sup and'poor whites, and the less ed port an amnesty program that will ucated and articulate. It would bring the remaining victims of this work in the favor of the highly tragic war back into society. educated and priviledged. "In the interests of reconcilia * Udall's plan also requires the tion and national unity, I believe initiative of the clemency ap that the country would be best plicant to come forward, placing 8 him or herself in the hands of the government. This stipulation WHEN A CANDIDATE COMES TO TOWN alone would doom the plan to failure since few war resisters would be willing to debate or justify the "goodness" of their "consciences" before a Clemency Board representing the U.S. gov ernment which prosecuted the "conscienceless" war. * Udall's recent inclusion of veterans with less than honora ble discharges must be welcomed. However he does not outline any mechanism whereby bad discharges would be replaced with honorables, what categories would be eligible, what he considers the "Vietnam- era", etc. Unless a total am nesty were granted automatically upgrading all less than honor T able discharges to honorable and 9TAL replacing the present discrimin atory discharge system with a single type discharge, Udall's plan will be no more successful than Ford's program and little better than the present ©Attend public meetings in the costly and ineffectual discharge greatest numbers you can. Try to get upgrading services. someone on the official speakers' * Finally, although recently Udall rostrum to raise the amnesty issue; states clemency should have "no also raise it from the floor. Con» strings attached", he has pre struct the question to direct the viously stated that alternative candidate's response particularly service would be an option to be to vets with less-than-honorable dis given to the applicant in cases charges and civilian resisters — of "questionable conscience". We two huge groups not covered by most would like to know more about the existing legislative proposals. (See mechanics of his clemency board to "sample questions" following.) Make ,fiee if it would indeed be much dif large "UNIVERSAL UNCONDITIONAL ferent from Ford's program. AMNESTY" banners and placards so our Morris Udall must be pressed on demand will be visible to the media. these points. Film crews will get the picture, particularly if you question the can didate on amnesty from the floor, Edmund G. (Jerry) Brown and you'll see yourself on the six o'clock news! • Attend press conferences. You may Despite much local be able to get yourself press creden and national pressure, tials from some local paper (church Jerry Brown has refused paper, your local group's newsletter, to come out with a po etc.). Press credentials need only sition on amnesty. He be a letter from the publisher of a must continue to be paper or magazine, or some figure of pressed on this. authority connected with such, asserting that you represent that publication. If this doesn't work out, get a friend from the press to question the candidate on universal, •Arrange private meetings between unconditional amnesty. Again, try yourself or your group and the candi to focus on those aspects of the date's "issues aide(s)" to discuss issue often overlooked — vets with amnesty and our other issues. bad discharges and civilian resisters in prison and with "criminal" records •Assemble sufficient literature for for anti-war acts. a display table at meetings when possible. • Continue to use your resourceful- - ness and imagination in coming up with more interesting and effective ways to make amnesty a highly visible issue this election year!
If the amnesty movement can organize to build these activities "when the candidate comes to town", we can establish universal, uncon ditional amnesty as an election is sue. That process will force con- M tinued examination of the nature of ' U.S. involvement in Indochina, which in itself is one of the most valua ble services we can perform for our fellow Americans, and can give us the best probability of advancing and winning our struggle.
^Try whenever possible to keep the Let us know what you're doing, post war issues tied together in what you need, and how we can help. questions, literature, and media We can supply literature, films, work: * universal, unconditional videotapes, and resource people for amnesty, * reconstruction aid, meetings and press interviews. Let * diplomatic recognition for the us hear from you. GOOD LUCK! new governments in Indochina, and * no more aggressive U.S. wars. Create leaflets for distribution at meetings, rallies, etc. As far SAMPLE QUESTIONS TO CANDIDATES 1 as possible, we shouldframe our am nesty arguments in the context of the unjust and illegal nature of U.S. The trials of German leaders at involvement in Indochina and the Nuremberg after W.W.II rejected democratic right to resist future their argument Of "only follow such wars. ing orders" as a defense against charges of violating the laws of •After getting the candidate to de war. Nuremberg principle IV states: clare his or her position, publicize "the fact that a person acted pur that position along with its short suant to orders of his government comings (a point-by-point comparison or of a superior does not relieve with universal and unconditional him from responsibility under in amnesty). Make these criticisms in ternational law, provided a moral the print and broadcast media, your choice was in fact possible to own literature, posters, etc. Write him." letters to the editors of local pub lications reporting the candidate's Many people have written about position with your criticisms. U.S. war crimes. Telford Taylor, 10 Chief U.S. Counsel at Nuremburg, Please state your understanding wrote in his book, Nuremburg and of the Nuremburg principles and Vietnam, that standard U.S. policy the laws of war as they relate to in Vietnam was in violation of the need for universal uncondition laws and treaties on the conduct al amnesty. of war. Such laws and treaties are binding on U.S. citizens. 3. U.S. policy in Vietnam, in Article 6 of the U.S. Constitution cluding free fire zpnes, search states: "... all treaties made, or and destroy, terror bombing of which shall be made under the auth urban centers, and defoliation ority of the United States, shall of large areas of the country be the supreme law of the land." side, were in direct violation of international treaties on the Persons who refused to take part conduct of war. The Nuremburg in the war in Vietnam were, wheth princples place a responsibility er consciously or unconsciously, on individuals to refuse to take upholding their obligation to in part in such policies, even if ternational law, yet they continue their government or superiors say to suffer the legal and social they must. With this in mind, consequences of their refusal. please explain your position on ^Chey are legally entitled to am unconditional amnesty for all per nesty for their actions. sons who refused to participate in the war in Vietnam. The above information is seldom used but an important aspect of the amnesty issue. With this in mind, three sample questions for candidates follow: More general questions on the issue of amnesty follow: 1. The Nuremburg Trials expound ed the principles that individuals can be held criminally liable under international law for acts which are considered legal by domestic law. Many people, have written that standard U.S. military pol icies in Vietnam were in violation jof international laws on the con- jwuct of war. With this in mind, pleases explain your position on unconditional amnesty for those persons who continue to suffer 1. In view of the fact that most legal and social effects for re Americans now believe that U.S. in fusing to participate in the war volvement in Indochina was unjust and in Vietnam. illegal, please describe your posi tion on amnesty for those who re 2. Agreements such as the Nur sisted the war, including draft re emburg principles and other treat sisters, deserters, non-registrants ies on the laws of war become for the draft, and speaking particu " the supreme law of the land" larly to the situations of civilian when ratified by Congress, yet resisters and veterans with less- American war resistors were put than-honorable discharges. in the position of having to choose between obeying U.S. draft and 2. Since almost 800,000 veterans of military laws and thereby par the Vietnam era are now being stig ticipating in war crimes; or by matized by less-than-honorable dis upholding international law be charges (almost 90% of which were coming criminals in the U.S. given administratively, without due
/ process of law), and since these dis officer, etc. Those few who have bad charges deprive veterans, including discharges actually relating to what those wounded in Vietnam, of Veterans can be called serious crimes have benefits and subject these individuals already heen tried, sentenced, and to a lifetime of discrimination, in served prison terms. For them, a employment and other areas, what is bad discharge is yet a second pun your position on upgrading all less- ishment — a life sentence to dis than-honorable discharges to honora crimination on the job market and ble, and issuing a single-type dis elsewhere. Nobody "deserves" a bad charge in the future, as part of an discharge. The discharge system is * overall amnesty for the Vietnam era? an unjust extension of the military's authority over the rest of an ex- 3. (for those candidates stated to serviceperson's civilian life. We be pro amnesty) In view of your al call for a Single Type Discharge in ready stated position in favor of the future. Resistance to an unjust amnesty for Vietnam war resisters, war is our right and our duty. No and since less-than-honorable dis punishment is appropriate for exer charges were issued in many cases as cising this vital democratic right! punishment for acts of resistance and/or protest within the military, and issued furthermore without due process of law, don't you feel that upgrading all these nearly 800,000 bad discharges to honorable must be PLATFORM HEARINGS BEING HELD included in a general Vietnam era amnesty? i AROUND THE COUNTRY AND ABROAD
4. In view of the fact that, accord The Platform Committee of the Democra ing to Selective Service figures, tic National Committee is holding regional during the Indochina war, 89% of hearings to accept testimony from concerned draft-eligible males and 100% of citizens and groups about issues which draft-age women were not inducted, should be included in the Democratic Party and that the poor and especially the Platform. non-white poor were disproportion On April 1st, in London, England, Fritz ately drafted and -served in Vietnam, Efaw, a draft résister living in exile, what is your position on the contin testified at the platform hearings of Demo^- ued punishment of many of these vet crats Abroad. His testimony was well pre^- erans who have less-than-honorable pared and extremely well received. He diS"- discharges and are denied VA benefits cussed the effects of the Vietnam war on and suffer a lifetime of employment American society, and then concentrated on and other discrimination? the issue of amnesty for three broad groups: war resisters, Vietnam Veterans and G.I.'s. He pointed but that the 1972 Democratic If you get a chance to respond Party platform included "amnesty for those to the candidate's answer, you may who for reasons of conscience" refused to want to bear in mind the following: fight in Southeast Asia. Fritz pointed out the present inadequacy of that once Over 90% of the Indochina War era fairly progressive statement. Fritz also less-than-honorable discharges were pointed out that one year since £he Vietnam given administratively at the whim war ended, a new Democratic administration of a commanding officer with no has an obligation to come to grips with the form of due process or court-martial, issue and grant a total amnesty. and usually without the GI even The overseas platform committee will knowing the real reason for the bad definitely report something pro amnesty discharge. Over 90% were given for when the full committee meets in New York acts that would not be crimes in in June. civilian life — purely military of On April 17th in Atlanta, Ga., Nan fenses such as AWOL, disobeying or Pendergrast, parent of a war résister, ders, showing disrespect toward an testified at the southern regional hear- 12 ings. Her testimony was very well re Hello to friends and parents of ceived. The acting chairman and other War Resisters. Recently I talked committee members stated they would do with James Daly, a soft-spoken young everything they could to get amnesty in man of tremendous integrity, who cluded as a plank in the platform. lives a few miles from me. He was On April 24th, in Kansas City, Mo., a P.O.W. in North Vietnam for many Scott Mackey of WRL will submit testimony years. Let me paraphrase his ans at the mid-western region platform hearing. wers to some of my questions. On May 1, in Denver, John Wafer of CALC will do the same for the western re HOW WERE YOU TREATED BY THE NORTH gion. VIETNAMESE WHILE YOU WERE IN PRISON? On May 17,18, and 19, the Full Plat form Committee will hold a hearing in "Well, by American standards Washington, D.C. NCUUA will submit testi maybe it was no bed of roses./ The mony. food was Vietnamese food, and the The Democratic platform will be written best they had in war time. We had in mid-June and will be mailed to all con better food than our guards. On vention delegates by the end of June. one occasion U.S. bombers comple In any area where the delegates are tely destroyed the garden in which running for election, or already have been we raised our food. The Vietnamese •elected, they should be contacted and guards gave us all the remaining TLobbied on the issue of amnesty. Educa rice and food supplies to us, say tional information should be sent to them, ing 'we can live on less than you and appointments should be made to discuss can'. Food not grown at the camp the issue with them. had to be carried in by the guards If you want to obtain a list of dele which would take them 2-3 weeks. gates to the Democratic National Conven Each time only half the guards would tion from your area, write to the Demo make it back with our food. No cratic National Committee, 1625 Mass American ever died for me. At achusetts Ave., Washington, D.C. 20036. Christmas (my first was in 196 8) we had special things such as tur key, and they had us dress up for the occasion. We had movies some times too."
WERE YOU TORTURED? "Well, I was punished for some MOTHER OF RESISTOR INTERVIEWS things I did. We all were at one time or another. I would not call 1* Ex-P.O.W. mmmmik .. _ it torture. I was with the other men in my camp all the time that I was a prisoner. I couldn't be lieve what some of them said when they got back. They really blew things up so much that their stories were just not true. I couldn't believe they were saying the things they did."
Jim Daly was inducted into the HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT U.S.*s IN service after being denied consci VOLVEMENT IN VIETNAM AND AMNESTY entious objector status. He was FOR WAR RESISTERS? sent directly to Vietnam^ on the front lines where he was taken pri "It was totally wrong. The soner of war. Here he is inter Vietnamese people were determined viewed by BeaRobbins, an AFA Notes to win. They were totally united editor and mother of a draft résis and dedicated. It was something ter in exile. like Angola. The people wanted 13 self-determination. I came to initial publicity, they soon pulled understand why the Vietnamese peo out financial assistance. Jim now ple fought for so many decades. loses money weekly. --vj Before 1945 under French rule, any hospitals built were just for Let me recommend that you read Jim's the well-to-do. Thej,same was true book, A Hero's Welcome, published by of education. So along came Ho Bobs-Merrill Co. Here the reader is Chi Minh who wanted things for all given one small glimpse of the près- . Vietnamese. He built schools so sures on servicemen as they attempt everyone had care and an education. to cope with the injustice and racism The role U.S. played in Vietnam of the war, the military, and the was totally wrong. All resisters outside world back here in the should get unconditional amnesty." States. James was flown home from captivity, Bea Robbins caught in the glare of cameras and Ridgewood, N.J. the press, wined and dined at the White House, reunited with the mem Note: Since Jim has returned to bers of his family who were still the U.S., he has played, an impor alive, and confronted by new looks tant role in work with, FRIENDSHIP- ( (long hair on men) and new outlooks MENT (people to people aid to in this country. The government Vietnam, reconstruction and reco set up a business for him with all gnition of Vietnam) and has kinds of loans and counsel. When worked with the New Jersey County asked where he would like to be Chapter of NCUUA which is an or located he said any place he could ganization of families of war re financially make it. With lots of sistors. During National Amnesty publicity they set him up with a Week he addressed a New Jersey laundry business — in a neigh convocation on the need for uni borhood where too many laundromats versal, unconditional amnesty. were already in business. While You may order Jim's book through the government and military gained your local bookstore, or by sending a great deal of mileage from the HO.00 to AFA.
NCUUA has local affiliates in every state. The following national organizations are affiliated with NCUUA: American Civil Liberties Union Gold Star Parents for Amnesty American Friends Service Committee Jewish Peace Fellowship Americans for Amnesty National Conference of Black Lawyers Black Economic Development Conference National Emergency Civil Liberties Committee Catholic Peace Fellowship National Lawyers Guild CCCO/An Agency for Military and Draft People's Party , Counseling SANE Church of the Brethren Southern Conference Educational Fund Clergy and Laity Concerned War Resisters League Council for Christian Social Action, United Women Strike For Peace Church of Christ Women's International League for Emergency Ministries to the Vietnam Generation Peace and Freedom National Council of Churches Women's Division, United Methodist Episcopal Peace Fellowship Church of U.N. Fellowship of Reconciliation Exile organizations affiliated with NCUUA include: AMEX/Canada, Toronto Toronto American Exiles Association American Deserters Committee, Sweden Toronto Anti-Draft Programme Paris American Exile Group, France Vancouver Committee to Aid American War Objectors
14 REGIONAL CAUCUSES: QUESTIONNAIRE
re last issue of NCUUA/AFA possibilities of cooperative ef Upda^?7 Regional Conferences were forts and sharing common problems proposed to be held in the upcoming and concerns. A number of regions months — such as in mid-September. are already making plans. Our map divided the country into 7 We hope that these regional con regions. There are many people in ferences held across the country all of these regions interested in will make the amnesty movement more the amnesty issue with little or effective, sensitive to the prob no way to "plug in" and not a lems and needs of local communities, whole lot of encouragement. Up and enable program ideas and sug to now the amnesty issue has fo gested directions to be discussed, cused on the exiles and draft re shared, and seriously considered sisters; there are hundreds of nationally as well as regionally. thousands of Vietnam era vets with Please fill out the following other than honorable discharges questionnaire and return it to us who we hope to involve in the am- (att. Susan Ikenberry) as soon as esty struggle. We think there possible. We look forward to «buld be alot gained by people hearing from you! getting together and discussing
I am interested in the regional We have these problems that conferences. Let me know who make it difficult to organize to contact in my area. a conference : I would be willing to help in my region. I (we) could: Host a conference of (how many). We are already in touch with Act as a coordinator. and work with the people in ourl \ Do a mailing and make phone region and hence don't feel the calls urging people to attend. need for a conference right now Contribute to the program of Other suggestions: the conference:
Work on publicity. Help financially. Name: Other : Organization if any: Address: I have time to work on it zip (when) Phones:
PEOPLE WHO WORKED ON THIS ISSUE INCLUDE: Jack Calhoun, Steve Grossman, Ginny Horton, Susan Ikenberry, Walter Marshall, Bea Robbins, Duane Shank, Irma Zigas
15 A WORD ABOUT MONEY
The amnesty movement needs alot more money than it has, and this is doubly true for NCUUA. The past months have seen an enormous increase in our activities: following up on a successful National Amnesty Week in February ... starting to organize for regional cau cuses ... producing and preparing our guide for the upcoming pri mary and election campaigns ... trying to keep up with mailings and all the other work we've been doing... In the rush of things we haven't been able to give the necessary amount of attention to general fundraising (so we are presently running at a deficit). NCUUA is the only national coalition of groups working for am nesty. We serve as a national coordinating body of the efforts of over 100 affiliated groups and thousands of supporters across the country. (See list of affiliates, page 14.) Theoretically, the cost of operating NCUUA is to be paid by its ffiliates. But we know as well as you how strapped for funds ocal groups are, and we are doing what we can to raise money through direct mail appeals, approaches to foundations, theatre enefits, etc. But as the year unfolds and we plan for the crucial nths ahead we must ask our local affiliates and our friends to chip in what you can to help us meet our continuing expenses. We say thank you to all of you supporters who have responded to our past appeals and can you dig deeper and help us again? To those who haven't, we say there is not a more important time than now to help keep us going. Please, give what you can — thank you in advance.
Enclosed is my contribution of $ for the work of NCUUA. (Tax deductable checks should be made out to the NISBCO/NCUUA Project.)
Name
Address
City/State Zip
Phones Organization
Return to NCUUA, 235 East 49th Street, NY. NY 10017 Correspondence concerning NCUUA/AFA Update is more than welcome, NCUUA/AFA Update, 235 E. 49th St., NY, NY 10017 212-688-8097. NCUUA AMNESTY UPDATE Inckjding AFA NOTES NCUUA AMNESTY UPDATE No. 9 JULY, 1976 AFA NOTES II, No. 5
+••••••••••M I •••••••••••••••••••••••II••••••••••••••••••••
I , **•••••••••••••••••'^^^'•••••••• ^^^'•••••••••••••*••••••••* I CONFRONTING THE CANDIDATES COAST-TO-COAST
\ of amnesty, imposes guilt on war re EDITORIAL sisters in a clear side-step of honest ly dealing with the immorality of the Thousands of amnesty supporters have war. been working during the last six months on .The tremendous gains that we have making amnesty a visible campaign issue in recently made show that we are moving for the 1976 election. On Tuesday, June 16, ward rapidly. We have come to recognize we saw one of the first major examples of that time is of the essence. How the the clear impact we are having on the na amnesty issue is finally resolved depends tion. The platform committee of the greatly on how many of us take to the pen, Democratic National Committee included in the phone, and the streets in the next it's platform a plank which calls for seven months pressing for the achievable "a full and complete pardon for those who goal of universal, unconditional amnesty are in legal or financial jeopardy because for all. of their peaceful opposition to the Viet Time is running out. We must shift nam war, with deserters to be considered into high gear. on a case by case basis. " The N.Y. Daily News reported (6.16.76) BULLETIN: As a result of the latest that the "sponsors of this plank said this information we have received, we wording would include not only draft evad have learned that Jimmy Carter does ers but also the estimated 400,000 ex-ser not feel bound to the Democratic vicemen who have had problems finding jobs Platform position either for cam and other financial difficulties because paign purposes or to implement as they received less-than-honorable dischar President. Despite the signifi ges as a result of their anti-war activities." cant step forward that the Platform Insofar as the Democratic party has committee took, with Carter we are included a statement which mentions the back to a "pardon" for draft resis problems of the unfinished business of the ters and an undefined "pardon" for Vietnam war and the responsibility a new some deserters on a case-by-case democratic administration has in resolving basis. these problems, we think this is a great step forward. All of us should be congrat ulated! However, our success must now be chan neled into a more self-confident push for Proposal for a complete amnesty for all war resisters. The Democratic platform committee's a United Campaign statement is vague and loosely worded, and must be clarified: we are opposed to any Three national coalitions, NCUUA, form of case by case approach, be it for Friendshipment, and the Coalition for a deserters (as they state), or for veterans New Foreign and Military Policy, are con (it is unclear how they will select from sidering a united fall campaign which would the nearly 800,000 - not 400,000 - veterans interrelate the issues of Amnesty, Recon with bad discharges, which ones deserve a struction aid, and normalization of re "pardon"). Secondly, it would be unaccept lations with Vietnam and Laos. These able if their plan to alleviate "financial three issues naturally go together as they jeopardy" of veterans is to offer "clemency" are the legacy of the U.S.'s prosecution or "pardon" discharges instead of Honorable of the war in S.E. Asia and its continu discharges. It would be no more successful ing aggressive foreign policy. than Ford's Clemency failure. (For a more It was felt that by combining these complete discussion of amnesty for vets with issues in a giant campaign, local, re bad papers, see vet section of this issue). gional, and national organizers could Thirdly, war resisters in exile must more effectively coordinate actions, ex not be excluded from entering the U.S. be ert greater overall pressure, and give all cause they have taken foreign citizenship. the issues more visibility during this Also, civilian protestors with arrest crucial election year. As jcint plans and/or conviction records, must be included. are concretized, we will be in touch with Finally, the use of the word pardon instead you. AMNESTY PROGRAM: Summer, Fall, and Winter 76 NCUUA projects as our fall strategy Carter's rationale for a case by case a multi-level campaign which would result review is that a deserter who split from in a presidential amnesty move by a new boot camp on the basis of hearsay about Democratic administration in early 1977. the war has a better chance for a pardon Our proposal is to keep the amnesty than one who split after being exposed to issue visible through the election cam* combat. He is taking a WW II model of de paign locally, regionally, and nationally. sertion under fire, or desertion from the We propose meetings, leafletting, and pub battlefield and trying to apply it to a lic education on the local level, and war where there were no true battlefields letter and postcard writing to Jimmy Car and very few, if any, who deserted under ter, regional caucuses, 'and a presence at fire. the Democratic National Convention, on the Even for those deserters who would national level. Our goal is to have the qualify under Carter's stringent pardon new President issue his decree on the criteria, he has not projected Honorable third anniversary of the signing of the Discharges as part of the deal. Erasing Paris Peace Agreement. The following out punishment for all documentable anti-war lined activities are projected on a cal desertion without including honorable ender schedule: discharges, puts the deserter in the same position he was in during the Clemency program, i.e., with a new kind LETTER WRITING TO CARTER of less than honorable discharge. Now until Januaryt '77 Other than honorable discharges: Carter has refused, to this date, to take a posi As noted in the editorial there is a tion on the almost 800,000 Vietnam-era definite gap between Carter's and the Dem vets with less than honorable discharges. ocratic Party platform positions on am Resistance within the military took many nesty. Carter's position is: uncondi forms, one of which was refusing orders to tional pardon for draft resisters; some Vietnam. Such a person was jailed and/or kind of undefined pardon for some deser courtmartialed and now has a bad discharge. ters on a case by case basis; no position The military never charged a GI with being i on veterans with less than honorable dis anti-war. He was charged with being un*, charges; and no position on civilian resis fit, apathetic, etc. These people were ters. branded with bad discharges for life. It is crucial that pressure is kept on (For a full discussion of the impact of Carter in the next six months! A constant bad discharges, see veteran section, this flow of letters must go to him in Plains, issue.) GA (with copies to Democratic Party lead No case by case method, if proposed, ers). These letters should spell out the will be able to discern anti-war moti following points: vation 10 years later from the hundreds of Gase by case evaluation of deserters is thousands bad discharges supposedly given unacceptable. Carter's-position means: for "apathy" or "unsuitability". These deserters, mainly working class and minor charges were used to mask the extent of ity, would have to be able to document the anti-war activities and actions within the duration and reasons of their anti war re military. sistance for events which occurred 10 yrs. The only real life meaning of a pardon ago under military control. Draft resis for a war ere veteran is an honorable dis ters, mostly white, middle class, who are charge» better equipped to make such arguments by Civilian resisters are also not includ their educational background, will not be ed in Oxrter's positions. Anti-war demon required to do so. It is public knowledge strations, draft board actions, and -other that any GI who verbalized anti-war feel acts of civil disobedience were valid ex ings while in the service was inviting a pressions of the American peoples' will to one way trip to the stockade. end the war. Lingering legal liabilities 3 Letter writing to Carter, copies to Democratic Party leaders
Local activities and community education, radio "hot line" shows, meetings, letters-to-the-editor, etc.
Postcard leafletting
Amnesty delegations to Carter: Gold Star Parents, parents of resisters, vets, churches, minorities, etc. July Aug ' Sep ' Oct ' Nov ' Pec-jJan! Feb Dem. Convention Inauguration activities Activities
Regional Caucuses on the three Response to new post-war issues (amnesty, recon- amnesty move struction aid, and recognition).
must be amnestied, records must be cleared, POSTCARD LEAFLETTING and the still-imprisoned must be released. September Until January, '77 Using the second anniversary of the start of Ford's clemency program as the kickoff for a mass, national leafletting campaign, NCUUA is preparing postcards for leafletting. Starting September 17th 1976 post cards addressed to Jimmy Carter should be LOCAL ORGANIZING AND EDUCATION used to collect signatures as widely as Now Until Januarys '?? possible. Set up a table in a shopping center or on a street corner. Pass them, Continue to organize meetings, lit out at meetings. Groups can buy a supply erature displays, petition drives, etc., in of stamps to sell for those willing to your community. Make a special effort to mail the card on the spot. Order these generate radio "hot line" shows on amnesty. post cards in bulk from NCUUA after Aug If necessary, offer to pay for a phone call ust 1st 1976. Prices to be forthcoming. to Toronto exiles (AMEX), Gold Star Parents How do you see your group using these for Amnesty (Boston), or amnesty activists/ cards? Lets hear from you. spokespeople to build the radio show ar ound. Your local amnesty people should be on hand to phone in and help to air the case for total amnesty. Local amnesty groups unable to afford this should try to AMNESTY DELEGATIONS TO CARTER get on local talk shows, or "hot line" shows yourselves, or make regular, per Election Until January, '77 iodic calls to "open format" shows to NCUUA will coordinate delegations bring up amnesty for discussion. of special-interest constituencies - min Continue to send letters-to-the- orities, relegious communities, Gold Star editor to publications in your area or to Parents for Amnesty, parents of war re which you have special access (i.e. alumni sisters, exiles, vets, etc. - to meet with magazines, church publications, union news the President-elect. Let us know how you letters, and magazines, as well as local view this process and how you see yourself newspapers). and your organization fitting into it. 4 REGIONAL CAUCUSES unconditional for draft resisters, but ON THE THREE "POST-WAR ISSUES"-- would give deserters automatic Undesirable AMNESTY, RECOGNITION, Discharges, "Clemency Discharges", or yet & RECONSTRUCTION AID another new kind of less-than-honorable Now Through September discharge.) NCUUA and FRIENDSHIPMENT are coor dinating joint regional caucuses to be held this Summer to bring together people working on these issues, to develop and REGIONAL CAUCUS implement joint program at the local and regional levels, and to increase cooper July 10 Edgewood College ation and communication generally. Or ganizing for these caucuses is preceding Madison, Wise. now; NCUUA can connect you to those in volved in your region. We hope that cau The purpose is "to bring together cus organizers will provide issues-related a) people working in various social change activities in their communities for those areas in order to increase awareness of attending, including media access. the amnesty issue; and b) people working in regional amnesty support grpups to DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION AND increase their awareness of the interre- INAUGURATION ACTIVITIES latedness of amnesty with the large cor porations and the military within our society. The NCUUA Convention Committee is organizing activities for the DNC. These "We can no longer continue to approach activities include - leafletting the dele our desired goal of amnesty ... without gates, speaking at various state caucuses, reviewing in a larger societal context why lobbying individuals and various candi amnesty has not been granted. dates, and will be staffed by national "Amnesty work in our respective cities activists and people in local groups who must maintain high visibility in the next wish to participate. We had hoped to have 6-8 months. Suggestions are to build the a booth at the convention, but the DNC national amnesty movement around discus- has decided against having them this year. ions of the"unfinished business of the Indochina War era: Amnesty, Reconstruction Plans are also being formulated for Aid, and Recognition." a visible inauguration presence. The Workshops planned for morning and early afternoon include: OUR RESPONSE TO A NEW AMNESTY MOVE a) Vietnam-Era Veterans: Jobs or Jails? Probably January, '77 b) Lessons of the War c) Military Spending The nature of our collective res d) Basic Organizing Tactics ponse depends, of course, on what exac "We will have a noon picnic lunch and tly is put forward by the new President. hope to end the conference with .,. songs A "draft resisters only" program, as has we can use as vehicles to carry our ini been planned in the past by Carter, would tiative and commitment back to our respec have to meet strong criticism throughout tive cities." the amnesty movement, as it includes only The film "Hearts and Minds" will be the smallest and relatively most privi shown at least once during the day. Let leged group in need of amnesty — 4,400 them know if you are coming, if you need largely white, middle-class draft resis a place to stay, etc. Bring ideas, con ters,— and ignores the needs of liter cerns, and music. - Don Behm, Wise. Coal, ally over 99/Ô of those needing amnesty. for New Priorities, 731 State Street, Let us know how you and your group be Madison, Wise. 53703 (608) 255-0479/0488. lieve the amnesty movement should deal with this projected move, or other possi ble moves (e.g., a program that includes The Continental Walk National Office both draft resisters and deserters, but is reproducing an Amnesty leaflet to be excludes most vets with bad discharges, used along the walk. Order from War civilian resisters, and other groups Resisters' League, 339 Lafayette, New York needing amnesty; or one that would be York, NY 10012 AMNESTY ACROSS THE COUNTRY
alcohol or drug abuse facilities. The California highest death rate in the country from alcoholism among vets is in San Francisco. The demonstrators were able to meet with the administrator of the hospital and # California the press. They were covered by NBC-TV s amnesty supporters and radio. This is an excellent example (including vet of cooperation between veteran and amnesty /Another controversy was re- erans) showed up people, giving the issue maximum visibility. fleeted in signs in the crowd, waving near the rostrum, that at a rally for demanded "Amnesty Universal Gov. Brown May 27th Vi and Unconditional" and "Total amnesty now." Those holding in San Francisco. D.C. and area the signs undoubtedly knew They received ex that the question of what to # Bea Robbins, amnesty organizer and do with Vietnam war resisters cellent publicity mother of a war résister, formerly of New was the single issue on which both nationally their Governor regularly disap Jersey, recently moved to Silver Spring, O points youthful audiences. and locally. MD where she plans to organize another am In response to a question shouted from the crowd, Mr, nesty organization. All those interested Brown said today that the re in joining her should write Bea c/o NCUUA. sisters should be "welcome back" from overseas but re peated his position that they # East Coast GI Movement Conference, be required to do service Jn a in Washington DC is happening June 11th. 5 corps of volunteers in onjer to qualify for amnesty. NCUUA representatives will be participating. Items on the agenda include: "Policing the" U.S.", "National Liberation Struggles", 6 Mid-Peninsula Coalition for Amnesty GI Movement in Europe, "Contradictions in had a table at a recent Peace Conversion the U.S. Military: Class, Race, Sex", Fair with a former deserter in exile who is "Unionization of the Military" and program in the Amnesty coalition. He answered ques planning for the East Coast on the basis tions and gave out information. (He deser of the above. ted from the Navy, went to Canada, came back for the Clemency Program, deserted from that, and is now "Undesirably discharged",) Idaho They also showed a WAW film about what the # A new amnesty organization is be war was really like, and this had quite an ginning in the Lewiston, Idaho/Spokane, impact on why amnesty is needed, they report. Wash. area. Those who would like to join them or who could offer a little finan # John Adler of Bay Coalition for cial help should contact Jonathan Ellison, Universal Unconditional Amnesty is writ through NCUUA. ing a regular column for the VETERANS JOURNAL, published by the Peralta Coller- ges. The Bay Coalition works also with Massachusetts Veterans Affairs Office of- Laney College, # Pat Simon of Gold Star Parents for and with the Berkeley Veterans Action Amnesty, Boston, Mass., delivered a talk Committee. on "Amnesty - A Feminist Issue" at the Arlington Street Church service on Sunday, • Swords Into Plowshares, an organi May 9th. Pat is going to be at Claremont zation of Vietnam Veterans in San Fran College in California on June 21 and 22 cisco, recently held a demonstration in conducting a 2-day amnesty workshop for cooperation with "Flowers of the Dragon", the National Conference of the Unitarian a Vietnam veteran self-help group, and Universalist Association. She will be the Mid-Peninsula Coalition for Universal stressing grass roots work and ideas for Unconditional Amnesty. They protested the local actions. new multi-million dollar Veterans Adminis- Continued on Page 15 ! tration hospital which will have no Focus on Vets AFA Parents and Vets with Bad Papers Join For Amnesty Early this year, Americans For An- neety - New Haven, an organization of par In the past amnesty for Vietnam era ents of draft resisters joined with the resisters was largely thought of in terms National Veterans Fraternityt a Vietnam of draft resisters, exiles, and Conscien- veteran organization to form a broad-based scious Objectors in prison. This was amnesty coalition in New Haven, Ct. Be true not only of the public, but also of cause it is one of the first examples of many amnesty groups and Vietnam veteran such close cooperation between an amnesty Organizations. We also find that any group and a veteran group around the is "amnesty" that has been considered by sue of amnestyt we relate here how they Congress, the President, and presidential got together, and some of the advantages candidates has not included at all or of their coalition. only marginally the Vietnam era veteran On October 8, 1975, a small group of with a less than honorable discharge. families of war resisters and other sup Veterans with bad discharges make porters gathered together to found the New up nearly 60% or so of all those who need Haven chapter of Americans For Amnesty. amnesty. While they are not in exile but They encountered many difficulties, in right here in our own home towns and cluding lack of finances. One of their cities, they still remain penalized first activities was to send a letter to clearly as severely as draft resisters the New Haven Register beginning : "For outside of the country. The veteran is America, Vietnam remains the war without sue has increasingly become the major an end. Although we keep declaring that focus of the amnesty movement in order to war to be over, the door refuses to stay correct this misunderstanding and to en shut. There is no end as long as there able the fruits of a more cooperative are over 100,000 young Americans who can coalition to come to bear. not come home or 100,000 Vietnam veterans . How the issue is finally resolved de who must continue to live their lives un pends not only on the amount but also the der the sword of a bad conduct discharge." type of visibility we give to the issue. In response, the National Veterans Frat It is a strong tendency of the candidates, ernity got in touch with the group and including Carter (who can act independent arranged a preliminary meeting to discuss ly of any party platform, no matter how joint aims and programs. great), to omit some or all of the 800,000 Background: Vietnam era veterans with less than honor able discharges. Therefore it is critical THE NATIONAL VETERANS FRATERNITY that we give particular'visibility to these Charles Teddington of the National issues. Veterans Fraternity writes about the or As part of this effort, one of the ganization's beginnings and why they came first items on the agenda of NCUUA's Vet to believe amnesty should be their focus: eran Project is the encouragement of am "The National Veterans Fraternity, nesty and veteran organizations across the based in New Haven, CT, was formed in 1972. country to join in their work for amnesty, Its purpose is to represent those veterans in order to achieve maximum visibility and and their families who found no respon effectiveness. siveness in the conventional veterans or The process of developing this very ganizations. Vietnam Era black and minor natural alliance has already begun in ity veterans with honorable discharges many communities across the country, e.g., found no base of understanding or response San Francisco, Seattle, New Haven, Santa in dealing with either the American Legion Rosa. In this issue of Ammesty Update, or the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Veterans we share one such example in the belief with other than honorable discharges were that their experience will be helpful to virtually excluded. The N. V. F. was or thousands of others who are making the ganized to answer the needs of those groups. one million Americans in need of amnesty In the course of our operation we a visible campaign issue this year! found that white veterans were in a little 7 better position, and we soon opened the ditional amnesty. We planned a public door to them as well. Finally, we found meeting as a first step. Press releases ourselves representing all veterans with were sent out. Once the decision was good as well as bad discharges. In this made, veterans were unwavering in their period we came to the realization that the support. Some of the amnesty people were nature of the war was such that Vietnam- hesitant at first, as were the veterans. Era Veterans as a whole were disenfran So, although our initial public meeting chised and discredited, so that our organ was not well attended, we continued with ization developed a response from all joint actions which were very successful. grades of veterans; chapters were develop On Vietnam Veterans Day, a joint rally ed in other cities and after much struggle, was held on the New Haven Green, with the funds were found. Nat. Guard among others participating; it Having started from a point where we was well attended and publicized. We al felt alienated and removed from those who so had a very successful Nat. Amnesty were in exile and to a lesser extent, from Week, with a proclamation signed by the those who deserted, we mayor, and the involvement evolved to the realization of community people, groups, that the differences among and churches. Recently we us were a matter of timing; r O, held a Fashion Show and Tea simply, those who saw the for Amnesty. nature of the war early and "Amnesty as an issue in those who saw it later. Connecticut is firmly Having worked diligently launched. Our biggest prob and hard on a one by one up lem is our inability to grading program, we realized raise even the minimum funds that we could not answer the required to operate. Veter problems of veterans except ans have little or no money,. for a few, by this effort, Amnesty people give us small and that we would need to focus our atten amounts. I can no longer support the co tion on a universal answer to the immedi alition with personal funds. —Helpi ate issues confronting us. We had inde "Daily we are reaching a broader group pendently arrived at the need for a gen of people in the community. I particu eral amnesty. When the Conn. Chapter of larly make it a point to relate the issue Americans For Amnesty was brought to our of amnesty to veterans in any meeting I attention, we recognized the natural coal attend, and distribute literature per ition existing between us." taining to the issue. Amnesty must be translated into the language of the real- ' A NEW COALITION FORMS ity of the lives that people in need of Beth Kricker, director of the New Haven amnesty and their families lead. They are Americans for Amnesty, writes: too often ill-housed, ill-fed, unemployed "I have long believed that the poten or underemployed, and lack education. tial for achieving amnesty lies in the co This issue must be related to other things alescing of Vietnam veterans and their such as the military budget, Angola, lack families with concerned peace groups. This in social services, and inflation." raises the issue to a new plateau and I believe one which cannot be readily ignored. It can become the basis for dealing with Beth Kricker has the following sug the issues for now and in the future." gestions for those interested in form She states that in the formative stages ing such a coalition: of their association, "veterans assumed we 1. Make contact boldly. 2. Send them were concerned only with exiles, particu all relevant literature. 3. Call/visit larly as I am a parent of an exile. It to explain our position; bring a vet was necessary to work out philosophically with you if possible. 4. Prepare to and definitively why and where our issues suggest relevant initial actions that were joined. There was also a great neces could produce some tangible results. sity to convince veterans that the issue 5. Develop a program for visibility of will not be dropped if an amnesty for Vietnam-Era Veterans and Resisters draft resisters only is issued. that will gain acceptance in the com munity. "We believed that we must boldly and I jointly declare for universal uncondition- AMNESTY for VIETNAM ERA VETS with LESS THAN HONORABLE DISCHARGES Hundreds of Many bad discharges were directly re thousands of lated to anti-war activity: GI's actively * A black Marine at Camp Pendleton, CA, opposed the William Harvey, called a meeting of other war in Indo blacks together one night so they could china and the have a discussion about why black men military sys should fight the white man's war in Viet tem from Nam. He was arrested, charged with in within subordination and promoting disloyalty, during the convicted and sentenced to 4 years in Vietnam era. prison and a DD (Dishonorable Discharge). This resist * Seaman Roger Priest started a news ance grew in paper called "0M". It was one of the direct re first anti-war newspapers in the Navy and lation to the became the object of considerable fury war itself when Priest began attacking Mendel Rivers, and in. direct then Chairman of the House Armed Services relation to Committee. Rivers complained to the Pen the civilian tagon, and shortly after, Priest was ar anti-war rested and charged with 14 counts in movement. cluding sedition, soliciting desertion, B For example, promoting disloyalty, etc. After a year "*x the rate of dis of legal battles, he was convicted on two charges for "misconduct", "unfitness", and minor charges and given a BCD (Bad Con "unsuitability" in the Army went from 11 duct Discharge). per thousand in 1967 to 24 per thousand in * A relatively common occurrence was 1971 — more than double. that of soldiers denied a CO discharge and then purposely and vindictively given orders to Viet Nam. If they refused they were court-martialed for refusing orders Bad Discharges: The Military's and given a punitive discharge. Handle On Dissent Not all bad discharges were a result of explicitly anti-war activity. With the Dissent within the military took on massive manpower needs of half a million many different forms. The military's troops in Viet Nam, the military did not major handle in attempting to control screen too carefully the people they and quell the extensive and deeply rooted drafted or who enlisted. If, after a per dissent was (and is) the discharge system. son got in, he created too many problems 800,000 Vietnam era veterans were and was "unfit" or "unsuitable", it was a branded with other than honorable dis simple matter to discharge him and draft charges. Only 6% were given as a result someone else. This process is closely re of direct court martial. 9U% were given lated to the war which created the man "administratively", that is upon the rec- power needs. Many of these bad discharges omendation by (or at the whim of) the were racial in nature. A Dept. of Defense local commander without a hearing or court Taskforce on Military Justice reported in proceedings and usually for things that 1972 that while blacks made up 12?o of the are not crimes in civilian life. Those services, they received 33?o of the Dishon few who received bad discharges actually orable Discharges, 21?o of the Bad Conduct relating to what can be called serious Discharges, 17?o of the Undesirable Dis crimes were tried, sentenced, and served charges, and 20?o of the Generals. This is prison terms. For than, a bad discharge not to mention the disproportionately high j.s yet a second punishment. casualty rate of blacks. 9 * The institution of a single type A Bad Discharge Means: discharge system for the future. No * VA discrimination when trying to get longer should there be a discriminatory benefits. 90% of vets with Undesirable system of graded discharges or prejudi discharges and Bad Conduct Discharges are cial code numbers. turned down and they have no right to We must clear the records of vets who judicial appeal. have been victimized and make sure that * Permanent job discrimination. Num it cannot happen again. erous studies have shown that, if you do not have an honorable discharge, you don't Universal Unconditional have much of a chance.1 In most employment offices you cannot even get to the point of explaining. AMNESTY: A Movement Many low income and minority people Over a million Americans continue to faced with no choices in civilian life, pay for their acts of resistance to the were encouraged to join the military by war and the military: promises of jobs and of exciting possibil •Over 800,000 veterans with less than ities. Bad discharges further lock them honorable discharges. into a low income life with little hope •Unknown thousands of civilian war of a better future. protestors with arrest and/or conviction * Difficulty in getting educational records,, benefits. A Ralph Nader study shows that * Between 5,000 and 30,000 military only 6% of applications by vets with BCD's deserters still at large. and UD's are accepted. This does not ac •Possibly 1 to 2 million non-regis count for those who do not even apply, trants. given the odds. •8,700 convicted draft violators. * Vets with bad discharges find it •About 4,000 draft violators who are "hard if not impossible to get insurance, wanted for things other than non-regis mortgages, home improvement loans, credit, tration. bonding, and membership in many trade, The National Council for Universal Un business, and fraternal organizations and conditional Amnesty (NCUUA) is the nation societies. al coordinating body for over 100 affili ated organizations and hundreds of thou Discharge Upgrading: No Solution sands of people across the country working While helping some, individual upgrad together for universal unconditional ing and litigation of bad discharges fall amnesty. Families of resisters, veterans, far short of even remotely being able to communities, churches, ancf amnesty groups deal with the problem. Because of the are joining together to make amnesty a poor success rate and lack of accessi visible issue which can no longer be bility, only a fraction of Vietnam vets avoided. with bad discharges apply for upgrading. Even still it could take over 50 years What You Can Do for those appeals to be heardi In 1974, of those who applied for •Contact local veteran and amnesty discharge upgrading (Army), only 12« were groups; help them raise the issue in your successful. Other branches of the ser community. vice are only slightly better. •Distribute and circulate literature Just like the military discharge sys and petitions on amnesty and vets with tem this case by case process is dis bad papers. criminatory, lengthy, and costly. It. has •Contact NCUUA for information on become clear that the solution will need films, speakers, or for an organizer's to be a mass one — amnesty. guide. •Bring up the issue of amnesty and vets in all the public activities which Amnesty "For Vets are part of the Presidential Campaign '76. The demand for amnesty for vets with NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR other than honorable discharges includes: UNIVERSAL UNCONDITIONAL AMNESTY * Automatic upgrading of all other than honorable discharges from the past 235 E. 49th St., New York, NY 10017 to Honorables with full benefits. (212) 688-8097 10 AFA NOTES Amnesty News By Families For Families ft
Vol. II No. 5 Louise Ransom, ed. Summer, 1976 Glnny H orton, Staff .60 long over-due to your ions, husbands and brothers. Dear AFA Families: Nothing standi still In the NCUUA/AFA Faithiully, oUices, and that is good. One oi the ex- ciXing results oi aJUL this busy-ness, is that AFA has become a wholly integrated paAt oi NCUUA. We have worked very close ly together oi course ior over a year P#^* Contributions irom you have been our [Irma's desk is six. ieet irom mine.), and liieblood and we hope you will continue to we nave come to learn that iamiZy parti & end them. Now checks should be made out cipation ts buck an important part oi to NCUUA/AFA and wiZl support the Family NCUUA'A coordination oi local amnesty ed Project. Ii it is helpiul to make your con- ucation and community action eüorts, that t/Ubution tax-deductible, checks over $25 we can no longer be separated in any way. my be made out to NÎSBC0/NCUUA. What thts means speciiicaZZy is that AFA, though retaining its name, will be come the Family Pn.ojz.ct oi NCUUA. Just ai Families and the, Elections there is a Veterans Project, which seeks to give, greater visibility to the need* oi Families have played a vital role in veterans with bad discharges, and a legal the N CUUA goal of making amnesty a visi Project which researches drait indictments ble campaign issue. Across the country, and selective service iiles in an eiiort ta families have confronted the candidates seek dismissals, so is there the family Pro' and Democratic party officials with the is- ject which provide* iamiZies oi war resis sue of amnesty, and through their own sto ters with iniormation and counselling where ries, as well as their eloquent appeals useiul, and tries to create bonds oi com for the one million needing amnesty, they munication and support to reduce the iso have succeeded in making the issue visible. lation ielt by Ao many iamiZies. All three oi these projects help to REGIONAL DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM HEARINGS bring a greater understanding oi the need This Spring, as soon as NCUUA learned ior amnesty to the American people, with of the planned Regional Democratic, Platform iamiZies proving to be in many cases the Hearings, we sent off a mail gram asking per most eiiective means oi personalizing the mission to testify in Atlanta and Denver. problem. At the same time, we contacted Nan Pender- This issue oi AFA Note* makes a good grast in Atlanta, asking her to coordinate symbol oi our new relationship. It has testimony there, and John Wafer of Denver kept its own identity as a newsletter ior CALC, asking him to coordinate family testi iamlU.es, by iamiZies, but, as you can s.ee, mony. As a result of this NCUUA action, is appearing right in the middle as an AFA families were able to present state integral part oi NCUUA'& Armestu Urodate. ments calling for total amnesty at both Cur onlxj problem is too much to say. Val locales. ued additions irom BUZ Best, Alden FoSA. Atlanta - Nan Pendergrast Thayer HoÜ, Marvin Wilson, and others wiZl have to watt ior a iuture issue.. Nan Pendergrast, mother of a draft AFA and NCUUA are mutually enhanced résister in Canada, testified in Atlanta and broadened by the merger, and we pledge on April 17. She also gathered and presen ourselves to stAive ever more eiiectively, ted statements from important regional or with'your help, to bring about the amnesty ganizations and leaders, including the 11 Fellowship of Reconciliation, the Society amnesty in the Democratic Platform. Esther of Friends, the Georgia Civil Liberties Witte. mother of a Vietnam veteran and a Union, and Maynard Jackson, Mayor of Atlanta, draft résister in exile, spoke before the All in all, Nan Pendergrast made the dif committee, and included statements from ference in presenting amnesty to the Demo Pauline and Virgil Border. Natalie Strauss, crats in Atlanta. and Dr. Edward MarteTL.all parents of re- In her own testimony, she covered - sisters, concisely and eloquently - the case for am Esther Witte nesty, starting with, "I have come to urge that, in the name of humanity and reason, Mrs. Witte*s moving statement began: the Democratic National Committee put on "I wish to speak in favor of a statement for its agenda universal, unconditional amnesty Universal Unconditional Amnesty in the Na for the million Americans who are still be tional Democratic Platform. As much as the ing punished for opposing the disastrous po nation would like to regard Vietnam as a licies our entire country has come to re 'dead issue', it isn't. It still plagues ject," She discussed all categories of the daily lives of more than a million those needing amnesty, including veterans Americans, and I am one of those. with less than honorable discharges. She "My name is Esther Lafferty Witte. cited the amnesty that Nixon received, as I am the widowed mother of two sons born well as the Vietnamese refugees admitted during World War II; their unfortunate gen to the U.S., and pointed to the U.S. draft eration matured to bear the brunt of Amer amnesty resolution in the UN which had to ica's Vietnam Folly. be withdrawn because of its obvious hypo "My older son was ambushed in Vietnam crisy when compared to the lack of amnesty in the Army Combat Engineers; he lives, but , for Americans. Then, after submitting the doesn^t like to discuss his Army service; he statements mentioned above, she concluded: doesn't consider himself a hero and he under "For my own son, now a Canadian citi stands why other men chose not to fight. zen, I plead, but with greater urgency, I The non-fighters include his younger bro plead for those who live among us here^, de ther (Jim) who emigrated to Canada several prived for life of the basic liberties we months ahead of a new suit of clothes and cherish. We must put the war behind us and a GI hair-cut.... It takes courage and a move ahead, but not without dealing with its brave, idealistic heart to leave one's country for political reasons." Jim cannot come home, because he has been ex cluded as a Canadian citizen, even though no charges remain against him. Moving from her own example, she dis cussed amnesty in general, for all cate- . gories, especially veterans with bad dis charges, who have "literally received a life sentence to ego-dastructive under employment", She pointed out to the com/- mittee the .example of Colorado*^ Governor Lamm who endorsed National Amnesty Week, unresolved problems, In our Bicentennial and stated "the Democratic Party wouldn't Year, it woulid be good for our country, be 'going out on a limbK to take a post- because it would demonstrate our faith in five stand on amnesty, There have been such basic American principles as freedom 37 amnesties in U,S, history." of conscience, the right to dissent, and social justice for all citizens." Dr. Edward Martel! .a well-known nu Mrs. Pendergrast reports to us that clear physicist, submitted a short state«? she was loudly cheered at the end of her ment citing the cases of hîs son and his statement. nephew (Norma Martell's son), both war re sisters in need of amnesty, and calling Denver - Four Families Testify for "immediate and unconditional amnesty." Four families submitted testimony in Denver on May 1. Together they argued, for Pauline and Virgil Border, the latter personal, moral and political reasons the the Regional Director for the National vital necessity of universal unconditional Conference of Christians and Jews, also i? submitted a statement. After 3 sons lenge the candidates to •'stand for nothing served in the Armed Forces, the 4th re less than universal unconditional amnesty. fused, and, denied Conscientious Objector status, he went to Canada. Then, in 1974, "at the cost of several hundred dollars", Mr. and Mrs« Border were able to clear up his case (because the draft board had vio lated his rights), .Commenting on the exclusion situation, which their own son happily escaped (but Esther Witte's did not), they said "the U.S, Immigration and Naturalization un earthed a little known section of their act that says that no one who left the country to avoid the draft and became a ci Anna Crowley reports to us on the tizen of another country may ever again be visit of Jimmy Carter to the University of permitted entry into the United States. New Haven in Connecticut on April 27, where An immigration 'Watch list' is maintained she was in the audience. One radio station at all border stations, and it is left to said the next day, that ,usome woman1" was the local immigration officer to determine cheered when she asked for an unconditional why a young man left his country," They amnesty that included veterans with bad dis argued that the unfairness of a system charges." This was Anna Crowley, mother of which favors those who can afford legal a résister. As she relates: help makes amnesty the only solution, They "I went to the University with no in concluded, "If the Democratic Party doesn't tention of speaking, I sat high in the take a stand to heal the wounds of Vietnam bleachers ... far from the microphones where and raise their platform to stand for jus tice, what party will?" people lined up to ask questions? but when Carter indicated that be thought It was Natalie Strauss, mother of a draft re- better to obey your government than your si ster^iö^e^clisTTiiäs finally been resolved, conscience, I found myself on my feet told the long history of that resolution shouting above all the voices competing during which time she came to know first for his attention, 'Governor Carter, if hand "the inequity with which the judicial someone in your family, someone you loved, system has been administered..." Her son was doing something wrong, would you join was in exile in Canada until 1975 when them in doing it? I trusted my government draft charges against him were suddenly at the beginning of the Vietnam war. My dropped - no explanation given. A bail- two oldest sons trusted the government and jumping charge remained, but after a long served in the armed forces, By the time struggle, taking many months, that charge my third son received his induction notice, too was dropped. Mrs. Strauss concluded: he believed the war was wrong and refused "The system becomes degraded when it to serve, Why do you qualify your amnesty?" is left up to an individual's personal prejudices as to what is law and what is (Newspaper reports the next day quoted not.,.. It is also besmirched when per others who felt similarly - a senior who sistence, awareness of options, and just said "there was confusion among his friends plain luçk are the price we have to pay as to just what the governor meant" by his for justice. For the many who lacked proposed pardon, and a graduate student these things there was no deserved home who said he didnt feel Carter went far enough,- "I think there should be a blanket coming. Unless there is an unconditional amnesty," - New Haven Register, 4/28/76) amnesty these inequities will find no redress." Mrs, Crowley continues: "I said I knew a gold star mother who believed the only way her son's life could be redeemed was CONFRONTING THE CANDIDATES for us to learn from the mistakes of Viet A MOTHER ACTS nam, I called his attention to the injus tice suffered hot only by the exiles, but The regional platform committee by the Vietnam veterans with bad discharges. hearings are over, but the campaign con .., At that point the crowd cheered« tinues, presenting many opportunities to "Carter responded, 'I dont want to put forward the amnesty issue, and chal drive a wedge between your sons who served 13 and your son who refused to serve,.,. I'm not saying who is right or wrong. I'm Bravo Eliza! saying' it's over.'" ACTION NEEDED "Raise the Issue - Keep it Alive" Last December, AFA Notes printed an Anna Crowley concludes with a message article, "I'm Talking Now...I'm Not Afraid", for all of us: by Eliza Richmond, a brave mother of an "I have been astonished at how far the exiled résister who pinned on a badge one echoes of an unknown voice can reverberate. day - "My son needs amnesty" - and went Those cheers were an indication to me, and to work. She asked then, "WHAT ABOUT MY I believe to Carter, that amnesty is not a SON". dead issue as some would have us believe. Now we have information about the The American people want amnesty, legal case of her son, Norman Richmond, "So, all of you out there who seek am from his lawyer, William G. Smith of nesty, take heart. No one needs to be Los Angeles who is working on his case. afraid to raise the issue. Keep it alive. Bill writes: "Mr. Richmond is a black man Seek every opportunity to ask the candi who went to trial ... in 1967 for refusing dates in person and write. The words aren't induction. His defenses related to the important. If they come from the heart fact that ... his draft board was all white you'll get the message across, and next (even though it served an all black com January we'll inaugurate a President who munity) , and that his application for a will grant a universal, unconditional hardship deferment had been denied because amnesty," of racism on the part of the board.... When Richmond was convicted, he went to Canada rather than submit to sentencing." mnestj Hail to Bea Robbins, He applied to the Clemency Program at [Universal its start, stating' he "would accept only a but not full and unconditional pardon without any Amnesty»! Farewell'. condition of performing civilian work." . &2B2 Ps..u'TiTü^f;TT^33 Bea Robbins, The case is now with the Pardon Attorney the founder where it was transfeired when the Clemency unditional of the Ber Program ended, and the latest word, as of nesty proclamàtu gen County the beginning of June, is that the govern NJ chapter ment is going to insist on some alternative of NCUUA, work by Richmond. This injustice must not has moved be allowed. Please write to: to Silver Spring, Md., in the Washing Lawrence M. Traylor ton, D.C. area. She leaves behind a U.S. Dept. of Justice flourishing amnesty group, and is al Office of the Pardon Attorney ready embarked upon another one. We Washington, D.C. shall miss her wise and enthusiastic pre and demand that Norman Richmond receive a sence at Editorial Board meetings, but full, unconditional pardon, and at once. look forward to descending on her when Pat Reif of Amnesty Action/Information we next lay siege to the government. Center, NCUUA West has already started a letter writing campaign. But more is needed The Clemency Program has been over a year, Thayer Hoff s Ad Project and Norman and Eliza Richmond wait - he in Before she moved, Bea Robbins conferred Canada, she in California. True amnesty is with Thayer Hoff concerning his plan for the only solution for resisters and their a national parent's ad. Both agreed that families who are tired of waiting. But the timing would be better in the fall meanwhile, write, and let the Pardon Attor when we shall be focusing much attention ney (who is sitting on other cases, too) on the unfinished business of Vietnam. know how you feel* Bill Smith writes that Eliza Richmond All families in Wisconsin, Illinois, Mich "is a strong and courageous woman, who has igan, Indiana and Ohio, be sure to attend endured much financial hardship ... to vi the amnesty conference in Madison, WI on sit her son in Canada on occasions. She July 10. See p. 5 for details. has supported him all the way in his ef forts to secure justice." 14 MichiÇjan (Continued from Page 6) where Canada is? While he exploits the image of blacks and poor who went feeling ©Jack and Redina Trembath of Mt. there was no alternative, unless they Clemens, MI, parents of a war résister, stuck it out in a 'bad war1 and followed spoke recently on Amnesty to a college orders like Eichmann, he could care less class in "International and Domestic Con about them. He plays their image against flicts" p the draft resisters who 'hid' and he has 0 On Memorial Day the Detroit Free 'conscience' problems about the difference Press gave the subject of Amnesty wide between the two groups. But when it comes spread favorable coverage. time to decide who he'll help, guess who # All Michigan people, please attend gets his class-bias vote? 4,400 resisters the regional caucus July lO in Madison out of lh million resisters. Educated, Wise.J See News Clips for details. middle-class, mostly employed and white. He goes on to say: New Jersey "'The men in Canada and Sweden have suffered long enough, let's bring them # On March 19, Larry Erickson of War home.' But we know there is no differ Resisters League debated amnesty with a ence between pre and post induction retired Army captain at a local New Jer resistance, a jail sentence and a bad sey Unitarian Church before a generally discharge, a draft résister and a file sympathetic audience of about thirty peo destroyer, a demonstrator and an AWOL. ple. There was some press coverage. So vie will continue in a principled posi tion of unity; Carter can't buy the move New York ment with favorites and divide us. We have to 'assuage our conscience^ too, # Karl Bissinger of War Resisters and hold to our principles of unity. All League worked on the NCUUA benefit and or or none sisters and brothers." ganized the continuing display of the "Decade of Political Posters" at the Wes- beth Gallery in New York City through Oregon June 1st. Proceeds went to NCUUA and # Elizabeth Gorman Prunty of Portland FRIENDSHIPMENT. Many, many thanks to Clergy and Laity Concerned/Fellowship of Karl, Austin Hodge, Gar McArthur, Naomi, Reconciliation had a booth at the annual Walter Marshall and others for their great Oregon Rose Festival. NCUUA sent her contribution of time, know-how, and end buttons, bumperstickers and leaflets for less dedication! distribution. Elizabeth and Steve Adler are planning a meeting with the local American Legion post to discuss their var Ohio ious feelings on the amnesty issue. # John Judge and others of Dayton |>raft and Military Counseling recently attended a Reagan rally at which "Nazi's Washington Against Amnesty" also gathered. One came • Amnesty supporters in the state of up to John Judge, who was carrying an Washington lobbied at the last State Con amnesty picket sign delineating the vention and had a favorable response from 1% million men and women who need amnesty. many. He said, "You son of a bitch! I ought to Amnesty supporters, including Dorothy shove that sign down your throat." Wright, were able to get amnesty into the John Judge took the same information Platform in King County. and a sign that said "Amnesty for ALL Michaele Adams of Fellowship of Resisters, Not Just Educated Whites in Reconciliation arranged a meeting in Canada!" to a rally for Jimmy Carter. Tacoma to activate a group to work for One Carter worker"asked me which candidate amnesty in the area. Rev. Jon Nelson of was closest to my position. I told her the Campus Ministry will speak, as well that Ford was closer to UUA than Carter. as two men from the Discharge Upgrading (See Carter Section, this issue). Her Program. teeth nearly fell out. How about that Dorothy Wright in Seattle has helped racist crap that blacks don't even know to launch a letter-writing campaign. 15 7Z O r^ c CD 0 m t— t-< IT r
Friendshipment Update
In the area of reconstruction, food presently is the most critical issue. The Vietnamese have predict ed, and the recent United Nation's mission' to Vietnam has confirmed, a_ potential million ton rice deficit for this fall. Reasons run from the withdrawal last year of U.S. supplies to the south, to cold weather, floods, and mines, to thousands of acres abandoned during forced urbanization programs. In 1935 and 1936 Vietnam was the world's second largest exporter of rice. Since 1964, south Vietnam has not exported any rice, but has become instead a major importer of rice. Vietnam has requested help from foreign sources to avert a hunger crisis. Friendshipment is launchinq a major campaign for rice, (see below) Besides responding to this immediate need, we must continue to press for U.S. Government reconstruction aid to Vietnam. Because it is obvious that there will be no legislative changes regarding Vietnam this year, pressure must be directed toward the Administration. The President has the power to lift the trade embargo by executive order. Efforts directed at the President should include pressure for recognition of Vietnam. This August, Vietnam will reapply to the U.N. Admission could be the first step in a change of U.S. policy toward nor malization of relations with Vietnam, RICE CAMPAIGN BROCHURES are available at $3.00/100. Order from: Friendshipment, 235 E 49th St., NYC 10017 NCUUA I AMNESTY UPDATE l_ Including AFA NOTES
NCUUA MilsIY UEuATE No.~ÎÔ~ FALL. 1976" APA NOTES II. Ko. 6 BUILDING ON SUCCESS : AMNESTY FOR ALL! PEOPLE WHO WORKED ON THIS ISSUE: CONVENTION UPDATES Ron Bitzer, Jack Calhoun, Fritz Efaw, Steve Grossman, Virginia Horton, Susan J. Ikenberry, Jeanne NCUUA's activities at the Democratic National Conven Kaylor, Barry Lynn, Louise Ransom, Lillian Stanley, tion were so successful that we have decided to put out and Irma Zigas. a special Convention Update which will document our par ticipation at the Convention, and our successful support Cover photo by Roger B. Smith ©1976 campaign on behalf of Fritz Efaw. This special issue will have photos, clippings and an explanation of how our Notice: added to staff is Fritz Efaw. organizing with local and regional groups and the work they did resulted in public visibility and broad support for the issue of Universal Unconditional Amnesty. (available soon) WE'RE MOVING !
'Lest We Forget
"Lest We Forget? A Campaign for Reconcilia tion" is being launched visibly on October 5. The campaign is co-sponsored As of November 1. 1976. NCUUA will be located at 339 by FRIENDSHIPMENT, NCUUA, Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10012. Our present build- and the Coalition for a New ing has been sold, and we are required to vacate by the Foreign and Military Policy, end of October. We are indeed fortunate to have found and is coordinated by the adequate space back where we first started. So note our American Friends Service Committee. new address. If you call (212) 688-8097 after Nov. 1, The goal of the campaign is to collect they will give you our new phone number; we do not yet hundreds of thousands of signatures for the post-war have it. issues: reconstruction, recognition, amnesty, and veterans' needs. The campaign intends to visibly press the new administration to meet these urgent demands. Included on page 7 of this issue is a copy of the peti tion which we urge that you distriDute along with the postcards. While a petition alone is not likely to have HOLIDAY IDEAS much effect on the president-elect, local and national media efforts can; hence we urge that no matter what activity you choose, get as much visible mileage out of The upcoming holiday season is also the most politi it as possible! For more information on the campaign cly crucial period for amnesty supporters. Yet without contact NCUUA or any of the other participating organi lepriving yourself of time and energy you can contribute zations. o the true holiday spirit and share your support for a miversai unconditional amnesty. The Clergy and Laity Concerned (CALC) amnesty program s distributing small booklets describing an alternative ift idea, "Give a Gift of Freedom". In the name of a oved one, we suggest that you: 1. Send letters of concern about the plight of a THE MEMORY OF JUSTICE résister described in the booklet to your news paper editor and to the president-elect. Marcel Ophul's new film, The Kemory of Justice, will 2. Send a letter of support for universal uncondi^ have .a special benefit performance for NCUUA at the Beek- tional amnesty to editors and the president- man Theatre in New York City on Friday, Oct. 8.. After receiving the completed form from the back of Lillian Hellman, Paul Moore, Max Palevsky, Louise Dur booklet CALC will send a gift certificate to the Ransom and Marcel Ophuls are hosting the special perfor arson in whose name you gave your time, thoughts, and mance, which will include a panel discussion of the film Dney. The "Gift of Freedom" booklets are available upon following the showing, and a box supper and drinks served rder through CALC or NCUUA. at intermission. The NCUUA amnesty postcards will be available for dis- Excerpts from a review by Joy Gould Boyum, Wall Street ribution throughout the holiday season. Blank postcards Journal, Sept. 27, '76: "Ophul's film re-examines the com :e available for you to convey a personal holiday message plex issues involved in the Nuremberg war crimes trials: j our president-elect. Has one nation the right to judge another? Can the victor During these holidays ever fairly judge the vanquished? To what extent can a ïmember the resisters who soldier be held individually accountable for his actions? till suffer for their oppo- The film also considers how the principles 'established' Ltion to the War and the at Nuremberg have stood up against the test of time and of Llitary by joining with situations of even greater ambivalence. ;her local supporters in "How do they apply, for example, to Vietnam, or to the jntributing to an amnesty conduct of French troops in Algeria? What is the relation J. Sample ads will be between My Lai and the concentration camps...? Most impor mailable through NCUUA. tant of all, have the subsequent acts of those who sat in November through Janu- judgment at Nuremberg rendered their decisions meaningless •y will be busy for all and deprived Nuremberg itself of validity? 'us. As we join family "As happens in the finest works of art, we become im id friends in our holiday plicated in the process of discovery and understanding, ilebrations, let us re- in the process of moral judgment itself. imber our Vietnamese and "The Memory of Justice makes a very special demand on lerican brothers and one's attention. It is simply toe significant a documen sters who have been ctimized by the War. tary, too mind stretching and soul-shattering an experience y our thoughts and actions result in a time of their re- to be missed." icing. ACTION: If the film is to be shown in your area, we -Jeanne Kaylor, Clergy and Laity Concerned, highly recommend you see it. Try and get the theatre Amnesty Project for your own benefit for amnesty.
AMNESTY UPDATE / ? AMNESTY PROGRAM : FALL '76
INTRODUCTION CANDIDATE In the last two issues of Amnesty Update, we have discussed "Making Amnesty a Visible Campaign Issue" and QUOTES urged that the candidates be confronted with the issue of Universal, Unconditional Amnesty on the campaign trail. Amnesty has become an issue in this year's presi dential election. This has happened despite the desires The CMnaty/pcuuicn/cZenency poiitioni oi the 1976 of the candidates, who would prefer to avoid this un VleiidentÄnX. candidates ate. eaiily coniu&ed and dittoK- pleasant reminder of the war, and because of the efforts ted. fÖK thii nea&on me thought it uieijot tc KepUxit of thousands of people in the amnesty movement. iome oi tiielt kta.tevi.nXi,. The candÀ.dateA' add/izaei am In the recent presidential debate, the question of the noma oi tiieÀA key itaü peMoiu ate included to ia- amnesty/pardon was posed. President Ford stated that he citiXate leXtex-viKiXina carr.paignb uA-Ä-ck iKould. pin-point had initiated his "earned re-entry" program which was oat eAiticiirr. oi theifi poiiXiont: "generous" and gave draft resisters and deserters ample time to earn their way back into the main stream of American society. The fact that only 15,000 participated in his punitive program was of no consequence to Ford. He stated, "I think we gave them a good opportunity; I don't think we should go any further." CARTER Governor Carter is promising to pardon about 5,0C0 out of about a million Americans who need Amnesty. While answering the question during the debate, Carter "Amnesty means that you—that what you did was righ.1 stated, "The big shots who are rich, or influential very Pardon means that what you did, whether it's right or seldom go to jail." Carter wishes tc be seen as a friend wrong, you're forgiven for it. And I do advocate a par of the poor and of minorities, lis choice of the one don for draft evaders. I think it's accurate to say thi group that is predominately white and middle class means two years ago when Mr, Nixon—Mr. Ford—put in this am that his pardon will only continue the race and class nesty that that three times as many deserters were ex discrimination so blatant in the Selective Service and cused as were'the ones who evaded the draft." 9/23/76 the military. "Where I come from, most of the men who went off to This issue of Amnesty Update is devoted to action fight in Vietnam were poor. They didn't know where suggestions. Priority has to be given to those cate Canada was, they didn't know where Sweden was, they didi gories which are consistently left out of the public dis have the money to hide from the draft in college. Many cussion of amnesty, rather than a "pardon" versus "amnes of them thought it was a bad war, but they went anyway. ty" debate. To many, amnesty is an issue associated with A lot of them came back with scarred minds or bodies, o only draft resistance and desertion. Yet the largest with missing limbs. Some didn't come back at all. The group in need of amnesty are the 79G,0C0 Vietnam-era vets suffered under with less than Honorable discharges. Opponents of am the threat of nesty claim that it would dishonor those who served and death, and they debase their sacrifice; but in reality, the responsibil still suffer ity for the destruction of both Vietnamese and American from the indif lives belongs with the U.S. Government, and not with the ference of many resistor or veteran. It is our task in working for am of their fellow nesty to place that responsibility where it belongs. Americans. The Vietnam veterans Included herein is E chart outlining the candidates' are our nation's positions, a bibliography of candidate statements, a list unsung heroes... of resources, a "How Tc" section, and an outline cf the I do not favor a history of the war. blanket amnesty, but fcr those who violated Selective Service laws, I intend to grant a blanket pardon... For deserters, each case should be handled on an individual basis in_ aecordance with our nation's eyeten of military justice^ (emphasis added) (See "Carter's Amnesty Plan", page 9, this issue.) 8/24/76
Governor Jimmy Carter Plains, Georgia 3178C
Ms. Kitty Schirmer Carter/Mondale Issues Staff Box 1976 Atlanta, Georgia 30301 President Gerald Ford Attorney General Edward Levy FORD 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Department of Justice Washington, D.C. 20500 Washington, D.C. 20530 "I gave in September of 1974 an opportunity for all Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Department of draft evaders, all deserters, to come in voluntarily, Defense, Washington, D.C. 20302 clear their record by earning an opportunity to restore their good citizenship. I think we gave them a good op portunity ~ I don't think we should go any further." 9/23/76
Mc CARTHY
"This is really where it is. And I say we should have amnesty for those who refused the draft and also for those who went absent without leave. Only people who de serted under fire, it seems to mo, should be subject to a personal review and examination." (Position paper) Senator Eugene McCarthy and Martin E. Levin Assistant Director McCarthy 76 A Better Idea for Ford: If the opening were bigger, 1440 N. Street NW they wouldn't have to crawl back. Washington, D.C. 20005
THE CANDIDATES ON AMNESTY
Pres. Foi d Jimmy Carter Eugene McCarthy Universal Unconditional Amnesty DRAFT RESISTERS UNCONVICTED No Promised to Would grant an Would drop all indictments, expunge 4,400 0OJ) pardon "draft amnesty to draft all records, and restore all rights Largely white, evaders" within refusers if to all those in this category. middle class, 1st week in elected. Unclear Would not exclude those who have educated people office. Does if he would exclude taken foreign citizenship. exiled in Canada not include those who have and Sweden, those who have taken foreign taken foreign citizenship. citizenship.
DRAFT RESISTERS CONVICTED No Unclear Unclear Would expunge all criminal records. 8,700 0OJ) Would not exclude those who have taken foreign citizenship.
DESERTERS No No Would review All deserters would automatically AT LARGE Case by case those who deserted receive Honorable discharges. 5,000 - 30,000 by the mili- • under fire; hence Those who have taken foreign citi .'Only estimates tary justice some form of case zenship would not be excluded. are available. systrTi; no by case review pardon. would be necessary.
VETERANS WITH LESS THAN No No No All discharges would be upgraded HONORABLE to Honorable automatically and DISCHARGES without conditions. A Single Type 792,500 0ŒI) Discharge would be instituted for the future.
NON-REGISTRANTS No Unclear Unclear No non-registrants would be % - l.S million (SSS) prosecuted.
CIVILIAN RESISTERS WITH CRIMINAL No No No All criminal records would be ex RECORDS punged; those imprisoned would be Tens of thousands. released.
TOTAL: 0 4,000+ 4,000+ Over a million.
AMNESTY UPDATE / 4 HOW TO:
Don't be intimidated by the media: remember that you WORK WITH THE MEDIA are the expert. Very few are informed on the amnesty issue. —Ron Bitzer, Swords into Plowshares, Calif. The importance of the issue does not insure access to the media. Background information, a story reporters can sell their editors, and follow-up to both successful and un SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE successful media contacts, help to get your stories be fore the public. (date): FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Once a press list is devel CONTACT: (your group's press coordinator, phone number) oped, press releases describing positions on issues and local work serve to acquaint the media with your group. GOLD STAR MOTHER CALLS FOR TOTAL AMNESTY Interested reporters may also be uncovered, in this ef AT PUBLIC MEETING ON FEBRUARY 27th fort; this is how the amnesty movement found columnist Mary McGrory. Louise Ransom, National Director of Americans For Amnesty THE STORY: A press conference can gain access to the and herself a "Gold Star Mother" (of a soldier lost in media, especially if you have one side of a public is Vietnam) will call for total amnesty for Indochina War sue to present. While the presence of a large number of resisters at a public meeting at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, people shows support for your cause, remember that the February 27, at the Episcopal Church, 200 Main St., press tends to focus on one individual. So choose your Des Moines. speakers carefully. As a war résister who was elected to the Democratic Convention, Fritz Efaw is an example Ms. Ransom has written and spoken widely through the U.S. of a person who the press would pick on for amnesty and on the War and the need for universal, unconditional related issues. There are many such people locally: amnesty for the million or more Americans who require it. POW'8, Gold Star parents, veterans, community leaders, She brings her broad knowledge of amnesty and her deep etc. conviction of its necessity to Des Moines as part of National Amnesty Week (Feb. 22-28), being organized The staging of a press event, as opposed to a press locally by Iowans for Total Amnesty. conference, csn be partucularly successful, since the media prefers "hard" news and a new angle. Unless these Americans For Amnesty is a national support organization factors ere contained in a press conference it cen be a for families of those who require amnesty and is affili real flop. ated with the National Council for Universal and Uncon For example, Ford's Clemency program was "buried"-in ditional Amnesty (NCUUA), the national coalition of May, 1975 by California protestors who dropped their amnesty organizations. Clemency letters and Honorable discharges into a coffin Involvement in the peace movement began for Ms. Ransom as part of a mock funeral. The press responded extreme and her husband Robert C. Ransom, an IBM lawyer, "totally ly well. Had we held a press conference, the press might because of our son": Lt. Robert (Mike) Ransom Jr. wrote not have shown as much interest. to his parents in early 1968 that the South Vietnamese FOLLOW-UP: Letters to the editor and telephone calls did not want him or any other Americans there — the U.S. indicate to the media what stories are particularly news did not belong in Vietnam; he urged his parents to do worthy (and which are accurate). Recognition of the am everything they could to bring the war to an end. In nesty issue by part of the media can be used to show May of that year he was killed while serving as an in other reporters that they too should be covering the fantry platoon leader with the Americal Division near story. We've xeroxed good articles and sent them to our My Lai. contacts saying this is an important issue deserving their coverage. Ms. Ranaom will meet with reporters at a press conference Note: publicity is also a good way of finding out before the meeting: 7:00 p.m. at the Episcopal Church. others in the area who support the issue and are willing The press is welcome to attend the meeting. to help. ACTION IDEAS
In addition to the ACTION TPFAS aVieady trentioned, * Hold a meeting of vets with less-than-honorable dis beJtovi afie. &ome moiei charges, their families, and amnesty supporters, concen trating on the causes and effects of these discharges, and * Hold public meetings with amnesty spokespeople. informing people that universal, unconditional amnesty in Use local speakers, particularly civic and religious cludes upgrading all bad discharges and replacing the cur leaders. Meet with them first, to make sure they know rent discharge system with one that employs a Single Type the basics, particularly all the categories of those in Discharge. Contact local vets' groups as possible to need of amnesty. NCUUA can supply experienced speakers. assist you in building this meeting. Try to enlist vets * Approach local employers, large and small, public into your group. and private. Ask them to issue statements on amnesty with particular focus oh the nature of bad military discharges. * Get local clergy to give amnesty sermons. Try to Ask them to sign the following pledges THIS ESTABLISHMENT make sure they have full information on the issue, in DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST VETERANS WITH LESS-THAN- cluding the positions of their national organizations. HONORABLE DISCHARGES, OR OTHER WAR RESISTERS IN OUR HIRING POLICY. Make signs with this pledge for display in the * Have a letters-to-the editor campaign. There are windows or other public-access premises of these employ far more publications to approach than just the local news' ers. daily or weekly. Try university and high school papers, church papers and magazines, alumnae magazines, union pub * Take the initiative in contacting local broadcast lications , service organization newsletters, etc. and print media to publicize amnesty. Use the stories of local war resisters and their families as possible. Get * Have an amnesty potluck supper; we can supply a pro on local "talk shows" and "hot line" phone-in media. ven recipe for a Vietnamese meal. Link up the issues of Please send NCUUA copies of any press clippings about amnesty and recognition/reconstruction aid. your activities, together with leaflets, your own reports, etc.
AMNESTY UPDATE / 5 UNIVERSAL UNCONDITIONAL, AMNESTY for ALL Vietnam war resisters
Fritz Efaw. war résister and Alternate Delegate, and Ron Kovic. disabled Vietnam vet present the case for Amnesty to the Democratic National Convention. July 15, 1976. (AP Photo)
Dear Date It is the second anniversary of the Republican Presidential candidate's case- by-case "Clemency" program for war resisters. 82S of those eligible rejected its guilt confessions, alternative service, and punitive "Clemency Discharges". Resistance to an unjust war must not be punished. The Democratic candidate has promised an "unconditional pardon" his first week in office if elected President, for only 4,400 draft resisters. Justice reouires an UNCONDITIONAL AMNESTY, without discriminatory case-by-case judgments, for ALL the war's resisters and victims:
1. Vietnam era veterans with less-than-honorable discharges, to be upgraded to Honorable (POD): 790.000 2. Draft non-registrants iSSS): 1.7 million 3. Indicted or ir.dlccat-le <*.raft registers (DCj): 4. Convicted draft registers (Admin Qfc. US Courts): ? r s ft r 5. Deaerters-at-large: UC.C0C 6. Civilian résistera wich crlnlnal records. unknown tens or atlll Imprisoned: rf thousands Former Americans newly naturalized to other citizenship now excluded or excludable fro« unknown th« D.S.: __ thousands
All 7 million war era veterans were doubly victimized. Like most Americans, they believed government lies that masked the aggressive nature of U.S. involvement and American violations of international laws of war. Drawn primarily from the poor and minorities, these vets have been "used and thrown away" by this same government. Many are jobless, disabled and frustrated. Their physical, psychological and employment needs must be met. Moreover, the U.S. must end its war against the peoples of Indochina by normalizing relations with their new governments, and meet its morel and legal obligation to help rebuild what it destroyed.
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Po.tc.rd prepared by: 235 East 49th Street ^ ,^m » . m f^tkx^CxxjTctkyiUnjef^ardVnoonAar^Atn^Y New VbrkGtv 10017 |^C.l|IJ/\
Above is a sample of our Amnesty postcard, the whole front and the text on the back. It being used in our national campaign which was launched on the anniversary of Ford's "clemency' ogram. To date, 50,000 have been ordered and sent out. Please order yours now! The text is designed to make it possible to send to either Carter or Ford: Governor Jimmy Carter President Gerald Ford Plains, Georgia 3178C The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 ey are also available blank on the back, so you can write your own message. Please specify ether you want text or blank, or a mixture. Prices: 10c each, up to 100; $7.00 per hundred up to 1000; $5.00 per hundred over 1000.
AKNESTY UPDATE / 6 le/l we forget.•• An appeal for reconciliation • Récognition • Recon/lruction • Amnesty • Rehabilitation We call upon our government to respond to the problems left by the tragic, unpopular, and unjust war in Southeast Asia.
We urge the newly elected Administration and Congress, seeking a true understanding of our recent past and in the best tradition of the American people, to:
• Normalize diplomatic, trade, and cultural relations with the nations of Indochina, and accept admission of Vietnam to the United Nations;
• Provide reconstruction aid to heal the wounds of war;
• Grant unconditional amnesty to all draft, military, and civilian resisters and veterans with less than fully honorable discharges;
• Assure adequate rehabilitation and compensation to all physically or psychologically wounded veterans. SEND ME OPTIONAL A SI.00 PETITION DONATION street address. - 1 Lily,state, *ip D D 1 — signature street address ojflh printed nimc (.ity, slate, zip D D
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'Donations will be used 50% for friendshipment rice to Vietnam, 50% for local and national work on the Appeal for Reconciliation make checks payable to "Appeal for Reconciliationj'A h'SC".
Co-sponsored by the Coalition for a New Foreign and Military Policy, FRIEND Return this completed petition to: SHIPMENT, and the National Council for Universal Unconditional Amnesty; coordinated nationally by the American Friends Service Committee.
Name and address of person and/or organization If you collected donations, NCUUA circulating this copy: total amount enclosed: National council for Uiiversal and UxDnrfrtional Amnesty 235 East 49th Street If you want more petitions, how many: New \brkCitv 10017 (212)688-8097
Order copies of this petition from NCUUA, or better yet duplicate yourselves.
AMNESTY UFDATE / 7 RESOURCES Pro amnesty statements fron families who lost men in NCUUA has available a packet of leaflets, pamphlets, the war may be obtained from Gold Star Parents for and articles for you to choose from and reproduce Amnesty (GSPA), 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA C21D8 locally. They cover such areas as the war; U.S. war crimes; general amnesty statistics, facts and argunents; Soon to be published is a 16-page Update-form booklet how to relate amnesty to other issues; veterans' prob on Veterans and Amnesty including articles on Bad Papers, lems and the nature of bad discharges; etc. Please send Racism in the Military, an interview with Kalter Collins, $5.00 with your request, to cover expenses. how families and amnesty supporters can join with vets in raising the issue of amnesty, etc. NCUUA Veterans The latest issue of Af4EX-CANADA magazine magazine Project, 235 E. 49th Street, New York, NY 10017 is soon to be published. Order from AMEX, P.O. Pox 189, Station P, Toronto, Canada. NCUUA has available for rental at very reasonable rates the following videotape cassettes: Religious statements on amnesty are available from "Say Brother", a half hour TV film examining the his the National Inter-religious Service Board for Conscien tory of black participation in American wars and the role tious Objectors (NISBC0), 550 Washington Euilding, New of black GIs in Vietnam. York Avenue and 15th Avenue NE, Washington D.C. 20005 "Less Than Honorable", a fifteen minute section of Amnesty Fact Sheets (14 pages) are available from CBS's "Sixty Minutes" concerning the way in which the the Center for Social Action of the United Church of military uses the discharge system and the effect of bad Christ, 110 Maryland Avenue, NE, Washington DC 20002 discharges. Call or(write NCUUA for information. Clergy and Laity Concerned, "Give a Gift of Freedom" Speakers are available. Contact NCUUA. booklets are available with a contribution to CALC, 235 E. 49th Street, New York, NY 10017 "Blacks in the Military", a booklet by David Cortright (author of Soldiers in Revolt) is available Materials on FRIENDSHIPMENT's program to build a hos from the Center for National Security Studies, 122 Mary pital at My Lai are available. Write, Friendshipment, land Avenue, NE, Washington DC 20002 235 E. 49th Street, New York, NY 10017 Regional Conference packets are available from NCUUA. You may contact families of war resisters in need of They outline possible workshops on Amnesty, Reconstruc amnesty in your area and receive family organizing re tion, Fitting into the National Campaign, and Lessons of sources from NCUUA, 235 E. 49th Street, New York, NY the War. A $2.00 donation is appreciated» 10017
REGIONAL CONFERENCES
With fall has come a new wave of amnesty and recon successes. Some regions are starting newsletters; others struction activity across the country beginning with re are planning region-wide activity on Veterans Day, with gional conferences. To date, supporters have met in a follow-up conference. We urge you to consider these Madison, Des Moines, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Re points at your meetings. ports on most of these conferences follow. NOTE: Available in the NCUUA office are conference Conferences that are still to take place include: packets, postcards and other literature. See resource Place: Atlanta, Georgia list, this issue. Region: Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida Madison Date: October 23 Tlxe following is a report of the July 10 Madison Contact: Jay Landay (404) 881-6660 Conference printed in the Madison Daily Cardinal, by Place: Washington, D.C. Julian Graubart; Region: Mid-Atlantic At a regional amnesty conference held last Saturday Date: October 30 at Edgewood College, a group of forty workers for amnesty, Contact: Bea Robbins (301) 622-0229 veteran's rights and reconstruction of Vietnam discussed Place: Oklahoma City organizing tactics for focusing attention on the need Region: Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, for universal, unconditional amnesty. Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana THE CONFERENCE participants came primarily from vari-, Date: October 30-31 ous social action groups in the Midwest, including the Contact: Don Parker (405) 521-0416 Wisconsin Alliance, Vet's House, the Center for Conflict Resolution, the Women's International League for Peace Place: Boston, Mass. and Freedom, the Midwest Center for Military Counseling Region: New England of Chicago, and Milwaukee-based military counselors. Date: November 6 It was the consensus of the conference participants Contact: Anita Greenbaum (617) 332-9072 that amnesty, apart from reconstruction and diplomatic We urge you all to attend. recognition of Vietnam, should be their focus. Susan These conferences are working meetings to facilitate Ikenberry of the National Council for Universal Uncondi reconstruction and amnesty supporters in their organizing tional Amnesty (NCUUA) stressed that by definition "uni efforts this fall and next spring. You can also help by versal unconditional amnesty" encompasses deserters and encouraging others to attend, raising money for transpor those with less-than-honorable discharges as well as tation, and giving visibility to the "event". (See sec draft resisters.... tion on media, this' issue). This conference was convened at this time in antici For those who cannot make it to a larger regional pation of the fall presidential election. The members conference, consider holding a state-wide or city-wide of the diverse groups had previously decided to unite and gathering. Contact us if we can be of any assistance. combine their efforts to force the next president to act Follow-up is essential. The multifold benefits of on Indochina war era problems. According to Heidi Kuglin cooperation and unified strategy will only ensue if the of Friendshipment, a New York based group concentrating newly formed network is kept active, and if cooperative on reconstruction aid to Vietnam, "We're trying to expose actions are carried out which result in initial visible that a pardon rather than amnesty is not adequate." A
AMNESTY UPDATE / 8 pardon for draft resisters alone has already been pro physical therapist for two years during the war at the posed by Jimmy Carter, soon-to-be Democratic Party nomi AFSC rehabilitation center at Quang Ngai, South Vietnam. nee. She said that when she went to Vietnam she was apoliti The conference voted unanimously to promote a "new cal, but quickly she saw that the Vietnamese were in kind of demonstration to get people's attention" which volved in a legitimate struggle for the liberation of would culminate on Saturday, October 23, in various their country. Back in Vietnam in April of this year, cities around the country. That's the weekend of Veter she was impressed with the incredible reconstruction an's Day and closely precedes the presidential elections efforts and advancements that the Vietnamese have made, The purpose of the activities planned for the months though tremendous needs remain. She said the U.S. has ahead is to overcome what Al Jenkins, a Viet Nam veteran responded with hostility to every Vietnamese initiative. and worker for the Wisconsin Alliance, called "the For example the trade embargo. amazing capacity in this country to forget." The MIA issue is given as a reason for the U.S. SPECIFIC TACTICS for attaining the conference's goal threat to veto Vietnamese membership in the United of universal, unconditional amnesty were advanced in a Nations, but the MIA issue is only between the two gov lively three hour workshop. It was agreed that strategy ernments and does not concern the admittance of Vietnam would necessarily vary from region to region in kind and to the UN. It is obviously a pre-election ploy. emphasis to best suit local conditions, yet must comple Speaking on amnesty, Heidi said over a million ment each other to achieve the most effective results. people are suffering a lifetime of unemployment or One noteworthy national effort will be a standardized underemployment because of bad discharges, and they petition drive which organizers hope will attract one should be urged to come out and talk. million signatures. Jerel Olsen of the Midwest Center for Military The proposed strategies included forming local veter Counseling in Chicago said that veterans haven't been an's outreach organizations to try to mobilize some of vocal because they haven't realized that amnesty would the over 637,000 veterans with bad discharges and to edu help them too. Carter's pardon would help less than cate them on how they can get their discharges upgraded. 4,000. It wouldn't help those who bacame citizens of This was suggested by conference member Mozell Hayman, other countries; they would still be prosecuted if they another Viet Nam veteran, who founded and currently runs came back because of a provision of the immigration laws. the Office of Veteran Affairs in Gary, Indiana. Carter's plan for a blanket pardon for draft resisters Similar to Madison's Vet House, his office is inde while only a case-by-case consideration of deserters is pendent of the more conservative veteran's organizations, discriminatory. Draft resisters are white and middle Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion. class while most deserters are from lower socio-econom "We want to pressurize these people to come out and ic levels and/or members of minority groups. Olsen be counted," said Hayman, "Until they themselves want also said state laws vary about restoring civil rights to be counted as numbers and not one figure, we're not of the over 7,000 men who have served prison sentences going to get anywhere." for draft resistance and added that it has become pos Other suggested tactics that were approved for local sible only recently for a CO. to get a civil service demonstrations were: information booths at county fairs job in Iowa. Discussion followed on problems with bad where the military is often on display; formation of radi discharges, code numbers, civilian resisters, and non- cal caucuses within trade unions; pressuring Democratic registrants. Class issues were again raised. Congressmen before they endorse Carter; handout sheets on The conférence ended with suggestions for action: individual cases in need of amnesty, and on Gold Star write letters to the editor; call radio talk shows; parents who support amnesty (Parents whose sons died in organize town meetings on amnesty; make amnesty an the war ....) issue in meetings with candidates for Congress and the FURTHER TACTICS for local organizations included con Presidency; encourage church and civic groups to make tacting visible members of the community, both civic and statements in favor of amnesty; circulate amnesty religious; issuing statements; special emphasis programs petitions. in churches which would help these peculiarly "needy" people; and finally, a suggestion of U.S. Senate candi date Bill Hart, focussing on those particular state laws Los Angeles which determine veteran benefits and discharge regula tions. All of these tactics conform to the general prin ciple urged early in this workshop: "It has to be cheap, Veterans publicity efforts and amnesty lobbying at fast, and good." tempts of the California Carter campaign highlighted re Responding to the recurrent cry of the country's poli ports of key organizers at the September 18th Los Ange tical leaders for a healing of America's wounds, Friend- les regional caucus. shipment's Kuglin captured the tenor of the meeting as a Radio and television covered the L.A. press confer whole when she said, "You want to put the war behind us ence on the second anniversary of Ford's "clemency" pro and we say no. Certain things have to be dealt with be gram where Ed Miller, former P.O.W. and now law student fore we can forget them." in Orange County, spoke out for universal and uncondi In addition to the above, an excellent slide show was tional amnesty. Subsequently, talk shows have been in presented on the nature cf the war and the Vietnam era viting Vietnam veterans to discuss amnesty with repre veteran. Slides were taken by and presented, by two local sentatives from traditional veterans groups before Veter Vietnam vets. ans Day, October 25th. Vietnam veterans reported that they have formed a statewide Coalition of Veterans for Human Rights to work for amnesty as their highest priority. Coalition repre Des Moines sentatives noted that Governor Brown needs to be lobbied on the problem of veterans with bad discharges, insofar Sixty people attended a conference on amnesty and as the state Veterans Board has set up an advisory com reconstruction Sept. 11 in Ces Moines Iowa. mittee on discharge upgrading. The first speaker was Father John Smith, a campus Workers for reconstruction/recognition of Vietnam re minister1*at the University of Iowa. He said that Carter ported that they had met with the issues coordinator of has offered a limited pardon (for draft evaders, not the Carter campaign in California. The problem of veter military resisters) and has to be brought along. It was ans with bad discharges was discussed, but nothing more brought out that Carter has tried to stress during his than facilitating the process of reviewing the bad dis campaign that he stands for non-discrimination against charge was mentioned by the Carter campaign. the poor and minority. Hence in approaching him people The Carter campaign will come to California frequent should remind him that if he does indeed believe in this ly in October and the caucus decided to confront Carter principle, he must change his own discriminatory "par and Mondale with signs for amnesty at every opportunity don" position. in southern California. People who have confronted Car Smith said we have been trying to put Vietnam behind ter in northern California noted that the time and place us because it's hard to accept the fact that we as a of a rally in San Francisco were publicized only a couple people and a government were wrong; but Vietnam will of hours before the event. not go away. Both Ford and Carter are being lobbied by the excel Heidi Kuglin of Friendshipment told about recon.- lent NCUUA postcards which are also being distributed by struction and reconciliation in Vietnam. Heidi was a newsletters in California. AMNESTY UPDATE / 9 Amnesty and the War Those who cannot remember the past and by 1954 was funding over 80S of the French war. In are condemned to repeat it. 1954, after the decisive battle of Dienbienphu, France was defeated militarily by the Vietnamese liberation for Our demand for total amnesty is a demand for justice ces. As Vietnam, France, the U.S. and other great powers — the need for which originates first and foremost in went to Geneva to negotiate the removal of French person the nature of the U.S.' war in Southeast Asia. nel, it once again looked as though Vietnam's long quest As our struggle for total amnesty approaches a second for independence was over. presidential action, it is more important than ever to The 1954 Geneva Accords on Vietnam required that the help people understand the U.S.' unjust war in Southeast entire liberation army be relocated north of the 17th Asia. Faced with the recognition of such a war, the ci parallel while the French were removed from the South. tizen has the right and duty to oppose it, and no punish The Accords specified that "the military demarcation line ment should be imposed for his or her opposition. is provisional and should not in any way be interpreted By explaining amnesty within the context of the his as constituting a political or territorial boundary", yet tory and aggressive nature of U.S. involvement in South this provisional line has been used by the U.S. ever east Asia, we will be laying the groundwork for the pre since to maintain the fiction of a nation called "South vention of future such wars and/or the effective resis Vietnam". The Pentagon Papers concludes that "South tance to such wars should they develop. It is therefore Vietnam was essentially the creation of the United important that, particularly in these next urgent months States". when we organize for amnesty, we must patiently explain The Accords were signed by the Viet Minh, Cambodia, the history of the U.S. war as the context of our demand. Laos, France, England, China and the Soviet Union. The A brief outline of that history is provided below: U.S. balked at signing, but pledged to "refirain from the For over seventy years, beginning in 1868, France was use of force to disturb them". The U.S. was to violate the "colonial master" of Indochina. Like other colonial this pledge for the next twenty-one years. powers, the French developed in Indochina only the capa Since the liberation forces were to be temporarily city to furnish raw materials to the "mother country" — concentrated in the North, the political administration tin, tungsten, etc. for France. The development of pro of the South was unclear. The Accords therefore provi duction to meet the needs of the Indochinese peoples was ded for national elections in 1956 to decide the poli neglected. tical future of the South. Eisenhower admits in his In Vietnam there were sporadic unsuccessful rebel memoirs that in 1954 Ho Chi Minh would have won 80S! of lions against French colonial rule. In 1941'a broad the popular vote. Similar results could have' been ex« coalition of Vietnamese nationalist groups was formed. pected from a 1956 election. During the Geneva confer This was the Viet Minh, or, in English, the Vietnamese ence, U.S. Secretary of State Dulles suggested that the League for Independence, this coalition united many sec U.S. ought to delay the elections. The National Security tors of the population in a struggle to achieve indepen Council agreed. At the very moment the U.S. was pledging dence from French rule. Its leading force was ,the Indo- to "refrain from the use of force", the Eisenhower Admi Chinese Communist Party, headed by Ho Chi Minh,^and it nistration had already sent a team of Americans, under included religious, workers' and peasants' organizations. command of CIA Colonel Edward Lansdale, to begin secret operations against the Viet Minh. The elections were never held. Rather than allow the Vietnam ese to freely determine their po litical future, the U.S. installed the first of many puppet "presi dents", Ngo Dinh Diem, a wealthy Vietnamese living in New Jersey. Lacking popular support, Diem could maintain his rule only with a drafted army, U.S. military "advi sors", and vicious repression. So heavy was the repression of his re gime that Diem's tiny base of sup port among the Vietnamese elite and its U.S. backers disappeared. The CIA plotted his assassination with pro-American generals. Diem was thereafter assassinated.
A string of U.S. chosen and dir ected "presidents" followed. They had so little popular support that they could be held in power only by direct and increasing U.S. military force. The last of these, Nguyen Van Thieu, who fought in the French Army against his own people before 1954. was finally overthrown in From 1940-45, during World War II, Vietnam was gov 1975. After thirty years of continuous war, the Viet erned by an alliance of French (Vichy) and Japanese fas namese finally achieved the "independence and freedom" cism (France was occupied and its colonies governed by of Ho Chi Minh's dream. Since the war's end, Vietnam the Nazis). The Viet Minh fought a war of resistance a- has enjoyed national elections for its first all-Vietnam gainst this alliance until the end of the war. When Ja National Assembly. It is new the Socialist Republic of pan surrendered, a mass uprising put the Viet Minh in Vietnam, united, at peace, and able to address the enor power, and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was esta mous task of national reconstruction. blished in August, 1945, with its capital in Hanoi. For These are a few facts from the true history of Viet a short time it appeared that the independence of Vietnam nam's long war for independence. The aggressive U.S. had been won. role is clear. It is our right and duty to resist an Soon after the war, however, France, with the support unjust war, and the U.S. war in Indochina was such a war. of the United States, returned to reestablish its colo Our educational work or. the artnesty issue must make that nial regime. It was neeessary for the Vietnamese to con clear. tinue their struggle for national independence. Nine (Resources include Pentagon Papers) years of war against France followed. The U.S. gave ma —Steve Grossman terial assistance to the French effort from the start,
AMNESTY UPDATE / 10 CARTER'S 'AMNESTY' PLAN by Jack Calhoun On the batii, oi public inionmation available, to date to be disproportionately from minority and working class and a jotivate intetvieui with CanteA'i ViAecton. oi Voticy and generally less privileged backgrounds. (See Presi and. l&iue&, vie have made. the. ioltouiing analyiii oi dential Clemency Board, Final Report to the President, CaAteA't amneity plan. When mole ipeciiic inioAmaXion pp. 32-33, 52.) Consequently, the Carter proposal puts iA available, vie mill pnovide a moue extemive analy&ii. the burden of proof in a case-by-case review on those HouieveA, becau&e CaAteA ha& no intentioni oi being with the least education and experience in dealing suc ipeciiic ioon - vefuy likely not until he announces the cessfully with such situations. pàognam iXieli - vie muit let OUK cUticiimi be known The review of deserters on an individual basis would ahead oi time. likely exclude most deserters and could be designed to "prove" the Pentagon's traditional contention that most After the Democratic Party completed its platform GI's desert for "personal reasons". I know from my per plank on amnesty, which called for "a full and complete sonal experience in the Army that Eizenstat's call for pardon for those who are in legal or financial jeopardy antiwar documentation is "Catch-22". I never told an because of their peaceful opposition to the Vietnam War Army superior that I was opposed to the war because I with deserters to be considered on a case-by-case basis, " knew if I did it would mean Vietnam or the stockade. AMEX-Canada decided to determine Jimmy Carter's actual While trying to get discharged I never considered apply amnesty plan. Steve Grossman (AMEX-Canada) conducted a ing for C.O. status because fewer than 20% who applied telephone interview with Stuart Eizenstat, Carter's got it, and those who didn't were guaranteed to spend the Director of Policy and Issues. rest of their service days under constant harassment. Grossman asked Eizenstat if Carter intended to cam At the time I was in the Army, I had two years of grad paign on or implement the platform plank, which left the uate school education, but the level of official intimi door open to more categories of war resisters than just dation was so high that it made careful antiwar articula draft resisters and deserters. He learned that Carter tion nearly impossible. If Carter expects people with does not feel bound by the platform plank for either high school or less education to have military records purpose, and that he will "keep his own position." indicating a comprehensive antiwar position, it would Eizenstat revealed, however, that Carter was willing to imply he wants to exclude as many deserters as possible. allow the cases of deserters to be reviewed on an indi When it comes to convincing a "hearing officer" of vidual basis before a "hearing officer", something the one's antiwar beliefs, all we need recall is how nearly Democratic candidate had rejected during the spring. impossible it was for civilians to obtain C.O. status. Eizenstat said that several criteria concerning the indi I have personally known several graduate students who vidual deserter had to be established. were unable to convince the Selective Service System of EIZENSTAT: "First of all, it would have to be shown their objection to war. Under Carter's plan, it is not that they were in fact deserting because of their oppo the better-educated draft résister who would have to con sition to the war and not because they had enough of the vince a review officer of the sincerity of his motiva Army, which many of us felt from the very beginning." tion for resisting the draft, but instead the more poor (Emphasis added.) ly educated deserter who would have to do so. AMEX: "How could that be demonstrated?" Eizenstat'oS second reason for case-ty-case review of EIZENSTAT: "I think it would have to be probably be deserters is to determine whether a GI "had deserted from fore a hearing officer and the person would have to tes the middle of a key battle." If ever there were a red tify to the length of his opposition and the nature of herring, this is it. The Department of Defense's After it, what variety." Action Report concludes that only one percent of the Eizenstat later said that other factors would also AWOLs who participated in the Clemency Program deserted have significant weight in the review process. "For ex from combat situations, (p. 21) Furthermore, the Clem ample, if the guy had deserted from the middle of a key ency Board's Report disclosed that "only about one per battle and had led to the death of twenty people he prob cent of the military applicants went AWOL from a combat ably ought not to be pardoned. On the other hand, if he zone, and very few of these cases involved demonstrable had left at the ending of boot camp because of his oppo cowardice. We estimate that only one-tenth of one per sition, then that would put him much closer to the situ cent actually deserted under fire." (p. 61) If in fact ation of someone who simply refused to accept induction." Carter does not intend to give deserters Honorable Dis And what would happen if a deserter were able to con charges even if they pass a hearing officer's test, de vince a "hearing officer" that his decision to desert was serters will be condemned to a life of under- or un«- based on anti war beliefs? Would this mean that he would employment, like all other veterans with less than Hon be granted an Honorable Discharge? orable discharges. There is no escape from the conclu AMEX: "What is the meaning of unconditional pardon sion that Carter's proposed treatment of deserters is for deserters? Is that presumed to mean an Honorable rooted, not in a genuine concern for justice, but in Discharge?" blatant class and race discrimination. And Carter pro EIZENSTAT: "Our position is not an unconditional par fesses to be a friend of America's poor and minorities I don for deserters." (Vocal emphasis.) The proposed Carter amnesty completes the circle of AMEX: "Isn't it unconditional on a case-by-case class and race discrimination which has marked the en basis?" tire Vietnam War period. It was those from privileged EIZENSTAT: "I mean, whatever a pardon would connote, backgrounds who had doctors, lawyers, or psychiatrists whether that means you then retroactively give them an find legal means to evade the draft. It was largely Honorable Discharge I sort of doubt, frankly. I think it those who came from less privileged backgrounds who' com simply means that he escapes punishment." (Emphasis prised the majority of those who were drafted or enlis added.) ted in the military. Now Carter proposes to give an un Grossman asked Eizenstat whether Carter intended to conditional "pardon" to the 4,400 largely white and mid include other people "who are in legal or financial jeo dle class draft resisters while subjecting the vast ma pardy because of their peaceful opposition to the Vietnam jority of the nearly two million who need amnesty, and War" and was told that no consideration had yet beer, who come disproportionately from the ranks of America's given to veterans with less-than-honorable discharges, poor, minorities, and working class, to continuing pun draft non-registrants, and civilian anti-war protestors. ishment for correctly resisting an unjust war that no Grossman's interview with Eizenstat clearly shows public figure will any longer defend. that the chief problem posed by Carter's amnesty proposal is not the terminology of "amnesty" versus "pardon" but rather who is and who is not eligible, and whether deser ters will get Honorable Discharges. Furthermore, the proposal as it now stands is seriously flawed by its Jack Calhoun is a deserter in exile and class and race discrimination. co-editor of AMEX-Canada in Toronto. Draft resisters tend to be white and middle class while deserters and vets with bad discharge papers tend
AMNESTY UPDATE / 11 FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Arkansas California
0 As a result of the visibility the amnesty issue re- 0A Ijooie coalJXion oi veti on the weit coait hat îived during the Democratic Convention, William Cottrell, ionmed. One oi iXi iiAii actÀoni vxu to iaue the iol- former captain with a field artillery aviation company loviing itatenent. tie vAge otheAi tc ccmide/i iirMan i Vietnam, has become an amnesty activist in Arkansas. coalitioni and/on. o.ctiorA. The following are excerpts from an article printed Asserting that the American Legion does not represent îcently in the Northwest Arkansas TIMES: Vietnam veterans on the issue of amnesty in the presi "At one time I felt very strongly that these persons dential campaign, the Coalition of Veterans for Human
port. Several of the delegates who were active in sup-* port of NCUUA activities have now formed a group of Demo crats for Total Amnesty. This group is presently organi. zing grassroots support in the Democratic Party. Texas delegate Jeff Jones has arranged a speaking tour of that state for Fritz Efaw in late October to pre cede the regional amnesty conference in Oklahoma City. He along with others also recently introduced a resolu tion endorsing total amnesty at the Texas state Democra tic Convention. Democrats for Total Amnesty will be contacting each of the delegates to the national convention to encourage them to join in the NCUUA postcard campaign and to put pressure on Carter and Mondale to broaden the terms of their proposed pardon.
Calley On Amnesty
Former Army Lt„ William Calley, convicted of murder ing 22 Vietnamese civilians at My Lai in 1968, said in a recent interview that he favors unconditional amnesty for draft resisters. In an interview with former Mayor Ronnie Thompson of Macon, Georgia, who now has a radio show in Macon, Calley said he favors amnesty because, Cong. Conference "We've never been told what the Vietnam War was all about and I don't think it's fair to hold a person accountable Transcripts for refusing to participate in a war if he isn't told why." A joint House/Senate Congressional Conference on Amnesty, sponsored by Sen. Philip Hart and 39 other mem bers of Congress was held Feb. 26, 1976 in Washington, D.C. The Conference brought together members of Congress, 'The Army Wife' Administration officials, church leaders, representatives of the business community, and the legal profession, mem bers or former members of the military, gold star parents, 'I he traditional role of the Army wife is best described in families of war resisters, and potential amnesty recipi The Army Wife, a book given to brides before their military ents to discuss the question of amnesty. weddings. (The West Point bookstore stopped selling it The Fund for New Priorities initiated the Conference recently when a NOW member requested one.) An updated version, Mrs. Second Lieutenant, has appeared. It is on par and now has the transcript of the Conference available for with the quality and content of this quote from The Army distribution. The transcript entitled, AMNESTYi. An Wife: Unresolved National Question, can be ordered either from NCUUA or the Fund for New Priorities, 122 E. 42 St., New So you are with the army now'As a wife you have a most important York, NY 10027, for $3.00 each. rote in your husband's Army career...Although no serviceman'» career wan ever made hy his wife, many hare been hindered or helped hy the »oc/a/ skills of their wives, their flexibility, and their loyalty toward the Army and its customs...As an Army wife, never forget that you are the "silent" member of the team, but a key "man. " You belong to a strong team that has never lost a war fif you think we Democrats For Amnesty lost in Viet Nam. ask some West Pointers), so take pride in the aims and ideals of the U.S. Army... A wife should try to keep her husband from feeling bitter about the system. If she feels the system isn 't too Over 600 delegates to the Democratic National Con bad. he'll probably agree...Your whole scheme of life revolves- vention this summer signed a petition indicating support around your husband, your children: and a happy home. However, for Universal Unconditional Amnesty and asking for the you owe it to yourself and your family to circulate enough to broaden issue to be discussed during the convention platform re- activity that will make you more interesting and thereby more attractive...Marriage is the most important legal agreement you will ever make. MAJORITY REPORT 6/12/' AMNESTY UPDATE / 13 AFA NOTES «f Amnesty News By Families For Families Vol. II No. 6 Fall, 1976
found that she had their total attention. They broke AFA EDITORIAL into such sustained applause at that point that the Governor of New Mexico had to call for order so that she could continue. When Ron Kovic, Fritz Efaw and Louise Ransom ad When Ron and Fritz finished speaking, almost every dressed the Democratic National Convention and the one on the podium where they were sitting was in tears, American people in their symbolic nomination, they be and there appeared to be similar reactions throughout came the hundreds of thousands of young Americans dam Madison Square Garden. aged physically and spritually because of service in Our presence at the Convention proved two very im Vietnam and the 56,000 mothers whose sons never returned. portant truths: one is that our voices count and can be Fritz was all the resisters everywhere, and their fami heard; and the other, that there is a deep longing on lies. As Ron said later, in Oklahoma City: the part of the American people to finally put the'war "We have, all in many different ways, suffered the behind us by acknowledging the need to deal properly terrible anguish and pain of the Vietnam war.... We have with its unresolved legacies. each and every one of us in our.own way taken a long and NCUUA was only able to overcome the mechanics of the difficult journey through hell.... We have been forced Convention process so that Fritz, Ron and Louise could to leave our homes and loved ones, lost the best years be heard because of the efforts of thousands of amnesty of our lives - a great and almost unbearable sacrifice supporters all over the country to persuade the dele for leaders who have proved to be liars. Our genera gates from various states that total amnesty was a cri tion has been killed and maimed, beaten and arrested, tical issue for the Democrats to consider. shunned and called traitors by men and leaders, who by The response that we have had not only from people their very example have proven themselves unfit to rule." at the Convention, but from those who heard them on NCUUA had been told that no one on the Convention television convinces us that although it is painful to floor would listen to them, and that they should speak recall the injustices of our past, as a people we yearn only to the television cameras. That was incorrect. to do what is right and truly make amends for the wrongs When Louise said in her speech that we must demon done in our name. Now our task is to persuade our gov strate that we have learned something from the sacri ernment of this truth. fices of Vietnam and insure that never again will there If Fritz's, Ron's and Louise's voices could be heard be another Vietnam, she looked eight feet down from the at the Convention, your voices can be heard also. Use podium into the faces of the people on the floor and them now.
BETTY FORD-SUPER HAWK Families Fight Back
On Monday, Aug. 30, '76, the Washington Post printed boys didn't have to go. If they felt as strongly about an interview with Betty Ford by Helen Thomas of UPI. the war as she did, they could have enlisted.'" There, among other things, Mrs. Ford said, on Vietnam, Bea Robbins, mother of a draft résister: "'I was very '"I would have been more of a hawk' than her husband, and disappointed. Mrs. Ford is not an uptight person - she's 'he knows it.'" Later in the interview, after speaking very liberal on other social questions. She is just being of her husband's "' great compassion'", she "said she loyal to her husband I guess. I don't think history is does not believe in blanket pardons for Vietnam draft going to look back on boys like Bruce [her son} as cri evaders and deserters, but agrees with her husband that minals.'" decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis. She Mrs. Royce Phillips: "Her [résister] son is 'no cri described draft evaders as being 'just like any crimi minal' and can't understand why Betty Ford would say nals', and said a draft dodger is 'as criminal as anyone 'such a wounding thing. [Her son Ronnie]... didn't con who goes AWOL'". She also said she approved of Ford's sider going to jail. He didn't want to be a martyr for pardon of Nixon. Richard Nixon. He wanted to be a witness against the AFA families immediately responded, both parents of war. I wish she would talk to just one draft-evader or resisters, and Gold Star parents. Many wrote letters to just one mother. I bet she never has.'" Mrs. Ford, including Peg Mullen and Louise Ransom. Carolyn Minugh: "Mrs. Ford 'never came to grips with Louise wrote: it1".as she'had to when her son deserted to Sweden, "He "You have said that you would have been more of a fled six years ago, knowing he could not do what was be hawk than your husband, which would certainly take some ing asked of him in an Army school for interrogation nf doing. You also said that the war never should have been, Vietnamese prisoners.... 'I'm not angry about it.JTlfè. which hardly helps any of us. The terrible truth is that Ford's comments]. I'm kind of beaten down,... What she it did take place, and so now you say that since it did, said will just add fuel to the fire against amnesty, and it had to be won. The trouble is that people like you it was bad enough. Carter won't help Cave [Minugh] if he felt it had to be won by other people's children. It is does deserters on a case-by-case basis, and if you allow an embittering but documented fact that no member of five minutes for everyone, it will take something like Congress during the Vietnam era lost a son or grandson 50 years.'" there. Men like your husband gave full support to Lyndon Mary McGrory concludes, "Maybe she [Betty Fordj had Johnson's and Richard Nixon's aggressive policies, saved never thought about it at all and decided to give Tier their own children, and then when the other people's husband a little help - at considerable expense to her children refused to go along with those policies, puni reputation as a person who respects other people's pain." shed them as criminals." (Mrs. Ford's two oldest sons ACTION: Write to Betty Ford, and relate to her your drew high lottery numbers; the youngest was not eligible), feelings. Her statements should not be allowed to go by Mary McGrory responded with an angry column the very unchallenged. As all of us are writing Carter and Ford, next day. In it she quoted several AFA families, their signing postcards, petitioning, demonstrating, etc., in disappointment, pain and outrage at Mrs. Ford's remarks. the next months, take a moment out to let Betty Ford know Peg Mullen, Gold Star mother: "'The exiles weren't crimi your side of the story! / nals, they were heroes. They ruined their lives. Her AMNESTY UPDATE / 14 Left to right: Marilyn Scurlock, Clark Efaw, Fritz Efaw, Leonah Scurlock, Haley Scurlcck -at the airport in New York. (Photo by Roger B. Smith(&) 1376)
/rticle by Leonah Scurlock, mother of Fritz Efau. /".nd again we see him! The tension built up until the evening nominations were being placed for the Vice-Presi dency. And Louise Ransom, who is one of the most heart FRITZ WAS COMING HOME! It is well over seven years warming persons I have ever met, is on the high platform since that last Christmas he had spent with the family - - and she is placing in nomination for Vice-President the but this election year, not only is he coming home, but name of Fritz Efaw - FRITZ EFAW - being nominated for the he is coming as a delegate to the Democratic National Vice-President of THE UNITED STATES! And the tears Convention! We see a story in the newspaper — "Conven flowed then. When Fritz himself appeared on that platfor« tion or Jail?" — This is my son? We see a news telecast and embraced Ron Kovic who had seconded the nomination, I - "Convention or Jail?" My son? Fritz? was angry with the tears because they blurred my vision During those last few days before he actually arrived and I didn't want to miss a thing! in New York, my emotions vacillated between elation and Imagine ! Fritz - that same little boy who so faith depression. Elation in the confidence Fritz exhibited in fully had practiced piano every day without being told, the judicial processes of this country - depression from because he could take lessons only so long as he dili the reports that came from Oklahoma of the adamant atti gently practiced - the boy who, barely 1C years old - hau tude of a Federal judge and a district attorney there who proficiently called a doctor and an ambulance and then seemed almost vindictive. Elation that' Fritz would be at gave artificial respiration fcr nearly an hour to his home with the family - depression to know there are those father who had just met a fatal accident, because there uncompromising people who would be ugly and rude. was no one else to handle things - the boy who played July 8 finally arrived. My husband Haley, my son "Reveille" on his trumpet in the early holiday mornings Clark, my daughter Marilyn and I boarded a plane in when he displayed the flat that had been on his father's Atlanta that morning bound northward to New York while casket - the boy who I could go on and on. What Fritz was winging westward from England. Events then be mother couldn't. came kaleidoscopic — the waiting seemed interminable and Later, in Oklahoma City, the atmosphere is charged the elation-depression sensation continued — but sudden with uncertainty and the real fact of vindictiveness end ly it was all drowned out by the beehive of activity that obstinancy, and two weeks go by until a Federal judge is indicated FRITZ IS ON HIS WAY! But I couldn't see him - faced with the inevitability of dismissing any charges and the commotion continued. Suddenly he was there and there may have been thought against Fritz. His case is I think, "It's true! He is here! And this is the Amer cleared now, and he is free to come and gc as he chooses, ica where he grew up - may God grant him the courage he to acquire a new passport, and to be at home with us. will need." And I think of the other families who are And it is beautiful. waiting there to see my son come home, and I know that although they are happy for us, still, deep in their For the time being Fritz is devoting himself 1P0Ü to hearts, they have to wish it could be their son instead, assisting however he can other War Resisters, He cannot and wonder when - or if - this country will find the cour do this alone. He needs your help too. He found most age tc face up to itself and what it has done to so many wonderful friends during the Convention time and the or of its young men. deal in Oklahoma - found them most particularly in NCUUA. The ensuing week was one of the most unusual of my They were always standing by, no matter what the problem life. The Democratic Convention is on television with with either Fritz or his family. So when NCUUA announced all the usual hoop-de-la and suddenly there is Fritz be the printing of the postcards with the picture of Fritz ing interviewed by one of the network's roving reporters! and Ron Kovic, I immediately ordered 500 of them. I
AMNESTY UPDATE / 15 Fritz (cont.) have had to re-order postcards, because I have learned in Gold Star Parents offering these postcards to people for mailing to the presidential candidates, that they are most eager to Write for Amnesty participate. Many people are waiting out there "for a chance to help - they either haven't known quite what On Sept. 1, John and Helen Sherman, Gold Star parents, they could do or how to go about doing something, and wrote to the Seattle Times to express their support for these cards give them the opportunity. Almost always amnesty, countering a previous Times editorial and react when I ask if they can use more to offer to their friends, ing to Carter's American Legion speech: they take several. I gave 75 cards to one person to send "As parents of a son who lost his life in the Viet to friends and family in 5 different states! nam conflict, we feel you may be interested in our views I have learned, too, that opinions of people in prom on the subject of amnesty..." They state they feel am inent places can be swayed by the force of public opinion. nesty should be extended to all who evaded the draft, and Was not the war in Vietnam itself made unpopular by the "that our country should learn from this experience.... actions of people like Fritz and these other boys for "Don't forget that there were draft evaders right whom we now seek relief and consideration? Even after the here at home! [Legally avoiding the draft) You probably election, these cards can be flooded to the president know some of them. We do.... elect and enough of them will make a tremendous impact. "We feel sorriest for the young men who didn't cone So you, the family and friends of war resisters, YOU can back - who gave their lives for no real purpose. And we play a valuable part in history right now. Send for feel sorry for the ones who came back with physical these postcards and begin offering them. You will be wounds ... and emotional scars they will carry for the gratefully surprised how many supporters you really have. rest of their lives. You prcbably know soee of them. Bless NCUUA! We do.... "Our minister thought that aanesty should have bean granted long ago, but in our grief we felt only bi". ness toward the draft evaders. Nov «e realize there ia no place for bitterness In this cotantry if all cf ua at* to work for a peaceful future. VIETNAM VETO "We think of the parents of the draft evaders «ho have suffered differently, but perhaps just as auch a* The same rationale that we. We don't know them, but perhaps you do." denies amnesty to over one million Americans also sup (Mr. & Mrs. Sherman were responding tc Carter, uho amtf ports a veto of Vietnam's talks of draft resisters. We are of course vorkinç application to the United amnesty for all, draft resisters, deserters, vetertmt vttk Nations. We urge you to bad discharges and civiliar. resisters. We urge y
NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR UNIVERSAL AND UNCONDITIONAL AMNESTY DECEMBER 1976 ROUND ONE WON!
Amnesty Issue Effectively Raised at Democratic Convention
As [he Democratic National Convention opened in New York City, a small group) of amnes ty activists sponsored by NCUUA also gathered. • The Democrats' purpose was to choose their nom inee for President of the United Slates. NCUUA's purpose was to make the issue of amnesty visible at the convention. Both succeeded. The amnesty part of the story really begins in 1969 in the state of Oklahoma. After graduating from college, a young man named Fritz Efaw ap plied for conscientious objector status from his local draft board. Like many others, his applica tion was arbitrarily turned down with no reasons given for the denial So Fritz Ffaw. at the age of 22. left for Fngland. In seven years in London, he worked as a computer programmer, helped to organize the Union of American Exiles in Britain, and earned a Master's degree in urban planning. This past spring, he discovered that, for the first time, the Democratic Party was allowing Americans living abroad to elect delegates to the national convention After consultation with other exiles and with the amnesty movement, he decided to run for election as a delegate pledged to the issue of amnesty. The delegation election results were con tested, but after appeals and hearings all the way up to the Convention Rules Committee. Fritz was certified as an alternate delegate. After seven years, he was returning to the U.S.. as a fugitive and as a certified delegate to a national political convent ion
Résister Delegate Arrives Thursday, July X, he arrived at New York's Kennedy Airport where he was met by a del egation of amnesty supporters and was mobbed by the press. The NCUUA delegation included fam ilies of other exiles, a former POW, representatives of veterans organizations, representatives of local amnesty groups, and an attorney. In a press con ference held at the airport, he explained his pur pose in coming: "Seven years ago, I left the United Amnesty for Vice-President. Disabled veteran Ron Kovic States as an act of opposition to the unjust and welcomes draft-resister Fritz Efaw, Democrats Abroad delegate, illegal United States war in Indochina. Today, I after Kovic seconded the nomination of Efaw for Vice-President. am returning as an elected member of the overseas delegation to the Democratic Convention." He went on to say that his plans were to lobby at !he convention for an amnesty position which included draft resisters, deserters, veterans with bad discharges and civilian antiwar activists. The Party's platform position covers draft resist ers, proposes a case-by-case review for military deserters, and is vague about any others. ROUND TWO COMING UP: The following day, Fritz appeared at a hearing before a U.S. Magistrate in Brooklyn. N.Y. Over the protestations of the U.S. Attorney, Insuring That Our President-elect who wanted Fritz sent immediately to Oklahoma Proclaims a Just Amnesty AMNESTY CANDIDATE AND COHORTS IGNITE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION
Bring issue To Prime-time TV
lo stand trial, the Magistrate ruled that he could remain in New York to.fulfill his obligation at the Convention, noting that an indictment which had been outstanding for man) years could wait two more weeks. Convention Begins When i he convention opened on Monday. Jfilv 12. the first challenge that appeared was an attempt hv sonic liberal Democrats to change the part\ rules lo permit brief speeches on three issues m the platform No voles to change the platform could he taken, but if the rule passed, debate would be permitted. I he N( I I A learn decided this was a po tential opporiunit) that could noi be ignored, so signature gathering on petitions was begun at var ious stale and delegate caucuses. After two days o\ work, nc.nl> 600 signatures had been collected, twice as mam as required, but the proposed rule change failed. It was clear that, had it passed, amnesty would have been discussed. With the failure, however, other tactics had lo be pursued SCT'I A had taken a room in the Staller-Hilton Hotel, convention headquarters, and there was .1 stead) stream of delegates and piess seeking information and literature. Persons continued lo make the caucus rounds, speaking about amnesty whenever possible. The boldest Mother's Da). I'MS " As ihe convention began to feel, and pain and anguish that never seemed to lactic decided upon was an attempt lo get Frit/ quiet, she continued with the lines of a poem b\ leave me." i Efaw nominaux) as \ ice President, using the 15 Archibald Macl.eish: : minutes ol speaking time allotted for speeches "When students were killed at Kent State on amneslv •' I he young dead soldiers do noi speak for protesting the "war, 1 couldn't take it any longer. J his effort also required signatures on pe- Nevertheless the) arc heard in the still When 1 left the hospital, I too began to speak out (i tit His. all from certified delegates Galhering the houses. against the war." signatures presented no large problems, as there Who has not heard them'.' He told of being ihrown out of his wheel was ,i remarkable amount of support for amnesty. I hey say: Whether our lives and our chair, kicked and beaten bv police for protesting the including a number of delegates who carried peti deaths were war; of having his medals torn off: of being cursed tions onto [he convention floor. This support was Peace and a new hope, or for nothing. at, threatened, spat at. and jailed. As he con cntirelH «lue lu (he unceasing efforts over the past We cannot say; it is you who must say this. cluded his speech. Fritz came to his side at the Iwo yean of Ml I \ workers in every state. I hey sax : We leave you our deaths. microphone, they embraced each other, and Ron Overcoming the obstacles placed in the Give them their meaning." shouted "Welcome Home. Fritz!" The convention wav In the powers thai ran the convention was Now hushed for the first time in the entire- exploded in thunderous applause. another matter At various points, there were week, the delegates, gucsis and a nationwide tele "Equal Amnesty For AM" ailempls lo offer JeMs threats of denunciation. vision audience heard her sav : " I he only way that Fritz then spoke to the audience of the attempts it» have us talk only about amnesty we can give meaning lo the lives of our sons and "over one million Americans (who) continue to without mentioning the war in Vietnam, an at to guarantee that their deaths shall not have been be punished for their acts of opposition to the war tempt to rule the nomination out of order due lo for nothing is to demonstrate that we have learned and to the arbitrary nature of ihe military system Frit/ being underage, dissension over the choice of from them, and to insure that never again will during the war". speakers, ,md accusation of being "frivolous and there be another Vietnam. We cannot restore the He spoke of war-era desertions, and urged dilatory" I ndcterred. NCUUA held a press con dead to life nor repair the wounds of body and that there be no "lengthy legal procedures" of in ference on Wednesday July 14. to announce the spirit, but we can make amends to the living. . . . dividual case review Explaining that "dissent nomination. Total amnestv would be a fitting memorial to the within the military took forms other than deser Wvnetia Fra/ier. a black delegate from death of my son."' tion", he emphasized Ihe 790.000 veterans who Chicago, opened the conference bv displaying a Ihe silence continued as Ron Kovic was were given less than honorable discharges, "often scroll containing the signatures of thousands of carried to the podium. He too began with a poem. the result of antiwar activity", and noting that residents oi her communih in support of total saving: "they arc still paying for opposition to a war that amneslv Ron Kovic. a Vietnam veteran parai v zed "I am the living death- most members of this parly have come to realize from the chest down, spoke briefly of his experi Your Memorial Day on wheels. was unjust." ence and of his support tor i hose who had resisted Your Yankee Doodle Dandy. I he W.II Frit/ then spoke to ihc reporters and Your John Wayne come home. Saying that the Democratic Party must confront the lingering problems of the Vietnam answered their questions Your Fourth of July firecracker era, he urged a "truly broad amnesty which in -\t a final discussion I hursdav morning, it Exploding in the grave." w.is decided to have I onise Ransom. Gold Star cludes all of the war's victims: civilian and mil Mothei and Affiliate Director of NCUUA. and He then told his story: of wanting to be a itary-resisters, deserters, and veterans with less Ron Kovic make brief-nominating and seconding "patriotic American a good Marine", of crying than full) honorable discharges—over one mil speeches lut/ would follow with a speech on the when he saw other xoung men burning their draft lion in all." need for amneslv and decline the nomination. cards and of volunteering for a second tour of He concluded by urging an "equal am dutv in Vietnam to prove his love for his country. I he one final obstacle was a claim bv the nesty for all", and declined the nomination for In 146S. he vras wounded and permanently par- convention managers that it was not possible to Vice President. Stepping off the podium, he alx/ed from the chest down. He told the audience. have a person in ,i w heelchair { Ron Kovic) address grabbed the handles of Ron's wheelchair and most of whom now had tears in their eves: ihe convention When reminded that just two they went onto the convention floor, spending the nights before. Governor George Wallace of Al "I was sent hack to YA hospitals lhat were remainder of the evening meeting and speaking abama had done iust thai, thev relented. like slums where paralyzed men cried to be to delegates. treated like human beings. They became (he for In addition to the convention television Never Again ... Another Vietnam" gotten wounded The dead-while-still-living, the coverage, the speeches received a great deal of At 745 in the evening. I hursdav. Juh 15, ones we didn't wain to talk about, because they publicity in the press the following day, as did the m the noise and chaos of the convention hall. so much expressed the trulh ofthat war."' events in Oklahoma City two weeks later. Louise Ransom S(IHK) ai the microphones She "It was in the VA hospital that I began to began hv saving "Mv credentials foi addressing first question whether I or the others who had gone ilus convention have been earned in the hardest had gone for nothing I learned to live w ith legs Ihe Reporter for Crmsctrnce's Sake, the monthlv newsletter m NISBCO (National Inrcrreligicius Service Board for Con possible »ay Mv son was killed m Vietnam on ;hai would never stand. ,i hod)' lhat would never scientious Objcitorsj ON TO OKLAHOMA
Efaw's Legal Problems Resolved
The CS. Attorn«) in Oklahoma City had hied a motion to dismiss the charges against Fritz nearly two years ago. noting thai his draft board's failure lo give its reasons for denying him a 1-0 classification had made the subsequent induction order illegal. The judge at thai time had refused to dismiss the indictment. citing the fact that Fritz was still a fugitive. On July 2b, an arraignment was held in Oklahoma City. Fritz' attorney had tiled a motion to dismiss the charges in which the I'.S. Attorney had "with great reluctance" concurred. The judge, a retired Army Major Ciencral, however, refused again and ordered Fritz jailed on $5000 bail. After one night in prison, NCUUA raised the money to secure his release, while the t!.S. Attorne) began talking about looking for a way to proceed with the prosecution. NCL'L'A immediately began mobilizing public pressure. Amnesty contacts around the country began sending telegrams to the Department of Justice demand ing that charges be dropped. Congressman Edward Koch of New York sent a letter to the Attorney General noting lhat "making one more felon out of a person of conscience is not helpful to our country ..." Louise Ransom and Ron Kovic flew lo Oklahoma to hold a public forum in a local church, where the) once again joined Frit/ in speaking about the continuing need for amnesty. On August I 1, a second hearing was held, where the prosecution and defense again joined in asking for a dismissal of charges. This lime the judge agreed, and ordered the indictment dismissed Frit7 Efaw was now legally hack in the CS., and after taking a brief vacation, planned lo join ihc work for a total amnesty. The vague idea of coming Celebration time. Fritz Efaw, shown with his family, to ihe convention to publicize amnesty had materialized into a set of speeches hails victory for Vietnam victims after dismissal of before a national audience estimated at 40 to nl> million people. None who saw it draft evasion charges. will soon forget the emotion and eloquence with which the issue was addressed.
gry and called them "traitors'" for Ffaw for Vic c Preside nt of thi •\n refusing ,m fight. And so I volun United Males Welcon le Hi >me drafted. b\ virture of deferments. teered lo go back lo Vieinam a Fritz loopholes, privileges and luck TRANSCRIPT OF SPEECHES second time, lo prove I still loved Hundreds of thousands of less priv my country, and was still willing to ileged men onl\ c.irne lo understand fight and die for what I believed in the uninsl naliire of the war aflct I wanted lo be a patriotic American they evpenenced it first hand There a good Manne. were over 4i:.UtHI war-era deser In a firelight, near the De tions. Some people objeel lhat ihe Democratic National Convention militarized Zone, in October of deserrers left iheir unils on the bat tlefield. Hul less rhan I n? of Vietnam July 15,1976 1967. I shot and killed a man When FRITZ EFAW. NOMINEE FOR VICE he was pulled in. 1 suddenlv realized PRESIDENT I had accidentally killed one of my ilefield conditions insure thai never again will there be I am an alternate delegate o'wn men There is no justification for another Vietnam. Wc cannot restore from Democrats Abroad I am also •'lying up ihe lives of lens of thou the dead lo life nor repair the One right, while setting an an indicted Vietnam War resistvr sands m lengihv legal procedures in wounds of body and spirit, but we ambush, mv squad accidentally shot who has relumed lo address ihis order to weed oui those few A case can make amends to the living and a group of innocent Vietnamese convention afler seven \cars in exile hv t'ase review is a provenh slow move ahead in the new directions civilians, including two young chil in I ondon. Fnglard in which we must move Total am dren The men in my squad threw and inefficient mechanism the Democratic PartV s plat nesty would he a fitting memorial lo down their nfics. sat in the rice Ihc great majority of ihese GOLD STAR MOTHER LOUISE form has laken an importanr slep ihe sacrifice of my son paddies and began to cry. men came from poor families: thev RANSOM, NOMINATING WAR RE- in calling for the full and complete often had little education: a dispro SISTER FRITZ EFAW FOR VICE 1 wish to express my grat- I continued lo go out on pa pardon for all of those persons in portionate number of them are PRESIDENT utide lo Governor Milton Shapp trol until January 20th. 1968. when legal and financial icopardv because of the stare of Pennsylvania and I was shot through ihc right foot black- victims of a war that Gover My credentials for address of their opposition to the war in former Attorney General Ramsey and right shoulder, permanently nor Garter has tightly called racist ing this convention have been earned Indochina. If I had waited until Clark, who were prepared to sec paralyzed from the chest down for Dissenl wiihin ihe military in the hardest possible way My old early next >ear ro come home. Gov ond the nomination which I am the rest of my life. 1 was sent back took forms other than desertion est son was killed in Vieinam on ernor Carters promised pardon about to make. We felt that in the to VA hospitals that were like I ess lhan honorabledischarges were Mothers Day. 1968. would have included me. very brief time we have today, it slums, with incredibly p WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE •HO NEtDS •MWtsrr 19*1-]975 President-elect Carter has promised an un cannot get jobs because of their less-than-hon conditional pardon for .ill draft resisters one week orable discharges. after he assumes office |K0O I he Democratic platform calls for "a full He should eliminate case-by-case judgments and complete pardon for those who are in legal or because such costly, bureaucratic procedures financial jeopard) because oi their peaceful oppo can drag on for years and are inherently dis sition io ihe Vietnam war, with deserters to be criminatory against the inarticulate. considered on a case-by-case basis". He should restore the civil rights of all those What is being offered is. of course, a step who have been convicted for anti-war protest. in the right directum. But it falls far short of what justice requires He should remove the "undesirable alien" stig Carter's proclamation needs to be expanded to ma from all those war resisters who have be include those who need it most, veterans who come citizens of other nations. 23.E49 »Jsoo-»,ooo Draft Daaartar» Vtu Mo"- Civilian iatara with bad regia- («iliUti dlacrtargaa tranta Behind the scenes at the convention: NCUUA's "smoke-filled PRF.SIDF.NT-ELF.CT CARTER'S PLAN WOULD room" of workers. ONLY PARDON SOME DRAFT RESISTERS. WHAT HOW YOU CAN HELP. . TO PUT NCUUA NCUUA OUT OF BUSINESS' Your generous financial support now will itary courts, or are subject to prosecution. MUST enable NCUUA's staff and wide network of am nesty supporters to finish the task and achieve - All veterans with less-than-honorable dis our goal. charges. DO NCUUA (the National Council for Uni - Restoration of civil rights to veterans and civil versal Unconditional Amnesty) is the only national ians who have already served their sentences. Jimmv Carter has expressed his desire to coalition fighting for a total amnesty for military heal the nation's wounds. He has also proclaimed personnel and civilians alike. NCUUA maintains a center where mil his concern for the poor and the minority groups Coordinating the work of over 100 groups itary and draft resisters and their families can of this land. Ihese pronouncements offer hope in the United States and abroad. NCUUA is work obtain free legal advice and information. Each that Carter will broaden his position on amnesty. case is individually researched, and recommen ing for immediate amnesty without conditions for: NCUUA must prove to Carter that this is dations made. Where needed, free legal represen All draft and military resisters. including de ihc right thing, the just thing, to do. tation or referral is provided. In addition. NCUUA serters, whether in exile or underground in the Wc must convince him that this is what the constantly engages in legislative and legal re United States. American people want search, distributes informative materials, pro - All persons who because of their opposition to And we must show him lhat the war can vides data and speakers for groups all across the the war and the military have been adminis not be truly forgotten until these wrongs are re country, and facilitates the organizing of local dressed .if we are to insure that there will be tratively punished, convicted by civilian or mil committees who are interested in total amoestv. no future Vietnams. Partial listing of NCUUA affiliates: American Civil Liberties Union; American Friends Service Committee; Americans for Amnesty; Black Economic Development Conference; Catholic Peace Fellowship; CCCO/An Agency for Military and Draft Counseling; Church of the Brethren: Clergy and Laity Concerned; Council for Chris tian Social Action, United Church of Christ; Episcopal Peace Fellowship; Fellowship You helped win Round One. of Reconciliation; Gold Star Parents for Amnesty; lnter-religious Working Group for Vietnam Generation Ministries; Jewish Peace Fellowship; National Conference of Now let's make Round Two the final round. Black Lawyers; National Emergency Civil Liberties Committee; National Lawyers Total amnesty for all. And NCUUA will Guild; National Veterans Fraternity; People's Party; SANE; Southern Conference Educational Fund; War Resisters League; Women's Strike for Peace; Women's Inter be glad to go out of business! national League for Peace and Freedom; Women's Division, United Methodist Office of the UN; AMEX/Canada, Toronto; American Deserters Committee, Sweden: Union of American Exiles in Britain. National Inter-Religious Service Board for Conscientious Objectors (NISBCO) ' National Council for Universal Unconditional Amnestv (NCUUA) 335 Lafayette Street. New York. N.Y. 1001 2 NCUUA National Council for Universal and Urrconditional Amnesty 339 Lafayette Street New York, New York 10012 212 260-7410 February 9, 1977 Dear Friends: ,l",;i TORONTO The National Council for Universal Unconditional Amnesty Inter national Conference L' War Resisters anr, Veterans held in Toronto on January 29-30 in response to President Carter's "Pardnr': was b huge success. Despite the blizzard which cut off re.--"-: act enr< tc Toronto, trout 350 persons were able to attend the conference from 70 states in the U.S., many provinces in Canada, snd Furope, These jncju^ed Vieti.ar"-erp veterans uht cane fror tbe U.S., exile representatives from Sweden, France and Canada, a great u,^~"u families of-resisters, draft and civilian resisters, and deserters living in Canada, and many amnesty workers and supporters from the U.S. After a day and a * half of discussions and presentations, the Conference issued its unified response to the Carter Pardon (enclose*-3). The' Vietnr The spirit and tone of the Conference was cne of unity and solidere!.,. The work still to be done was defined, and the continuing campaign for universal unconditional amnesty will be carried on. ON TO WASHINGTON! The action moved from Canada to Washington, D.C. on February 1, 1977 where the Veterans started a vigil in front of the White House. On February 5, there was a demonstration and picket line in front of the White House, and the Open Letter to Carter from the Vets at the Toronto Conference was delivered to tie V/hite House gates. Access tc the White House was cut off even though telegrams and calls were made for an appointment. On February 7 and 6, veterans set up a table in front of the Veterans Administration to advise vets on discharge upgrading and benefits, and to or tun.-' "' — the closed door of the VA to vets representatives and self-help groups. On February ° and 10, the vets representatives will be lobbying and participating in the Appeal for Reconciliation activities, and an appointment inside the White House has been established for February 10 at noon time (a report will be forth coming). Many draft resisters who were in exile used there new mobility to come tc D.C. to support the continuing campaign for universal unconditional amnesty. (OVER) ACTION NEEDED NOW! ' -^Pressure on President Carter to extend Ms pardon to provide Honorable Discharges for ALL Vietnam-era veterans, including deserters, is needed IMMEDIATELY, especially now while the Pentagon is doing another "study". Write NOW to President Jimmy Carter, White House, Washington, D.C, or Mailgram if you can afford it. Demand that the Presi dent extend his pardon to cover all categories of war resisters and veterans: ' AMNESTY FOR DESERTERS MEANS NO CASE BY CASE! AMNESTY FOR VETS i MEANS HONORABLE DISCHARGES! NO MORE STUDIES! CIVILIAN RESISTERS MUST BE AMNESTIED! ACTION IS NEEDED NOW! • i Send copies of your letter to your 2 senators and your Congre6S« person. i Actions such as those above will continue in the weeks and months aheed. NCUUA will be defining the future program end structure Qf the amnesty campaign, and will be in touch with you as all the specifics are worked puÇ. For Total Amnesty, ^ Irma Zigas ~\o OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT CARTER' FROM VIETNAM ERA VETERANS AT TORONTO AMNKSTY PONEERKurF t. . AßV We, American veterans from all over the United States, many of us hav ing fought in Vietnam, are outraged by the fact that your.J'pardon" excludes most of the poor and minorities who need arid -" deserve '".unconditional amnesty. This discrimination is especially ghnrUng ^om-ini-j fmm ynm,. Mr Carter, who campaigned as a friend of the poor and minorities, who publicly labeled the Vietnam war as "racist", and who probably would not have been either nomi nated or elected without the support of black voters and amnesty supporters. 800,000 Vietnam-era veterans, including some of us here, have been branded with less-than-honorable discharges because of our direct and in direct resistance to a war which was not in the interests of the American people, least of all to those of us who were forced to do the fighting and the dying. Over 90% of these "bad papers" resulted from arbitrary, non judicial judgments for offenses which would not be considered crimes in civilian life, and in many cases not crimes in military life. Nonetheless, President Carter, a less-than-honorable discharge is a life sentence to job discrimination and social exile, and for many a denial of veterans' benefits. Even many veterans who were wounded in Vietnam are denied medical attention if they have a less-than-honorable discharge. And those who do receive Honorable Discharges soon find that their GI benefits are grossly inadequate. President Carter, your response to our cries for amnesty for veterans uns been to turn the matter of veterans, along with deserters, over to the Generals in the Pentagon so that they might "study" it. This is like making the prosecutor the judge and the jury. We've had more than enough studie.s. What we need now is action. And how can we hope to get much meaningful action from the very people who oversee this prejudicial, arbitrary,, and degrading system of injustice. If you really want to give us justice, President Carter"» you should give a total and unconditional amnesty to all the resisters- and victims of this unjust war; not only the draft resisters, but also the veterans with less-than-honorable discharges, absentee-deserters, and the civilian war protesters. Every veteran should be given an uncoded Honorable Discharge which doesn't carry a life-long stigma with it. And all veterans should be given decent veterans' benefits. Considering rhe limitations of your pardon, Mr. Carter, you would prob ably be quite surprised at the broad unity at this conference among draft and civilian resisters, absentee-deserters from Sweden, Canada, and France, and we veterans who live in exile within our own communities in America. Your partial pardon has not divided us against one another. On the contrary, we are more determined than ever to carry on our common fight until you or another President give us a truly just and total amnesty. We see ourselves as a positive and active moral force in America, a segment of the American community that sacrificed and reacted to the tenets of justice and humanity necessary for the common good of Americans, Vietnam ese, and the peoples of the world. It is for these and other reasons that we recognize as fact that we are united as one group fighting for one common cause, FOR JUSTICE, MORALITY, AND HUMAN DIGNITY. Unanimously adopted by: VETERAN CAUCUS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF VETERANS AND WAR RESISTERS J " TORONTO, CANADA JANUARY 29-30, 1977 ^ RECOMMFNDATIONS: The. io&LouxLng fie.corme.ndcJxcnt, we^e made hy the. IrtteAnaXionaZ Con^eAejiaz inToMontc, JonuaAy 29-3(7, 1977... 1. All-war resisters and amnesty supporters join the Veterans' vigil February 1-11 in Washington D.C. We especially urge that they attend the action of February 5th, at 11:00 AM at Lafayette Park. For more information contact: Ron Bitzer, NISBCO (202) 393-4868. People will be staying in the evening at Luther Place Church. 2. All amnesty supporters send telegrams and write letters to Presi dent Jimmy Carter demanding a universal, unconditional amnesty for all veterans with less-than-honorable discharges, military deserters, and civilian war resisters. We specifically suggest that: a) an open letter to President Carter and Congress and to local publications, on behalf of veterans with less-than-honorable discbarges be circulated among draft resisters for their support and signatures. b) an open letter tc President Carter be circulated among veterans demanding an amnesty for all veterans with less-than-honorable dis charges, military so-called military deserters, and civilian war re sisters. It was suggested that this letter be placed by veterans in local publications and newspapers as a letter to the editor or ad. 3. Representatives of those who support the Vietnamese struggle for independence and a universal, unconditional amnesty be present at the Appeal Conference, February 9 and 10 in Washington D.C. We urge that a special effort be made here today to increase the number of signa tures or. the Appeal petitions between now and February 10th. Peti tions should be circulated and signed today by those present at this conference and petitions should be taken back to local communities to be signed and returned at the soonest possible time. 4. Copies of the resolutions passed by the International Conference of War Resisters and Veterans (including Response to Carter), be circulated within the various networks of the organizations represented here today. END NCUUA National Council for Universal and Unconditional Amnesty 339 Lafayette Street New York, New York 10012 212 260-7410 RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT CARTER'S PARDON BY THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF WAR RESISTERS AND VETERANS HELD IN TORONTO ".pîT/Jpv ~; PASSED: JAN. 29-30, 1977 ! '-'• '- U*t"+. ... . V"- '• This conferi»wnp helirvrs President Jimmy Carter's partial pardon does not relieve the UoS. government of its responsibilities for the war in Vietnam and its consequences„ President Carter's "draft résister only" pardon excludes ^ veterans with less-than-honorable discharges, military deserters and civilian war resisters. Unlike the majority of draft resisters, a disproportionate number of deserters and veterans are poor and oppressed and minority people. The pardon therefore discriminates on the basis of class^and race« Draft resisters, veterans, deserters, and civilian resisters all opposed or were victimized by the same unjust war, but only draft resisters have been pardoned. Therefore, be it resolved that draft resisters, using their new mobility, and all other aunesty supporters shall continue to fight for universal unconditional amnesty for all categories of war resisters and victims, including an immediate upgrading of all other-than-honorable discharges to honorables, and the institution of single type discharges in the future. The îoMaxAjig statement taxa poA&exi by the. tody o$ the. JnteAnivUonaJt Competence JanucAy 30, 1977 -en addtti.on to the majcA. KeAcuvbLorv x.ead to the. p>iea. People voted ic havz it bexit to the. en-tote NCUUA trcuJLlrj} LUtt Be it resolved that this conference demands amnesty for all mili tary deserters, the upgrading of veterans' discharges to Honorable, the dropping of all pending charges both military and civil arising from arti-war activities, and the release of all persons currently incar cerated for charges arising from sucr activities; and asks for the active support of everyone, both in the United States ard elsewhere ir the wcrld, sympathetic with our demands for universal unconditional, an.nesty and a sirgle type discharge tc te instituted for the future; Resolution 1: We call upon the Carter administration to reject the policies of hostility against the governments and people of Vietnam, Laos, and Kampuchea (Cambodia). We call upon the people of the United States to help build peace and friendship with these people and nations, rejecting all campaigns of slander against them. We specifically demand that the U.S. government: 1. Carry out its obligation stipulated by Article 21 of the Paris Agreements on ending the war in Vietnam to contribute to "heal the wounds of war" and to-provide post-war reconstruction aid. 2. Normalize diplomatic, trade, and cultural relations)* ips ; in cluding accepting Vietnam's membership in the United Nations. Resolution 2: Resolved: That we extend our heartfelt thanks to the peoples »f Canade, Sweden, France, England, and other countries who have given support to U.S. war resisters exiled in their countries. resolution 3: The members of this conference exprecs our sincere appreciation to all those American citizens in every state and city who have placed ^themselves in considerable legal jeopardy to aid the deserters and war resisters who remained in the United States, refusing to give information, offering jots, money, moral support, and transportation out of the country. Resolution u: RESOLVED: That this conference supports the right of all the nations of the world to political and economic independence. Raving learned the lessens of the Vietnam war, we call upon the American people to resist any U.S. intervention in the internal affairs of ary other country., Specifically, we oppose any U.S. intervention in southern Africa. Resolution 5: RESOLVED: That this conference supports the democratic rights of American GIs, equal to those of civilian. American citizens. Furthermore, we support the right of GI's to refuse tc participate and actively oppose any War of aggression waged by the U.S. government against other nations. r NCUUA' AMNESTY UPDATE i j NCUUA AMNESTY UPDATE No. 12 July S August 12' . NCUUA ' 1 representatives. It was clear that Vietnam-era veterans were to have no input into a veteran pardon. AMNESTY UPDATE On March 28, the day before Honor Vietnam Veterans Day, President Carter had the Pentagon announce the institution of the Special Dis i i A-ï^st 19"? 1 charge Review Program (SDRP) for some veterans The National Council for "niversal and Un and deserters--still leaving out hundreds of conditional Amnesty is the coordinating body cf thousands of bad paper veterans, many deserters local and national organizations, both in this country ar.d aoroöC, work ing for universal and and all civilian resisters. (See "Carter's Am unconditional arr.nesty, nesty Two-Step" Part II.) ./e lave ;een working together for ever four The world-wide response which emanated from years to rfin amnesty for ail the over on« mil lion Americans, who opposed or were victir. iz-ezi by veterans and deserters was a mixture of anger, t v.e '.*,B. war in. Southeast Asia. disappointment, confusion and, from some, a wary Amnesty -ears: for Vietnam-era veterans, attitude of hopefulness. At a recent Congres upgrading all -ess-1:nan-Honorable discharges automatically to Honorable with full rights to sional hearing on the program, NCUUA representa veterans Administration benefits, with the in tive Gerry Condon, veteran with a Bad Conduct stitution of a single type discharge; and for Discharge, stated: "The Special Discharge Re civilian ant i-Vietnam war protestors, the ex view Program is anything but amnesty...Nearly punging of all criminal indictment s and records an- the release of all individuals currently in half of all veterans who received less-than- prison for such actions. Honorable discharges since the beginning of our military involvement in Southeast Asia are not The Office Staff, who put this issue of AMNESTY UPDATE together: Celso Castro, Susan even eligible to apply...it is 'business as Ikenberry, an- Barbara Webster. usual' masquerading as amnesty." Others who assisted in its production or Since March,Congress has unleased a fury of contributed articles, tapes, and photos: right-wing attacks on the SDRP, including mea Gerry Condon, Barry Lynn, Peter Salarno, Roger sures to totally undercut the limited program. Smith, and Mike Woloshin. Amnesty activists, however, have made a good The article, "Carter's Amnesty 'Two-Step'" showing by generating letters and calls to Con was written by Suane Shank and Jack Colhoun and gress calling for total amnesty and opposing all reprinted f row AMEX-Canada Magazine, Vol, 2, :;o. I, June-August, 1977. anti-amnesty legislation. At this writing it appears likely that Con NATIONAL COUNCIL FCR UNIVERSAL '^CONDITIONAL gress will pass one of the bills which will un AMNESTY, 339 Lafayette Street, New York, NY dermine the already limited SDRP. Therefore, i:012 (212) 260-71*10 the NCUUA Steering Committee, meeting on July 10, has called for a boycott of the Speoial D isoharge Review Program. (See articles in this issue on —Introduction, the bills, the boycott, and what you can do.) While many of you have been hearing from us On June 10-12, NCUUA held a National Confer regularly this spring, others of you have re ence on New Directions for Veterans, War Resis ceived little from us since January. ters and Amnesty Supporters in Milwaukee. The The rapid pace at which major events have purpose was to evaluate our amnesty work and unrolled this spring has required our every ef consider new program to make us more effective fort to organize and respond, not permitting us in reaching our goals of amnesty and the right to tackle until now the enormous job of getting to resist such wars as Vietnam, as well as ex out an AMNESTY UPDATE. panding to other issues which follow from our President Carter's January 21 proclamation original concerns. of a blanket pardon for draft resisters required The conference strongly reaffirmed the need a major response from us. The pardon was a real to continue to work for amnesty for all those victory for the- amnesty movement. However, who resisted or were victimized by the war. while most draft resisters are now free to re There was also a determination to begin relating turn, the vast majority of people in need of to younger generations who may be called on to amnesty were totally left out. fight another such war. It was further recog The amnesty movement, including veterans nized *hat veterans' needs go beyond the speci from all across the country, and deserters and fic demands for amnesty, and that the injustice, draft resisters from all over the world, re racism and sexism of the military continues to sponded loudly and clearly at our January 29-30 day. (See "Report from the NCUUA Conference on Toronto conference with the demand for universal Sew D ireotions . . .Ou,r Work Continues.") and unconditional amnesty. Here in Toronto, This issue of AMNESTY UPDATE does not fill for the first time in NCUUA's history, veterans you in on the Toronto Conference, our response to representing a wide-range of groups began to the two-step pardon, the Congressional hearings play a major role in NCUUA. and other spring activities. (For such informa Droves of media and press people from the tion, write NCUUA.) It does, however, provide U.S., Canada and Europe carried our message from you with a sound analysis of the pardon pro the conference to millions. (See "Carter 'e Am grams, gives you ideas for organizing locally nesty Tvo-Step" Part I for an analysis of the and introduces you to the new program NCUUA is pardon.) gearing up for. Following the Toronto conference many vet We hope you will find this information erans, newly pardoned draft resisters and amnes helpful in talking with people about amnesty and ty supporters continued to put pressure on the the Carter programs, and meaningful in that new White House for a pardon for veterans and civil ways of working for more far-reaching results ian resisters. A week of activities in Washing are being explored. We think you will find the ton, D.C. was staged, including a daily picket future full of continuing possibilities for line and a demonstration in front of the White working together. House, and a fruitless meeting with White House AMMSTY IPMTI OUR WORK CONTINUES Report on the NCUUA Conference on New Directions, line 10 -12,1977, Milwaukee Nearly a hundred amnesty and veteran acti were court-martialed and who now have Bad Con vists from across the United States and abroad duct and Dishonorable Discharges. Often these attended NCUUA's June 10-12 National Conference discharges were given for the same reasons Unde on New Directions in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Our sirable and General Discharges were given, yet goal was to discuss and develop new strategies resulting in a worse penalty and exclusion from for continuing our struggle for total amnesty the program. Many were the most out-spoken for all war resisters and veterans. Although anti-war GIs during the Vietnam era. Also, like there was some feeling that we would be more ef veterans with Undesirable and General Discharges, fective if we continued working only on amnesty, they are disproportionately black and Third the overwhelming majority felt strongly that World. (See "Carter 's Amnesty Two- Step.") "new directions" needed to be taken on. The During the conference discussion, Tom Wynn. theme of "new directions" represents the amnesty of the National Association of Black Veterans, movement's growing realization that the nature one of the host organizations, pointed out that of our struggle has changed dramatically enough to require new organizing initiatives on our Pentagon statistics reveal that black soldiers part. are twice as lîkely as white soldiers to be "branded with bad paper...It was black and poor But what new organizing initiatives should Americans who were forced to bear the brunt of we adopt? Conference participants circulated the unjust American war effort. Many white, position papers prior to and during the confer middle-class sons received privileged defer ence. Not surprisingly, many position papers ments from military service...now white middle- reinforced and complemented each other. While class exiled draft resisters have been granted nearly all agreed that new directions were nec their -amnesty. But blacks fought, blacks died, essary, there was also overwhelming sentiment and many are crippled, and blacks returned in favor of continuing our essential struggle with less-than-Honorable discharges, no bene for universal and unconditional amnesty. fits, unemployment and incarceration in dispro portionate numbers. Blacks have a right to amnesty too." UNIVERSAL UNCONDITIONAL AMNESTY: "The whole thing reeks of racism," said Wynn. "This is another instance where the Still To Be Won black warriors are used in a war of physical "We have not yet won universal and uncondi genocide and those who escaped death in Vietnam tional amnesty. This is our immediate objec returned home to become victims of economic genocide, thus continuing the slave role tive," stated ZERO, a newsletter of the Paris forced upon them by America's Military Indus American exiles, echoing many others. trial Complex." It was clearly recognized that Carter's SDRP is a totally inadequate response to our Amnesty For Vets demand for amnesty for vets, and that the Con gressional anti-amnesty legislation constitutes "The shortcomings of the Carter "two-step" a concerted reactionary attack on Vietnam-era pardon must be attacked," wrote Mary Ann Amith, veterans. The general feeling of the confer Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace, Avon, New ence body was that we must mount an effective York, stating a tactical imperative which every counter-offensive this summer and fall to keep one saw as vitally important. up the momentum we have built up for amnesty It was emphasized at the conference that a for all veterans with bad papers, for decent major group left out of Carter's Special Dis benefits for all, and for a Single Type Dis charge Review Program (SDRP^ are veterarjs who charge. »77 Dwight's father, lies suffering from a terminal illness, paralyzed, denied the comfort of seeing his sons whom he may now never see again. When Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon, he said, "Finally, I feel that Richard Nixon and his loved ones have suffered enough..." The Arm strongs have no one to offer such concern for their shattered family, a family broken by the same forces that produced all forms of resis tance to the war. David Fine, sentenced last summer for his part in the bombing, also received a seven-year sentence, due to a changed public opinion re garding the war and those who resisted it. However limited the Carter program of Viet nam "pardon" is, it is an admission of the valid ity of resistance to the war. It is in this light that we call upon Judge William Sachtjen to reduce the twenty-three year sentence of Karl Armstrong. Several participants in the workshop on civilian resisters discuss proposals for NCUUA-, They are, from left to right: Mary Ann Smith, Genesee Valley Amnesty For The Future Citizens for Peace, Karl Biesinger, War Resisters Many groups and individuals emphasized the League, and Steve Grossman, AMEX-Canada. need to carry on our work in a context consis tent 'with the "politics of resistance." That is, "It is essential that the question of total Civilian Resisters amnesty for American war resisters be consider Quite a few conference participants empha ed and publicized within the context of the po sized the political importance of continuing to litical realities that shaped the resistance to fight for amnesty for civilian resisters, many the war in Indochina and out of which the move of whom remain in exile, underground, and in ment for universal, unconditional amnesty devel jail. Many others are stigmatized with crimin oped. By dealing with the question of amnesty al records. Their resistance was crucial in in this way, many misunderstandings (which may the past and will be crucial in the future. be based on only emotional arguments) can be The conference gave overwhelming support overcome and those who are concerned about jus to a reduction of the sentence of Karl Arm tice and freedom in the United States will un strong. He is currently in jail for the August derstand better the justice inherent in the de 1970 bombing of the Army Math Reserach Center mand for total amnesty." in Madison, Wisconsin. Three years ago he was This statement is from Richard Moore, a sentenced to 23 years in prison. He was incar deserter who has been in exile in Sweden and cerated for two years prior to sentencing, mak Canada for eight years. It is put into the con ing a total of five years already spent behind text of building the bridge to new directions prison walls. by AMEX-Canada, the Toronto based exile organi zation and magazine: "AMEX believes that this Researchers had shown that the Army Math new direction should use the history and practi Research Center (ARMC) was integrally linked to cal lessons of Vietnam-era resistance to speak the U.S. Army's-development of the "automated to the need for future resistance to future U.S. battlefield" technology used in Southeast Asia. wars of aggression through combining amnesty It was responsible for the deaths of thousands, work with general anti-militarist work in a and was long the target of large demonstrations. Right to Resist Coalition." On August 24, 1970 it was bombed. Despite careful precautions, the warning call, to the po "Amnesty for the future, not just the past," lice was ignored and, tragically, a physics re wrote Duane Shank, draft résister and amnesty searcher who was working late (3:42 AM) during activist with the National Interreligious Ser the mid-semester break was killed. vice Board for Conscientious Objectors (NISBCO), Washington, D.C. "We have begun using this The politics of the antiwar bombing may be slogan...I think it is time to put that slogan debated forever, but the conference unanimously into concrete practice by working for the future supported reducing the unduly harsh sentence. —working to insure that the next war will be Whatever our personal views of the act may be, met with an even greater resistance." it must be admitted that its violence pales be Continue working for total amnesty...Con side the incredible violence of U.S. terror tinue it with the longer-term perspective of bombing and artillery shelling whose technolo preventing future Vietnam-type wars of aggres gies were partly developed at ARMC. Those who sion. . .Carrying these concerns into our new work planned the killing of hundreds of thousands of so as to encourage a tradition of'resistance to Vietnamese villagers are free and still powerful. future such wars...Agreed. But what new work? Karl Armstrong is serving the longest sentence meted out for an act of civilian resistance to the Indochina war. Friday, June 10, in Milwaukee, Dwight Arm NEW DIRECTION? strong, Karl's younger brother, was sentenced to The conference agreed that NCUUA should em seven years in prison, continuing the Armstrong bark upon three new areas of work: work on family tragedy. Donald Armstrong, Karl and veterans issues, including work for a Single TT mm Type Discharge; counter-recruitment; and support back out of the service with less-than-Honorable for GI struggles. These new areas are in addi discharges for just such resistance, or for not tion to incorporating a special consciousness of 'fitting in'; and the dead, a population the of the need to fight racism and sexism, and of military seems to create regardless of whether the perspective of the right to resist. it is at war: suicides, basic training 'acci dents', fatalities from poor or dangerous working conditions, brutal disciplinary beat Vets Struggles Primary Now ings, and all the other figures never admitted. • "We don't feel there is any distinction be As the fight for amnesty for all vets with tween these folks and those who served during less-than-Honorable discharges has taken on a Vietnam, except perhaps that they have less sup growing importance within NCUUA, so has the role port, their right to resist is seen less clear of veterans — both Third World and white. ly, they are a little less visible since the The conference recognized that veterans have needs that go beyond the specific demands of amnesty. The same unjust military justice system that existed during the war continues. The percentage of bad paper vets has increased greatly since the end of the war. Vietnam vet erans have never received the quality and quan tity of VA benefits which WW II and Korean vet erans have received. Psychological, drug, and alcohol problems of veterans have never been fully addressed by the Government. The current functions of the VA are being challenged. Many veterans with Honorable discharges have coded discharge papers. Veterans unemployment rate is extremely hign,causing a high percentage of in carcerated vets and forcing many vets back into the military. One workshop at the conference was totally devoted to work on the problems of the vast num bers of- incarcerated veterans. Another work shop was to address veterans concerns in general, but because of the overriding concern about the SDRP and whether or not it should be boycotted, program directions in the general area of vet erans' needs were not developed and will be on the agenda for the new steering committee. Counter Recruitment & CI Organizing But why counter-recruitment? Why GI organ izing/solidarity work? The Military Program Staff of the Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors (CCCO), Philadelphia, wrote a position paper offering an answer which paralelled the thinking of many activists. "We feel that all the victims of militari zation need attention: students and younger folks who are being pushed into career deci 'war is over That and the fact that they are sions by recruiters before they see any op •all volunteer s. And a short look at military tions-, the now huge percentage of active duty history will tell you that resistance in the people on Delayed Entry Programs, filled from military has always sprung from the enlisted the ranks of our high-school youth due in good ranks, not fr om the draftees. And a deeper part to their bleak economic prospects; active look will sho w that it was the perenially duty people, who face the daily harassment, lower-ranking enlisted folks, drawn as they are racism, sexual discrimination, arbitrary com today from pr imarily working class and Third mand decisions, and poor working conditions World backgro unds who led the struggles." that are part and parcel of military life; the AWOL's who are voting with their feet in the Counter-Recruitment Next to continuing the largest numbers in military history to make struggle for amnesty for clear what's wrong; the other active duty folks, all resisters and vets, counter-recruitment and their so-called dependents who have stayed work was the most frequently mentioned program in and tried to fight for discharges, bonuses, suggestion in the many position papers. benefits, working conditions, simple civil A position statement from New Growth East, rights, and all the other things recruiters led a black vets self-help group in East Palo Alto, them to believe were coming to them; rank and California, included this point: file, disgruntled QIs who are beginning to or ganize into groups, committees, and possibly "The grossly over-expanded extent and in even unions to stand up to the military; and fluence of the military needs to be reduced. the steady and ever increasing numbers flowing A revised organization can take a leadership role in CI) efforts to reduce the size of the other, forms of resistance. Measurable R esults Chip Cole goes on to list some of the ad vantages of counter-recr uitment work and to ex plain why he thinks NCUUA should take it up, Counter-re- cruitment, u nlike some other organ izing, has immediate, m easurable results: th e school guidance cou:nselo r agrees or refus es to stock your literat ure; when you set up a table beside a recruiter's display, kids do com e up to ask questions; a:fte r a hearing to oppo se Junior ROTC in your daughter's school, yo u learn very quickly whe ther you've won or los t. Action in a community ica n proceed as fast as the local group wisnes Veterans and Counter-Recruitment Veterans can be the most effective counter-recruiters. They can mobil mili tary budget; (2) opposition to national ize a substantial number of young people to op serv ice or reinstatement of the draft; (3) an pose military conscription. Chip Cole wrote, end to the false claims of milit ary recruiters," "There is no way a recruiter can out-talk a lo An excellent position paper "On Counter- cal vet who goes back to his high school to say Recr uitment," was sent to the co nference by what it was really like. Nearly all the veter Chip Cole of Baltimore, who work s with the ans I've worked with say they're eager to do Amer ican Friends Service Committ ee and the Na- that kind of work—it draws on their experien t iona l Task Force on Recruitment and Militar- ces. Many of the people working on counter- ism (TFORAM): recruitment are vets, TFORAM and its member "I use the term (counter-re cruitment) to groups have not done as much as they should to mean opposition to the Pentagon' s impact on po- involve vets. NCUUA, with is many contacts, tent ial enlistees. This include s work against could make counter-recruitment a vets' concern. recr uiting, the draft (which may come dis- "Counter-recruitment is an issue that's guis ed as national service'), h igh school' and been used successfully by a number of 'small coll ege ROTC, and the military's image-boosting groups, and NCUUA could expand it nationally.The adve rtising." topic of military recruitment will be in the headlines even more next year as military union ization and some form of national service are Economic Conscription "A frequent argument a- debated. Counter-recruitment, while offering a gainst counter-recruit service to young people considering enlisting, ment is that poor and Third World youth have is a springboard to larger issues of resistance, few alternatives to enlistment. With high un conscience, veterans' situations, and the role employment, a system of economic conscription the U.S. military plays. I urge NCUUA to adopt has replaced the draft boards. What good does counter-recruitment as a focus in the coming it do to convince a 17-year-old that the mili years." tary is lousy if she or he has no other choice? "First, there are some alternatives.,.One role of the counter-recruiter is to talk about these alternatives. But, secondly, there really aren't enough scholarships or training programs (or jobsl) to help all the people who are forced into the military." As New Growth East says: "programs should be supported which provide ongoing civilian jobs at decent wages and promotional opportuni ties in fields of work which provide goods and services needed by the people. Persons should not be forced into the military for lack of civilian opportunity." "We know," Chip Cole's paper continues, "that some of the people we talk to will join (the Armed Forces). Our goal is not to cripple the military next year by cutting off the flow of recruits. Rather, we hope to make people aware of the destructive role the military plays so fchey will do something to change it. The most receptive audiences are people considering enlisting. If they do enlist, they will soon From left to right: Dave Olson, Wisconsin Veter find that the information we gave them is more- ans Onion, Celso Castro, NCUUA Veterans Coordinator, accurate than what the recruiter said, and they Hodges Pioott, New Growth East, and Gerry Condon, will be more open to organizing, unionizing, or Amnesty for Vets. »••isTT mm Support Struggles The Military and of Active-Duty GIs Action Committee New York City con the following in a section of their pa ...recognize that it is insufficient s fight for amnesty and the upgrading of charges to Honorable, without also att the same time the source of those bad the military. Two million active-duty people are stationed all around a worl constantly-subjected to U.S. aggressio must oppose all such aggression, suppo tance in the ranks to imperialism (and ism and sexism it engenders), and figh rights. We must, at the same time, ac engage in countering militarism inside ulation as a whole." Program suggestions include worki ng with those who are organizing GIs on bases, develop- ing literature for distribution, petit ioning for a Single Type Discharge, focusing on bases Hodges Picott, New Growth East, Palo Alto, Cali in countries which are or seem most li kely to fornia, speaks to the conference plenary. develop into Vietnam-type political si tuations, and supporting those who resist within the military. was to be held. They entered a room with a KKK sticker on the door, where ,they heard voices making racist comments. In the fight that en Working Against Racism sued, six Marines were injured, none of them seriously. We recognize that an important factor lead ing to GI resistance within the military during After weeks of interrogation and harass the Vietnam era was then and is today the ment, fourteen black Marines were arrested and racism within the military, including the mili held for 88 days in pre-trial confinement. They tary justice system. have been charged with conspiracy and assault. "The revised organization should have a Two have been charged with attempted murder. If heavy emphasis on Third World needs and parti convicted, some face up to 72 years in prison. cipants since this group is most severely Wtinesses to the incident state that only three damaged by present conditions." This statement t>r four blacks were involved. No KKK members from New Growth East was reiterated by many at have been charged in this or any of the other the conference, and there was a general consen incidents. The Marine Corps has made the en sus that we must conscientiously work not only suing investigation more difficult by transfer- against the racism in the military and society ing fifteen Klan members to other bases. at large, but also against the racism in our It' was determined by the conference body own organizing work. that NCUUA would give support to those working The conference resolved to support the for the release of the Pendleton It who are Pendleton lt--fourteen black Marines who are being prosecuted for their acts of self-defense currently facing courts-martial for defending against KKK persecution; that NCUUA stands' themselves against the Ku Klux Klan last Novem opposed to Ku Klux Klan activities on base ber at the southern California Marine base. which further perpetuate racism within the mil The Klan had been actively harassing black itary; and that NCUUA demands a full exposure Marines on the base for nearly a year. Ku Klux of Marine Corps complicity in the Ku Klux Klan Klan activities on and near the base included: and cover-up, activities. setting cars of black Marines on fire; Marines who identified themselves as Klan members tooic credit for the increasing incidents of harass Working Against Sexism ment and violence against black Marines and the Oceanside community; crosses were burned; a There was an important presentation at the black Marine was chased by a hooded figure with conference of the gross downplaying of the role a shotgun; Klan members bragged of beating up of women in the anti-war and amnesty movements, several black Marines and many wore knives and of the way sexism molds both women and men labled "nigger stickers;" in Oceanside, a twelve in negative ways. The following excerpts from twelve-year-old black boy was beaten and the statements made during the panel presentation Urban League office was fire-bombed. explain this very basic conern. In August 1976, black Marines requested an Karyl Lee, Military and Veterans Action investigation into KKK activities on the base. Committee, NYC: Marine authorities refused to comply. A Public "The question of amnesty affects women in Affaire Officer stated: "If thie group (the KKK) many different ways: as active participants in exists, it has done nothing to injure the inter the anti-war movement who were beaten, spied tête of the military, so we have taken no upon, and jailed; as wives, mothers,' and close aotion." family and friends of men sent off to fight, In an atmosphere of increasing tension, the and perhaps die, in an unjust war; and as those Klan openly advertised a meeting on base for people who, when and if those men returned, had November 13. That night a small group of black to deal with the heavy psychological problems Marines went to the barracks where the meeting created by that war. These women struggled for mi ing a sub-machine gun in the jungles of Vietnam. And if our hero doesn't kill off all the 'enemy' with his gun, he has but to put his karate to use, and, in hand-to-hand combat, he is able to destroy his opponent and apparently emerge vic torious from battle. Who has he just killed?... a young mother, a ten-year-old child, an eighty- year-old man? But, it makes no difference— after all,.they're all considered to be the 'enemy' once dead. "This is what the U.S. military teaches us--and the military is but the armed extension of the government and the large corporate inter ests of this country. And, as our hero returns home from the army, he may put his guns away, attempt to block the memories of death. He be comes a civilian who must maintain his masculine image and become the professional who never loses his cool, never shows emotions. "This stereotyping of the male image is de The panel on women's and men's roles in the anti structive to the young man growing up in this war and amnesty movements received a standing ova society who feels he must become another John tion. The panelists were, from left to right, Sieve Wayne if he is to be a 'real Man.' Not only. Grossman, AMEX-Canada, Karyl Lee, Military and Vet must he learn to kill, but he must enjoy it and erans Action Corrmitts.e, and Susan Schnall, veteran smile when his picture is taken on the- battle with a less-thar.-Honorable discharge. field. Thus, the man who declares his opposi tion to fighting in an imperialist war is the survival of themselves and their families, labelled as weak, with female-like descriptions-- often in extreme poverty, while the men were in all used as an attempt to shame him into behav Southeast Asia, not knowing if they would re ing the way he is told. turn; and again, struggling for survival if the "As women who have grown up with equally GI came home with bad papers and was unable to destructive tracking, we struggle against this find a job. stereotyping which attempts to reduce our human "However, we should not think that women ity to nothing but mirror images from the tele sat back and allowed ourselves to be victimized. vision set. On the contrary, women took to the streets in "But, we ar"e not images—you and I; and militant demonstrations against the war...Yes, we all have the right to become real beings— women were out there, fighting against the war who cry when hurt as well as be joyful when with men here at home, and fighting here while happy. those men were being shipped overseas. Women "For a real man is one who lives according understood far too well what the implications to his conscience—who takes responsibility for of that war were, and we were active and vocal his own life and is able to reject those false in struggling against it. values imposed by others. And, as a man, he "Not exactly the image of vomen that the is able to accept and struggle with women who media portrays, is it? A far cry from the act consistent, with our beliefs. It is to* image of the quiet, accepting, smiling 'house gether towards the new society that we will all wife' we are conditioned by this system into be successful." believing we must be in order to be of worth. Steve Grossman, formerly exiled draft résister, How often, during the anti-war struggles did co-editor, AMEX-Canada: the media ignore women as leadership and a "At the same time that we talk about am moving force? How often was this leadership nesty, which some people call a man's issue, ignored within the movement itself?..." who .in fact has done the bulk of the actual am Susan Schnall, veteran with a less-than- nesty work from the national office of NCUUA, Honorable discharge: to local organizations right across the country? "The military mind which can send hun Now based on my own experience and that of many dreds of thousands of human beings to their people I know, in dealing with these local death and destruction is one glaring example of amnesty groups, that work is done mostly by maohismo--a term describing the 'masculine women...women have supported amnesty mop* than man.' The strong, muscle-bound superman carry men, as women opposed the war more tha» men. ...JOHN . OAV1D „ JIM WAYNE JANSSEN HUTTON WAYNE JANSSEN HÜTTON AMMSTT tFMTI "In talking with war resisters about their Massachusetts Amnesty Coalition, which he will represent family situations, it's very common to hear that oti the Steering Committee. the mother supported the war résister and the father did not. Often the father is a World KARL BISSINGER: For the past 4 years Karl has been on War II vet...and had an idea of what it means to the national staff of the War Resisters League, which he be a man, which meant to him that blind obedi represents on the Committee. During the I960's and early ence to the government,disguised as patriotism, '70s he worked with General Strike for Peace, Resist/ has something to do with being a man, and that Support-in-Action and the Greenwich Village Peace Center. something about fighting a war is some kind of proof of manhood. GERRY CONDON: Gerry deserted from the Green Beret* in •"The women were not blinded by this view 1969, was court-martialled in absentia for refusing or and much more quickly saw the unjustness of the ders to Vietnam. After 6 years of exile organising, he Vietnam war...women were very quick to say, 'I returned to challenge Ford's "Clemency" program, going on did not raise this child to a man to be sent a national speaking tour organized by NCUUA. He has a off to be killed in a senseless «ar! ' BCD. He represents Amnesty for Vets in San Francisco. "It was these women and women like them that played tremendous roles in the antiwar JOHN JUDGE: Representing the Central Committee for movement and went on to do the tremendous a- Conscientious Objectors/An Agency for Military and Draft mount, in fact most of the actual day to day Counseling, John is a fieldworker for their national of work in this amnesty movement of ours. And fice in Philadelphia. Active since 1965, he feels "the yet even in the United States, the media would US military is the most dangerous...organization in the not talk to women about amnesty, they would world...amnesty established a right to resist illegiti continually go to men and to personalize am mate authority within it, so my work for l£ years has nesty around them. The role of women in the been to establish justice for military resisters." U.S., as in exile, was very hard to see; it was made quite invisible. KARYL E. LEE: Karyl represents the Military and Veter ans Action Coranittee, formed in March 1977 in New York City. In '73 and '74 she worked with Vietnam Veterans Against the War as coordinator of outreach with MOVA (now the vets welfare center). Recently she was a GI Old directions, new directions—the NCUUA and veteran counselor at a storefront center. conf erenc e in Milwaukee convincingly demon- strat ed a growing understanding of the tasks at HODGES PICOTT: Hodges represents and is the coordina hand and their relationships to one another.- It tor of New Growth East in East Palo Alto, California. It was a lso a dramatic demonstration of the is a black veterans self-help group which does discharge serio usness with which people are digging in and upgrading. He works actively with the Coalition of Vet commi tting themselves to the long, hard struggle erans for Human Rights in the Bay Area. He is an Honor ahead. ably discharged, Vietnam-era veteran of the Air Force. Amnesty for the future, not just the past! Our work continues! SUSAN SCHNALL: Susan lives in NYCj is a veteran with a bad paper, the result of a 1969 General Court Martial for anti-war activities when she was a Navy nurse. She Mas active in GI work. Medical Committee for Human Rights, Medical Aid for Indochina, and more recently, the Coalition to Preserve the Municipal Hospital System. LOU SMITH: Lou represents the Thrust Society and Incar cerated Veterans in Baton Rouge. He was educated and •Meet then worked in the field of mentally retarded youth; has also worked with community organizations in Cleveland and Baton Rouge. For 2 years he was Director of VETS Outreach The New Steering Committee Program. Married with 2 children, ages 14 and 10. MARY ANN SMITH: Active in the anti-war movement for 10 The National Conference elected eleven members to years, Mary Ann represents the Genesee Valley Citizens the new NCUUA Steering Committee, we agreed that, in for Peace (Rochester, NY area), which she helped form 5 total, the Committee should consist of eighteen persons, years ago. In her work for a library board she was in and that the remaining seven seats should be filled by strumental in getting books into Attica. Married to Rog the Steering Committee at a later date. Nominations are er, they have 3 children, ages 18, 20 and 23. being solicited from the NCUUA network and other contacts in the new areas we will begin work on. In addition, it CYNTHIA STEPHENS i Cynthia lives in Washington, D.C. was decided that the national office staff would have and works with the Military Task Force of the National one collective vote. Conference of Black Lawyers. She has done extensive The following gives brief biographical information work training people to do para-legal work in discharge on the eleven members elected to date, as a way of intro upgrading projects, and with incarcerated vets projects. duction to our network. TOM WYNN: A Korean war vetevnn, Tom represents the National Association of Black Veterans, based in Milwau kee. For the past 5 years he has worked on veterans af RON ARMSTEAD: A Vietnam-era veteran. Honorably dis- - fairs on a state and national level—developing program charged, Ron works with the Organization of Afro-American and resources needed for general advocacy around veter Veterans, the Vets Club at Boston State College and the ans' needs and peer group counseling. IW7 CARIHTS AMNESTYTWD-STEP 1: HE DRAFT RESBTERS' MROON In hie firs-t official act as president, Jimmy Carter signed his long-promised pardon for persons who violated the Military Select ive Service Act. THE LEGAL MEANING All violations of the draft law which oc curred between August 4, 1964 and March 28, 1973, with two exceptions explained below, get some legal relief under this new program. before March 28, 1973. A person who failed to These include: pending investigations, pend register before that date will not be charged ing indictments, people convicted of a viola You do not need to contact the government in tion, people excluded from the U.S. as "undes any way. You simply no longer face the threat irable aliens" as a result of a draft law of arrest. If you failed to register after violation, and people who took part in Pres that date, you can still be arrested and ident Ford's Clemency Program of 1974-75. prosecuted. Draft law violations not eligible for relief involve offenses committed by officials of 3) The Department of Justice has said that the Selective Service System, such as selling charges related to the draft violation will, draft deferments, and "acts of force or vio in some cases, be dismissed too. For example, lence deemed to be so serious by the Attorney charges for bail-jumping, before or after con General as to warrant continued prosecution" viction and sentencing, will be dismissed. (more on this later). People who are charged with bail-jumping in In the cases of people who are under indict addition to a draft charge are free from the ment or Investigation for an alleged violation danger of prosecution. The status of other of the draft law, the Attorney General has possible charges, such as making false state ordered that all indictments (except those ments to a government official, excape from falling into the two categories above) be dis custody, flight to avoid prosecution, etc., missed "with prejudice" (meaning that they has not yet been determined, and will prob cannot be brought back). Investigations are ably be considered on a case-by-case basis. to be stopped and no new ones begun. To gain Therefore, IF YOU HAVE ANY REASON TO BELIEVE this relief, a draft résister does not have THAT YOU MAY BE CHARGED WITH AN OFFENSE SUCH to do anything—the action is taken by the AS THOSE ABOVE, CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR COUN government. This means that people who were SELOR BEFORE ENDING YOUR UNDERGROUND LIFE IN under investigation or Indictment for alleged THE STATES, OR RETURNING TO THE U.S. FROM draft law violations are now free to come up EXILE. from underground, or to return to the States, and will have no criminal records. Note, how For people who have taken citizenship in a ever, the following warning: new country, the president's order prohibits U.S. immigration officials from using the ex 1) The definition of "acts of force or clusion provision of immigration law against violence has not yet been fully defined. Burn former Americans who resisted the draft and ing your own draft.card will not be considered left the country. These people can now travel violent ; such things as assault, threatened in the U.S. as any foreign citizen, to visit or assault, destruction of government property, conduct business. The Immigration and Natur etc. will be. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION ABOUT alization Service has not yet decided how to WHETHER FORCE OR VIOLENCE IS INVOLVED IN deal with requests from former Americans now YOUR CASE, DO NOT END YOUR UNDERGROUND LIFE foreign citizens for permanent resident status OR RETURN TO THE STATES UNTIL A COMPETENT in the U.S. The president's order allows such ATTORNEY OR COUNSELOR HAS CHECKED INTO ^people to regain U.S. citizenship as would any YOUR CASE. foreign citizen. Nothing in the order indicates that there will be any special or faster way 2) The dismissal of investigations and to regain U.S. citizenship; however, such Indictments includes draft non-registrants people are now being given a special parole I* AMNESTY UPMTI status and allowed to reside in the States to give a "full, complete and unconditional while the problem remains under study. pardon" to draft resisters, while forcing de People who have been convicted of a draft serters to return to military control and ac law violation which occurred between August cept Undesirable discharges is unfair and un 4, 1964 and March 28, 1973, with the same ex acceptable. We should take every opportunity ceptions noted above, are granted a "full, com to point this out, and demand that deserters plete and unconditional pardon." U.S. Attor get an unconditional amnesty/pardon too--with neys have been ordered to go through their files Honorable discharges and full veterans bene to locate all those eligible. Those still serv fits for the time they served. ing prison or probationary sentences should be Hundreds of thousands of veterans still released. suffer the effects of the war by having to live Incidentally, a person has the right to with the stigma of an other-than-honorable dis refuse a pardon. The Justice Department has charge. These discharges, given by an inconsis not decided how to go about sending or offer tent and unjust military "justice system, brand ing pardons, so it is not yet clear how one veterans for life, deny them veterans benefits can refuse. They may, for example, mail out and make it nearly impossible to get a Job. an "offer of pardon," which a person would have Finally, many people who were not directly to accept before receiving the pardon itself. faced with military service also resisted the war, and in some cases violated laws. They now AMNESTY VS. PARDON UNDER THE LAW have criminal records, are still in prison, or face charges. They too are entitled to a A pardon is not the same as an amnesty. It fulr^and complete amnesty, but the Carter par will restore Federal civil rights such as the don totally ignores such people. right to vote, to sit on Federal juries, etc. By providing different legal remedies for In many states, a presidential pardon restores the different groups of war resisters, Carter state-granted rights, although not in all hopes to divide us against each other. Accord states. A presidential pardon cannon, however, ing to Carter, resisting the draft is now ac expunge or erase convictions, or seal court ceptable, but not entering the military and records. A paraoned person is still considered then resisting, or resisting as a civilian. to have been convicted of the crime, but is We need to continue making it clear that all officially "forgiven." An amnesty, on the other resistance to the war in Indochina was correct hand, would remove the conviction entirely, and justified, and that all should receive a as if it never happened. complete amnesty. Finally, persons who participated in the On the positive side, the pardon makes re clemency program and are still doing the al sistance to a compulsory draft system more leg ternative service work requirement, or who. itimate. The government was forced to admit that have quit working despite the threat of re refusing to be drafted for their criminal war newed prosecution, no longer face any charges. in Vietnam was to a certain extent reasonable, A person still working is free to leave the and even somewhat correct. It is a small vic job. People who have already quit need not fear tory, but one that we can claim and build on prosecution. for the future. Especially now, when calls for a new draft are getting louder, we can use this THE POLITICAL MEANING pardon to help organize the next draft resist ance movement, and, if necessary, the next anti It is hard to accurately judge the presi war movement.• dent's motives for granting this pardon. His offer was partly a bid for liberal support early in the drimary campaign, and partly due to pressure from the organized amnesty move ment . Regardless of the motives, however, the pardon has several political meanings, both positive and negative. Negatively, the pardon is not an amnesty. Legally and politically, a pardon implies that the person is guilty of a crime, but the gov ernment has decided to forgive the offense. Resisting the draft was not wrong, and "for giveness is not needed. Refusing to partici pate in the unjust Indochina War was correct and necessary. When talking with others about the pardon, we should point out that war re- sisters are not guilty bf a crime, regardless of the government'8 choice of a "pardon." Those who planned and ran the war are the real crim inals, not those who refused to participate. This pardon is an attempt to divide draft resisters from those who resisted the war while in the military or as civilians. Tens of thous ands of GIs deserted from the armed forces be fore or after going to Vietnam. Their resist ance came from the same moral principles as those* who resisted being drafted. Both groups refused to take part in a war opposing the Viet namese struggle for independence. For Carter IW7 II 2: THE PENTAGON PUN FOR Df SERTERS AND VETS On- March 28, Secretary of Defense Harold Brown announced that President Carter had auth orized the review and possible upgrading on an individual basis of approximately 432,000 less- than-honorable discharges issued during the government's version of the Vietnam era (Aug ust 4, 1964 to March 28, 1973). The Pentagon phase of the Carter pardon is in effect until October 4, 1977. It also allows deserters to return to military control for a Discharge Under Other-Than-Honorable Conditions (a new name for the old Undesirable discharge). Then the former AWOL is eligible to apply along with other bad paper vets for discharge upgrading. For antiwar deserters and vets with bad dis charge papers, the second phase of Carter's for the same AWOL charge as other GIs who were pardon not only has a nightmarish quality about administratively discharged are ineligible. So it, but also has left us uncertain about its are GIs who deserted from a combat zone, and actual benefits. those who went AWOL while on Rest and Recovery leave from combat in Vietnam. If the United States applied the same cri Like the earlier draft resisters' program, teria it used at the Nuremberg Trials of Nazi the Pentagon phase of the Carter pardon offers war criminals to Harold Brown, a former Air no relief to civilian antiwar protesters with Force Secretary in the Johnson Administration, ."criminal" records, those still in prison, or he would certainly be convicted as a war crim those yet to be captured. inal. Brown earned'the nickname "Mad Bomber" for his strong advocacy of the massive bombing Wide publicity has been given to the fact of North Vietnam. But Brown is not going on that draft resisters are mainly white and mid trial. Instead, Carter assigned him to announce dle class, while deserters and vets with bad the outlines of the Pentagon plan in "the spirit paper discharges are disproportionately from of compassion and forgiveness in which the minority communities; and more than half are president has sought to bind up the divisions from low income families. Even the Ford Clem of the Vietnam War." The war criminal will ency Board's Report to the President admits "forgive" war resisters and veteransl the class and race differences between these groups. By contrasting Carter's treatment of draft resisters with that of deserters and POLITICAL BANKRUPTCY vets, it is easy to see the double standard of "justice" in the U.S.: it is largely de Politically, the Pentagon phase of the termined by one's class and race. Carter pardon is bankrupt. In contrast to Car ter's blanket pardon of draft resisters, de It also seems clear that even those deserters serters and vets will be dealt with on a case- and vets who can prove their antiwar motivations by-case basis by the same institutions that are not likely to get Honorable discharges. branded them as criminals in the first place. There is no "pardon" for the antiwar GI. The fate of each person will be determined by a board of senior military officers, which, GENERALS AND ADMIRALS DEFEAT THE WHITE HOUSE when dealing with antiwar deserters and vets, will operate without public guidelines. It seems that Carter chose not to announce Furthermore, vets with Bad Conduct and Dis the second phase of his pardon program person honorable discharges are not even eligible for ally, to protect! himself from conservative the program. GIs who took direct action against criticism. By having the Secretary of Defense the war such as Andy Stapp, Dr. Howard Levy, make the announcement, Carter has been-able to the Fort Hood Three, and Gerry Condon are not use the cover of the Pentagon with considerable eligible to have their discharges upgraded. success, muting political attacks from right- Stapp founded the American Servicemen's Union, wing militarists. Part of the reason fer this, Levy refused to train Green Beret medics for however, is the fact that the Pentagon was able Vietnam service, and the Fort Hood Three and to overrule the White House in certain key Condon refused orders to Vietnam. Only General technical areas of the plan, as an examina and Undesirable discharges, those given "ad tion of the details will show. ministratively" without trial, are covered by For two months, the White House and the De th« Pentagon program. Bad Conduct and Dishon- fense Department were locked in struggle over orable discharges, which result from kangaroo the technical details of the program, although court-martial trials, are ineligible. Even both sides were in agreement over the political these deserters who were court-martialed and basis of the pardon: it would not offer blanket received Bad Conduct or Dishonorable discharges Honorable discharges, and would require some II AMISTY WMTI type of review process. From the beginning, it satisfactorily completed a tour of duty in South was not considered comparable to the blanket east Asia, received an Honorable discharge from amnesty that unconvicted draft resisters re a previous enlistment, had a good record on ceived on January 21. The victory of the gen active duty for two years prior to discharge, erals and admirals in the fight over key tech or completed an alternative service require nical areas of the Pentagon pardon may have ment under the Ford Clemency Program, they will the effect of undermining the already limited qualify for automatic upgrading. benefits of the program. Factors of a different kind, to be "consid ered' "for upgrading include: unsuitability characteristics for military service, such as low educational levels or IQs; coming from a CASE-BY-CASE VS. CATE60RY-BY-CATE60RY REVIEW deprived family background; personal problems which may have contributed to difficulties The White House did not want a csse-by-case while in the military; a record of good citi review of 432,000 bad paper vets. That would zenship since discharge; and drug or alchohol take years and cost too much. At present, mil problems while in the service. These wf.ll be itary Discharge Review Boards hear about 7,000 considered, but will not automatically upgrade cases per year. The Ford Clemency Board re discharges, as will the "supersoidier criterila . viewed about 14,000 cases in six months, but required eighteen board members, a legal staff of 400, and administrative staff of 200, and NO PUBLISHED CRITERIA FOR JUDGING ANTIWAR ACTS a budget of $10 million. The board spent about $700 and less than five minutes per case. The only criterion which relates to antiwar deserters and GIs is whether "actions which led Lawrence Basklr and William Strauss, two high to the discharge were alleged at the time of ranking members of the Ford Clemency Board's discharge to have been motivated by conscience." legal staff, estimate that on the model of the Like the "personal problems" and "unsuitability" Clemency Board, it would require about $50 mil criteria, conscience" will not automatically lion and an agency the sfte of the Federal Trade upgrade a bad discharge, but will merely be Commission from twelve to eighteen months to "considered." When pressed for details on its review 100,000 cases. Multiply that by four Judgment of "conscience," the Pentagon responded (over 400,000 are eligible for the new program) that each Discharge Review Board will make its and we can see the job facing the Pentagon. own determinations, and that no published crit But applicants are told not to worry about such eria for judging antiwar motivations exist. To things; they will be informed of the results of complicate matters further for antiwar deserters their discharge review within six months. Al and vets with bad papers, amnesty movement law though the Defense Department can see the light yers who have studied the plan believe that the at the end of the tunnel, it seems most likely Defense Department actually meant that one must that under such a timetable no application will provide proof of antiwar motivations at the ti receive more than a few seconds consideration, of desertion or other violation of the UCMJ, or else vets will receive an upgraded discharge along with their first Social Security payments at age sixty-five. <#-Al.Vttv :V,'V White House officials were aware of the im practical ity of case-by-case review, and pro posed the upgrading.of whole categories of dis charges. It is not yet clear whether this was a decisive victory for the Pentagon which makes a mockery of the entire process, or whether in practice discharges will, in fact, be reviewed by categories rather than case-by-case. Only time will tell. SUPERSOLDIERS GET AUTOMATIC UPGRADING Another serious technical defect in the Pent agon plan is that the Defense Department has been purposely vague about what criteria must be satisfied for a bad discharge to be upgraded all the way to Honorable. Furthermore, the mil itary brass won its demand that these vague criteria be considered within the existing mil itary Discharge Review Board system, and not by new civilian boards which could be more im partial. The Pentagon makes it clear that former GIs with model-service records prior to their vio lation of the uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) will have their discharges upgraded auto matically. Although the Pentagon does not spec- efically say that such discharges will be up- raded to Honorable, it is presumed-that at Îeast soma will. If veterans were wounded in action, ware decorated for military service, PORT DIX STOCKADE IOT military welfare payments, and doesn't really rather than "at the time of discharge." One ma solve the problem of the vet who cannot get a jor characteristic of the entire Pentagon plan good job, or any job: a General discharge is is that it was hastily and sloppily drafted, and in its initial stages is being very poorly still a serious employment liability. All vets administered. The "date of discharge" section need and deserve Honorable discharges. seems to contradict other aspects of the pro Whether or not veterans whose discharges gram which refer to the date of violation of are upgraded under the Pentagon program will the UCMJ. receive veterans benefits, however, is far In brief, unless one were a supersoidier, from certain. According to the Army Times, the a person who acquired a drug or alchohol de ranking Republican member of the House Vet er - pendency while in the service, or a person who ans Affairs Committee has introduced legisla should never have been in the military in the tion which would deny the automatic granting first place, there are no published criteria of benefits to people who become eligible for upon which the military will decide whether or chem under the Pentagon program. This legis not to upgrade your less-than-honorable dis lation has been introduced in the House by charge. Also, Fentagon press releases do not John F. Hammerschmidt (Republican, Arkansas), say whether an Undesirable discharge will be and in the Senate by Strom Thurmond (Democrat, South Carolina). The Veterans Administration upgraded to a General or Honorable discharge. estimates that the GI Bill's education pay This will be left to the officers of the Dis ments would increase by $100 million annually charge Review Boards to determine, without during the next few years as a result of the standardized guidelines. Pentagon program if benefits are allowed. ALL VETS NEED HONORABLE DISCHARGES WHAT THE PENTAGON PLAN OFFERS DESERTERS The question of Honorable discharges is For deserters living underground in the really the heart of the matter for veterans States, the Pentagon plan offers relief from with bad papers. The government admits that the threat of arrest, but probably condemns surveys show employers discriminate against them to the permanent stigma of a bad discharge. the holders of. all types of less-than-honorable For those living abroad in exile, the program discharges. The surveys found that sixty per is more complicated. For deserters who want to cent of the employers questioned discriminate return to the States to live, and cross the bor in their hiring practices against the holders der with the necessary papers, the threat of of Undesirable discharges, and forty percent arrest has been lifted; but they, too, will discriminate against the holders of General likely get a quick lesson in the problems of a discharges. Unless vets or newly discharged vet with a less-than-honorable discharge trying deserters are granted Honorable discharges, to make a living in a depressed economy. Fur they will face a lifetime of employment dis thermore, deserters who have taken ont foreign crimination. If the Discharge Review Boards citizenship while living in exile may face a refuse to upgrade the vast majority of bad dis Catch-22 situation unless a provision of the charges all the way to Honorable, the Pentagon 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act is changed. phase of the Carter pardon will be little more Otherwise, they will find themselves barred from than a symbolic gesture that will not make entering the U.S. once they are discharged from it possible for these vets to obtain good jobs the military. Section twenty-two of that act or, often, any jobs at all. has been interpreted in recent years to mean On the other hand, however, even if vets or that former U.S. citizens who take new citizen former deserters do not get their discharges ship after having left the U.S. during a time upgraded to Honorable, and receive General dis of war can be excluded from the land of their charges, they become eligible for veterans ben birth as "undesirable aliens," even though their efits if they have "Berved 181 days on active draft or military charges have been dropped or duty^before violating the UCMJ. The significance otherwise-resolved. Although President Carter of eligibility for benefits should not be under changed this section of the act for draft re estimated, nor should it be exaggerated. If a sisters, it has not yet been changed for deser vet is now living in poverty because of unemploy ters. If it isn't, the Pentagon plan for deser ment, eligibility for benefits will make a big ters with new foreign citizenship will have difference. But this amounts to little more than little meaning. f DONT BE MISLEP By V THE SKIN-PICTURE, RUNT/ • • I HAPPEN TO KNOW THAT HIS DISCHARGE PAPERS ARE YELLOW/® 14 From the published criteria the Pentagon has released, it is clear" that the vet who was a supersoidier before violating the UCMJ stands a much better chance than deserters or GIs who were opposed to the Indochina War.. If the Dis charge Review Boards are allowed to invent their own criteria for handling antiwar cases, there will be no public accountability or uniformity of decisions nationwide. An antiwar applicant has little reason to believe that a panel of senior military offiers will rule favorably. All this seems to represent a significant Pent agon victory over the White House. If so, anti war deserters will only trade one kind of pun ishment, the threat of arrest, for a milder but lifelong punishment: a less-than-honor able discharge. ¥ A LARGE CASE BACKLOG The case-by-case review of nearly a half already limited effects of the plan may be million vetS seems to be another significant undercut by a lack of publicity. So far, there victory of the military brass over the White has been a virtual blackout on the existance House. Can 43 2,000 cases be investigated quickly of the Pentagon phase of the Carter pardon in and fairly by the Defense Department? Unless Canada, Sweden and France--the countries in the Pentagon is hiding a vast new network of which the vast majority of exiled deserters Discharge Review Boards, it is impossible to live. Information about the program has been believe that it can act swiftly on these cases, meager within the U.S. as well. AMEX-Canada, especially when the program allows a rejected the magazine and organization of war resisters applicant to appeal the decision and be rep in Canada, has made many requests that the resented by a lawyer at government expense. Pentagon Public Affairs Office, the individual In the past, the vast majority of applicants military services, and the White House contact to Discharge Review Boards were not repre foreign media about the program, but so far sented by an attorney and were rejected at with no effect. AMEX is highly critical of the a much higher rate than those with legal ad program in both its political and technical vice. Considering the background of the ma aspects, but we are still concerned that the jority of vets, it seems likely that most ap Defense Department not be allowed to sabotage plicants will not be able to hire a lawyer the program by limiting the number of vets and the first time around. If that is the case, deserters who find out about it during its short six month duration. We believe it is the gov it is likely that a large case backlog will ernment's responsibility to publicize its pro develop, as rejected vets take advantage of gram, not ours; especially since we are crit the free counsel provision. ical of it. But the White House wants to keep its political distance from the program and CONCLUSIONS refuses to talk about this phase of the pardon. Because of the complexity of the Pentagon It relies on the Defense Department to sell the program, and the current uncertainty about how plan, and the brass are clearly dragging their it will be administered, it is not possible to feet. If the current low level of publicity come to one simple conclusion about the plan. continues, only a minority of potential appli It is not too early, however, to form some ten cants will become aware of the plan before it tative conclusions, and to draw attention to expires. Although the Pentagon's Public Affairs Office bristles at the mention of a rumour several key areas where the Defense Department making the rounds in Washington that it is could undermine its own limited program. aiming at only 180,000 of the 432,000 vets elig First of all, the program is not blanket ible, that intention seems all too probable. unconditional amnesty for even the few cate gories of deserters and veterans eligible, who come disproportionately from minority and UNIVERSAL UNCONDITIONAL AMNESTY low income backgrounds. In comparison with Did President Carter hope to resolve the Carter's earlier blanket unconditional pardon amnesty question with a combination of a blanket of draft resisters, who are mainly white, mid unconditional pardon for draft resisters, fol dle class and well educated, the Pentagon plan lowed by a seriously limited, and perhaps fa - is wide open to charges of class and race dis tally flawed program for deserters and some crimination. Those charges have been made how vets with bad paper discharges? If so, he has for months, but Carter has been content to ig failed. The only answer to the amnesty question nore them. This is especially hard to accept is a universal and unconditional amnesty which from a man who a short year ago campaigned as includes the same standards of justice-for all the champion of minorities and the poor, whose deserters, veterans with less-than-honorable votes were crucial in the close 1976 election. discharges, and civilian antiwar protesters as it does for draft resisters. For a president LACK OF PUBLICITY who has become a worldwide advocate of human rights, Carter has a long way to go in restoring But the Pentagon casts an even more dan the civil and political rights of those who re gerous shadow over.the entire program: the sisted a war that was a crime against humanity.M »77 Congress Responds Reactionary An t i-amnest y forces in Congress have taken every oppor tunity to voi ce and vote their oppo- sition to P resident Cart er's pardon of draft re- sisters and the Special Discharge Review Pro- gram. The anti-war move ment and then the amnes- ty movement did a tremen dous amount of educa- tion about the nature of the war in Southeast Asia. The steps chat Ca rter has made are a re- suit of tha t work, and o f the pressure applied by people w ho understand full well who was right and who was wrong. Howeve r, theie stil 1 are many people who have yet to learn the le ssons of Vietnam, and, unfortunate ly, alot of t hem are in Congress. PARDON I - Congressional Moves To Undercut In February both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed a stipulation that the supplemental funds being allocated to the De partment of Justice (DOJ) could not be used for the implementation of the draft résister pardon. It was a purely symbolic move because the DOJ was still able to use funds remaining from its Fiscal Year 1977 appropriation. However, in June the Senate attached a rider to the DOJ's FY 1978 appropriation which would bar the use of any of that money for the implementation of the pardon. The House had al ready approved such a measure. If this rider remains attached to the appropriations bill, a Carter veto is unlikely. Since most of the DOJ's work of implement ing the pardon should be done by October (the beginning of FY 1978), it is not clear what practical effect the rider will have. A DOJ spokesperson Has said that it is likely to affect only those who have become citizens of another country and who now want to apply for readmission to the United States. The DOJ thinks that the Congressional action would pro hibit the government to spend money to process re-entry in such cases. The spokesperson also said they are considering appealing the provi sion in the courts if and when it gets signed into law. Congress Attacks SDRP Veterais Soon after the Special Discharge Review Program (SDRP) was announced, there was a flurry of activity in Congress, with right-wing forces doing what they could to undermine what is already a woefully limited response to the crying needs of hundreds of thousands of veter ans who have less-than-Honorable discharges. As of this writing, the only legislation which has been passed by Congress and signed by Carter is a provision barring the government from spend ing money to advertise the SDRP, letting people know of its existence and how to apply. While there has been precious little advertising, es pecially in other countries were many deserters are living, it is not the result of this legis lation. Other avenues, such as public service announcements and getting the media to do AMIISTT iWATI stories on the Program, are readily available to black or other Third World people. It is all the government, and could do alot to publicize too easy for white, middle-class Congresspeople the Program if that were policy. to take pro-Vietnam war and anti-amnesty stands Not being content with limiting veterans' at the expense of these Vietnam-era veterans. and deserters' access to the Program in this Some liberals are supporting the partial. way, Congress is now taking measures that would cutting-off of VA benefits because they believe . continue the punishment of those who do apply it would be better than a total denial to every and who do get their discharges upgraded. This one. But they offer other reasons, as well. has come in the form of a spate of bills which Here is Sen. Cranston on the subject: "If the would either totally deny or limit to these means for extending forgiveness entail broad- veterans the Veterans' Administration (VA) bene gauge, indiscriminate granting of eligibility fits which have heretofore always been the for veterans benefits, I fear that needless right of vets with General or Undesireable Dis damage will be done to historic notions regard charges . ing the integrity of military service and to The House has already passed an amendment the fundamental principle that veterans benefits which would deny VA benefits to anyone whose are entitlements to be earned through honorable discharge is upgraded through the SDRP. When it service to the nation. At present I am very was sent to the Senate, that amendment was apprehensive that the SDRP will have these re knocked off the bill it was attached to by grettable consequences because it fails to dis committee. But it seems almost certain that a tinguish between compassion and the conferring so-called compromise measure will get through of valuable entitlements." Congress in the very near future. The Great "Honorable service to the nation" has ab Compromise (worked out by a liberal, Alan Crans solutely no meaning in a situation when the na ton, and a reactionary, Strom Thurmond) would tion was conducting a dishonorable war. Viet give the Discharge Review Boards (DRBs) the pow nam era veterans do not need "forgiveness." er to decide who would get benefits and who They were victimized by and/or resisted the U.S. wouldn't at the same time that they grant an up war machine in its prosecution of an unjust and grading. They would do this on the basis of the immoral war; their punishment should be ended. guidelines which were in use prior to the set NCUUA has called on its network to put pressure ting up of the SDRP. (We should note, in pass on Congressional representatives to oppose any ing, that those guidelines have never been form- bill which would deny VA benefits to veterans alized--which would make veterans even more sub whose discharges are upgraded through the SDRP, ject to the whims of the DRBs.) The Department and to support universal, unconditional amnesty. of Defense estimates that if this is passed it Carter must be pressed to veto whatever legisla- will mean that fifty percent of all veterans • tion comes to him with such a rider or amend whose discharges are upgraded would be denied ment—even if it means sending back to Congress benefits. a bill he would otherwise sign, with instruc At present the compromise has been intro tions to return it to him without the offensive duced in both House and Senate in the form of a amendment. bill; but what will undoubtedly happen is that Should any of the anti-veteran legislation it will be attached to some major bill so that pass and be signed into-law, it is quite proba President Carter would find it difficult to veto ble that the part of the SDRP which applies to As is pointed out in "Carter's Amnesty upgrading bad discharges will be boycotted by "Two-Step"' (this issue), it is no accident that many veterans groups and counselors. A d* facto the veterans are getting a pittance, while the boycott has already been in effect as we wait to draft resisters received a blanket pardon. Vet see what happens. Keep in touch with NCUUA for erans with bad papers are predominantly from future developments. low-income families and are disproportionately Written July 8, 1977 Presbyterians Call for Single-Type Discharge An extensive policy statement on ministries and compassion" as originally intended by Pres to veterans was approved by the 189th United ident Carter in the special review project. Presbyterian General Assembly meeting in Phila in further action the Assembly called for delphia June 22-30. A previous Assembly had a single discharge system to be implemented in called'for amnesty for veterans with less-than- all branches of the service, with the exception Honorable discharges. This year's Assembly em of those convicted of violent crimes. It recoa- phasized that "the church recognized that the mended as a matter of "justice and an expression period of time spent under the military command of the church's lov%" the upgrade to an Honor structure ,is not normative for life in democra able Discharge for all those inducted in "Pro tic society. Consequently, experiences of ser ject 100,000" (in which entry standards were vice in the military ought not to have lasting lowered to meet manpower needs), who were dis punitive effects in civilian life." charged under other-than-honorable conditions, In that connection the Assembly opposed thereby allowing them an opportunity to re-es the recent action of the House of Representa tablish their lives and begin a more productive tives in voting to deny benefits to any veteran future. whose discharge is upgraded through the Special Fpr copies of the full study, writs: Petsr Discharge Review Program. It called upon the Salerno, United Presbyterian Church, lOtt Alta Congress to act in "the spirit of forgiveness Vista, Louisville, Kentucky 40205. »77 IT The Antiwar & Amnesty Movements: .A Brief u;-*A7 (The following speech was presented at the NCUUA The memoirs of General Westmoreland and various National Conference by Jack Colhoun, former de officials of the Johnson and Nixon Administra serter and Co-Editor of AMEX-Canada. Because of tions, make it clear that Washington was seri space limitations, certain sections have been ously concerned about the extent of antiwar re condensed.) sistance and protests, and that the antiwar movement, in fact, had a genuine effect on the timing and scope of war policies. During the war, roughly 503,000 GIs deserted from the ranks Many of us gathered here in Milwaukee for of the military; nearly 800,000 veterans were the NCUUA Conference on New Directions are grad discharged from the military less-than-Honor- uates' of the antiwar movement. Others of us did ably; and about 209,000 violations of the Selec not take an active role in the antiwar movement, tive Service System were reported to its head but have come to understand the need for total quarters in Washington. Furthermore, ground amnesty for all war resisters and veterans of forces had to be withdrawn from Vietnam in or the Vietnam era. Since the task of building a der to avert the internal collapse of the U.S. new antiwar movement may fall to us at any time, military itself. Clearly, the antiwar movement we have a duty to try to understand the was able to open up a critical second front strengths and weaknesses of the movement against during the Vietnam War. the Indochina War. I've been asked to speak briefly on the Our antiwar movement made many mistakes, history of the antiwar movement and the struggle but we shouldn't underestimate the contribution for amnesty. Because of time limitations, I can we made to helping the Vietnamese, Kampucheans not deal with all the various aspects of these and Laotians defeat the American military ma two movements, but rather I will sketch an out chine. The single most important role in de line of the two movements and focus, somewhat feating Washington's aggressive aims in South arbitrarily, on selected aspects of their his east Asia was played, of course, by the Indo- tories. I have written about the antiwar move Chinese resistance movements. Very significant, ment, particularly the GI movement, in the Oct- but little understood, was the erosion of the Nov issue of magazine, which is U.S. economy, both internationally and domesti AMEX-Canada available here, and AMEX plans a final issue cally, during the Vietnam War years. The role late this summer on the history of the amnesty of the civilian antiwar movement in leading movement and our role j.n it. American popular opinion against the war was The first major national antiwar demon crucial. In the end, though, the very fact that stration in the U.S. was called by the Students U.S. troops could not be counted upon to fight for a Democratic Society (SDS) in April 1965, against the Indochinese had more telling effects and brought out more than 20,000 demonstrators upon Washington's ability to wage the war than to Washington, D.C. Prior to that date, the civilian antiwar protests. But the military re principal vehicles through which people could sistance movement could not have taken place express their opposition to the war were tra without the civilian antiwar movement and the ditional pacifist organizations, which had public consciousness it created. limited appeal to non-pacifists, and through in In commenting on the draft resistance move dividual and local political activities. From ment in general, by highlighting Muhammad Ali's the April 1965 SDS demonstration onward, how refusal to be drafted, New York Times columnist ever, civilian antiwar politics began to take Tom Wicker had this to say: on a more collective and national form. It was What, indeed, would happen if only, say, the massive U.S. escalation of the ground and 100,000 young men flatly refused to serve air war in Vietnam, unleashed by the Johnson Ad in the armed forces, regardless of their ministration in early 1965, that was primarily legal position, regardless of the conse responsible for transforming the nature of anti quences? war politics along with the U.S. role in Viet A hundred thousand Muhammad Alis, of nam. course, could be jailed. But if the John Between 1965 and 1968, antiwar sentiments son Administration had to prosecute spread like a brushfire across the nation's 100,000 Americans in order to maintain its campuses, as Washington built up its contingent authority, its real power to pursue the of 550,000 troops in Vietnam. Although on the Vietnamese war or any other policy would national level SDS provided the most visible be crippled if not destroyed. It would antiwar leadership, it proved to be a reluctant then be faced not with dissent but with leader and never developed a comprehensive po civil disobedience on a scale amounting to litical vision. SDS remained uncertain how revolt. ATI f central antiwar politics should be in relation ment and white workin minority oppo- to the rest of its program, which resulted in a sition to the war can ted to the fact fitful commitment to antiwar organizing. that the New Left has as obsolete the Often during 1965-66, the predominantly white, political heritage of ass struggles middle-class antiwar movement looked to black led by Marxists in th teenth cen- organizations to lead the way in recognizing tury and earlier in t h century. But the importance of antiwar activity. a more politically so antiwar move- In January 1966, for example, it was the ment would still have he obstacle of Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee established working c zations which (SNCC) which became the first organization out staunchly supported t side the traditional peace movement to support Nonetheless, the draft resistance activities. SNCC moved to contribute to John against the draft because as the American mo from presidential con bilization for the war geared up, draft calls the depressing setbac fell most heavily on those without 2-S (student) tion in 1958, the ant deferments. By 1966, even the Pentagon ad organize the massive mitted that a disproportionate number of black tions in fall 1969 in GIs were dying on the battlefields of Vietnam. U.S. cities—the larg By mid-1965, black civil rights organizations ican history. Althou were under considerable grassroots pressure to the war issue for a t take a stand on the war. It was not until fall U.S. troop withdrawal 1956, when black youths had already been re Cambodia in April 197 fusing the draft for some time, that white nationwide series of students began to rally behind "We Won't Go" the country to a stan statements. And ror the remainder of the 1960s decade, draft resistance became a very potent form of antiwar action among white youth. By early 1968, opposition to the Johnson war policies had become widespread. A March 1968 Gallup poll found that 56 percent of those surveyed favored a course of action which would lead the U.S. "to stop the bombing and the fighting and gradually withdraw from Vietnam." Since early 19?°, Gallup polls have consistent ly shown that more than 50 percent of Americans believed U.S. intervention in Vietnam was a "mistake." This disillusionment with Washing ton's Vietnam policies, however, did not mean that a majority concurred with the antiwar movement's opposition to the war and its demand for immediate withdrawal of all U.S. troops. In fact, a substantial number of those who be lieved U.S. involvement to be mistaken actually favored escalation of the war. A further ex amination of public opinion polling shows us that it was not the middle class professionals who were the real reservoir of opposition to the war, but rather the working class, poor, and minorities. This isn't hard to understand, since the sons of these segments of the popula tion were taking the places of deferred middle- class sons in the military, and suffering a disproportionate share of the casualties. Yet many sectors of the antiwar movement had written off the working class as hopelessly hawkish. Part of this miscalculation was due to the political immaturity of a youthful anti war movement, which found its strength among white, middle-class college students. But the problem was much deeper. Much of the white ethnic working class was both strongly anti- communist and fiercely patriotic, tendencies which were rubbed the wrong way by the antiwar movement. Even more ironic was the fact that while student radicals believed they had shed their middle-class upbringing, in the eyes of the working class and minorities they were still the sons and daughters of a much more privi leged class. Furthermore, with the development of black power in the late 1960s, black and white antiwar activities developed along sepa rate lines. Many of the problems that combined to create a wide gap between the antiwar move I« It is important to keep in mind that there harshly repressed, GI resistance took on more was a crucial connection between what was going subtle and spontaneous forms. As one platoon on in the civilian world and the level of anti sergeant in Vietnam put it: "Almost to a man, war struggle within the military. Civilian dis the members of my platoon oppose the war...The satisfaction with the war, led.by the antiwar result is a general malaise which pervades the movement, soon found its expression within the entire company. There is a great deal of pres military. The earliest recorded antiwar inci sure on leaders at the small unit level, such dent in the military occured in November 1965, as myself, to conduct what is popularly re when an Army lieutenant participated in a small ferred to as 'search and avoid' missions, and civilian antiwar demonstration near Fort Bliss, to do so as safely as possible." Other forms Texas, The first' public refusal of orders to of resistance included a general defiance of Vietnam was in June 1966, when the Fort Hood military authority, covert and overt forms of Three announced that they would not take part in obstruction of the war effort, refusal to go an immoral war, citing the Nuremberg Tribunal into combat, threats against gung-ho officers precedents. During 1966 and 1967, GI resistance and NCOs and actual fragging if the threats to the war increased, but for the most part this proved ineffective, week-long pot parties, etc. resistance was initiated by men who had some In his book, Soldiers In Revolt, David Cort- concrete ties with the left before entering the right notes that : service and who were willing to accept a lot of self-sacrifice. Of all the troops in Vietnam, the most re These first acts of GI resistance were fo bellious were the blacks. As was the case cused on the concept of individual responsibili throughout the armed forces, black GIs in ty and were, in a sense, a continuation of Vietnam were militant leaders of GI resis civilian antiwar politicr. brought into a mili tance, posing great problems for the Amer tary environment. In 1967, the civilian anti ican commanders ... By November 197p5 black war movement first attempted to reach soldiers radicalism had already seriously hindered systematically through GI coffeehouses. About U.S. fighting capabilities, with brothers the same time, the Socialist Workers ! arty very seldom trusted in combat, apparently attempted unsuccessfully to win a base within for fear they might turn the guns around. the military for antiwar organizing, while the It is one of the ironies of Vietnam that Workers World Party generated considerable GI minority troops, who in the early stages enthusiasm around the American Servicemen's of Vietnam constituted a major portion of Union. In the end, however, the roots of the GI the American infantry, by 1970 were often movement were more spontaneous than organized by not even trusted with weapons. civilian antiwar groups and activists. It was The reasons for this are not hard to find. the individual GI's experiences in the military Once in Vietnam fighting an Asian supposed en which transformed GIs into dissidents. As emy, blacks questioned why they were bearing Matthew Rinaldi wrote in an article en military a disproportionate burden of the fighting for organizing during the Vietnam war, published in a white-dominated U.S. military, when black Radical America: folks back home were not even treated as first class c i t izens .' The period from 19 68 to 1970 was a period of rapid disin tegration of morale The deserter movement, like the GI move and widespread rebell iousness within the, ment, is best described as a spontaneous re U.S. military. There were a variety of jection of the war, fueled by a gut-level un causes contributing t 0 this development, derstanding that the war was wrong. Deserters, By this time the war had become vastly un- like GIs, were primarily from the working class popular in the genera and minorities. During the Vietnam era, middle- 1 society, demonstra class sons could hire a lawyer, "doctor or psy tions were large and te some degree respec- table, and prominent chiatrist to find a loophole in the draft laws. politicians were In fact, the vast majority of middle-class speaking out against the continuation of the war. For a youth American sons found legal ways to dodge the entering the mili- draft, leaving their places in the military to tary in these years, the war was already a questionable propos be filled by their working class and minority ition, and with the brothers. By the time many minority Americans ground war raging and the coffins coming home every day very f and poor whites learned about the Vietnam War, ew recruits were en- they were already in uniform. thusiastic about thei r situation. In addition, the rising level of black con- Desertion rates rose from minimal levels sciousness and the ra p.idly spreading dope before Johnson escalated the war in the mid culture both served t o alienate new re- 1960s, to epidemic proportions by the early cruits from military authority. Thus GIs 1970s. Desertion rates increased from 21 per thousand in 1967, or about the same as the came into uniform in this period with a fairly negative predi peak rates during the Korean War, to 52 in 1970, spos ition. and finally 73 in 1"971. By the late 1960s, Their experience i n the military and American Deserters Committees had been organ in the war transforme d this negative pre- ized in Canada, Sweden, and France alongside disposition into outr ight hostility. The exiled draft résister organizations, and AWOLs nature of the war cer tainly accelerated were commonplace in domestic American under this dissatisfaction; a seemingly endless ground circles. Although the deserter communi ground war against an often invisible ties did not at first equal the sophistication enemy, with the mass of people often of their brother draft resisters in their openly hostile, in su pport of a government understanding of the war, they made their pres both unpopular and co rrupt. ence felt in the antiwar movement. For the Since overt antiwar GI activists were first time in American history, not only did AMRISTT f»BATI the rate of desertion have a significant effect get around to discussing the amnesty question, on the morale of The military, but organized they will likely follow the same pattern. Many deserters were able to make a significant con of the "courageous" politicans saw the need for tribution to organizing against the very war amnesty, and then along came Jimmy Carter to they were supposed to be fighting. heal the nation's post-Vietnam wounds. But that's not how it happened. In brief, the situation within the military services was so serious' that it led military There wasn't any one particular point at historian Col. Robert D. Heinl to conclude in which the fight for universal and unconditional the June 1971 Armed Forces Journal that "the amnesty began. A call for amnesty went out at morale, discipline, and battleworthiness of the the Democratic National Convention in Chicago U.S. Armed Forces are, with a few salient ex in 1968, but it got lost amid the street fight ceptions, lower and worse than at any time in ing between the late Mayor Richard Daley's ges- this century and possibly in the history of the tapo and antiwar demonstrators outside, and tht United States." It is no exaggeration to say, battle between McCarthy's doves and the Johnson/ as David Cortright has, that troop withdrawals Humphrey hawks on the convention floor. In May from Vietnam were accelerated by the GI revolt 1970, Tom Hayder. spoke to a trans-Canada con and the alarming desertion rate. ference of exiled draft resisters and deserters in Montreal about using an exile campaign for Another first in American history was the amnesty as an antiwar tactic, but the time role played by veterans of the Vietnam fighting, wasn't right. At that point, much more pressing led by the Vietnam Veterans Against the War needs were before the exile community, such as (WAW). With the formation of WAW as one of helping newly-arrived war resisters find hous the antiwar movement's most effective and ac ing, jobs, and a legal status in Canada. tive organizations in the early 1970s, working- class youth were finally able to link up organ In late 1971, as the political jockeying izationally with the civilian antiwar movement. for the 1972 presidential elections began in At a time when many of the older civilian anti ernest, politicians as diverse as Sen. George war organizations and activists had run out of McGovern and Rep. Ed Koch on the left and liber gas or had moved on to other issues, Vietnam al sides of the Democratic Party, and former veterans were able to work against the war with a very special effectiveness: no longer could a cynical president pit off white, middle-class 1967 Protesting the vternem war on the itep» of the Pentagon antiwar activists against the working-class and minority youth who often had to take their places in local draft quotas. As one anonymous Vietnam veteran reflected at VVAW's Dewey Canyon III action in Washington in 1971, when after encamping in D.C. for several days, vets threw away their war medals: "It's the first time in this country's history that the men who fought a war have come to Washington to demand its halt while that war is still going on." Of course, the history of the antiwar move ment is much more complex than this brief sketch. The organizers, just to name a feWf of the Indochina Peace Campaign, the Peoples Coali tion for Peace and Justice, NPAC, returned vol unteers who had worked in Indochina, people like Don Luce, Fred Branfman,.Indochina Resource Center, Indochina Mobile Education Project, and countless other individuals and organizations played significant roles. Our struggle to end the war was a people's struggle, and its history a people's history. Sadly, that history is still largely unwritten. If the rich and power ful people who own this country's natural re sources and corporations have their way—and it was the interests of these people that the war itself served — then the history of the antiwar movement will remain unwritten, or it will be^ told from their perspective. Too many high school and college history textbooks deal with the vast popular resistance to the war by say ing that it was "courageous " politicians like the Kennedys, Gene McCarthy, George McGovern, and so on, who brought the country to its senses, and that our democratic system of its own accord righted the wrongs of this "tragic" period in American history. But we know better. The politicians never moved against the war un til they felt pressure from below, from the people who were supposed to fight, and to pay Sen. Robert Taft, Jr. from the conservative for the war with their taxes. wing of the Republican Party, made various amnesty proposals. It was becoming evident that if war And if the history textbook writers ever resisters didn't take up the amnesty issue, the mi discussion would be totally defined by the poli 'the winds to change. ticians. During the final months of 1971, Another group in NCUUA argued that if the three different groups began to focus on am only representative national amnesty organiza nesty: AMEX-Canada; the Safe Return Amnesty tion came out for less than universal, uncondi Committee; and the American Civil Liberties tional amnesty legislation, it would mean that Union Project on Amnesty. the coalition in effect no longer demanded am nesty for all categories of war resisters who needed it. Also, it was felt that it was more effective for a national organization such as NCUUA to organize mass public pressure for uni versal, unconditional amnesty, and not to get into compromising many of those we represented (e.g., veterans, deserters and civilian resis- terg) for the Congress, which would compromise even further. After several months of heated debate around the endorsement question, NCUUA came to a unanimous conclusion not to endorse compro mise legislation, A bill that put universal, unconditional amnesty into legislative form was drawn up and used as a model to which Congres sional legislation would be compared. NCUUA's 2976 national amnesty program was kicked off by "National Amnesty Week," the last week in February, which stimulated nation-wide amneaty organizing work and gave the issue in creased visibility. After National Amnesty Week, local acti vists pressed the Democratic presidential can didates on their amnesty positions during the spring primaries. Indicted draft résister Fritz Efaw, exiled in London, England, won an alter Jack Colhoun, author of this article, nate delegate seat at the Democratic Convention addresses the conference body in Mil and before the Convention was over, NCUUA was waukee. afele to get nearly 20 minutes'" of prime network television time for Gold Star mother Louise The groundwork for the foundations of an Ransom and paralyzed vet Ron Kovic to speak in amnesty coalition were laid during early 1973 favor of the nomination of draft résister Efaw when NCUUA was born. From the beginning a ten for Vice President of the United States, after sion developed between a left camp composed of which Efaw himself spoke and further explained war resisters and WAW, versus the liberal, the dimensions of the amnesty issue. Carter church, civil liberties, and anti-war groups. organizers and the party professionals who were The left wanted to make the post-war cease-fire running the Convention threatened that if Efaw Indochina war and the issue of veterans with spoke they would arrange for him to be booed less-than-Honorable discharges and civilian off the stage. But once our amnesty show began, antiwar protestors a primary issue while the we realized that, we had won a major victory. liberal groups wanted to approach amnesty from We watched the Convention crowd sit attentively a humanitarian perspective and downplay the con with pain on their faces as a little of the tinuing war. Early September 1974 came the agony of the Vietnam War captured the Convention Nixon pardon and the Ford Clemency program. floor. AMEX led the exiled war résister response to When Carte?, on his first full day as pres Ford's "earned re-entry" plan by calling a boy ident, announced a draft resisters only pardon, cott of the phony amnesty. After having called the amnesty movement utilized its media skills upon all war resisters to refuse to participate in responding to the new president's limited in the Ford Clemency Program, NCUUA convened amnesty. Amnesty and the Vietnam War were dis the National Amnesty Conference in Louisville, cussed as hotly as when the war was raging. Kentucky November, 1974 to develop a national In late January, NCUUA convened a confer amnesty program supporting the boycotting war ence of war resisters, veterans and amnesty resisters. supporters hosted by AMEX in Toronto, in which During the spring of 1975, the amnesty the amnesty movement declared its refusal to movement was also involved in its most serious stop fighting for universal and unconditional internal debate: "Would NCUUA endorse Congres amnesty. sional" amnesty legislation that was less than On April 5, 1977 Carter had his Secretary universal and unconditional?" The struggle of Defense announce the details of his pardon over this issue was tipped off by the introduc plan•for some deserters and vets with less-than- tion of several amnesty bills which offered Honorable discharges. Since then the amnesty some relief to some of those in need of amnesty. movement has attempted to make the public aware One group of people argued that if we don't of the second phase of the Carter pardon, and give the bills our support they probably won't to loudly criticize it for its severe limita pass in any form at all, and we will have^iost tions. And that's where we're at today, trying every chance of attaining any form of amnesty. to find new ways to continue an old struggle They saw pushing this legislation as the only for justice for all war resisters and all Viet real alternative TO waiting a hundred years for nam-era veterans. IISTT IPMTI PLAN FOR ACTION United Amnesty Action Week October 1 - 9 Veterans, resisters and amnesty supporters must continue to be visible and vocal. Our com munities and our politicians must be put on no tice: we are continuing our fight for total am nesty and for an end to U.S. wars of aggression. Our two previous Amnesty Weeks were highly successful— let's do it again! Use this time as a focus for attacking the Pentagon discharge program and for pressing our demands for univer sal, unconditional amnesty and a Single Type Discharge. United Amnesty Action Week is timed to em phasize the failure of the Special Discharge Re view Program, so special emphasis should be giv en to the hundreds of thousands of veterans who still need amnesty, and to the blatant racism and injustice of the turrent discharge system. We should not forget, however, to call for total amnesty for all who have been excluded so far, particularly tens of thousands of civilian resisters branded with criminal records, and The Special Discharge Review Program will those who are currently in jail or still facing limp to an end on October H. Begin now to plan charges. United we stand. for activities during United Amnesty Action Write NCUUA for an organizing guide for Week. United Amnesty Action week. Support Resisters Free Karl Armstrong Free The Pendleton 14 Fourtee n bl ack Marines are facing long pri- son se ntences fo r their acts of self-defense Karl Armstrong has already served five agains t Ku Klux Klan persecution at Camp Pendle- years of a 23-year sentence for a 1970 anti-war ton in southern California.. (See "Our Work Con- action. (See "Our Work Continues'' for details.) Civi timtes" for details .) An insidious, instituional- lian resisters have been totally excluded from ized f orm of rac ism is deeply rooted in the mi- Carter's programs. We must continue to demand litary itself, On top of that, blacks are being total amnesty for them, and we must also sup subjec ted to ope n, blatant racist actions by the port individual cases such as Karl's. Civilian KKK Their resi stance must be supported. resisters took risks in their efforts to stop the US government's prosecution of the war. They DEMONSTRATE SEPTEMBER 30 .' must not be forgotten. Their punishment must NCUUA is joining in a call for nationwide end. actions on Friday, September 30. Picket lines Letters requesting a reduction of Karl Arm at Marine Recruiting Offices are suggested as a strong's sentence should be sent to Judge Wil way to gain visibility for the Pendleton lH's liam Sachtjen, City-County Building, Madison, trial, which is expected to be in progress or Wisconsin 53709. still pending as of that date. For more information and/or to send contri To send contributions and/or for more in butions for his case, write Attorney Mark Fran- formation write the California Coalition to kel, 520 University Avenue, Madison, Wi. 53703. Free the Pendleton 14, 1200 Treat Avenue, #3, San Francisco, Ca. 9H410. 1*77 M advised by experienced counselors.unselors.* They could incriminate themselves or fail tno ttaka e advantage of defenses which might win them Honnorabl e Dis chargechargess .. Likewise, veterans with "bad papers" should get in touch with discharge upgrading counselors.* They may be able to help obtain BOYCOTT upgrades with benefits through ways that are superior to the Pentagon's "special" program. Pentagon Discharge * Contact NCUUA for names of counselor's. Program The only thing "special" about the Special Discharge Review Program is that is is a spe cial kind of fraud. A kind of fraud with which United Amnesty amnesty supporters are familiar. Still fresh in our memory is President Ford's "Clemency Program," which excluded most who needed and deserved amnesty, while heaping further pun ishment on the rest. Our response to Ford's "earned re-entry" was a massive boycott, along with continuing efforts to educate our communi ties and to keep up the momentum for total am ACTION nesty. Ford's eoverup was thoroughly exposed, and fell flat on its face. Two years later Jimmy Carter and the Pen Week Oct. 1-9 tagon have teamed up to give us "Shamnesty - Phase 2," Called the Special Discharge Review A boycott is a strong, united response— but it Program (SDRP), it attempts to dissipate the is not enough. NCUUA is calling for concerted, growing pressure for amnesty for veterans with coordinated national actions. See page S3. less-than-Honorable discharges and for the re placement of the unjast, arbitrary and racist discharge system with a non-discriminatory Single Type Discharge. It excludes hundreds of thousands of veter ans (.see inside for details) and upgrades some discharges— most of them to General, not to Honorable. Employers discriminate against holders of General Discharges, but at least vet erans benefits, however measly, would be given to the pre'dominantly poor and disproportionate ly black and other Third World "bad paper" vets whose discharges are upgraded. But, alas, the Congress, currently involved in an orgy of re > JT(»0 O; action, is in the process of launching legisla n » ;••• •-% r? tion which would deny benefits to many of those rr 13. CA ft who do manage to get their discharge upgraded , Trt Cr. •*• « :o>•o O a under the SDRP. (.See inside for details. ) Un «<• e» ~ JO •< fortunately, this legislation is almost certain r** f-i tp.e to pass and a Presidential veto is highly un tj » t) B likely. s $ On, at -< «* *• The majority sentiment at NCUUA's recent et r. •s National Conference was to "wait and see" what rt O •7 would happen in Congress before deciding to f.. :•-- r n boycott the Pentagon program. a We have waited and we have seen. ? •-.- We have been in close touch with our Wash •; ington contacts and with discharge counselors ... around the country. Our new Steering Committee » has decided unanimously to call on veterans to T~ < boycott this sham— for their own good and for the good of us all. Under a separate part of the Carter/Penta gon maneuver, eligible deserters may submit themselves to military authorities and be uickly processed out of the military with Un- Sesireable Discharges, thus escaping imprison ment. An Undesireable Discharge is not amnesty, but we believe deserters who wish to return fro« exile or underground should take advantage. of this program. Deserters should not boycott what may be their last chance for some time to easily escape prosecution. But beware. Deserters should not contact the ailitary in any way before being thoroughly