by Ken Butigan Test Site simply to pray, act, and bear wit- nuclear-free future, these activities have "We went to the Test Site for a really ness for . often been designed to undermine a beautifir1 interfaith service. Then I, Overcoming "Usn and "Themn deeply-rooted conviction that "we" are the along with many others, crossed the Since then, NDE has welcomed thou- people of truth and peace and "they" are line. In the desert I felt very peace&l. sands of people from around the world to people (if people at all) of evil and vio- Everything was really reduced to the engage in a set of powerful spiritual prac- lence. For nearly two decades, NDE pil- basics: earth, air, fire, and water.... I tices at the . As an inte- grims have created rituals that emphasize thought a lot about the message that gral part of its effort to fashion a (See Butigan, continued on page 2) comes through much spiritual writing, that there is one boundless reality, hnd at the same time, we are grounded in Nuclear Abolitionists Pray at our individual separate bodies. The desert was a good place to reflect on 10s Alamos Nuclear Laboratory boundaries, because it did seem so lim- itless and simultaneously I was very by Diana Winston but had to be rescheduled due to the fires aware of being one person, breathing From September 5-8, we held a retreat in New Mexico. my breath and feeling my own body on and vigil at Los Alamos National Labo- We met at Ponderosa Pine Camp- ratory (LANL). The retreat was orga- ground, pitched our tents, spent several the ground. ....Crossing the line is an act of liberation, of declaring this is a nized by people from the Los Alamos hours organizing, as many of the details false Iine [hat is not true. The line of Study Group, Mountain Cloud Zen Cen- had not yet been worked out, and intro- the government is a false Iine because ter (both in Santa Fe, NM) and the Bud- duced hrselves. In a parking lot in the it pretends we are not all afSected by dhist Peace Fellowship (BPF). The re- isolated nether-regions of the lab we were (See Winston, continued on page 6) the test site: it pretends such divisions treat had originally been planned for May, are even possible. " -Jean McElhaney The Beginnings On December 18,1950 President Harry Truman approved the opening of the Ne- vada Test Site. , the first series of atmospheric tests at the new fa- cility began on January 27,195 1 at an area called Frenchman's Flat. Thirty years later, as the Reagan administration urged dramatic increases in U.S. military spend- ing and the United States and the Soviet Union escalated their decades-old nuclear arms race, a small band of Franciscan sis- ters, Franciscan priests and brothers, and laity gathered at the gates of the Nevada 20 years of resistance to Nuclear Weapons! (LDE XX: see poster) Some of the retreatants from California & New Mexico meditate in the parking lot designated for a week of quiet abolitionist activity at Los Alamos Lab. (Butigan, continued from page 7) of care and respect that the desert itself ney of "crossing over" onto restricted and the humanity of people on both sides of seems to counsel. For many, the desert taboo space: "crossing over" to the desert "the line." As long time NDE participant has became a place for gently contem- and to the government officials who oc- Julia Occhiogrosso puts it: "T'here is a plating their own woundedness and sa- cupy it. In doing so, NDE has struck a definition of approach and style. NDE credness - for "crossing over" to see both delicate balance between opposition and has its.. .code of . There is a the roots of nuclearism within and the roots openness. This "compassionate contes- way of seeing ourselves in the world, a of its healing within as well. tation" has created the possibility for many way of seeing ourselves in relation to the "Civil Disobedience as people to take part in significant and grow- opponent. ...I think the bottom line is the "Crossing Overn ing resistance. deeper sense of understanding who we Nevada Desert Experience dramatized Beginning with the first vigil in 1982, are we recognize that we have a lot in this spiritual practice most vividly through NDE and [the] NTS intuitively worked common." Occhiogrosso attributes the faith-based nonviolent civil disobedience. out a relationship that, in the end, encour- persistence of this commitment - a pledge This form of public action, while not wel- aged the creation, deepening, and broad- to break the spell of enmity between wit- comed by NTS management, neverthe- ening of a modern anti-nuclear testing ness participant and NTS personnel-- to less was designed by NDE to deepen, movement that played a decisive role in the Catholic Christian conception of the rather than scuttle, the relationship with creatingthe moral and political conditions "mystical Body of Christ" which implies these so-called opponents. As Julia for the 1992 moratorium on nuclear test- that "God is everywhere, and that we all Occhiogrosso suggests, the contrast be- ing in Nevada and the promulgation of the somehow interconnected., . We all were tween "threat force" and "integrative Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. somehow mysteriously one." force" made a deep and consequential But it's also true that the in~plications impact on all witnesses, including those Ken Butigan, a former NDE board of this approach were drawn out and re- "on the other side ofthe line." The sym- member, has recently completed his alized only through interaction. As NDE bolic language ... -the inspirited body - Ph.D. dissertation ~rtthe Graduate co-founder Michael AMeck emphasizes, helped extend a conversation to NTS per- 'lheological Union entitled Journey NDE people had as much to learn about sonnel, but also to the wider society. through a Burning World: Nonviolence "the desire for the well-being ofall" from Civil disobedience at the Nevada Test in Action at the Nevada Test Site. This Nye County Sheriff Jim Merlino and Test Site has become a spiritualjourney. The study focuses on NDE and its first ------Site Manager BoGme7-son as they had to cufmiGtkG-of the soj5urn tothe vicin'i5 for.FIday vzgzT at NTS in 1982. he learn from the NDE participants. And and the procession to the gate, [nonvio- excerpt nbove is the second installment this learning took place in a kind of deli- lent civil resistance] has become a jour- published by Desert Voices. cate ballet between the contending par- ties on the grounds of the Nevada Test Site. Over the last eighteen years, both sides ofthese invisible lines, have had to learn how to "cross over" to one another. This "crossing over" was perennially dra- matized in the process of NDE partici- pants respecting their opponents even as they struggled with them. At the same time, many NDE partici- pants have also "crossed over" to an en- counter with the wounded and sacred desert. Many accounts offered by NDE pilgrims testify to the unutterably beauti- ful and graceful desert terrain where the Test Site is situated. It is as if this unex- pected beauty re-frames one's orientation from focusing on the horrors of nuclear war to the tenderness of the world and its beings. It is not that the anger and horror disappears, but it is re-contextualized within the horizon of compassion, a sense

PACE 2, Desert Voices First Lenten Desert Experience, April 1982 Nellis Air Force Base Fails Nuclear Weapons Inspection /7y Marcus P B Pizge obey us: we are secure." Far from being a The Base sent photographers to videotape After notifping Major General Johnston matter of self-defense, such threats known and shoot still photos of the fust five people (and two Lieutenant Colonels) of our intent as "deterrence" are OFFENSIVE; they are in- vigilling in the first hour. (Vigillers arriving to conduct a Citizen's Weapons Inspection herently violent, and in their indiscriminate later than 10:30 am did not have their photos at Nellis Air Force Base, NDE held a v~gilout- scope of mega-violence, actually contradict taken at close range.) Major Zabbo and Chap- side ofthe Visitor's Gate on October 16,2000. the traditional discipline of warriors. The be- lain Major Stutts were very cordial, polite and We invited the Base to show us their nuclear lief that using nuclear weapons can be a rea- accommodating of our needs that did not per- weapons (about 400 stored there on the out- sonable military tactic is one reason NDE held tain to an actual INSPECTION of Nellis Air skirts ofour town). The Base is near the enor- a vigil that day. Force Base. We were not hindered from our rnously larger Nellis Bombing range, which We had hoped Nellis AFB would allow us prayer that all people (including those whose encompasses the Nevada Test Site and the to inspect the weapons of mass destruction, jobs depend on the Pentagon) will work to infamous "Area 5 1". All ofthat land, ofcourse, as it is the duty of conscientious citizens all support life instead of preparing for nuclear is part of the Western Shoshone Nation's around the earth to stop the violence. Bound war. (But should our prayer become more pro- homelands known as Newe Sogobia. But by conscience and international law requir- active, we were warned of certain conse- Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), so close to the ing us to prevent crimes against humanity, quences.) Regarding the matter of potential "nuclear-free zone" of , NV, is not we went to the Base to uphold moral stan- crimes against humanity or war crimes, the coming clean about their weapons of mass dards for soldiers and civilians alike. We held tactic upheld by our Major liaisons was non- destruction. a vigil which included passing out flyers to comvliance with an inspection. The policy of The official policy is to neither deny nor interested n~otoristsand pedestrians. The fly- nuclear deterrence has extended to profes- confirm the presence of nuclear weapons at ers contained quotes from former Generals sional deterrence, as the Base actually threat- Nellis. So it is difficult Ibr the Base to commu- who have begun to decry the nuclearism they ened the Citizen Inspectors with arrest, fines, nicate with us about these deadly facts. Colo- once defended. Coming from high-ranking and jail time, should anyone try to "cross the nel Delwyn R. Eulberg sent us a letter stating: pro-military individuals, these statements line", i.e, approach the Visitor's Gate to begin "For safety and security reasons, however, against nuclear weaponry should be taken the inspection. None of us were prepared to visitors are not permitted on the Nellis Air seriously by other pro-military individuals. Or risk arrest. In a sense, we reflected the failure Force Base installation." so we thought. As some of the Air Force per- of the Base to act courageously. Were we giv- For "security & safety" reasons? How safe sonnel said from their vehicles during our ing the empire the benefit of the doubt? arc: nuclear weapons? I guess all of us, (even vigil. they must do their jobs. Jzrsrfbllowing This, as far as we know, was the first chance more our institutions), are capable of ignor- orciers, mum We were there to remind them, for Nellis AFB to identi@itself as "not-guilty" Ing cognitive dissonance and denying our that "while you are part of the military, each of conspiracy to commit genocide. Unfortu- truths. For the sake of the larger realm of se- of you has not forfeited your right to prevent nately, they fell in line with the rest ofthe U.S. curity and safety, we are compelled to work war crimes, nor your right to freedom of subterfuge. Despite the age-old tradition of for nuclear abolition, for no human is SAFE thought. You are legally protected by the consensual violence between warring parties, from the radioactive hazards of nuclear bombs. Nuremberg Principles (established after the the US. military consistently chooses death The SECURITY they offer is at theexpense of Nazi war crime trials following WWII) to take for the masses, and threatens eco-cide. So, of others. rhis is the security that says: "Be- action to prevent human-engineered catas- course, Nellis AFB failed this inspection, due cause my people are ready lo commit geno- trophes." (Excerpted from my follow-up letter to non-compliance. We are saddened that the cide against your people, we know you will to the Base.) entire military establishment irritates any pros- pect of peacemaking, perpetuates our nation's failure to abolish nuclear weapons, and ulti- mately terrorizes people~reatingmore hell on earth for future generations. Perhaps some- day we will all have success-if Nellis finds another opportunity to confess their war crimes, their hypocrisy, their deception of "defenseu-before it's too late. More impor- tantly, the personnel there can still turn from the works of war to the works of mercy. For Love's sake we need to keep inviting them to do so.

Marc Page is the Las Vegas manager oj'NDE. In his spare tinre, he operates Catholic Worker Kommrtnity Radio.

First monthly vigil at the entrance to Los Alamos National Laboratory on0ct. 26,2000. On left is Marcus Page of NDE, on right is Vilma Ruiz of Los Alamos Study Croup. Lenten Desert Experience XX: Twenty Year: 1 Weekend Retreat and Action I Ash Wednesd "Remember, Reflect & Renew the Covenant" WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28th, 2001: I' followed by Noon Mass and Discussion Friday, March 2nd to Sunday, March 4th, 2001 Christ Church Episcopal, Las Vegas, NV and the Nevada Test Site . Co-sponsored by the Episcopal Peace Fellowship & All Saints Nuclear Weapons Abolition Ministry

Join BR UCE GAGNON of the Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space, JANET CHISHOLM of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship, PA ULA OLIVARES ofA11 Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena and Bishop TOM GUMBLETON of Detroit. - During this weekend retreat, we will pray about the ongoing violence of nuclear weapons "stewardship", be updated on the latest developments in the weaponization of space, discuss how we feel about these issues, spend time praying amidst the natural beauty of the desert, and practice the ritual of "crossing the linematthe Nevada Test Site. The Journey of Embra At the retreat in Las Vegas and at the nearby nuclear Test Site, we will Co-Sponsored by NDE, Center for A "Remember, Reflect and Renew the Covenant." Friday, there will be an Monday to Saturday, February 5th to 10th. 200 1 optional day-long tour of the Test Site. Saturday, we will hear Bruce Gagnon or Monday to Saturday, May 2 1st to 26th. 200 1. Join us for a new week-long immersion experienc of the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space. Corbin where we will explore the violence of nuclear weal Harney (Western Shoshone Spiritual Leader) will invite us to take action, ons, the spirituality & practice of active nonviolenc Janet Chisholm (Interim Co-Director of Fellowship of Reconciliation) and and the discipline of contemplative prayer. We wi Tom Gurnbleton (Catholic Bishop, Detroit) will lead reflections on "Fol- also practice yoga. lowing Jesus into the Desert." Sunday, the Reverend Shari Young will It is possible, even probable that New Mexico hi the most extensive nuclear weapons research, ma preach and celebrate the Eucharist in preparation for Nonviolent Action at agement, testing and training facilities in the worll the Test Site. Registration is $75/person includes the program, optional We will enter into this "nuclear colony" through s bus tour and five meals Friday lunch through Saturday supper ($50 before on-site visit to Los Alamos National Lab & respor January 27). Sleeping bag space will be available at Christ Church. Motel to it by joining in a public witness condemning tl rooms are available at additional expense. weaponization of space. This week is a chance to lea about society's greatest expression of violence: weal ons of mass destruction. REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR TEST SITE TOUR IS JAN. 27TH Undergirding this experience will be our prayer ar reflection. THESE ARMS OF OURS is for anyor PLEASE REGISTER USING FORM AT RIGHT who desires to grapple with the reality of nuclear weal brning Prayer & Action at the Nevada Test Site, jith Catholic Bishop TOM GUMBLETON.

Walk from Las Vegas to the Test Site Sunday, April 8th to Friday, April 13th 2001 Walk 65 Miles in 5 days! WALK INCLUDES Desert Seder meal and Nuclear Stations Of The Cross. TO REGISTER SEND IN FORM BELOW Q

These activities arepcrrt ofthe DECADE OF PEACE & NONVIOLENCE. The Nobel Peace Laureates have caliedjor llzis ten-year campaign (2000-201 0). Nevada Desert Experience joins this effort by continuing the work to end the violence of nuclear

I SEND THIS FORM TO: I 1 Nevada Desert Experience, P. 0. Box 46645, Las Vegas NV 891 14-6645 1 ing Active Nonviolence I :ion and Contemplation & Pace E Bene I Name(s): I ons from a faith perspective, and who is committed I Address: I I I to an in-depth exploration ofone's own woundedness City: State: Zip: & sacredness, as well as that of one's opponent. I I Presenters Include: Cindy Pile, Kathleen O'Malley, I Phone(s): I Bruce Gagnon, Jim Reale & Richard Rohr. I e-mail: I The FEBRUARY version of this program costs I O I WILL ATTEND THE WEEKEND RETREAT. I $475 and includes meals, transportation, and materi- I q I WILL ATTEND THE D.O.E. TEST SITE TOUR. /Deadline is Jan. 27!) 1 als. It does NOT include housing. Scholarships and I 0 I WILL JOIN THE PEACE WALK. I payment plans available. 0 ENCLOSED IS $1 5 FOR THE VIDEO: NDE IN THE NUCLEAR AGE The later (MAY) version of this program--for col- I I lege students and full-time young adult I 0 Here is myfour registration fee: O $50 0$100 0$150 I volunteers--costs $200 and includes sleeping bag ac- I O other $ I commodations. (Please note that the fee is subsidised I The RETREAT costs $50 per person. The WALK costs $50 per person. I for the May 2 1 st-26th version as to be affordable for I (No one is turned away for lack of funds.) I this specific non-wage-earning population.) I O I can't join the WALK nor the RETREAT this year. Here is a donation to I Please contact Center for Action and Contempla- I sponsor others: $ I tion for more info: P.O.Box 12464, Albuquerque, NM I 0 I will drive a car to the RETREAT (with room for people) I 87 195 or phone (505) 242-9588. Or call Cindy Pile I O I will drive a car for the WALK (with room for people) I of NDE: (5 10) 849-1540. L,---,---,------,-I bne: (702) 646-4814, Web: NevadaDesertExperience.org E-mail: [email protected] I Nevada Desert Experience Represented at Conference of Women for Responsible National Security Nevada Desert Experience (NDE) Executive nesota Alliance of Peacemakers, and Wendy spective organizations," stated Sally. Director Sally Light represented NDE in a Dec. Starman of Nuclear ReductiodDisarmament For further information on the conference as 2-3,2000 event in Washington, D.C., the Con- Initiative. "The conference was an excellent well as on the two year campaign, please con- ference of Women for Responsible National opportunity for networking and forging ties tact NDE (at P.O. Box 46645, Las Vegas,- NV Security. 140 women from across the country with eminent women activists and their re- 1 891 14-6645,(702)6464814. attended the event, which is the kick-off of a I two year public education campaign, headed by Peace Links, on nuclear and missile de- I I 50th Anniversary of First Nuclear Explosion at Test Site! fense issues. Participating on a panel entitled Atomic Vets plan event for January 27, 2001 "Constituency-Based Organizing," Sally Light spoke about NDE's past accomplishments as January 27th 200 1 will be the 50th anniversary ofthe first nuclear explosion at the Nevada well as its plans to rapidly expand its activi- Test Site. This weekend is sponsored by the Alliance of Atomic Veterans (AAV) and will ties in order to meet the challenge of the US'S include a SATURDAY RALLY & ACTION at the Test Site, a TEACH-IN (on Friday) in Las current rise in militarism, including nuclear is- Vegas, focusing on atmospheric testing, nuclear submarines, depleted uranium, atomic sues. Others on the panel included Doloris workers, and other issues, and a SUNDAY SOLIDARITY SPEAK-OUT in Las Vegas, Cogan of Peace Links in Elkhart County (Indi- where we can share issues and action ideas for the new administration of the U.S.A. ana), Tiffany Heath of Church Women United, FOR MORE INFO, contact Charlie Hilfenhaus: Phone: (702) 648-1575, ernail: Annette Kane of the National ~ounc'ilof or contact Marcus Page: (702) 646-48 14. Catholic Women, Mary Lou Nelson of Min-

(Winslon, continztedji.om page I) vices at the Lab. We took a break for lunch (or capacity for it). There were several discus- to set up our "zendo" which consisted of a and a daily field trip, and resumed our sitting sions among our group around the delusion giant blue tarp and many brown zabutons and about 2:30 till 5:30. Later we returned to the needed to maintain the facade and where was zafus (pads to sit upon while meditating). Very campground for soup and an evening pro- morality in all ofthis? How does one live with few of the 12,000 workers would get to see gram. As this was an interfaith retreat, several the disconnect between one's values and- - us; nevertheless, we persevered. Our only people had never meditated before. So we one's work? Many of us sat with lab workers shade in the ninety degree heat would be from combined sitting and walking meditation with during lunch, two to four at a table, some of us the shadows emitted from our carefully posi- dharma talks, a beautiful Christian prayer ser- debating our political agenda, others listen- tioned RV, which we rented when the lab re- vice with readings from Dorothy Day's auto- ing solemnly to the "other's" point of view. hsed us access to their toilets. The RV was biography, and powerful chanting led by Ed Did our presence make a difference at all? fondly dubbed, the Protestmobile. On the first Rippy from Soka Gakkai International. Maylie's For LANL workers, retreatants, the nuclear age. morning Greg Mello, Director of the Los dharma talk had us inquire into "who" was or socially engaged Buddhism in general? Alamos Study Group, gave us a tour around meditating and performing this vigil. Donald FOR THE LAB WORKERS: It is hard to say. the lab, showing us where plutonium was talked on structural violence and why it's hard They were definitely aware of our presence stored, where the original bombs had been to respond to. One morning we did Christian through their intranet and the obvious wan- developed before they exploded over meditation, on another, metta, on another, dering with large sun hats in [he caf- and Nagasaki, which pueblos had zazen. eteria. 'They were somewhat conhsed by us been destroyed to set up the lab, and where One of the most striking pieces of our time as we definitely didn't fit the classical mode of genetic research was being done. was lunch when we ate at the cafeteria with protester-- we weren't shouting. we didn't The retreat had a beautihd low-key com- the lab workers. Most of us felt it was an ex- have signs, no police were detaining us. But munity feel where the twenty ofus grew quite tremely odd experience in that we were eating our sitting site was very isolated, far from the close. Many of us were from BPF , including in a setting much reminiscent ofa college caf- majority of workers. I often wondered if we Maylie Scott, Trena Cleland, Donald eteria, with thousands of workers all dressed were having any impact at all. On the first Rothberg, Kaz Tanahashi, Greg Mello, Sarah in casual clothes, looking very much like any- morning, however, a woman, clearly a lab and Stefan Laeng-Gilliat. In addition, there one else. Yet there was something slightly worker, walked into our parking lot, and stood were several Christians affiliated with the Cen- off-- the fact that these people were either in front of each of us and bowed. It was an ter For Action & Contemplation (Albuquer- working directly on or in support of the ma- extremely poignant monient for all ofus. Later que, NM), the Sisters of Loretto, and Nevada chinery for weapons of mass destruction. As she came back and offered a bouquet of flow- Desert Experience. Kaz said, the suffering here is not obvious ers which we later offered to the earth in a Three morning sits (meditation sessions) like at Auschwitz, it's too beautiful and cheer- healing prayer. and breakfast were held at the campground. ful here (incidentally, Oppenheimer chose Los FORTHE MDMDUALS PARTICIPATING: This was followed by meditations and ser- Alamos because he liked to go hiking in the Yes. Several of us felt we had learned a lot area). Instead you have to interpret it to real- both about the issues and about what it meant ize there is just as much if not more suffering to sit in meditation and solidarity for our be- College Student Irn~iersion Experiences NDE, the Las Vegas Catholic Worker and of nuclear weapons by working with home- Pace e Bene Franciscan Nonviolence Cen- less people through the Catholic Worker and ter invite all college students, campus min- listening to the stories of the Western isters and professors to help 11s organize Shoshone people whose land has been used week-long immersion experienceslsemi- for testing. We will conclude our time to- nars in collaboration with your universi- gether by traveling to the Nevada Test Site ties. We can tailor them to meet the needs and holding a prayerful, nonviolent public of your school. You can probably receive witness which the group will help to cre- academic credit for attending one. These ate. This experience will include prayer, re- immersion experiences can take place dur- flection on our shared experiences and the ing your spring, winter, or summer dynamics of violence and active nonvio- breaks-hopefully the first one will take lence, as well as nonviolence training. place in mid-March. Contact Cindy Pile AS SOON AS POS- Duringour time together we will explore SIBLE for more information or registration the violence ofnuclear weapons by joining forms: (5 10) 849-1540 or a Department of Energy tour at the Test [email protected]. Site, as well as obstacles which keep us from viewing such violence by visiting the PS. If you are a high school stzccient Las Vegas Strip. We will consider the hu- und are intetvsted in a similar experience. man. economic and environmental costs please give us a rhg, os well liefs, even if at times it was humiliating. I per- able expression of socially engaged Bud- March 1 6-1 8,2001 sonally had insight into the ways in which my dhism. inner struggles mirror those of the people who FORTHE FUTURE OF NUCLEARISM? Well "oin us at the home of the create nuclear weapons. We are all.fearful and it certainly was a way to make us feel like a i are seeking ways to make the world seem un- tiny pebble in a vast ocean, but this is where ,Army's Space & Missile Defense der our control. We all want power and fear my trust in the dharma is vast. Here 1 surren- po\ver-lessness. 1 do too. One group member der to the mystery and say, who knows? The Zomrnand where space weapons said when she was sitting on the tarmac in the dharma is mysterious and as we used as a and the nuclear iocket beating-down sun, as embarrassing as it was, refrain many times on this retreat: sometimes in that moment there was nothing else she we forget that the power of love and compas- erF are being developed. wished she could be doing. Sitting there rep- sion is stronger than the power of violence resented the perfect synthesis of her dharma and destruction. The earth was happy we uloual newom Agarnm weapons practice and her wish for peace. were there. This much we knew. & Nuclear Powerin Spa& \- FOR EACH OTHER: Unquestionably yes. PO ~dx90083 Gii&hi.R 32~., This was a tremendous time of community Diana IVinston is part of'the Buddhist Peace (352) 331-927&* &babet@mindspring~com building and strengthening of ties, particularly Fellowship. among ourselves as a socially engaged Bud- [EDITOR'S NOTE: This retreat gave birth dhist community and among the interfaith to a desirefor regzrlar; ttzonthly vigils & medi- 'allowing WWII, Nazi rocket scientists were groups. Everyone agreed that we wanted to tation at Los Alamos National Lnhorutory rought to Huntsville to develop the U.S. spacc hold the event again next year, and many (LANL). The vigils are now on the last Thurs- lrogram. Today, ~Iuntsville'sArmy Redstone people volunteered to work on it. We worked day of each tnonth (except Decettiber). LA NL irsenal is in charge ofthe Theatre Missile Defense together, strategized together, spent hours in failed to give permission for such on activiv 'I'MD) system, and NASA's Marshall Space Flight logistical debates, painted together, talked .for the October pra1)er.s and etnployees were :enter is developing the nuclear rocket. Huntsville about the deeper issues together, and grew in quite upset when three people stood in front s also being considered as the space-based laser community together. ofthe Lab entrance sign holding an NDE :st site. This conference and protcst will bring FOR SOCIALLY ENGAGED BUDDHISM: banner proclainzing "Abolish ~t~z~clearWeap- >getherkey activists like South African poet Den- Definitely. The retreat represented a new form ons". Upon contact with Lab Security, thr is Brutus, Janet Cuevas, Bruce Gagnon, Holly ;,inn Graham, Karl Grossman, Andrew of Buddhisthterfaith protest where we prac- vigil ceased and was voluntarily moved ofl .ichterman, NDE's Sally Light, Peter Lumsdaine, ticed and sat for our beliefs. I think it is cer- ofLAhiL k propervfor the day. In November; :hrisNey, Alice Slatcr, Rill Sulzman, David WJ- permission was ohtuined from LANL for tainly worth replicating as our tradition devel- :rs, and others.This event will be co-sponsored ops, and can be a powerful form ofprotest for prayer: IeuJletting, and vigilling on LANL 's y the and other issues, and an offering to the activist property. Contact the Los Alamos Study \lorth Alabama Chapter). community in general.This experiment in form Group to get involved with this faith-based and in practice is clearly one extremely valu- resistance: (505) 982- 7747.1 PACE 7, September 2000 1 Nevada Desert Experience is a non- 1 NEW VIDEO AVAILABLE! profit group, with 501~3status, so your donations are taxdeductable. If This new video explains the purpose and activities of Nevada Desert Experi- you need a receipt for your tax ence in the context of the movement to abolish nuclear weapons. It also sum- records, please don't hesitate to ask! marizes the history of both nuclearism and nonviolent activism to stop the We are happy to provide receipts nuclear industries. $1 5, see order form on page 5. upon request for your donations.

Nevada Desert Experience P. 46645 0. Box U.S. Postage Las Vegas, NV b9 14 1 WEAPONS TESTING! PAID On December 14th2000, the Nevada Test Site Las Vegas, NV exploded another subcritical test (Obos-6). Permit # 1009 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED .

Calendar of Faith-Based Nuclear Abolition Events January 26-28,2001: Remember Overation Ranger-50th an- April 813,2001: Peace Walk. Holy Thursday Seder & Good niversary of nuclear bombing at the Nevada Test Site (see ad Friday Nuclear Stations Of The Cross at the Nevada (Nuclear) on page 6); for more info e-mail Charlie Hilfenhaus of the Alli- Test Site. ance of Atomic Vets: [email protected] or call Marc Page May 6-11, 2001: Shoshone Spirit Run around Nevada Test of NDE: (702) 646-48 14. Site. Contact Shundahai Network for more info: (775) 537-6088. February 5-10,2001: Embracinn Active Nonviolence at the May 11-14, 2001: Mother's Day Gathering at the Nevada Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in New Mexico Test Site. Contact Shundahai Network for info: (775) 537-6088. (see ad on page 4 &5). Please contact CAC for more info: May 21-26,2001: Embracinn Active Nonviolence at the CAC,

PO Box 2464, Albuquerque,- - NM 87195 call Tepeyec: (505) youth focus, see February 5-1 0 for info. 242- 1846 . This event is co-sponsored by CAC, NDE and Pace e Bene (see poster page 4 & 5 for details). February 10, 2001: Noon to 3:00 p.m. Protest Vigil at the Once in a great while, we share our mailing list for one-use only on 18th Nuclear Space Symposium: Albuquerque, NM; contact specific solidarity work with other peace &justice groups. Desert Global Network for more info: (352) 337-9274 Voices currently has a circulation of 4,600. Only 7 people have [email protected] www.space4peace.org asked to not be included at such rare times that we share our mail- ing list. Anyone who wishes to NOT have his/her/their names February 28, 2001: Ash Wednesday Prayer and Action at given out for these occasions should let us know, so we may pro- Nevada Test Site (see poster on page 4 and 5) tect their names on our database from being shared periodically March 2-4,2001: Weekend Retreat co-sponsored by EPF & with other groups. If you so desire, please notifi us so we may All Saints Episcopal Church Nuclear Weapons Abolition Minis- keep your name from being included on any list that we occasion- try of Pasadena, CA. ally give out. March 16-18, 2001: Conference and Protea re: Nuclear CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: Space: Huntsville, Alabama; see ad on page 7 or contact Global . . . - - Network for more info: (352) 337-9274 I www.NevadaDesertExperience.org