FOUNDED IN 1963 Our Fifth Decade WASHINGTON Working for SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Peace & Justice Peace Letter June, 2006 Published by the Washington Peace Center Vol. 42, No. 2 Eye on Iran accusations of a clandestine nuclear By John Steinbach weapons program. Even if Iran were pursuing The current efforts by the nuclear weapons, and there is not Bush administration to demonize one scintilla of evidence Iran have a strong sense of deja vu. supporting this accusation, As with the build-up to the according to the CIA it would take invasion of Iraq, they are engaging Iran ten years to develop nuclear in exaggeration, falsification of weapons. facts, and emotionalism to justify a In addition, even if Iran possible attack on Iran. developed nuclear weapons it would be national suicide were they to be used. (Iran is surrounded by nuclear states, Israel, Pakistan, 25 Years At The White House Gates India, Russia, and the United States in Iraq.) Longest Continuous Vigil Anywhere? See pages 5-8 These accusations of nuclear malfeasance reek of hypocrisy. Iran, a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, unlike India, Israel and Pakistan, has opened up its nuclear facilities to three years of unprecedented international inspections. Unfortunately, this time Bush is The only violations found were being aided and abetted by the issues of transparency. Meanwhile, Democrats, with Senators Clinton the United States, which is in gross and Lieberman, in particular, violation of the NPT for its refusal ratcheting up the pressure. to take steps toward total nuclear Brother Damu, DC Homeless The principal rationalization for disarmament, would never permit the drumbeats for war is Iran’s such inspections of its own nuclear We Miss You! Crisis nuclear research program, and facilities. Roger Newell and Art Laffin Becky Sambol explores COMMUNITY TURNS OUT AGAINST IRAN WAR... p. 4 honor Damu Smith - page 3 city failures on page 9 The Summer of Youth Resistance To The Iraq War From June 26th - August 8th we’ll and vocally demand an end to the war. space by using political art forms their experience. Stay tuned for more convene approximately a dozen 17- A consortium of national and local like guerrilla theater, as well as information as this effort gains 24 years olds in a program of groups are collaborating to bring learning how to organize a momentum Contact SOR program nonviolent resistance to the war on energetic young people to the demonstration and other events. They coordinator Lyndi Borne at Iraq. These youth will develop skills Nation’s capital, focusing on “arts will intern part-time with local and 202-299-1050 to learn more. See and take them to the street to visibly in action.” Youth will reclaim public national anti-war groups to diversify www.summerofresistance.org, In This Issue Non-Profit Org. Washington Peace Center U.S. Postage 1426 9th Street NW, Suite 306 PAID Peace Center Update ...... 2 Washington, DC 20001 Washington, Brother Damu, We Miss You ...... 3 D.C. (202) 234-2000 Permit No. 9613 No Armageddon For Bush! ...... 4 address correction requested 25 Years: photo essay of White House Antinuclear Vigil . . 5-8 D.C. Homeless Crisis ...... 9 Faith and Resistance ...... 10 Our Fifth Decade Working for Peace DC Immigrants March For Inalienable Rights ...... 11 & Justice Little Friends For Peace ...... 11 A Spring Break Not To Forget (New Orleans) ...... 11 Peace and Justice Calendar...... 12 Washington Peace Center Update Peace What’s Happening? Operation Refuse War Center In May, we collaborated with the EYE Program Center on Conscience and War, War 1426 9th Street NW, Suite 306 Resisters International, American Washington, DC 20001 We are still in the pilot stage of Friends Service Committee & the 202.234.2000 our Educational Youth Empower- Central Committee for ment program. In the fall, we look Mkawasi Mcharo and Paul Magno washingtonpeacecenter.org Co-Coordinators Conscientious Objectors to host forward to a continued collabora- Operation Refuse War, this year’s [email protected] tion with Maya Angelou School western multinationals, the war in international conscientious and other new partners. Dafur, the civil unrest in Uganda, and objectors’ conference. We welcome volunteer a myriad other armed conflicts, what Part took place in New York City The Washington Peace Center is Instructors who will help us teach is the hope of Africa? The audience May 10-12, the rest at the Church of a non-profit, anti-racist, multi-issue peace to high school students brought in a good deal of knowledge the Brethren in Washington May 12- peace and justice organization com- through our EYE curriculum. towards answering t his question. This 16. This included: mitted to nonviolent social change. We also ask teachers who are event was in collaboration with the * a pre-release showing of ‘Sir, No interested in having our Instructions The Peace Center serves as a clear- CCJP-initiated group, African Sir,’ a terrific film about Vietnam Era come to your school to contact us Liberation and Anti-Imperialism conscientious objection within the inghouse and resource center and has and schedule a workshop. Please circle. U.S. military, provided peace education and ac- visit our website for details. As always, peace is the challenge in * two days of presentations and tion in the Metropolitan area since every Peace Talks. Please contact us workshops involving 40-50 attendees, 1963. We are supported by the gen- Peace Talks Series: for an update on the next Peace * a representative contingent erous contributions of our readers. Talks, and watch for announcements featured in the Silent March on May In April’s Peace talks came Paul on our email list (you can sign up at 13th, accompanying the AFSC Staff Interns Pumphrey’s challenging insight on our website). Our number is exhibition, ‘Eyes Wide Open’ on the Paul Magno Sofia Aziz Haiti. He came armed with evidence 202.234.2000. Mall, MKawasi Mcharo Ebiel Barbos that challenged the popular belief * a day of Capitol Hill visits on Ramesh Deshar that Aristide has always been the At Ease May 16th to sensitize members of Board people’s choice. “Two wrongs don’t (Art that enlightens, agitates, Congress on these issues, and Kristen Arant Volunteers make a right”, he said, pointing out speaks and empowers): * a very spirited early evening Kit Bonson Sarah Magno that the US-led kidnapping of demonstration at a downtown Shahid Buttar Tom O’Hora Aristide was not a reason to erase Our At Ease program lends a recruiting center on May 15th. Vanessa Dixon MJ Park the fact that Aristide had lost touch platform for artist activists. It was Internationals from seventeen with the people. Mr. Pumphrey countries participated in Operation Juliana Landim Becky Sambol graced by Professor Jerry Levy of continues to engage in debates on Refuse War. Louis Leibowitz Vermont, starring in the play, “Marx Tech Support Haiti, perchance to find a road to In conjunction with the Jim MacDonald in SoHo.” In March, the Peace Riley Hamilton peace and stability in that region Center produced three shows at St. conference, the Fellowship of Paul Pumphrey some day. Stephen’s auditorium, each followed Reconciliation organized a Ellen Thomas Photographers Our May Peace Talks featured by an enlightening discussion on the Congressional Briefing on Carol Moore Cholene Espinoza’s appearance on Conscientious Objection, hosted by Peace Letter Crew relevance of Marx in our times. M.J Park Ryme Khatkouda’s “Voices with The play helped burst a lot of the office of Rep. Cynthia McKinney. Ellen Thomas Nancy Shia Vision” on WPFW, as part of a panel myths that have built over time about Washington Peace Center discussion. She spoke about how she Kit Bonson Ellen Thomas Marxism, and also gave this great Coordinator Paul Magno was one of got involved in the efforts to rebuild historical figure a humaneness that many who offered testimony. a community in New Orleans, and Those interested can find it posted The Washington Peace Letter is too often lost in the debate of the need to dissolve the mentality of ideas that shaped the 20th century. on our Peace Center Blog at (ISSN 1050-2823) is published for “them” and “us” if any healing is to In May, At Ease also featured the www.washingtonpeacecenter.org the social justice community of the take place meaningfully in that area. political satirist, David Lippman, and Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Cholene pointed out that answering his altar ego, George Shrub the Summer of Resistance area. Its purpose is to support lo- the call to rebuild New Orleans singing CIA agent. This was also to the Iraq War restored a faith she had lost as an cal, national and international presented at St. Stephen’s. It was a embedded journalist in Iraq. She is night of laughter and reflection. Another team effort involving the struggles against oppression. It also a former U2 pilot. Humor has a way of dissecting the Peace Center along with AFSC, the seeks to present a radical analysis We have just had a successful ugly in a tolerable manner. DC Antiwar Network, Nonviolence of current events, covering informa- June Peace Talks on Africa in International and Peace Action has tion not readily available in the cor- which we showed the documentary, Whatever your art – poetry, music, been the Summer of Resistance. “The Devil’s Footpath”, followed by Paul Magno has been working on porate media. puppetry, theatre or other, At Ease an engaging discussion on what path welcomes you to agitate and the steering committee to bring this The Peace Letter welcomes Africa needs to take to achieve enlighten a world in need of peace to fruition and Mkawasi Mcharo will submissions of articles, announce- political and e conomic stability. and justice. be contributing her experience as a ments, letters-to-the-editor and art- Should Africa be left alone to Please contact us at 202.234.2000 Theater Arts educator to the summer work from the progressive commu- determine its own path? With to get involved in any of the Peace campaign. almost 5 million dead in the Congo - Paul Magno nity. Articles may be from 300 to Center’s programs. from a war directly linked to the - Mkawasi Mcharo 1,200 words, but may be edited for exploitation of resources by space considerations. Preference is given to coverage of actions or campaigns being organized in the To: Members of The Washington Peace Center D.C. area. We reserve the right to All members, we really hope more of our many working groups. select or reject all submissions. you will attend monthly Member- All members will receive a ship meetings on the second welcome kit and Membership Card. Except as noted, Peace Letter Monday each month at 7 pm at the If you are interested in joining, items are copyright-free and may be Flemming Center, 1426 9th Street please provide the following info: reproduced. Please give credit and NW. Share your info and wisdom! Name - Address - Phone - Email send us a copy if you do use some- All members have voting rights [email protected] - 202-234-2000 Have great photos of events? thing! and are invited to join one or www.washingtonpeacecenter.org Send them to us for publication! 2 • Washington Peace Letter • June 2006 Brother Damu, We Miss You!
apartheid movement, Smith was in pointed out his partner on the By Roger Newell the thick of the fight for social show, Milagros A. Phillips. justice. “He just had a passion for Smith’s activism was part of his fairness and justice and wanted all very being. Bill Fletcher, Jr., former people to live in a world that was president of TransAfrica, said, compassionate,” said Phillips. Photos by Shia “Damu Smith could always be counted upon to speak out in the After complaining of stomach DAMU SMITH face of any injustice. Regardless of problems for years, Smith became ill PRESENTE! the consequences, regardless of while leading a delegation for whether an issue was popular or Palestinian rights in the Middle By Art Laffin unpopular, Damu was there to speak East. He collapsed and was taken to up on behalf of the oppressed and a hospital in Bethlehem, where I am filled with profound sorrow the downtrodden.” doctors discovered polyps in his and deep grief over the loss of Damu, In Smith’s obituary in the colon and a tumor in his liver. whom I have known since 2001. At the Washington Post, the writer pointed Upon further examination when he same time, I give thanks to God for out, “Mr. Smith was sometimes returned to the US, Smith was told this remarkable man of love and controversial. After the Sept. 11, that he was in the end stage of justice who touched the lives of me The main sanctuary at Plymouth 2001, terrorist attacks on the World colon cancer and given only three and countless others as he sought Congregational Church in Northeast Trade Center and the Pentagon, Mr. months to live. with every ounce of his being to was filled beyond capacity, as Smith cautioned Americans and the At a benefit tribute held in April create the Beloved Community. hundreds of well wishers from across U.S. government against targeting at Howard University’s Cramton The last time I saw Damu was in the U.S. gathered, on May 20th, to bid Arabs. At a forum, he reminded the Auditorium, to raise funds to help January during a Martin Luther King, a final farewell and to celebrate the audience that the former South offset Smith’s growing cost of Jr. event. He was as inspiring as ever, life and work of noted community and African president Nelson Mandela cancer treatments, he was saluted encouraging people to stay rooted in national activist Damu Smith. was once considered a terrorist and by actor Harry Belafonte, poets faith, to stay hopeful, and to never The date for the community tribute that federal officials stood by as Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez and give up the struggle for social justice was selected because it coincided southern politicians and the Ku Suheir Hammad, and former D.C. and peace. with the birthday of another famous Klux Klan terrorized black people Mayor and current Ward 8 He once spoke at the Dorothy Day freedom fighter—Malcolm X. during segregation.” Councilmember Marion Barry. Catholic Worker and was very inter- Smith, the founder of Black Voices The fight on behalf of the “He was a leader in the anti- ested in learning more about Dorothy for Peace, took on causes ranging downtrodden led Smith to break Apartheid movement and fought Day. We participated in many from environmental racism to ground on a new environmental police brutality in Washington, D.C. protests together and we, at the nuclear weapons to peace in the justice movement with the founding and around the country,” said Dorothy Day Catholic Worker, Middle East. He died on May 5th in of the National Black Environ- nationally-syndicated radio host supported the vitally important work George Washington University mental Justice Network. He also Amy Goodman. of Black Voices for Peace. Hospital after a year-long battle with worked as the head of the national As one who did not have health cancer. toxics campaign for Greenpeace Smith is survived by his 12-year- insurance, he spoke out about how Those in attendance and issuing USA and served as the first old daughter, Asha Hadia Vernice the poor were negatively impacted personal tributes at the community environmental coordinator for the Moore Smith, from an earlier by the inequities of the health care tribute ranged from noted celebrities, Southern Organizing Committee for relationship; his partner, Adeleke system, and how the needs of the such as D.C. Congressional Economic and Social Justice. Foster, and a sister and two brothers, poor were sacrificed at the expense Representative Eleanor Holmes- In his tribute to Smith, acclaimed Lynn Moore (Asha’s mother), two of the war budget. Norton and Bernice Johnson Reagon, actor and social activist Danny nephews, and six nieces. Damu Smith, servant of the poor founder of the heralded singing Glover said, “Consistency, “What I always remember about and marginalized, steadfast advocate group Sweet Honey in the Rock, to commitment, and a truth to social Damu is his spirit. When you spoke for God's reign of justice and peace, every-day folks who participated in justice that make us individually and to him it was if you were speaking to pray for us, intercede for us! and/or benefited from many of the collectively rise to the demands of something beyond him. His vision, Damu Smith -- PRESENTE! various battles fought by Smith on the day. That’s what Damu Smith his power, transcends his physical behalf of the oppressed in D.C., embodied.” body,” remembered Amy Shallal, around the country, or throughout muralist, activist, and owner of the world. Smith was born Leroy Wesley Busboys and Poets Café in Noted D.C.-based poet E. Smith, in St. Louis. He changed his Northwest D.C. Ethelbert Miller summed the name to Damu Amiri Imara Smith In a fitting closing summation of thoughts of many of those who sat, during his years at St. John’s Smith’s life, the official community clapped, stood, cried, sang and University. In an interview, Smith tribute program read, “Armed with remembered the work and life of explained the exact meaning of his an unyielding sense of purpose, Smith during the commemoration, by new name. He said that in Swahili, passion and devotion, Damu Amiri asking those in attendance, “During “Damu” means the “blood” that he Imara Smith waged a protracted and your life how much will you change? was willing to shed for the liberation unrelenting battle for peace and Damu Smith and daughter, Asha, 2005 How much will you try to change of the oppressed. “Amiri” means global justice. He fought. He the world?” “leadership” that he must provide in struggled. He triumphed, leaving an Miller continued, “Damu will be the service of the fight for indelible imprint on the people and missed. His life changed our world.” liberation, and finally “Imara” means communities he cared so deeply Peace Talks Speaker after speaker reflected on the “strength and stamina” to about and the causes he Smith’s fervor for justice and action. maintain the struggle. championed.” Be sure to watch for They spoke of Smith’s long fight for Some of those who came to the upcoming Peace Talks, the poor and disenfranchised, as well community tribute did not know Donations to an education fund for posted every Friday to the as his work to confront local, Smith through his grassroots Smith’s daughter can be sent to: WPC website and email national and international injustice. activism. list. Whether as a leader of the Instead, they were introduced to The Praxis Project To recommend a speaker, Organization of Afro-American Smith through the radio show he Attn: Damu Smith Fund call 202-234-2000, or email Students, at St. John’s University in hosted, “Spirit in Action” on WPFW- 1750 Columbia Road, NW, Second Fl [email protected] (with “Peace Collegeville, MN, or as the director FM (89.3 FM). Washington, DC 20009 Talks” in the subject line) of the Washington Office on Africa “His advocacy on the show 202/234-5921 www.washingtonpeacecenter.org during the height of the anti- continued right up to the bitter end,“ www.thepraxisproject.org/damu.html
Washington Peace Letter • June 2006 • 3 conservatives and Israel Lobbyists Martin recommended THAT citi- NO ARMAGEDDON FOR BUSH! promoted the war against Iraq and zens target Congress and the media manipulated intelligence given to to protest the war. He urged religious Peace and Justice, Women for Peace Bush. When several contributors, leaders to get involved, including By Carol Moore and Justice in Iran, World Can't Wait including McGovern, showed for the interfaith calls. And he supported the President George (endorsers) and Code Pink and other signing , they found no audience need for Gandhian nonviolent direct Bush and his Washington DC area antiwar and peace because Barnes and Noble feared action to stop a potentially cata- cronies wage war activists rallied at the White House on publicizing the event. strophic war before it started. against Iraq and June 6, 2006, calling for an end to McGovern believes that while the plan war against Iran to ensure U.S. President George Bush's drive for wars desire for cheap oil and a general Simin Royanian, an Iranian and global dominance, to control oil that could lead to nuclear apocalypse desire to control the region motivated long-time progressive activist, gave the markets and to protect Israel’s – to Armageddon. the war, protecting Israel also was a most impassioned presentation, illegally occupied lands. Bush warns The rally featured a speak out; a tug major motivation. Bush has placed too bringing greater detail to points made “all options are on the table.” of war between good and evil; many people throughout the executive by the earlier speakers. She de- Although even sanctions against branch who are too tied to Israel and scribed the history of U.S. interven- Iran are unwarranted, Bush threatens have real conflicts of interest. Being of tion in Iran – including helping the to use nuclear weapons on Iran, pre- Irish descent, McGovern stated he Shah start up Iran’s first attempt to emptively against “hard targets,” or to could not be unbiased if in his years have a nuclear capacity. retaliate against Iran striking back at at the CIA he had been assigned to Royanian decried U.S. hypocrisy in oil facilities, U.S. troops in Iraq or issues regarding Northern Ireland. exorcisms of the signing a treaty to give nuclear Israel. McGovern believes that Iran is no White House; materials to India, which has not Seymour Hersh says Bush believes real threat to the United States, only scary Bush and signed the Non-proliferation Treaty. only he has the “courage” to bomb to Israel. He noted the front page Armageddon India also sits on the Board of the and “save” Iran. Bush has proclaimed: Washington Post article about a CIA outfits and International Atomic Energy Agency "I'm the decider and I decide what is report that Iran would not have a posters, etc. which judges Iran’s nuclear program! best." nuclear weapon for another ten years. * "6/6/6" is Although she is opposed to the An attack on Iran will likely lead to He noted that any attack on Iran theocratic regime in Iran, Royanian the biblical "number of the beast of would be war of aggression under the U.S. use of nuclear weapons, igniting the Apocalypse." supports Iran's right to have nuclear a regional war that would kill and Nuremberg principles. power under the Non-proliferation injure millions of Iranians, Iraqis and Finally, McGovern encouraged Treaty. others, and irradiate the whole Middle peace activists to stand up against the Royanian predicted the U.S. would East, and beyond. COMMUNITY FORUM bullying by those who yell “anti- use nuclear weapons against Iran, How will Russia respond to nuclear ON IRAN Semite” at those who speak out calling the U.S. a “rogue nation.” She armed aircraft and missiles approach- against neo-conservatives and the said much of U.S. policy is related to ing nearby Iran? On Friday, March 3rd about seventy Israel Lobby for promoting the Iraq helping Israel keep the land it has Will Pakistan, India, Israel use their people attended a community forum war and the drive to war against Iran. taken from the Palestinians and nuclear weapons too? Such an attack sponsored by the Washington Peace spoke out for their right of return to could spin out of control into world Center, the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Kevin Martin described U.S. the lands from which they have been nuclear war within days! Committee, and the DC Anti-War hypocrisy in criticizing Iran’s nuclear expelled. Does Bush WANT Armageddon? Network, entitled “Stopping War weapons given the number and size of During an active question and Peace loving people of the world, Against Iran: Creating a Nuclear U.S. weapons and the fact that it is answer period, Martin touched on reject Bush and his cronies' pre- Weapons Free Middle East.” trying to develop new ones. He how the United States and Russia are emptive wars for global dominance The three speakers included Ray detailed how the Non-Proliferation still on “hair-trigger” alert and any use that threaten us with nuclear Arma- McGovern, former CIA analyst of Treaty works and the bottom line is the of nuclear weapons in Iran certainly geddon. We demand worldwide Veteran Intelligence Professionals for big powers agreed to begin to elimi- could lead to an accidental or inten- nuclear disarmament, starting with the Sanity; Simin Royanian, an economist nate their nuclear weapons and assist tional nuclear exchange between the major nuclear powers. who cofounded Women for Peace and non-nuclear nations in developing major nuclear nations. Justice in Iran; and Kevin Martin, nuclear programs if they promised McGovern stressed that there LOCAL ACTIONS Executive Director of Peace Action. not to develop nuclear weapons. probably will not be a big military Iran signed that treaty. Israel, India buildup on the ground to give us a and Pakistan did not, and developed warning, but a sudden air attack. He On Tuesday, Ray McGovern spoke first, nuclear weapons on their own. opined: “The crazies are in control,” June 6, 2006 warning that the Bush administration Martin described the renewed call and said that an attack would not be (6/6/6) *, and its supporters are trying to silence for a nuclear-free zone in the Middle made rationally and in America’s members of the other voices. He gave as an example East as a solution to the problem. interest. Washington, DC threats by some groups to picket a Considering that surrounding nations Audience members were asked to Antiwar Network, Barnes and Noble book-signing of have such weapons, it is not surpris- come up with specific suggestions on Northern “Neoconned Again,” a new book ing Iran and other Middle East nations how to stop a U.S. war against Iran. Virginians for compiling evidence that neo- might consider them. Some were: ~ learn the power of nonviolence and NATIONAL GROUPS MOST ACTIVELY ORGANIZING AGAINST WAR personal sacrifice; ~ work against media disinformation; Antiwar.Com Peace Action RELEVANT LINKS: ~ take on the Israel Lobby; Daily news about and opinion pieces http://peace-action.org ~ stop paying war taxes; against US attack on Iran Front page link to strong statement for The Iran Plans: Would President ~ encourage whistle blowing by nuclear free Middle East, including Bush go to war to stop Tehran from government employees; After Downing Street.Org Israel getting the bomb? by Seymour Hersh ~ start including calls against an Iran http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/ http://www.newyorker.com/fact/ war in all efforts against the Iraq war; iran Don’t Attack Iran Petition content/articles/060417fa_fact and (also http://dontattackiran.org) http://stopwaroniran.org/ ~ more self-education on the internet. Organized widely publicized and Nuke Nightmare: Bush's Drive to This successful meeting showed endorsed petition vs. strike on Iran United for Peace And Justice Armageddon by Joel Wendland that peace activists are willing to work which Cindy Sheehan and others will http://unitedforpeace.org http://www.zmag.org/content/ against yet another unnecessary pre- deliver to White House on May 18th showarticle.cfm?ItemID=5824 emptive war. World Can’t Wait For more information on, or to Campaign Against Sanctions and http://worldcantwait.net Four Day War: (Possible Iran War work against a possible Iran war see: Military Intervention in Iran Scenario) The Iran/Israel conflagra- (CASMII) Large List of Groups Organizing tion, a history by Claude Salhani - http://unitedforpeace.net http://www.campaigniran.org/ Vs. Iran War Driving out the Bush http://www.amconmag.com/ http://stopwaroniran.org International activists http://stopthewarnow.net/ 2004_09_13/article.html http://stopthewarnow.net
4 • Washington Peace Letter • June 2006 25 Years at the White House Gates It Hasn’t Lafayette Park, and have been used extensively to chase most people Been Easy away. But patience, During the early perseverence, 1980’s, hostile Park creativity, Thomas’s Police and Secret pro se lawsuits Service officers against police tried to drive Thomas and misconduct, and sympathetic friends Concepcion away. have kept Thomas and Concepcion At first they were north of the White House, touching arrested and the minds and hearts of many. charged with “loitering” or Other People “disturbing the Come and Go peace.” But few judges Many people have would convict them, joined Thomas and and no judge would imprison them, Longest Continuous Vigil Anywhere? Concepcion in knowing the history of the First vigiling for varying Amendment. lengths of time. I By Ellen Thomas every American to set up a stand and Thanks to the 1976 Stacey Abney make a point in Lafayette Park." was one of them, decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals, from 1984 to 2002. sleep as part of a round-the-clock vigil Since June 3, 1981, nine years to the Of the many extraordinary people was still considered, in and of itself, day before tanks rolled into Tiananmen and events the vigilers have “expressive conduct protected by the Square to put a halt to the pro-democracy encountered over the years, here are First Amendment.” movement, signs calling for "Wisdom and but a few. Honesty," justice and nuclear disarma- So there was a meeting between ment have stood every day and night in President Reagan and Department of Four presidents have, with varying front of the White House. Interior lawyer Richard Robbins, and Norman Mayer degrees of patience, reduced and en- According to National Park Service shortly thereafter regulations began In dured the vigilers' presence. figures, the signs have been seen by over appearing in the Code of Federal 1982, Those who share the materialistic three million people per year. Regulations, to: Norman values symbolized by the White House To those who maintain perhaps the (1) define “camping” as “using the Mayer sometimes view the vigil as "visual longest continuous vigil in human his- park for living accommodation brought blight." tory, the signs represent the ancient right purposes, regardless of the activity in signs and The Washington Times and Wash- -- Thomas Jefferson may have termed it which one might otherwise be literature to ington Post have called the vigilers "the duty" -- of people in a democracy to engaged,” thus negating the First the White nonviolently voice opinions on issues of Amendment and the Abney decision; House broad public concern, even if it means sidewalk with they must go to prison for their beliefs. the message that abolishing nuclear weapons must be everyone’s number one priority. Norman found (2) move the Thomas fasting, and "weirdos" and "lunatics" and the signs vigilers from the talked him into "eyesores," "gibberish," and "junk." White House eating by saying “As On the other extreme, there are those sidewalk to long as you keep who, valuing life, view the policies of On June 3, 1981 a pilgrim named Lafayette Park; your vigil, the truth can’t be the White House as slightly "mad," and Wm. (“Doubting”) Thomas sat down on ignored.” believe that the vigil reflects sanity. (3) reduce the number of signs that the White House sidewalk with a On December 8, 1982, Norman Some journalists have been more than an individual might have to two, and cardboard sign -”Wanted, Wisdom and Mayer staged a very scary tolerant, likening the vigilers to saints the size to 4' x 4' x 1/4", no higher than Honesty”- to talk about truth, justice, demonstration at the Washington and prophets, and even beautiful! six feet off the ground, and requiring freedom, peace, and the threat of Monument, demanding that the news Actually the vigilers are just trying to that someone always be within three nuclear war. media devote "90% of its time" to the practice what they preach. They still feet of the signs; and Concepcion Picciotto also came to subject of nuclear weapons or he have hope for humanity. They believe Lafayette Park and began working with would blow up the monument with his someday, if they hold on long enough, Thomas in 1981. van (which he claimed had 1,000 lbs people might wake up to their own of explosives, but in fact contained responsibilities and begin, at last, to act nothing but a battery-powered TV compassionately, wisely, honestly. For set). When he drove away after this, and for the children, they endure several hours of intense media harsh weather, the whims of police, and (4) reduce the amount of “property” scrutiny, sharpshooters killed him, abusive behavior by hostile bystanders. a person might have other than the for which they received medals. For they know they're not alone. signs to 3 cubic feet, a real hardship in Thomas erected a 12’ x 18’ cold and wet weather. reproduction of Norman’s flier in These Lafayette Park. regulations To the public, those who maintain the allowed police to vigil outside the White House arouse a harass, spectrum of perceptions. intimidate, and The 1991 and 1994 Berlitz Travel arrest all Guide for Washington, DC pictured the So, the vigil continues... working for demonstrators Continued vigil over the caption, "It's the right of peace, hoping for humanity. who came to next page Washington Peace Letter • June 2006 • 5 to the legislators of the U.S. and and I for three months, charged 25 Years at the White House Gates then-USSR calling for a commitment with “camping.” Concepcion kept the vigil going while we were gone. 310-pound astro-geo-physicist from to abolish all nuclear weapons and ... continued from previous page New Mexico, came to the park to fast use the money instead for human for global nuclear disarmament, needs. Mitch Snyder and CCNV losing 180 pounds in the process. They He attracted a lot of people. circulated In 1981 and this 1984, the petition for Community for years after Creative Hyder was gone. Nonviolence When we immediately returned to (CCNV), led by Dr. Ted Taylor, who was designer of the park upon our release, the police Mitch Snyder, pitched tents in the biggest and smallest nuclear bombs backed off for a while. The Ragtag Lafayette Park as a statement about before he quit working for the Band drifted away by 1992. Sunrise homelessness. government and spent all his time now lives in France, Mojo in Texas, trying to eliminate nuclear weapons, In 1981 and Song in the Philippines. homeless Hyder brought with him his came to meet Dr. Hyder, and remained people scientific analysis of the dangers of a good friend of the vigil, and lobbied actually burying nuclear waste in salt caverns successfully on behalf of Peace Park slept in the (salt will melt under extreme heat, and Proposition One. (See next page.) rise to the surface). He also warned tents for a In 1985, we began calling Lafayette that Chernobyl cancers would be while. But in 1984, the Supreme Court Square “Peace Park.”. A sign on the killing people in increasing numbers ruled that the Park Service had a right corner read “Welcome to Peace Park,” to keep people from sleeping in tents. in decades to come. Although Concepcion and Thomas At first local newspapers refused had nothing resembling a tent, they to report about Hyder’s fast, some were arrested under the “camping” claiming, when called, that they regulation. weren’t going to be blackmailed into During the ‘80’s, Mitch Snyder’s writing a story every time someone The Ragtag Band fasts for the homeless attracted a stopped eating, but by spring 1987, great deal of media attention. As a so many international stories had During Dr. Hyder’s fast, some been written, even the Washington young musicians arrived separately, result, the Reagan administration and back when there was still traffic Post published an article. each staying to build signs and feed provided a multi-million-dollar on Pennsylvania Avenue, we could To the best of our knowledge, Dr. people, write and teach songs, and homeless shelter and medical clinic at hear the Trolley Tour drivers point Hyder is the only protester to ever have perform daily as the Ragtag Band. 2nd and D NW, and in 1984 voters out our signs to tourists as “Peace a sack full of mail hand-delivered to passed an initiative (#17) Park.” Lafayette Park by a White House guaranteeing homeless people a right During our time in jail, the City staffer, addressed by Japanese school to shelter. Paper and Washington Post both children to “Dr. Hyder, c/o The White Mitch and published articles and letters to the House.” everyone’s friend, editor referring to “Peace Park.” B Wardlaw, went Hyder was So the National Park Service on a cross- visited by announced they were going to remove country campaign Nobel Prize the beloved sculpture, “The in 1986 which winners, Awakening,” from Hains Point, and culminated educators, and build a “Peace Park.” It’s not hard to in“Hands Across America.” members of Congress, believe they hoped this would In June, 1990, however, the city won distract the public from the vigil. a referendum rescinding Initiative 17. The National Park Service never Mitch began a very debilitating open- did build their “Peace Park,” and “The ended fast, but this time the media Awakening” has been returned to weren’t interested in his fast or the Hains Point after a cleaning. Many plight of the homeless, and neither, people still call Lafayette Square apparently, were the voters. and was sent to “Peace Park.” We hope it sticks. Mitch dropped Geneva by Carl in on old friends Sagan to take his proposal to the Atlantic Life Community to reminisce. He U.N. talks on disarmament. spent an He received a letter from unusually long Gorbachev asking him to end his fast, half hour with and a float was built in his honor for Hyder,Mojo, Sunrise, Scott,Song, Robin Thomas at the signs. the May Day parade in Moscow. A The first week of July, exhausted, pass in the Urals mountains was So effective was the scene in the despairing, his vision and health failing, named after him. park in those days that police Mitch killed himself. With Mitch’s Dr. Hyder quit fasting and returned enforcement was stepped up. death, CCNV became simply a to New Mexico in early May, 1987. For decades, a very special shelter, and the star-studded vigils and community of faith-based activists marches for homeless people ceased. has been coming to the White Dr. Charles Hyder
Prison (1988) Unfortunately he regained all the weight he had lost and more, and his Early in 1987, police issued heart failed. He died in 2004. “camping” tickets right and left. In From September 23, 1986 to During Hyder’s fast the vigilers 1988, Sunrise and Mojo went to May 1, 1987, Dr. Charles Hyder, a wrote and began circulating a petition prison for two months, and Thomas
6 • Washington Peace Letter • June 2006 House regularly to speak out about The 40 days and nights of One of the drummers, Diana People the insanity of war. continuous drumming had a Nomad, was arrested and convicted for stood in line Twice a year they hold a retreat profound effect. chanting “Na myo ho reng e kyo” and to sign the in DC, hosted by Jonah House of tapping a prayer drum, but the Court of petition Baltimore and Dorothy Day Catholic Appeals overturned the conviction, wherever Workers of DC, and young people ruling that drumming outside the White they went. come from around the country to House is a form of speech protected Bob had been a part of the vigil learn about by the First Amendment. off and on since 1983. He was faith-based Diana arrested in 1986 when the large signs nonviolent died a few were removed under the sign-size witnessing years ago of regulation and was arrested several for peace brain cancer, times for drumming during the Gulf and the a great loss. War. Bob now lives in Japan, poor. The rest of teaching English. The Dorothy Day Catholic us, however, In 1994, I was invited to go to Workers also feed homeless people can now drum with impunity, in Japan to talk about the vigil and every Thursday night, formerly in hopes that the President will hear. Proposition One. The Japanese Lafayette Park, but the police have Please remember the Nomad case if people are perhaps the most grateful chased most homeless people away the police try to silence your drums. of all foreign travelers who stop at from the White House area. the signs. Concepcion has had Many Proposition One photographs from Hiroshima and members of Nagasaki bombings on her signs for this more than 20 years. community have chosen to spend years in By 1990, the thousands of prison for performing “Plowshares” signatures we had collected on our actions, symbolically beating swords petition proved that the idea of into plowshares, for example, by Hiroshima/Nagasaki global nuclear disarmament was pouring their own blood and popular all over the world, even in the Peace Committee hammering on missile silos and U.S. We lobbied Congress with submarines, and prayerfully waiting petitions in hand, to no avail. to be arrested. Joe Vigorito, who had just come from Arizona’s “Impeach Gov. Meachem” campaign, advised us Each year since 1981, during the to bring the idea to the first week of August, the Hiroshima- voters of DC, in hopes that this might Nagasaki Peace Committee of the National Capitol Gray Panthers, After President George H.W. Bush impress the politicians. So we founded by Louise Franklin-Ramirez, told a group of supporters, “those launched a voter initiative campaign sponsors a series of events damned drums are keeping me awake and in September, 1993, brought the commemorating the bombings in In 1990, when it became obvious all night,” the police began enforcing petition to the voters as “Proposition Japan, and hosting survivors of the that Bush 41 was going to go to war an absurd “60 decibels” rule One”, or D.C. Initiative 37- the bombings (known as “Hibakusha”). against Iraq, members of the Atlantic (background noise was 80 decibels), “Nuclear Disarmament and Economic To find out about this year’s events, Life Community began a vigil on the snatching drums and signs and arresting Conversion Act.” contact John Steinbach - 703-369- White House sidewalk every Friday at people, sometimes brutally. Bush A hard-working crew of unpaid 7427
The United States Government shall-- ture needs such as housing, health care, (1) disable and dismantle all its nuclear education, agriculture, and environmental weapons and refrain from replacing them at restoration, including alternative fuel sources; ... all these any time with any weapons of mass (3) undertake vigorous good faith efforts and SO destruction; to eliminate war, armed con-flict, and all many more ... (2) redirect resources that are currently military operations; and being used for nuclear weapons programs to (4) actively promote policies to induce all Thank you! use-- other countries to join in these commitments (A) in converting all nuclear weapons for world peace and security. industry employees, processes, plants, and This Act shall take effect when the programs smoothly to constructive, ecologi- President certifies to the Congress that all cally beneficial peacetime activities during the foreign countries possessing nuclear weapons 3 years following the effective date of this have established legal requirements compa- Act, and rable to those set forth [herein] and those (B) in addressing human and infrastruc- requirements have taken effect. 8 • Washington Peace Letter • June 2006 depend on emergency food from food Privatization: banks, pantries, and soup kitchens, and DC Homeless Crisis one out of three children in the district a weapon in a weaponless war “lives on the edge of hunger” southeast DC Think about this: a company that (www.dchunger.org ). where they will provides food for profit to homeless When DCCK began providing hot be out of sight, people is not likely to have an interest meals out of a refrigerated truck, there out of mind, and in helping people get jobs and needed was no other food delivery system for forgotten. services, as that might reduce the homeless DC residents. DCCK now According to number of people needing food, and delivers 4000 daily meals to 100 local the Washington cut into profits. social service agencies as well as Legal Clinic for A corporation that owns the emergency shelters. the Homeless - property which houses low income They also help people get mental www.legalclinic.org elder residents has no interest in health and substance abuse treatment - during the maintaining that arrangement. A and conduct culinary training course of a year developer desiring to turn a profit has programs. DCCK has 50 full time almost 16,000 people in DC no interest in maintaining housing for employees, 20 of whom are training homeless people. By Becky Sambol experience homelessness. program graduates. All employees 6,000 of them are “literally When it comes to privatization, earn living wages and full benefits. money flows one way: out of our homeless” people who sleep in The Community Partnership for the communities. Franklin School Shelter shelters or in the streets, parks, alleys, Prevention of Homelessness (CPPH), Income inequality in DC is already vehicles, abandoned buildings, or in a the agency entrusted with awarding wider than that of any other major US Despite testimony to the contrary at variety of other locations. contracts for services to the homeless, city (www.dcfpi.org ). DC has the fifth a committee hearing in May, the As there are only about 1,800 is expected to finally deliver a six highest poverty rate in the country. Franklin School Shelter will be closed available beds in summer and 2,300 month contract that DCCK is willing to The number of homeless families “imminently.” During Mayor Williams’ beds and cots during the winter accept. seeking shelter in DC has more than tenure, both the Gale and the Randall months, the loss of 240 more beds will Mike Curtin anticipates that doubled in the last five years. Over 80 Shelters have been shut down. have a significant impact. when the contract expires on percent of the city’s homeless are The Franklin School Shelter has November 30, CPPH will do what it African American. Over 70 percent of been kept open only through the hard DC Central Kitchen wants to do now: award its contract to the homeless in the DC region suffer work of local activists. Last year, the the private DC based company, from mental illness. Half of all mayor and his administration made a Earlier in May, another crisis began Nutrition Inc. members of families in the DC shelter commitment to keeping Franklin open to unfold. When the city failed to In a recent phone interview, Thomas system have experienced domestic until 240 downtown replacement beds deliver a contract to DC Central Gaskins, president of Nutrition, Inc, violence. About 30 percent of the were found. It appears that commit- Kitchen (DCCK), the non-profit maintained that his company has been homeless in DC work at least part ment is likely to be violated. suspended delivery of approximately delivering meals to a few city shelters time. Including all 52 states, DC is the According to Nechama Masliansky, 1600 daily meals to five city shelters: “to help out,” but he denied having least affordable place to live in a two director of advocacy & social justice Blair, 801 E, Franklin, Emery, and La bid for the food service contract. bedroom house. for SOME, Inc. (So Others Might Eat), Casa. Mike Curtin, Chief Operating The privatization of public social (www.some.org ), an unidentified On May 1, DCCK notified the city Officer for DCCK, thinks otherwise. services is a significant contributing developer has signed a long-term lease, shelters that it would be forced to He believes that the decision to cause of poverty and the increasing but plans for the property have not yet suspend meal service until the city suspend food service and the public concentration of wealth distribution. been disclosed. government made a decision to attention it generated has prevented Public dollars that should be directed It is not clear whether the lease was improve the system and invest in a CPPH from awarding a sweetheart deal toward public services are instead properly approved by the city council. higher level of nutrition for residents. to Nutrition Inc, but that the city will funneled into what is called “urban In an interview in last month’s The city’s primary contribution to ultimately award the contract to the renewal.” This is a euphemism for Street Sense publication, Deputy DCCK has been free rent and utilities, private company. gentrification, which is one of the root Mayor Brenda Donald-Walker denied which accounts for a mere fraction of The city’s recent track record has, causes of the city’s exploding that Franklin had been sold and never operating costs. in fact, favored developers and other homeless population. mentioned the possibility that the For the past two years, the non- corporate interests at the expense of When fat contracts are handed off property might be leased. profit has been telling the city that the the city’s most vulnerable residents. by governments to the private sector, The city has no plans to relocate rising costs of providing nutritionally While the food service crisis was there is talk about improved efficiency Franklin Shelter’s 240-275 residents. appropriate balanced meals to DC’s unfolding, ground breaking began for and cost effectiveness, but in reality There is speculation that the city will diverse and growing homeless the $600 million baseball stadium and access to social services is reduced attempt to place some of the residents population could no longer be plans were announced to tear down low and even eliminated. Those who can in trailers at 4th and L Streets and the absorbed. income housing and terminate a federal afford it least suffer loss of rest in shelters outside the downtown The city’s homeless population is contract that pays rent for 211 low employment and income. area. Neither of these are tenable not only growing at a rapid rate, it is income families. Privatization is a cornerstone solutions. also aging. Further, besides the The vice president of the Virginia neoliberal strategy in the war on the The trailers are not considered fit growing number of seniors, the city’s based firm that owns the property, poor in Washington DC as well as in for habitation, especially during a DC homeless population counts more and Bush Construction Corp., was quoted developing countries around the summer. The shelters are already more children among its ranks. in the Washington Post as saying, world. There are no troops to call crowded and lack the capacity to According to DC Hunger Solutions, “We’re not in this just to pour money home, but the consequences are as absorb a large influx of new residents. approximately 175,000 residents down the drain.” devastating as those of any war. Among the crucial issues which need to be addressed in response to the imminent closure of Franklin is the violation of the statutory rights of the homeless shelter residents under the 2003 Homeless Services Reform Act. Efforts to reopen the Gale Shelter, which has the capacity to house 155 people, are expected to be successful no earlier than January of 2007. Even if successful, it will be too little, too late. The city’s long term goal is understood to be the cleansing of the downtown area for development. The homeless are being hounded into
Washington Peace Letter • June 2006 • 9 Faith and Resistance Those arrested are scheduled to organizations, church groups and labor theme “Declare Peace on Mothers by Art Laffin appear on one of the following dates, unions who are committed to Day.” Those participating in the vigil June 16, July 7 and 21 or August 4, in supporting the rights of 12 million included Cindy Sheehan, actress Susan MARCH AGAINST THE WAR federal court in Alexandria, Virginia. “illegal” immigrants to stay in the U.S. Sarandon, women from Iraq and Iran, The Baltimore activists who were and prevent proposed legislation which comedian/activist Dick Gregory, and On March 18, to commemorate the arrested are Sue Ackerman, Maria would criminalize these immigrants. doctor/clown Patch Adams. The vigil third anniverary of the illegal U.S. war Allwine, Susan Crane, Dr. Terry On May 1 there were work boycotts included strategy workshops on in Iraq, some 300 people, demanding Fitzgerald, Michael Johnson and Max and more demonstrations across the grassroots organizing, an interfaith an immediate end to the war, marched Obuszewski. They look forward to U.S. gathering, and writing and reading from Dick Cheney’s residence at the placing the war on trial. letters to Laura Bush urging her to Naval Observatory to Dupont Circle. A As part of the National Campaign HOLY WEEK FAITH AND pressure her husband to end the war in coalition of peace groups sponsored for Nonviolent Resistance, peace RESISTANCE RETREAT Iraq. the event, including the Washington activists in New York City and Peace Center and DAWN. Syracuse were arrested at recruiting From April 12 - 15 members of the RECRUITING CENTER PROTEST centers, others in Valley Forge, Atlantic Life Community and students PENTAGON POLICE DENY Pennsylvania at Lockheed Martin, and from Iowa held the annual Holy Week On May 15, International ACCESS TO ANTIWAR in Tucson at a Raytheon Missile Faith and Resistance retreat. On Holy Conscientious Objectors Day, nearly ACTIVISTS SEEKING Factory. This update is based on a press Thursday the group witnessed at the 100 activists and CO’s attending an A MEETING WITH RUMSFELD release sent out by Max Obuszewski. Pentagon where a torture victim, in a International Conference of Resisters & ARREST FIFTY-ONE For more info contact Max: 410-323- orange jump suit and black hood, was to Global War, held a demonstration at 7200, ext. 31 or mobuszewski@ symbolically crucified to a large cross. a D.C. Armed Forces Recruiting The Pentagon began the invasion of afsc.org They also displayed a banner which Center.The conference was sponsored Iraq on March 20, 2003. So the said: “Whose Torture and Death Are by the War Resisters League. National Campaign for Nonviolent RESISTANCE AT SUDAN You Planning This Holy Week?” and Resistance [NCNR], a member of EMBASSY TO STOP GENOCIDE “Resist the U.S. Crucifixion of ACTIVISTS ARRESTED AT United For Peace & Justice, issued a IN DARFUR Afghanistan, Iraq and Plans to Attack RUMSFELD’S HOUSE call “From Mourning to Resistance - Iran.” March on the Pentagon” for activists to On March 28 six Catholic Workers Susan Crane, Betsy Lamb and Brian On May 18, Ray McGovern, Cindy come to Virginia three years later to from the northeast were arrested at the DeRouen were arrested for kneeling Sheehan and Medea Benjamin led a demand an immediate end to the war. Sudanese Embassy to call for an and blocking a checkpoint near the march from the White House to Antiwar activists from more than 25 immediate end to the genocide in Metro entrance and were given courts Secretary of Defense (War) Donald states, including Alaska, California, Darfur. Their case was dismissed. dates for July 21. Rumsfeld’s house to call for an end to Florida, Maine, New Mexico, Ohio, On Good Friday, the group held a the U.S. war in Iraq and for an end to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, NAVY LEAGUE similar action in front of the White U.S. military threats against Iran. responded. ARMS BAZAAR PROTEST House with a torture victim Following the march, four activists— At the beginning rally near the symbolically crucified to a cross. Peter Perry, David Barrows, Katie Lincoln Memorial, Bruce Gagnon On April 4, the 38th anniversary of Seven people risked arrests in the Heald and Mari Blome were arrested regaled the crowd with a report of the assassination of Martin Luther restricted portion of the White House by Secret Service agents as they tried actions in Maine challenging federal King, Jr., the Dorothy Day Catholic sidewalk but the police chose not to to deliver an anti-war letter. They were legislators for voting to fund the war in Worker sponsored a vigil to protest the make any arrests. charged with disorderly conduct and Iraq. Fr. Joe Mulligan, S.J., came from over 100 weapons contractors who On Holy Saturday the group unlawful entry and have a court date on Nicaragua to promote the Global Call were displaying their newest killing returned to the White House with two June 1. The protesters are members of for Nonviolent Resistance. technology and weapons at the annual goats from Jonah House, Paul and DAWN, CODEPINK and Women for Then some 200 participants Navy League Sea-Air-Space Expo, what Silas, and held a “No More Peace. marched with a ceremonial coffin and we call an “Arms Bazaar,” held at the Scapegoating” action. The goats wore banners, across the Arlington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Other signs that said: “No More Scapegoats” MORDECHAI VANUNU UPDATE Memorial Bridge to LBJ Grove, near groups participating in the protest and “No More War.” As a biblical the Pentagon. Four speakers included D.A.W.N., Pax Christi, reflection was offered about During the week of April 20, the condemned the war: Cindy Sheehan, Veterans for Peace and several student scapegoats, tourists flocked to the government of Israel extended for a who lost her son Casey in Iraq in 2004, groups. During the vigil the group read goats. third year the restrictions it imposed said “millions of people around the the famous speech of Dr. King which There were many good encounters on nuclear whistle-blower Mordechai world” are speaking out. Mike Ferner, he gave at Riverside Church on April 4, with tourists and numerous leaflets Vanunu when he was released from fasting since February 15, called for 1967, about why he opposed the were distributed. The vigil concluded prison following his completion of an more resistance. Laura Costas pointed Vietnam War. with tourists being by invited to join 18 year sentence. He is forbidden to out the physical and psychological the goats and the rest of the group in a leave Israel; may not travel freely challenges faced by many returning MARCH FOR chant: “War is Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad inside Israel; and is forbidden to speak veterans. Michael Berg shared the pain IMMIGRATION RIGHTS (goat sound). Torture is with foreign nationals and foreign he carries because his son Nick, a Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad. Killing is media for “fear of causing damage to civilian, was killed in Iraq. On April 10, marches took place Baaaaaaaaaaaaad!” the security of the State.” The The activists then carried the across the U.S. giving prominent As some of the group left Lafayette restrictions imposed on Vanunu are a coffin, covered with photographs of visibility to a new and ever growing Park, they noticed that Secretary of gross violation of the Universal civilians wounded in Iraq, unto “Immigrants Rights Movement.” In State Condolezza Rice was going into Declaration of Human Rights which Pentagon property, but were stopped by D.C. over 200,000 people took part in St. John’s Church to attend Good guarantee that citizens have freedom of a five-foot-high steel barrier. A request the march. The marches were Friday services. The group held a vigil expression and movement. For more to open the barrier was ignored. So organized by a coalition of immigrant outside the church and when Rice came info see: www.vanunu.com. recognizing the madness of the out they called to her: “Stop the quagmire in Iraq and seeking the Torture, Stop the War, Stop the SUPPORT PEACE PRISONERS immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops, Killing!” fifty one nonviolent peace activists For a complete listing of over 30 climbed over or ducked under the MOTHERS DAY PROTEST people imprisoned for SOA/ barrier to seek a meeting with AT WHITE HOUSE WHINSEC resistance actions, see Secretary of War Donald Rumsfeld. www.soaw.org. For a listing of others Instead they were arrested and On Mothers Day, May 14, imprisoned for anti-war resistance, charged with “failure to obey a lawful CODEPINK sponsored a 24 hour vigil including military refusers, see order.” at the White House focusing on the [email protected].
10 • Washington Peace Letter • June 2006 Immigrant families with small children gathered with longtime community Little Friends For Peace activists to march to the mall for immigrant rights Answer The Violence With Skills For Peace Going down 16th Street, the march took up all lanes. Traffic was stopped Each time the children come to the By MJ Park Peace Room at the Perry School in DC, they say the Peace Building Pledge. Twenty Five years ago MJ had a Peacemakers talk about it they don't dream of starting a Peace Camp for fight about it and therefore MJ has a children as she nursed her third of six Peace Table in the Peace room for the Photo by Hendrik Voss children . children to come and talk over their She looked at PJ (now 25) and said, problems and issues. "I am so glad I gave birth to you but I This summer , Little Friends For DC Immigrants want you to grow up in a world free of Peace , will be offering the Peace nuclear weapons, a world where people March for Camps at different sights including the care and accept one another, share Peace Room at Perry School Commu- resources and gifts, and solve their Inalienable Rights nity center in DC. If you are interested problems with words and negotiation in more information check out our web resulting in a win -win ." page at : www.lffp.org or e-mail her at : by Nancy Shia So she piloted a program in her [email protected] . basement and it was a success and Gandhi says, "If we want real peace On Monday, April 10th, people thus she gave birth to Little Friends in this world and if we want to wage a began gathering as early as noon in For Peace. Malcolm X Park at 16th and Euclid real war against war, we have to begin Streets, N.W. Ever since then with the children". Two Photos by Shia The march was scheduled to step she has been giving MJ has some new dreams : Starting off at 4 pm. The mood was upbeat, from I Street, NW to Euclid Street, workshops, peace an interactive Peace Museum , having almost festive, thanks to the sounds NW along 16th Street. Chants and camps, peace clubs, peace education on the required list for and vibes of the Rhythm Workers slogans expressed determination of peace classes and schools and having the whole world at a Union, and many others who brought people living and working here to stay trying to teach the Peace Camp at the same time. song and dance to rally and demon- here. art of making peace Every good thing starts with a dream strate. The symbol most prevalent in the and living by the Peace Pledge. While the Rhythm Workers Union march was the American flag. The The children love getting on board Peace Building Pledge played on the north side of the park, message is we are all Americans. We the Peace Train , which contains the Arabs and Arab-Americans gathered on are a country of immigrants. instruments of Peace and not the the south side to march in solidarity, This is a call for justice from those weapons of war and hatred. “I am a Peace Builder, I along with bringing closer attention to who heretofore have been kept silent pledge to talk nice to others, the rightwing abuse of Arab and due lack of "immigration status". The to treat people with care, to Muslim immigrants. time is now for them to claim that make peace, not break peace, At the same time, People for the status. This sleeping giant has been to work for peace at home, American Way were passing out awakened. school and in my neighbor- American flags to people entering The message is simple and just: hood each day “ the park at 16th near Florida No human being should be called . Avenue. The weather was beautiful. “illegal.” Two Photos by MJ Park
Homeowners were allowed to apply for with them about their experiences. Our A Spring Break Not to Forget this service if their house was con- particular couple was forced to swim firmed to be structurally sound. Should out of their parent’s house to a neigh- exemplary 250 volunteer students to the homeowners decided to rebuild, it bor’s yard where they got into a boat in By Bernadette Laber the camp. In addition to college would be at their own costs. However, it which they finally reached a nearby students from around the nation, church seemed that many were simply putting elementary school. The elementary groups, couples, and individuals were their homes up for sale. school housed people from around the all a part of the volunteer efforts. All volunteers were required to neighborhood for five days until the All volunteers were provided with wear hard hats, goggles, masks, gloves, water receded. cots, showers, and three meals a day. WPC Intern Reports From New Orleans long sleeved shirts, pants and boots as The George Washington students The tent city was extremely well protective gear from the potentially enjoyed our last day in New Orleans in To many college students, an organized and protected by federal dangerous elements in the house such the city, which we had yet to explore. I eighteen-hour bus ride followed by guards. as mold and fiberglass insulation. The personally fell in love with it. It has four days of intense physical labor The George Washington students labor was hot and sweaty, therefore retained its vibrancy and life that stand does not sound like an ideal spring were divided into groups of about involving several water breaks to keep at its core. A poster board reading break. Yet hundreds, perhaps thou- twelve people. The groups were then us hydrated and healthy. We were “Nothing Cancels Mardi Gras. Noth- sands of college students are doing grouped again into a larger team that fortunate to have fairly conducive ing,” seemed to reflect the city’s just this - giving up their spring breaks worked under the supervision of an weather for our job. We worked resilient attitude. to volunteer with the reconstruction AmeriCorps personnel. The team “gutting” the houses in preparation for However, we can all help in this efforts in New Orleans. generally worked in one neighborhood, their rebuilding. Gutting consists of ongoing process of reconstruction. I had the wonderful opportunity to each group on a different house, in an removing everything from the house Camp Premier accommodates and go to New Orleans through the George attempt to rejuvenate whole neighbor- including the kitchen sink, from the feeds volunteers for free. It will be Washington University’s Alternative hoods at a time. Groups from George furniture to the refrigerator with seven- operating until the end of June, and it is Spring Break Program. I was one of Washington were all assigned to month-old food in it to the dry wall. expecting to have about 1,300 volun- about fifty George Washington neighborhoods in St. Bernard’s Parish, In addition, years and year’s worth teers a week until then. students who attended this program. New Orleans. of personal items were removed from I met many wonderful people and In New Orleans, we worked in a It was heard that other teams were the houses. Items that could not be feel lucky to have been a part of this federal tent city created by FEMA assigned to the Ninth Ward, a much salvaged were put on the corner with group, and to have had the opportunity called Camp Premier. George Washing- poorer area of New Orleans. The type the rest of the debris to be discarded. to meet so many concerned and ton University worked through Habitat of work done in these areas was This was often emotional for the compassionate young people. for Humanity, which was one of the probably very different from our work workers- one previous volunteer While other students may have several different organizations located because, unlike houses there, the referred to it as throwing away some- come back from break with a nice tan, in the camp. Another local DC college, houses in the St. Bernard’s Parish one’s life. Many of the groups were we came back with a sense of commu- Howard University, brought an neighborhood are all made of brick. able to meet the homeowners and talk nity, accomplishment, and hope.
Washington Peace Letter • June 2006 • 11 Thank you, William Peace and Justice Calendar Sloan Coffin! Wednesdays Sundays 1925- Marylanders for a Free Palestine 2006 and Secure Israel Women in Black Vigils First and Third Fridays of each month, Stand for Peace * Every 3rd Wednesday 6:30-7pm 10:00 am Sundays, Noon to 1 pm VIGILS - Daily: Market & Patrick Sts., Frederick, MD Blue Cow Cafe, Thunder Hill Road, Spa Creek Bridge in Annapolis, MD - 301-834-7581 Columbia, MD Signs are not allowed to be on a stick Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil [email protected] Call 410-465-3493 or pole. Tell Lucy you’ll be there at Lafayette Park north of the White www.groups.yahoo.com/group/ 410-263-7271 or [email protected] House, 24 hours a day since June 3, omeninblackdc Takoma Park Peace Vigil If you are interested in standing on the 1981. Bring friends on Saturday, June Last Friday of the Month, 5 to 6pm Stoney Creek Bridge on Fort 3rd - the 25th anniversary of the vigil! Wednesday Night Film Takoma Junction (Rte. 410 and Carroll Smallwood Road in Pasadena contact See www.prop1.org, call 202-682- Screenings—Hip-Hop Film Series Ave.) 410-437-5379 or 4282 Wednesdays, 7pm Vigil to end occupation in Iraq, [email protected]. Schedule of upcoming films: Palestine and the White House. Mondays: www.provisionslibrary.org/films.shtml 301.589-5410 or see: www.tpkids4peace.org Monthly Washington Peace Center Thursdays PeaceDecember Center’s 3rd Community Meeting Sounds of Hope Summer Highlights: 7 - 9:30 pm, second Monday DAWN Protest At White House Every 4th Friday of the Month, Spring Actions Flemming Center Community Room Thursdays, 12:00 noon 7pm to 10:30pm - Open Mic 1426 9th St NW White House sidewalk Potter’s House Books, 1658 Columbia Summer of Resistance Everyone welcome; members vote! US out of Iraq, no new wars on Iran, Rd. NW - Local performers, charities Summer of PaulResistance M program is Syria, N Korea, etc. Boisterous is OK! and Potter’s House present an seeking assistance from you in the Weekly Pentagon Peace Vigil www.DAWNDC.net evening of food, entertainment, and local peace community to provide Mondays, 7-8 am community outreach. For more affordable housing for program Outside the Pentagon Metro Stop Audio Activism & The Science of information call 202-232-2885 or participants. Participants will be in sponsored by the Dorothy Day Sound - DC Radio Co-op send an email to Washington and in need of housing Catholic Worker 202-882-9649 Thursdays, 6:30-9:30pm [email protected] assistance from June 23 to August People’s Media Cafe, Al Fishawy, 8th, and range in age from 17- 24. MD Vigil to Abolish Death 4132 Georgia Avenue, NW Saturdays For any of you who can help, this Penalty Get the basics in sound gathering, would be a great contribution to our Mondays, 5-6pm Summer of Resistance to the War in interviewing, rapid audio production Anti-War Activists Taking Back The Corner of Madison Ave. and Iraq. Please contact Lyndi B. at and distribution, with immediate Mall Fallsway in Baltimore - Outside the [email protected] or feedback at Pacifica station in D.C. Every Saturday during the tourist prison complex and across the street 202-299-1050. WPFW (89.3 FM). Trainings designed season, 9:00 am from Maryland's death row, corner of for radical activists. NO registration. Smithsonian Metro Madison Ave.410-233-0488. Hiroshima Week Activities: Just attend, or call 917-681-7228 or Carry a clearly-lettered anti-War sign A series of events during the first 202-588-0999 ext 310. that looks good in a photo. DC Guerrilla Poets week of August commemorate the [email protected] DuPont Circle, by the fountain, every Fridays bombings in Japan, and hosting 1st and 3rd Monday, from 7:00 until survivors of the bombings (known Silent Quaker Peace Vigil 9:00pm as “Hibakusha”). To find out about SHED LIGHT ON US WAR Saturdays, 12 noon -1 pm www.guerrillapoets.org this year’s events, contact John CASUALTIES West Lawn of the Capitol Steinbach - 703-369-7427 Fridays, 8 pm -10 pm Sponsored by area Quakers and like- The Pledge of Resistance-
12 • Washington Peace Letter • June 2006