October 2018 Volume 23 Issue 4 Ground Zero Honors Archbishop Hunthausen’s Legacy

By Glen Milner

By Leonard Eiger Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action five-star officers who received their final star in World pulled out the stops this past August with its events com- War II—Generals MacArthur, Eisenhower, and Arnold memorating the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Na- and Admirals Leahy, King, and Nimitz—rejected the idea gasaki. The weekend included keynote addresses by for- that nuclear bombs were needed to end the war. Sadly, mer CIA officer and peace activist Ray McGovern and though, there is little evidence that they pressed their case Backbone Campaign executive director Bill Moyer, the with then-President Truman before the fact. So why did annual Boats by Bangor, music by The Irthlingz Duo, and Truman do it? McGovern made the case that Truman and a traditional vigil and nonviolent direct action at the Ban- Secretary of State Jimmy Byrnes were incorrigible big- gor Trident base. ots. And that bigotry continues to drive our nation’s for- McGovern’s presentation was titled “Miracle and eign policy and continued pursuit of nuclear dominance. Myth: We Have Not Yet Blown Up Our Planet = Mira- McGovern recounted story after story of Cold cle. Our Luck Will Hold Indefinitely = Myth.” He ex- War near misses that could have easily erupted into plained that it is a myth that attacking Japanese cities WWIII had individuals, on both the U.S. and Soviet with atomic bombs was needed to end WWII, though that’s what we were told. Six of the United States’ seven Archbishop Hunthausen… continued on page 2 Archbishop Hunthausen… continued from page 1 sides, not acted on conscience and with common sense. Later on Saturday, kayaktivists and a sailboat He also spoke to the acts of conscience by so many peo- plied the waters of Hood Canal in the third annual “Boats ple, like Archbishop Raymond Hunthausen and Daniel by Bangor” waterborne protest against nuclear weapons. Berrigan, that had an impact on and moved so many oth- The activists kept well outside the base’s security perime- ers to follow in their footsteps. In a nation where results ter, sailing by the Delta Pier, where submarines are main- are revered, McGovern reminded us of a quote by Berri- tained and prepared for their patrols, and the two Explo- gan, who once said, that “the good is worth doing be- sives Handling Wharves, where Trident II D5 thermonu- cause it’s good; that results are not unimportant, but clear-armed ballistic missiles are loaded and offloaded. they’re secondary; they’re secondary to the action that is good.” As for the good work we do, which can often seem like a drop in the ocean, McGovern cited another quote by Berrigan, in which he said, “The difference be- tween doing nothing and doing something is everything.” Moyer’s presentation, titled “Love Wins—Grand Strategy in a Battle of Paradigms,” weaved principles from Sun Tzu’s “Art of War” and Col. John Boyd’s “Grand Strategy Briefings” into lessons learned from 14 years of artful activism in his work with Backbone Cam- paign. He explored the protection of things that are be- yond price, against forces that seek to commodify every- thing and everyone. Moyer introduced key concepts from “Boats by Bangor” sailors and kayactivists brought water- Backbone’s Theory of Change with case studies to lay borne attention to Bangor’s Delta Pier, visible just behind them. Photo the foundation for growing a robust, vibrant, and sustain- by Glen Milner. able social change that transcends “mere resistance to the profanities of corporatism, to deliver victories for our In addition to the speakers, fellowship, nonvio- communities and future generations.” lence training, and action preparations, The Irthlingz Duo Moyer also remembered Archbishop Hunthausen provided musical entertainment and inspiration through- as a very strategic communicator who taught us “to over- out the weekend. Sharon Abreu and Michael Hurwicz come this principle of the difficulty of despair; he gave bring a deep social conscience and creative talents to people an action they could take - tax resistance.” Tax their music. In 2017, they released “Songs to Save the resistance became an integral part of Hunthausen’s re- Salish Sea“ to raise awareness about the local communi- sistance to nuclear weapons. Moyer also spoke to one of ties’ efforts to prevent coal, oil and gas projects in the Hunthausen’s most controversial quotes bringing it into Salish Sea. Also in 2017, they provided music for the the context of our work. “In his [Hunthausen’s] compari- BlueGreen Alliance “Clean and Fair Economy Summit“ son of Trident submarines to the ‘Auschwitz of Puget in Olympia, Washington, and the “War and the Environ- Sound,’ which everybody quotes, it wasn’t so much that ment” conference in Washington, D.C. they are a tool of genocide, which, of course, they are... Participants held a vigil at the Bangor Main Gate but it was that they are invisible; the neighbors of Ausch- beginning on the evening of August 5th and continuing witz didn’t want to know what was going on; they felt into the morning of August 6th, the anniversary of the more comfortable when it was under the surface; so he atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Approximately sixty ac- [Hunthausen] in collaboration with you all [Ground Zero] tivists were present at the morning vigil, and twelve par- helped make the invisible visible, and that’s what we do ticipated in a nonviolent direct action in which partici- as change agents, as people who are looking forward to pants blockaded the base at the peak of the morning shift what we want rather than what we’ve been given.” change by carrying a banner onto the roadway of the Ed Mays of Pirate Television main entrance gate. The banner read, “Trident is the (www.edmaysproductions.net) videotaped both presenta- Auschwitz of Puget Sound—Archbishop Hunthausen.” tions and has posted them on YouTube; to find them, The activists stopped traffic entering the base for ten search for “Ground Zero” and “Ray McGovern” or “Bill minutes before being removed from the roadway by Moyer.” Washington State Patrol Officers, cited for being in the Members of the 2018 Pacific Northwest Inter- roadway illegally, and released on the scene. Those cited faith Peace Walk arrived at Ground Zero Center on Satur- were Phil Davis, Susan Delaney, Lisa Johnson, Mack day, August 4, after a nearly two-week walk that started Johnson, Ann Kittredge, James Knight, Brenda McMil- in Oregon. This was the 14th year of the peace walk, and lan, Elizabeth Murray, George Rodkey, Ryan Scott Ros- it carried the theme: “No More War—A World without enboom, Michael Siptroth, and Jade Takushi. Nuclear Weapons.” Participants walked, listened and shared the voices of the victims of warfare. Archbishop Hunthausen… continued on page 3

Page 2 Archbishop Hunthausen… continued from page 2

The banner used in the action was the result of a native of British Columbia, introduced Archbishop Hun- collaboration with Moyer, who brought his experience, thausen to the practice of contemplative nonviolent direct skills and tools from his work with Backbone Campaign. action.” Participants outlined and cut the letters, and then applied “Douglass once described his longtime friend as them to the massive banner mesh to send a clear message ‘a holy prophet of nonviolence in the nuclear age.’ In to those entering the base on their way to work. It was a what would become a truly historic address on June 12, bold statement with a strong histor- 1981 at Pacific Lutheran Universi- ical context. ty in Tacoma, Hunthausen spoke Raymond Hunthausen, re- these prophetic words: ‘Our secu- tired archbishop of Seattle, died on rity as people of faith lies not in July 22nd at age 96. Frank From- demonic weapons, which threaten herz, author of the the soon to be all life on earth. Our security is in released book, “A Disarming Spir- a loving, caring God. We must it: The Life of Archbishop Ray- dismantle our weapons of terror mond Hunthausen,” said of Hun- and place our reliance on God.’” thausen: As journalist Terry Messman “It was in the early 1980s describes it, “In the immediate af- that Archbishop Hunthausen de- termath of the archbishop’s un- nounced the Trident nuclear sub- compromising call to resistance, marine fleet harbored in his archdi- Processing to the main gate. Ground Zero activists many Catholic bishops, Protestant ocese, famously calling it ‘the exit Clear Creek Parkway and enter the path leading to the ministers and Jewish rabbis were Auschwitz of Puget Sound.’ His base entrance. Photo by Glen Milner. moved to speak out against nuclear opposition inspired Catholics weapons. And the peace move- worldwide, but gained him powerful opponents in the ment found new hope. At last, someone with the power to U.S. government during the era of President Reagan’s military buildup. Catholic peace activist Jim Douglass, a Archbishop Hunthausen… continued on page 8

By Glen Milner The annual Ground Zero membership meeting is a month, alternating monthly between meetings in Seat- when we decide the future of Ground Zero. It is a time tle, Tacoma and at Ground Zero. All meetings are open to for reflection and renewal, and for new proposals for all members. peace and justice. Please consider serving on a committee It was also decided in November 2002 that deci- or on one of the positions listed below. sions of the Stewardship Council and committees would The meeting will take place on Saturday, No- be by consensus and in accord with the Mission State- vember 10, at 1:00, at Ground Zero. We’ll have a potluck ment, which reads, “Founded in 1977, Ground Zero Cen- lunch at noon beforehand for all who want to join. ter for Nonviolent Action offers the opportunity to ex- The annual membership meeting was established plore the meaning and practice of nonviolence from a in November 2002 as part of the organizational structure perspective of deep spiritual reflection, providing a of Ground Zero. means for witnessing to and resisting all nuclear weap- All positions on the Stewardship Council, includ- ons, especially Trident. We seek to go to the root of vio- ing Secretary, Treasurer, Chairperson and committee po- lence and injustice in our world and experience the trans- sitions will be chosen or renewed at the annual meeting forming power of love through nonviolent direct action.” for the next year. Committees include house and grounds, The Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action communication/outreach, website, leafleting, finance/ is part of a larger peace community in the Pacific North- budget, and media. There is currently one ad hoc commit- west that transcends geographic boundaries, gender, race tee – for the construction of the Peace Pagoda at Ground and time. We invite all to come and share your ideas for a Zero. There are also several “at large” positions on the peaceful and larger world community and to help contin- Council. ue our resistance to the Trident nuclear weapons system. The purpose of the Stewardship Council and Please join us. committee positions is to divide the responsibilities and work of Ground Zero into manageable sections. We all Glen Milner has worked with Ground Zero since the days of White Train help one another in the process. The Council meets once resistance. He lives in Lake Forest Park with his wife Karol. Page 3 Archbishop Hunthausen at Ground Zero Prophetic Voice and Patient Organizer By Jim Douglass Editor’s Note: Archbishop Raymond Hun- peace but a patient organizer. On one of his visits to thausen, retired Archbishop of Seattle, died on July 22. In Ground Zero, he brought with him his leadership team in the 1980s Hunthausen famously denounced the Trident the Seattle Catholic Archdiocese to join us in a day of nuclear weapon system as “the Auschwitz of Puget reflection. On that rainy Saturday in our geodesic dome Sound.” While his bold leadership inspired Catholics (soon to be burned down), we heard a woman from Hiro- worldwide, it was anything but popular with those in the shima describe the darkness and horror of August 6, government and church hierarchies. Ground Zero co- 1945. We heard the Archbishop proclaim Jesus’ beati- founder Jim Douglass introduced the Archbishop to the tudes, while wiping raindrops from his Bible where practice of contemplative nonviolent direct action, at the they’d fallen from the holes in the dome. And we experi- heart of Ground Zero’s mission. He once described Arch- enced together the beauty of this place at the edge of de- bishop Hunthausen as “a holy prophet of the nuclear struction. Some of those who came with the Archbishop age.” This reflection, written by Douglass, provides a that day have made waves at Ground Zero ever since, glimpse into what we are both called to and capable of. such as Kim and Bill Wahl and Jim Burns. You can learn much Archbishop Hun- more about Archbishop thausen inspired a group of Hunthausen in the soon to Seattle church leaders to be published book, “A Dis- vigil with him in a boat in arming Spirit: The Life of support of the Peace Archbishop Raymond Hun- Blockade of the first Tri- thausen”, written by Frank dent sub. He also went Fromherz. All profits from through a nonviolence the sale of this book will be training session at Ground given to the Ground Zero Zero. I recall being oppo- Community, a nonprofit site him in a hassle line. As established for Ground Ze- a great athlete, he was ro Center for Nonviolent more than capable of Action’s educational work. climbing over the base fence. What he chose to do In his early days, instead was refuse to pay Raymond Hunthausen was half his income tax in re- a teacher at Carroll College sistance to war-making. in Helena, Montana, and “He had no regrets.” Jim Douglass and Archbishop Hunthausen share a His voice and actions were coach of its football, bas- laugh during the early days of Trident resistance. Photo courtesy of Jim Douglass. a jarring, chain-reacting ketball, baseball, and track example to others. In a teams. As a coach, he was named to the National Associ- humble, faithful way, his leadership helped create hope- ation of Intercollegiate Athletics ful consequences, including the American Catholic bish- “In his humble, Hall of Fame. The man knew ops’ pastoral letter, “The Challenge of Peace.” It all re- teamwork – how to encourage sulted in deep suffering to himself, from both church and faithful way, his folks to work and play together state. He had no regrets. He lived to see Pope Francis leadership helped in a disciplined way. His basket- turning the whole church toward peacemaking. created hopeful ball team was once in the closing Mike Ryan, in his homily on the Archbishop, minutes of a game against a su- said that when word of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima consequences.” perior opponent whose home reached Raymond Hunthausen’s seminary in August crowd was cheering them on to 1945, there was “general jubilation” among his fellow 100 points. Calling a time-out, coach Hunthausen con- seminarians that “the enemy was finally vanquished.” All vinced his discouraged players to ignore the score and the young Hunthausen could think about were “the stall, playing keep-away with the ball. The tactic worked 70,000 people who had been incinerated in a matter of so well the other team panicked, Carroll outscored them seconds.” He shared with Ryan “how he went off to the in the final minutes, and they didn’t reach 100 points. It woods for a walk, and then to the chapel, where he buried changed the whole dynamic. his head in his hands and wept.” Archbishop Hunthausen brought that kind of gift to Ground Zero. He was not only a prophetic voice for Hunthausen at Ground Zero… continued on page 5

Page 4 Hunthausen at Ground Zero… continued from page 4

We can see in that weeping seminarian the seeds - a profoundly good man whose enduring life in the of the compassionate prophet we came to know at world will make peace more powerfully than ever. Ground Zero.

Archbishop Hunthausen had the gift of leading us into genuine community. He lived out that gift fully, Jim Douglass founded Ground Zero with his wife Shelley in 1977. Today sharing it with us on holy ground. I believe he will al- the Douglasses live in Birmingham, Alabama where they extend hospitality ways be present at Ground Zero. He is hope in our midst at the Mary’s House Catholic Worker. Metro Bus Ads Extended Through October By Glen Milner On September 2, Ground Zero extended its King year. Likely, Ground Zero will continue to inform Puget County Metro bus ads for an additional two months for a Sound citizens that the end of the world is in their own much-reduced fee of $5,000. Because of the extension, backyard. the bus ads will continue to run at least until October 28. On August 23, Hans Kristensen, director of the The first two months of the ad, which began on Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of Ameri- July 9, cost Ground Zero a total of $15,000, which in- can Scientists tweeted to his followers, “Interesting arti- cluded $150 for design and $4,999 for the production of cle by @roncjudd in @seattletimes about local anti- the ads. In August, Intersection, the advertising agency nuclear activism… Honored to help the local activists for King County Metro, proposed a two-month extension and journalists with factual information about the nukes of the ads for $9,346. Rodney Brunelle countered their in their backyard.” offer and the advertising agency agreed to run all the ads On July 9, Ground Zero began running 39 Metro for $5,000. downtown bus ads displaying the following paid adver- The Ground Zero bus ad was central to an eight- tisement: Puget Sound: Home to one-third of deployed page article by Ron Judd that appeared in the Seattle U.S. nuclear weapons… Accept Responsibility. Included Times Pacific Northwest Magazine on August 23. Judd in the advertisement is a map showing the proximity of initially contacted Ground Zero Seattle to Naval Base Kitsap- on July 11, when he stated, Bangor, home port for 8 of the “I’m interested in writing a Navy’s 14 Trident nuclear- piece this month about the powered submarines, and a peace movement on Puget U.S. Navy photo of the Trident Sound – past, present and fu- submarine, USS Nebraska, tak- ture, that educates some of our en on June 2, 2017 near Elliott many newly arrived residents Bay. about the nuclear arsenal in the Also on July 9, three larg- region.” The resulting article er versions of the ad began to was a thoughtful description run on three Metro downtown and commentary about the lo- electric buses. Both ads ran an cal peace movement. Judd con- additional four bonus weeks. cluded in his Backstory piece, The King County Metro bus ads were central to an eight- The statement in the ad refers “We hope the piece provides a page article in the Seattle Times. Photo courtesy of Intersection. to the percentage of the total bit of historic background, and number of deployed U.S. strate- serves as a conversation-starter gic nuclear warheads that are about citizens’ responsibilities... It’s hard to imagine a deployed on Trident D-5 missiles on SSBN submarines serious local issue that gets less ‘airtime’ in general me- based at Bangor. dia.” Our proximity to the largest number of deployed Intersection appreciated seeing their bus ad fea- strategic nuclear weapons puts us near a dangerous local tured in the Seattle Times. This might have contributed and international threat. When citizens become aware of to their offer for an extension at a reduced fee by Inter- their role in the prospect of nuclear war, or the risk of a section and King County Metro. In any case, Ground nuclear accident, the issue is no longer an abstraction. Zero was compelled to accept the offer, which was one- Our proximity to Bangor demands a deeper response. third of the price for the original two-month period.

As successful as the bus ads have been, we need Glen Milner serves on the Stewardship Council and coordinates the annual to find a way to continue to pay for the ad campaign next Peace Fleet action. Page 5 Peace Fleet! 2018 13 Peace Fleet sailors and 15 Peace demonstrators on the shore met the U.S. Navy at Seafair By Glen Milner After seventeen years, the Coast Guard, Navy, and told us that the nautical track for the Parade of Ships in the Port of Seattle appeared to finally recognize that the past years had been inaccurate and had been too close to Peace Fleet and supporters have an equal right to public the shoreline. This all resulted in a greater presence for resources both on the shore and on the water in Elliott our message of peace. Bay. Videographers for the Navy seemed to embrace the presence of the Peace Fleet., with an eight minute and 50 second video on the Department of Defense website. The end of the video featured Peace Fleet vessels, as though to say—see you next year! On the shore: Mona Lee, Bob Trutnau, Mary Han- son, Sigrid Salo, Alice Friedman, Chris Rogers, Annie Warmedahl, Karol Milner, Alisa McFeron, Hannah McFeron, Brandon Ates, and a large number of Veterans for Peace members, including Ray Nacanaynay, Dan Gil- man, Mason Rhoads, Pete Schoonmaker, and others. On the water: Rodney Brunelle and kayak; S/V Si- lent (24-foot sailboat) with Mary Gleysteen, Dirk Gleysteen and Michael Siptroth; S/V Ranger (20-foot sailboat) with Salaha Warsi-Brighton and Ed Brighton; S/ V Nootka (33-foot sailboat) with Bob Freitag, Marti A Coast Guard helicopter buzzes overhead as a Coast Guard Schmidt, and Tom Rogers; 21-foot cat ketch with Alan boat stands watch by a Peace Fleet sailboat and kayak. Photo courtesy of Brisley; and 16-foot skiff with Michael Hill, Mack John- the US Coast Guard. son, and Glen Milner.

Peace Fleet participants on the shore had access to the elevator and the Rooftop Plaza on Pier 66, where the Veterans for Peace flags and Ground Zero banners were on full display. About 15 peace activists were on the rooftop—about a third of all present there to view the fleet arrival. On the water, thirteen Peace Fleet sailors in four sailboats, one kayak and a 16-foot skiff assembled inside Bell Harbor Marina, next to Pier 66, before the event. Rodney Brunelle launched his kayak at Bell Harbor Ma- rina after taking it down the ramp. For the first time, Peace Fleet sailors were able to enter and depart from Bell Harbor Marina without being restricted by the Coast Guard. Strong support on the shore. From left to right, Mary Peace Fleet vessels, displaying peace flags, VFP Hanson, Alisa McFeron holding Hannah McFeron, and Sigrid Salo. flags, and anti-nuclear weapons banners, maneuvered Photo by Karol Milner. freely between the Seafair Reviewing Stand on Pier 66 and the Parade of Ships throughout the event, always in Many thanks to Bob, Ed, and Dirk, for their gener- the foreground for the assembled dignitaries and guests to osity and willingness to take others in their beautiful sail- observe our peaceful message. boats for this event. Alan Brisley gave us all a sailing demonstration at The next Peace Fleet event will likely be on Tues- Pier 66 in his 21-foot cat ketch. Bob Freitag’s boat dis- day, July 30, 2019 or Wednesday, July 31, 2019. played a Peace Corps flag, reminding everyone of a peaceful alternative to military service. Navy vessels passed Pier 66 at a greater distance Glen Milner has served as one of the main organizers for the Peace Fleet from the waterfront than in past years. The Coast Guard for each of its 17 years.

Page 6 By Glen Milner Ground Zero joined with Pax Christi Northwest law; (2) a norm or guideline in which civilians and the on September 15 to promote Humanitarian Disarmament environment on which they depend will not be harmed; and to honor Archbishop Raymond Hunthausen. The and (3) a movement. event featured Yeshua Moser-Puangsuwan, a long-time The body of law is made up of treaties and proto- human rights and humanitarian disarmament activist, au- cols brought about by civil society which have humani- thor, and friend and colleague of Ground Zero. It was one tarian characteristics, are people-centered, with remedia- of over 2,650 events around the world as part of the 2018 tion elements, monitoring and advocacy by civil society. Campaign Nonviolence National Week of Actions These conventions help to create a norm that is (September 15-23). ‘policed’ by civil society Moser-Puangsuwan through data gathered during recounted the history and monitoring and “naming and development of the Humani- shaming”. tarian Disarmament move- A necessary element of ment, beginning with his Humanitarian Disarmament work on the International is to develop a movement, Campaign to Ban Landmines with large numbers of indi- in 1994. He had just returned viduals and civil society or- the previous week from an ganizations. In the U.S., inter-governmental meeting although our military is re- in Geneva debating interna- sistant to agree to humanitar- tional regulations to ban ful- ian restrictions, public pres- ly autonomous weapons– sure can help enforce a new killer robots. Other Humani- norm that makes it more dif- tarian Disarmament cam- Yeshua Moser-Puangsuwan, an international peace activist, ficult for the military to use paigns include the Cluster spoke during the Campaign Nonviolence National Week of Actions. Photo certain weapons. One exam- Munition Coalition, the In- by Glen Milner. ple is the inhibition of the ternational Network on Ex- U.S. to use antipersonnel plosive Weapons, and the International Campaign to landmines and cluster munitions due to pressures from Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). outside the U.S. The norm must be constantly reinforced. The Humanitarian Disarmament movement Ground Zero members know that the public must be con- works for the prohibition of weapons by focusing on their stantly reminded of the harm and risk from the develop- impact on human beings and societies, rather than the ment and possible use of nuclear weapons. traditional state security framework. This includes nucle- Public polls all over the world (including the ar weapons, as well as cluster munitions, anti-personnel U.S.) show that people support abolishing nuclear weap- mines, depleted uranium, and the use of explosive weap- ons, even if they think they have little, if any, ability to ons in densely populated areas. Humanitarian Disarma- affect change. We know this, in part, from the positive ment groups are also working to stop new weapons tech- responses to Ground Zero’s Summer bannering cam- nology, such as fully autonomous weapons currently un- paign. Our challenge, as activists, is to create campaigns der development—the so-called “killer robots“. that are accessible to, and empower, them. The Humanitarian Disarmament movement car- Yeshua’s presentation was well-received, and ries out a large proportion of its work within international many of the concepts he shared have been an integral part coalitions, such as the International Campaign to Abolish of our work. Yeshua has given us a much clearer under- Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) of which Ground Zero and standing of effective strategies and new directions in our Washington PSR are members. Efforts for disarmament work toward the abolition of nuclear weapons. may target an entire chain of conflict: from the develop- After the presentation and discussion, partici- ment of new weapons, the investments by financial insti- pants marched from Saint Patrick Church to Saint James tutions in the production of such weapons, through the Cathedral for a prayer and reflection on Archbishop Hun- arms trade, and the use of these weapons in conflicts. Ye- thausen and his contribution to nuclear disarmament. shua suggested that one approach in the Puget Sound re- You can learn more and find valuable resources gion would be to urge people to withdraw their financial on humanitarian disarmament at our website at support from industries, banks, and other institutions that www.gzcenter.org. earn income from the nuclear weapons industry.

Core elements of Humanitarian Disarmament Glen Milner leads legal struggles on behalf of Ground Zero. He lives in include three main concepts: (1) to develop a body of Lake Forest Park. Page 7 Archbishop Hunthausen… continued from Ten Resisters Sing Their Way to Court page 3

By Tom Rogers make his voice heard had the courage to call the Trident nuclear submarine what it truly Ten nuclear resisters, who blocked the entrance to the largest was: an oceangoing Holocaust, an underwa- concentration of deployed nuclear weapons in the United States, ap- ter death camp loaded with weapons of mass peared in court to plead their cases for peace and nuclear abolition. incineration that could ignite a firestorm and They were in court on July 26 as a result of their nonviolent direct ac- slaughter millions. Most importantly, Hun- tion last Mothers Day weekend when they symbolically closed Naval thausen didn’t merely call for a lukewarm Base Kitsap-Bangor, by blocking the entrance gate to the base. set of reforms. He called for immediate nu- clear disarmament and massive civil disobe- dience because of his conviction that nuclear weapons are criminal and immoral.” Messman also described how “Ground Zero’s adherence to nonviolence and its sincere and friendly attempts to com- municate with base workers influenced many naval base employees to resign for reasons of conscience. This led to the highly visible resignation of the chaplain of the Tri- dent base, Father Dave Becker, who decided he could no longer attempt to be ‘the chap- lain of the Auschwitz of Puget Sound.’” And so the Bangor base continues to Demonstrating their commitment. The 10 defendants gathered be, for the most part, “invisible,” as Moyer outside the Courthouse prior to the hearing. Photo by Mary Gleysteen. described, hidden behind the fences and dense stands of conifers. The Trident subma- rines, bristling with The 10 activists and about the same number of supporters met enough nuclear “Hunthausen didn’t at Givens Park, a few blocks from the Kitsap County District Court- firepower to bring house in Port Orchard, for a picnic lunch and pretrial socializing and an end to life on merely call for a song. Then they marched and sang their way to the courthouse where Earth, sail the Sev- lukewarm set of they sang on the courthouse steps, and handed out leaflets. en Seas, hidden reforms. He called The mitigation hearings were in Judge Jeffrey Jahns’ court- “under the sur- room at Kitsap District Court. Judge Jahns started off by explaining face,” while Ban- for immediate that he had been a prosecuting attorney in the Kitsap County Prosecu- gor’s neighbors nuclear disarma- tor’s Office for 14 years prior to being appointed to the bench in 2009. pretend to not ment and massive He was involved in trials of Ground Zero members during that time, know what is really and each time offered any of the mitigants a continuance with a differ- going on – the hor- civil disobedience.” ent judge if this was an issue. No one took him up on the offer. rible reality that At this most recent trial the mitigants were given ample time to these submarines, and the crews that operate deliver testimony about why they had blocked the main gate to Bangor. them, are prepared to unleash annihilation on All were beautiful, heartfelt and compelling statements. Larry a potentially global scale. Kerschner’s testimony summarized International law regarding nuclear A small band of activists attempted weapons in a very well-researched statement. Margarita Munoz sang this past August to both remember the hor- her testimony. The judge was very attentive and respectful of each miti- rors of our nuclear past and do “something” gant, commenting on many of the statements. Fines ranged from zero to prevent far greater horrors in the future. In to ten dollars depending on the number of previous offenses. Even Lar- the spirit of Archbishop Hunthausen, and all ry Kerschner, who might still face Federal charges stemming from his the others who have gone before us, may we arrest at Bangor last August, had his fine cancelled. continue to be agents of change, seeking a The Judge closed the hearings by thanking all of the mitigants better future, one free of the threat of nuclear for their commitment. He said that ethically he couldn’t tell us to “keep war. up the good work, but well, you know.” You can read some of the mitigants’ statements to the court on the Ground Zero website. Leonard Eiger chairs the Communication and Outreach Committee, and sends out press releases and information Tom Rogers is a former Navy submarine Captain who now works to rid the world of nuclear on behalf of Ground Zero. He took the photo on the cover. weapons. He co-chairs the Stewardship Council.

Page 8 From Bangor to Kings Bay: Trident Equals Omnicide

By Leonard Eiger

In good conscience and in a longstanding tradi- New Haven, Connecticut; and Patrick O’Neill, 61, of the tion that began in 1980 in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, Fr. Charlie Mulholland Catholic Worker, Garner, North seven Catholic Plowshares activists entered Kings Bay Carolina. Naval Submarine Base in St. Mary’s, Georgia on April 4, The Kings Bay Plowshares action was the begin- 2018. They went there in order to enflesh the words of ning of a long journey for these seven courageous peace- the prophet Isaiah, that “They will beat their swords into makers; a journey that will include a trial and most cer- plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.” tainly prison time, something for which they are well pre- Kings Bay Naval base, which opened in 1979 as pared. Currently, Kelly and McAllister remain in prison, the Navy’s Atlantic Ocean Trident port, is the dreadful while the others are out on bond and are on electronic twin to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. Together, the two monitoring. Trident bases represent just over In a recent motions hearing half of all thermonuclear war- in Federal court, Bill Quigley, heads deployed by the United law professor at Loyola Univer- States, holding humanity under sity New Orleans and long-time the constant threat of nuclear Plowshares defender, “spoke at annihilation. length about the defendants’ as- The Kings Bay Plow- sertion that the United States is shares chose the 50th anniver- in violation of its own laws, in- sary of the assassination of the ternational laws and treaty obli- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, gations by possessing nuclear Jr., who called out the “triple weapons, which he argued evils of militarism, racism and would render the prosecution materialism.” Carrying ham- moot. By being indiscriminate mers and baby bottles of their and genocidal by nature, own blood, the seven attempted Quigley said, nuclear weapons to convert weapons of mass de- are a war crime unto them- struction. Their action calls at- selves.” tention to the ways in which The seven brave Plowshares activists prior to their More recently, attorneys nuclear weapons kill every day, Georgia action. Photo courtesy of www.kingsbayplowshares7.org. for the defendants filed a memo by their existence and constant in order to justify the defendants' preparation for, and threat of, use of the Religious Freedom use. Restoration Act (RFRA)in de- The activists went to three sites on the base: the fense of their religious beliefs. In the associated affida- Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic administration build- vits, the defendants speak about their beliefs and how ing, the D5 Missile monument installation and the nucle- they motivated their nonviolent acts of prophetic witness ar weapons storage bunkers. The activists used crime sce- against the government’s possession of nuclear weapons, ne tape, hammers and hung banners reading: “The ulti- and the use of such weapons to threaten people, nations mate logic of racism is genocide—Dr. Martin Luther and all life. In her affidavit, defendant Clare Grady re- King,” “The ultimate logic of Trident is omnicide,” and ferred to “the Trident weapons system as a crime, a crime “Nuclear weapons: illegal/immoral.” They also brought against God, against humanity, and against all God’s Cre- an indictment charging the U.S. government for crimes ation.” against peace. We stand in solidarity with our comrades who, in The activists at the nuclear weapons storage bun- acting on deeply held beliefs, will attempt to put the real kers were Elizabeth McAlister, 78, of Jonah House, Balti- culprits on trial – Trident and the US government's dan- more; Fr. Steve Kelly SJ, 69, of the Bay Area, California; gerous, illegal, and immoral nuclear posture. More on and Carmen Trotta, 55, of the New York Catholic Work- Kings Bay Plowshares, including their recent affidavits er. At the Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic Admin- filed with the court, at their web site kingsbayplow- istration building were Clare Grady, 59, of the Ithaca shares7.org. Catholic Worker; and Martha Hennessy, 62, of the New York Catholic Worker. At the Trident D5 monuments were Mark Colville, 55, of the Amistad Catholic Worker, Leonard Eiger serves on the Stewardship Council and chairs the Commu- nications and Outreach committee.

Page 9 process, said that bannering is the importance of an informed citizenry to the democratic Responsibility; Dominican Sisters; and 350seattle.org. Seattle, Chapter 92; Washington Physicians Socialfor Northwest;ti Veterans For GreaterPeace participation of banneristas from PaxChris- we owethe project son, September 24. ouruntil last Monday for the summer sea- especiallyed us that day andevery week 12. Lots honking of waves and joyful greet- Korea newsthe President as Trump andNorth was excellent DENT WEAPONS Oneners. read: pass and were greeted with two large ban- Seattleinto onI By Rodney Brunelle and Leonard Eiger Bannering Up (and Down) Up(and Bannering Sound the Project Project coordinator Rodney Brunelle, in speaking to Although initiated by Ground Zero, On Monday morning, June 11, commuters heading ’ s Kim Jung Un were meet to June –

NO NEW NUKES.

” GROUND ZERO and other:the –

“ - nuclear weapons were in 5 looked upat NEthe 45th Street over- useagain. its “ ABOLISH NUCLEAR Address Service Requested E www.gzcenter.org Website: 360 Phone: 98370 WA Poulsbo, NW Road Creek Clear 16159 FOR NONVIOLENT ACTION GROUND CENTER ZERO ’ -

s success to the faithful mail: [email protected] mail: I —

bomb. I could never accept

could never accept the Archbishop Raymond “

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maintains the No to New Trident campaign, at www.notnt.org. www.notnt.org. at campaign, Trident New to No Brunelle the maintains Leonard Eiger ple putdo to the issue of nuclear weapons frontin of peo- ’ s windshields. is a member of Pax Christi and serves on the Stewardship Council. Stewardship the on serves and Christi Pax of member a is leads media outreach efforts on behalf of Ground Zero and and Zero Ground of behalf on efforts outreach media leads certainly get some attention! from Vancouver to Blaine. Now would that banner wave upand down the I onehaps day we will have continuous a Weaponsar Groundone of Zero Zero members willalso be bannering with over I Nuclear Weapons has also banneringbeen message. reaching ahuge number of people with our summer.hot It was a brilliant strategy for ing commuters over the course of the long, attentionthe of tens of thousands morn-of ” The morning bannering certainly got The Olympia Coalition to Abolish - 5, and some Tacoma area Ground

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’ s new Permit # 111 Permit # 983 WA SILVERDALE Paid Postage U.S. STANDARD PRESORTED 83 “

Abolish Nucle-

- 5 corridor Rodney