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10-31-2001

Resist Newsletter, Oct. 2001

Resist

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Recommended Citation Resist, "Resist Newsletter, Oct. 2001" (2001). Resist Newsletters. 336. https://digitalrepository.trincoll.edu/resistnewsletter/336 Inside: Nuclear Resisters

ISSN 0897-2613 • Vol. 10 #8 A Call to Resist Illegitimate Authority October 2001 Terrorist Attacks Expose Insecurity Progressive Activists Can Help Explain Why This Happened

efforts to destroy this nation-a nation that is being seen by an HENRY ROSEMONT, JR. increasing number of people the world over as the enemy. Many Americans display the US flag as a symbol of the ideals e world changed on September 11th, a day of violence of equality, freedom and justice; others (both in the US and abroad) destroy it as a symbol of oppression, economic exploita­ nflicted on human beings by other human beings on tion and military violence. Sustained US military action against "terrorists and those who hide them" will not change the way the scale unparalleled on United States soil since the T symbol is interpreted, especially beyond US borders. Terrorism close of the Civil War. Resist grieves for the loss of lives and comes from specific root causes and environments, and the kinds of terrorist actions that the US recently experienced do not arise denounces the horrendous terrorist attacks that caused them. spontaneously or without provocation. As Howard Zinn wrote, we need to think about the resentment all over the world felt The actions of the perpetrators of this crime are altogether de­ by people who have been victims of American military ac- serving of the condemnation they have received from the major­ tion . .. in Vietnam . .. Chile and El Salvador and other coun- tries . . . In Iraq . .. and perhaps most important for under- ity of the world's peoples. RESIST also denounces all xenopho­ standing the current situation, in the occupied territories of the West Bank and Gaza. bic reactions against Arab-Americans, Asian-Americans, Mus­ Many of the world's peoples believe their suffering stems lims and people who "look Middle Eastern." This scapegoating from United States support of their tormentors, and it is a vain hope that waging war would alter their perception of the United can only further the goals of terrorism and systemic racism. States as the enemy. War will not in any way better the lives of Whether state-sanctioned or the acts of individuals or groups, the millions '?f people who suffer daily because of actions taken terrorism is indefensible. Calls for vengeance come from many by the United States government-people in whose name those places- the US government, sensationalist media, military murderous hijackers were willing to surrender their own lives. spokespersons, neighbors. Seemingly blinded by fury, many call Seeking out and destroying Osama bin Laden and his followers for massive retaliation despite the lack of a clear target. And will not bring security to the United States, nor will it serve the although President Bush called the suicide air crashes in New causes of freedom, justice, or democracy. And, continued un­ York, Washington and Pennsylvania "acts of war," his "eye for qualified support by the United States for the Israelis in their war an eye" kind of response- when coupled with his thinly-veiled against the Palestinians, and military over-flights and economic threat of declaring any part of the world suspected of harboring sanctions against the Iraqis, will not serve the causes of free­ terrorists as a free-fire zone-can only result in more bloodshed. dom, justice or democracy. History has shown that such a response will not reduce the As for the American people, the sabre-rattling that now grows causes of the animus toward the US that is held by an increasing louder and more ominous can only be expected to heighten the number of the world's inhabitants. Retaliation and bombing will agonies visited on them on September 11. War will not alleviate not reduce significantly the number of volunteers for suicide continued on page seven

Vol. 10, #8 RESIST Newsletter Page 1 Anti-War Resisters Keep on Pressure Nuclear Resistance Activists Oppose the War Machine

FELICE AND JACK Georgia. Each year, larger groups of resist­ COHEN-JAPPA ers are prosecuted for repeat trespass and sentenced to prison, usually for six months. en years ago, as he began the war still Each year, more take their place at the No­ Traging against Iraq, President George vember mass protests. Bush claimed he had popular support, and Religious faith, an integral part of the said he didn't even see a peace movement. resistance in Vieques and at Ft. Benning, is It wasn't his "vision thing"; he just wasn't also often the foundation for acts of nuclear looking. resistance. While Bush Sr. watched Pentagon vid­ An enduring example of this is the Plow­ eos on CNN, the Nuclear Resister newslet­ shares movement, begun in 1980 to enact ter reported over 6,000 anti-war arrests (at A skeleton stands in front of a "new arms the biblical prophecy of Isaiah. More than race,, missile in Fort Greely. Photo more than 225 protests in 27 states) be­ courtesy of Global Network at 70 Plowshares groups have "beat swords tween August 1990 and April 1991. Scores www.space4peace.org into plowshares," by physically disarming of activists were imprisoned, their prison weapons systems with simple hand tools. addresses published along with the ad­ from a variety ofpolitical and spiritual roots, The British Trident Ploughshares move­ dresses of more than 40 public conscien­ are engaging in civil disobedience. Chris­ ment also advocates physically dismantling tious objectors in military brigs. tians and atheists, pacifists and militants, the weapons, but has enlisted broader Throughout the 1980s, the Nuclear Re­ liberals, socialists and anarchists, are ac­ secular participation by promoting inter­ sister had addressed only anti-nuclear civil tive in an impressive array of grassroots national law foremost. disobedience and prisoner support. But the nonviolent direct action campaigns. A legal defense based on developing war against Iraq brought the "deadly con­ The largest number of imprisoned war continued on page three nection" between US nuclear and conven­ resisters result from two broad-based, tional warfare into focus with depleted ura­ finely focused campaigns: one to stop Navy nium bullets, fuel-air explosives, and stand­ bombardment of Vieques, Puerto Rico, and off tactics while hinting at nuclear attack. the other to close the infamous School of Since then, the Nuclear Resister has re­ the Americas at Fort Benning, Georgia. ported over 12,000 anti-war arrests, in ad­ In both campaigns, resisters in prison dition to more than 50,000 anti-nuclear ar­ inspire more people to greater commitment rests since 1980, in the US alone. in the struggle, and have brought the at­ In all that time, not a single day has tention of policy makers and the public to passed without at least a handful of activ­ the issue. Puerto Rican and even some fed­ ists, and sometimes hundreds, behind bars eral officials have refused to cooperate in for these direct actions. the prosecution and imprisonment of ILLEGITIMATI AUTIIORlff 1iffldilJ1 *-«I~ ~ /JJ61 The surge of anti-nuclear resistance in independentistas, church leaders, politi­ For information and grant guidelines, write the 1970s and '80s helped to kill commer­ cians, labor organizers, students and promi­ to: Resist, 259 Elm St., Suite 201 Somerville, MA 02144 cial nuclear power, cut the number of nuclear nent US mainland supporters. The Secre­ www .resistlnc.org; [email protected] warheads, drive tactical nuclear missiles tary of the Navy declared the political situ­ Resist Newsletter is published ten times a from Europe and ships at sea, and stall ation in Puerto Rico "untenable" and sup­ year by RESIST, Inc., (617)623-5110. The Reagan's Star Wars initiative. Nevada Test ports an end to bombing there. Military views expressed in articles, other than edi­ Site protests into the '90s helped bring a leaders are also acutely aware that commu­ torials, are those of the authors and do not moratorium on nuclear tests and the sign­ nities affected by US military training in necessarily represent the opinions of the ing of a comprehensive test ban treaty. Korea, Japan, the Philippines and Europe RESIST staff or board. Predictably, President Bush Jr. now are encouraged by the Vieques resisters. RESIST Staff: Robin Carton seeks to abrogate that accord. His friends At the School of the Americas, the name Carol Schachet are peddling more nuclear power and Star was changed to the Western Hemisphere Wars Redux. Only obsolete nukes were Institute for Security Cooperation, but the RESIST Volunteer: Jean Smith abandoned while smarter weapons with mercenary mission remains, and two dozen Newsletter Editor: Carol Schachet deadlier aim now take their place. more resisters were imprisoned last sum­ Printing: Red Sun Press A resistance movement that never went mer. The clear demand of the SOA-Watch away is responding with rejuvenated vigor. group has brought thousands in recent Printed on Recycled Paper with Soy Ink People of all ages and backgrounds, years to cross the line at Fort Benning, ___ -o

Page2 RESIST Newsletter October 2001 Anti-War Resisters Keep on Pressure

continued from page two nuclear waste transport and proposed such as sending cards and letters, and shar­ principles ofinternational law has long been "next generation" reactors. Action camps ing their names and "crimes" at gatherings favored by nuclear resisters in court. Fol­ in the Great Lakes region and New England, and demonstrations. And perhaps most lowing the 1996 World Court opinion that co-sponsored by the Washington, DC­ importantly, we can support the imprisoned found no legal basis to prepare for nuclear based Nuclear Information and Resource resister in the way that many themselves war, new action scenarios have been de­ Service, have looked to recent German re­ have often asked for our support: by con­ veloped. International law, or a Nuremberg sistance to nuclear waste transport for in­ tinuing our own activism, and by consid­ obligation to prevent war crimes, is no spiration. ering new ways to bring our own lives more longer simply a defense. In many recent Perhaps they'll even find support in pro­ fully into the struggle for a peaceful, actions in the US and at US nuclear bases nuclear South Carolina, where Governor nuclear-free future. in Europe, people risk arrest to uphold and Jim Hodges recently threatened to "stand enforce international law: sometimes as citi­ squarely in front of the trucks, if that's what Felice and Jack Cohen-Joppa direct the zen weapons inspectors seeking evidence it takes ... We are not going to be stuck with Nuclear Resister, which received a grant of war crimes, and other times accepting permanent storage ofplutonium in our state." from Resist in June. For more informa­ the obvious evidence and acting to deliver With many activists likely to find them­ tion about imprisoned anti-nuclear and citizens' indictments to commanding offic­ selves serving prison time in the months anti-war activists, contact them at POB ers, block workers' access, and begin the and years ahead, it is important to remem­ 43383, Tucson, AZ 85733 or visit physical work of disarmament. ber the various ways we can support them, www.nonviolence.org/nukeresister. Victories in court are still uncommon, probably because judges rarely consider and juries are often barred from hearing the international law evidence. But in Kitsap County, Washington, where the Tri­ [Free Mordechai Vanunu dent nuclear submarine docks at Bangor, the local prosecutor says criminal charges fVuclear Whistle-Blower Still In Prison are unwarranted because both a jury and a judge acquitted groups from the Ground JACK AND FELICE Although the Israeli government has Zero Center for Nonviolent Action who COHEN-JAPPA done its best to silence Vanunu and his claimed an international law defense. message of nuclear disarmament, his prison The reluctance of local prosecutors is il\. Ifordechai Vanunu knew there were poetry and letters have carried his stead­ also seen at the Nevada Test Site; at the 1 VI.risks involved. But back in 1986, this fast convictions around the world. An in­ headquarters of Lockheed-Martin near former technician at Israel's Dimona nuclear ternational movement calls for his immedi­ _Philadelphia; at the Livermore and Los facility could not have imagined that tell­ ate and unconditional release. To mark Alamos nuclear weapons labs; and at the ing the truth to the London Sunday Times the 15th anniversary of his kidnapping and Oak Ridge, Tennessee, nuclear weapons about Israel's secret nuclear weapons ar­ imprisonment, vigils were held on Septem­ plant. Hundreds of citizen inspectors senal would lead to his being drugged, kid- ber 25 in Oslo, London, Washington, DC, swarming onto US nuclear bases in Hol­ apped, and returned to Israel for a secret San Francisco, New Delhi and other cities land, Belgium and Britain have been ar­ trial, convicted of treason and espionage around the world. Last May, Norway's rested, but never brought to trial. and sentenced to 18 years in prison, in­ Tromso University awarded Mordechai Nuclear and war resisters recognize the cluding eleven and a half years in solitary Vanunu an honorary doctorate, received Bush Star Wars plan as a shield for waging confinement. on his behalf by his brother Meir. offensive war from space and assuring a Vanunu had come to believe that the This past August, on the anniversary US nuclear first-strike capability. Resis­ clandestine nuclear weapons program he'd of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and tance has returned to California's glimpsed at Dimona-and then secretly Nagasaki, Knesset member Issam Makhoul Vandenberg Air Force Base, a key Star Wars photographed-was the enemy ·of peace wrote a letter to Israel's president, appeal­ test facility and site of 1980's back-coun­ and the democratic ideal Israel proclaims. ing for Mordechai's release. In spite of try occupations and a Plowshares disar­ "!Am Your Spy,'' a poem written in his first these efforts, Israeli authorities show no mament action. Two Catholic Workers were µionths of imprisonment, explained his ac­ sign of releasing Mordechai Vanunu be­ imprisoned after a May protest at the gate, tion: " ... I have no choice. I'm a little man, fore his sentence expires in 2004. and Greenpeace internationals arrested in a citizen, one ofthe people. But I'll do what July face federal felony conspiracy charges have to. I've heard the voice of my con­ usually reserved for Plowshares activists. science and there's nowhere to hide .... " Letters ofsupport can be sent to The anti-nuclear power movement, Opinions about Vanunu vary greatly Mordechai Vanunu, Ashkelon Prison, where grassroots civil disobedience cam­ among Israelis. Many view him as a traitor Ashkelon, Israel. The US Campaign to paigns in the 1970s and early 1980s played and spy. Others consider him to be a pris­ Free Mordechai Vanunu is a Resist a key role in reversing that industry's oner of conscience, and a whistleblower in grantee and can be contacted at POB growth and advanced models for demo­ a country that is officially ambiguous about 43384, Tucson, AZ 85733 or visit cratic resistance, now prepares to resist its nuclear arsenal. .

Vol. 10, #8 RESIST Newsletter Page3 Missile Defense is a Trojan Horse Control and Dominadon the Reality ofSpace Program BRUCE GAGNON paved the road for nearly unchal­ lenged appropriations of research l\ Jfissile defense is a Trojan horse. The and development (R & D) funding l V ..lPentagon tells the American people, for the many different technologies and the rest of the world, that missile de­ now under way. The Pentagon fig­ fense is a gift to protect us from attack by a ures that by opening up many dif­ rogue state that might send a nuclear ferent Star Wars project lines that weapon toward the US. The recent terror­ they will be able to increase the ist attacks in NYC and DC clearly reveal money flow and over time get some that anyone thinking of attacking the US of them to work. So-called missile will not do so with a missile that leaves an defense systems thus get the pipe­ easily traceable "signature." Instead, ter­ line moving. rorists will find ways to ''underfly" Star The Machinists Union has re­ Wars systems and bring bombs to Ameri­ cently produced a video called can targets via suitcases or small boats. If Bombs Bursting in Air that pro­ the US really wants to protect itself, the is heading. Gen. Meyers, the former head motes the "missile defense" program and best thing to do would be to hold a real of the US Space Command, will be respon­ calls upon both parties to fund a "robust" national dialogue about why people around sible for consolidating support for the R & D effort. Bush is asking for $8.3 billion the world are so upset with our economic nuclearization and weaponization of space for Star Wars R & D in 2002 and it appears and military policies. Initiatives like Star within the military and selling it to the Con­ that Congress will give him the bulk of that Wars distract people from the real dialogue gress and the public. request. and horde resources in its construction. It is possible to conclude that before it Documents like the Space Command's Simulated War Games is finished, the new Star Wars program will Vision for 2020 and the recent Rumsfeld Last January, the US Space Command cost many hundreds of billions of dollars. Commission report clearly indicate that US held a simulated computer warfare "game" (Already over $120 billion has been wasted plans for space are really about "control set in the year 2017. The "Blues" (US) went on space weapons development since the and domination" of the heavens and the to war with the "Reds" (China). The Blue Eisenhower administration began work on Earth below. Vision for 2020 is a US Space team launched a preemptive first-strike at­ the technologies with the help of ex-Nazi Command planning document that explic­ tack on China using the military space rocket scientists following WW II.) Know­ itly calls for the US to control and domi­ plane, the now planned successor to ing that recent tax cuts will eat up the na­ nate space. Appointed by Newt Gingrich, NASA's space shuttle. tional budget surplus, it is easy to see that the Rumsfeld Commission issued a report The second weapon used in the Janu­ further funding for Star Wars will be paid saying that the US faced a viable threat of ary computer war game was the space­ for by raiding human needs programs like nuclear weapons, and that such a threat based laser (SBL). The SBL is a resurrected Social Security, health care, family farm would be minimized by a "defense" shield. technology from Ronald Reagan's Star subsidies, education, day care, and the like. Developing the ability to "deny other coun­ Wars vision that would be an orbiting battle Funding for enforcement of the Endangered tries access to space," Vision 2020 notes, station whose laser would knock out other Species Act struggles to survive with a will allow the US to be the ''Master of Space." countries' satellites in space and hit targets meager $6 million annual appropriation The politicians and their aerospace cor­ on the Earth below. Last December the Pen­ while Star Wars rages on. poration allies know that they can't come tagon announced the start of the SBL test­ to the American people and ask for hun­ ing program at NASA's Stennis Missile Market Weapons for Profit dreds of billions of dollars for an "offen­ Center in southwest Mississippi. By the It is always important to remember that sive" space warfare program, especially year 2012 they hope to deploy the first the number one industrial export of the US when our traditional nuclear enemies are operational SBL to be eventually followed today is weapons. If shoes were our prin­ eager to negotiate arms reductions. But by by a constellation of 18-48 of the weapons cipal export product we'd have a global dressing the program up as some kind of orbiting the planet. Power for the SBL would marketing strategy to put a shoe on every gigantic present, and calling it missile de­ be provided by on-board nuclear reactors. person's foot in the whole world. But when fense, the Pentagon has effectively shifted The Pentagon estimates the SBL testing weapons are your chief export, what is the the debate away from their true plans. program will cost over $30 billion. marketing strategy? The recent appointment by George W. Lockheed Martin, TRW, Boeing, and Try regional instability. Today the US Bush of General Richard Meyers to be the Raytheon are the top four Star Wars con­ arms all sides in the Middle East and the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is tractors. Their campaign contributions to region is total chaos. The US is now mov- an indication of the direction the Pentagon Republicans and Democrats alike have continued on page five

Page 4 RESIST Newsletter October 2001 Missile Defense is a Trojan Horse continued from page four ing to create the same situation in the Asian-Pacific region by expanding US mili­ tary operations in that part of the world and by selling weapons to South Korea, Japan, Taiwan,, Singapore, Indonesia, Aus­ tralia and more. The Washington Post, in a May 26, 2000 article, stated that the US will now begin to "manage China." Today the US is widen­ ing and lengthening the runways on Guam and Wake Island in the Pacific to handle the B-1 and B-2 bombers. Cruise missiles are being prepositioned on Guam and a new program, Theatre Missile Defense (TMD), is being planned for deployment surrounding China. China has 20 nuclear missiles capable of hitting the continental US while we have 7,500 that could "hit" China back. Unlike Russia, which is now fully under the con­ trol of the IMF and World Bank and is vir­ Protestors gather at the Global Network 2001 conference and Global Council of tually surrounded by an expanding NATO, Abolition 2000. Photo by Aurel Duta, courtesy Global Network at www.space4peace.org China remains the one independent actor in the world today not fully under US cor­ fort. The Vision for 2020 states that due to promises while paying for space weapons porate control. current economic realities the gap between research and development. TMD systems would be forward de­ "haves and have nots" will be widening in More than a technical question, the ployed on the air, land, and sea and would coming years. As a result, the Space Com­ whole Star Wars program being promoted allow the US to virtually surround the mand maintains that there will be more re­ by both major parties is a moral and ethical coastal regions of China. TMD systems are gional instability as workers organize to issue. What right does the US have to move designed to immediately hit missiles in oppose slave labor working conditions and the arms race into the heavens? What will what is called their "boost phase." Deploy­ a loss of democratic rights. By developing be the environmental consequences when ing TMD systems around China will force the new program of "control and domina­ space-based lasers, powered with nuclear them to decide if they should respond by tion" from space, the US Pentagon intends reactors, tumble back to Earth and spread increasing their own military capability, to suppress any "regional" hotspot with­ deadly plutonium worldwide as the satel­ thus giving the US weapons industry the out having to commit major troop deploy­ lite bums up upon hitting the atmosphere? gift they are after- a new enemy and the ments. All warfare on the Earth is now co­ This debate must be taken into our lo­ justification for a new arms race. ordinated from space. Those who control cal communities, to the very front door of Today we hear many leading Democrats space will be in a position to be the Mas­ those who are working to create a new arms say they are opposed to deployment of ters of Space and the Earth. race in space. We must move now to keep National Missile Defense (NMD), the sys­ The Global Network Against Weapons space for peace. tem designed to protect the continental US & Nuclear Power in Space has called for an from attack by hitting a bullet with a bullet "International Day of Protest to Stop the Bruce Gagnon is the director of Global while the "offending" missile is high above Militarization of Space" on October 13. Network Against Weapons and Nuclear in deep space. (Interestingly, the Demo­ Local actions are being planned in over 17 Power in Space, which received a grant crats voted overwhelmingly in support of countries and at nearly 100 sites including from Resist in 1999. For more informa­ deployment of missile defense in April, US military bases, aerospace corporation tion, and a list of resources, contact 1999. The House voted 345-71 and the Sen­ facilities, federal buildings, and embassies. them at PO Box 90083, Gainesville, FL ate 97-3.) While Democrats routinely claim We must create a global debate about 32607; www.space4peace.org; opposition to deployment of NMD, they the real intentions ofU.S. Star Wars plans. [email protected]. The strongly support deployment of Theatre Missile defense must be revealed for the following resources may be obtained Missile Defense and they are pushing the sham that it is. We must show the public from the Global Network: "robust" R & D program for the whole Star documents like Vision for 2020 and make • Space Organizers Packet - $5 (includes Wars program. the case that the weaponization of space a copy of Vision for 2020) The underlying issue at hand is corpo­ will create more global in~tability rather • Karl Grossman's new book entitled rate global control and domination. The US than make us more secure. And we must Weapons in Space - $8 Space Command is viewed as the new mili­ remind the public that our government will • Bruce Gagnon's video of his Keep tary arm of the corporate globalization ef- not be able to deliver on social spending Space for Peace presentation - $18

Vol. JO, #8 RESIST Newsletter Page 5 Reflections of a Nuclear Resister An Interview with Acnvist Bonnie Urfer FELICE AND JACK Bonnie: All past successful struggles transition going into jail or prison, or COHEN-JAPPA included resistance--women's suffrage, the transition of coming out? the 40-hour workweek, civil rights, im­ onnie Urfer, co-director of proved working conditions, the end to Bonnie: Coming out without a doubt. I BNukewatch, recently completed a six Apartheid, India's independence, free hate leaving anyone in a jail or prison. month federal prison sentence for her speech. If those in power do not face loss It's a place that, aside from feeling vulner­ part in the Silence Trident action of of control, there is no need for change. It is able to police, I feel safe. I've never felt in June, 2000. She and co-defendant Mike the willingness to defy tradition and danger from other prisoners. Sprong cut down three large cedar poles status quo that forces movement. In coming out I recognize that most that supported the Project ELF antenna, everyone outside is living in a self­ an essential Trident nuclear submarine Did you consider yourself a political imposed prison. People go to jobs they communication system. prisoner? hate in stuffy buildings, live in unhealthy Jack and Felice ~ohen-Joppa asked or uncomfortable situations, dutifully Bonnie these questions several days Bonnie: I consider all prisoners to be obey advertisers, pay outrageous costs after she returned home. political, most just don't realize it. Ifwe for goods that keep them in nasty jobs. lived in a fair and just society, we would People live in fear of everything­ Why are you willing to go to jail as part have no prisons. If we were not inun­ neighbors, tax bills, the government, of your work for social change? dated with propaganda glorifying our resisters, foreigners, no TV- and this all own terrorism, we would have no prisons. seems much clearer in coming out ofjail Bonnie: I firmly believe that large-scale If the U.S. government did not spend and it usually makes me sad. resistance is the key to social change. The more on weapons of war than China, I wonder why there is more fear of fact that too few people engage in resis­ Russia and all non-NATO nations com­ prison than of annihilation from nuclear tance does not deter me from doing what bined, we wouldn't have prisons. weapons. I feel is right. Jail is a consequence for acting in good conscience, not the goal, How important is the role of supporters Many imprisoned activists comment but going to jail is preferable to complic­ to your action, trial and imprisonment? about the education they receive about ity in our culture of fear and ignorance. the criminal justice system while incar­ Bonnie: Without support I could not cerated. What should peace and social How do you respond to the criticism that have engaged in a disarmament action. justice activists know about jails and going to jail is a waste of an activist's Numerous friends helped in the planning, prisons in the USA? time and skills? preparation, transportation, outreach, trial, festivals, fundraising and taking my place Bonnie: Jails and prisons are for the poor Bonnie: Ifwe knew what worked aside at Nukewatch and Anathoth Community and disenfranchised. The U.S. penal from going to jail, we'd have justice. It's Farm during my absence. It takes a com­ system may well be the most racist sys­ the resistance to injustice, the politics of munity of visionaries to achieve peace. tem ever devised. Prisons with the harsh­ the heart that are important. Writing est conditions hold the most minorities. letters, signing petitions, calling repre­ What impact does going to jail have on No one is rehabilitated in jail or prison. sentatives, writing fact sheets, performing you personally? When one leaves an institution, nothing street theatre, purchasing organics and has changed outside. Individuals have green, etc., etc. are all important, but noth­ Bonnie: It's hard being away from home. I little choice but to return to the same family, ing moves a system like noncompliance. miss good conversation and living with friends and network of familiarity and Prison and jail are microcosms of our people who trust me and people I can habit they knew before, but with great broader system. It's the only thing I've unconditionally trust. I question my disadvantage since most have lost ever experienced that wipes away the decision to engage in resistance. I find housing, property, jobs and relationships advertising, neon lights, fashion and that it often takes as long to recover from with children and family. Almost everyone every other disguise and distraction the jail experience as the amount of time I who enters jail comes out angrier, poorer leaving the naked truth of who we are and spent inside; it's a very inhumane and and more broken than when they went in. the damage we collectively engage in. It's cold system. Going to jail and prison Yet jail and prison are survivable. one of the best universities available. gives me the opportunity to question, Human beings have an amazing capacity think, discern and analyze many things. to adapt to the worst of conditions. And What do you think is the importance to It's always a valuable experience. contrary to popular misconceptions, our movement of people going to jail for people in prison are wonderfully creative, civil disobedience actions? Which is more difficult for you: the continued on page seven

Page 6 RESIST Newsletter October 2001 Interview with Bonnie Urfer Terrorist Attacks Expose Insecurity continuedfrom page six continued from page one aid and comfort to an enemy. But the good industrious, and in many ways more the grief of those who lost loved ones that Samaritans in New York, Washington, and liberated than when outside. horrible day, nor will it reduce the fear that throughout the country are not merely ask­ everyone in this nation must now live with, ing how the September 11th horror could What was your day to day routine like in insecure in the new-found knowledge of have happened, they are asking why; and jail ( or prison)? their own vulnerability. if progressive people will not tell them and It has frequently been said that truth is enlist their support for human change, who will? Bonnie: I was in a federal prison camp in the first casualty of war, but ultimately the We must be ready and able to articulate Greenville, Illinois, a proverbial "club fed." first and most important casualty of war is a better path for US policy to take, one that Every day started with an announce­ peace. Freedom and justice fall fairly presses for a just resolution of Palestinian ment for breakfast at 6:00 a.m., "Main line quickly among the severely wounded. On claims; that identifies and seeks restitution is open, main line is now open." I never the day of the attacks, Senator Trent Lott for those societies damaged by our own had to purchase an alarm clock. Beds warned that civil liberties and the success­ illegal actions; that does not allow multina­ needed to be made and cubicles tidied ful fight against terrorism cannot stand to­ tional corporations and their subservient before walking off to work at 7:30. gether. RESIST denounces the freedom-re­ agencies to undermine democratic pro­ I worked in the prison garden Monday stricting measures that have already been cesses; that calls for the United States to through Friday. On Tuesday and put in place or are proposed by govern­ reduce its wasteful use of world resources; Thursday afternoons I had an afternoon mental officials. These include: plans for that demands a rapid world-wide reduction art class. In the evenings and on week­ enhanced missile defense systems, the in arms and weapons of mass destruction; ends I had the choice of reading, writing, monitoring of personal and private e-mail, and that opens itself to public scrutiny. playing games, walking the track, the establishment of stricter immigration For decades, the US has been respon­ watching videos, visiting with others, laws, and increased restrictions on public sible for promoting some of the worst hu­ doing art work, washing clothes, cleaning protest and gatherings. In addition, police man rights abusers in the world, including or sleeping. and military seek greater power to infiltrate those that have eventually turned on us. The dining room had a fair selection of domestic and international organizations As a nation, we need to use our power not hot and cold, meat or vegetarian dishes. in the name of national security and to dominate others into submission, but to The compound included a huge gymna­ counter-terrorism, while the president seeks actively pursue policies ofpeace and justice. sium with exercise equipment, pool expanded executive powers, including re­ Candles must be lit and the darkness tables, ping pong, basketball and more. moving the ban on political assassination. cursed. Now more than ever is it impera­ Prisoners were allowed outside at all But the American peoples are not with­ tive to hark back to the first "call to resist hours (although not on the track after out integrity and honor as they endeavor illegitimate authority:" until, at the least, dark) except for "count time." to reinterpret their world, and effect salu­ "the United States ceases to be a terror in Living at Greenville was quite easy. tary changes therein. The media could not the politics among nations." but attend to the fully human responses of Can you imagine yourself returning to New Yorkers, Washingtonians, and count­ Henry Rosemont, Jr., a philospher, has jail or prison in the future? less others as they worked to attenuate the been on Resists Board ofDirectors for tragedies unfolding in their midst: thou­ 30 years. This article was prepared Bonnie: Yes, and it may not take long. I sands of pints of blood donated; food, shortly after the September 11th attacks, presently have one year of supervised clothing, blankets and shelter freely and as the Newsletter went to press. release with "freedom" dependent upon warmly proffered; bravery consistently dis­ payment of restitution for cutting the played by the firefighters, police, and other poles at Project ELF. In good conscience rescue workers and volunteers at the I don't feel I can pay for the repair of a scenes of the carnage; and much more. Organizing for Change? system designed to start a nuclear war. The lesson to be learned from these If you ere part of group that i This means I may return to prison shortly. uniformly admirable acts, however, is not responding to the current Ifmy release is not revoked it will be merely that Americans freely gave of them­ attack on civil liberties, difficult to obey the laws that sanction selves, but that they gave to alleviate pain, fighting against racism and our weapons of mass destruction. If I not inflict it; and the heroism equally exem­ xenophobia, and organizing for comply about all I can do is cry. plified by so many was in the cause of sav­ radical social change, your Resistance is the secret of my joy. ing lives, not taking them. These selfless, giving, and heroic acts on the part of so group might fit Resist's Felice and Jack Cohen-Joppa direct the many give encouragement to everyone. funding criteria. Nuclear Resister, which received a grant It may be tempting now to speak out from Resist in June. Bonnie Urfer co­ less forcefully against the many unjust For more information, visit directs Nukewatch, which received a policies of the US government, and to back Resist's website grant from Resist in 1998. For more off from the struggle to change those poli­ (www.resistinc.org) or call the information, contact Nukewatch, PO cies, out of respect for what has happened office (617--623--5110). Box 649, Luck, WI 54853-0649. or lest such efforts be construed as giving

Vol. 10, #8 RESIST Newsletter Page 7 EMERGENCY GRANTS

D esist stands ready to support groups sions related to gay or lesbian issues and a York and Washington, DC and the US ..1'...engaged in organizing a progressive coalition received an emergency grant to mobilization for war, including campus response to those calling for mobilization organize an immediate protest. teach-ins, community meetings, rallies of troops, military build ups and curbs on The Emergency Grant Application and and vigils. civil/human rights as a result of the attacks Guidelines are available on Resist's web in New York and Washington. site at www.resistinc.org. Unlike the regu­ Peace Action New Mexico Resist provides Emergency Grants of up lar application process, applicants may e­ 226 Fiesta Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501 to $300 on an "as-needed" basis. These mail these requests for consideration. A 505/989-4812; Peaceactionnm@aol.com grants are designed to help groups respond decision will be made within 48 hours ( or quickly to unexpected organizing needs. less) of receipt of the request. Peace Action New Mexico was formed While it is impossible to precisely define Resist has given out two emergency in 1998 bringing together activists formerly an emergency, these grants are generally grants to groups responding to the crisis involved in SANE/FREEZE who had been given to provide support for demonstra­ arrising from the September 11 attacks. organizing against the nuclear weapons tions or other events arising from a politi­ race and the threat of nuclear war. Peace cal crisis. These grants are not intended to Boston Mobilization action continues to work for the abolition provide a safety net for groups who have 971 Commonwealth Avenue, #20, of nuclear weapons, re-directly military ex­ failed to adequately plan for their financial Boston, MA 02215 penditures to domestic investment, end­ needs, or who have missed the regular fund­ 617/782-2313; [email protected] ing global weapons trafficking and seek­ ing deadline. ing non-military resolutions to interna­ Although it is frequently difficult to pre­ Boston Mobilization (formerly Mobiliza­ tional conflicts. cisely define what constitutes an emer­ tion for Survival) was founded in 1977 to Peace Action New Mexico received a gency, previous grant examples include: 1) oppose nuclear weapons and power, and Resist grant of$300 to support a commu­ the Emergency Committee Against the War to support the Boston-area peace move­ nity meeting to discuss peaceful alterna­ in Iraq received a grant to organize a rally ment. Boston Mobilization has worked to tives to retribution and vengeance in to in opposition to the proposed bombing end apartheid in South Africa, stop US response to the attacks on the World raids in Iraq; 2) Kitchen Table: Women of support for repression in Latin America, Trade Center and the Pentagon. Color Press was burglarized and received oppose the Israeli occupation of Pales­ an emergency grant to purchase basic sup­ tine and fight sanctions on Iraq. Here are a few web sites regarding plies; 3) the Merrimack New Hampshire Boston Mobilization received a Resist the recent attacks, potential military School Board passed a regulation stating grant of $300 to support a progressive responses and proposed curbs on that teachers could not hold any discus- response to the recent attacks on New human/civil rights.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• AlterNet.org: www.altemet.org Join the Resist Pledge Program American Friends Service We'd like you to consider Yes/ I'll become a Committee: www.afsc.org RESIST Pledge. Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting: becoming a Resist Pledge. www.fair.org Pledges account for over I'll send you my pledge of $__ Hatewatch: www.hatewatch.org every month/quarter/six months/ 30% of our income. year (circle one). Institute for Global By becoming a pledge, you help Communications: www.igc.org guarantee Resist a fixed and dependable [ ] Enclosed is an initial pledge The Nation: www.thenation.com source of income on which we can contribution of $__ _ Political Research Associates: build our grant-making program. www.publiceye.org/frontpage/ [ ] I can't join the pledge program In return, we will send you a monthly 911 /repercussions.html now, but here's a contribution of pledge letter and reminder along with The Progressive: your newsletter. We will keep you $___ to support your work. www.progressive.org/justin.htm up-to-date on the groups we have Name funded and the other work being done ------Veterans for Peace: Address ------www.veteransforpeace.org at Resist. City/State/Zip ______So take the plunge and become a Resist The War Resister's League: Pledge! We count on you, and the Phone ______www.warresisters.org/attack9- l l- groups we fund count on us. 0l.htm Donations to Resist are tax-deductible. Z Magazine: www.zmag.org/ Resist • 259 Elm Street • Suite 201 • Somerville • MA • 02144 reactionscalam.htm ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 8 RESIST Newsletter October 2001