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Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Conviction
The trial finally concluded last yesterday. It was a long day, and it ended with all twelve protesters being found guilty on both accounts. You can read their announcement of the trial results below.
It will take some time for me to absorb all that I witnessed and to get my thoughts together. The last two days run together into one big blur. It is time for me to re-visit my good friend, Gandhi - to remember his methods and to be re-inspired by his wisdom, patience, bravery, and conviction.
"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man [woman] whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him [her]. Will he [she] gain anything by it? Will it restore him [her] to a control over his [her] own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to swaraj [freedom] for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away." Gandhi
Twelve peace activists who blocked a recruitment station in Lakewood in November, 2005 were found guilty of charges of trespassing and obstructing a passageway today in Judge Hoppins chambers in the Jefferson County Court in Lakewood. They will be sentenced on Wednesday, July 26 at 8:15 a.m. in Judge Hoppins chambers.
The judge did not allow the defendants to use any of the five defenses they put forward. The defenses included: International Law, the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution, the First Amendment, a Colorado Statute known as the Execution of a Public Duty, and a doctrine known as citizen's arrest. Only one of the five witnesses they had presented to the court was allowed to testify. The defendants were allowed to talk about what motivated them to participate in the nonviolent civil disobedience action and were allowed some latitude in talking about their opposition to the war in Iraq. The defendants represented themselves.
It will take some time for me to absorb all that I witnessed and to get my thoughts together. The last two days run together into one big blur. It is time for me to re-visit my good friend, Gandhi - to remember his methods and to be re-inspired by his wisdom, patience, bravery, and conviction.
"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man [woman] whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him [her]. Will he [she] gain anything by it? Will it restore him [her] to a control over his [her] own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to swaraj [freedom] for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away." Gandhi
Anti-War Activists Convicted
Twelve peace activists who blocked a recruitment station in Lakewood in November, 2005 were found guilty of charges of trespassing and obstructing a passageway today in Judge Hoppins chambers in the Jefferson County Court in Lakewood. They will be sentenced on Wednesday, July 26 at 8:15 a.m. in Judge Hoppins chambers.
The judge did not allow the defendants to use any of the five defenses they put forward. The defenses included: International Law, the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution, the First Amendment, a Colorado Statute known as the Execution of a Public Duty, and a doctrine known as citizen's arrest. Only one of the five witnesses they had presented to the court was allowed to testify. The defendants were allowed to talk about what motivated them to participate in the nonviolent civil disobedience action and were allowed some latitude in talking about their opposition to the war in Iraq. The defendants represented themselves.
posted by Carol at 9:25 AM
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