Today, in federal court in Binghamton, NY, the trial of four anti-war activists from Ithaca, New York (Catholic Worker members Peter DeMott, Clare Grady, Teresa Grady, and Daniel Burns) began. I am writing this entry to encourage bloggers around the country to follow this story, and to ask you to feature links to the work of these brave and inspiring people in your own blogs. I also want to alert people to the fact that these four people are being charged on FEDERAL CONSPIRACY charges for peaceful, prayerful (local) anti-war protest actions, AFTER a local jury could not reach a decision. The DA for Tompkins County (George Dentes, up for re-election this fall) was so angered that he sent the case to a federal court on higher, federal charges.
Their act was to peacefully and prayerfully enter an army recruiting station in Tompkins County, NY on the eve of the Iraq War (St. Patrick's Day) and pour small vials of thier own blood carefully on a picture, the wall, and the flag. They then sat down quietly, in prayer, and waited to be arrested.
Links and more beyond the flip. Make the jump and recommend for justice.
They now face federal charges including jail sentences and $250,000 in fines. It sends a chilling message to any of us engaged in political protest. (We will not be chilled.)
A complete update with news and bios (very inspiring read -- I heartily recommend the bios of these four protesters as inspirational reading for the day -- they are truly heroes of justice) and video-clips can be found on the website at:
http://www.stpatricksfour.com/
I was at the trial today and there is a counter-protest going on, with clergy and flags and soldiers in uniform and music. The peaceful protesters are sitting in vigil outside the courtroom, since the number allowed inside is limited by space.
If there are other bloggers out there covering this, please contact me, as my search turned up nothing on DKOS about this.
The supporters of the St. Patricks Day Four (so called because their action was on St. Patrick's Day) are holding a Citizen's Tribunal on teh Iraq War all week long in Binghamton, NY.
I know these people. They are truly inspiring people who work hard for justice and who come from generations of inspiring people. They deserve our attention. They have earned my gratitude.