Two of the Four Activists Who Staged Easter Mass "Die-In" Have Been Released, Abuse of Activists Being Reported

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Tag(s): Activism; Antiwar; Arrest; Catholicism Vatican Pope; Civil Liberties; Democracy; Easter; Freedom; Iraq War; Media; Peace; Prisoners; Protest; Protest- Civil Disobedience
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March 25, 2008 at 17:48:04

Headlined on 3/25/08:
Two of the Four Activists Who Staged Easter Mass "Die-In" Have Been Released, Abuse of Activists Being Reported

by Kevin Gosztola Page 1 of 3 page(s)

http://www.opednews.com

At this moment, updates on the action are coming in regularly. The latest is that, according to one of the defendant's lawyers, at least one of the activists is being spat upon by the guards. Guards are also encouraging other inmates to "mess with" and abuse the defendant. As soon as enough funds can be raised, the activist being spat on will be the next activist bailed out of jail.

Those conducting jail solidarity for the activists are asking that people from the Chicagoland area willing to help bail the activists out of jail monetarily contact Tim Salemme at (773) 759 - 8399 to arrange a donation or email holyname6@riseup.net.

Now for those unaware of what started all of this or how several members of the antiwar movement in Chicago became involved in a battle to bail activists out of jail so they are not abused or "messed with", the story is as follows.

Six members of the anti-war group "Catholic Schoolgirls Against the War" staged a dramatic die-in on Sunday during the 11 AM Easter mass at Holy Name Cathedral. The group, in addition to calling for an immediate end to the illegal and immoral war in Iraq, decried Cardinal George's January 7th meeting with Chicago's Mayor Daley and President Bush.

Holy Name Cathedral is Chicago's largest parish and one where Chicago's most prominent Catholic citizens attend. The protesters knew these people would be in attendance and knew that press, which usually extensively cover the services, would be present when the "die-in" was conducted.

Easter services at Holy Name are traditionally one of the most heavily attended masses of the year, and this mass was no exception, with people packed wall to wall for today’s Easter morning holiday service.

The group of young activists, dressed in their Easter best, sat through the 11AM mass until George reached the homily. A few seconds into the cardinal’s main holiday message, the protesters rose from their seats, turned to address the thousands of parishioners in the auditorium, and talked about the continuing death of both Iraqis and Americans in Iraq as the war enters its sixth year.

The protesters then laid down in the aisles and discharged packets of fake blood that covered them in red. Stunned ushers rushed in after a moment or two to try to remove the protesters, and also brought in some Chicago police officers who were stationed in the lobby to help with traffic control for the overflow crowd. The protesters did NOT resist arrest, agreeing to stand up and walk out of the auditorium, where they were subsequently arrested by cops outside.

During a ten minute wait for the police to show up, the activists conducted a series of media interviews with local television outlets. When the police arrived, the cuffed protesters were loaded and taken to an area police station.

On Monday, the activists attended a hearing. The details show just how hard the system is working to make an example of these activists.

(The) hearing was in regards to charges of felony defacement of property at a place of worship in excess of $300; that makes the charge a Class III felony. The fake blood allegedly used in the action stained the auditorium's carpet and 14 chairs, incurring a $400 cleaning bill. According to the prosecuting attorney, the cleaning failed and the carpet will need to be replaced at a cost of $3000. Special conditions have been set for all the arrestees which prevent them from having any contact with Cardinal George, Holy Name Cathedral, or the area of 735 N. State Street.

The bond for Ephran, Regan, Mercedes, Ryane, and Angela is set at $25,000 each. Donte's bond is set at $35,000. In order to be bailed out, each arrestee needs to post 10% of their bond. All told, we need to raise $16,000.

All arrestees are scheduled to appear in court at Branch 42 on March 31st.

The six activists were put back in jail and people began mobilizing to get these young patriots out of jail. After all, as many will attest to, it was a nonviolent direct action. Being disruptive was the point and making a point, which they did, was also the plan. That this action was effective and that it has produced this editorial from Kathy Kelly is a testament of how great of an action it was.

Dear Editors,

The six activists who raised their voices, during Cardinal George's Easter homily in Holy Name Cathedral, recalled suffering and carnage caused by the war in Iraq. They screamed. They poured "stage blood." They fell to the floor.

Under U.S. occupation, and as a result of U.S. economic sanctions and military war waged since 1991, Iraqis have seen horrific bombings outside and within their worship places, along with the physical and social destruction of their country. Iraqis have endured mass killing, kidnappings, torture, incarcerations without cause, and an almost complete breakdown of vital infrastructure services including electricity, sewage treatment, and health care delivery.

In the U.S. and in Iraq, arms ache for loved ones who will never return. Yet many of us may feel numb, even forgetful, regarding the terrible cost of this war. The Easter Sunday action at the cathedral gave us an opportunity to remember that we are a nation at war and to consider ways to follow Jesus' teachings, --to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, heal the sick, love our enemies and bless the peacemakers.

Many thanks to the courageous folks who participated in the action at the Cathedral on Easter calling the church to take a real stand against the war, not just give it lip service.

Take Action Now --- Call Cardinal George and demand charges are dropped: 312-751-8230 and submit letters of support to the local newspaper, Chicago Tribune

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Kevin Gosztola goes to Columbia College in Chicago where he is studying film. He hopes to become a documentary filmmaker. He is currently working as a production assistant on a documentary called "Seriously Green" which traces the development of the Green Party throughout the 2008 election. He has a passion for journalism and writes articles or press releases in his spare time. He is a Nader/Gonzalez supporter in this election but welcomes anyone who wishes to have an open discussion on why he should support somebody else. Kevin Gosztola is also a student activist who believes in questioning the way America's systems work(its electoral system, its military-industrial complex, its foreign policy of American exceptionalism, its media which has become the Fourth Branch of government,etc.)
His ambitions have him currently organizing and raising money for a Chicago Conference for Media Reform in April or May of 2009. It will be organized by college students to promote youth involvement in media reform and justice. Those interested in attending or helping with the organization of the program should contact him.

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6 comments

Kevin Gosztola goes to Columbia College in Chicago where he is studying film. He hopes to become a documentary filmmaker. He is currently working as a production assistant on a documentary called "Seriously Green" which traces the development of the Green Party throughout the 2008 election. He has a passion for journalism and writes articles or press releases in his spare time. He is a Nader/Gonzalez supporter in this election but welcomes anyone who wishes to have an open discussion on why he ...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Kevin GosztolaKevin Gosztola goes to Columbia College in Chicago where he is studying film. He hopes to become a documentary filmmaker. He is currently working as a production assistant on a documentary called "Seriously Green" which traces the development of the Green Party throughout the 2008 election. He has a passion for journalism and writes articles or press releases in his spare time. He is a Nader/Gonzalez supporter in this election but welcomes anyone who wishes to have an open discussion on why he ...

to see more of bio, click on member name

This is an updated version

Of an earlier headlined article. It is reposted with publisher authorization and permission.

Peace be with you all.

by Kevin Gosztola (168 articles, 82 quicklinks, 62 diaries, 674 comments) on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 5:59:31 PM

electronic technician, truth seeker
Bob Gormleyelectronic technician, truth seeker

I Think Jesus Would Approve

I think Jesus would approve of the actions of these protestors. I believe Jesus wants action and just not lip service. Masses are ritualistic in nature and often mind numbing. It's time God loving people get off their holy asses

and put Christianity into action. What more noble a cause is there then to save the lives of God's own creation? A rug is just a thing with no life, it can be replaced, lives cannot.

by Bob Gormley (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 834 comments) on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 8:18:20 AM

Kevin Gosztola goes to Columbia College in Chicago where he is studying film. He hopes to become a documentary filmmaker. He is currently working as a production assistant on a documentary called "Seriously Green" which traces the development of the Green Party throughout the 2008 election. He has a passion for journalism and writes articles or press releases in his spare time. He is a Nader/Gonzalez supporter in this election but welcomes anyone who wishes to have an open discussion on why he ...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Kevin GosztolaKevin Gosztola goes to Columbia College in Chicago where he is studying film. He hopes to become a documentary filmmaker. He is currently working as a production assistant on a documentary called "Seriously Green" which traces the development of the Green Party throughout the 2008 election. He has a passion for journalism and writes articles or press releases in his spare time. He is a Nader/Gonzalez supporter in this election but welcomes anyone who wishes to have an open discussion on why he ...

to see more of bio, click on member name

The Judge Who Presided Over the Bond Hearing

The judge in the case below, Circuit Judge Donald Panarese, presided over the arrestees' bond hearing on Monday.

Outrage voiced over dismissal of cop's case

By Angela Rozas, Tribune reporter, February 15, 2008

www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-cop-fatal-crash_bothfeb15,1,1374336.story

The families of two men killed last Thanksgiving in a car crash involving an off-duty Chicago police officer expressed outrage Thursday that a judge dismissed charges last week against the officer.

Officer John Ardelean was charged with a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence after the fatal crash Nov. 22, but the charges were upgraded to two felony counts of aggravated DUI in January.

But on Friday, a Cook County judge found no probable cause to continue the criminal case after some witnesses testified they didn't believe the officer was drunk.

Ardelean had a blood-alcohol level of .032 after he took a Breathalyzer test more than seven hours after the crash on orders of a supervisor. An expert, testifying last week, calculated that Ardelean's blood-alcohol level would have likely been twice or three times the legal limit of .08 if the test had been administered soon after the crash. But at the preliminary hearing, Circuit Judge Donald Panarese questioned the estimate's accuracy.

An attorney for the families of the victims -- Miguel Flores, 22 and Erick Lagunas, 21 -- said prosecutors erred by not calling witnesses who would have testified to the officer's erratic driving and intoxicated state. They also criticized prosecutors for not questioning the account of a bartender who testified that Ardelean was served shots of water at a bar before the crash.

Ardelean was ticketed for speeding and for crossing the center line of the road, but prosecutors said last week that Flores blew through a stop sign.

Dan O'Connor, the families' attorney, said prosecutors should have taken the case before a grand jury to indict Ardelean. O'Connor said he has asked for a court order to preserve all evidence in the case, often the first step toward filing a civil lawsuit.

A spokesman for the state's attorney's office said prosecutors knew the case had problems and took it before the judge for an impartial decision on whether to proceed.

by Kevin Gosztola (168 articles, 82 quicklinks, 62 diaries, 674 comments) on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 8:46:31 AM

Professor Bagnolo is a Renaissance man: Cultural Anthropologist, Architectural designer, painter, writer, novelist, theologian. As a child prodigy, abed with polio for almost two years, with an off the charts IQ, reading at the graduate level by 5th grade, offered an opportunity to skip three grades at age 8.Later He was a recipient of an Art Institute scholarship at age 11, a Ford Foundation Fellowship in Anthropology and in Painting and a merit scholarship in art, and was appointed a Graduate ...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Professor Emeritus Peter BagnoloProfessor Bagnolo is a Renaissance man: Cultural Anthropologist, Architectural designer, painter, writer, novelist, theologian. As a child prodigy, abed with polio for almost two years, with an off the charts IQ, reading at the graduate level by 5th grade, offered an opportunity to skip three grades at age 8.Later He was a recipient of an Art Institute scholarship at age 11, a Ford Foundation Fellowship in Anthropology and in Painting and a merit scholarship in art, and was appointed a Graduate ...

to see more of bio, click on member name

I live near Chicago

The people of Chicago are under the impression that mayor Daley is a Liberal Democrat. Listen to his words. Listen to his privatization plans. He sounds more like Bish than Bush. He is a far Right Winger with fascist undertones. He's hired criminal fraud artists to ticket people and to harass innocent people with fake tickets. He is a Neo-con hiding in a democratic place setting.

We used to go to Chicago for the week-end twice a month after aparking ticket fraud we sufferd, three years ago we have not been in the city since. The hotel we stayed at (Expensive) calls or emails each month to ask when we are returning and each month we tell them, but they don't reply except to send another email the next month.

by Professor Emeritus Peter Bagnolo (144 articles, 1 quicklinks, 94 diaries, 1185 comments) on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 10:14:16 AM

someone against war
leequistsomeone against war

Catholic school girls

Thank you Kevin for bringing this to our attention. It reminds me of the Olympic protestors who raised a black power fist during the cerimony. It broke though to lots of people who were ignoring the wrongs done in our name by our government. I did call the cardnals office to show support for the release of the activists and to reduce the fines. Keep up your good work! Clarkb45

by leequist (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 12 comments) on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 1:23:33 PM

I am concerned when religion is used against justice and human interaction.
Sister ZeldaI am concerned when religion is used against justice and human interaction.

Sunday Die-in

If there were to be justice, one needs to balance the five (+++) years of discomfort experienced by the people of Iraq against the discomfort of a small congregation at Sunday mass. While I deplore causing discomfort to Cathedral worshipers, I do not agree with the statement of the archdiocese on this matter. www.archchicago.org

Each of us must worship God out of the truth of our being. This fifth anniversary of war is at least as horrendous as selling pigeons in the temple when Jesus voiced protest and performed guerilla actions.

These young people should not be condemned by all people of faith and good will. Freedom to worship God should be inviolable. Their actions to honor a God of Peace for all people in Iraq and elsewhere needs to be upheld.

Their charges need to be reduced to misdemeanor and their fund-raising events for legal fees supported.

I am saddened that the officials of the archdiocese cannot support their own church's teachings on this unjust war. Had they been more visibly involved in the local anti-war efforts, they might have been spared this momentary annoyance while the people of Iraq are occupied by troops funded with their monies and the lives of their own young people.

by Sister Zelda (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments) on Friday, March 28, 2008 at 8:41:52 AM

6 comments

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