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Tag(s): Activism; Activism Anti-War; Arrest; Catholicism Vatican Pope; Chicago; Citizens; Crimes Against Humanity; Easter; Iraq War; Peace; (more...) Solidarity; Students-Youth (less...)
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March 24, 2008 at 16:23:29

Headlined on 3/24/08:
Catholic Schoolgirls Against the War Disrupt Easter Mass

by Kevin Gosztola (Posted by Kevin Gosztola) Page 1 of 3 page(s)

www.opednews.com

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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, which happen to be posted in the comments section of this article, 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 (which can be found in the comments section) 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.

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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16 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. Kevin Gosztola is also a student activist who believes in questioning the way America's systems work(its electoral sys...

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. Kevin Gosztola is also a student activist who believes in questioning the way America's systems work(its electoral sys...

to see more of bio, click on member name

BREAKING NEWS UPDATES ON ACTION

Here is a less corporatized mainstream media take on the action ---

Peace Activists Stage 'Die-In'

As of right now, the status is this:

Supporters and allies of the six protesters arrested yesterday at Holy
Name Cathedral have just returned from the arrestees' bond hearing.

Today's 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. To make a donation online, we've set up a Paypal account here. To
make other arrangements, please contact us at holyname6 -AT- riseup -DOT-
net.

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

I ask that all those who wish to contribute to bail contact me through OpEdNews. I will direct you to the PayPal account that they are using to raise money for bail.

The strategy now that is being promoted is this: Get Cardinal George to drop the charges. If he is anti-war and truly anti-war---if he is for peace, he should not allow such extraordinary charges to be brought against these Catholics.

by Kevin Gosztola (211 articles, 113 quicklinks, 68 diaries, 809 comments) on Monday, March 24, 2008 at 4:28:30 PM

electronic technician, truth seeker
Bob Gormleyelectronic technician, truth seeker

Contribution

Kevin,

I'd like to make a small contribution.

I am familiar with Paypal. How do I go about doing it?

Bob

by Bob Gormley (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 932 comments) on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 7:28:16 AM

They are being hailed as the Holy Name 6

Donate if you can

Four of the six are stil in jail.

by Kevin Gosztola (211 articles, 113 quicklinks, 68 diaries, 809 comments) on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 9:00:46 AM

electronic technician, truth seeker
Bob Gormleyelectronic technician, truth seeker

OK, I Donated

Thanks for the link.

by Bob Gormley (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 932 comments) on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 10:14:05 AM

Two out, four to go---Read Kathy Kelly's letter

Here's what Kathy Kelly, arguably one of the most powerful Catholic antiwar voices in the country had to say about this protest in a letter to the Tribune editors:

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

Kathy Kelly

Here is what Cardinal Francis George had to say after the protesters were hustled out by security:

"And so should we all, call for peace. Peace, is of course, the salutation that the risen Lord brings to those whom he has called to witness to Him. Peace, I give you, because they were afraid, and therefore they need to be gifted peace."

"They were afraid, first of all, of Him, because they didn't recognize him at first. But, they were afraid also, as we all are, of our sinfulness and of the enormous difficulties that are incumbent upon working for peace in the world in different ways in which people see the need to work for peace."

"In that witness, I think we can be grateful to those who interrupted this holiday."

Don't take our word for it. Watch the video at
http://chicago.indymedia.org/media/all/display/29168/index.php

Why not call the eminent church leader and ask him to drop the felony charges hanging over the heads of the protesters?

Cardinal George: 312-751-8230

We also urge you to write letters to the editors of all Chicago newspapers that are supportive of the Easter Sunday protest. Catholics should go to http://www.catholicnewworld.com/cnwonline/2008/0316/news.aspx and post a letter to the editor at editorial@catholicnewworld.com calling upon Cardinal Francis George to have the Chicago Police Department drop the felony charges against these six young anti-war activists immediately.

by Kevin Gosztola (211 articles, 113 quicklinks, 68 diaries, 809 comments) on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 9:12:32 AM

Mail carrier who drives the rest of my colleagues nuts with my politics.
ScottMail carrier who drives the rest of my colleagues nuts with my politics.

Charge them.

You mess up somebody's house, you pay for the damages. And let's face it: This act was idiotic. You want some counter-protestors to douse people with fake blood at a World Can't Wait meeting? Is this your idea of free speech?

by Scott (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 489 comments) on Monday, March 24, 2008 at 11:43:59 PM

electronic technician, truth seeker
Bob Gormleyelectronic technician, truth seeker

Free Speech

If it stops the killing of thousands of innocent people what's a couple dirty

rugs? Get your priorities straight dude.

by Bob Gormley (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 932 comments) on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 5:55:32 AM

I am who am
Benjamin MuthI am who am

and

its still damage to property that is not theirs. how would u feel if i came and did that at your house

by Benjamin Muth (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 3 comments) on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 3:03:33 PM

Mario Savio quote

"There’s a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you cant take part, you can’t even passively take part, and you’ve got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus, and you’ve got to make it stop! And you’ve got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it, that unless you’re free, the machine will be prevented from working at all!"

For those uncomfortable with putting their bodies on the machine, it's time we support those who are willing to put their bodies on the machine. That especially means monetarily we support them.

These actions have the potential to force people to take a side on an issue in a way no story from Iraq, election, or music/book/movie is going to.

The politicians are not going to end the war until the people are out of control crying for an end to the madness in Iraq.

Why do you think Nixon ended the war in Vietnam?

by Kevin Gosztola (211 articles, 113 quicklinks, 68 diaries, 809 comments) on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 9:18:09 AM

Bottom Line... I work in the media (radio, 28 years now) I have been unplugged from the matrix of lies for about 4 years now. That's what happens when you tumble down the 9/11 truth rabbit hole...you simply stop believing what the talking heads on your 72inch flat screen are saying! You come to understand that you, yourself, ARE the harbinger of change. And the only thing worse than being ridiculed for speaking out...is saying nothing at all. I really don't post much... a few websites on occasio...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Scott LedgerBottom Line... I work in the media (radio, 28 years now) I have been unplugged from the matrix of lies for about 4 years now. That's what happens when you tumble down the 9/11 truth rabbit hole...you simply stop believing what the talking heads on your 72inch flat screen are saying! You come to understand that you, yourself, ARE the harbinger of change. And the only thing worse than being ridiculed for speaking out...is saying nothing at all. I really don't post much... a few websites on occasio...

to see more of bio, click on member name

And The Preist says to the girls...

"Stop interputing mass with your message of peace and love! Can't you see I'm talking about Jesus here!"

by Scott Ledger (0 articles, 1 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 135 comments) on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 1:39:57 AM

electronic technician, truth seeker
Bob Gormleyelectronic technician, truth seeker

They

They strain out the gnat and swallow the camel.

Nothing has changed in 2000 years.

Same obtuseness, same people filled with dead man's bones.

by Bob Gormley (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 932 comments) on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 5:57:30 AM

Thanks for the headline

Chicago's leading the anti-war movement by forcing the Catholic establishment to be clear and tell the public how anti-war they really are.

My guess is we may have to refer Cardinal George to some passages in the Bible he might leave out when talking about his stance on Iraq and his stance on the protest action.

by Kevin Gosztola (211 articles, 113 quicklinks, 68 diaries, 809 comments) on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 9:09:54 AM

I've never claimed to have all of the answers, but refuse to sacrifice my right to ask all of the questions and expect answers in return. Faith and Confidence are at a low and continue to decline. Thinking ex-pat.
AngeloI've never claimed to have all of the answers, but refuse to sacrifice my right to ask all of the questions and expect answers in return. Faith and Confidence are at a low and continue to decline. Thinking ex-pat.

make the cal

I just called the Cardinal and urged that charges be dropped. Flood their phone lines!

by Angelo (5 articles, 0 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 176 comments) on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 10:52:06 AM

Trainer12 is a long time activist DFA & PDA member working for progressive change in America. I am also the point of contact for PDA, the Progressive Democrats of America. I am a "Neighborhood Leader" "Victory Precinct Captain" or "VP" for the Democractic Party for this election cycle in Lower Makefield Township, in Bucks County. My job is to recruity three other Democrats and each of us contact 25 registered Democrats and get them to the polls. I am in the South Seventh Ward of Lower Makefield...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Trainer12Trainer12 is a long time activist DFA & PDA member working for progressive change in America. I am also the point of contact for PDA, the Progressive Democrats of America. I am a "Neighborhood Leader" "Victory Precinct Captain" or "VP" for the Democractic Party for this election cycle in Lower Makefield Township, in Bucks County. My job is to recruity three other Democrats and each of us contact 25 registered Democrats and get them to the polls. I am in the South Seventh Ward of Lower Makefield...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Civil Disobedience and Suffering

I suggest that all of us re-read Dr. Martin Luther King's "Letter from the Birmingham Jail", Henry David Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience", George Lakey's "A Strategy for A Living Revolution", Gene Sharp's " The Politics of Nonviolent Action, William Moyer's(not the PBS guy) "Doing Democracy" and Mahatma Gandi, "On Civil Disobedience". Part of the price you pay for non-violent action are fines, imprisonment, court costs, restitution(carpet cleaning etc.) loss of job and reputation. The question for the rest of us, now that they have put the spot light on the war for that congregation and media market, what will we do? Remember, Jesus Christ turned over the money changers' tables and threw them out of the Temple in Jerusalem.

I remember the song, sung by Judy Collins back in the 60's "It Isn't Nice".

"It isn't nice to block the doorways, It isn't nice to go to jail. But if that is freedom's price. We don't mind, No No No, We don't mind."

by Trainer12 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 49 comments) on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 11:53:16 AM

I am a chemist and able to contribute to the debate about thermite.
gravity32I am a chemist and able to contribute to the debate about thermite.

knowing the truth

And of course if we all knew the truth about 9/11, that explosives were used to bring down all three WTC buildings, there would be no doubt in anyone's mind that these girls did a wonderful piece of work.

We should also be calling, not just for the dropping of charges, but also to have every person involved in abusing these girls arrested and appropriately charged.

by gravity32 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 157 comments) on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 9:07:29 PM