Capital Police arrested a 26 year veteran of the United States Army and Reserve as she quietly exited the House Judiciary committee hearing on the "FBI's Use of National Security Letters." Retired Colonel Ann Wright voiced opposition to the committee's lack of oversight before being asked leave by Rep. John Conyers, House Judiciary Chair. As Wright left the hearing room, Conyers asked Capital Police to escort her out. Despite orders from Conyers not to arrest her, Capital Police officers arrested her for exercising her first amendment rights. She is being processed at the D Street Station but has not been notified of any charges.
This is the second times in less than a week that a citizen opposing the Iraq war in Congress was subject to a random arrest. Last Thursday, CODEPINK Co-Founder Gael Murphy and two other CODEPINK members were arrested outside the House Appropriations Committee hearing. As documented on YOUTUBE, Capital Police aggressively arrested Murphy and prevented citizens from attending the hearing on the Supplemental Funding for the Iraq War.
Retired Colonel Wright served for 26 years in Army and the Army Reserves and served 15 years in the Diplomatic Corp. She received the State Department's Award for Heroism as Charge d'Affaires during the evacuation of Sierra Leone in 1997. She resigned from her post as Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in 2003 due to her opposition to the war on Iraq. In her letter of resignation to then Secretary of State Colin Powell Wright explained, "I have served my country for almost thirty years in the some of the most isolated and dangerous parts of the world. I want to continue to serve America. However, I do not believe in the policies of this Administration and cannot defend or implement them. It is with heavy heart that I must end my service to America and therefore resign due to the Administration's policies".
To learn more about CODEPINK's campaign to pressure Congress to cut the war funding, please go to www.dontbuybushswar.org or codepinkalert.org
www.codepinkalert.org
CODEPINK is a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the war in Iraq, stop new wars, and redirect our resources into healthcare, education and other life-affirming activities. CODEPINK rejects the Bush administration's fear-based politics that justify violence, and instead calls for policies based on compassion, kindness and a commitment to international law. With an emphasis on joy and humor, CODEPINK women and men seek to activate, amplify and inspire a community of peacemakers through creative campaigns and a commitment to non-violence.
Ret.Col.Ann Wright Arrested at House Judiciary Committee
I read this Twice..to make certain I read what I read ! One of Our Most Loved and Truly dedicated Patriots of This United ( Ustabe ) States ARRESTED ? Doing what every citizen who believes in Justice and Doing what is The Right Thing TO DO... Wants to do ?? John Conyers, How could You Ask that Col. Wright be "escorted Out of the ''meeting ? " Don't you know it is her Right to be there ? Where has Your sense of Justice' gone ? Maybe you did not Think of what the results of your "request' would Bring forth ? I don't at this Point, Know if Ann Wright was "booked AND Charged with Anything. But At this Point. It is Enough that I know She was Told to Leave Where she Had a Perfect Right TO BE.. And TO Voice HER Thoughts at that proceeding... IF she was "Held' and Fined..John..You are responsible and You Should Take care of It.. and take care of any fines instigated against her. There should be More "Totaly concerned Citizens like Ann Wright..WE need More Like HER who is Willing to Stand UP and Be Counted for Something Worthwhile for a change in Washington DC. I Thought YOU were One Of those Willing Patriots, But Looks Like I was misled. Can you Rectify This ? True, You have a Tough Job.." But Someone Has to Do It' And You are IT. She should be There, Sitting or standing >>Right There beside you..And You Should Have Honored Her By Inviting her to Stay..not leave. She should have been offered the best seat in the house. VGF
by
VGFlick (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 76 comments)
on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at 3:29:35 PM
RET.Col.Ann Wright Arrested at House Judiciary Committee..Su
Ted Bohne..It is pretty obvious from your 'timely comment' that you are 'quite miffed.' Dainty way of putting it, but much more appropriate than the way you went about it. True, Wheels of Justice turn Slowly ( when they are turning at all .) But for the past over Six years we have witnessed this Country slide backwards into the Dark Ages. It is going to Take A lot of Effort and Working together to See any improvements. This Republican Regime has been Focused on only One Thing. The ""New World Order' So many of them... [and a few Democrats too !] thought was well Within their realm of accomplishment. But, they did Not Take into Consideration The Will Of The Average American Citizen who Would prefer Dying defending Our WAY of Life. And who Will Never Knuckle Down TO Any Self-Appointed 'Decider'who thinks he is the Last Word.. And the ' WantaBe ' Dictator of OUR Country. This country was Built on Democratic principles...And We, the People, Will place our country back upon its' Firm foundation again , and in the Same manner.. by Using the Law of Our Land..The Rules of Our blessed Constitution..To Accomplish This. Leave the wild rhetoric to people who know no other way to react. If we have ever needed Cool-thinking heads in this United States..It is NOW. No more 'Talking about What we Should be Doing. Go about your business in a calm and sensible manner. I can assure you, You are not Alone in your Anger..We Feel your Frustration because it is also Ours. Be Patient. No more "Flying off the Handle'. This Silent approach will Reap far better returns than any misguided , ill-spoken Anger. You have to know when to hold'em..and when to Fold'em ! Never show your Hand ! VGF
by
VGFlick (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 76 comments)
on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at 11:16:35 PM
Well isn't that something! What is this with Conyers? Hope he isn't listening to my past diary I wrote in concern to why Republicans think the way they do! In fact Republican thought process is indeed a danger to real democracy. I think Colin Powell may have also seen the light after his lying performance, and is why he resigned. But he certainly has not done anything like Colonel Wright did. My congratulations to Ann! I am still waiting for you Colin.
by
Dom Jermano (20 articles, 0 quicklinks, 40 diaries, 930 comments)
on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 7:30:07 AM
I fear that the behavior of congressman Conyers is an indication that we can expect that the Democrats have no intention of restoring the integrity of our government. We can prove that Bush/Cheney et al have lied over and over to take us into an illegal war. Not only have they violated our laws, but they boast of it. Pelosi and Conyers you have betrayed the people, the constitution and the world. Have you no shame?
by
Halo (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 29 comments)
on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 4:37:18 PM
6 comments
How would you rate this?
You must be logged in (if signed up) to do ratings.
It's free to signup! And easy. And takes just a minute or two....