[1-30-03]

86 human rights activists face trials in Columbus, GA; volunteers sought for supporting actions

Teacher is fired for being imprisoned for protesting against the SOA - seeks rehiring

Peace Fellowship leader Marilyn White reports on her arrest

[11-21-02]

On Sunday, Nov. 17, between 8,000 and 15,000 people (or maybe 6,500, depending on whose report you read) joined together for a vigil and action of mass civil disobedience outside Fort Benning, Georgia, calling for the closing of the notorious School of the Americas, now renamed as the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation.

A mass funeral procession "crossed the line" onto Fort Benning (but outside of the gates and fence). 96 people were arrested for crossing further onto the base property, by either going around or through the fence.

Marilyn White, past chairperson of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship, was one on the 90+ people who chose to be arrested in the action.

Here's a report she sent after being released from jail on Nov. 19:

Dear friends,

I am home from Georgia, only a day and a half late and so much richer for many new experiences and many friends. This year's SOA vigil was fantastic and I urge all of you to check out the excellent coverage on the Atlanta Independent Media Center site.

As you know Cliff Frasier (evangelist for Presbyterian Welcome in NYC) and I were arrested, as was Ann Huntwork, a former Presbyterian missionary. We'll be tried in Columbus on January 27.

I called home on Monday night, from the Muscogee County Jail. When Will told me that Anne Sayre had stayed until Cliff was released late Monday night and driven him to Atlanta, and then that Len Bjorkman and Russ Morgan had put up the money for our bond, and that Len and Russ were committed to staying in Columbus until I was released, I broke down andcried. I can't believe what wonderful friends and supporters I have.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and your presence.

I was one of the last released, at about 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Russ and Len drove me and two other new friends to the Atlanta airport. I was pleased to learn that if you miss your flight due to being in jail, Continental will put you on a new flight at no extra charge. So I was back in Houston at 7:30 p.m. tonight.

There is no doubt in my mind that the government has decided to shut down the SOA protests with a firm hand. We must be strong and continue to put the SOA on trial. I'm so proud to be part of this wonderful movement with all of you.

Peace, 
Marilyn

For other reports, you might check out the website of School of the Americas Watch

Atlanta Independent Media Center has extensive coverage, with photos and more.

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PVJ's Facebook page

Mitch Trigger, PVJ's Secretary/Communicator, has created a Facebook page where Witherspoon members and others can gather to exchange news and views. Mitch and a few others have posted bits of news, both personal and organizational. But there’s room for more!

Voices of Sophia blog

Heather Reichgott, who has created this new blog for Voices of Sophia, introduces it:

John Harris’ Summit to Shore blogspot

John Shuck’s Shuck and Jive

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