Church of the Three Crosses

Living into the Beatitudes

2011-01-27T11:39:00.002-06:00

Soon after the Christmas story and then the emergence of Jesus as the adult being baptized by John the Baptist, the gospel narrative moves us into focusing on Jesus' ministry and focusing on those to whom he ministered. The Beatitudes in Matthew was his first public speech - and it serves as his "core values" speech and the focus of God's attention. Imagine being one of the poor, in first century, that meant that you had no power, imagine sitting on that hillside and listening to a teacher say, "I know you are poor, but blessed are you now for God is paying attention to your plight." Now that statement from Jesus did not get published in the gospel, but I imagine him saying it and for those who heard these words, I imagine hope began to bloom in their hearts because blessedness in those days always seemed to go toward the wealthy and the powerful. Jesus was drawing in the Beatitudes an alternative religious prospective - one focused on the meek, poor, peacemakers and those left out of the normal power circles.

School of the Americas Watch

2010-12-02T16:02:00.001-06:00

Hi, All:

For those of you interested in my Human Rights activities, I spent this past weekend at Columbus, Georgia, attending the School of the Americas Annual Protest, both as a witness and observer, and also as a lawyer for the demonstrators.

This is the 21st Annual demonstration. As in the past, many people of faith and conscience gathered at the gates of Ft. Benning to call for the end to the notorious School of the Americas (SOA), now known as the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC). This year there were fewer demonstrators, probably between 4-5,000 people in all. Four people were arrested for illegal entry onto Ft. Benning property to protest the continued existence of SOA/WHINSEC. They have been arraigned and will expect trial during the next 45 - 90 days, with a likely sentence of up to six months in jail and up to a $5,000 fine. The protesters knew in advance of the possible penalties and voluntarily undertook their civil disobedience as an act of faith and conscience.

The more interesting events took place outside the formal demonstration area. Last year the "Puppetistas" (people who hold parts of huge puppets) marched outside the permitted zone, then returned with no incident. This year, when they marched out, they were arrested on a charge of parading without a permit. Also, the people who went out with the puppetistas were themselves arrested if they stopped to watch what was going on. The charges were unlawful assembly and failure to disperse. Many innocent people were swept up in the actions. When they got to jail, they were informed that bail was set at between $4,200 and $5,200 for each arrestee. Needles to say, many of the 24 people taken to jail did not have the money to pay the bond, so they stayed in jail until the hearings on Sunday afternoon.

Those arrested included three or more journalists, including two from a Russian news service. When they got out, they had a lot to tell the Russians about freedom of the press and speech and assembly in the United States, from the perspective of one arrested for trying to exercise those rights. The article and YouTube postings are:

http://cpj.org/2010/11/journalists-arrested-at-school-of-the-americas-pro.php#more

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_6wYSx2e_E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKU-on3sUTg

Another interesting development took place among those who decided to walk out into the street with their banners, disrupting traffic in acts of civil disobedience. There were 12 people who went into the street and were arrested. But there were only seven when they got to the jail. In fact, one of the undercover police officers actually testified at the trials on Sunday.

On Sunday afternoon, the arrested people appeared in Recorder's Court before Judge Michael Cielinski, who proceeded to hear the evidence and find everyone guilty. He even found guilty a local barber, who had done nothing more than step out of his shop to take a picture of some puppetistas on stilts. In fairness, we had been warned that this judge would find everyone guilty. During the proceedings we had negotiated penalties with the local police chief (yeah, I know it's strange that there was no public prosecutor, and the Judge and the police chief pretty much ran everything). We had negotiated fines of $100 -$500, and all the State charges were to be sent to State Court upon $1,000 bonds. Then the judge found everyone guilty and assessed fines and bonds as previously agreed. The fines and bonds were significantly lower than the bail amounts previously assessed.

I want to take note of something especially heartwarming and moving. During the time the people were in jail, others stepped forward and gave money to help bail the people out or pay their fines. Additionally, some of the people offered to put fines and bail on their own personal credit cards. As a result of the generosity of these people and others, SOA Watch raised more than $19,000, which was sufficient to pay the fines, bond out the people and pay appeal bonds for those contesting their City convictions. Everyone (except one Federal defendant, who chose to stay in jail) is now free.

We do not really know what will happen next. Everything is in flux, but we may expect to eventually go to trial on the Federal trespass charges, and possibly to trial on the State and City charges as well. At this writing I expect to take many more trips to Columbus before it is all over.

In closing, I ask for your thoughts and prayers for these people who were caught up, many involuntarily, in the system and have learned first-hand the price of exercising the freedoms that all of us possess.

Frank Schneider

Islamic Center

2010-08-17T13:40:00.001-05:00

I now join the conversation that is abuzz about the construction of an Islamic Center on 45 Park Place, New York City. The conversation around its building near (4 to 5 blocks) from where the World Trade Center towers stood reveals a much deeper conversation than the building of the Islamic Center. It exposes the use of political propaganda designed to produce the intense polarities within our political world with the goal of grinding this country’s political process to a halt, stalling any legislation that could bring relief to the suffering that comes with our weakened economy, and shaming the “other” side.
Those politicians who passionately oppose the Center are flaming the fires of hate and resentment that resides within the hearts of many people. While the conversation is about the Community Center at a deeper level, it is about the misconceptions we have as a culture about the Islamic religion as a whole. It is about the fear that lives within the hearts of many people that gets directed against people who differ from them. It is about bigotry. It is about political power… Those who oppose the building of the Center would be some of the first who would decry that Supreme Court justices are appointed to uphold the Constitution of the United States, and would challenge justices, not follow their political agendas in interpreting the law of the land. The Constitution is pretty clear about the right of Americans to freely practice their religion and that discrimination based upon religion is prohibited under the Constitution. If the Community Center is prohibited from developing in this location because it is too close to where the World Trade Centers stood, how far away is far enough? Will Manhattan be entirely off limits, or Brooklyn, or New Jersey, or Illinois or Alaska? Where does it stop?

Pride Parade

2010-06-29T13:47:00.003-05:00

Another wonderful Pride Parade. Throughout the route, voices were cheering our presence in the parade. The parade is always a hopeful time for me when I see 75 people marching to represent welcoming and affirming congregations; there is power in their demonstration to the all embracing love of God.

Annual Fundraiser

2010-06-22T08:33:00.003-05:00

Thanks to everyone who contributed, worked and supported our fundraiser efforts during the Old Town Art Fair. I am always amazed at the energy and commitment of this congregation. We had over 55 volunteers, volunteering over 500 hours. AMAZING. Because of the weather and visible lower attendance, our fundraising efforts not up to previous years, but with rough numbers at this point it looks like our net income will be around $5,000. These funds are still a great support for our budget through our summer months.

El Salvador

2010-04-01T10:25:00.001-05:00

Hi, All:
For those of you interested in my Human Rights travels, I went to El Salvador March 19-27 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero on March 24, 1980.
A year ago Salvadorans elected Mauricio Funes, a member of FMLN (the former guerillas), as President. That election has made a
considerable difference in official attitudes in that country.
President Funes officially apologized on behalf of the government for the violence against the people. He declared March 24th a National holiday. He dedicated a special mural, "Homage to Monseñor Oscar Arnolfo Romero," by Rafael Varela, at the San Salvador airport on the anniversary. He is moving to take civilian control over police and the military (aware of the possibility of a Honduras-type coup if he moves too fast). Things are looking better.
Despite that, there are still major problems in El Salvador. Crime is still rampant (the Chargé at the U.S. Embassy, with whom we met, said there is no safe place in El Salvador). The latest wrinkle is private extortion, where petty criminals threaten to harm members of a person's family unless regular payments are made. Because of impunity (less than 5% of all crimes are even prosecuted), people have essentially only the choices of paying or moving, and many people cannot move all their family members.
A second problem is the continuing contentions of conservatives that Romero was a Marxist Communist who threatened to turn El Salvador into another Cuba or Venezuela. In Cinquera in the North, where the guerillas were active, a new conservative Priest insulted people at Good Friday processions last year by calling the banners containing photos and statements of Archbishop Romero "garbage." He subsequently closed the Church. On December 23, the local Bishop (who is also conservative) came to "purify" the Church. He ordered a group of nuns who had accompanied him to literally tear the photos of victims of the violence from the Church walls and burn them, which they did. The Bishop then excommunicated the congregation and again closed the Church. At a later date, the Priest showed up with 140 people from other communities to tear down the Church. Church members put their bodies in front of the Church ("If you want to put that pickaxe into the Church, you will have to put it through me first," said one woman), and after hearing from community members, the others left without harming the Church.
Even though the Bishop has now been replaced, the Catholics of Cinquera are still unable to attend and worship at the Church in their own community.
The theme of the delegation was "Romero vive! (Romero lives). In El Salvador, I witnessed that in the people.
Frank Schneider

Honduras

2010-04-01T10:01:00.000-05:00

Hi, All:
To bring you up to date on the deplorable, sad and disgraceful situation in Honduras, government encouraged killings of activists continues to take place in that country. There have been six killings in February and March alone. Since the coup last June, there have been dozens of killings of union activists and of members of the Honduran National Resistance Front (FNRP), which has called for a Constitutional convention and a peaceful change in the political system.
A textbook case occurred on March 23, when hooded gunmen invaded the high school where FNRP member Jose Manuel Flores was teaching and killed him in front of his students. It is unknown whether the gunmen were police or paramilitaries, because the Minister of Government has instituted and maintained the practice of having hooded police participate in raids. It is also known that landowners have imported right wing paramilitaries from Colombia to do their "clensing" of union and other leaders and activists.
On March 27, two investigating journalists were ambushed and murdered.
If you want to protest the situation in Honduras, or call for our government to investigate and speak out against these gross violations of human rights, the Honduras desk at the State Department can be reached at 202-647-3482. I have gone to voice mail each time, but I think it is important that they hear from as many people as possible.
And pray for the people of Honduras, that they may be delivered from this terrible time.
Frank Schneider

Spring Here

2010-03-18T17:57:00.002-05:00

I walked past a barren patch of city dirt - darkened by the winter's grim. Layers and layers of winter build-up which reflected the layers upon layers of snow, when melted formed a single compacted crust of grim. I wondered when spring would come and cover the winter's mess. Then I saw it - a small white flower emerging - breaking through the grim. Hopes of spring pushed through - and a smile broke across my face and a stood there for a moment body defiant against the chill.

Lenten Reflection

2010-03-17T09:05:00.002-05:00

As Congress debates the health care reform bill - it is clear there are differences in philosophical ideologies crashing into each other on Capital Hill. These crashes, while complex are not unlike all philosophical crashes over human history where one group's ideas of how to resolve social issues clashes with others. Lent is the time to particularly spend pondering our ideas, social commitments and how those commitments stand up against the alternative views of Jesus.

Christian Peacemaker Teams delegation

2010-02-02T22:37:00.000-06:00

For those of you interested in my Human Rights work, I spent two weeks this month in the Israeli Occupied Territory (West Bank/Palestine) on a Christian Peacemaker Teams delegation. I went there in 2002, and I was interested in learning what, if anything, has changed in the past eight year.

My first reactions in Israel/Palestine was that it was, to use Yogi Berra's immortal words, "deja vu all over again." Palestinians are still being dehumanized, humiliated, abused and discriminated against, as they were eight years ago. Israeli settlers are still stealing even more land to build settlements and outposts and beating and harassing Palestinians who dare to interfere. The government continues to refuse building requests, then demolishes homes, electrical lines, cisterns and other things which Palestinians require and build anyway. The police continue to enforce two laws, one for Israelis and the other (not) for the Palestinians. The Army continues to act arbitrarily in humiliating and abusing Palestinians at the ever-present checkpoints, and it continues to raid homes with impunity to demonstrate their arbitrary power over civilians.

One particular item to mention is that settlers in the South Hebron Hills (around At-Tawani) have taken to attacking school children on their way to school. The humanity of people who attack six and eight year olds just because they want to go to school is beyond me. But that is happening. When it began a couple of years ago, CPT accompanied the children, but they too were attacked and beaten (sustaining substantial injuries). As a result, the Army has agreed to accompany children past the dangerous places in the road, which it has done on an erratic basis. Indeed, CPT and Operation Dove (an Italian human rights group also operating there) have frequently called the Army when it did not show up, or it did not wait for the children, or it left them at a place where they were still in danger. This is an ongoing effort.

Despite all of the above, I did detect some slight movement toward recognizing the humanity of Palestinians. B'Tselom, an Israeli human rights group, has supplied video cameras to record events (they jokingly call it "shooting back"), and it publicizes abuses. The Parents' Circle has formed to pair Israeli and Palestinian parents of the victims of violence, to share their mutual grief and see each other as human parents experiencing a mutual tragedy. Breaking the Silence is a group of more than 700 former military who have publicly described their abusive actions as a way to urge the end of Israeli occupation of the West Bank. But even so, there is very little progress. I described that whereas maybe 1% of the Israelis were concerned eight years ago, the percentage is now up to 1.8%.

There is a new Human Rights initiative which is taking place: the BDS Movement. That stands for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions. For example, people are boycotting L'Oreal and Ahava Dead Sea cosmetics, and other Israeli goods, especially those made in the settlements (which sometimes say they are made in Palestine). Divestment would include Caterpillar, which makes the armored tanks used to demolish Palestinian homes, and Motorola, which manufactures military hardware for the Israeli Army. Sanctions include the fact that high Israeli officials can no longer go to Europe, because arrest warrants are outstanding, charging war crimes in connection with the Occupation and the invasion of Gaza. This is a way for ordinary people to express their displeasure over Israel's policies and practices toward the Palestinians in their midst. For those interested in more information, the website is: http://www.bdsmovement.net or www.bdsmovement.net
I hope you will think about and pray for the people of Israel and Palestine, who are trapped in the stereotypes of the other side, that they might somehow recognize a way to live together without the dehumanizing conditions which now exist in that part of the world. I will be talking to my Church about this, and if you wish, I would be happy to come to your Church to talk about it, or to you and your friends, or to you. I feel that this tragedy must be addressed somehow.

Frank Schneider

Moving into 2010

2010-02-02T22:31:00.001-06:00

We are entering a new decade. Some who are history sticklers say that actually the new decade does not begin until next year, but at any rate, we are into a new year. The decade began with us holding our breath as our computerized world clock rolled over to 2000. We breathed a sigh of relief when the world did not crash. Over the decade we have experienced the horror of September 11 and we have celebrated as we watched history being made with the election of the country's first African American president. As a nation we have entered two wars and continue to see thousands of Americans engaged in conflict – with over 3,400 Americans dead and thousands of Iraq soldiers and civilians the reality of war making haunts us. We have seen our consumer economy take a nose dive, watching helpless the impact of greed and profiteering. In this recession the exposure of the level of that greed was astounding and as a result many continue to suffer from under or unemployment. As a nation our reputation also took a nose dive as we tortured people in the name of "making America safe,” and which actually did the opposite. In the final days of 2009, we watched the Senate pass a health care reform bill that we hope will begin to address the complicated issues around the uninsured and escalating systemic cost. As we step into 2010, may our challenges be met with a new spirit of cooperation both nationally and internationally that will address the urgent issues that threaten our planet: global warming, a rise in religious fundamentalism, poverty, war and national arrogance. While enormous issues continue to face us as a people, we can hope that there will continue to be great advancements in scientific and technology discoveries and social collaboration that can lead us into a stronger global village. May the true meaning of peace (well being for all - plants and animals included) - edge us closer to our fuller selves in 2010.John Hobbs, pastor

"Coup" in Honduras

2009-08-31T14:20:00.000-05:00

I write today about the "coup" that took place in Honduras on June 28, 2009. I place the word "coup" in quotes because many who support the present government claim that the government was properly protecting itself against a potential dictator, albeit in an irregular manner. For reasons that follow, I do not agree. Form matters, and what the government officials did was illegal and unconstitutional according to Honduran law and according to the Rule of Law.

The facts, though somewhat muddled, are not in substantial dispute. Manuel "Mel" Zelaya was elected President in 2005. The Honduran Constitution is very explicit in requiring that the President serve only one term and cannot ever again be President. Indeed, according to Constitution Article 239, anyone proposing a change in the law, and those helping him, will immediately cease office and remain ineligible for ten years. Zelaya was a large landowner and conservative when elected and for about two years afterwards. However, at some point he turned away from the conservative elements that elected him and toward the trade unions and campesinos who had been previously excluded from the political processes. Among other actions, he raised the minimum wage in Honduras by approximately 60%. He also formed favorable relations with Hugo Chavez and other leftist leaders of Nicaragua, Equador and Bolivia. All of his actions infuriated the conservative and propertied interests in Honduras, which included military leaders and most members of the the National Assembly

In early 2009, Zelaya began to talk about a Constitutional Assembly to amend the Constitution. He proposed a referendum, but when objections were voiced, he said the vote would be a non-binding advisory "consultation" on whether there should be a vote in November (during regular elections) on whether to call a National Constituent Assembly to amend the Constitution. He scheduled the "consultation" for June 28th. In preparation, he ordered the distribution of ballot boxes and ballots. The Supreme Court declared the proposeed vote illegal. Zelaya ordered the military to distribute the ballot boxes anyway. When the military refused, citing the Supreme Court opinion, Zelaya fired the commander and the defense minister, and Zelaya and his supporters seized the ballot boxes and prepared to distribute them.

All of this led up to a warrant issued by the Supreme Court ordering the military to arrest Zelaya to face charges. The military arrested Zelaya (some said "in his pajamas")at 5 a.m. on June 28 (which was also the date of the "consultation"). Then, beyond the arrest warrant, the military placed Zelaya on a plane and expelled him to Costa Rica. The military then closed media outlets favorable to Zelaya. There are rumors that arrest warrants were issued for many of his supporters, and they have gone into hiding. There are also reports that demonstrators in favor of Zelaya have been tear-gassed and shot. The military is headed by Gen. Romeo Vasquez, a graduate of the notorious School of the Americas.

After Zelaya had been expelled, the military presented to the Assembly a resignation allegedly signed by Zelaya. The Assembly accepted the "resignation," then for good measure adopted a resolution removing him from office for his misdeeds. The Assembly then named the President of the Congress, Rigoberto Micheletti, as new President. According to at least one authority, if Zelaya's removal was proper, Micheletti was the proper one to succeed him. The new government has continued civilian rule; the military has expressed its subordination to civil authorities.

Later, the "resignation" was clearly shown to be a clumsy forgery and now is ignored as a reason for removal. The Assembly vote likewise is of dubious Constituional validity. Under the Honduran constitution, unlike the United States, the Assembly can only pass a resolution saying there are grounds to bring a case against the President (Art. 205(15)). But the Supreme Court must hold a trial and adjudicate that there are in fact grounds for removal (Art.319(2)) to oust the President. None of that was done here.

Zelaya's removal was unanimously condemned by the OAS (Organization of American States), including by the United States, the United Nations General Assembly and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Under prodding from the U.S. and other countries, President Oscar Arias of Costa Rica undertook to mediate the dispute. He proposed that Zelaya return to finish his term, with no sanctions against those who removed him. However, Micheletti and his followers will not agree to Zelaya's return. There is at least a suggestion that they intend to stall until November, when an election will result in a new President. (The new candidates were nominated before the coup.)

Meanwhile, economic sanctions have begun against the present government. The U.S. has suspended military and other aid. Under U.S. law, if the change in government is declared a "military coup," another $150 million in aid will be suspended. Other Latin American countries have likewise suspended their relations with the present government of Honduras. In the United States, Rep. Delahunt and others have introduced H.Res.630 condemning the coup.

It should be clear from the foregoing that I believe Zelaya's removal and expulsion from Honduras was contrary to Honduran law. Under Article 102, no Honduran may be expatriated or delivered to an authority of a foreign state. Further, the order of the Supreme Court is itself suspect, as noted above. At the very least, Zelaya should be permitted to return and resume his Constitutional functions. Until that happens, the country will exist under an illegal military and civil coup, and its government should be subject to the full array of sanctions available to the United States and other countries.

Those interested in more information, and a more scholarly treatment than mine, may consult Geoff Thale, "Behind the Honduran Coup," in Foreign Policy in Focus, July 1, 2009, available at <http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/6225>, and Doug Cassel, "Honduras: Coup d'Etat in Constitutional Clothing," published by American Society of International Law, v. 13, no. 9, July 29, 2009 available at <http://www.asil.org/search.cfm?displayPage=1258>. The text and co-sponsors of H.Res. 630 are available at <www.thomas.gov>.

Frank Schneider

Don't Put a Period on Health Care: God is still speaking

2009-08-27T11:31:00.002-05:00

The United Church of Christ is calling its members to participate in the national health care debate. The United Church of Christ has stated that any health care proposal must include the following: Coverage of all persons; access regardless of ability to pay; a full set of benefits; a choice of physicians and other providers; Elimination of racial and ethnic and other health care disparities; waiver of pre-existing conditions exclusions without any age limits; a public option.

If you would like to contact your lawmaker, you can call the Capitol switchboard at 888-797-8717.

Dr. Gates

2009-07-24T09:50:00.002-05:00

In response to Maria Haberfeld’s comments on CNN.com, defending the police officers actions because of the potential danger that are a part of the day to day life of officers I wrote to CNN saying: While it is true that police officers come with stories and life experience that inform their judgments and actions, so would Dr. Gates “make decisions based not just on a given situation but also based on his prior experience.” Dr. Gates as an African American would know all too well the statistics around profiling and harassment that has been a long history of the interactions between law enforcement officers and African Americans. Dr. Gates knows the dangers and even the deadly potential these encounters carry. Therefore, both men came to the encounter informed by their life experience – each I would imagine, mistrustful of the other. These encounters demonstrate that we have much work to do within our society to build bridges of trust – racism continues to divide us and keep us specious of the other – a sad reality.

2009-03-11T12:18:00.000-05:00

Violence erupts across the world – a shooting in a church in Illinois – a shooting rampage in Alabama - a shooting in a high school in German: over the past two days, the violence from guns floods our consciousness. One wonders – what would drive anyone to deny the sacredness of human life to the point of pushing them to pull the trigger on their weapons of death.
Surrounded by this news of violence it seems fortuitous that Bishop Desmond Tutu was in Chicago yesterday supporting Mayor Daley’s move to have new gun laws passed in Illinois. But on the same day, I heard on the news that the gun lobbyists are gathering in Washington to work toward passing laws that would be favorable to their constituents. Their argument often starts something like this: “it is not the gun that does the violence, but people.” That is a weak argument in my opinion, for without the gun the act cannot take place. I support Mayor Daley’s efforts in passing more restrictive laws and commend him for his courage in advocating for those laws.

Resources for Feb 11 discussion

2009-02-08T18:43:00.000-06:00

Readings for this coming Wednesday – Feb 11; 7:00 pm

http://www.talk2action.org/story/2007/5/5/133116/3083
http://www.talk2action.org/story/2006/2/11/13559/0530

Take a look at the website:
http://faithfullysubversive.blogspot.com/

Web postings for Brian Parker's study

2009-02-02T13:16:00.001-06:00

Below the web addresses for posting for Brian Parker’s study. I am also going to post them on our blog:

An example of the conservative mindset on a contemporary issue:
www.newsweek.com/id/172653/output/print
www.newsweek.com/id/175223/output/print

A background on the size, location and history of growth of different denominations:
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5290373

A geographic breakdown of the concentration of different major denominations:
www.valpo.edu/geomet/pics/geo200/religion/adherents.gif
www.valpo.edu/geomet/pics/geo200/religion/ucc.gif
www.valpo.edu/geomet/pics/geo200/religion/methodist.gif
www.valpo.edu/geomet/pics/geo200/religion/mormon.gif
www.valpo.edu/geomet/pics/geo200/religion/baptist.gif

A background article on the IRD:www.publiceye.org/magazine/v20n1/clarkson_battle.html

A Day of Celebration

2009-01-20T12:53:00.001-06:00

As Dr. Joseph Lowery, a United Methodist minister, gave the concluding prayer at the Inaugural ceremony today, I felt an instant connection. He began by quoting the words from Lift Every Voice and Sing, the hymn we sang at Church of the Three Crosses on Sunday: “God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou who hast brought us thus far on the way.” It has been a song of inspiration and hope for so many who have struggled for equality and justice in our country. When I heard the words, the spirits of Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Dr. Mark Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks and so many others who helped pave the pathway to today, stood beside Dr. Lowery on the platform. Today, I celebrate the journey that so many before us have made possible, and my hopes run high that as we continue this journey, we might be led deeper into the light and that we will be “forever in the path” of justice, love and compassion, “where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.”

SOA/WHINSEC

2008-11-26T18:32:00.000-06:00

For those of you interested in my Human Rights activities, I went to Columbus, Georgia, last weekend to attend the SOA Watch Vigil and Demonstrations against the School of the Americas (SOA), now known as
the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC).
Depending on who to believe, there were 8,700 demonstrators or 20,000 of us. I am inclined to believe, based on attendance, that it was much closer to 20,000.

The Memorial March on Sunday again involved the reading of names of victims of violence in Latin America, starting with Archbishop Romero and speaking other names (or sometimes no names, as "Unknown child of _____, age 14 months." As perviously, we would all raise our Crosses (on which a name of victim was inscribed) and say "Presente!" to show that the victim is remembered. The procession lasted more than two hours, with 10 - 15 names read every minute, and even in that time, only a small percentage of victims could be honored individually.

During the March, we placed our crosses, flowers and other memorials on the fence which Ft. Benning had erected to keep us out of the Base, transforming the barrier from a symbol of exclusion to a symbol of hope. As in previous years, a number of people "crossed the line," trespassing on Ft. Benning property as an act of Civil Disobedience. This year there were only six violators, who were arrested and will face trial on January 26. As in previous years, I will probably attend the trials and act as attorney for one or more of the defendants.

There was a feeling of hope during the weekend, that now that we have a new Administration, perhaps the SOA/WHINSEC will finally be closed. Last year a vote in the House failed by 12, and 35 opponents in the House are no longer there. SOA Watch is hopeful that the school will be closed that that our gathering next November will be a Celebration. It would be good to close it, as it is the visible symbol of torture, murder and massacres which are all too well remembered by the people of Latin America. If you call or talk to your Congressperson, I hope you will express your view that the School should be closed now.

Frank Schneider

A Time of Celebration

2008-11-05T10:39:00.002-06:00

We have been part of history making in this country with yesterday’s election of an African American to the presidency of the United States. That fact alone is call for celebration, no matter which candidate received our vote. It has been too long – too long in coming. And yet while we all know that our road toward equality for all has not ended here, today at least, we can celebrate, take in a deep breath of thanksgiving for what has happened as we continue that journey toward equality tomorrow.

2008-10-27T10:01:00.001-05:00

November 4 looms large on the minds of people across America and looms large across the screens and news pages of our media. There is as much excitement in the air around this election as I can remember in my history of voting for presidential candidates. (since 1972) As the Election Day closes in and our anxiety increases, may the rhetoric of the candidates be one that brings out the best in voters. Political rhetoric can be dangerous if it is used to continue to fan the ambers of rage that is so apart of Americans at this time as we see our world facing an catastrophic economic crisis. It is stressful times for most people, so may the political rhetoric offer an antidote to the public’s anxiety, otherwise that anxiety and fear might turn into violence which would be a sad commentary on our politcal process.

Human Rights Activities

2008-09-08T16:37:00.001-05:00

To those of you interested in my Human Rights activities, I recently returned from a Witness for Peace delegation to Colombia. We spent ten days there, primarily in the City of Cali, but also traveling to Buenaventura, the major port on the Pacific Ocean, and to Trujillo, where a notorious massacre (actually a series of massacres) took place between 1986 and 1994, and to an indigenous farm in the North Cauca region of the country. We met with Community representatives and labor organizations. We toured the docks of Buenaventura and talked to the laborers there. We visited a marginal community living in shacks sitting on poles over swampland. It was an eye-opening experience.

There are a number of things to know about Colombia which I, and probably some of you, did not know or really appreciate. For example, I was not aware of the size of the Afro-Colombian population. Estimates of Afro-Colombians range from 10.5% to 18% to 20-30% of the approximately 44 million people in Colombia. The Afro-Colombians, despite their numbers, are even more marginalized than the indigenous population. Afro-Colombians are concentrated in the western and northern coasts of Colombia. They live in the worst housing and do the hardest physical labor. They have never really been given a fair share of the Country's wealth.

The second matter of note is the pervasive impunity which exists in the country. Murder is common and almost never punished. The military and the paramilitary forces are responsible for a majority of the killings and forced disappearances, but the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the major guerilla group, also contributes its share. Enemies are kidnapped, tortured and murdered. Often the offenses are imaginary -- such as attending a rally, signing a petition or even making the wrong comment (or no comment) to the wrong person. It is hard to overstate the fact of forced disappearances. Examples: in Trujillo, a popular priest spoke up for the people; he was kidnapped, and when his body was subsequently recovered, it was without its hands, feet, head and testicles. It is believed that the members were cut off while the priest was still alive. In Trujillo also, village authorities who opposed Army murders were themselves kidnapped and taken to the Army's local center of operations, where their bodies were allegedly cut up with a chainsaw by Army Major Alirio Antonio Urueña, a graduate of the School of the Americas. Again, people organized a rally on March 6, 2008, against military and paramilitary violence. Colombian President Uribe denounced the demonstrators as guerilla sympathizers. A new paramilitary group, the Black Eagles, announced threats against the organizers, several of whom were subsequently tortured and murdered. Jesus Caballero Ariza, an instructor of human rights for his teachers union, disappeared on April 16, 2008. His body was found in a mass grave two days later, with signs of torture, machete wounds and a shot to the head. Of all labor union murders, three-quarters of them occur in Colombia.

We also saw the bad effects of Fair Trade on Colombia. In Buenaventura, the port facilities have been privatized. The laborers work longer and receive less. For example, sugar arrives on huge semi trucks and is unloaded by Afro-Colombian laborers, who load the sacks weighing about 120 pounds each onto pallets, which are then taken into a nearby warehouse. It takes 6-8 laborers about an hour to unload the truck, for which they each receive about $1.00. The are paid only while unloading, meaning that if there is not another truck, they must wait (unpaid) until there is another truck to unload. We spoke to some of the laborers, and their anger and rage were obvious. There may well be a civil disorder in Buenaventura during the next month or two. Incidentally, even for a country noted for violence, Buenaventura was especially dangerous. Outside our hotel, two men had an argument during the overnight, and one shot the other. Police then came and clubbed some people and took away four men. The fate of the four was unknown to us.

Cali itself was a scene of violence while we were there. On Sunday just before midnight a car bomb went off in front of the Palace of Justice, destroying the front of the building and damaging several nearby structures. Five people were killed, and another 26 were wounded. At the time, we were at our hotel, which was a mile or two away from the blast (but I still heard it). The government immediately blamed FARC, but it was also reported that the public prosecutors were closing in on a drug conspiracy. I am not aware that anyone has claimed responsibility for the bombing.

Colombia is the largest recipient of U.S. aid, after Israel and Egypt. Most of the money has gone for military aid to suppress the insurgency, because the Colombian government says, and our government apparently believes, that the insurgents are really narcotraffickers and terrorists. The real conditions are extreme wealth amidst grinding poverty and government lawlessness against its own citizens. It seems perverse, but all too typical, that where our government helps another country militarily and economically, the violence and lawlessness in that country increase.

Complicating all of this is the narcotics problem. Coca production and eradication, and the enormous sums of money to be made by the traffickers, are corrupting influences throughout the country. The FARC taxes and controls the narcotics traffic, as do the military and paramilitary forces, each within the areas of their influence. Because the cocaine trade is illegal, it is difficult to determine its precise size, but many people have become very wealthy. Also, because of the illegality, the acts of the traffickers are also unlawful. Human rights activists charge that the former paramilitary forces, which have been officially disbanded, have become narcotics protectors and enforcers, albeit in a different guise, such as the Black Eagles noted above. FARC also is involved in the trade, although apparently in a lesser quantity.

In Africa there is an old proverb that when elephants fight, the grass gets trampled. Say a prayer or two for the people, the grass of Colombia. The situation is intractable, and probably will not change unless the United States changes its drug policy and until some sense of justice can come to the people of that poor unfortunate country.

Frank Schneider

1968 - a historical moment

2008-08-27T11:00:00.001-05:00

Today, August 27, was a date within the history of Church of the Three Crosses that has been remembered as one of the defining moments in the life and witness of this congregation. Forty years ago, during this week in August, the 1968 Democratic National Convention was held in Chicago. 1968 had already been a painful and turbulent year with the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in April and Senator Bobby Kennedy in June. The Vietnam War continued to drag on with mounting U.S. casualties. Many anti-war and anti-establishment groups came to Chicago to protest the country’s political situation in general and the War in particular. The city government took a hardline approach and would not issue any march/rally permits or allow the thousands of demonstrators permission to camp in the lakefront parks.

Although many north side churches (including Church of the Three Crosses) had become alarmed at the potential for conflict and had made preparations to provide emergency housing, food, and first aid as needed, many church folks were still shocked at the mounting violence and disregard of civil rights as the Convention week proceeded. The police were ordered to clear the parks every night at 11:00 pm leading to daily confrontations. There were many rumors of violence being planned by demonstrators against the city and police, and the police were on edge against every possible provocation. Some demonstrators were intent on disruption, but most only wanted to peacefully express their dissent against the war and the political establishment.

Northside clergy began circulating among the young people in Lincoln Park and nearby streets and attempted to prevent confrontations with the police or to help people who were injured. In Grant Park, demonstrators faced lines of police and National Guard and Army troops, and chanted: “the whole world is watching.” And indeed, the media carried the news across the nation, overshadowing the convention itself.

The situation became so dire that a meeting was called for northside clergy to meet on Tuesday evening, August 27 at Church of the Three Crosses. About 100 clergy and some lay people decided to march to the park to act as a reconciling force and prevent further violence between police and demonstrators. The clergy wore clerical collars, put on white armbands and carried the huge cross from the church’s sanctuary (then located in the old Second EUB building). The group entered the western edge of the park south of Fullerton around 10 pm. By 11 pm, almost 200 clergy were present, along with several thousand demonstrators. Hymns were sung. Studs Terkel spoke and an almost deceivingly peaceful, coffeehouse atmosphere prevailed. However, as the crowd began to sing “America, the Beautiful,” about 200 police on horseback charged the crowd, firing tear gas and swinging clubs. The crowd was pushed into the Old Town area; many people were chased down and beaten; the cross was lost in the ensuing melee, possibly thrown into the park lagoon.

Two days later the convention was over and the delegates and demonstrators went home, but the actions of the mayor and police were publicly debated for some time. The official Walker Commission Report on the convention violence termed the events a “police riot.” Many of the clergy and lay people who intervened and assisted during that tumultuous week in Lincoln Park 40 years ago felt they had made a difference in preventing a worse outcome.

As we watch the Democratic National Convention again, some 40 years later, let us give pause and thanksgiving for this congregation’s faithful witness to justice, advocacy and reconciliation.

Shootings in Knoxville

2008-07-29T15:47:00.002-05:00

Knoxville, TN - a place near my home in Virginia and currently home to my niece and her two year old son. It is also home of the University of Tennessee, where my older brother and his family often watch Vols' football. So it is a place with family connections. Knoxville sets in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains – whose majestic beauty awes millions each year – I would have never thought that such an act of violence could have erupted in Knoxville and too, in a religious setting, during a service where children were performing for their parents and friends. All of this violence is just unthinkable to me.

The attacker “stated that he had targeted the church because of its liberal teachings and his belief that all liberals should be killed because they were ruining the country," wrote investigator Steve Still from the Knoxville Police Department. While there is no excuse for the attacker’s actions, our society’s immunity to violence and our fear of those who don’t share our values could have certainly fueled the attacker’s rage. Rage is a commodity that is exported by the media with its escalating use of violence to sell movies and video games it is exported by our politicians as they use language to describe the country’s “war on terror, war on drugs, war on crime”, etc. This ongoing use of violence-language has desensitized the general population. As a culture, our threshold has been lowered. We are not as repulsed by violent acts and thus our social inhibitions have been reduced resulting in acts erupting such as in Knoxville. Also by holding on to a politic of fear, rage is flamed. When will the tide shift in our culture which supports diversity, encourages mutuality and condemns violence as a means of conflict resolution? It is time.

Responding to Myanmar and China

2008-05-14T09:40:00.001-05:00

With the disastrous ecological and human toll of the cyclone in Myanmar and the earthquake in China, our awareness of human suffering around the world has been exponentially increased over the past few days. Our involvement in the fate of others has been dramatically heightened by television and the internet. The distance separating us from others has been drastically shortened by the images and news brought into our living rooms. Jonathan Sacks says in his book the Dignity of Difference, “It seems that our compassion for the victims of poverty, war and famine, runs ahead of our capacity to act. Our moral sense is simultaneously activated and frustrated.” I am very frustrated that the government of Myanmar is blocking international aid. Let’s hope that their hearts will be softened by the needs they see and let’s hope that the United Nations will continue to push for relief efforts to reach the victims of the cyclone.

In situations like this it is good to remember that we are a part of denominations that are making responses to the crisis. Both the UCC and UMC churches have set up relief web sites for those who might want to contribute funds to Myanmar. I am sure that within a day or so, sites will also be set up for relief in China. The links to those sites are:

https://secure.ga3.org/03/myanmar_cyclone_response

http://secure.gbgm-umc.org/donations/advance/donate_select_project.cfm

Human Rights in Guatemala

2008-05-01T09:29:00.000-05:00

For those of you interested in my Human Rights activities, I went to Guatemala this past week to participate as a member of a Delegation to celebrate the life, death and mission of Bishop Juan Gerardi, who was murdered 10 years ago last Saturday.

Guatemala was ruled for many years by a military junta after the 1954 CIA-led revolt against the democratically elected President Arbenz. During the early 1980s there was a wave of violence against civilians who were believed to be helping (or at least sympathizing) with the guerillas who were opposing the military. Massacres occurred at more than 400 mainly indigenous villages, which involved torture, rape and sadistic killing of women, children and men. It is estimated that approximately 200,000 people, primarily indigenous, died or disappeared between 1980 and 1992 during La Violencia.

As a result of international outrage and pressure, the government and guerillas entered into Peace Accords, which were finalized in December 1996. A part of the agreement was the formation of a sort of truth commission, known as the Historical Clarification Commission, sponsored by the United Nations. It was supposed to supply the historic record of what had happened during that time. However, because of military pressure, the Commission was not allowed to name victims or perpetrators of massacres.

The Catholic Church in Guatemala was under no such restrictions. It formed the Recovery of Historical Memory Project, known by its Spanish initials as REHMI. Under Bishop Gerardi's guidance, it trained interviewers and took testimony from survivors, observers and witnesses. On April 24, 1998, REHMI released a four-volume report titled GUATEMALA ¡Nunca Más! [Never Again!]. It named villages, victims, manner of torture, abuse and killing, and more importantly, it named the alleged perpetrators and their superiors, and their training and direction in degrading, torturing, raping, then killing the victims. Bishop Gerardi wrote the introduction and explained the methodology and intent of the Report.

Two days later, as he returned home in the evening, Bishop Gerardi was attacked and beaten to death in the garage of his rectory. The entire story of the killing, the coverup and the subsequent investigation, prosecution, trial and conviction of the perpetrators is set forth in Francisco Goldman's book THE ART OF POLITICAL MURDER: Who Killed the Bishop? I recommend it highly, and I have a copy if you are interested in reading it. The book reads like a detective murder mystery, except that all the characters are real.

Although we were in Guatemala to honor Bishop Gerardi, we spent most of the week in meetings with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs). We talked to representatives of: Catholic Relief Services; Association for Justice and Reconciliation; NISGUA; Guatemalan Cultural Action (ACG); the Paz y Reconciliation ministry of the Pastoral Social de Quiché; a microcredit women's cooperative sponsored by ACG; Grupo Apoyo Mutuo (GAM), a mutual support group for survivors of those killed or disappeared; CONGCOOP (an academic group studying the effects of CAFTA-DR in Guatemala); the U.N. High Commission for Human Rights in Guatemala; the Protection Unit of Human Rights Defenders (Unidad de Protección de Defensoras y Defensores de Derechos Humanos); FAFG (Fundación Antropología Forense de Guatemala), which exhumed and examined the bodies of victims to determine manner of death; and Scalabrini House, which provides shelter and ministers to migrants on their way north. We also attended a Commemoration service on Thursday, at which Rigoberto Menchu spoke, and where she officially unveiled Bishop Gerardi's name as a victim of the violence. Finally on Saturday we attended a Memorial Mass at the Cathedral, then marched with many others to the Rectory where Bishop Gerardi was slain. I was able to stand before the Memorial erected in the garage at the place where he died.

It would unduly lengthen this e-mail to describe the above meetings or any of them. I invite you to call me for coffee or lunch if you are interested in hearing more (or even if you are not).

From the meetings and my time in Guatemala I have several items of Good News and Bad News. First the Bad:

1. Corruption is endemic and pervasive and extends to the highest levels of government.

2, Impunity is almost universal, whether for "street crimes," violence against women and domestic violence, or for actions against human rights defenders, or for political crimes. Between 80 and 90 percent of crimes are never even investigated. Of those investigated, only about 3 percent are prosecuted, and about 1 percent of the defendants are ever convicted and imprisoned.

3. There is pervasive violence against women, and domestic violence. Very recently, a judge convicted a jailer of raping a jailed indigenous woman. The conviction was celebrated as unique, against the large numbers of rapes which are never reported or prosecuted.

4. Economic hard times are present in Guatemala. The promised benefits of CAFTA-DR have not been received by the mass of the people. As in the U.S., the benefits have accrued to the top and the rest are being left behind. Large numbers of people are leaving their homes to cross Mexico on the way to the U.S. to escape the poverty at home.

5. There is a real danger of actual starvation, especially among children. On more than one occasion, we heard a representative remark that there will be actual starvation in Guatemala during the coming year. This appears to be much worse than the malnutrition which is endemic in the rural areas.

Now, the Good News, little as it is:

1. Despite the obstacles and setbacks, human rights defenders continue to pursue justice. Courts are beginning to pay attention to them. Convictions are occurring. But the process is painful, slow and dangerous. It sometimes seems like three steps forward, two back; two forward, one back; three forward, four back, and so on.

2. The Peace and Reconciliation Ministry in Quiché is actively working on mental health issues. The Quiché people suffered greatly. They sometimes watched the soldiers rape, torture and kill or disappear relatives. They sometimes came back after a massacre to view the destruction of their village, attend to any survivors and bury the dead. They fled to the hills and watched their children die from untreated disease and hunger. They had no shelter. The mental and physical suffering was enormous.

Therapists at the Peace and Reconciliation Ministry have been present before, during and after exhumations to help the survivors work through their pain and anger. The job is very difficult, because there are hundreds of thousands of survivors and very few therapists. Group sessions are helpful, but there are really too many people in too much pain. (Interestingly, Catholic Relief Services told us that it too is beginning a Survivors Support network in Guatemala City; perhaps there is hope there.)

3. ACG in Quiché has started a women's microcredit cooperative for indigenous women. They form into groups of five women. They are then interviewed and receive credit counseling. They may borrow Q500 or Q1,000 (1 dollar equals approximately 7.40 Quetzales). They pay the loan back on a weekly or biweekly basis, including approximately 20% interest (which is said to be slightly lower than a commercial bank, if the woman could get such a loan). The cooperative is flexible in repayment and accepts reasonable excuses for delays, such as sickness, childbirth or other good reasons. According to the facilitator, there are approximately 475 loans outstanding. When I asked about the rate of default and repayment, the woman remarked in a surprised tone, "Why, they all pay it back."

We interviewed some of the women about what they had done with the money:

a. One woman bought small chickens, which she then sold in the market after they were larger.

b. Another bought and raised chickens for eggs to sell and to sell the chickens for meat in the market. She is able to sell eggs to her neighbors, and her own children are able to eat meat on a periodic basis.

c. Another raised turkeys. Her example was that she purchased two small turkeys for Q50 each. After they were grown, she took them to market and received Q200 and Q250.

d. Another opened a small tienda (store) in her home to sell small items to her neighbors.

e. Another helped her son open a tire repair business. She is a widow, and he lives at home. With the business he is able to support her and pay back the loan.

f. Another purchased a number of buckets and tubs, which she then sold in the market. She started with small buckets, but from the money she made, she is now able to buy and sell larger tubs for a greater price.

g. Another purchased a cow. She now sells milk to her neighbors.

The feeling of empowerment among the women was almost palpable. They are not docile and submissive. They are knowledgable of their rights and are willing to assert them. It is amazing what a small amount of money and a lot of counseling has done for these women and their families.

CONCLUSION

This e-mail has been much too long, but a lot happened in Guatemala while we were there, and there is much to celebrate and to be concerned about. Having been there and having participated, I feel obligated to pass along my observations and feelings. I hope you will forgive me if I have gone on too long.

Frank Schneider

God and Country

2008-03-15T19:05:00.003-05:00

As I listened to the news cast last night – on every major news network - I listened in disbelief to the conversation, questioning Senator Obama for his association with Trinity UCC church here in Chicago and his relationship with Dr. Jeremiah Wright. As I was drawn into the news frenzy, my disbelief turned to anger and then to sadness as I listened to the conversation questioning his ability to lead this country, his patriotism and his relationship to God based upon comments made by Rev Wright. Not only was the exchange unfair to Trinity and Dr. Wright’s vast and long history around social justice, ministry to the African American experience, and prophetic voice, but I found it profoundly sad that our political system has come to this. Have we come to a point in our religious and political history in this country, that a prophetic/religious critique of our social systems, economic distribution and the fairness of our access to opportunities is not allowed by any candidate or the people in the wider circles he/she travels? Has the dominate voice praised God and America with the same breath for so long that it has forgotten how to separate the demands of God’s justice from the demands of being a patriotic citizen. It seems as though empires always try to silence or marginalize voices of dissent. Isn’t that what Holy week is about? As I pushed beyond my anger this morning - perhaps, I thought, (trying to see some positive side of this debate) there is a window of opportunity for Americans to seriously ponder just how much their feelings and thoughts about God are separated from their feelings and thoughts about America. Let us remember that God is not at god that aligns with any particular government, or people, or economic system. But rather, God stands as an ethical critique and a prophetic voice of all systems, stands as a voice of protest against any national policy that exploit, oppress and/or uses violence as a way of enforcing and maintaining the self interest of some at the expense of others.

Northern Illinois University

2008-02-16T20:33:00.001-06:00

My heart goes out to those directly touched by the tragedy at Northern Illinois University and to those the ripples of this violent have reached and traumatized. Unsettled and aching from the horrible shooting in Tinley Park just a few days ago, we absorb the full impact of this horribly violent act. It is too much. There are no words, no logical reasoning, no…no...no...

Lent - we are invited to ponder

2008-02-06T21:55:00.000-06:00

Lent is a time of reflecting upon our world and our contributions to that world. Often Lent has been seen as a season of inward focus, a season that calls us to reflect upon one’s personal spirituality. Lent is much bigger than that, much larger than us. While Lent does offer opportunities for personal reflection, our faith calls us well beyond our private spirituality. It invites us toward a “world” spirituality. This is a spirituality that is grounded in the reality of the state of our world and to acknowledge honestly the mess it is in. In today’s world, we cannot afford to privatize Lent.

While browsing the web today, I discovered a sobering web-site – a site listing the 3,948 Americans who have been killed in Iraq. When I caught my breath when I saw the thousands of names, I began to notice their ages – most were in their 20’s. Then I noticed their faces. The link to the pages is: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/forces/casualties/index.html
Lent invites us to ponder …

Peace on Earth?

2007-12-28T10:33:00.000-06:00

It is with great sadness that I write of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s assassination Thursday. The familiar phrase of “peace on earth, good will to all” that we sang for Christmas seems if not silenced, at least over taken by the ring of a gunshot and the blast of a bomb. Peace seems now a distant dream, and even perhaps an unachievable one in the wake of such a violent act. The foundation of this dream of peace of which we sing, is built through non-violent, risky compassion. It is still my belief that this risky compassion is the only way that offers the world a way out of its self-destructive track on which violence sets us. Redemptive love, ultimately is our only hope. While today’s act of violence sends shock waves around the world, it is a reminder of the cruelty of violence. Violence has always been a part of the political landscape. When power feels threatened, it moves to secure itself unremorsefully of the death it causes and the means it must use. The innocent are victims to this age old, all too familiar paradigm. This week’s reading from Matthew 2: 13-23, tells of the brutality of power again reminds us of the paradigm.
May the song of “ peace on earth, good will to all” continue to ring in our ears, pond in our hearts and fuel our work to be agent of that peace as we mourn the death of Benazir Bhutto.

The Story of Stuff

2007-12-13T12:05:00.000-06:00

It's a short film - 20 minutes.

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

"What is the Story of Stuff?From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever."

Frank's reflections at the School of the Americas

2007-11-20T17:42:00.000-06:00

Hi, All:

To those of you interested in my adventures, I have just competed the weekend of protests at the School of the Americas (SOA), now known as the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC). There were approximately 25,000 people in attendance, including more that 150 from the Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLN). On Saturday were were entertained by protest musicians and heard inspiring speeches from Fr. Roy Bourgeois, founder of SOA Watch, Rep. Jim McGovern, who is the primary sponsor of HR 1707, which seeks to suspend funding for SOA/WHINSEC and examine the effect the School has had on Latin American foreign policy, and many Latin American indigenous representatives who told us about the horrors SOA has caused to their individual countries. We also had the chance to attend teach-ins on Latin America, Iraq and other foreign policy disasters.

Sunday was the highlight of the weekend. We all gathered in front of the gates of Ft. Benning to remember the victims of SOA/WHINSEC violence and place our memorials on the fence which served as the barrier to the base. Eleven people engaged in civil disobedience and were arrested for trespass on a Federal facility for a political purpose. These eleven will be tried beginning January 28, 2008, and I will be there with the other lawyers of the Legal Collective of SOA Watch to defend them and allow them to tell the Federal Court (and the world) why they deliberately violated the law.

If you want more information on the activities at Ft. Benning, SOA Watch has a website, SOAW.org.

Peace to all.