Protestors Block Entrances to Pentagon and White House.......

[KoKo]

by sue (Richmond Indy Media) unverified sent by e-mail

Twice in as many days, dozens of members of a faith-based community of activists breached security at the White House and Pentagon, two of the most heavily guarded buildings in the country, during nonviolent anti-war protests. Several protestors, including Virginian participants, were arrested and given spring court dates. At both sites, passers-by, including Pentagon soldiers, thanked the protesters for being there. Twice in as many days, members of a faith-based community of activists breached security at two of the most heavily guarded buildings in the country during nonviolent anti-war protests.

On December 28th, about 75 people gathered outside the metro entrance to the Pentagon at 7am, to protest the continuing slaughter of innocents in Iraq. While 17 activists blocked the entrance, a banner appeared over the side of the Pentagon roof: "BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW". As supporters who'd been pushed behind metal
barricades encouraged employees to recognize that "there is blood on our hands", guards debated how the banner had arrived. Those
blocking the doors were arrested and have court dates of April 1st and 14th.

(SNIP)

During the presence, two of the resisters, Susan Crane and Gary Ashbeck, both of Jonah House community in Baltimore, followed a man through the pedestrain entrance and into the White Housed compound. When guards realized Susan and Gary had not been cleared to enter they insisted the two leave immediately. Susan and Gary demanded to speak to a White House official about the situation in Iraq. "We've been waiting outside for years," said Susan. "We want someone to deal with us now." The two were arrested, held overnight and charged with "unlawful entry."

Melinda Smael of Washington, DC wrote the names of several Iraqi civilians on the black entrance gate with chalk. She, too, was arrested by angry White House security and held overnight. She was charged with "defacing government property." All three have a status hearing on Jan. 31.

The eight people holding the banner in front of the entrance were also arrested for refusing to move. This group, which included Nancy Gowen of Richmond and Sue Frankel-Streit of Louisa, was charged with "demonstrating without a permit" and given a court date of last March 16. At both sites, passers-by, including Pentagon soldiers, thanked the protesters for being there.

The Atlantic Life Community, a close-knit group of resisters from Maine to Florida, gather in DC three times a year to reflect, pray, play and perform acts of nonviolent resistance at sites of institutional violence. This week they had come together to remember and reflect on the Massacre of the Holy Innocents, a Christian commemoration of the children killed by Herod after the birth of Jesus. "The spirit of Herod is alive and well at the White House and the Pentagon," said Bill Frankel-Streit.
More...........
http://richmond.indymedia.org/feature/display/8896/index.php

[Javaman]

1. Nothing like tight security at the Pentagon, huh?

I like this line, "guards debated how the banner had arrived."

Seems to me that there is a mole in dem der pentagon...

Bravo protesters!!! Viva La America!!

[saltpoint]

2. Nothing like crack coverage by the media, too.

Why don't these damn people do their jobs at CNN, NBC, CBS, the papers, radio, etc.?

This is an exciting story.

Thank you for posting it.

[Wickerman]

3. ..charged with defacing Govt property (chalk)

Melinda Smael of Washington, DC wrote the names of several Iraqi civilians on the black entrance gate with chalk. She, too, was arrested by angry White House security and held overnight. She was charged with "defacing government property."

Sad, when we throw those committing non-violent protest into jail for silly charges.

[masaka___]

5. I can't wait for the day...

I can't wait for the day when * and friends are charged with murder and brought to justice.

[unpossibles]

6. as far as I know

chalk is not considered defacing or graffiti since it is not permanent. I used to do a lot of chalk art in town and on campus, and while the occasional policeman would come over and look, it was never a problem.

Also, isn't the property of the people, technically?

[havocmom]

4. Thanks KoKo01, Needed to hear that

Makes one wonder how many other protests we aren't hearing about from MSM.

Good sign indeed.

[KoKo]

7. And remember when the Repugs complained about the barricades the

SS installed on PA Avenue blocking the WH under Clinton. I remember some Repug on CNN saying the first thing Bush would do was get read of the "Clinton Barracade" and open up the streets to the "people" again. HA!
That didn't get far.

Yes, it's good to know folks are still trying to protest in DC in small groups..and sad that it isn't covered. It's OUR White House and OUR Pentagon....they think it's theirs...