I would also like to add a
follow-up to the note regarding our foray to Parliament Square yesterday.
Parliament passed a law several months ago, specifically aimed at dislodging
Brian Haw from the park. I wrote a blog piece about Brian. He's
been parked on the sidewalk across from Parliament for over four years, 24/7.
The man's determination and personal sacrifice is incredible. Every day
he is there reminding Parliament of the children in Iraq and Palestine, whose
suffering they are responsible for.
The "Serious and
Organized Crime and Police Act of 2005" (sounds ominous doesn't it?) was
intended to create a permanent "no protest" zone around Parliament.
It has been touted as a "security" issue, but during the appeal
process to the British High Court, it was clearly stated it was because
Parliament was embarrassed by Brian, and simply does not want to have to
confront ANY form of dissent, period. Brian won his day in court (Judy
and I were there...see attached photo). The court ruled the law cannot
be made retroactively enforceable. Yet, it remains intact for any future
demonstrations. Yesterday we confronted the law.
At 2 PM, about 300 people
gathered, without the required permit, to challenge the law (The police
reported 50 demonstrators in The Guardian. See link to article).
There were probably 75-100 police on hand surrounding the gathering. At
one point a few constables entered the gathering handing out a leaflet
informing us they considered the meeting a violation of the law. We had
two MPs (Members of Parliament) speak, and several other notables from the
London peace movement. Everything went fine for about an hour until we
started to disperse. At that time, the police quickly surrounded and
contained the majority of us, and started dragging people away. Several
were arrested, including a friend who has been working with Brian during his
entire campaign (she was clearly targeted).
We wanted to challenge
this law publicly, and to confront the authorities. We cannot sit back
and let them strip away, layer by layer, our rights to voice dissenting
opinions. They cannot take away our dignity, but we can give it away
through our complacency. It was not my intent to get arrested yesterday,
and I'm glad I wasn't since it would have complicated my stay here, but I was
prepared for it. We have to be willing to take uncomfortable positions,
including facing ridicule from those who dispute our views, if we are going to
re-gain the small share of democracy we have had. We cannot change the
dominant influence on the public by being silent. My challenge to Ken in
the E-mail below applies to everyone in VFP 109. I am deeply proud of
Sgt. Benderman. He is holding on to his dignity at great cost, but he
needs support. I think his cause is one that could be used to publicly
challenge the value that permeates our culture, that it is cowardice, not
moral conviction, that drives proud men to refuse to kill. I will do my
part over here.
Peace,
Wes