Trident-Bangor

About 60 people gathered after lunch on January 17, at the main gate of the Navy's Bangor, Washington, Trident nuclear submarine base. After reading from Dr. King's speeches and writings and sharing a song, the group moved back down the road to the county side of a property line. At this point, Joy Goldstein, Jackie Hudson, Glen Milner, Shirley Morrison, and Brian Watson moved across the three incoming lanes of traffic holding a large and long sign, proclaiming Dr. King's words: "When scientific power outruns moral power we end up with guided missiles and misguided men." Underneath was their own declaration: "Resist Trident for Love and for Life - No D-5. No cruise. The beloved community is our common security."

After at least two warnings, all five were arrested, cited for disorderly conduct and then released on a promise to return to court February 18. At the courthouse on February 18, their names did not appear on the docket.

At the prosecutor's office, they were told they hadn't been charged yet and the paperwork could be mailed within 3 weeks. Arriving home, Watson found a message that charges would not in fact be filed, because, in the Kitsap County prosecutor's words, "It wouldn't be a good use of county funds to try and prosecute people who were using nonviolent means." Also, he noted, the last two county juries had found Bangor defendants not guilty, as did their judge last December.