Seven Catholic Workers and friends crossed the line at Offutt Air Force Base on December 28, the 22nd annual witness there. All were arrested and released with ban and bar letters. Their statement read:

We stand here today on the feast of the Holy Innocents and are reminded of the Biblical story of children slaughtered at the command of the political leaders of their day. Here at Offutt Air Force Base we stand before you our brothers and sisters and plead for a peaceful world without nuclear weapons.

We are saddened that a new U.S. political administration chooses to lead us into the folly of a Star Wars nuclear missile defense system and continued maintenance of our nuclear arsenal. These billions of dollars could be used to nurture children of the world. Instead, we only further risk another slaughter of innocent children and indeed all of humanity... We invite you citizen soldiers to join us this holiday season in honoring the Prince of Peace and the sanctity of life. Herod killed the infants, Stratcom would kill the world. Celebrate Christmas. Shut down Stratcom.

For more information, contact the Des Moines Catholic Worker, P. O. Box 4551, Des Moines, IA 50306, (515)243-0756.