-Kennedy   Space Center

Tourists stream daily into NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Advocates for peace in space greeted the throng on two occasions this summer with banners and literature. On the first occasion, they were quickly directed away from the entrance booth to a "designated protest area" along a shaded walkway that provided comparable visibility and contact with the public.

When a dozen activists returned on July 28, security officials were prepared. A different entrance was in use for the day, leading tourists away from the previously designated protest area. Banners were unfurled at the new entrance. Police immediately ordered them down and threatened the group with arrest if it did not move into the designated zone, which now also incorporated a small corral to fence in the free speech. Most went to the zone but refused to enter the corral, continuing their vigil under the watchful eye of police.

Wil Van Natta remained near the entrance, standing amidst the flow of tourists with a sign depicting the cover of Vision for 2020, a U.S. Space Command document about plans to "dominate space" due to the widening gap between "the haves and have-nots" of the world. He was arrested for trespass, booked at the Brevard County Jail, and released when bond was finally waived, eight hours later. A supporter, observing Van Natta's arrest, was asked for literature by an interested tourist. As soon as a newsletter changed hands, a security officer intent on securing the area from rogue words and unapproved ideas stepped in, grabbing the newsletter. A three-way tug-of-war ensued and the officer relented only when the tourist insisted the newsletter belonged to her.

Van Natta pleaded not guilty and planned a vigorous First Amendment defense with the help of a noted public defender who came out of retirement to take the case. In the atmosphere following the September 11 attacks, Van Natta accepted the prosecutor's offer of a "Guilty Without Adjudication, Jail or Fines" plea, and 12 months "self-probation" and court costs.

For more information, contact the Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space, POB 90083, Gainesville, FL 32607, (352)337-9274, www.space4peace.org