|
'War on Terror'
anti-war actions
-National Security Agency
|
On Friday, October 12, the morning after President Bush
declared that all police departments and government agencies were on
their highest alert, four Maryland activists walked through an open
gate at the National Security Agency, outside Washington, D.C. Ellen
Barfield, Sister Carol Gilbert, OP, Max Obuszewski and Sister Ardeth
Platte, OP, brought with them a letter for the military head of the
spy agency, calling for the NSA to turn away from its surveillance
work for Bush's missile defense scheme, and embrace the true security
of treating all people and sharing the world's resources equitably.
Their action was prelude to a demonstration at the NSA the following
day that was one of at least 118 demonstrations worldwide marking the
International Day of Protest to Stop the Weaponization of Space.
An alarm soon sounded and the four were quickly surrounded by
security officials who would not permit a meeting with the agency
director. Sisters Gilbert and Platte then poured their own blood on
the asphalt, symbolizing the victims of NSA's shadowy work. Barfield
and Obuszewski held a sign and banner calling for an end to secrets,
an end to violence, and an end to the militarization of space. All
four were arrested and charged with trespass, destruction of
government property and conspiracy. They were released on their own
recognizance a few hours later, and await a court date.
