-Y-12

More than 200 people from at least 15 states gathered Sunday, August 5, to protest the production of nuclear weapons in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Spread between parallel mountain ridges is the Y12 plant, where "Little Boy", the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, was built and where components for nuclear weapons continue to be manufactured to this day. The event was the 13th annual demonstration organized by the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance (OREPA).

The people rallied in Bissell Park with chants, cheers, and songs, then marched through the streets of Oak Ridge to the Y12 entrance. The procession was led by Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist monks Konomo Utsumi and Denise Laffan, who with friends had walked for peace from Atlanta, 330 miles away, to join the demonstration.

As the marchers converged at the Y12 rally site they were confronted by a handful of counter-protesters. The "Citizen Soldiers for the Atomic Bomb," now a predictable fixture at OREPA's protests, welcomed the procession with jeers, shouting "No more tax dollars for your education! Work for a living!"

At the Y12 rally site demonstrators crowded under two large open air tents to escape the mid-afternoon swelter. In the shade, speakers and musicians entertained the adults as younger participants got artistic with face paint. The highlight of the program was a magnificent skit by Willy Rosencrans and Uprise Puppets. As a fifteen foot Uncle Sam unleashed his death jets on an unsuspecting group of people his face fell away to reveal the face of death. Jeering, he struck again and again, until a giant bird descended, gathered the wounded with healing, and overwhelmed Uncle Sam with the power of nonviolence. Even the bombers joined in a closing dance.

Four groups of activists then approached the plant, A large sign carried by two women explained their purpose: "Y-12 is in violation of International Law." Three of the activist groups crossed under, over, or through the barbed wire fence and the fourth walked up the street and across the blue line. Altogether 23 people were arrested and released later in the day. Most pled no contest and were fined, but eight who pleaded not guilty are scheduled for trial in city court November 16.

The next morning, Hiroshima Day, a predawn memorial vigil gave way to another international law enforcement action. Signs posted along the road warned rush-hour commuters, "Stop Ahead - Security Exercise in Progress." Minutes later, fifteen activists blocked the road with barricades and banner, securing the scene of a great crime. Police moved in quickly with a different judgment of events. They brusquely cleared away the sawhorses and vigorously apprehended people until they came upon Detroit Bishop Thomas Gumbleton in his robes. After a pause, a woman officer tapped him on the shoulder and asked him if he would cooperate, which he did.

While supporters kept the Hiroshima Day vigil nearby, all fifteen blockaders were handcuffed and taken to the Anderson County Jail. Police threatened state obstruction charges for the highway blockade, but by mid-afternoon bail demands were dropped, the prisoners released, and all charges dismissed.

The Oak Ridge city manager publicly chided the federal government for not assisting the city with federal law enforcement or the cost to the city - estimated to be over $12,000 for the August protests. All 43 city police officers were on duty for the August 5 rally.

For more information, contact the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance, POB 5743, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, (865)483-8202, email: orep@earthlink.net, web: www.stopthebombs.org.