Banner-waving peaceniks acquitted despite evidence

In a rare act of judicial nullification - all the more surprising in time of war - a federal judge in the heavily militarized district of Norfolk, Virginia acquitted Steve Baggarly and Bill Frankel-Streit of trespass charges.

The pair had climbed atop the wing of a B-52 bomber at the Langley Air Force Base air show in August and unfurled a banner proclaiming "Weapons of Mass Destruction - Nothing to Celebrate." On October 24, Judge Bradbury agreed with the prosecution that the two were technically guilty of trespass. But he mentioned the pair's moral position, and the need for their message to be heard, and proceeded to find them not guilty.

For more information, contact the Norfolk Catholic Worker, 1321 W. 38th St., Norfolk, VA 23508, (757)423-5420.