Bishop of Clonfert supports the Pitstop Ploughshares

by Kristina - n/a Sat Jul 22, 2006 12:31

Whilst there is a strong anti war sentiment in Ireland sadly it has not been mobilised into an anti war movement. So I would take issue with the statement that the anti war movement has not been suportive of the Pitstop Trial.I think it is a case of "what anti-war movement"?

by Where's the Church? Sat Jul 22, 2006 12:53

I've seen no statement where the Church has condemned the use of Shannon Airport for the facilitation of the War and Terror production line.

Nice to see the church offer some token support, now that it looks very probable that the Ploughshares will be found innocent by 12 of their peers.

As for John Paul II having an anti-war outlook. When, where and how? Did he criticise Ireland once? Did he criticise the US or the UK?

Or did he hop from one side of the fence to the other, collecting gold as he hopped?

It's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter heaven. There's a song that sums JP up nicely - "Knockin' On Heaven's Door."

Some renegade elements of the Church have been loyal and essential supporters of the CW organisation, but the church itself is a hinderance to peace and offers no moral compass.

by A Sat Jul 22, 2006 13:35

As Ciaran O'Reilly said at the public meeting a week ago. "What we have is an ant-war remnant in Ireland of a movement that rose and fell (inflated & deflated) in record time!" I believe whatr we have around this third trial in terms of support is a remnant of a remnant.

These five were fortunate to be part of a movement & tradition with a long history of serious nonviolent resiatnce to warmaking - in season & out in terms of a broader anti-war movement. They were also forunate to be part of an international movement (80 internationals travelled to their first trial in March '05) with serious experience of such trials primarily in the U.S., but also in England, Sweden, Australia & Scotland.

I think if we can get over the predictable, boring anti-catholic response of Gnasher we could have an interesting deconstruction and analysis of (or lack of local) support around this trial. We could start by posing such questions as

1) Why did the 5 get more celebrity endorsements from non-Irish hi profile people such as Martin Sheen, Xana Gusmao, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Joan Baez, Jack Thompson, Kris Kristoffersen, Ken Loach & Paul Laverty, Mark Thomas. Why were Liam (Hothouse Flowers), Kila, Mariead Corrigan Maguire the Irish exceptions to the nonsupport rule????

Are Irish celebrities worried about access to the U.S. markets (or Cat Stevens plane rdirected & deported, see Christy Moore detained under PTA at Hollyhead recently). Or is it a briader issue of dissent being more tolerated at the centre of empire (see free speech in Athens under Alexander the Great & facism at the outskirts) than the periphery? Beacust the periphery is mor vulnerable (see Spain & Italy withdrawing support for the war....Ireland & Denmark the only 2 members of "OLD EUROP" proactively supprting the U.S./Brit war effort in Iraq.

2) Where was the authoritarian left/ moderate left run IAWM during the 3 trials. Whe weren't the five imprisoned in Limerick mentioned at the 100,000+ strong march in Dublin? Why has that movement evaporated?

3) Where were the libertarian organisations & activists? Why aren't the CW PSP5 mentioned as an anarchist gorup that maybe present at Anti-Authoritarian Assembly Meetings when the CW were primary in intitaiting the phenomon & why don the WSM newsletter carry CW & PSP5 as ananarchist group n Ireland + their website. Is the anarchists scene way behind the North American movement in accepting the freedom of religious/spiritual belief & practice by anarchists.

Individual activists of the libertarian left have shown support, but no membersof libertarian organisations were present at the last benefit gig or hi quality public meeting with Massey & Kelly.

4) Has Irish participation in the war on Iraq been put in the "too hard" basket by the authoritarian, libertarian moderate (NGO) left in ireland (Are those terms now redundant? Is the left redundant now redundant defeated by modernist capitalism in alliance with pre-modernist Islam? Is Islam & Catholicism the only significant forces remaining in terms of numbers and influence to take on the U.S. Empire following the collapse of the Soviet Union?)

5) Has a lot of the libertarian energy been directed towards the west/Rossport, because this may be a winnable issue? The mainstream media thinks its sexy and in real terms the mainstream media sets the agenda of the left in Ireland. Is it easier to activate a community (rural mayo) than build a community of activists?

6) What happend to the 1,000 people who assembled to hear Fr. Dan Berrigan SJ ,Fr. John Dear SJ in mid 2002 and Ciaran O'Reilly celebrate the Ploughshares traditon. Is it a case of celebrate & romantifcise it in the past and overseas but don't dare try it here in (Ireland)? Is it a case of such actions should be left to old priests not dodgy looking younger peope who obviously don't know their place (Who do these 5 think they are, my God?)

7) Why such a mainstream media blackout on these 3 trials (and most thihgs Shannon)? What trials did get coverage in Ireland during the past 2 weeks? Do you have to do violence to have your trial covered in Ireland (are pacifists not sexy enough for the mainstream media?) Or is thir a genearl conspiracy of silence by the mainstream media about ongoing Irish participation in the war on Iraq?

8) Where is the Church when these 5 Catholic Workers are on trial and their founder Dorothy Day has been put forward for canionisation? Where are the hip moderate social justice sections of the church, the NGO's (with the exception of Afri), where is Pax Christi (with the exception of a couple of individuals who have hung in with the 5 for 3+ years)

9) Where are the well funded NGO's? Where is Amnesty International in relation to the denial of a fair trial for these defendants (the false accustaions still not retracted by 2 government minsters pre-trial that a Garda was hospitalised & assaulted by the 5-countered 3X under the oath by the Garda in the hangar) & the intial denial of bail to 2 of the defendants?

10) Why at the climax of this trial only 15 people walk to court with them these past Thursday & Friday mornings? Why is concern expressed that international support is leaving and their aren't locals to pick up the slack at this point?

Barrister O'Higgins spoke eloquently about the integrity of the defendants in his closing speech and more significantly about what it meant to be Irish in '06 post Celtic Tiger and what it meant in '95 the yeatr of Live Aid. It was a very challenging speech and it is a pity that it isn't available for circulation. These defendants ask what could we do when the irish government gives the biggest war machine in human history the use of its airport to kill th innocent in Iraq.

It's an uncomfortable questions and that why it's been judged best to be avided by all elements of Irish society - themedia, the left, the church, the NGO's, the academy, the artists with (as the guy said in "Wind That Shook Barley" as he storms out of the church) "with few notable exceptions!

by Art - DC CW Sat Jul 22, 2006 13:53

Dear Friends,

Susan Crane from Jonah House, was sentenced to 30 days in jail today
after being convicted by Judge Buchanan in U.S. District Court in
Alexanadria, VA for her involvement in a nonviolent witness at the Pentagon on Holy
Thursday. During her testimony, Susan spoke about why torture and war
violates Divine law and International law. She also conveyed that just as
Jesus was tortured and killed, people are being tortured and killed today by
the U.S. in place like Iraq and Guantanamo. Susan was part of the
Witness Against Torture group that went to Guantanamo last December to try and
visit the prisoners. At sentencing Judge Buchanan explained that she could
not state her views about the war and that she had no choice but to
sentence Susan to jail, due to the fact that Susan would not pay a fine or
comply with probation. Susan responded to the judge by saying that she does
have a choice: she could join us!

Following her conviction a group of 15 activists who were arrested at
the Pentagon on March 20, including Susan Crane, were also tried by Judge
Buchanan. After the government rested its case the defandants made a
motion for acquittal based on the fact that a government witness did not
properly identify all the defendants. The Judge granted this motion and the
defandants were acquitted.

For further info about supporting Susan Crane contact Jonah House at:
001 410-233-6238 .
www.jonahouse.org
In peace,
Art Laffin

by Fintan Lane - Anti-War Ireland Sat Jul 22, 2006 14:24 antiwarireland at gmail dot com

"The Irish anti-war movement are failing to offer meaningful support for the courageous Pitstop Ploughshares"

I understand what is meant by this statement, but I wish to exclude Anti-War Ireland (AWI) from its implications. As the five defendants would acknowledge (I feel certain), AWI has been consistent in its solidarity and support for the Pitstop Ploughshares. Indeed, one of the defendants is a member of AWI.

The other groups can examine their own records.

by James - WSM - Personal Capacity Sat Jul 22, 2006 14:50

Where were the libertarian organisations & activists? Why aren't the CW PSP5 mentioned as an anarchist gorup that maybe present at Anti-Authoritarian Assembly Meetings when the CW were primary in intitaiting the phenomon

Didn’t know that? Thought it came from working together on folks working together on dissent.

& why don the WSM newsletter carry CW & PSP5 as ananarchist group n Ireland + their website.

Because we disagree pretty strongly with their politics. They are lots of other strands that plug into the anarchist tradition that we disagree with a lot more. That doesn’t mean we don’t support them or their action. We’ve given them donations, carried articles supporting them and have been down to the 4 courts. But, much as we respect them (and like the ones I know), we don’t support their overall politics. Simple as that.

Is the anarchists scene way behind the North American movement in accepting the freedom of religious/spiritual belief & practice by anarchists.

Folks should obviously be free to practice whatever beliefs they like. As above, it is a judgment that our politics are different to theirs. Where there’s common ground, like in anti-war stuff, we very happy to support them and happy when they do likewise (Ciaron has spoken at our meetings for example).

Has a lot of the libertarian energy been directed towards the west/Rossport, because this may be a winnable issue? The mainstream media thinks its sexy and in real terms the mainstream media sets the agenda of the left in Ireland.

There’s often been complaints that other issues detract from this or that issue. The bin tax was mentioned as one back in 2003. The fact is that most of us aren't just one-issue activists, we have a wider perspective and there is nothing wrong with that. To a certain extent that means attacking where the enemy is weak. I’d say campaigning on the war is stuck because many of us aren’t sure how to move forward.

Is it easier to activate a community (rural mayo) than build a community of activists?

I haven’t a massive interest in building a community of activists as I don’t see that ever achieving any political change. That would require a lot broader involvement than politicos irrespective of the issue. Better to have working class people being active than becoming full time activists.

by M - RAG Sat Jul 22, 2006 15:10

"Why aren't the CW PSP5 mentioned as an anarchist gorup that maybe present at Anti-Authoritarian Assembly Meetings when the CW were primary in intitaiting the phenomon"

One of our members threw that invite together and just put in whatever groups she thought of off the top of her head. It wasn't the concious exclusion you're making it out to be. They were sent a specific invitation, as were many groups and as were individuals signed up to any lists, mentioned on the invite or not.
We very much hope they will be present.

I can only speak for myself as to why I have supported them less than I would like to - I'm incredibly busy and can't get in to the four courts during the day.
I have a lot of time and respect for them and wish them all the luck in the world

by Deirdre Clancy - Pitstop Ploughshares Sat Jul 22, 2006 15:51

I feel the need to add my piece to this debate, rather reluctantly. I think it's an inopportune time to have a debate like this.

Firstly, Kristina has a point. There's not much of an anti-war movement to speak of right now, so there are fewer and fewer people willing to mobilise. This becomes more and more the case with each trial. There is much passive support for both the Pitstop Ploughshares and the anti-war movement; people are no longer as active, except for a small minority.

Secondly, I just want to thank everyone who has supported us throughout this three and a half years. Different political groupings/individuals use their abilities in different ways. It doesn't always mean marching up to the Four Courts in single file, something that over time can seem mechanical anyway to some. So thanks to all who've done fundraisers and other initiatives over this period. We couldn't have gotten through without you. It is only common sense to understand that the vast majority of activists and supporters cannot be in the courtroom or outside it every day. There are some who've made one or two days this time around, and I am really happy that they have - it's a morale boost to know that they're rooting for us. Between trials, the five of us have lives. I understand that others have lives also. Yes, numbers are smaller this time around, and I am not saying I do not have thoughts on this, but I don't want to be guilty of failure to acknowledge the consistent support we have received either.

Thirdly, in relation to the other postings about the politics of the Pitstop Ploughshares: there are diverse political viewpoints represented within the Pitstop Ploughshares. We came together to do this action. I would say the views and emphases of some members of the Pitstop Ploughshares have been represented more than that of other members in the public side of the activist domain. But please do not make assumptions that we are uniform in our political beliefs or adherence to the institutuional church. We agree strongly on certain important issues around warmongering and the political causes of poverty. With regard to how to remedy these issues, we have our diverse views.

by James Sat Jul 22, 2006 16:47

Hi, just to clarify that I was referring to the politics of the Catholic Workers rather than the PSP, as CW who are a political group with an international presence rather than a group defined by the action and whose individual politics I don't know much about.

by Ciaron - DCW/PSP5 (personal capacity) Sat Jul 22, 2006 16:50

Interesting issues raised alrighty.

I think I'll wait until the verdict to get stuck into such a debate...there are lots of reasons cultural, political, "the times" for why the local solidarity has been so poor. Don't let this put you off coming to the Rovics...entry by donation....gig tonight. It will be a big farewell party for the defendants & support please come along whereever they are going after the verdict....in jail or out.

The solidarity scene around the Seeds of Hope Ploughshares in Liverpool in '96 was definitely a lot more intense & expansive. Maybe because it's a lot more conservative now than 10 years ago, maybe because the Irish diaspora are more radical they those within the pale, maybe because the arms trade is easier to acknowledge & tackle than denied Irish complicity in this war, maybe because England has a freer press than the centralised Irish one (bigger market more options).........all these questions are worth looking at.

I understand Eamonn Crudden's long awaited documentary on the anti-war movement will tackle some of the issues. I'm looking forward to it and I'm glad someone has the time and talent to analyse it. We are at the begining of "a war without end" according to the neocons, so it is important to act, reflect, act again. As the war escalates & expands and unfortunately will probably visit Ireland as it has Irish tourists, Madrid, NYC & London...there will be more state attacks on the liberties of dissidents & the marginalised, hopefully more nonviolent resistance and unfortunately more trials & jailings. So after this one we should take a serious look at how we support our people before the courts & in jail.

I grew up in the '70's in a tradition that prioritised people from our movement who were interned, before the courts & jailed. I brought those formative experiences into the pacifist Catholic Worker movement where I have spent my adult life. I have organised around 8 major plowshares trials and attended another few in England & U.S.

I was struck at our benefit gig the week before the trial by the lack of presence by members of organised political groups, NGO's, church communities. That demographic remained constant through the next 2 weeks of trial with individual exceptions. Financially, & organisationally, we have depended on our movement in the U.S. There are of course local exceptions Paul, Justin, Kevin, Colim, JD Eileen, & others who have stuck with us.

In a lot of ways the trial has been a missed opportunity for people in Ireland who oppose the war (small promotion & turnouts for excellent meetings involving Jimmy Massey & Kathy Kelly....I'm not blaming the people who turned up & promoted here I'm questioning the one who didn't).

In terms of the anarchist tradition here it is young and still developing. You can't compare small monocultruarl Ireland with the big multicultuar U.S.. Population & multicultural wise western Europe is a fairer comparison with the U.S. Obviously folks here are still uptight about their compulsory "Catholic" upbringings and need time disentangle that and differentiate the authoritarian & libertarian traditions in Catholicism, Islam, Buddhism, Paganism etc.

See you at the Bull & Castle tonight. Or on the walk to court Monday & Tuesday mornings (8.30 Spire, 9.15am Peace Walk to the Four Courts). We had a great gathering on Friday with 8 party piece songs outside the court from Carmen, Teresa, Marta, Kitty, Caroline. The organic community that has built around the trial and the last 2 trials has been a gift & a nourishment to the defendants.

by Pitstop Ploughshares Support Sat Jul 22, 2006 16:54 087 918 4552

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/77243

by R Sat Jul 22, 2006 16:55

I posted the above story but did not mean to exclude or offend the many many activists and organisations that have offered continued support to the PSP. I was referring to the self labelled 'irish anti-war movement' who appear to have disappeared before they got going. I am fully aware, and indeed part of, THE anti-war movement itself as are many diverse groups and people. I feel Deirdre is correct in that this may not be the right time to engage in this debate. At least let's wait until the 5 are found innocent on Monday!! - Here's hoping!

by Update Sat Jul 22, 2006 17:06

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060722/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

by anon Sat Jul 22, 2006 19:25

This is same arguement that was had after the Afghanistan strike, when someone asked where was the left, maybe they weren't clear enough either as this guy clarrifies himself.

Ask where are Irish not where is the 'movement'.