Cape Codders for Peace arrested in Delahunts office yesterday

Well, I'm no longer a virgin. I'm now officially a troublemaker.

Yesterday a group of eleven patriots gathered inside Congressman Delahunt's (D-MA)
Hyannis office to hand him signed petitions supporting Congressman Jim McGoverns
HR4232 that would stop funding for further deployment of US Troops to Iraq.

It has been 5 months since the inception of Both McGoverns, and Jack Murtha's own
bill (calling for redeployment of troops) in which time Cape Codders for Peace and Justice
have written numerous letters and made just as many phone calls urging Delahunt to
sign on to McGoverns bill. In these past five months, 300 more American soldiers
have died, and heaven knows how many thousands innocent Iraqi's while nothing has been done
to change the status quo. And in this 5 months not ONE of our letters or phone calls
have been returned by Mr. Delahunt.

Although the good congressman works for us, he doesn't feel the need to communicate
with us to help clarify his position. In his defense, he has done some very good things
for example voting against the initial invasion of Iraq. He also receives major kudos for
working with the democratically elected president of Venuezula, Victor Hugo Chavez for
securing affordable heating oil for this state poor.

Delahunt's chief of staff Mark Forrest was in the Hyannis office yesterday and told us that
although the congressman has signed on to Mr. Murtha's bill ( a bill that is a beginning, yet
still very hawkish) he felt that McGovern's bill conflicts with Murtha's plan. He was not able
to articulate how. CCPJ does not feel these bills conflict, in fact we feel they serve to compliment
each other. These are just Mark Forrests words I will caution, as we don't know Delahunt's
true position, for the simple reason that he does not communicate with us.

We intended to stay in the office until we heard from Mr. Delahunt OR a date was given to us
to hold an open meeting with his constituency on the latest Iraq issues in the very near future. We
also would have appreciated a short conference call.

Since our arrival we had been in a "shared" conference room that Mr. Forrest made a point of telling us was part of a 'private building' that houses the Hyannis office. The non verbal inference being to us that we would be trespassing. He was quite cordial throughout the day, stating he understood where we were coming from, but it became apparent to us as the day ticked on that his patience was waning. About an hour to closing time we made a tactical decision to move into Delahunts office reception area. (The part of the office we pay for) We sat close to walls, and did not block pathways. (We did use the restroom a lot) Mr, Forrest then told us we were interfering with business activities and that the area we were in was used for confidential/private matters and meetings.

I hope they don't really use the reception area for private matters. He told us he would call the police and asked if that is what we wanted. We again told him we would leave as soon as we had an answer to our question, 'Will Mrl Delahunt sign on to HR 4232, and if not WHY?". "So you want to be arrested" he re-stated. We just sat there quietly.

Diane then contacted the Cape Cod TImes, who showed up within minutes. About 30 minutes later
the police did too. I heard the K-9 dog barking loudly and couldn't help but make a comment about Abu Ghraib. They left the dog in the cruiser.

The Barnstable police we dealt with were very decent and professional. They stated the facts to us as they understood by them and then told us we were to be arrested for trespassing. We told them they had to do what they had to do, as we were doing what we felt we must do.

One by one we went peacfully. They took the guys first, John a VFP member and then Robert, both in metal handcuffs. 1/2 hour later they took we four women. Three in the paddywagon. Me, well I was transported in the back of a cruiser- and got special handling as they couldn't miss my knee as red as an apple and a big as watermelon. I was 4 days postop knee scope for a meniscal tear- memories of a mountain bike and then surfing incident. They did not cuff we women folk. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm

John told us at our reunion this morning he overheard the cops at the station saying, "We have the women and you won't believe how many bags the have with them" We come prepared.

Do they no longer finger print the perps? Our processing contained only pat-downs and mug shots.

The cell was cold, hard and lonely. A metal bedframe attached to brick walls. A sheet of safety glass covered the outside of the steel bars. Only one officer in the jail was kind of a dick. I got the feeling most were sympathetic. They were just doing their jobs.

I turned to meditation and focused on my comrades, or as Robert named us (on the fly)in front of the judge "The Hyannis Six" sending them each white light. Even sent some to Mr Delahunt and Mark Forrest, although the light was noticably smaller- Could anyone out there shed some insight on this phenomena-

Both the Diane's and Sarah urged me to post bail b/c of my knee. I had also received a cell call from my kid at UMass, during the middle of the sit in. "Mom, I'm sick".....

Both Diane's declined to pay bail as a matter of principal. They did state they were treated very well and the staff at the jail brought them big juicy burgers, which they also declined for vegan reasons. So they let them eat the food we brought along for the sit in and gave them granola bars.

We were quite anxious to see our heroines this morning. They were brought to the court house in
real handcuffs and ankle shackles (trying to make up for no handcuffs earlier?) It's crazy times
when the peace peoples get ankles shackled.

We did get great press coverage- 1/4 of each the front page and 1/4 ofthe back page! 3 photos.
We all plead not guilty and have a court date of May 4. We will be asking the ACLU for advice,
but representing ourselves, and draw things out. (Could we subpoena Delahunt to ask what
Mark Forest told him about our visit, and if he told him) UMmmmm the possiblities...

Any way
#1 we overheard Mark Forrest tell the cops that they may have to prevent us
from vigiling in front of Delahunts office now. Guess we better test that out asap.

#2 Delahunt is having a town meeting in Woods Hole tomorrow night discussing civil rights.
Bob Barr is a guest presenter. Mr. D has made it known he does not want the discussion
to be about the war! ???? Huh???? We can't talk about the war at a civil rights forum?

We are hammering out a few question for the good congressman.
Anyone have anything specific they'd like asked?

Peace will post photos later

I'm going to give Delahunt's office a call.

Just because he's more-or-less on our side does not give him a free pass on this shit.

Washington, DC Office
Congressman Bill Delahunt
2454 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

(202) 225-3111
Fax: (202) 225-5658

Hyannis Office
Congressman Bill Delahunt
146 Main Street
Hyannis, MA 02601

(508) 771-0666
Toll-Free: (800) 870-2626
Fax: (508) 790-1959
Provincetown, c.1910

Quincy Office
Congressman Bill Delahunt
1250 Hancock Street , Suite 802-N
Quincy, MA 02169

(617) 770-3700
Toll-Free: (800) 794-9911
Fax: (617) 770-2984

No free passes. This war and perhaps a new nuclear war is far to important to be left to the "decider."

Congress won't change unless they hear from the people.

We need more like you!

:yourock:

(and one of those is from the original poster).

Knows what is ironic? From 4:19PM unitl 11:30PM, JUST TWO MASSACHUSETTS DU'ers showed support for this action. Their posts plus "greatest" votes equal the number involved in the action.

A PM from one of the activists: "6 of us arrested for trespassing at Delahunts office, 4 women- 2 men...".

Thanks for the support Mass DU, looks like it's time to spread the news to some outside this forum who will appreciate PVD's action.

See you at Camp Casey in August? :hug:

I want to be there for the one year reunion and see you guys again.

Cindy's last message, "Welcome home," knocked my socks off. Her message keeps getting stronger, sharper and deeper.

Tentatively say mid-month and work from there.

I'm getting energized just thinking about this reunion.

you funny lady.

Love you!

and about the light...i'm sending you pm. check your mail.

PVD just had knee surgury. She is a full-time RN. A mom and a wife. An involved member of the community. Going out and getting arrested isn't something she takes lightly. I'm damn proud of her for acting on her convictions!

(800) 794-9911 x16

Fill up his voice mail box.

This affects all of us.

I'll be looking forward to updates. I hope your knee heals soon.

K&R

I only got it once in the early 70's, which of course was the "pre 9/11 world". They cut everyone loose in about 2 hours.

My heart is swelling with pride for you all, you guys did absolutely great.
:patriot:

oh..that's great. But I'm very disappointed in Mr. Delahunt, and his staff. The rigid resistance to communicating with those they supposedly serve is totally not okay. And you guys going to jail is just bizarre. Sure makes you wonder how contaigous that culture of corruption is...

You are an inspiration to us all....
What an amazing group...
Will be intently following your story.....
Ironic that he's speaking of civil rights tomorrow...

Thank you for being you!
:yourock:

I've been offline for two days & was jonesing for some news. This is the first place I checked, and lo, PVD & gang scores another homerun. You rock, my friend.

:hug:

Sorry to hear about your virginity, but it was for a good cause. :thumbsup:

& R

Elected officials have been allowed to dodge the tough questions and refuse to be held accountable by a majority of people who oppose this war, oppose the little dictator.

Five months of being thoroughly ignored by Delahunt was long enough. You got his attention now, my friend.

I hope others are taking notes. I am.

Good job, PVD. Sorry about your knee. I know you just had surgery.

:yourock:

about tonights civil rights forum Mr.D is hosting.
5 of the Hyannis 6 will be there and really looking
for a saavy statement/question to ask him tying
in our civil rights- lack of inaccessable leaders,
and where someone should be able to protest if
you are not getting any satisfaction. Hmmmmm,
know any good writers Ms Kat??????

I sure hope our friend DA has seen this.
Miss that energy or what?

Did you get any additional f/u from the media?
:headbang:

http://www.capecodonline.com/cctimes/antiprotesters20.h...
By KAREN JEFFREY
STAFF WRITER
BARNSTABLE - Six anti-war protesters pleaded not guilty to trespass charges yesterday, one day after they refused to leave the Hyannis office of U.S. Rep. William Delahunt, D-Mass.

The defendants, wearing broad smiles and sweatshirts enumerating the American soldiers killed in Iraq, were arraigned in Barnstable District Court.

Judge Joseph Reardon told each of the protesters the Cape and Islands District Attorney's office did not plan to ask for jail sentences should any of them be convicted. ''At worst,'' he said, ''you'll face a fine of up to $100.''

Four of the defendants - Robert Brown, 68, of Orleans, John Hopkins, 57, of Provincetown, Sarah W. Thacher, 71, of East Dennis and Debra McCulloch44, of Cataumet - appeared in court after having been released from the police department on bail the night before. Two others - Dianne Ashley, 62, of Eastham, and Diane Turco, 52, of Harwich - spent the night in the Barnstable police station lockup and were led into court in handcuffs.

All six were released on personal recognizance and are scheduled for pretrial conferences May. 4.

The members of Cape Codders for Peace and Justice were arrested late Tuesday afternoon after gathering inside Delahunt's office on West Main Street. For an hour they refused to leave, chatting among themselves as Delahunt's staff tried to work around them. Earlier in the day, they stood in the lobby outside the office.

They said Tuesday Delahunt had ignored their requests for a meeting for five months. The group wants Delahunt to endorse a bill filed by U.S. Rep. James McGovern, D-Mass., that would stop funding for U.S. troops in Iraq.

After being released, the six protesters left the courthouse, where they took turns snapping photos of themselves standing in front of the building with a flower-covered peace symbol.

18 April 2006

Representative William Delahunt

146 Main Street

Hyannis, MA 02601

Dear Representative Delahunt,

We come today to petition our government to end the war in Iraq as this occupation and invasion is a crime against humanity. The US troops have been betrayed by the administration for sending them into harms way with known facts that there were no weapons of mass destruction and Saddam had no links to 9/11. As of yesterday, 2,373 American servicemen and women have been killed and 17,549 wounded. Over 100,000 Iraqi men, women, and children have been killed. We do not consent to this bloodshed!

According to Joseph Stiglitz, winner of the Nobel Prize in economics, the calculated costs of the Iraq war is between $1-3 trillion. Health care, housing, education, rebuilding of the Gulf Coast-this is what Americans want and need. We do not consent to this obscenity of draining America’s resources into hegemony, corporate profit, and war.

Since you recently voted for the supplemental appropriations which included an additional $67 billion more for the Iraq war, we are here to persuade you to cosign Rep. Jim McGovern’s bill, H.R. 4232, the ‘End the War in Iraq Act of 2005’. Only by congress using its powers can this war be ended. You are our vote. You are our voice. We call upon you to cosign this legislation as a further step towards ending the war in Iraq and developing priorities that are based on fundamental human needs.

For the love of every mother’s child, end this war and fund human needs.

With hope for peace,

Cape Codders for Peace and Justice

Veterans for Peace

Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom

Code Pink

kids and can barely get near the computer) and look what happens!

So where you in Court Wednesday or Tuesday?
My battling inlaws were in Court in Barnstable on Tuesday regarding a restraining order

What a dumb move by Forest

Delahunt deserves all the embarrassment you can give him at the Civil Rights forum you'll be attending.

I hope you let the Cape Cod Times know you were planning to attend

Tonight at the forum one of our Hyannis 6 made
a statement about the arrest and Mr.D said he
wasn't interested in pressing charges, so it looks
like this will be dropped.

I guess we'll see if the newspaper picks it up tomorrow.
I was interviewed by the local NPR today and think
I did a good job.

Also passed Bob Barr (restroom area) I gave him
a hearty "thanks for coming out from the dark side
and we welcome you to the good side" He laughed
stating he feels more welcome in MA than he does
in his own state of GA.

kick the hell out of it!

I'm from Waltham, myself. :toast:

A true patriot if I EVER saw one! Can't wait to see the photos! :toast:

to loss of your virginity! :bounce:

It was quite an experience. Yesterday the newspaper focused on
our group haaving 'broad smiles' during the arraignment and snapping
photos in front of the court house after. I felt that had a nasty
undertone to it so wrote this LTTE today. Hope they print it.

I'd like to respond to Karen Jeffrey's 4/20 article about Cape Codders for Peace and Justice arraignment at the Barnstable Court House . She writes we wore 'broad smiles' while being arraigned, and took photos of ourselves after leaving court. Oh you bet we did.

First of all they were smiles of relief as two of the six arrested for trespassing by sitting in Congressman Delahunt's office had declined bail as a matter of principle. We had been told the two peace activists had been transported to the courthouse in handcuffs and ankle shackles. Those of us who opted for bail were very relieved to see our friends, true patriots and heroines had made it through the night in jail okay.

As for the shackles,we understand it is standard protocol and the police were just doing their jobs, I'd also like to take this moment to state that the Barnstable Police force were very professional and I'm proud to know they are protecting us.

Also one does not take the step of committing civil disobediance lightly. Inaccessability to and lack of communication from our elected leaders is just unimaginable in the United States of America. Especially in frightening times such as these where we see our civil liberties eroding daily. What else can one do without stepping outside of normal methods when 5 months of continued legal means of communication such as letters, phone calls, and petitions don't get a single response? The average AMerican no longer feels the system is working.

When hard working members of the community, tax payers, with jobs and families put their butts on the line to fight to get our troops out of the quagmire that is Iraq, and are willing to go to jail for preserving democracy- well you better believe we felt good about what we had done. I've included a copy of the photo we snapped of our group in front of the courthouse. This isn't just fun and games folks- this is our very democracy at risk.

btw- here is one of us in the reception area of Delahunts office

SO....
Looks like we are going to have a reunion in Crawford this August! YEA!
Miss you, and Dan, Kat, DA, FrictionlessO, (who you still need to meet)
Tsuki/RaginArcadian- You guys give me strength
Peace and Love

Standing up for what's right. If 11 can do that..can't millions do more? :shrug:

we need 100.000 more like you.

Have I told you about my house rep?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

of this state in the future.

I hope everyone comes out of this okay. You guys rock!	IanDB1	Apr-19-06 04:19 PM	#1
Agreed.	katinmn	Apr-20-06 07:08 AM	#20
Keep on	paineinthearse	Apr-19-06 04:32 PM	#2
Heres the link to the Cape Cod Times coverage	PuraVidaDreamin	Apr-19-06 05:10 PM	#3
I agree, the use of shackles is overkill. Good luck to you all.	rodeodance	Apr-19-06 11:47 PM	#10
What do your shirts say?	proud2Blib	Apr-27-06 02:00 PM	#42
3 comments + 3 greatest votes = 6	paineinthearse	Apr-19-06 11:30 PM	#4
Kicked and recommended !	BrklynLiberal	Apr-19-06 11:36 PM	#5
PVD you rock!	WestHoustonDem	Apr-19-06 11:38 PM	#6
Me too!	katinmn	Apr-20-06 07:05 AM	#19
Me too!	lonestarnot	Apr-21-06 10:35 PM	#33
Yay! Let's pick a weekend soon, ladies.	katinmn	Apr-21-06 10:44 PM	#34
Mid month works for me!	PuraVidaDreamin	Apr-21-06 11:21 PM	#36
Mid which month?	lonestarnot	Apr-23-06 10:39 AM	#38
August- for a Camp Casey reunion	PuraVidaDreamin	Apr-23-06 11:19 AM	#39
Yes will be there! send Kat a note this a.m. ! So looking forward to	lonestarnot	Apr-23-06 11:37 AM	#40
Wah-hoooooo!	katinmn	Apr-23-06 07:56 PM	#41
Recommed. We all need to read bout your activism/courage.	rodeodance	Apr-19-06 11:43 PM	#7
hurray! good for you!	sojourner	Apr-19-06 11:44 PM	#8
Good job, and thanks for your sacrifice	wtmusic	Apr-19-06 11:45 PM	#9
And it was a sacrifice.	katinmn	Apr-20-06 07:15 AM	#21
an inspiration as well nt	wtmusic	Apr-20-06 10:31 AM	#23
Mark Forrest, chief of staff	paineinthearse	Apr-19-06 11:53 PM	#11
I'll be calling from MN	katinmn	Apr-20-06 07:19 AM	#22
Hooray for you all!!!!	sad_one	Apr-19-06 11:59 PM	#12
Kudos to you for sticking up for your principles! (n/t)	Maat	Apr-20-06 12:09 AM	#13
You guys are amazing.	northofdenali	Apr-20-06 12:37 AM	#14
The Hyannis Six.....	stillcool47	Apr-20-06 01:10 AM	#15
WOW!	Dystopian	Apr-20-06 02:07 AM	#16
YOU GUYS ROCK!	unhappycamper	Apr-20-06 05:37 AM	#17
Petitions, emails, phone calls and marches aren't getting through	katinmn	Apr-20-06 07:01 AM	#18
We are planning (okay scheming)	PuraVidaDreamin	Apr-20-06 11:33 AM	#25
Sorry I missed your call and couldn't help	katinmn	Apr-21-06 10:48 AM	#29
4/20 article in Cape Cod Times	PuraVidaDreamin	Apr-20-06 11:15 AM	#24
Here is a copy of the letter we read to Mark Forrest Tues at Delahunt's	PuraVidaDreamin	Apr-20-06 02:36 PM	#26
Wow, I go away from DU for a while(plus it's April vacation for school	merbex	Apr-20-06 08:09 PM	#27
Court was yesterday (Wed)	PuraVidaDreamin	Apr-20-06 11:33 PM	#28
I wish I hadn't missed this post earlier. I can't recommend, but I can	lonestarnot	Apr-21-06 10:33 PM	#32
Good Luck to you.	bluescribbler	Apr-21-06 11:44 AM	#30
Good on you woman!	lonestarnot	Apr-21-06 10:30 PM	#31
WhooooDammmm LSN! (PHOTOS)	PuraVidaDreamin	Apr-21-06 11:20 PM	#35
Persistent, Proud Patriots	dinspirer	Apr-22-06 09:03 AM	#37
You guys kick ass!	pilgrimm	Apr-27-06 04:20 PM	#43
Awesome, PVD!	thoughtanarchist	Apr-28-06 11:40 PM	#44
Olver is AWESOME! McGovern should consider running for Senator	PuraVidaDreamin	Apr-29-06 09:37 AM	#45