I was one of the twenty-one arrested at West Point Equality Ride action

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

Let me tell you, it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Despite going alone, not as an Equality rider or a member of a student group, I knew that I was willing to be arrested. I've been arrested a couple times before and this time it would be for a cause. I got into line, read some lines of the speech, got escorted off and got right back on that line. My second time around I was arrested by the MPs and charged with "trepassing on a military installation." Allegedly, a local paper will also be publishing their interview with me this week. I met some truly amazing people today and they have bigger things planned for this summer. Soulforce Equality Ride believes that we can't just write letters to congress, we need to show our presence. It operates under the philosophy of MLK and Ghandi.

The local townspeople that showed up to watch seemed supportive. There was one counterprotester. He drove four hours to stand alone on a sidewalk to inform us we were going to hell. The media openly viewed him as pathetic. Next spring, they plan on doing a larger Equality Ride. I really hope that I can be a member of that touring team.

Twenty-one arrested at West Point Equality Ride action

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SOULFORCE PRESS RELEASE: April 26, 2006
For Immediate Release
Contact: Richard Lindsay, 646-258-7193
[email protected]
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(Highland Falls, NY) - Military police arrested fifteen Equality Riders and 6 community members as they attempted to step onto the United States Military Academy at West Point to speak as citizens and taxpayers opposed to the military's 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy. The policy prevents openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people from serving in the military or attending West Point.

"We are here as LGBT people to pose one important question to the future military leaders that attend West Point," said Haven Herrin, Equality Ride co-director. "The question is, 'Would you serve with me?' If the answer is 'yes,' then we need to tell Congress that military members are open to LGBT people serving with them. If the answer is 'no,' then we need to sit down and have a conversation with cadets that is 13 years overdue."...

[FrenchieCat]

1. Thank You.....

for your service to our nation!

You are a true patriot! :patriot:

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

3. No problem...

the organization will pay any fines that I may incur and provide a lawyer for those arrested. Under those circumstances, I saw absolutely no reason not to get arrested. In the interview I gave, I told the reporter that while I do not support the current war, I completely support our military. Also, that I have a bisexual friend serving in Iraq currently and he loves the military, is good at what he does, etc and so it's absurd that he can't be honest about his life. I also have a transgendered friend that had to resign from ROTC for coming out as transgendered and lost $1000s in financial aid.

[wookie294]

2. Right on !

Millions of people are with you, and you represented us during your arrest! We salute you!

:patriot:

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

4. I was on a natural high all day from it.

I'm looking forward to some of the bigger actions planned this summer.

[blonndee]

5. Thank you!! Good for you!

I'm glad you've got some help, although I know you would have done it anyway. As an "LGBTF"y and anti-war protester in a red state, I can identify with the resistance you must have faced, although I can't say for sure I would have had the same courage faced with arrest as you did. You give me hope and inspire me to be more courageous. Thanks again.

[beam me up scottie]

6. Way to go!

You're an inspiration.

Oh, and I'm going to hell too!:hi:

[Bhaisahab]

7. I hate to butt in like this -

but brothers and sisters, its GANDHI, not GHANDI. Pronounced Gaan-Dhee, and not Gayhn-dee.
that's all there is about that.

you're a good person haruka. may the force be with you!

[sinkingfeeling]

8. Thank you. I didn't even know West Point was a 'military installation'!

I thought it was a tax-payer supported academy. I feel sooo dumb!