Sentencing, on a Seattle Morning

This morning some friends of mine were sentenced in federal court in Tacoma, Washington. One of them is Fr. Bill Bichsel, SJ, of the Oregon Province of the Jesuits.

I’ve known Bix for over 30 years. Last year, Bix was part of a small group of nuclear weapons resisters who cut their way through the fence, onto the Trident nuclear missile base at Bangor, to post signs protesting the missiles.

Bix is the one with the microphone and black hat. I had planned to be present for this morning's sentencing, but needed to return to the doctor because of my ear. My wife Joan went, along with a large number of other people – the courtroom was filled, and even the overflow room was filled. Two members of the group received a sentence of 15 months in prison. Bix received 3 months, in consideration of his health, with several months more to wear a monitor ankle bracelet…which he promptly stated that he would not wear! The judge ignored him…I guess they’ll face that question in 3 months.

This morning both Bishop Thomas Gumbleton and Ramsey Clark, former US Attorney General, spoke to the court in favor of their actions. Bishop Gumbleton reminded the court of the folly of nuclear weapons… that current headlines about the radiation escaping accidentally from the reactors in Japan should be a reminder of the horror of what we deliberately threaten to do to our enemies, and also to future generations. Clark was particularly impressive, citing various legal precedents for their action, and reminding the court that actions such as theirs will one day, to our children or grandchildren, seem as prophetic and courageous as do those of Susan B. Anthony, who was once arrested for trying to vote (in 1872), and Rosa Parks, who was arrested for sitting down on a bus (in 1955).

These things probably won’t make tomorrow morning’s Seattle headlines, and certainly won't make headlines at any other major newspaper. It will surely take a lot more people risking their own freedom, to bring enough pressure to the nations of the world to disavow and destroy these weapons.

I've heard Bix speak several times about this -- and you can hear this short excerpt from his 80th birthday party: