Jailed Nun Won't Pay Missile Silo Fine

[Rose Siding]

DENVER -- A nun who spent the past 18 months in prison for defacing a missile site in a peace protest is scheduled to be released Friday, but she may face another confrontation with prosecutors for refusing to pay $3,000 in restitution.

Jackie Marie Hudson, 70, was convicted in April 2003 of obstructing national defense and damaging government property. She and two other nuns had poured blood on a Minuteman III silo in northern Colorado in October 2002, hit nearby railroad tracks with a hammer and then sat down to await arrest.

In a letter posted on a Web site devoted to nonviolence and religious activism, Hudson wrote that she refuses "to pay money to this morally bereft government which presently spends over one billion dollars a day to slaughter or in planning the slaughter of millions of innocent persons."

Her lawyer, Walter Gerash, said Hudson and her supporters want U.S. District Judge Robert Blackburn to allow them to make alternative restitution in the form of money and time donated to various causes.

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-nuns-missile-silo,0,6520773.story?coll=sns-ap-nationworld-headlines

[ronnykmarshall]

1. Go ON Sister!

[CheshireCat]

3. How I admire her courage!

Most of us at DU try to live our beliefs to some extent. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to do it to the extent that this woman has.

She is a hero is my eyes.

[oneold1-4u]

10. Millions who will be brave-

but not until they realize they have to meet the next supply truck convoy to have the next meal for their family! I used to paint nice pictures and write warm poetry and stories. Today I write a not popular story about history of a few thousand years of power control of people all over the world. What we are seeing today in the US was once predicted to occur before the nation had existed 200 years! Well we are older than that by a few, and some are only a bit tardy in the attempt to take our democratic form of government out. The actions of an attempt to halt this are not forthcoming today but somewhere someone will take a stand. (hopefully)

[bahrbearian]

2. I wish they would run for Senate in 2006

We need some backbone.

[oneold1-4u]

12. My backbone-

Is no longer straight, strong, or without pain but you got it! I will carry all that I can, but no bombs around my waist to injure or kill. I could never do that shameful an act. This regime has already nearly conquered without "a shot fired". (perhaps but doubtful) If we must go to their lowly tactics, then allow those of us with strength of words to give credence of honesty and bravery to all those who will ultimate have to! I have no fear of "dirty work or words" and willingly give to DU or others what strengths I do still have to continue the fight for truth.

[etherealtruth]

4. You make us proud sister!

[beyurslf]

5. It cost $3000 to clean a missile off?

And why did they have to clean that off? Its just going to be blown to smithereens anyway.

[TahitiNut]

6. Clean missiles kill more people.

:silly:

[starwolf]

7. Its not the missile, its the launching system

The military probably had to retest the door depending on what they banged on to see if it would function properly. Amount is for all intents and purposes symbolic anyway.

If they had gotten in and actually hammered on the missile, it would have been her blood on it. USAF policy is to shoot to kill people who actually breach a silo.

[etherealtruth]

8. This is the face of Catholicism as I know it! (n/t)

[Kixel]

17. This is Christianity at it's best!

Without the other junk thrown in…people peacefully promoting an agenda that benefits everyone! This is very refreshing…what would Jesus do? I am pretty sure he’d be more supportive of this nun than of the freaks that try to discriminate in his name. It’s nice to see someone in the news that is actually walking in His path rather than trying to blaze a new trail filled with their own ideals.

From a frustrated Catholic!

[oneold1-4u]

9. I just wonder if they will allow me-

A computer on line to remain in contact with DU after they trace me down for the rotten future I write to every contact possible.
I have quit smoking but will need cigs too. Some incarceration institutions don't allow that. I want one that does! One thing I would look forward to is they will have to give me medical care in my old age for free!
I do think that whatever is done, to for stall this takeover of a once free nation with some semblance of democracy, it will have to be with the "bravery" of many, and I for one don't give a damn to live under this regime in power today, not for 1 more year let alone almost 4 doing nothing.
Those with illnesses they can't afford, with debts that do not allow financial care of family, those who are truly disabled to work at their trade but denied disability because they can still pick up a phone etc., all above the age of these brave nuns, who did so little to warrant such extreme measures as 18 months or more in jail, any of the millions of youth who do not wish to serve from conscription for this ridiculous "but in power regime", and all others willing, must become visible in this "care for a good country", with any small action. Words on the INTERNET on many sites isn't allowing heads to be cut off, and I will be here as long as I can.

[5thGenDemocrat]

11. I don't know Sister Jackie

But I know her two colleagues, Sister Ardeth (Platte) and Sister Carole (Gilbert) well. Their convent was based at my old RCC parish, Saginaw (MI) Sacred Heart, for many years.
Sister Ardeth was a city councilwoman (and a very good one) for two terms back when nuns could still hold public office. She and Sister Carole were good friends with my mom. They are dedicated activists for peace and wonderful, warm, funny people as well (especially Sister Carole -- she's a hoot).
They are the best the Peace and Justice movement can offer. I admire them all tremendously, as do most of us here in Saginaw.
John
Looking forward to seeing them when they get back to town.

[suegeo]

15. Beware your new bishop

Your new bishop is a right wing nutjob

[4_Legs_Good]

13. Is Plowshears officially a "terrorist organization"

these days?

Will donations get me sent to Gitmo?

david

[Nikepallas]

14. EXCELLENT JOB SISTER!!!!!

:yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock:

[DemBones DemBones]

16. What a wonderful voice for peace she is!

O8)

[arwalden]

19. Indeed!

:bounce:

[gratuitous]

18. The judge is really hot for that $3,000 isn't he?

Pity that Exxon still hasn't pungled up dime one of the damages verdict rendered against it for the Valdez oil spill. But that's only been what, 15 years or so? And of course, no missiles were "damaged" when the sound was killed.