Young CTAers join record 22,000 at SOA protest in Georgia
by Mauro Pineda

The new political landscape in Congress has given a new impetus to the movement to close the School of the Americas (now called Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation or WHINSEC). With over 20 opponents of an amendment to cut funding for the school losing their seats in the House, the possibility of closing WHINSEC appears closer than ever. The cheers from the 22,000 activists who gathered November 17 – 19 at the gates of Ft. Benning, Ga., were overwhelming as the election victories were recalled.

This was the largest turnout at the rally since SOA Watch was founded in 1990. People from all walks of life attended, especially students. As they marched in the solemn Sunday funeral procession and raised crosses for the countless victims of SOA-trained Latin American military, they also protested the U.S.-led war in the Middle East. Iraq war veterans were present in larger numbers than in previous years and mounted the stage with speakers such as Sr. Helen Prejean, Fr. John Dear and Bob Watada, the father of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Ehren Watada, who refused to be deployed to Iraq and is now in prison.

New prisoners of conscience

Sixteen people were arrested for “crossing the line” in acts of nonviolent civil disobedience, including Cathy Webster, 61, peace activist and grandmother from Chico, Calif. Cathy has been a longtime member of Call To Action and was among the 1,000 grandmothers who joined the vigil at the SOA Watch.

CTA shares inclusive liturgy

Continuing previous years’ tradition, the Coalition of Progressive Catholics celebrated an inclusive and more participative Mass of Liberation with the theme of “Love Your Enemies.” Concelebrants Jack Wentland and Lynn Manfredi/Petitt of CTA Atlanta opened the Friday evening liturgy with an appreciative congregation. The homily by theologian Marie Dennis was a reminder of the very real loss of human life throughout Latin America that can be avoided if we close down SOA. Music performed by Charlie King and Karen Brandow lent peace and serenity to the liturgy. CTA has been part of the Coalition of Progressive Catholics at SOA Watch for three years and plans to support this ministry into the future.

All day Saturday, the coalition members maintained an information table near the stage and gates at Ft. Benning, creating community by sharing treats and conversation. As the SOAW crowds passed by, they talked about their progressive vision of church and fielded questions about Call To Action, married priests and women’s ordination. Ashley Reynolds of CTA Alabama sold her beautiful handcrafted afghans, scarves and other apparel.

House bill to close SOA

HR 1217, a bill to close and investigate SOA, was introduced by Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) and had at least 134 co-sponsors before the elections. The November midterm election results, however, changed the landscape and now represent a victory for all grassroots activists working to hold the U.S. Congress accountable. With this new and more favorable Congress, SOA Watch expects a successful vote on the SOA/ WHINSEC. For more information about SOA Watch visit www.soaw.org.