Earlier this week, the American Friends Service Committee asked me to speak about finding hope in hard times as part of an interfaith service to conclude their “Eyes Wide Open” display in Chicago’s Grant Park. The display arranged 3,438 soldiers’ boots to commemorate U.S. military people killed in Iraq, along with life sized pictures of Iraqi civilians and a collection of numerous civilian shoes to remember hundreds of thousands of Iraqis who have been killed in Iraq since 2003. I asked the audience to join me in recalling experiences I had while imprisoned at the Pekin Federal prison for “crossing the line” at Fort Benning, Georgia.
May 1, 2004, marked the first anniversary of President Bush’s “Mission Accomplished” speech aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier. I was in a prison library trying to write an article about that boastful declaration when several women prisoners urged me to hurry over to a TV room for the breaking news on CNN. “Kathy, you gotta come and see this,” they said, their eyes widened with alarm. “It’s awful, what’s going on over there in Iraq.” CNN was showing the first pictures that emerged from Abu Ghraib, images now indelibly embedded in peoples’ memories all over the world: the hooded man; the pyramid; the man on a leash; the man and the dog.
The women I knew in prison could readily identify with shame and fear felt by prisoners in Abu Ghraib. They understood all too well what it meant to feel humiliated, isolated and out of control. But the tears they shed that morning were fueled by their fundamental patriotism. “What’s happening to our country?” they asked.
In response, several women told the warden that they wanted to gather together on the oval track, each day, at sunrise and at sunset, for a special time of prayer. The warden agreed to this, and so began an extraordinary prayer circle.
Here are some of the prayers I recall: “I want to pray for my kids. I ask God to please look after them. And I just want to hold up the children in Iraq, because I know they’re suffering a lot.”
“I want to pray for my children and also for the children of the guards working in this prison.”
“Lord, I pray for all of the children of all of us here, and I pray for all of the U.S. military people in Iraq who are separated from their children.
“It’s so hard for parents and children to be far apart. I just want to pray for every family separated by this war and especially for the kids whose parents won’t ever come home.”
“I pray for parents who’ve lost their kids.”
Over the days and weeks, the prayer circle steadily grew. By the time I left the prison, close to one hundred women were regularly gathering to pray for peace, for freedom, and for an end to war.
I’ve done time in maximum security and minimum security prisons in the United States, and I still don’t know where they keep “the bad sisters,” but I surely know something about criminality. The most dangerous criminals in the United States today are those who profit from and prolong the war in Iraq.
Nobel economist Dr. Joseph Stiglitz calculates that the war in Iraq, if it continues another eight years, will ultimately cost the U.S. economy 2.2 trillion dollars. It’s shocking to think of what we’ve lost in dedicating this expenditure to war, rather than to domestic and foreign aid which could save millions of lives lost to hunger and illness, or, say, to renewable energy development which might save hundreds of millions from economic and environmental disasters now clearly on the horizon. Who are the criminals?
Many people argue that the troops are stabilizing conditions in Iraq. When I hear earnest concerns for Iraqi civilians, I can’t help but wonder why these concerns were so absent when economic sanctions against Iraq directly contributed towards the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi children under age five. Have we now a new slogan? “No Iraqi child left behind!”
A May 8th, 2007 “Save the Children” report stated that in 2005, in Iraq, 122,000 children didn’t reach their fifth birthdays. Conditions can’t have improved in 2007 as we learn from the World Health Organization that 80 percent of Iraqi families have home sewage facilities that contaminate their water sources, and 70 percent of families don’t have regular access to clean water; as a result diarrhea and respiratory infections now account for two thirds of the deaths of children under age five. Twenty one percent of Iraqi children are now chronically malnourished. (New York Times, April 18, 2007). The report also notes that 70 percent of Iraqis who die in hospitals after violent injuries would have survived if the hospitals were adequately equipped.
From 1996 – 2003, Voices in the Wilderness delegations delivered duffel bags filled with medicines and medical supplies to Iraqi hospitals during the years when the US and the UK insisted on maintaining brutal economic sanctions against Iraq. The U.S. Treasury Department accused us of acting criminally. Recently, the New York Times noted that Chevron, the second largest U.S. oil company, paid $20 million dollars “under the table” to Saddam Hussein’s government in return for obtaining lucrative contracts, all in violation of the economic sanctions. (May 8, 2007) Condoleeza Rice, then a member of Chevron’s Board of Directors, chaired the corporation’s Public Policy committee when Chevron initially began paying the illegal surcharges. This was the committee charged with oversight of international contracts.
During a period when the Treasury Department hauled Voices in the Wilderness into court several times and ultimately fined us $20,000 dollars, (a sum we have refused to pay), they never went after Chevron.
We don’t want to see a single executive that has profited from economic and military war against Iraq go to jail. But we do want to see them rehabilitated.
The women in prison did what they could in response to feeling overwhelmed by the war in Iraq. They prayed for a kinder and saner world and in the very act of uttering prayers they helped build a more sane perspective on the horrific harms and risks incurred by ongoing war in Iraq.
When I left the Pekin prison, Sherrie, a prisoner trusted and esteemed by prisoners and guards alike, drove me to the bus station. As we passed the high security prison for men, where the median sentence length is 27 years, she placed her hand on mine. “I know you care a lot about those people over there in Iraq. At least our boys aren’t over there,” said Sherrie, an African American woman. “Our boys are all in there.” I don’t know if Sherrie’s words can be backed up demographically. But over the past few years I’ve puzzled over her words and I think I finally understand what she meant. I think she meant that even the darkness of spending decades in a prison is preferable to the risk of killing or being killed in a foreign war to protect criminal interests of an empire.
This summer, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate will be asked to appropriate another $145 billion dollars to pay for ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Analysis of the Department of Defense Budget Materials shows that tens of billions of dollars will be spent on Humvees, Armored Security Vehicles, Bradley vehicles, Stryker vehicles, and Abrams tanks. The earliest expected date for delivery of these items is in 2009, by which time the U.S. people are becoming quite determined that U.S. troops should be home. (see www.vcnv.org for analysis of Iraq and Afghanistan Supplemental Spending, Fiscal year 2008).
We “free” people face an urgent challenge to end U.S. government spending that will prolong the war in Iraq. Refusing to collaborate, we can and must use our freedoms; we can insist that elected representatives draw the purse strings shut and oppose any further funding for war. And along with taking a cue from the women who did what they could on the oval track at Pekin prison, we can heed Eduardo Galeano’s observation of a graffiti message he once saw painted on a wall: “Let’s save our pessimism for better times.”
Kathy Kelly (Kathy@vcnv.org) is a co-coordinator of Voices for Creative Nonviolence (www.vcnv.org)
Dear Ms. Kelly,
What you have written is shockingly, sadly true. Thank you for your comments.
Kathy Kelly is a hero of conscience and I applaud her efforts and LIGHT filled work. MILLIONS feel the way you do, Kathy, and in this forum we are seeking ways to bring together our common ideals, prayers, objectives and actions to stem the tide of injustice seen best in this immoral war in which MILLIONS are victims. Taking into account the treasury raped to sustain all the wrong barbaric things at the expense of what might improve society and its lot, the ENTIRE world is the loser, for this administration is thwarting efforts at sustainable, renewal energy alternatives as the globe’s most vulnerable sectors prepare to feel the inevitable wrath of nature, thrown off balance by our “holy” warrior(s) and his ever expanding killing fields. Thank you, too, for showing Iraqi people that not all Americans agree with or support what’s being done in our name so brutally.
In perspective, it seems the sort of “what’s happening to our country?” notion/question has or should have been around a long time, since maybe the end of WWII when, instead of bringing a new era of cooperation and peace post-totalitarianism, we settled with the Red Army, divided the spoils, re-embraced totalitarianism and a new imperialism, and began a new post WWI & II armament buildup. After the Soviet Union fell, and a new opportunity to cooperate emerged, we instead became more belligerant, extending NATO, pushing missle defense in Russia’s face, invading its peripheries in teh Middle East and Asia. Our relations with all nations tend to be relative versions of this. The legend of a good America is something we still tell ourselves, on the right and left. As ridiculous as any religious mantra. Cindy Sheehan’s sad farewell letter said it all. America does not want freedom or peace …the animal wants domination!
Kathy Kelly observes:
“When I left the Pekin prison, Sherrie, a prisoner trusted and esteemed by prisoners and guards alike, drove me to the bus station. As we passed the high security prison for men, where the median sentence length is 27 years, she placed her hand on mine. “I know you care a lot about those people over there in Iraq. At least our boys aren’t over there,” said Sherrie, an African American woman. “Our boys are all in there.” I don’t know if Sherrie’s words can be backed up demographically.”
******************
Indeed they can be, African American young men incarcerated out of all proportion to their percentage of the population.
Those African-American young men who are not incarcerated are increasingly declining to join the military services because of both the corruptness of the Iraqi war as a cause and the way they are regarded by society at large.
Katrina and the importation of Latino laborers working at skimpy wages in order to “rebuild New Orleans” spoke much louder than any military recruitment ads to most African-American young men.
“Who are the criminals?”
“We have found happiness says the last man and he blinks”.
There is nothing sadder than an old and foolish person trying to make sense of the obvious.
Stilba: I have a problem with the pronoun WE. It implies that these insidious decisions and operations came about on the basis of a wide consensus. I do not believe that is the case. Our nation’s psyche is split, and many do not identify with this WE that wages war–economic and military–in our name. It benefits a few, and that same few funds a media that hypnotizes many who might not be sheep if given the chance to breathe from unadulterated air streams. This reminds me of a 2nd grade situation where some student stole something and the entire class was shamed until we all felt guilty. Is that really a positive use of psychic energy? I don’t even feel this IS my country lately… someone wrote a brilliant metaphor some time back on commondreams equating US government today with a corrupt accountant who sneaks into the office at night to cook the books while no one is watching. Do YOU identify with that persona as “we”? Yes. It’s our nation by name, but by deed? I do not feel complicit except to the extent i still use gas for a very old Toyota when I don’t ride my bike. I buy almost nothing new, am vegetarian, turned off my TV, go to protests, and write in every venue I can to try to raise consciousness. MANY on this site do their part. Are the part of this nebulous “we.” Also reminds me of a comedy routine done in the past citing “them” for all ills. (Perhaps the logical rebuttal to my argument?)
You can’t stop fighting even though this world is doomed.
I agree, Kathy is a hero (possibly a heroine) of conscience.
The carnage will not end until people stop paying for it. You are “we” if you pay taxes, which have gone to slaugther people in Iraq, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia….the list is endless really. Then there is the US aresnal of 10,000 hydrogen and nuclear bombs. It’s just like the movie Groundhog Day—this will keep repeating until we learn that we are here to take responsibility for our own lives. Unfortunately it takes a little wee bit of courage so almost no one is interested in actually growing up.
Siouxrose: I think we’re feeling essentially the same on the subject. To clarify: The implication of using WE is that all of us, every single Yank, IS CONNECTED to the crimes of a small group of really bad leaders. Whether you contribute a lot or a little or none, whether you profit a lot or a little or none, anybody else in the world hears what you are and that’s it. I always lie about my nationality when abroad for the purpose of safety, and I encourage others to do so as well. Americans may be the only people on the planet who need to consider doing such a thing. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you or I should personally feel guilt or shame, but to the extent, as you say, that we consume more than we need. What gets me is the seeming inability of majorities in this country to elect good men and women (I know, Gore won by a sliver, but the question is why didn’t he win by about ten more states?). As to a solution, from history we all know that once a nation becomes an empire, downfall and catastrophe is just a few skirmishes around the corner. Not to be too pathetic a defeatist, but the writing’s clearly on the wall.
Dear Kathy
thank you again, for this and Other Lands, and Voices, and all your brave work. When I’m trying to find hope I always think of you.
If not for right wing talk radio, the Pentagon propagandists would’ve had a hard time selling this war. I hope people are turning that info weapon against our warlords.
http://www.callingallwingnuts.com
http://www.headonradio.com
http://www.novamradio.com
Among many others.
We have opportunities to make “voices in the wilderness” mainstream.
Stilba: Know just what you mean about traveling abroad. I’m working on my spanish…
They finally did it the imates are running the asylum and they are locking( shutting) up the sane
keep telling the truth!
I love this article. In the parlance of my Quaker tradition, “It speaks to my condition.” Kathy Kelly is certainly someone with her “Eyes Wide Open.” How fortunate for us that she is also so gifted in expressing the truth as she sees it.
In reading through the comments that followed the article, however, I came across this statement:
“I always lie about my nationality when abroad for the purpose of safety, and I encourage others to do so as well.”
I could not disagree more strongly with this position. I am an American, living in Vietnam, engaged in humanitarian work. People here are emerging from a bleak and isolated period of history and–what is the light that they see at the end of this tunnel?
Capitalism and American style consumerism!
And what is the ultimate dream for many Vietnamese?
Moving to America and finding work as an acrylic nail technician.
SUVs have been popping up in Vietnam like mushrooms this year. Frozen American chicken is sold in the new supermarkets. You need to buy health insurance or be rich to ensure your access to adequate medical care—in the SOCIALIST Republic of Vietnam. People with credibility— Progressive AMERICANS—need to stand up and say, “Hey, wait a minute! Let me tell you some of the downsides of capitalism and the American way of life.” You can’t do that if you deny your nationality and, believe me, these things need to be said. Books about Bill Gates and Lee Iaccoca fill the bookstores. Cable TV has arrived, with all the capitalist propaganda that involves. There’s nobody to counter the seductive siren of American-style consumerism if you don’t raise your voice—or at least turn a thumbs down when a Vietnamese taxi driver shouts, “George Bush, Number One!” When I am invited to speak at college English classes–they like my clear American pronunciation—I make a point of talking about the hopeful changes that I see in Vietnam and of the diminished expectations we now have in America.
Here’s a telling quote from Vietnam Investment Review: “GE could exploit opportunities in infrastructure, health care, finance and human resources.” http://www.vir.com.vn/Client/VIR/index.asp?url=content.asp&doc=13122
American corporations are pushing their version of reality with all the slickness that Hollywood and Madison Avenue can muster. Can you imagine how powerful and seductive their visions are to people just emerging from decades of poverty and cultural isolation? We, as concerned individuals, need to counter that. And, in the more intimately personal social encounters that are common in countries where people are not cocooned in cars and suburban fortresses—we can have an enormous impact. But our credibility arises from the fact that we are American—and we know whereof we speak.
By the way, I suppose that I have more credibility than most because I let go of my American life. It totally blows Vietnamese minds when I say that I have no intention of going back to the US. And then I tell them why . . .
Siouxrose, I agree with Stilba, we can’t stop thinking of ourselves as “We the People.. I know I could have done more.
Virginia: Very interesting points. I am outspoken when I travel and hardly a supporter of global corporate capitalism (led by US designers) without conscience. Have you noticed how cheap shrimp are these days? A friend of mine who’s done lifetime work with ecology said that quite a bit is harvested in Vietnam in pools of probable Agent Orange exposure. Reminds me of an Arthur Miller play (forget if it was “All My Sons”) where a military contractor purposely designs a plane part on the cheap, but it turns out that his own son goes down (dies) in such a malfunctioning plane. As for the WE thing… WE all are human, and there are many categories for “we,” including we are all Americans; but the WE that gives Bush legitimacy is not one I am prepared to submit to.
Even if the War eventually costs the US 2.2 trillion the US taxpayer (especially the rich ) will never be asked to cough up the money.
Instead ,in true Wild West style ,good ole Uncle Sam will simply hold a ‘gun’ to the rest of the world - particularly the ME and Asia . And demand that they cough up the entire amount .
And all will once again be well .With the ‘American people’ home and dry - and raring to go once again.
PD I’m all the above when I need to be!
PDFee! How in the hell can we stop the next terrorist attack? Give me your solution please! What we are doing now is increasing the number of people signing up, so please tell us YOUR solution.
Virginia- I had no idea the PR machine was so global; thanks! I imagine any country moving into the consumer marketplace is subject to pro-comsumer PR smear!
I have long admired Kathy Kelly, she is a cherished peace advocate/activist/writer/leader, thrice-nominated for the Nobel prize. Kathy grew up and attended school on Chicago’s southwest sde, St. Daniel the Prophet parish — where my family lived and worshiped for over 60 years.
In 2004 I visited my parents and spoke with their parish priests, their fellow catholics, their neighbors, my nieces and nephews (who were schooled at St. Daniel the Prophet), etc.
Needless to say, I was shocked and truly offended to discover that NONE OF THEM had ever heard of Kathy Kelly — of her amazing courage, her tireless struggle, her world-wide reputation, her ceaseless organizing and resistance on behalf of oppressed peoples everywhere (particularly in Irak).
On the contrary, these generally conservative catholics were extremely ill-informed, vigorously supported bush war mongering, and were unashamed to admit that AT THE DIRECTIVE OF THEIR PARISH PRIESTS they would vote against John Kerry — due to his pro-choice stance.
Kathy Kelly escaped this narrow-minded little parish to become a world-respected leader of the peace & justice movement. I truly feel the clerics and “educators” of her old parish (and its school) have missed a huge opportunity to recognize and celebrate ONE OF THEIR OWN. It would open their minds and hearts to learn more about Kathy Kelly….and to follow her lead.
PDFee - Yes, Kathy would be there to arrange their boots. She doesn’t care what color or creed or nationality the murdered are. How ’bout you, little Troll?