Renowned Peace Activist Stresses Nonviolent Protest: kicks off 'legacy of activism at Cornell'

© 2006 The Cornell Daily Sun - All Rights Reserved ^ | 4/11/06 | By Blair Robin

[Behind Liberal Lines]

Rev. Daniel Berrigan, an internationally renowned peace activist and Roman Catholic priest, emphasized the value of faith and nonviolent protest during a speech at Anabel Taylor Hall yesterday.

The talk, entitled "War and Peace Report: Vietnam to Iraq, Resistance to War and Empire," helped to raise money for the families of Ithaca's "St. Patrick's Four" and launched "The Legacy of Activism at Cornell," a two week event commemorating and re-examining political activism at Cornell.

Berrigan began by reflecting on the protesters of the St. Patrick's Four. In a symbolic act to prevent war, the four activists placed blood in a military recruiting station outside of Ithaca.

As a result of this non-violent civil disobedience, a few members of the group were sentenced to four months in jail.

Because violence satiates society in modern times, Christians' ability to reflect on themselves becomes limited, Berrigan said. Berrigan claimed that war replaces the Bible with a book which encourages "darkness" and "murder."

With the confusion which emerges from violence, few dare to stand back and think twice about the government's actions, he said. The peacemakers who do protest become trouble makers in the process.

While war may bring about hostility, Berrigan reminded the audience of the Bible's words which command Christians to "love your enemies." It is this phrase which causes him to conclude that there is no just war.

"It is a strange command," Berrigan said. "Love and enemies. It seems that the two can't co-exist, like fire and ice in your hand, but in the gospel text the word 'love' transforms the enemy into a friend."

Anke Wessels, director for the center for religious, ethics and social policy, also focused on the enemy's needs in brief remarks during Berrigan's talk.

"I think that it is very easy and lazy to use violence, [whether] physical or psychological, and sometimes we get our way because we are more powerful, but the only way to actually resolve a conflict is through nonviolence, so both sides feel respect," Wessels said.

Catholic Chaplain Phil Fiadino described Berrigan's words as both an "inspiration and a challenge." He continued, "It is a difficult challenge to live with nonviolence as the core in the center of our lives."

Berrigan served as a prominent member of the national peace movement during the Vietnam War, while serving as assistant director of Cornell United Religious Work. In 1968, Berrigan was arrested and sentenced to three years in prison after he and other Catholic activists napalmed 378 draft cards in Maryland. After going underground to elude the FBI, Berrigan was finally apprehended after four months and released from prison in 1972. A writer and poet, Berrigan has published several memoirs, as well as books about biblical figures.

[Behind Liberal Lines]

Rev. Daniel Berrigan, an internationally renowned peace activist and Roman Catholic priest, emphasized the value of faith and nonviolent protest...Berrigan was arrested and sentenced to three years in prison after he and other Catholic activists napalmed 378 draft cards in Maryland.

I didn't realize that napalm was, now or ever, considered "nonviolent."

The talk helped to raise money for the families of Ithaca's "St. Patrick's Four"...In a symbolic act to prevent war, the four activists placed blood in a military recruiting station outside of Ithaca.

Media bias rears its ugly head.

The reporter is misstating/minimizing the actions of the "St. Patrick's Four."

As noted here, the four did not "place" blood in a military recruiting station. They threw blood on a soldier and various items in the facility, including the American flag.

The talk... launched "The Legacy of Activism at Cornell," a two week event commemorating and re-examining political activism at Cornell.

Yeah, if there is one thing Ithaca in general, and Cornell in particular, is lacking in, its looney leftist activism. (rolls eyes)

Ithaca is the City of Evil.

[Behind Liberal Lines]

City of Evil bump:

[siunevada]

While war may bring about hostility, Berrigan reminded the audience of the Bible's words which command Christians to "love your enemies." It is this phrase which causes him to conclude that there is no just war.

It doesn't say never, ever fight your enemies; it says love. It doesn't say surrender.

Well. I'm sure he convinced many people at Cornell who would have otherwise gladly joined up to fight their country's enemies. Ha!

[dfwgator]

Yep, Christianity would really have fostered if we just gave those invading Muslim hordes more hugs.

[siunevada]

I was thinking the same. I'm glad he wasn't around giving Charles 'The Hammer' Martel advice on correct Christian conduct.

[Continental Soldier]

Dan Berrigan-- Oh, I remember him well. And his brother, Phil, as well. Two traitors to America and two disgraces to the priesthood! But at Cornell, saints-in-the-making!

[Arm_Bears]

What does one major in during college to become "an internationally renowned peace activist?"

Who makes the determination that one is "an internationally renowned peace activist?"

Perhaps I'm just being provincial?

[freema]

Ping

[governsleastgovernsbest]

As a result of this non-violent civil disobedience, a few members of the group were sentenced to four months in jail.

There author seems to be hinting that the punishment was excessive. If a pro-life group carried out the identical acts at an abortion clinic, I can imagine the pro-choicers screaming bloody murder and demanding severe punishment be meted out.