Wars teach us not to love our enemies, but to hate our allies.
W. L. George
Its great to be asked to be the first eastern Region activist focus, and I thank Mell for that and for being an activist at all. If, one day in October I hadn't been thoughtfully pushed through the fence at Lakenheath, I probably wouldn't be writing this at all.
I have many to thank who have encouraged and helped me learn the skills of non-violent direct action and I am so grateful for this as I find that my whole outlook on life and confidence have grown probably at the rate of a two year old. In fact several people have accused me of entering my second childhood. Great isn't it.!!
Since that October I have seen the inside of many police cells, being arrested for protesting against nuclear weapons, the arms trade, airports and animal cruelty. I have read many books, written many poems, drank black coffee and consumed many over salted micro waved vegan meals. (I did send one to Jamie Oliver pointing out the salt content but he wasn't interested.)
Then there are the magistrates courts, designed to make you feel 'very, very naughty'. I have until recently always pleaded not guilty, but life gets so complicated, that unless I feel like making a stand or the overall campaign needs it, as with my forthcoming case in Faslane, I have pleaded guilty.
Only once have I ever walked away without the inevitable fine, which of course was because of a technical mistake by the prosecution, nothing to do with the continuing arms trade. I must admit I felt quite sorry for the prosecution. Lastly there are the bailiffs and the fines clinic, as they are euphemistically called, who do not know what to do when you state, " I do not pay fines", so they very quickly send you to yet another magistrates court. Last Wednesday this happened and, after being very cheeky, I got away with a day in the cells for that fine. I must own I was very grateful that they told me which one it was.
Is it all worth it? My view is that we have to get a better world, where decisions are based on care, sustainability and love, (Sorry to be a bit hippyish). With the support of others this is what I can do and will do until I am to slow, then I hope that I can be the press release person and then who knows!!!!!!
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