There's a poll at fox news chicago on whether it was right to press felony charges on them. Unfortunately yes is winning right now.

you just don't get it...

Well please explain beyond to this commenter what he/she doesn't get. "You just don't get it," is an easy dismissal of one's point of view and is intellectually akin to the church asking you to take whatever they say on faith.

I would really like to know why every single action that falls outside the lines of a police-permitted march is looked at as juvenile and privileged?

I can tell you from personal experience that these kids are not the ones you see in Wicker Park holding art galleries or visiting their parents in the suburbs.

You mentioned that you've been marching since year four. Well, sir, that was just last year. I'd like to also put in here that those arrested, as well as myself and the others who support them, have been on since at least year one... We've marched in your bland anti-war sign-holding blocs, we've stood and listened at your rallies, we've gone overseas and helped communities that are really struggling, we've traveled the country to help on more projects than you can even imagine. Don't brush us off as inconsiderate and unproductive just because some people were fed up enough to up the ante.

That's what resistance is supposed to be about; actual public resistance to the corrupt and fucked up order of things. If you think otherwise, you're in it for the wrong reasons.

AMEN to that.
It's the "protest all you want as long as I'm not affected by it" approach.
The b.s. that the "church" is against the war is also a crock. It's part of the problem.

I would really like to know why every single action that falls outside the lines of a police-permitted march is looked at as juvenile and privileged?
No, not every single action outside of the police-permitted march type is juvenile. This one in the church, however, was.

I'd like to also put in here that those arrested, as well as myself and the others who support them, have been on since at least year one…
So what? Aside from "waking up sooner," or being dedicated, does this make you a better person, or is this something that really turns on the manic-progressive girls when you casually mention your years of dedicated protest? Someone who participates later can actually be a better and more dedicated protester/resister/propagandist.

Don't brush us off as inconsiderate and unproductive just because some people were fed up enough to up the ante.
Way to up the ante. You really won over a lot of hearts and minds with your well-reasoned and philosophical protests. I'm sure everyone at the church understood the intended message loud and clear. I'm sure they were enlightened to the issues and even experienced an epiphany of understanding beyond even the faith they were in church to practice, and they didn't just see a bunch of kooks splattering blood on themselves and ejaculating code words out of their mouths.

That's what resistance is supposed to be about; actual public resistance to the corrupt and fucked up order of things.
Well, I agree that "resistance" should actually resist something concrete, with the principles strongly defined and supported.

In conclusion, let me re-add some of my previous comments about the protesters themselves that some enlightened individual on this site felt the need to delete: Many think that these protesters were brave and daring, but I really think they wimped out. If they had any testicular/ovarian fortitude, they would have performed a glorious act of self-immolation by lighting themselves on fire, just like our hero—a great man who is a concrete example of what we value— Malachi Ritscher.

So what? Aside from "waking up sooner," or being dedicated, does this make you a better person, or is this something that really turns on the manic-progressive girls when you casually mention your years of dedicated protest? Someone who participates later can actually be a better and more dedicated protester/resister/propagandist.
When in response to someone who snidely brags about being "on since the fourth year", yes it does matter. It's important to bring up that that though you all may look down on these protesters as inexperienced and shallow, they have been working towards the same things as you have, in some cases, for longer periods of time. Perhaps you're scared of an actual movement towards change? Also, your sexist and somehow desensitized attitude towards others (particularly with conditions which you do not have yourself) doesn't prove your case. Could you possibly imagine that this post was written by a female-bodied person who has, on occasion, suffered from episodes of manic depression? Do either of those things make my ideas and emotions less valid. Apparently, to you, they do.

Way to up the ante. You really won over a lot of hearts and minds with your well-reasoned and philosophical protests. I'm sure everyone at the church understood the intended message loud and clear. I'm sure they were enlightened to the issues and even experienced an epiphany of understanding beyond even the faith they were in church to practice, and they didn't just see a bunch of kooks splattering blood on themselves and ejaculating code words out of their mouths.
Perhaps this didn't change everyone's mind, and in fact, those most appalled will always be the loudest in the case of mainstream media coverage, but why do we need them anyways? Honestly, I'd take everything with a grain of salt… But if you look at the Fox News and Examiner website forums, you'll see that a lot of people are in favor of what they did. And, I mean, just look at what Kathy Kelly has to say. Bring the war home. Nothing is sacred anymore.

Personally miffed by this foray beyond the bounds of approved and polite dissent? Well, that's too damn bad. Beyond rant time on your keyboard, what risks have you taken personally to end the carnage in Iraq ?

I thought not. Come back when you have something real to offer.

This protest is quickly making its way around the interwebs. The video on youtube already has 3000 hits from michellemalkin.com/
See it here: youtube.com/watch
Must be doing something right to piss them off so much.

FYI,

This direct action was a flop. It might have been popular with Anarchists, but it's a PR disaster for the entire anti-war movement. Who is benefiting the most from this action? Malkin, Hannity, O'Reilly et al who will spin the news accordingly. Way to allienate the mainstream, Ryane, Donte, Ephraim, etc.

Yep. No doubt about it. The Chicago Tribune -which gave us the news that there were WMDs in Iraq, and assured us that the Bush's Adminstration's "mission" in Iraq was just days away from being 'accomplished' - is pissed off.

As are the right-wing pundits outraged at the thought that there might be others who might be increasingly angered by the complacency major church leaders are taking toward the carnage in Iraq. Real fire and brimstone stuff. You can hear the sizzle.

And what's worse, there actually might be young white people who agree with Rev. Wright's call for social justice and accounability from those in power -- and are willing to raise that message from the pews if necessary inside their own places of worship.

EPHRAN

LMAO at the fool who wants all protests to not be offensive to the likes of OReilly, Malkin, and Limbaugh. I got news for you -- they're the enemy, not the mainstream.

Your comment, "Must be doing something right to piss them off so much," is extremely intelligent. That's why when I walk down the street bumping into people and throwing cigarette butts at their foreheads, I feel justified, because I must be doing something right if I'm pissing them off so much.

Just to clarify.. this action did EXACTLy what it was intended to do: Bring people's attention back to the war! and I think people all over the country have heard this point, because everyone all over the country is buzzed about it.

Not everyone will agree with the action , but then again since when does everyone agree with an action.

I am pround of these young 6 who have taken a stand and brought this issue back on the front page! THank you to them!

Freedom for all? Certainly a big lie!

Here's what Kathy Kelly, arguably one of the most powerful Catholic antiwar voices in the country had to say about this protest in a letter to the Trib editors:

Dear Editors,

The six activists who raised their voices, during Cardinal George's Easter homily in Holy Name Cathedral, recalled suffering and carnage caused by the war in Iraq. They screamed. They poured "stage blood." They fell to the floor.

Under U.S. occupation, and as a result of U.S. economic sanctions and military war waged since 1991, Iraqis have seen horrific bombings outside and within their worship places, along with the physical and social destruction of their country. Iraqis have endured mass killing, kidnappings, torture, incarcerations without cause, and an almost complete breakdown of vital infrastructure services including electricity, sewage treatment, and health care delivery.

In the U.S. and in Iraq, arms ache for loved ones who will never return. Yet many of us may feel numb, even forgetful, regarding the terrible cost of this war. The Easter Sunday action at the cathedral gave us an opportunity to remember that we are a nation at war and to consider ways to follow Jesus' teachings, --to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, heal the sick, love our enemies and bless the peacemakers."

- Many thanks to the courageous folks who participated in the action at the Cathedral on Easter calling the church to take a real stand against the war, not just give it lip service

Rock on Holy Name 6! way to get the word out there and put the urgency back into ending this War of Terror! Hey everyone, how about writing Cardinal George and telling him to drop the felony charges on these activists:
Cardinal George
155 E. Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60611
AND/OR
call 312-751-8200
asking for the charges dropped.
For those of you who would contend the validity of what these activists did or their tactics, all I have to say is ask yourself "Would I be willing to risk this much to end the war?" If your answer is "No", then you should reserve your judgement. There are as many tactics as there are individuals and we all need to be doing more to end this war!

met Cindy Sheehan on April 11th last year in Chicago. the meeting was at a "house of worship." (oops what was that word) Tell her how proud we are, then ask her for her opinion. Perhaps you can give some advice and financial support.

As a devout Catholic, I'm very pleased that these folks took their message of peace to the congregation on Easter.

Jesus would approve.

Now, let's convince Cardinal George and his minions to back off on pressing charges.

What would Jesus do?

He'd drop the charges, and invite these brave soldiers of peace to give the reflection on the reading next Sunday.

lost my original comment when i looked at some of these others. if you're not "religous" fine. Yet i can't belief what i read on here. on the front page of this news Flor Crisóstomo sits in a church. Rev. Pfleger has been doing many years of work farther in the city.

Sen Obama has a church and i suppose that the demonstration should have been over there. then the top candidate would have to make a comment.

next year the same people will want a monument made for the "sacred six." Or that a conspiracy is involved.

yeah i own FOX news also

I am incredibly proud of you kids for doing what you did. The Cardinal, the Vatican, and the Pope have turned the mass into a political event by denying communion to gays, pro-lifers, and other groups it finds socially 'objectionable'. If the Church chooses to play hardball- we, the faithful, deserve the right to play too. I look forward to more protests. Jesus, the man, would've been right there with you had he been alive today. He is very much the model of activism and social disobedience. Be proud of yourselves- dont let the hicks and cheap suit wearing, fair-weather faithful make you feel any differently.

Your friend at Loyola University Chicago----
Chris

You know what I find disrespectful and rude? The vicious occupation of Iraq for over 5 years. What about the countless children being killed and families being completely destroyed EVERY DAY in Iraq? Do they not count?

No, we just freak out about fancy clothes being ruined and some fabric damage to chairs. Who cares about the cities that are in ruins in Iraq, and the countless houses destroyed that were once occupied by happy families just trying to get by.

Scaring little kids with a little fake blood? Says the parents who most likely let their children play the most violent video games and watch tv and movies that are a thousand times worse than a little fake stage blood. Get over it.

These "activists" are pathetic. These people's Constitutional rights to protest do not trump other people's Constitutional freedoms to religion. Pick another place to have such a protest.

Your analysis is incorrect. As Catholics, they have a right to attend that service, in that Church, or any other Catholic Church (we are not a congregational Church.)

And the Cardinal himself ackowledged the validity of their message.

Nobody's freedom of religion was infringed in any way, shape or form.

You must not be Catholic, or you'd get that.

Please, spare us the preaching about how our religion works. We know it better than you do.

I'm a Catholic, and like most of my fellow Catholics I'm as much against the war as anyone in this room.

But this was NOT a non-violent protest; they destroyed other people's property, which is an act of violence.

Some of you are suggesting that the Church should request that the charges be dropped. If they did, it would be a further act of violence to everyone whose property was vandalized during the demonstration.

How is the 70 year old usher supposed to buy a new hearing aid? Will your legal defense fund pay for that? I sincerely hope you consider doing that, and I think it would go a long way towards getting the charges reduced or dropped. Instead of spending a lot of money on lawyers, why don't you foot the bill for the damages? I think the judge would look kindly upon that, don't you?

I'd like to clear up a few rumors, as well. I would imagine that we're mostly Chicagoans here. But, for anyone who doesn't know, Holy Name Cathedral is the archdiocesan church - it's like the main regional Catholic church. There have been rumors, probably spread by those who don't live in the area, that it is where the rich or important Catholics go to church. That's not true at all! Mostly, people go there for special events. I've been to ceremonies there twice, and I don't have a pot to piss in. :)

Also, the Church is very much against this war. I don't recall attending a mass since the war began where we have not, as a congregation, prayed for an end to all this. And I go every Sunday. So, we've been "on" since year 1 as well. Some of you have said that we're all talk, and no action. Well that may be true, but what these kids did wasn't a direct action against the war either; it was a demonstration. Demonstrations are, by definition, just talk.

I think you need to take a clear look at what the Church has said about this war, and leave your preconceived notions about who we are as a people out of it.

who says *any* of us have a right to a peaceful existence while bullets fly in iraq? there's not a single iraqi who can enjoy a religious holiday undisturbed, and there hasn't been for years. and for the last five years, it's *our* direct military intervention that has perpetuated this nightmare. america makes this war, we are americans, thereby we make this war.

so each and everyone of us who is mentally competent is waging this war unless we're stopping this war. and if you can sit camly through cardinal george's easter service three days after the fifth anniversary of this atrocity, you lose the right to your peace of mind.

we're coming to your living room next.

Seven years, isn't it, really? Regardless, I'm down with what you've got to say.

These "activists" are pathetic. These people's Constitutional rights to protest do not trump other people's Constitutional freedoms to religion. Pick another place to have such a protest.

seven years? try fifteen.

Dear Cardinal Francis George

With sadness and disbelief I read these words from your official statement concerning events during your sermon on Easter Sunday morning last:

"This is a profoundly disturbing action. . . It is a sacrilege that should be condemned by all people of faith and good will."

I have read about the actions of these young people in Church. They did not disturb the celebration of Mass but waited until you rose to speak in order to carry out their die-in. It was the equivalent of what Jesus did in the Temple when he overturned the tables of the money changers - a cry of outrage that a holy place was being desecrated not by money changing this time but by a respectful silence in the face of murder and a fawning acquiescence towards the unrepentant murderer of innocent children.

You live in a rich home and you are surrounded by wealth and the trappings of wealth. You are in a Church where Christ and Caesar go hand in glove. Maybe money changing is not far from the life style that you enjoy. Let me put it this way. If you had been brave enough to speak out against the war, would you still enjoy the temporal power, prestige and privilege that you enjoy today?

To declare the noble and courageous action of these young people who protested against the Iraq war in your church "a sacrilege" is an outrage.

Pope John Paul II condemned the Iraq war as illegal and immoral, Pope Paul VI condemned all war when he pounded the table at the UN and proclaimed "No more war! Never again war! If you wish to be brothers, drop your weapons.”

You however follow in the line, not of these pontiffs but of Cardinal Spellman, who DRESSED IN FULL MILITARY GEAR TO GO TO VIETNAM SAYING THAT WHAT AMERICA WANTED WAS FULL AND FINAL VICTORY - AT THE VERY SAME TIME AS THE POPE WAS DENOUNCING ALL WAR..

You proclaim the Jesus who is locked up in tabernacles of gold. I think you would hardly recognise the Jesus who walked in a Palestine under occupation as today's Palestinians walk in their own country still under occupation. That occupation too is with the active help of the United States whose policies and warmongering you support.

I was once a Catholic priest, ordained only four years before you were ordained. Although I have lost all faith at present, I recognise goodness and truth and honesty and courage where I see it. And I know that these young people are good, true, honest and extremely courageous.

My dear brother Francis, please come off your high horse and recognise the young prophets who stand before your eyes. Be big enough to commend their goodness and courage and to ask forgiveness for your statement about "sacrilege".

It would be so wonderful to read somewhere that you had done this.

Personally, I wish you only all that is good for you and yours

Justin Morahan
Pacifist

And they said no Iraqi would die in this war. I say more nondirect or direct actions need to happen all over this country until we can finally realize an end to this war. We don't feel it here, that's why it continues.

I am so proud of these people that had the courage to speak out. It had to be visual and it had to be in this spot for people to think.

Thank you~thank you.

pointless. go protest outside govt. offices and oil company offices.

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