Feminist Peace Network

Peace-loving granny Cathy Webster is going to jail, let’s make sure she gets loads of mail!:

Dear family and friends,In nine days, on March 21, I will report to the Sacramento County Jail for my 60 day sentence for unauthorized trespassing onto military property. I think you all know by now that this is consequence of my action at Ft. Benning Army Base in Columbus, GA last November 19. I participated – along with 22,000 others, including 1000 Grandmothers – in the annual protest and vigil to close down the controversial School of the Americas/Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) which has been in operation since 1946. Going to a county jail is something new for us federal misdemeanorites. In the past, it has been federal prison or fed. prison camp. I had become familiarized with the Fed. System, but I do not know what to expect from county jails since every one can be different. Not all of us 16 are assigned to county jails, but I am. Conveniently, it is just 2 hours away for my house.

My address will be, should you wish to drop a line. I hope to be able to write back…

Catherine M. Webster #92948020

Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center
12450 Bruceville Road
Elk Grove, CA 95757

I am perfectly fine with this upcoming “change of venue�; I feel no anxiety (other than leaving my family behind), nor shame. I do feel resolute in calling to citizens’attention what our taxes are paying for, and thus what we as a nation are participating in. As a prisoner of conscience, I am in good company, stretching back centuries.

I will also be participating in and promoting the Close The SOA Fast, April 25-27. This is a juice/water only fast for three days in anticipation of a May vote in Congress to defund the SOA/WHINSEC. Lobbying Congress has been a year round effort for sixteen years. The Fast is to create more energy in our cosmos to encourage Congress to do the right thing. I hope and encourage you to participate as well. You can get the details on the SOAWatch website, www.soaw.org . 1000 Grandmothers is promoting it in Chico. This action is what soulforce is about.

I’ll be sending letters to be posted on the 1000grandmothers website, www.1000grandmothers.net , and hopefully calling in to my local radio stations during my stay. Meanwhile, peace to you all. Thanks for your prayers and support.

I expect to spring out on May 19 – just in time for the Bay to Breakers run in SF, May 20.

Paz, Cath

Filed under: Uncategorized, Action Alerts, Sheroes