Chris is Headed to WA!

I got this exciting note from Chris' parents this morning!


Dear Family and friends,

This initial e-mail goes out to you as we heard from Chris finally last night (it had been 2 weeks). He called from Nevada where he is in transit and he says he has been told he is heading to Federal Detention Center in Seatac, WA on Tues! I will let you know when he confirms that he is actually there! We spoke to sister Casey and she is hoping to come home and visit during her Spring break at the beginning of April!

the address is:

Chris Spicer 94642-020

Federal Detention Center in Seatac
2425 So 200th St

Seattle, WA 98198

Dave and Marti

A response that makes sense

So after I posted "Don't Hold Your Breath" and raised some questions about why the prison doesn't communicate the transport of prisoners ahead of time, I got an enlightening response from someone in our community who used to work in the prison system. Check it out:

Hello--

Having worked in the prison system, transportation is always an issue. They can't notify as to when a person will be moved due to security issues (somebody could and probably has intercepted their transportation before and sprung a prisoner). Also, basically when someone is moving depends on when a van is available and may happen overnight. So be prepared not to know that Chris has been moved when it does happen. One day he might be in one facility and the next another.

We actually had to wait for months for transportation to come in some instances. The prison system is so ridiculously upside down. . .and the people that survive there don't do so because they are nice. There is inherently an us vs. them mentality fostered by every rule in prison society. I gave up trying to make change from within because the pressure is so insane. The men definitely need mental health services and other services but they are often attended by people who have the same characterisics of criminals and lack in humanity themselves.

Hope this helps.

Moving Letter From Chris

Dear (Mom and Dad) Anne,

“My soul is among lions and I lie even among them that are set
on fire; even the sons of men whose teeth are spears an arrows
and their tongue a sharp sword.” Ps 57:4

8:09 Tues morning; its all wrong. Today at 7:30 I expected the guard to get me for transit. (The door opens: enter Glen. Disappointment.) Had just dozed briefly after the spike of syrup from the pancakes for breakfast. Discreetly I held myself, miserable, disconsolate, as the conclusion of (playwright) Athol Fugard’s “Statements after an Arrest Under the Immorality Act” told me in whispers this was the course I chose, that separation had some good purpose and that it would be okay not to say goodbye to Clyde. We each have hidden in our texts knowing how ideas matter. I whispered to myself that the new strangers would become familiar. Then Jackson swept the floor and said to somebody “Just as long as you keep your mind right, you’ll be fine.”

9 February, 2011
Dear Mom and Dad,
Your unfathomable support signifies God’s ever bounding deepening love.
Please, please type the writing to Anne at her e-mail. Thanks


A Poem by Alan Seeger Found pg 225-226

I have a rendezvous with Death
At some disputed barricade
When Spring comes back with rustling shade
I have a rendezvous with Death
When Spring brings back blue dogs and fair.

It may be that he will take me by the hand
And lead me to his dark land and close my eyes to his dark land
And close my eyes and quench my breath-
I may pass him still.
I have a rendezvous with Death
On some scarred slope of battered hill
When Spring comes round again this year
And first meadow-flowers appear.

God knows ‘twere better to be deep a
Pillowed in silk and scented down
Where love throbs out in blissful sleep.
Pulse nigh to pulse, and breath to breath.

Where hushed awakenings are dear…
But I’ve a rendezvous with Death
At Midnight in some flaming town
When Spring trips north again this year
And I to my pledged word am true,/
I shall not fail that rendezvous.

Go see Fr. Roy Bourgeois in Seattle!

FR. Roy is the founder of SOA Watch and champion of the cause to
close down the School of Americas. If you want to
learn more about this important cause,
check him out at the following events in Seattle.


Confronting Militarism in the Americas
The Truth behind the School of the Americas & U.S Foreign Policy
Fr. Roy Bourgeois

Thursday, March 10th, 2011
7 P.M.
Wallingford United Methodist Church
2115 N 42nd St. Seattle

For more info visit www.soaw.org!

Don't Hold Your Breath

Well, folks, as it turns out, our main man Chris was never moved last week. It's been frustrating: the prison told him over 2 weeks ago to expect to be moved "any day now." So, he's been thinking he's going to be moved, and he's been telling his parents and advocates he's going to be moved, and I've been telling you he's going to be moved, BUT in fact... no dice. So, we have come to realize quite clearly that we simply cannot trust what the Irwin County Detention Center staff says because frankly they just don't keep their word. When someone or an organization doesn't keep their word, it becomes impossible to deal with them. You never know what to expect, you are left in the dark, unsure of what move to make next. I don't think this is a coincidence.

What's even worse though is that no one knows where Chris will be going either. No when, and not where. And not Chris, his parents, or even his legal advocate. Basically the prison will decide to transfer him out of the holding facility to a federal prison at some point. That's all we know. He could end up staying in Georgia where he actually practiced civil disobedience, or in Illinois where he lived right before the civil disobedience, or in Washington State where his last official residence is. Or maybe even somewhere else if none of those locations have room. It's frightening really: at some point Chris will be transferred and NO ONE in his family or support network will know where he is. They will simply have to wait who knows how long before they find out.

So, again, I just have to raise the question: is this really fair? Is it ethical? Why isn't the federal prison system -- private or not -- required by law to notify the prisoner and his family before he is moved? Is this just another aspect of human dignity we strip away from prisoners when they commit a crime, that is, the right to even be told where they are being taken?

You tell me because I don't know. What I do know is that Chris is still in Irwin County so please continue to write him there. When he is moved I'll be sure to let you know, but until then, don't hold your breath.

Check in from our friend Fr. Bob

Dear Friends of our SOAW Prisoners of Conscience:

Monday, Feb 7, 2011

I wanted to report on my visits last week with our dear friends Nancy Smith and Chris Spicer at the Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, GA. We were blessed to have around 90 minutes of visiting time both with Chris on Thursday morning Feb 3 and Nancy on Friday afternoon, Feb 4. Both expected to have been moved and were surprised to be there still. Maybe it was the winter storms around the country that slowed down their transfer, but who knows? Both visits were full and satisfying, and we suspect it will be the last time we will see each other for awhile, with the strong likelihood of their being moved most imminent.

Chris looked relaxed and content. Maybe it was the cotton long johns he had on underneath the prison jumpsuit or maybe it was my imagination, but he looked like there was more weight on him than the last time I saw him. My mental memory images are usually pretty good. We reviewed many of the usual topics which we spoke of before. I understood more clearly that he has been receiving mail more consistently with "mail call" as an event that only happens 2-4 days a week anyway. I was chagrined that Captain Paulk [at the prison] had NOT given him the Catholic Missalette which he had promised, and that Chris had missed keeping up with his Catholic roots through the readings.

We spoke about letter writing and how he likes to write down what's happening just a fast as he can to gather perspective. He desires more confidentiality for his prison companions out of respect for their privacy so that might require some editing, which we strategized about. We spoke of favorite poems and books, what inspires and sustains us. Chris is still pleased to be able to focus his ministry of presence with his fellow inmates. He feels greatly supported by the mail he gets and the solidarity of the White Rose CW Community in Chicago, his parents, and the network/blog that Anne is working for him.

Although disappointed that there is no opportunity for Catholic Eucharist, he feels content with the prayer and bible study group that he participates in with his dorm-mates. Teaching English as a second language, writing complaint letters for others, and serving in many "interpretive services" keep him busy. He mentioned that he tried to keep his personal profile uncomplicated and out of sight in many ways so that he could focus on serving others. So it wasn't until just the day before we spoke that he disclosed to some of them the real reasons for his being there in prison and what was going on at SOA in Columbus. His conclusion was that this was not at all problematic but rather helpful, so it seems that a new level of personal sharing was opening for him with the other inmates there. This is a good development, he feels, because he would like to focus more on what is happening at places like Ft. Benning and was wondering how to get around to it.

Of course, Nancy Smith had taken the opposite approach in her ministry of presence with her fellow inmates. She was aware that their attention span was limited, as to how much information they could hold about the SOA, so she would focus on stories that they would remember, e.g. about the massacres in El Salvador of families and the killing of the innocent babies: "Wow!" they would say and they would be more apt to remember. But because their literacy, education, and world view were so undeveloped she would have to do often what Chris was doing, just trying to accompany them in their own world conflicts and dramas.

Nancy said: "How tiny their lives are! Such a little village that they live in, of guns, pills and drugs. But it is all they know! Overwhelmingly poor, black and white. Mothers and daughters are in it together, whole families (in this little way of war making). They have huge screaming fights and then someone will tone it down and pray with the individual who is so upset. They are so VERY religious! The strong fundamentalist Baptist style of prayer in their prayer circle, loquacious and ever-so articulate about their needs and emotions to God. On the one hand so very abstemious in one minute and then guilty of petty theft in the next. Their emotional hair-triggers can go off at any time. ... "

When I told Nancy that she looked noticeable more tired this time, with the darkness around her eyes, she smiled humbly and acknowledged that when the word came around midnight that 5 of them would be leaving in two hours' time, there was a great deal of screaming and shouting as they emotionally were sorting themselves out in preparation for the move. And there was little way to get any rest while all that was going on. Until long after they departed, there was still quite a rumble. Nancy continues her disciplined manner of ministry of presence, her "open bowl" Buddhist approach of chosen "indigent status" so that she can be more simple and supple in attending to the needs of others. She practices a rare mindfulness which is a well-integrated presence, balancing her own vegetarian diet, inner-prayer, disciplined body exercise ("to get my heart rate up and sustained for a while"), quick wit and joyful self-knowledge in being "an oddity here." She was glad to hear that I gave her Quaker booklet manual and copy of the Sutras [which her granddaughter, Kirsten, had sent me] to Captain Paulk so that she might enjoy them, but immediately plotted with me as how to get them "out" when she left because "We can take nothing with us."
She was stunned at how little concern her fellow inmates could muster for the situation in Egypt. We shared about our travels in the middle east and her former work with Oxfam and other agencies there. She had made the pilgrimage of Santijago de Compostella and shared about the magnificent old churches she had visited, as well as the dying religious communities. How difficult to sustain faith without a true on-going encounter with the world and the need for justice everywhere! We shared a common hunger for the Eucharist that would go beyond the bounds of denominationalism. She hopes that "Kavita" is on her e-mail list [can someone follow up on this?]. Then we enjoyed "gasho" [bowing 3 times with palms together in reverence for the other] and departed.

So that's the report about Ocilla. Hopefully I can get through the lack of hospitality at McRae and tell you something next week about Michael David Ormondi. Blessings of peace to all in our network of support for these beloved prisoners of conscience.

Fr. Bob

The beauty of friendship

When I write to Chris, I always include an updated list of all of your names. In response one day, Chris started going down the list sharing about you. Check it out...
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Hey Prayer Community,

Greetings to you all from C-2 housing unit! I’ve just had some fun conjuring you each to mind as I did laps. What if I wrote a blurb about each of you just so you have a starting point. My hope is this can prime the pump by creating a more comfortable space to share with one another.

Amy Nee is the gal I recently fell for while living in Chicago. I hope this gives her a hard time. She’s a gem, originally from Florida, raised by two rad parents. They took the Bible to heart having their babies at home and rearing them home schooled. She does an angelic version of Hallelujah singing/playing guitar and makes the best brussel spouts ever. Her writing voice is soft, delicate and she has a bookshelf to drool over. Some say they see Dorothy in her-I disagree- I’ve never heard a crass word from her. But if you have the Long Loneliness, look at the photo of young author Ms. Day.

Andrew Rodriguez hails from the California Province. His most sincere affection before departing still moves my heart. He also just shared a clear exposition of Kierkiegaardian study on the near sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham. Much like his gentle manner, his thesis is that the dilemma is resolved by an image of a loving God who does not ask sacrifice. I would go with he and Francis Nugyven to get bubble tea as a scholastic at Loyola University of Chicago or as a group with Sean Salai or to a film like The Visitor.

Ann Kukak serves Gonzaga Prep as a counselor and we worked closely to best meet the GPrep standards of excellent learning and teaching. With her gift to mediate and speak a tongue any party can hear, I made discoveries of my strengths and weaknesses without feeling I sat with an adversary but with a team player. She is a picture of wisdom with her shock white hair, crows peak, high forehead smooth of wrinkles, clear frame glasses, blue eyes with smile creases and pearly teeth. She could speak a prophet’s correction with a smile.

Ben Gaven nearly got hitched our freshman year at Santa Clara to a feisty dentist’s daughter who, like him, was quite a cherub in spite of all the bluster. When we first ran together in anticipation of joining the Bronco XC squad, he demanded an average of 6:00 miles pace for the easy runs. No wonder he went on to be an inspiration and captain of the squad. He’ll never let me forget Sunriti’s jungle, nor will “slick Rick” Ricky Bracket or “Balls” Michael Wall. To them I’m a man of many names; Slider, Slide F, Slide FFN, and Snort F. Ben, I’m wearing Asics 1140. By the way, he and I once had a snowball fight on Monserrat, scampered a top an Elephant-shaped peak for lunch, and took looksies at ancient hermitage sites. I think fondly of this now even as I make my own Ignatian pilgrimage of sorts, laying down my privilege & having a Manresa-esque schooling in prayer.

Bernie Herberholt is my best friend. Consider a famous painting of the apostle John and Peter. See how the painter has focused the frame to the head and shoulders to portray the intense emotion of the men as they race to the tomb upon hearing Magdalene give testimony of Jesus' resurrection appearance. Peter has eyes of amazement and worry, his brow furrowed in concern. On the other hand, John is ahead with wide, joyful surprise radiating. When Bernie last wrote me, just before my trial he said "I hope you get what's coming to you." We've been friends since first grade and we need only eight words to express a lifetime shared.

Bob Graf and I share a common experience of leaving the Jesuits. In a letter he assured me that I can trust in the skill of discernment, that such is the wealth my Jesuit formation has given me. For decades Bob's activism to resist militarism has complemented a lifestyle centered in loving family and in performing simple acts of mercy with great love. While a claim to fame is his part in the 1968 "Milwaukee-14" draft card burning, I know his role as father is the one he most cherished. I continue to grieve the loss of his son. From Bob's ceaseless hounding of ROTC programs to his ministry as taxi man for the poor - I recognize in him an ardent love of Christ whom he has devoted himself to take down from the cross.

Bonnie Masiello is hands down the most amazing gal I ever kissed, but that's a secret. It was on an air-conditioned deluxe bus ride returning to San Salvador after a week of language study in Antigua. After the kiss she said (you slobber) "That didn't feel quite right. Let's not talk about this." So began a course of self restraint, a necessary pre-req for a life of celibacy. To know Bonnie you have to remember she's the eldest of three daughters born and raised in a well-off Boston family. Hell, she's worked for the CIA, quit, returned to work in El Salvador, and now pursues an MA in Education from Columbia. If she keeps up her French and Yoga they will be further assets for when she is the future President or wife of, but then Stephanie Valencia or Rahima Kamela Laird may beat her to the post. I would say Bonnie is like God's scalpel but I'll never forget she and Emily Chesterton singing, "I'll walk 5,000 miles", their heads sticking out of a makeshift table on talent night at the Gsa, voices high like cabbage patch kids babies.

Carolyn Quartier could conduct lessons in hosting to new executive wives, and has. She puts her charm to the service of a pair of non-profits, one I volunteered for in Portland called Northwest Children's Outreach, the other to serve survivors of human sex trafficking, called Grace Ministries. In my many relationships, there are those like mine with Carollyn in which I feel the consolation of having another mother to look after me. Yet she let me be a faith sharing friend. What's more, she's a mentor. "What you need to do" she says, "is write a book". I laugh. "Seriously, then you can go around giving talks and sell the book." We all need conspirators like Carolyn.

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Chris loves and needs you all. Thank you for your support of him.

anne