Five arrested in Ground Zero protest

About 50 people stood outside the main gate at U.S. Naval Submarine Base Bangor Monday afternoon to protest the government’s support of nuclear weapons and build up to war with Iraq. Six people were arrested for disorderly conduct and failure to disperse after they refused to stop blocking the road into the base.

“This is what we do,” said Joy Goldstein of Vashon Island from inside a Kitsap County sheriff’s office van. She and four others were handcuffed and taken to the jail where they were released. Those were Mary Hanson, of Seattle, the Rev. Anne Hall, Lynne Greenwald of Bremerton and Glen Milner of Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action

Cameras clicked, film rolled and a gathering of law enforcement officers watched as the group made its way to the gate. They carried signs rejecting war against Iraq and stating “peace is patriotic.”

The daylong training and subsequent protest was sponsored by the Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action and was inspired by the slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Kate Hunter of Vashon Island was one of several who didn’t block the roadway, but came out to support her friend who was arrested.

Hunter said it was her obligation and responsibility as a citizen to voice her disagreement with the government’s support of nuclear weapons.

“We’re standing up for people who aren’t able to stand here,” Greenwald said after her arrest.

“We aren’t participating in a crime, we are trying to stop a crime,” Hall said.

Sheriff’s deputies issued a two minute warning before arresting the group.

“They have the constitutional right to protest 24 hours a day, seven days a week if they want to,” said Deputy Scott Wilson public affairs officer.

But they cannot block the road to the base he continued.

Following the arrests the group went back up the hill to Ground Zero’s headquarters on Clear Creek Road.

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