Los Angeles Catholic Worker

The six defendants from the December 9th protest of Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize appeared in court today for arraignment. The charges were dismissed by the judge due to shoddy paperwork by the federal building security guards. Federal prosecutor Sharon McCaslin was quite distressed by the proceedings, calling the Catholic Workers “childish attention seekers” and “disgusting”.

This was the planned statement of Catholic Worker David Omondi.

I plead guilty to the charge of being a prisoner of conscience. Like these others I am simply unable to stand idly by and not criticize the blatant hypocrisy of a war-mongering president accepting a Nobel Peace Prize. Being Kenyan American like he, I feel this to be a burden and an unending responsibility, and that my actions somehow constitute disorderly conduct remains a mystery to me, especially considering the injuries sustained by my friend Mike Wisniewski, inflicted by a guard charged with maintaining security. Yes I stood at the entrance of the Federal Building and exposed Mr. Obama as a warmonger and a neo-colonial impostor. Do with me what you will.

Check out photos of the protest.

Date: Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 11:09 PM

Dear Friends,
Once again, Haiti desperately needs our help.
Thank you for your calls and offers of support. As you know our community sponsors a health care project in Port au Prince, Klinik Sen Michel. Our concern for our friends, co-workers in Port au Prince, and all of the Haitian people is beyond words. At this time we have precious little information. Some reports are gradually coming in. I recieved an e-mail early this morning from Sr. Mary of Matthew 25 house where we stay in Haiti. The house was damaged ,especially the 2nd floor, but it is still standing. Sr. Mary, Patrick and Vivian are alive and worked through the night doing triage in the nearby soccer field. Sr. Mary said that the wounds of the people are horrific. She has run out of supplies. She has sent an appeal for us to bring supplies along with personnel. We have no information about the Klinik Sen Michel, but we know that our Administrative Assistant, Wilda, is alive. I have no more information on anyone else. I am thinking in particular of our friend Daniel, and all of our health care agents and the parish community of St. Claire.
This letter is to appeal for your help.
I wanted to let you know that House of Grace community and Bishop Gumbleton are trying to plan a trip to Haiti. We hope to go at the end of January. We are asking for you to please contribute financial assistance. We will use it for medical care that is so desperately needed. We will purchase supplies: ie, bandages, analgesics, antibiotics, ointments, antiseptics etc. to take with us.
As soon as I know more, I will keep you informed. Thank you on behalf of the people of Haiti for anything that you can offer.
Checks can be made out to: Fonkoze USA, memo line: Klinik Sen Michel.
Send to Johanna Berrigan, House of Grace Catholic Worker 1826 E. Lehigh Ave. Phila., Pa. 19125.

Note: If you are not concerned about a tax deduction, checks can be made out to: House Of Grace Catholic Worker and sent to the address above. This makes obtaining cash quicker and easier.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Peace,

Johanna, for House of Grace Catholic Worker
Bishop Thomas Gumbleton

We were excited and honored to attend the ordination of former LA Catholic Worker Elizabeth Griswold to ministry in the United Church of Christ. We wish her blessings in her new life and hope she comes to visit often! You go Eliz!

12/8/2009

11/18/2009

10/2/2009

9/28/2009

7/8/2009

6/21/2009

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