Miriam’s Trial

My Friends,

On Tuesday Nov 12, I am on trial with four other members of BOLD Iowa for our arrest on June 11 in Des Moines at a fundraiser for Donald Trump. Our arrest was for a “misdemeanor trespass” because we blocked one of the entrances to the venue and then we approached the building where Trump was scheduled to speak.  To be clear, we were protesting to raise awareness about the climate crisis among his supporters, not against the President. 

If the media shows up, there will be a press conference at 1:30 followed by the trial at 2pm. It will probably last 1 – 2 hours  The judge and the prosecutor have both said this will be an “important” trial.  And the more support we can gather, the greater the impact we will make.

The only reason to risk arrest in a non-violent direct action (civil disobedience) is to challenge something you know must change and all “legal, follow-the-rules” strategies you have tried have not worked.  And the primary purpose is to inform the public and gain their support.  That is what ultimately creates real changes such as:

Women’s right to vote, civil rights, Vietnam war, Nuclear disarmament, EPA & environmental protections, the Women’s Movement, LGBTQ and marriage equality.  Many any other significant social justice and environmental laws were accomplished because ordinary citizens – like us – were willing to take to the streets, and in many cases, willing to commit civil disobedience/direct action.  History tells us that is what turned the tide.

PLEASE consider carpooling with other Grannies to join in solidarity with me and my four Bold Iowa fellow arrestees on Tuesday 11/12.

MEET UP:  West side of the Barnes & Noble parking lot at 11:30 to arrange carpooling.  Then enjoy your trip together to the Polk County Justice Center (222 5th Ave, Des Moines) for press conference followed by trial. (I will have to leave earlier)

PARKING: On 5th between Court & Walnut (a couple of blocks from the Justice Center)

SCHEDULE:

11:30 meet up at Barnes &Noble

1:30 pre-trial press conference

2:00 Trial – will probably last till about 4pm

IF YOU CANNOT GO TO MY TRIAL –  RIGHT NOW you can show your support and make a difference by going to:

BOLD IOWA Facebook

HOME (take a look at our homecoming banner drop picture headlining the homepage!)

EVENTS (at the bottom of the search options on the left)

Click on “Climate Justification Trial, Round 2”  (yes, that’s me being handcuffed)

SELECT: Going or Interested  (I hope you will consider going!)

CLICK INTERESTED IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND.

Feel free to write a comment of support.

And take a look at the awesome Granny action pictures down the page a bit.

 

Grannies  Educate   Advocate   Agitate    We do it all.

With gratitude for your support,

miriam