A Day Without the Pentagon
- October 19, 1998 -
Resisting the IRS:
United
States v. Ed Hedemann
Twenty-one members of the NYC 339 affinity group (based in New York City) participated in a blockade of the Pentagon's subway entrance during the morning rush hour. After about 10 minutes they were arrested, taken to the Arlington County Sheriff's office and released in about two hours. On December 2, 1998, nine members of the affinity group went to trial, pleaded nolo, and were sentenced to two days in jail or $25 fine plus court costs. Seven refused to pay the fine and were immediately jailed, only to learn a couple of weeks later that the "court costs" (which included $50/day jail costs) totaled $100.
On March 15, 1999, eight additional members went on trial, pleaded nolo, were fined $25 plus $30 in "court costs," were shackled for the booking process, and were released several hours later.
The blockade was part of the War Resisters League sponsored A Day Without the Pentagon during which more than 50 participated in civil disobedience (36 people were arrested), and 500 marched and rallied in an effort to call attention to the militarism and misplaced priorities of the U.S. government.
What follows are photos by Ruth Benn and Ed Hedemann from Oct. 19, 1998.
Ed flat on ground being cuffed, as Joe Cackowski is being propped up. Plastic cuffs in foreground.
