Paul's Perambulations a personal blog

We were charged with “creating a hazardous or physically offensive condition” (whatever that means) for standing in their driveway. There were about 200 at the demonstration and 25 of us cuffed, charged, and then released. Lockheed Martin is the world’s largest war profiteer and nuclear weapons contractor.

This Memorial Day weekend I delivered a two-page message at Villanova that seems particularly relevant now. The message was left at the President’s office, the Augustinian Heritage Room, and St. Rita’s Hall. One side reads: “Never again war!” 5.11.25. “We must reject the paradigm of war.” 5.12.25. “War is never inevitable. Weapons can and must be silenced, for they do not resolve problems but only increase them. Those who make history are the peacemakers, not those who sow seeds of suffering.” 5.14.25.  Pope Leo XIV

The other side reads: Why did Villanova choose to particularly honor a war-maker as graduation speaker? No offense intended to Admiral Paparo, but couldn’t this University have done better in its Christian mission?

April 11-15 was a busy five days. Friday was a day-long Buddhist gathering at Union Theological Seminary in Manhattan. Saturday Fran and I visited with friends we were staying with and celebrated Passover with them. Sunday I gave my Quaker Peace Testimony talk at Morningside Quaker Meeting on the 12th floor of Riverside Church. Monday we hiked all over Central Park, and Tuesday (April 15) at Villanova I demonstrated in support of peaceful use of taxes by carrying a large sign to that effect on campus. Later I went to the Media P.O. with my sign.