Thoughts from Jessica Stewart on the Sentencing of Her Husband Danny Burns

Today, my husband, Danny Burns was sentenced to six months in prison. He is in jail because on March 17th 2003, he joined millions of others in trying to prevent the war on Iraq. He tried to prevent the war because he knew it was illegal under international law and he knew that thousands of innocent lives would be lost.

During the sentencing, the prosecutor called Danny arrogant. Mr. Lovric said Danny was "the criminal's criminal" and that he had seen gang leaders show more remorse. Both the prosecutor and the judge were clearly riled up about what they believe is "utter disrespect for the law".

Respect for the law is a funny thing for the attorney general's office to be considering presently. What about the utter disrespect for law and justice shown by our governmentís leaders? Where is righteous outrage of these men when our country illegally invades another, when we torture men and boys in Guantnamo Bay Naval Detention Center, when we train Latin American soldiers to commit atrocities and undermine democracy in their countries, when we fail to provide disaster relief to victims of Hurricane Katrina? What about illegal surveillance of American citizens?

Another striking remark by the judge was when he said "when has breaking law ever changed anything." Apparently, the judge is unfamiliar with Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, the Boston Tea Party, the Greensboro Four, Susan B. Anthony and thousands of other people who undoubtedly sat through similar commentary from similar judges and then went on to victory a few years later.

Our children, even with Danny in jail, are so much more privileged than ninety nine percent of children in this world. Today as the children and I left the court house I found myself envisioning a world truly predicated on respect for the law. The basic laws of justice and humanity. Laws like: every child has the right to grow up free from war; every child has access to enough food, to loving community, to adequate housing and medical care. Laws like the universal declaration of human rights. Unfortunately, our country's utter disrespect for the law means that most of the world's children aren't able to experience life with these basic rights.

Even though I know it will be hard at times to have Danny away, it is our responsibility to put ourselves out there in an effort to create a world where these basic laws are respected. I am encouraged and inspired by the many brave, creative and fun ways that people around me are working to create a peaceful, just and sustainable future. During this six months, I am committing to stepping up, in small ways, my resistance to a culture and economy of war, injustice and unsustainability. I invite you to do the same- participate in nonviolent civil resistance, commit to eating 75% local food, organize a vigil, organize a mass bike ride, reduce car use, do community organizing for an end- demand change in the ways that are best for you.

Letters should be addressed:
Daniel J Burns
Broome County Correctional Facility
155 Lt VanWinkle Drive'
Binghamton NY 13905