An anniversary of principle and conscience

Michael Simmons delivering a speech at a rally of the Citizens Against the Far Right Movement in Hungary, protesting against planned neo-nazi demonstrations on August 15, 2009.  Credit for the beautiful photo goes to our good friend JD.

Today, September 4, 2009, marks a 40 year anniversary in a life devoted to fighting for human rights.  On September 4, 1969, Michael Simmons began a 30-month prison sentence for his conscientious objection to the Vietnam War. As a Black American, Michael faced a longer prison sentence than white conscientious objectors, because not only did he express a personal opposition to the war in Vietnam, he also fought hard against the oppression of Black Americans in the United States, and actively organized African American opposition against the war.

On this important anniversary, I invite Ráday Salon friends and fans to join me in commemorating Michael's commitment and courage

-- Linda

• Read an interview with Michael about his conscientious objection: "A Black Man Fights the Draft", Objector Magazine, published by the Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors, 2003.