Boston meeting defends GI resisters Jones and Larsen

Scan page 6

BOSTON-Defending the democratic rights of the nation's most prominent military resisters, Tahan Jones and Erik Larsen, was the theme of an Oct. 19 meeting at the African American Center of Northeastern University.

Sixty people attended. Jones and Larsen were both present, on leave from Camp Lejeune, N.C., where their court martial proceedings are now underway.

Larsen had spoken to enthusiastic audiences in Boston a year ago at the height of the genocidal U.S. war against the Iraqi people. But, as Erik said, "It seems like when the war was finished and the protests were done, we were forgotten. We're still waging our battle."

Larsen pointed out that the aftermath of the Gulf War has been scrupulously hidden from the American people by the pro-war press. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis are suffering from horrible health conditions in a country devastated by U.S. bombing.

In the same vein, a wall of official silence has been erected to keep the fight waged for the freedom of American military resisters isolated from the American people. These courageous young men face prison sentences of up to seven years.

The Boston meeting was significant for Joseph Ryan/Socialist Action start from scratch. It's no time to slack off.

It's important to get back into our communities—particularly the Black community and the poor communities who will be most affected by the war."

A representative of the Oakland, California-based national defense committee has indicated that an additional $20,000 is needed to complete the legal defense efforts.

Contributions can be sent to: Jones/Larsen Defense Committee, 1678 Shattuck Ave., Box 225, Berkeley, CA 94709. Phone (510) 655-1201.

In New England, contact the Jones/Larsen New England Defense Committee, 28 William St., W. Newton, MA 02165. Phone (617) 868-4132 or (617)

332-9016.

Write Erik and Tahan at: PFC. Erik Larsen 563-49-1139, Bldg. 8/H-1, Wing A, 2nd MEB, Sub unit 1/MCB, Camp Lejeune, N.C., 28542-5090.

Tahan Jones, who has observed from personal experience at Camp Lejeune that every Marine Reservist application for CO [conscientious objector] status has been denied, told the Boston audience that, "The CO process is rigged." Erik Larsen's attorney, Robert Rivkin, agrees. He points out that legal standards for CO status established during the Vietnam era under the pressure of a mass antiwar movement, have been effectively scrapped.

Rivkin says that it the tederal district court would apply the legal standards that exist on paper, Larsen's appeal of the Marine Corps denial of his application would be upheld at his Nov. 1 hearing in San Francisco. Nevertheless, the military's current record of denying virtually all co applications is unlikely to be challenged by the judicial system.

John Murko, the attorney for Tahan Jones, told Socialist Action on Oct. 30 that the Marine Corps has denied Jones's request to call 15 witnesses for his Article 32 (preliminary) hearing. The Marines said that none of the defense witnesses met the military's newly adopted criteria that witnesses must reside within 100 miles of Camp Lejeune. This, said Murko, is yet. another abrogation of Jones's constitutional right to due process and a fair trial.

Murko also reported that the Marines continue their efforts to induce Tahan Jones to testify against Erik Larsen in Larsen's upcoming court martial proceeding. It is strongly implied that Jones will receive a reduced sentence for finking on his friend. Jones, however, has steadfastly refused the offers-even though he faces years in prison.—JEFF MACKLER ing date. A. Total no. copies printed (net press run): 3000. B. Paid and/or requested circulation (1) Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors and counter sales: 1286. (2) Mail subscription (Paid and/or requested): 919. C. Total paid and/or requested circulation (Sum of 10B1 and 10B2): 2205. D. Free distribution by mail, carrier or other means, samples, complimentary, and other free copies: 71. E. Total distribution (Sum of C and D) 2276. F. copies not distributed (1) Office usc, left over, unaccounted, spoiled after printing: 724. (2) Return from news agents: O. G. Total (Sum of E, Fl and 2-should equal net press run shown in A): 3000.

11. I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete.

(signed)

Barry Sheppard Business Manager

----- pull-quotes -----

*This process is rigged