MichaelMoore.com

Bodies Upon the Gears

Non-violent Direct Action Protester to Stand Up for First Amendment Rights

DUNCAN- Sixteen people from all over the Heartland attempted a citizens' arrest of David Lesar at the Halliburton Shareholders' meeting in Duncan Oklahoma.  Hiram Myers, an attorney with a nephew deployed in Iraq, who felt compelled by his conscience to prepare a legal document outlining Halliburton's violations, led them.

Among those who joined Myers in leaving the protest pen, which fell under the weight of banners, signs, and chants of "This is What Democracy Looks Like!" was Tulsa Peace Fellowship member Joni LeViness.  Aware of the risk, she maintains that her acts are part of a proud tradition of non-violent direct action that she hopes will impact the community in an immediate and powerful way.  She feels so passionately that she has chosen to appear in court with anticipated charges of 'Permit Violation' to enter a plea of 'Not Guilty.'

"There is a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can't take part;" LeViness shares citing a quote of unknown origin, "you can't even passively take part, and you've got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus, and you've got to make it stop.  And you've got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it, that unless you're free, the machine will be prevented from working at all!"

Halliburton is currently under investigations by the Security Exchange Commission, Department of Justice and the Pentagon for bribery, fraud and overcharging no-bid military contracts.  Additionally, Halliburton also has business dealings in Iran, which are contrary to the U.S. sanctions currently being imposed.  It is widely believed that Halliburton moved their shareholders' meeting to Duncan, Oklahoma from Houston, Texas where their meetings in past years have been the target of intense scrutiny, protests, and civil disobedience.  Their move appears to have strengthened the resolve of corporate accountability advocates, veterans, and concerned citizens.

To download a copy of Corpwatch's new annual report "Hurricane Halliburton:  Conflict, Climate Change, and Catastrophe" please visit the web at http://www.corpwatch.org/downloads/houston2006.pdf.