On Wednesday, July 5, 2006, I appeared before the Magistrate of District Court 38-1-09 of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, for trial on the charge of Disorderly Conduct arising from a peaceful demonstration at Lockheed Martin, King of Prussia, PA, on Good Friday, April 14, 2006.
I entered a not guilty plea as follows:
I do not feel I am guilty and so, in due respect for the law, I cannot plead guilty. My particular purpose that Good Friday was to bring to the Christian workers of Lockheed Martin the message that making weapons systems that could destroy mankind is not a practice that Jesus could approve of. I believe there is legal justification because my peaceful action opposes the greater crime of violation of the Nuremberg Principles, the United Nations Charter, and the Geneva Conventions, all of which our government has agreed to abide by.
I had ample opportunity to give my defense, and the judge replied, “I basically agree with you; I just can’t agree with how you do it.” He suggested that we pray more. He asked if I worked at Villanova University, and I replied affirmatively. He addressed me as Dr. Sheldon, and I addressed him as Your Honor.
The judge reduced the fine to $50 from the maximum of $300, and Court costs, which I will pay when the bill arrives. We shook hands at the conclusion.
There is no WAY to peace. Peace IS the way.