Widespread Resistance to War Threats:

A sign asked employees arriving at Raytheon's Andover, Massachusetts plant on March 3, "If Raytheon's bombs are so smart, why do they kill Iraqi children?"

After recent acquisitions of Hughes and Texas Instruments weapons divisions, Raytheon is now the third largest U.S. weapons manufacturer, maker of 65% of all the missiles and bombs now deployed in the Persian Gulf, including such "smart" weapons as the Patriot and Tomahawk cruise missiles.

A group calling themselves the Raytheon Peacemakers were assembled near the plant's entrance.  Three members poured blood on the corporate sign, then prayerfully vigiled.  Some prayed silently, some read from the prophecies of Isaiah and Ezekiel, while three others provided a mindful Buddhist drumbeat and chant in the background.  After half an hour, seven members of the group began walking down the driveway towards the plant and were promptly arrested.

Sean Donahue, Marcia Gagliardi, Ken Hannaford-Ricardi, Justin Kennaway, Hattie Nestel, FrancesCrowe, and Scott Schaeffer-Duffy were charged with trespass and disorderly conduct, and released pending court dates in early June.

For more information, contact Raytheon Peacemakers, c/o Marcia Gagliardi and Hattie Nestel, POB 248, Athol, MA 01331. (978)249-9400; e-mail: mgagliardi@arrsd.mec.edu

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last updated July 10 1998