George,

I agree 100% that Rep. Virgil Goode should vote No to War. I agree 100% that those so motivated should occupy his office to stress the point. I agree 100% that supporters should show their strength in and out of court. I agree 100% that protesters should be convicted of trespass or whatever crime this is.

If they are not tried and convicted, every conscience-driven protester who sits-in anywhere will be entitled to equal treatment, and anarchy will triumph.

No judge has the right to be "on message." To permit an anti-war sit- in driven by conscience requires we permit right-to-life sit-ins driven by conscience, pro-abortion sit-ins driven by conscience, animal rights sit-ins driven by conscience, stem cell research sit- ins driven by conscience, living wage sit-ins driven by conscience, slavery reparations sit-ins driven by conscience, school prayer sit- ins driven by conscience, right-to-work and right-to-unionize sit-ins driven by conscience, pro and con flag burning driven by conscience.

Anyone aware of the world beyond his own space can add six more conscience issues to that list and then sixty more. No matter how pure and righteous the issue, the number above the law is zero.

Rejoice in conviction, for protest derives its value by paying a price to do it. Only undue severity legitimizes appeal.

Rey Barry (electronic mail, March 1, 2007)