 Gary Ashbeck, Jonah House, Prisoner of Conscience |
School of the Americas |
Letter from Gary Ashbeck to Joe
January 5, 2004
January 5, 2004
Joe,
I am sitting here on my bunk listening to games of checkers, cards, TV playing, and phone conversations home. Finding a little bit of space in the chaos…
I have found myself going through much of the Bible, since I have the time, and seeing so many things about Idolatry and Empire. These just happen to be 2 of the biggest curses that threaten us today. Putting faith in empire and weapons and not in God or even as simple as putting faith in acts of humanity. Ideas that very much have been influencing my thoughts to trial and my prayer in the morning.
I am going to remain in jail through trial. I feel that the stress of getting out and re-acclimating to the outside world and people with the stress of trial could cloud the clarity I have discovered in here. It would also be difficult to say goodbye all over again to loved ones. So I hope everyone sets to party well on my birthday, January 22. I think my party date will be around May 20.
The government has it easy for me. They just need to prove I was on the base since I have been previously banned and barred. It also provides a better chance of receiving 6 months. But that is what I planned for.
Nothing more to report here. Just hoping that 2004 brings peace and hope to those under bombs and in front of roving death squads.
God bless,
Gary
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