Texas Labor Against the War

Hello All,
I hope that you have had a chance to read the news accounts of Victor’s
court-martial. It was interesting and very inspiring to observe the process
yesterday morning. It was also heartbreaking to see such an honorable and
sincere person being escorted to jail, knowing that the real offenders,
those who led us to war, are walking free.

We will be holding weekly protests at the Bell County jail every Saturday
until Victor is released. Please join us this Saturday at 1pm at the new
jail facility in Belton (scroll way down for link to a map and directions.)
Please bring signs reflecting your support for Victor and other war
resisters. Victor will not be able to see us, but, he knows that we will be
there. I want to share with you the statement from Victor to his supporters
which was read yesterday afternoon by his lawyer, James Branum.

*Statement written by Victor Agosto
to be read at tonight’s protest at the East Gate of Fort Hood
*Thank you for being here this evening.
I have learned that nothing is more frightening to power than a direct and
principled challenge to its authority. The truth is on our side and those
who have incarcerated me know it. This is something that no amount of
pro-war propaganda can change.
My only regret is that I did not begin refusing orders sooner. My only
apologies are to the people of Iraq and Afghanistan. I hope that someday
they can forgive me for my contributions to their distress.
Thank you for coming here to protest my incarceration. I am humbled by your
demands for even greater concessions by the United States Army. I am
completely content to spend a month in jail for the sake of my conscience.
But it seems that reducing my sentence from a year in jail to thirty days in
jail is just not enough for you people. This dedication to justice is
something that draws me to people in the peace movement.
I look forward to continuing to work with you, the Texas peace community, to
bring about the end of these horrendous occupations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
I thank you for making me feel that I can comfortably call Texas my home,
something that seemed unimaginable three and a half years ago when I first
arrived at Fort Hood. You have treated me with a compassion and kindness
that I do not deserve. Your dedication to the cause inspires me to continue
struggling for world peace.
- Victor Agosto

There is a map here http://www.bellcountytx.com/Sheriff/21directions.htm
I’ve copied the text of the directions below.
**
*DIRECTIONS FROM I-35*

Take the Loop 121 exit (292) and proceed west on Loop 121. Follow Loop 121
around until you get to Huey Dr and turn into the Criminal Justice Complex.
Parking to the new jail is on the west side (right) of the District Courts
Building.

Onward,
Fran