In 2 days he may die

Tom Fox, 54, from Clearbrook, Va (near Winchester, VA) posted his last blog November 8th, 2005 here. He is a Quaker who reveres peace and peacemaking enough to go trembling into the battlezone that the U.S. armed forces have created in Iraq. He loves peace enough (and Jesus enough, it appears) to risk his own death and now he faces that death at the hands of the "Swords of Righteousness Brigade."

Tom Fox's posting November 30, 2005 follows: "It seems easier somehow to confront anger within my heart than it is to confront fear. But if Jesus and Gandhi are right then I am not to give in to either. I am to stand firm against the kidnapper as I am to stand firm against the soldier. Does that mean I walk into a raging battle to confront the soldiers? Does that mean I walk the streets of Baghdad with a sign saying "American for the Taking?" No to both counts. But if Jesus and Gandhi are right, then I am asked to risk my life, and if I lose it to be as forgiving as they were when murdered by the forces of Satan.

Standing firm is a struggle, but I'm willing to keep working at it."



Statement from the daughter of Tom Fox (from Christian Peacemaker Teams).

"I love my father. I am so thankful to have been raised by such a loving, honest, gentle man who continues to teach me the importance of living by my principles. In pictures, in video, my dad looks so tired right now. So very tired. I do not care to imagine. I struggle to even find the space to experience my own emotions. I will continue to hold him and everyone that he is with in the Light and pray for a peaceful resolution."

A note on Tom Fox's Career as a Musician in the Marine Band:

Tom Fox was a music major in college. He graduated at the height of the Viet Nam war in May of 1973. He was already opposed to war and was unwilling to participate in the United States military actions in Viet Nam. Tom auditioned and was accepted into the Marine Band, based in Washington D.C. This fulfilled his military obligation. Tom played clarinet with the Band as a professional musician in order to support his family. He received no military training. He left the Marine Band to work as a grocer.

For the sake of his daughter and son, please sign this petition asking to spare his life.

God, please move Tom deeply right now. His spirit communes with ours. His strength comes from you. Give him the bravery you had in death, Jesus. We are moved at his sacrificial life. Wow... touch him with courage right now. If he is to leave us, not In jail and not in fear but in ecstasy may he leave us. Love in his eyes.

Created by israel
Last modified 2005-12-06 01:46 PM