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Summary: A clarion call for values & virtues of engaged spirituality
Review: Disarmed and Dangerous is an empowering work for all conscientious persons who find themselves alarmed by the wide range of injustices abounding in our world. The core of the book focuses on the Fathers Berrigans' courageous, faith-inspired, non-violent 'ultra-resistance' to the criminal war in/on Vietnam, and to the military-industrial-violence complex, racism and poverty in general. Authors Polner and O'Grady vividly recreate the world of Fr. Dan and Phil (now married), especially during that turbulent period of the late 1960s. The authors do a fine job of examining the inner psyches of these 'men of moral conscience who would suffer to confront the enormous power of the state.' We also hear the reactions from their many friends (e.g., Thomas Merton, Dorothy Day, et al.) and, yes, their detractors and opponents, many of whom nevertheless greatly admired the two men. Those of us persuaded by Mahatma Gandhi that non-violent civil disobedience should never engage in destruction of property (e.g., burning draft files) will be challenged by the Berrigans' undoubtedly correct belief that 'some property had no right to exist.' The controversial issue is still with us today as certain Earth First!ers occasionally destroy logging equipment used to kill irreplaceably-precious old growth forests. Wouldn't a mother do the same for her children if they were threatened by violence? With hindsight, it is clear that the 'domino theory' concerning Communism was a fallacy. Moreover, Sec. of Defense McNamara has admitted that American involvement in and escalation of the Vietnam War was a mistake. Surely, then, the Berrigans and their countless colleagues throughout the land who suffered immensely in rising up to protest the war stood on the side of good and justice. Vilified by many at the time for their civil obedience, these men and women deserve to be rightfully viewed by the media as great American heroes, and heroes of the Catholic Church. Authors Polner and O'Grady succeed in this task, while not shying away from pointing out the occasional quirks and flaws in the two subjects whom they have profiled. This book will be a special inspiration for those in Phil's Plowshares movement and groups like Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) tirelessly laboring on behalf of peace against nuclear weapons and war. The book will also inspire those of us outraged by crimes against humanity like the horrors of US sanctions against the innocent people of Iraq. (Circa 1.5 million--mostly small children, women, the infirm and elderly--have died from lack of clean water, medicine, healthcare, adequate food, and poisoning from our depleted uranium [DU]-tipped bombs and tank shells.) As Phil and his colleagues wrote in their statement of purpose to the press and public upon pouring blood on the draft files in Baltimore, 1967: 'We invite friends in the peace and freedom movements to continue moving with us from dissent to resistance. We ask God to be merciful and patient with us and all men.' (p. 177)
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