60 years ago today, my partner David Miller burned his draft card at a rally in New York City. I didn’t know him at the time—I remember seeing the news in the tiny Venice Beach apartment I shared with my boyfriend and marveling at how this straight-looking guy could be so courageous. He was the first person to burn a card after they made it a felony, and he ended up spending nearly two years in federal prison. He missed a key part of his eldest daughter’s toddlerhood, and missed the birth and babyhood of his second daughter. But he kept his integrity, a clear conscience, and the knowledge that he helped to end an unjust war.
Today we’re seeing continued assaults on dissent and free speech, and wars continue to rage. Democracy is under attack as never before. None of this is new, but perhaps now it is even more extreme than we could have imagined in those early days. Now more than ever, we need examples of real courage. On this anniversary day, I honor you, David—brave activist, devoted father, loving partner—and all who stand up for justice, liberty and peace.
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This post has been syndicated from Starhawk’s Substack, where it was published under this address.