Ode to Ramsey
A champion against war
Ramsey Clark was a vocal critic
Of America’s aggressive militarism
But he is quiet now at age 93
Having served as Attorney General
Under President Johnson against killing
He became an advocate of human rights
He defended antiwar protesters
The disadvantaged, the unfairly treated
Showing the ideals of the Constitution
He came to my trial over drones
A criminal weapon at Whitman AFB
He provided a stabilizing demeanor
Along with Bill Quigley and Ann Wright
In the background of this highly profiled trial
Noting a demonstration of full riot gear
For the purpose of intimidating protesters
Which was the endeavor of Judge Whitworth
Resulting in a six month sentence
Of my peace friend Brian Terrell
And my unusual 5-year probation
Shortened by luck or surprising grace
Ramsey was a hero of moral conscience
In a culture relying on force to support courage
Most people point to heroes of the military
And turn to police work, emergency services
Sacrificing their bodies to save another
Honorable, but what about those without guns?
Standing by courage alone for peace and justice
Believing that a nonviolent approach is superior
For revealing higher values of love and equality
Discerning the dark side of a nation being violent
Exposing the racism, the poverty, the hypocrisy
Of the worse of crime and authoritarianism,
Ramsey and those like him are authentic heroes.
By Ron Faust, 4/11/21
Note: Ramsey Clark died April 9, 2021, which prompted this Ode to Ramsey and memories of a trial in Jefferson City, MO, on June 6, 2012. Mentioned in the poem are Law professor Bill Quigley, retired Col. Ann Wright, and deceased Magistrate Judge Whitworth. It was an amazing trial. Henry Stoever was one of the Counselors and Brian Terrell represented himself. Ron Faust remembers his daughter, Tuesday Faust, doing a dance in front of the new Federal Courthouse across from the abandoned prison in Jefferson City.
