

104: Identity Theft pt.2: Hit, Stay, Pray
May 7, 2025
This week dives into the intriguing history of anti-war activism, spotlighting the courageous actions of priests and nuns who burned draft cards. The conversation explores the moral dilemmas of non-violence, invoking faith as a driver for resistance. Listeners will uncover the profound complexities of the Vietnam War draft and the socio-political repercussions faced by marginalized communities. Through humor and thought-provoking insights, this exploration reveals the intertwining of identity, dissent, and faith amidst political oppression.
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Barry Bondis' Defiant Protest
- Barry Bondis protested the draft by pouring human waste over local draft board files.
- His act symbolized his rejection of the system and sparked a wider movement of resistance.
Draft Card Destruction Delays War
- Destroying draft cards stopped the local draft temporarily by disabling community draft offices.
- This slow-down strategy aimed to reduce the number of soldiers sent to the Vietnam War.
Catonsville 9's Fiery Protest
- The "Catonsville 9"—priests and nuns—burned draft records using homemade napalm and prayed before arrest.
- They symbolically opposed war violence through property destruction and religious ritual.