Howard Zinn on Democracy and Civil Disobedience

The footage contained in this film originally came from raw footage used in a 1986 documentary, The Trial of the AVCO Plowshares, directed by John Reilly and Julie Gustafson. In July of 1983, seven Americans entered AVCO Systems Division, a manufacturing plant for MX and Pershing II missiles in Wilmington, Massachusetts, and damaged weapon parts in a protest against the build-up of nuclear arms. This work documents the ensuing trial. With minimal commentary, Reilly and Gustafson examine the American judicial system, the tradition of non-violent civil disobedience, and the question of a higher moral imperative, beyond letter of the law. The Trial of the AVCO Plowshares can be purchased for educational and community use. Please send an email inquiry to global@. Sliding scale rates available. The Howard Zinn video shown here is free for distribution and embed on web sites. DVD copies available: please send an email to info@.