Bible has answers to every aspect of life.” I ask him about his specialty in those former years. “ I worked specially in glass and ceramics . . . research into their use in aircraft and deep submersibles. I changed firms and was caught in 1969 by the recession. It’s been good. You need to take a bold new road sometimes.” I question him about his work with those people employed by the Navy. “ I have seen people who were touched by the ‘guilt trip’ laid on them by the leafletters. They understand the ramifications of pushing the button. It’s the last thing in the world they want to see. I don’t know anyone who is a warmonger. They pray to God they never do. Both they and their opponents want the same thing.” He cites a number of Bible verses to back his convictions, so many that I cannot keep track. He admonishes me to doubt sincerely those who claim religious inspiration for their beliefs, if they can’t cite chapter and verse. “ My view of human nature is based on the Bible. Mankind is tinged in every faculty of his being with sin. Where two different opinions exist in the world, there will very likely be a war. It may be yelling or fighting or a nuclear holocaust. “ God has decreed the end. Whatever happens will work out for good. Not necessarily for the good of the world. I believe the world will be judged.” He asks me why all the focus on a nuclear base. “Why not a sword manufacturer? I don’t believe it's morally wrong at all. They are obeying their government. It’s ordained of God. Mankind only respects force or threat.” Reverend Partain pulls out an article he wrote for the Bremerton Sun, “ Protesters Defy Law of God.” An excerpt: “ There is no common ground (or should we say ‘Ground Zero’) for communication between such opposing philosophies except ‘total strategic preparedness.’ Yes! The Ground Zero people should pray! They should pray for forgiveness for trying to dupe people into thinking theirs is a godly cause, and that they might be enlightened to know the true God and the true enemy. To all our military forces, we say, ‘Thank you for being there and for not bearing the sword in vain, but for being instruments of God to suppress chaos and maintain order until the King of Peace reigns personally, visibly and forever.” In a letter to the editor, he wryly notes, someone declared: “ Surely Reverend Partain does not speak for all of Christendom!” I am ushered out into the night with this final message, “We get the government we deserve. Communists are no worse than capitalists. God will judge us all.” An hour later I’m on the Winslow Ferry to Seattle, brimful with impressions. So many people claiming the truth, so many praying for peace, and it has become as elusive as the Trident. The lights of Seattle hone into view, a city, like many in America, fueled by the spending we lavish on our “ protection.” On this trip I’ve been dissuaded of my absurd notion of Portland and Oregon being a “ sanctuary” in this twilight world of military madness, for on the wall in Bob DeWeese’s bookstore was a map that indicated the target area around Portland as being larger than Seattle’s. Credit is due to the “ clean electronic industry” spread throughout Portland’s suburbs, much of which is vital to the space age military equipment built elsewhere. Yes, Trident is all of us, whether we work for it, pay for it or struggle against it. It serves as a convenient, genuinely terrifying symbol for this “ nation of destiny.” Our staggering ingenuity has run away from us and must be brought back under control. Our control. Do what you must, for the Trident moves while we sleep. ■ UNDER ONE BILLION SOLD Charbroiled Burgers Delectable Sandwiches Homemade Blueberry Muffins & Savory Omelettes 7918 East Greenlake Drive North Hours: Mon-Fri 7am - 9 pm For take-out orders, phone 523-4747 Sat-Sun 8 am - 9 pm Mexican Cuisine of the Yucatan EL CAFE Savour our Authentic Sauces 9- 2:30 5:30- 10:00 7 Days a week 5020 Roosevelt Way N.E. 522-9805 Walk across from the Seven Gables THE SILVER IMAGE GALLERY Fine Photographic Prints Books and Posters April 7 - May 1 Roger Vail and Robert Glenn Ketchum May 5 - May 29 Jim Ball • Waterfalls 92 S. Washington St. Seattle, Wa. 98104 Celebrate Circulation! at NEW SEATTLE MASSAGE Swedish Massage • Shiatsu • Reflexology Call 632-5074 for an appointment. Open seven days a week. 4214 University Way N.E. Gift Certificates Available Seattle's Finest Desserts Creations from silky smooth Italian gelati, made fresh daily with pure fruit and nut flavors. Also Dilettante Chocolates, Pacific Dessert Company cakes, espresso and juices. c Geppettofe I “ “ Gelateria Seattle’s Finest Desserts First &Yesler Open T-Th, 12-12, Fri &Sat 'til lam | Clinton St. Quarterly 11
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