I am Carmen Trotta, and during the trial I have been meditating on behalf of Said Ahasin, who was beaten by the Taliban before being sold to the Americans. I plead with the court for mercy and for justice. The only thing I could recommend is that we be granted a commendation for all of us. Unfortunately, you don’t seem to have heard us. We don’t think the police were wrong. You sat here nearly impervious when over 30 citizens came pleading. Law, Order, and Reason. The unity of that trinity is Justice. Justice, without which tyranny occurs. You have admitted almost all priors are for nonviolent convictions. But what you want is to dissuade people from nonviolent dissent. You are doing a disservice to our country. The president has asserted tyrannical powers. People came here to bear witness themselves to you. The only thing I ask is that you commend us and join with us.

Judge Gardner replied, “Thank you sir. So: 10 days in jail suspended; $50 in court costs; 1 year probation and stayaway from the Supreme Court.”

Mr. Trotta responded, “Can I do the time? You’re sending people to jail for supporting Ghandi. That’s degradation of the Constitution. Will you give us a commendation?”

Judge Gardner: “Commendation? What I might personally do is not my job. This is my job.”

Mr. Trotta: “I want you to commend us. Shake my hand.”

Judge Gardner: “The choice is yours. Ten days.”