MADISON, Wis. -- Civil disobedience over the war at Truax Field Wednesday resulted in several charges, but no violence.

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Twenty-four protesters were ticketed for blocking the road in front of the main gate of the Madison military installation.

The Madison non-violent war protest was one of 55 similar protests planned across the country this week.

The protests are organized by a National Coalition of peace groups called "Iraq Pledge of Resistance."

"The careful planning of this event, so this does not turn into, escalate into a ruckus on either side with the police or demonstrators, that's really important to me," said Fawn Houck, a war protester.

Organizers met with police to tell them about the planned civil disobedience. The group says the United States should seek a diplomatic resolution with Iraq instead of going to war.

Those arrested for "standing on roadway" at Mitchell and Hoffman streets and ticketed $50.40 include:

Susan J. Spahn, Madison

Joy A. First, Madison

Thomas A. Benevento, Madison

Keith D. Hazelton, Stoughton

Allen A. Benzschawel, Albany

Andrew J. Lehto

Jolanda M. Sallmann, Madison

Janet Parker, Madison

Cassandra A. Dixon, Wisconsin Dells

Paul Beckett, Madison

Derek Miess, Middleton

Mark Leach, Madison

Kate E. Edwards, Madison

Marion L. Stunkel, Madison

Bonita Sitter, Madison

Rachel M. Potter, Madison

Alexander Turner, Madison

Leslie A. Moy, Madison

Phyllis Hasbrouck, Madison

Sara M. Humdere, Madison

David Long, Madison

Fawn Houck, Madison

John Friedrich, Madison

Margaret Ross, Madison

The group held a "civil disobedience training session" Tuesday night and have several more planned, including this Sunday night.

Participants from the training did role-plays in preparation and pledged to act nonviolently during the action at Truax.

"We want troops to stay home ... come home where they're not asked to kill civilians, who should not be held resonsible for the brutal dictator that rules them -- Saddam Hussein," said Janet Parker (pictured, left), a protest organizer.

Madison Area Peace Coalition Web site.

For more information on upcoming civil disobendience trainings, go to http://www.madpeace.org or call Margot Zahner at (608) 249-4131.

Rallies For America This Weekend

There will be "Rallies for America" this weekend across the country, including one in Milwaukee.

The weekend's theme is "Liberty Weekend." Organizers say it will be a full weekend of events, sponsored by conservative organizations nationwide.

The Milwaukee rally is Saturday and is sponsored by the Wisconsin Chapter of Free Republic. It will start at noon in Cathedral Square, on the corner of Kilbourn and Jefferson.

Organizers say the rally has several scheduled speakers, including Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, State Sens. Cathy Stepp and Tom Reynolds, and State Rep. Jeff Plale, as well as decorated veterans and members of the Wisconsin Chapter of FreeRepublic.

Congressman Paul Ryan has been invited, but his schedule may not allow him to attend, organizers said.

Milwaukee's rally is called "Band Together," and organizers say it will raise funds for the family support groups of local reserve installations. Donations from this campaign will help the families of those who have been called up. Red, white and blue bands are currently being distributed and will be available at the rally.

Call Lisa Bell at (262) 835-1707 pianodoggy@earthlink.net or Lou D'Abbraccio (414) 350-8423 lou@dabbraccio.com for more information.

For more information, go to freeper.org