Who is
Earthfolk's scribe?
Some people enjoy the meal in itself, others need to know the name of
the chef and where she trained.
As is described in a more expansive personal reflection,
this website started to be imagined in 2005 when I put together
a university campus based effort whose objective was to promote a
play about a turning
point event in my youth. {2012: Also, Outlaw
Visions}
The play, "Peace
Crimes," is about young people confronting war
time issues of the Selective Service System's draft. With seven others,
in
1970, I raided draft boards—burgled, stole and destroyed 1-A files.
I served time in federal prison. Now the current generation was facing
several
wars
and
entering
a new
world
where
enemy terrorists lurked behind every post. The issues we faced in
1970—quite
unfortunately—were and remain relevant. However, the situation on
campus had dramatically changed.
Simply, in the early 1970s there were mainly two social
justice issues: civil rights and war resistance. In 2005, activist
students were involved
in more social justice causes than one could count. War and racism
were still there but now a myriad of "movements" vied for the activist's
attention and time. I remain profoundly moved by the deep commitment
of today's youth for social justice and for the healing of the planet.
As I
listened
I realized that a pattern of ideas and images was emerging. They
valued and honored the Earth in every
way. They cared for people, of course, but saw that the people
and the Earth are One. I realized that they were the heartfelt conscience
and consciousness
of the Living Earth.
I am an old guy. I was not only their grandfather
but my white-hair and aging body truly made some of them consider
me ancient—an ambualtory peripetetic historical footnote.
Drawn by their passionate commitments, I wanted to contribute—play
a part in support of their efforts. Being an old guy, I have a story.
It
might make for an interesting
obituary column, but I thought I'd tried to wring some juice out
of all my ripeness. The word "Earthfolk" had come to me
decades ago, but only now did it begin to show me its Big Story.
So, I began writing.
I realize that some need more descriptors. Born
August 6, 1944 in Bayonne, NJ. Fourth child, third son of nine. German-Irish
Roman Catholic.
Seminarian. Novice monk. Lay Catholic theologian. College instructor.
Conscientious Objector. Preacher and teacher. Draft board raider. Convicted
as a "violent felon." Five year sentence, served 14 months in federal
prison. Lost soul on a Dark Night's journey for ten years. Prison reform
project director for four years. Back to doctoral studies in history
and theology. Married. Two sons. Door to door encyclopedia salesman.
Meteoric rise in sales
management. Three decades in the three piece suit and wing-tips. High
tech marketing. Divorced after 28 year marriage. "Peace Crimes" is
written and produced. Retired. Small rural town in SW Wisconsin. Writing
stuff.
On YouTube a "Minnesota
8"and a "Frank Kroncke" channel. Prison
interview 2014.
Francis X. Kroncke
#8867-147
