Prominent Peace Activist Randy Kehler Passes Away, Leaving a Legacy of Defiance

Randy Kehler, a prominent figure in the American peace movement and a steadfast opponent of the Vietnam War, passed away on July 21 at the age of 80 at his home in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. His wife, Betsy Corner, confirmed that the cause of death was myalgic encephalomyelitis, commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome. Kehler's legacy is closely intertwined with that of Daniel Ellsberg, the defense analyst who famously leaked the Pentagon Papers in 1971. Their connection was forged during an antiwar conference in 1969, where Kehler's passionate activism and courage to challenge the military status quo inspired Ellsberg to take the monumental step of exposing the government’s secrets regarding the Vietnam War. This act of defiance not only altered public perception of the war but also significantly impacted the political landscape of the era. Before his encounter with Ellsberg, Kehler had already begun his activism in earnest. In 1969, he was imprisoned for obstructing access to an Army induction center in Oakland, California, making headlines as a symbol of the growing anti-war sentiment among Americans. He was preparing to return to jail for a more personal act of defiance—returning his draft card to the Selective Service, a move that highlighted the moral struggles faced by young men during the tumultuous years of the Vietnam War. Kehler's activism did not end with the Vietnam War. Throughout the late 1970s, he was instrumental in organizing a nationwide campaign advocating for a moratorium on nuclear weapon production. His efforts were seen by many as a significant catalyst in influencing the Reagan administration’s eventual push for arms reduction talks with the Soviet Union. This campaign showcased Kehler's unwavering commitment to peace and disarmament, and his ability to galvanize community action around critical issues of national and global security. In a further act of civil disobedience, Kehler and his wife, Betsy, refused to pay federal taxes for several years in protest against military spending. This refusal culminated in a dramatic confrontation with the Internal Revenue Service in 1989 when their home was seized. Kehler’s refusal to comply with a judge's order to vacate not only brought him back into the headlines but also underscored the lengths to which he would go for his beliefs. Randy Kehler's life was marked by a relentless pursuit of peace and justice, and his activism inspired countless others to raise their voices against war and militarism. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of individual conviction in the face of overwhelming institutional forces, and his contributions to the peace movement will not be forgotten. As the nation reflects on Kehler's impact, it also confronts the ongoing challenges of military engagement and the quest for a more peaceful world.