Call for Weekend of Resistance Against the "Green Scare" June 9 - 11
friends of Jeff Luers | 28.05.2006 01:28 | Animal Liberation | Ecology | Repression
by Jeff Free Luers
This June marks my 6th year in prison. From behind these walls I have strived to remain an active part of this struggle; from contributing to the dialogue and discussion of tactics, to furthering the debate on climate change in the public. Perhaps most importantly I am proof that prison cannot crush the spirit of resistance.
This year has seen an increase in state repression against activists and radicals alike. It is truly a scary time. We all know about the "Red Scare" - the government's attempt to justify repression by labeling dissidents "communists" back in the 1950's. Today we see their "Green Scare" attempt to crush resistance by labeling them "eco-terrorists."
For the last three years, June 11th has been celebrated as an international day of solidarity with me, Jeffrey Luers. I have been overjoyed with a sense of love & pride at the support I have received from around the world. My deepest and sincerest thanks go out to all of you.
Right now there are more than a dozen people sitting in American jails (or on strict bail release) accused of Earth/Animal Liberation Front actions. Six people were originally arrested. These arrests were based almost entirely on the testimony of one police informant, Jacob Ferguson. Bill Rodgers - accused of multiple arsons - took his own life in a jail cell. Unfortunately, several of those arrested are now cooperating with the state.
These defendants are facing ridiculous charges and a draconian amount of time.
This June, I ask you to show them the solidarity that you have shown me. I ask that foremost in your mind be the thought that the state is trying to break this struggle with repressive and intimidating arrests and sentences. I hope you understand that it's not just those of us in prison being punished with these sentences; they are designed to be examples to you, to frighten you into compliance. This June I'm asking you to demonstrate that you can't be intimidated. Celebrate your dissent, give it voice. Be loud. Be visible. If you have the ability, organize a reclaim the streets party or a critical mass.
If you are going to host a fundraiser or venue event, I ask that you donate all proceeds to the legal defense of those recently arrested who maintain integrity in the face of repression, whether they are innocent or guilty.
This June, show the world that the voice of truth will not be silenced by fear.
Contact Friends of Jeff Luers, PO Box 3, Eugene, OR 97440 USA or email freefreenow@mutualaid.org for organizing resources.
June 9 - 11, 2006, is a Weekend of Resistance Against the Green Scare. There is no central organizing body or group to check in with but the Jeff Luers Support Network can help by providing you with flyers, graphics, and merchandise such as videos, zines and stickers about Jeff and allies in the struggle. Begin planning your event now. Read more about the Green Scare defendants here. Plan an action that makes sense for your area: a demonstration, treesit, music festival, teach-in, stenciling campaign, rally, protests at an American consulate/embassy overseas or public forum. Circulate petitions. Contribute to the legal defense for the defendants. Do what you think is appropriate. But please remember when planning an action or event think about how it could affect the upcoming court cases. Ask yourself: does this help or hurt the defendants? Does this strengthen the movement or weaken it in the long-term?
East Coast contact:
Friends of Jeff 'Free' Luers - freefreenow@mutualaid.org
West Coast contacts:
Free's Defense Network -PO Box 3, Eugene, OR 97440, breakthechains02@yahoo.com or freefreenow@mutualaid.org
San Francisco Jeffrey Luers Support Network- freejeffreyluers@resist.ca
European contact:
Brighton Anarchist Black Cross- PO Box 74, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 4ZQ, UK, mail@brightonabc.org.uk
friends of Jeff Luers