[Ppnews] Jeff Free Luers writes about State Repression - April 2006

[Political Prisoner News]

Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2006 14:07:12 -0700 (PDT)
From: Break Chains <breakthechains02 at yahoo.com>


Jeff Free Luers writes about State Repression - April 2006

By now everyone knows about the arrests and indictments handed down 
to 11 people charged with ELF actions. The SHAC 7 have been convicted 
on all counts for maintaining a website. Rod Coronado has been 
arrested for explaining how he committed his arsons. Activists have 
been arrested in Sacramento charged with thought crime. Not to 
mention the various Grand Jury investigations around the country.

Like it or not, the radical movement has found itself in the middle 
of a war. The ELF, ALF, anarchists and other radicals have been 
declared the number one threat to the state. The FBI devotes more 
time and energy to activists than it does Al-Qaeda.

For every article I write, I wonder if this will be the one that 
lands me back in the hole. The FBI, in connection with the Oregon 
Department of Corrections, reviews all my outgoing mail. Some of my 
mail has been censored and not allowed to go out at all. I am banned 
from meeting with the media. None of those who were arrested are 
allowed to contact me, or allowed to be contacted by me.

I'm beginning to feel a lot more like a P.O.W. than a political prisoner.

This crack down on radical activists, though it comes not 
unexpectedly, has begun to take its toll on me. Some of the charges 
stem from a solidarity action for Craig "Critter" Marshall and me. I 
also know people involved with these cases.

Daniel McGowan is one of my closest and dearest friends. I owe so 
much of the support I've received over the years to him. At his bail 
hearing they used his support and friendship for me against him. The 
prosecution used letters and pictures of us as if it were evidence of a crime.

I used to play in a band with Jacob Ferguson, a now known informant. 
I used to watch his kid. Alleged cooperating witness Sarah Harvey and 
I lived together for a time. She helped build the first treesit at Fall Creek.

Convicted activist Josh Harper and I go back many years. I still have 
the article "In honor of Jeff Luers" he wrote after my conviction. He 
and I have stood the line together many a time, and I do not know a 
more courageous and dedicated man.

It breaks my heart to see my friends falling subject to the state. I 
applaud Daniel, Josh and the others who have stood their ground with 
heads high. I am sick and disgusted with Jake. I hope that anyone 
cooperating with the state will again find their courage and honor, 
and refuse to testify.

In these harsh times the role of prisoner support takes on a whole 
new meaning. And it's not enough just to support those who have been 
arrested and convicted. The struggle must go on the offensive. The 
movement can no longer sit back and let the actions of accused stand 
for the hearts of the many.

These arrests are not intended to target individuals anymore than my 
sentence was meant to punish just me. The state has declared war on 
dissent. Our ideals, our dreams, our very existence as a movement has 
been targeted for eradication.

Detective Chuck Tilby, of the Eugene Police Department, created a 
report on anarchists for their journals. The content was focused on 
"Conflict and Terrorism in 2005". The article detailed ways for law 
enforcement to create protest zones so far away from an event that it 
would be impractical or seem unattractive to protesters who wanted 
their message heard. The article suggests that police use 
infiltration, grand juries and informants against "above ground" 
activists in attempts to extinguish "under ground" activities.

Incidentally, Chuck is one of the detectives who had Critter and I 
under surveillance the night of our arrest. During my trial neither 
he nor any other officer could recall the order being put under 
investigation, but it did not come from within the EPD.

This is not the first time the state has used tactics like these. 
Counter insurgency tactics were employed against the American Indian 
Movement (AIM), and Black Panthers. Very few struggles have succeeded 
against the United States.

However, two very powerful movements come to mind: the Civil Rights 
movement and the struggle for the eight-hour workday. There was 
success because whatever the state threw at them they refused to back 
down. They continued their struggles with their commitment and determination.

True movements support their prisoners by replacing them on the front 
lines. Real struggles challenge repression with resistance.

This is a state of emergency. Not only our success, but also our 
existence depends on your actions. The police state is here. 
Everything we've long feared is coming to pass. This isn't someone 
else's fight anymore, it's yours. What are you going to do about it?

-Jeff Free Luers

http://www.freefreenow.org

Organize an event for the
International Weekend of Resistance Against the Green Scare! June 
9-11, 2006 http://www.freefreenow.org/june2006.htm

Promotional flyers and web banners are now available for the Weekend 
of Resistance http://www.freefreenow.org/june2006.htm
Write Free at Jeffrey Luers, #13797671, Oregon State Penetentiary, 
Salem, OR 97310

Donate to Free's Legal Defense:
1-Online through the 'make a donation' button at http://www.freefreenow.org
2-Send a check or money order to: "Free's Defense Fund" and mail to
POB 3, Eugene, OR 97440

<http://www.freefreenow.org/>http://www.freefreenow.org



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