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<font size=4><b>Battles Yet To Be Won: A Benefit for Political Prisoner
Marie Mason Perspectives on Repression & Resistance- From the 1960’s
to the Present<br><br>
Thursday, July 22, 2010<br>
7:30 PM<br>
Submission Gallery<br>
2183 Mission Street, San Francisco<br><br>
</b></font><font size=3>donation: $5 – $20, no one turned away<br><br>
Featuring: Former Prisoners Jeff Luers and Linda Evans, and Earth
First!er Karen Pickett<br><br>
Followed by tunes aplenty by KUSF DJ Carolyn Keddy<br><br>
*****<br><br>
Marie Mason is a long-time activist in the environmental and labor
movements. In 2008, she was arrested on federal charges of property
destruction that occurred in 1999. She was sentenced in 2009 to almost 22
years – the longest term of any “Green Scare” prisoner. Marie is
currently appealing her sentence. She is imprisoned in Waseca, MN and is
the loving mother of 2 children, from whom she has been torn away. For
more information, see
<a href="http://www.supportmariemason.org/">
http://www.supportmariemason.org</a><br><br>
The “Green Scare” refers to the recent arrests of animal rights and
environmental activists, charged with acts of economic sabotage. The US
government and courts have dealt the activists outrageous sentences,
publicly labeling them as “terrorists” – despite the fact that no one has
been injured in any of their actions. For an introduction to the Green
Scare, see
<a href="http://www.greenisthenewred.com/blog/green-scare/">
http://www.greenisthenewred.com/blog/green-scare/.</a><br><br>
This event will contextualize the current repression, a continuation of
the government’s COINTELPRO agenda that historically also targeted
movements such as the Black Panthers, American Indian Movement, Chicano
rights, Puerto Rican Independentistas, and those in solidarity with them.
Former prisoners will share their experiences and perspectives on Marie
Mason’s case, focusing on what we can do to support her. Our struggles
for change can only succeed if we show solidarity with our brothers and
sisters who have fallen into the hands of the state. Let’s gather to
strengthen our resistance!<br><br>
Speakers:<br><br>
Linda Evans – Sentenced to 40 years in prison in 1987 for her
participation in radical resistance against U.S. imperialism, Linda Evans
was released after presidential commutation in 2001. She has fought
tirelessly for justice inside and out of prison, currently working with
Legal Services for Prisoners with Children and All of Us or None to
demand an end to the life-long discrimination faced by former prisoners.
Linda will discuss the history of repression and resistance in the U.S.,
as well as specific issues faced by women in prison.<br><br>
Jeff ‘Free’ Luers – In June 2001, 23 year-old forest defense activist
Jeff “Free” Luers was sentenced to over 22 years for the burning of three
SUV’s in Eugene, Oregon as a statement on global warming. After serving
close to 10 years, Jeff was released in 2009 following a successful
appeal. He will share his experiences and the ways in which the loud
voices of supporters were instrumental in his early release.<br><br>
Karen Pickett - Long-time Earth First! activist Karen Pickett has been an
inspired participant in the environmental struggle for years. She is a
personal friend of Marie Mason and has continuously supported her since
her arrest. Karen will discuss Marie’s case, their relationship, and ways
in which we can demonstrate our solidarity with Marie.<br><br>
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<font size=3 color="#FF0000">Freedom Archives<br>
522 Valencia Street<br>
San Francisco, CA 94110<br><br>
</font><font size=3 color="#008000">415 863-9977<br><br>
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<a href="http://www.freedomarchives.org/" eudora="autourl">
www.Freedomarchives.org</a></font><font size=3> </font></body>
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