June 11th in Athens: News on the appeals court of anarchist André Mazurek, prisoner of the December ’08 uprising

June 11, 2012 Contra Info

Today marks the second anniversary of the international day of solidarity 
with Marie Mason, Eric McDavid and other long-term anarchist prisoners.

On the same day in Athens, a solidarity gathering was called for the appeal trial of comrade Andrzej Mazurek, who was convicted on frame-up charges amid the December ’08 riots. He was incarcerated in Larissa prisons when fellow prisoners spread his case widely for the first time in December 2011. That’s how Andrzej was even named ‘the forgotten prisoner of the December 2008 rebellion’ by the Assembly of solidarity to imprisoned and prosecuted fighters/Athens.

After the appeal hearing of June 11th, 2012, his prison term was reduced to 8.5 years. Since he has completed already 2/5 of his sentence, he is anticipated to be released within a short time. We are waiting for more details, but there’s no need to wait to show solidarity to Andrzej and other dignified fighters.

 

Here follows a message from the June11.org solidarity group in the US.


‘Happy June 11th! Good luck in your show of solidarity, and thank you.

We’d like to share this urgent call from Athens in solidarity with one of many long-term anarchist prisoners in Greece:

Let’s make the 11th of June also a support day for imprisoned anarchist Andrzej Mazurek, who immigrated to Greece from Poland in 2007, put all his passion into the days of revolt in December 2008, and is held in the prison cells of the Greek State ever since; therefore, he is the only prisoner from that period of generalized uprising. His appeals court was set for the 11th of June in Athens. Recently, the comrade himself wrote in a solidarity call with his case: “I have been sentenced to 11 years in prison, and I will be tried in the Mixed Jury Court of Appeals on Loukareos Street on the 11th of June 2012; for that I am asking for your solidarity if and in any way you find proper…”

You’ll be pleased to know that on June 10th, for the solidarity block party [mikrofoniki] in Bloomington, Indiana, one of the statements read over a PA was regarding the situation of political prisoners in Greece, including Andrzej, and that those comrades who are imprisoned in Greece are on our minds and in our hearts as well. The words for our comrades could be heard throughout the entire downtown of our small city. We hope this small gesture brings warmth and strength to those imprisoned by the State and those fighting against this prison society.’

FREEDOM FOR ERIC AND MARIE! SOLIDARITY IS OUR WEAPON!

Marie Mason and Eric McDavid Support Zines for June11th, 2012

May 27, 2012 Zinelibrary.info

Marie Mason support zine for June11th, 2012

Marie Mason has been involved in both environmental and labor struggles,
has edited many radical publications, and has been involved in water
rights, anti-infrastructure, anti-logging and anti- development projects
in the Midwest, organizing above ground and clandestinely for the past 30
years. She is a mother of two and companion to many wonderful animals, a
militant anarchist, and continues to be an involved member of each
community she’s lived in over the years.

This is the new zine that was distributed on the Never Alone Tour in the
lead up to June 11th, 2012.

http://zinelibrary.info/files/MarieZineCover.pdf


Eric McDavid support zine for June 11th, 2012

Eric McDavid is an environmental activist, a writer of zines, a
sometimes-poet and an almost always magician. He is a son, a brother, and
an uncle. He is an amazing partner (although, maybe the author is a bit
biased). He also happens to be an anarchist political prisoner.

This is the new zine that was distributed on the Never Alone Tour in the
lead up to June 11th 2012.

http://zinelibrary.info/files/Ericzine_cover.pdf

Toward a Re-Cognition of Choice - New Zine from Eric McDavid

March 26, 2012 Support Eric

Dear friends,

We wanted to let you know that a beautiful new zine of writings by Eric is now available from the good folks at Because We Must. You can order it online here:

http://www.becausewemust.org/shop/toward-a-re-cognition-of-choice-writings-by-eric-mcdavid/

All of the proceeds from the zine will go to Eric's support fund.

A HUGE special thanks to the person who compiled the zine and put together the artwork. You know who you are... We think you're awesome.

The zine will also be available at all of the Never Alone Tour stops. For a complete schedule and updates, visit: www.neveralonetour.wordpress.com

We hope to see you all there!

Yours,
SPS

6 Years - A Note from Eric McDavid's Partner

From: sacprisonersupport@riseup.net
Date: Fri, January 13, 2012

Dear friends,

Today marks the 6th year of Eric's arrest and incarceration. I'm not
quite sure why I always feel compelled to commemorate this day – the
memories it awakens bring so much pain, anger and frustration. It is not
something I really want to remember. It is also something I can never
forget. That day forever altered the course of Eric's life – and the
lives of all his loved ones.

But I also know that it is our responsibility to remember. To remember
why Eric was arrested in the first place – not because anything burned
down or was damaged, but because he dared to think he could change things.
And that he didn't have to wait for permission from those who would never
give it. Eric was arrested – and sentenced to an inordinate amount of
time – because of his politics

We also must remember what it really means to show solidarity – with Eric
and all of our other comrades behind bars. We must remember that they are
still here. They are all still a part of our movements and we need to act
– every day – to include them. And, most importantly, we must carry on
the struggles for which they have given so much.

And we need to remember that sometimes things do change overnight.
Sometimes our loved ones are ripped from us. There is no way to really
prepare for such a heartwrenching experience, but what we can do is
remember to use the time we have now to be good to each other. Love
fearlessly. Never take for granted the time we share with each other. It
is a precious gift.

Recently, Eric and I had something returned to us that was taken 6 years
ago. I have no one to thank. It should never have been taken in the
first place. But I cannot tell you how overjoyed I was at its return. On
November 21st, during our visit at Terminal Island, Eric reached across
the “coffee table” sitting between us and grabbed my hands. Eric and I
had not been allowed to sit and hold hands in almost 6 years. Human touch
is such an integral part of leading a healthy, happy life. Not being able
to touch the people you love is tortuous. It is cruel and inhumane.
(Imagine watching a loved one cry and not being able to wipe away their
tears, or hold their hand...) Touch deepens our connections with each
other – it moves beyond language into a realm that words cannot contain or
explain. Of course, the powers that be know all of this, which is
probably why it was denied us for so long. We are acutely aware that it
could be taken away again at any moment. But for now we are reveling in
every second of it.

And so I remind myself of this, too – don't ever take these things for
granted.

Eric and I both would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all of you.
It is abundantly clear that so many people have not forgotten. Eric
continues to get mail from people all across the globe – please keep it
coming! He loves hearing from you. You are his connection to the outside
world – to the movements and places and ideas he cares about. Keeping
those connections is incredibly important to him.

And to all of you who have donated to Eric's support fund – you have no
idea how grateful we are. These donations not only help Eric with things
like stamps, food and personal items from commissary and time on the
telephone – they also help fund visits for him and his loved ones. These
visits are key to keeping everyone sane. It would be impossible for us to
visit as often as we do without your help.

Eric and I feel your support on a daily basis. “Thank you” could never be
enough...

Eric is 6 years into an almost 20 year sentence. Sometimes that thought
is almost overwhelming. But then I remember. I remember Eric and who he
is and how he has held onto that throughout this whole ordeal. I remember
all of you and how much love and support we have felt coming from all
directions. And I remember that we can do this.

With so much love,
jenny (eric's partner)

PS
Please remember our other friends, too! Marie Mason is turning 50 this
month. Visit her website: www.supportmariemason.org for more details on
how to send her a birthday card or a note of support.

Eric McDavid has arrived at Terminal Island

Hello everyone,

Eric has arrived at Terminal Island in Southern California. Terminal
Island is a low-security facility and we are hopeful that this will mean
some improvements in Eric's living situation. Please write Eric and let
him know you are thinking about him. He can now be written at:

Eric McDavid 16209-097
FCI TERMINAL ISLAND
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
PO BOX 3007
SAN PEDRO, CA 90731

Yours,
SPS

New Writing from Eric McDavid

Dear friends,

Eric asked us to share this piece with you about his experiences. It's
covers a lot of ground - from the time of his arrest, through his time at
Sacramento County Main Jail and past his sentencing. You can also view the
piece at: http://supporteric.org/writings.htm#nov2011

There is a lot we could say... But we'll let the piece speak for itself.

Yours,
SPS


P.S.
Eric always loves to hear feedback from folks about his writings. Perhaps
you could write him a letter and let him know what you think once he gets
to where he's going? We still don't know where Eric is or where he'll end
up (he's being transferred) - but we'll let you know as soon as we hear
anything.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Putting this critique out of my head & dn on paper comes w/the kind of
sigh that loosens your shoulders & unravels your stomach, catching you off
guard w/the guttural vocalization coming out w/that flow of Wind... the
delusion that fed my waiting was the possibility of my writings making an
already shitty situation of prosecution even worse... Hind-sight always
comes w/a sting = my charges topped out at 2 decades – only 5 more months
than i received... naiveté came N2 play elsewhere = despite stay'n true 2
my understanding of entrapment (where a govn't agent uses coercion &
manipulation, while providing all the materials, 2 direct & manifest an
act deemed illegal by the state), had i done more research there would've
been no way N western culture i would've utilized that defense... it's on
the verge of ludicrous 2 think the system would impede a mechanism
bringing N such vast amounts of $, fueling the bureaucratic fascism that
defines govn't 2day (remember the bonds we can post 2 get bailed out?
ever wonder what happens 2 them if we remain imprisoned? not 2 many
others do either – where R the majority of bonds w/N the financial system?
yep, bound & traded on the market; this B'n 1 scheme amongst numerous
others)... don't get me wrong – i harbor no regrets about my choice of
go'n 2 trial; part of me is curious of what difference a necessity defense
would've made... here we go... woken long B4 U're rested, it's cold
w/concrete everywhere, called out by the speaker above the steel door,
patted dn & escorted 2 the elevator, never know'n where or why, the door
opens 2 the chaotic jingle of chains, shouting cops, waiting 4 others – a
marshal's list 2 fill, patted dn, the pinch that only comes from shackles
& cuffs attached 2 a waist chain, Ur jingle adds 2 the cacophony,
processed & packed, 12 N2 the 10 bk seats of a van... the outsd world
through the windows holds every1's tongue, despite B'n early the goings on
R enough 2B a sensory overload = people walking, driving, riding bikes,
eating breakfast on the run, smoking, drink'n coffee, talking 2 each other
on phones – the marshals have the radio on some corporate station still
play'n the same songs when I stopped listening over 5 yrs ago... parked
behind N the secured garage, moved, stored, caged & still bound 2 Urself,
some1 asks “got the time, marshal?” “6:30ish,” hearings B4 10am R rare,
most = much later... coming from the concrete grayness, steel metal bars,
placid white walls, 2 step out N2 mahogany everywhere, deep reds, soft
blues, business attire & hairdos, stenograph, briefcase, pens &
notepads... chained 2 Ur own body N oversized shirt, pants, paper shoes =
neon orange... eyes immediately turn 2 the bk of the room & R flooded by
the benches behind the defense – friends & family bringing a rush of
nutrients that cannot B put 2 words; i could barely keep still know'n that
i was sharing the same air & only w/N arms reach of their embraces... it
was such a contrast 2 what lay B4 me on this SD of the Bar... standing B4
that 1st black robe, the separation was disorienting, the language &
process was that of another world... bail denied – flight risk = knowledge
of standing on the SD of the road w/thumb out, knowledge of boarding
locomotives when they slow or stop = flight risk; no family ties =
traveling w/out a cellphone & unable 2B contacted by family = no family
ties... after the sardine-van ride bk 2 the gulag, it's bk ↑ 2 the cell &
wait 4 the visit i knew was coming... 'never knew if it would B my
Partner & family or my attorney who would B 1st... the attorney visits
were N closed booths w/little stainless steel stools & table top w/a slot
under the plexi-glass window sized 4 paperwork... i could feel the
presence of microphones N the false ceiling above us – seemed ridiculous 2
believe they weren't there... Mark's communication skills w/N the court
room were pretty damn good – but N any other circumstance = extremely
lacking... i got 2 the point of having 2 put him through grounding
techniques at the beginning w/reminders throughout “Mark, what did U hear
me ask? R both Ur feet on the ground? can U feel them?”... i needed 2
make a list of questions just so i wouldn't get wrapped ↑ N his whirlwind
of energy... the handshakes through that slot N the table top was the
extent of humyne humyn contact during the 28 mo of confinement N that
jail... now, visits w/my Partner & family were a bit different... next 2
the attorney booths was a continuous stainless steel tabletop w/the
plexi-glass window running all the way dn the middle... each booth was
separated by a partition of plexi-glass, & 2 communicate w/your visitor a
phone receiver is used... 2 deter visitors by causing frustration & raise
stress levels, the volume was lowered or a static background noise made
hearing the other persyn near impossible at times & perfectly clear the
next... knowing each word & sentence were 2B scrutinized by any # of
'intelligence' agencies wasn't 2 big of a step – but i've never acclimated
2 not B'n able 2 touch those i love... have'n those visits kept me alive
as much as the oxygen i was breathing, & getting others perspectives on
the proceedings N court helped 2 make sure i wasn't the only 1 baffled by
what was go'n on... the courts i experienced eviscerated any ideas
regarding a jury trial B'n the last oasis of justice w/N the system; where
a jury is provided all the facts & info., & B'n free 2 their
interpretation w/justice as the intent & end... if that were the case, i
wouldn't B N this cell, nor hearing time and again stories from folx N
here reflecting my own... throughout trial i was dumbfounded by the
blatant ways (2 me) the jury was held N contempt by the judge & lawyers –
at the same time regarding them as some porcelain doll the lawyers and
judge didn't want 2 tip over... throughout the proceedings my eyes would
wander over 2 those folx sat off 2 the SD, occupying that space of
audience, the passive observer... 1 or 2 dozing, most w/the impartial
looks of random thoughts= bills-work-family-etc., 'reminded me when i was
a kid at church with the pastor speaking of famine, drought, floods, the
starving of children & elders N economically colonized lands = there was
this blanket of something over or behind people's expressions = “a higher
power is at work here”... i remember get'n called 2 jury duty & duck'n it
like the plague; forced 2 accept pennies on the dollar after drive'n at
least an hour through bumper 2 bumper each morn'n & night, 9-3 sit'n N
uncomfortable chairs, "we're all stuck here, so the smoother we make this
= the faster we can all go home,” "follow the lead of the professionals,
they've been do'n this a long time & know what they're do'n; after all,
justice is their business"… by the time the jury instructions were handed
dn, they were so deluded, confused, & malleable – it took hardly a nudge 2
direct them dn the prescribed path... i'm at a loss of words due 2 a
couple of reasons = 1) the jury didn't C it & didn't do anything about
it; 2) i saw it & didn't do anything about it... this is a jumble of
curiosities= how can truth & justice B found w/out open understanding of
all parties & honest, authentic communication? R they even meant 2B there
N the 1st place? how would a political prisoner go about getting a jury
of their peers? how could a jury B impartial if they're confined 2
perceive & relate 2 censored info only from a deliberate perspective
chosen by a person paid by the state whose superiors maintain their status
& the status quo?... 'hear that N the middle of my trial the judge won
the judge of the yr award? weird, eh?... the day of the verdict i can
remember sitt'n N the cage on the 10th floor... the court room & attached
juror room were ↑ on the 14th & i sat there imagining positive energy
flowing N2 the latter... when a marshal showed ↑ 2 take me ↑ the elevator
i knew it was 2 early... as every 1 was settling N & waiting on the
judge, a juror caught my eye & gave a small shake of their head – i had 2
give my self a small smile 4 perceiving the outcome... it didn't surprise
me any more than the sentence handed dn by the judge... he'd made his
intent known throughout the trial; at 1 point turning 2 Mark & i 2 give us
a small nod & smile when a juror asked the precise question which would
lead them all 2 perceive the confidential informant as not B'n a govn't
agent when i 1st met her... this was actually the pivotal point during
the deliberations as stated by a couple of the jurors N letters they wrote
2 my attorney... at sentencing the presentencing officer recommended 13
yrs, the prosecution 20, & the judge mentioned someth'n like wish'n that
he wasn't bound by the limit put on him bc it was a conspiracy case &
couldn't give me the 293 months the charge carried otherwise. the impact
on loved ones racked me harder than the time handed dn, & somehow i had
more confidence N the appellate courts (social programming is a pain N the
ass)... i was way 2 excited know'n i'd B out of that county jail &
solitary confinement... so far as my experience w/the sacramento county
gulag, we'll have 2 start at the beginning... 1 more time = bright Winter
mountain morning, sit'n on the trunk of the car soaking N the brisk blue
Sky, “did i seriously leave my pouch of tabac at the house?,” here come
the other 2, 'click,' screeching wheels N all directions, i fixate on the
suburban B4 me, less than a bus length away, both SD doors open B4 it
stops, out come 2 shouting ninja turtles w/the nozzles of their AR15s
leading the way, a quick pan @ soaks N the other vehicles, shouts, guns, &
stop on her eyes staring at me N the rear view mirror, that 'click' B4 the
screeching tires registers as the auto-lock 4 the doors of the car she's
sitting N... dominoes tumble btx my ears as i slowly raise my hands & get
dn 2 knees, stomach, arms out-reached, the asphalt doesn't exist under my
cheek, nor the 2 knees N my back, i'm bk by the time i'm cuffed & stood ↑,
hands leaping N2 my pockets looking 4 a key that isn't there... shock has
set N & the contradiction of B'n me rides the torrent of adrenaline N2 a
state of calmness & clarity; there is no tremor N my breath, nor shaking N
my hands; i can feel the embrace of cool morning air moving @ me, the
warmth of the Sun on my skin, N my eyes the full green of Trees & deep
blue of Sky sinks N, “this is go'n 2B the last time my eyes hold them 4 a
while,” i give out a silent thanks w/a sigh... a small crowd has gathered
2 watch, i'm taken N2 the bk of a durango rental, the other 2 R N separate
cars, JTTF driver (c.h.p. or sheriff's dep.), fibby hops N beside me,
short ride dn the hill 2 a suburb satellite compound N citrus heights i
never knew was there (lived w/N 5 miles of it since jr. high), during
their attempt 2 debrief my property was logged & headlamp stolen by the
fibby “i'll take this as evidence,” yes i'm still pissed, “U got anything
2 say?” “U got an attorney 4 me?,” bk N the durango & headed dn town, just
B4 we pull N2 the underground garage of the gulag = “We always go easy on
the 1 that turns 1st” “U're fuck'n kid'n me,” sit'n on a concrete bench
under the gulag, paper wk B'n processed, i'm soak'n everything ↑ while
look'n bored as fuck = there's double doors on every exit, scrubbed
concrete i can tell has been spattered from countless struggles coming 2
late – once U're N the bowels surviving digestion is the only viable
possibility i can C... there R no windows, ultra-violet lights at
measured distances break ↑ the heavy doors – be they steel or bullet proof
plexi-glass, feels like i'm wait'n N line 4 some twisted roller-coaster
ride... a young look'n agent w/an ATF windbreaker sits next 2 me,
“recognize me?” “not really” “U know how hard it was 2 keep up w/U?” “no”
“we'll have 2 have a beer when U get out” “U're buy'n,” behind the sliding
door, uncuffed, patted dn, handkerchief and hoodie taken, cuffed, wait, 2
jug heads escort me 2 a room the size of a phonebooth & uncuff me, “strip
& put clothes outSD,” they step away, i notice the small window of a box
housing a camera has a yellow post-it 4 a cover & i quickly remove it -
if they come at me it's go'n 2B on film... i can't say i was ready 4 this
form of psy-op.s (can U ever B ready 2 experience something U've only read
about?) but i did know it 4 what it was= an attempt 2 make the oppressed
feel like they R participating N a demoralizing act - having seen a wrong
is bad, having a wrong done 2 U is worse, doing a wrong 2 Urself is the
worst ever, knowledge B4 hand dissolves the power dynamic necessary 4 them
2 oppress... they return, quickly glancing at the camera, 1 goes through
my clothes while the other spits directions w/cold concrete under my feet
= show hands, under armpits, behind ears, SDs of mouth, under tongue, lift
balls, turn @, lift rt foot, left foot, bend over, spread cheeks, cough,
get dressed, no laces N my boots; then the shuffle begins – continuous
displacement from 1 tank to another (more psy. ops.) , this 1 so full
there's only standing room, the next it's just me & the camera, always a
camera & a phone, a toilet & thick boarded benches against the walls,
this 1 fills & empties, moved B4 this 1 fills all the way, time vanishes,
only wondering, is there an undercover N here, a plant, an informant,
dominoes tumble once again = solitary will B the only escape from violent
coercion – abuse could only come from those who have the keys... not
wanting 2 provide the fibbies w/any tools 2 sway my decision 2 go 2 trial
– i could easily picture myself during trial w/a face marred by a fight,
while my attorney layed out my non-violent past & non-existent criminal
record 2 a jury full of raised eye-brows & smirks – i requested solitary
confinement... i was persynally prepared 4 what came w/isolation, having
done the necessary wk on myself = the internal exploring, healing &
nourishing needed 2 survive & dance w/the trauma of B'n raised N this
culture; w/the effects from the shock & continuous trauma of B'n caged all
i would've had 2 fall bk on would B those culturally programmed traits
we're all raised with, such as identification w/the oppressor, mob
mentality, & submission 2 authority... my receiving those weekly stacks
of mail did wonders which i'm perpetually grateful 4, but w/out the anchor
of knowing, loving, & B'n aware of who i am – how could i've stayed true 2
the intentions of my Heart?... through the Spring and Summer a once dear
friend of mine survived iso. & continuous harassment – his folding just B4
Fall was like my Heart breaking N my hands... i tried 2 do all i could 2
aid him N maintaining some semblance of a foundation that he could utilize
– of course (here's that familiar sting), it's not something which can B
given, only found... he was released as soon as he signed his plea deal;
2 prep him 4 the stand it took 3 consecutive days of 9-5... while on the
stand they used something like 'rehabilitated' 2 describe him = now
working 35-40 hrs/week, helping his dad w/the rent, & having a
girlfriend... when he flipped i didn't think the pain could've gotten
worse... what i saw & heard were the scared responses of some1 B'n led
along on a tight leash... lauren was almost the inverse = ze turned rt
away & when i found out over the Summer i was devastated... btx the time
of our arrest & the trial ze'd apparently recovered some – despite the
influences @ hir & the meds they put hir on... it was subtle, but
lauren's words ended ↑ aiding my defense more than the prosecution... the
c.i., 'anna,' wore business attire, mimicking the professionalism exuded
by her fibby handlers... it twisted me ↑ & ↓ 2 hear the distance N her
voice i recognized as always B'n there... at the end of 'anna's' testimony
the govn't resorted 2 character assassination by way of a blatant lie,
pitting their authority vs. my word... their story was that on the last
night i walked out N2 the living room 2 wave an 8 inch knife over 'anna's'
sleeping face (a knife i never possessed, nor did they remember 2 plant N
the evidence), which woke her & her calmly saying “go bk 2 bed”...
somehow the surveillance cameras weren't recording during this event,
which is weird bc they're supposed 2B N whatever room the c.i. occupies
(but of course fibbies testified 2 their witnessing the event on their
monitors), nor was there a 302 filing 4 that night (an event description
form 4 the fibbies 2 write dn a narrative of what they see on the monitors
w/the corresponding times)... 2 say i was disgusted doesn't even begin
2... … so, biased as it is, i've acquired the belief that moving w/a
political intent brings about quite a bit of predisposition from the
courts (yes, i'm B'n sarcastic, their response was more like that 2 a
deadly virus = stamp out & lock away)... it's further supported by a
recent case N sacto where some1 burnt dn a wal-mart, a good portion of an
upscale mall, & his grandma's house; & after the actions were deemed not
politically based (by the same prosecutor N my case), that persyn got
sentenced 2 10 yrs... my case was 1 more notch N the belt 4 the fibby's
cointel tactics – creating monsters 2 fuel fear, while vilifying a pattern
of social relation based upon mutual aid, authentic relation, voluntary
association, & the realization of desires... this pattern of relation was
something i'd found N every place i touched N a yr & a 1/2 of traveling
off the grid - Seatle 2 Ft. Lauderdale, NY 2 San Fran. & numerous places
Nbtx... throughout those times i moved w/an authentic intent, finding a
reciprocity, a mutual respect that accompanies the unconscious (or
conscious) recognition of some 1 sharing their true self - something deep
w/N saying = "this isn't 1 of the culturally cordonned masks"... &
everywhere i went i found others moving w/the same intent - living off the
streets, wk'n small jobs, go'n 2 school; these aspects B'n secondary 2 who
they R... it's the relation 2 themselves & 2 those N their communities
which took precedence= what nurtured them on their paths... & not 1 was
perfect, & had no intention 2B, but they were true 2 themselves N
nurturing who they wished 2 become - not some prescribed mold produced by
another... w/that - the recognition of material objects B'n non-permanent
translated N2 a free sharing or gifting of whatever i happen 2 possess N
the moment 2 fullfill a need U're experiencing rt now (eg.- i'm not going
2 have this pouch of tobacco 4ever; there R numerous ways of acquiring
more; & if U don't have any & would like some= why wouldn't i help a
member of my community?)... these folx came 2gether as long as it nurtured
each individually; communicating their persynal & social needs & wishes
w/the group - moving towards the benefit of the whole, &
there4themselves... i've seen & experienced these grps last for hrs, days,
weeks, months, yrs; when pple felt they were no longer nurtured or out
grew what the grp was providing, most left w/out animosities & usually
w/friendships lasting a lifetime... 2 me, a paramount aspect of
authenticity is B'n authentic w/myself & recognizing my shadow as a
necessary part of who i am (how can i watch out 4 my shortcomings &
negative tendencies if i don't know what they R?); it's also helped 2B
aware that others share N the wounds inflicted by B'n of this culture,
regardless of the nitches they currently find themselves w/N... ... this
same trauma some structures use 2 keep folx fearful of the unknown, afraid
of others, scared of change, worried for the future, & thereby reacting N
ways which maintain the culture... any relation that doesn't bring about
those results must B demonized - thus, the "crazy bomb throwing anarchist"
motif... what better way 2 dissuade the exploration of ideas than 2
portray those associated w/them as lunatics, dreamers out of touch w/how
the world really works... somehow i survived the indoctrination of
schooling up 2 college, worked a couple of careers until i saw what i
would become N those B4 me, then it took 1 more indoctrination bout w/the
intent of teaching 2 finally C this culture beyond the veils of comfort,
medication, & socialization... i came 2 recognize the cultural tools
provided 4 me - manipulation, coercion, chauvinism, kill or B killed, walk
on those below U, destroy all competition – as B'n socio-pathic (defined
as traits which kill healthy, nurturing communities); & after that point
of reference was acquired, there was only 1 remaining action= the
choice... ... ...

Eric McDavid is Moving

Hello everyone,

We recently found out that Eric has been designated to be moved to a
different facility. When he called today he told us he will be moved
tomorrow. At this point in time we are unsure as to where he will be
going, but as soon as we know anything more we will let you know! He is
technically eligible to be moved to a low-security facility... We've got
our fingers crossed, as this has the potential to be a better situation
for him and his loved ones.

Please hold off on sending letters, cards, books, etc until Eric gets to
where he is going.

Thanks for all your continued support!

Yours,
SPS

New Support Eric McDavid Shirts

From: sacprisonersupport@riseup.net

Hello everyone,

We just wanted to let you know that new Support Eric shirts are now
available for purchase online at:

http://plpress.bigcartel.com/product/support-eric-mcdavid-t-shirt

Proceeds from the shirts will go to Eric's support fund.

A huge thank you to our friends at P&L Press for their help and support!

Yours,
SPS

June 11th Reportback

Dear friends and comrades!

On June 11th, 2011 events were held in approximately 30 cities across the
globe in solidarity with Marie Mason, Eric McDavid and other long-term
anarchist prisoners. Hundreds of people participated in this international
event – and Marie and Eric have been receiving your words, your pictures,
your love and energy that were poured into making this day a celebration of
resistance and an expression of solidarity with our friends and loved ones
on the inside.

If you missed a June 11th event but still want to participate, it's not too
late! NYC has extended the deadline to purchase raffle tickets until July 11
th. For more information, visit www.supportmariemason.org

Below are just a few excerpts from report backs from around the world. We
are including everything that we heard about - inclusion on the list does
not imply an endorsement.

In *Detroit* they raised $560 and will split the sum between Eric and Marie.
About 35 people came out to Detroit's Cass Cafe and heard talks on the cases
and their political implications, plus a speaker who just finished 20 years
of hard time in federal prison, who described from his experience in the
system what daily life is like for Marie and Eric. The highlight of the
evening was when Marie telephoned one of the organizers and everyone shouted
hello into the phone. She wasn’t able to talk to anyone else, but everyone
was buoyed by the phone call and so was she

In *Bloomington*, folks tabled and distributed materials at both the
Farmers' Market and at Boxcar Books. They were able to reconnect with some
of the 'older generation' who knew Marie when she lived here and with a
number of people who had never encountered the cases before. Boxcar is now,
also, carrying lots of information on Marie, Eric, June 11th and Marie and
Eric shirts!

In *Austin*, (occupied Tonkawa territory), Treasure City Thrift and Deep
Green Austin hosted a letter-writing event at Spiderhouse, a popular outdoor
cafe. They report: “As we wrote our letters, we complained about the
hundred-degree heat, until we realized how dumb it is to complain about the
heat while writing Eric and Marie... who will probably not be sitting at an
outdoor cafe with their friends any time soon.”

In *Israel *there were two events - one in Tel Aviv and the other in
Jerusalem. They raised $160 which we will be split 50/50. In Tel Aviv they
cooked an asian style meal: Sushi, spring rolls, seaweed and glass noodles
salad with Tapioca and bananas in coconut milk for desert. In Jerusalem they
held an event in the Mahatma- the Jerusalem veggie bar – where they served
an Italian style dinner. Pizza, Gezpacho, green salad, Antipasti and
Tiramisu for desert. About 30 people attended each event.
During both events they sold zines, cd's, tshirts etc. After the meal in Tel
Aviv there was a drag show which is well known and much appreciated in the
radical scene in Israel. The show deals with animal rights, the environment,
human rights, militarism, queer politics etc- Its called "The mice and Leah
Goldberg horror picture show." In Jerusalem they screened a movie about
animal liberation. Before both shows there were talks about Marie and Eric
and about the situation in the US, green scare etc.
After both shows people wrote postcards to Marie and Eric and took pictures
of people holding a sign that reads "I support Marie Mason" and "I support
Eric McDavid".

In *Columbus*, OH, Redbird Prison Abolition staged a reading of Accidental
Death of an Anarchist and raised $54 for Amelia Nichol, which Insurgent
Theatre matched for a total donation of $108. The event generated insightful
discussion and laid the groundwork for building a stronger, more cohesive
community.

In *Minneapolis, *they made $150 and had over 30 letters written. They
invented a nutritional yeast bacon cupcake (which is pretty much the ideal
brunch cupcake) and watched the Lorax.  It was a moving time, and they had a
tele conference with Eric's partner that brought people to tears.

In *Sacramento*, there was a film screening of “Better This World” which was
attended by both of the filmmakers (who did Q&A afterwards). About 30 people
were in attendance. The event began with a talk about Eric and Marie, then a
former political prisoner spoke about his experiences before, during and
after prison. Over $100 was raised to be split between Eric and Marie. They
also debuted new “Stop Snitching” shirts designed by local artists, the
proceeds of which will go to Eric and Marie.

In *San Francisco*, they raised over $2200! The evening began with a line of
people out the door waiting to attend the soon-to-be Standing Room Only
event. Former political prisoner, Jake Conroy of the SHAC 7, spoke about
Marie and Eric's cases, his own experiences in prison, and the importance of
supporting those currently incarcerated. They then screened the new
award-winning documentary *If A Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation
Front*. The movie tells a powerful story that at times reflects Marie and
Eric's own experiences. The evening was capped off by an amazing vegan bake
sale, silent auction, and raffle which left attendees with full stomachs and
some amazing items.


Solidarity Actions


-Argentina: ATMS Burned in Solidarity with Marie Mason & Eric McDavid
and other Prisoners and Combatants!
http://www.anarchistnews.org/?q=node/14855

-Peru: Arson of church in solidarity with comrades of the social war
Marie Mason and Eric McDavid
http://www.anarchistnews.org/?q=node/14825

-Cambridge, UK: Bank action in solidarity with eco-anarchist prisoners
http://www.anarchistnews.org/?q=node/14814

-Finland: Railways sabotaged in solidarity action
http://www.anarchistnews.org/?q=node/14792

-Logging Equipment Sabotaged in Olympia
http://www.anarchistnews.org/?q=node/14786

-ELF Russia – Informal Anarchist Federation / International Network
claim series of attacks in Solidarity with Marie Mason, Eric McDavid &
Long-term Anarchist Prisoners
http://www.anarchistnews.org/?q=node/14785

- Development Building & Bank Visited in Tacoma
http://www.anarchistnews.org/?q=node/14784

-Seattle: SUV Attacked in Solidarity with Eco Anarchist Prisoners
http://www.anarchistnews.org/?q=node/14776

-Banners in Greece
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/06/11/18681574.php

These stories are only a small sampling of what happened on June 11th. But
they are representative of the kind of creativity and energy that we would
like to see poured into prisoner support every day of the year. We want June
11th to be a starting point – not an end in itself. We hope that everyone
feels re-energized and re-committed to the work that they do, to their
communities, and to our friends, lovers and comrades who are being held
hostage by the state.

Thank you all...

Yours,

June 11th Solidarity

Final June 11th Communication and Statement from Jeff Luers

June 10, 2011, Infoshop News

Both of these communications are available on the website,
june11.org/resources, as are a new radio interview about the day and the
cases as well as an interview with Eric McDavid done by Jeff Luers.
Thanks!

Dear Friends and Comrads, As June 11th quickly approaches we wanted to
share some thoughts with you about what this day means to us, and why we
have felt it necessary to give it to all of you- to build and strengthen
the work you do in your own communities, but also to weave us all together
a little tighter and bring our bonds that much closer to unbreakable.

For that is partly why we find ourselves in this predicament to begin
with, is it not?

Both Eric and Marie are in cages due in no small part to the fact that
people they loved betrayed them--- and people that they thought were
deeply committed to the same causes they were proved to be more interested
in saving their own assess than in struggling for the earth and for
liberation.

In organizing for June 11th, we are forced to remember why we do the work
that we do in the first place. And why supporting each other can be such a
powerful tool with which to attack the very systems and institutions we
are struggling against.

Eric and Marie are locked away because they felt like they could no longer
sit idly by while everything they loved was being destroyed. Their
motivations were the same as ours when we do the work we do every day. And
when we feel the people we love being torn from us, we know that searing
pain in our chests will only be quelled by working against that which
would tear us apart.

But this needs to be more than some well-intentioned, youthful rebellion.
Marie and Eric know this. They are both spending 2 decades in prison.
Marie will be in her 60s when she is released, and Eric well into his 40s.
But they carry on from inside those walls---having sacrificed their
freedom for resistance. A resistance free of spatial or temporal limits.

And if we are going to continue support them---we need to be just as
committed. For the earth, for Eric and Marie, for each other. For
ourselves. We need to be in this for the long-haul. And for longevity’s
sake, we need to be rock solid in understanding why these struggles
matter. Otherwise, when the shit hits the fan people’s priorities seem to
suddenly shift in unacceptable directions.

If we are serious about liberation, we also need to be serious about how
we deal with the consequences of fighting for it. Because repression is an
inevitable part of any real, viable struggle. And prison is an inevitable
part of repression. We will not let our friends disappear into the belly
of the beast. They are an integral part of our movement---they were on the
outside and they remain so on the inside. If we let their voices go
unheard, we are complicit in their silencing. If we don’t include them in
our strategizing, our process, the work we do---we are the ones who lose.

June 11th is for those who are forced to fight against this prison society
in its most tangible manifestations. For people who are quite literally
fighting for their lives and their liberation. The forms are probably
eerily similar to what they experiences on the outside---but the content
is horrifyingly more blunt and forceful.

What we ask from each of you is a commitment. A commitment to the work
that you do. To the people that you love. To the movements of resistance.
A commitment that is unwavering and timeless and indestructible. It is no
small task. But it is the only thing that will see us through to the end.
And to a new beginning…

Until all are free,

The Sacramento June 11th Crew

*****************************************************************************

Statement from Jeff ‘Free’ Luers Today is a sad day for me because I
continue a legacy that started with me, but sadly does not end there. June
11th 2001 was the day I was sentenced to 22yrs and 8 months in prison. It
is a day that both forever changed my life and the life of this struggle.

But, rather than collapse under the weight of the states repression we
rose. It took time. It took years actually but in 2004, after 4 years in
prison, my support group and I organized the first annual international
day of solidarity with myself, Jeffrey Luers. It always feels weird to say
that.

48 cities in a dozen countries spread across 4 continents held solidarity
events and actions demanding my release. And those numbers held true the
next and the year after that.

In 2006, the hammer really fell and what started with the arrests of
Critter and me spread to radical communities across the nation. To this
day the FBI is actively hunting down eco-saboteurs and activist both
underground and above. We have numerous of our people in prison today:
Marie Mason, Eric McDavid, Daniel McGowan, Nathan Exile Block, Joyanna
Sadie Zacher, Grant Barnes, Michael Skyes, and Steve Murphy, with Briana
Waters fate still unknown.

This June 11th marks the first international day of Solidarity with Eric
McDavid, Marie Mason, and all our long-term anarchist political prisoners.
We are here to honor them, support them, remind them that they are not
forgotten, and most importantly to demand their release.

June 11th is a reminder to us that though we spend our days outside of a
prison many of our friends and allies spend theirs behind bars having
sacrificed what little freedom they had to fight for something greater
than themselves. We have a responsibility to them and to ourselves to
struggle and fight until all are free.

I may no longer be imprisoned, but I cannot and will not rest until my
friends are back home with their families and our struggle for Earth,
Animal, and Human liberation is successful.

We must free our political prisoners and prisoners of war.

Reminder - SF, June 11 - Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners Marie Mason and Eric McDavid

International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners Marie Mason
and Eric McDavid

Please join us on Saturday, June 11th for the sneak peek Bay Area
screening of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival award winning
documentary If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front.
The documentary tells the story of Daniel McGowan, a political
prisoner who is currently serving out a seven year sentence at the
Control Management Unit at FCI Terre Haute in Indiana for his role in
two multi-million dollar arsons against Oregon timber companies.

This screening will be done in conjunction with the International Day
of Solidarity with Political Prisoners Marie Mason and Eric McDavid.
Cities worldwide will be holding events to highlight the cases of
Marie and Eric, who share the unfortunate distinction of having the
longest standing sentences of any persons imprisoned for their
environmental advocacy in the United States. Both are serving
sentences of 20 years or more as a result of the government's
sweeping campaign against earth and animal liberation activists.

In addition to the film screening, we will have scrumptious treats
for sale and amazing items up for auction. All proceeds from this
event will go directly to Marie's and Eric's support funds.

Come out to learn more about Marie and Eric's cases and to show them
that we have not forgotten them.

Free Marie and Eric!

Saturday, June 11th - 7 pm sharp!
$15.00
The Women's Building
3543 18th St (in between Valencia and Guerrero St.)
San Francisco

http://www.june11.org/
http://supportmariemason.org/
http://supporteric.org/

Rooftop BBQ + Raffle For Marie Mason and Eric McDavid! Saturday! June 11th! NYC

[Background http://freemarie.org/ http://supporteric.org http://greenisthenewred.com] . . .

It's hot outside! Join us on a Lower East Side rooftop for drinks, food, and music, all in support of two long-term Green Scare anarchist political prisoners! Events in support of Marie Mason and Eric McDavid are happening on four continents-- come and be a part of this worldwide day of international solidarity!

Solidarity BBQ + Raffle For Marie Mason and Eric McDavid SATURDAY JUNE 11

4:00pm to Late 190 Orchard Street (btwn. Houston & Stanton) [F train to Lower East Side-2nd Av.; J to Essex; #6 to Spring; N/R to Prince; D to Broadway-Lafayette; buses via Houston or Allen or Essex or 2nd Av.: <http://is.gd/tzzm0Q-/> -t.] Cheap Drinks (alcoholic and not) and Eats (vegan burgers, dogs, and sweets). Please do not BYOB.

And if you can't make the BBQ, you can support Marie and Eric by buying tickets for the June 11th Raffle! Raffle tickets are ON SALE NOW! Available for purchase at the BBQ and ahead of time at Book Thug Nation (100 N. 3rd Street) in Williamsburg. Tickets are $2.00 each or three for $5.00.

Win prizes from: Spectacle Theater Book Thug Nation Champs Family Bakery Autonomedia Black and Red Books Mooshoes Acupuncture by Famous Sparrow Media Arissa Media Kingsland Sandwich Shop Green is the New Red Bluestockings Amie's Vegan Truffles Original Artworks by Local Artists & much more!!

For more information, visit: june11.org SupportMarieMason.org SupportEric.org or e-mail: supportmariemason@gmail.com nycabc@riseup.net

June 11 International Day of Solidarity with Marie, Eric and Long-term Anarchist prisoners (USA, Global)

Received from the USA collective June 11th Solidarity. In this time of ecological
collapse and social repression let’s show solidarity with our prisoners of
resistance, who have paid a high price for their ideals, as well as all those who
deny to legitimate the demands of authority, – it’s time to attack again the
concepts, symbols and structures of the cruel and exploitative capitalist system.
-
June 11th Reminder and Event Suggestions
ANNOUNCEMENT
May 27, 2011
The Day for Solidarity with Long-term Anarchist Prisoners is now two weeks away.
June 11th is an open invitation to demonstrate support for Marie Mason and Eric
McDavid, who are each serving 20 years. This date provides an opportunity to build
links of affinity and solidarity towards the destruction of the prisons and
prison-society.
As anarchists, this occasion to support Marie and Eric has been exciting – it’s a
practical basis for solidarity, for linking together anti-repression and anti-prison
struggles in many places. Currently there is a substantial list of June 11th events
occurring across the US and internationally. And there are more to come!
This occasion for solidarity—as an open invitation—can to be responded to however
people want, according to their own ideas and contexts. But many people have written
asking for suggestions so we wanted to share a quick list of ideas for people who
wish to plan events:
*Organize an info-night. Prepare a presentation on these two cases, or about
repression more generally and other examples of anarchists who have faced the
state’s wrath. Include a movie, such as in San Francisco, or a practical workshop on
resisting grand juries and supporting prisoners, such as in Cincinnati. We are happy
to help prepare presentations and provide materials if desired.
*Throw a benefit party/show/pancake breakfast/barbeque/picnic, such as in New York
City. Both Marie and Eric have serious ongoing legal and logistical costs even
though they’ve already been convicted. If you’re facing repression locally and have
fundraising needs, we’d invite you to still throw a benefit in conjunction with June
11, to make clear the practical links of solidarity against the state’s conspiracy
to wipe out resistance. (Please keep in mind, when organizing food events, that both
Marie and Eric are vegan.)
Though Marie and Eric’s cases cannot be simplified to a lack of support, we
understand that the state succeeded in imposing such long sentences on Marie and
Eric in part because it was able to isolate them, both politically and socially.
In the wake of these long-term sentences, support for Eric & Marie—and for other
Green Scare and anarchist prisoners—has relied on the consistency and commitment of
their respective families and support crews.
To prevent further repression against them in prison and to break out of the current
lull, we need to respond with an upsurge in both ongoing material support AND an end
to the political isolation and invisibility experienced by anarchist prisoners. As
anarchists, we think there are many ways to improve their visibility that don’t rely
on the mass media, but rather on organizing and face-to-face interactions in the
street.

“No one should be able to walk down any street . . . without seeing the prisoners’
names written on the walls. And the songs that are sung about them must be heard by
all.”
Thus, in particular we encourage people to:
*Organize microphone demos and other very public events. A microphone demo means
occupying a corner or a busy park, setting up banners and a sound system, and
passing out materials about Marie and Eric and against repression. Switching between
music and reading statements over the microphone helps create a good atmosphere, but
of course adapt it to your local resources and constraints.
*Put-up posters, and drop banners (only with permission, of course!). Full-color
posters were just printed that can be sent your way. Just ask!
*Operas, plays, ballet, like Redbird Prisoner Support in Colombus, OH! They are
performing Dario Fo’s Nobel Prize-winning “Accidental Death of an Anarchist.”
*Other, wholly-new and original plans that we’d be excited to promote and spread for
June 11, 2012, and until every prisoner is free,
-Mid/east June 11 Crew
Expect two more lead-up missives before June 11, including a longer strategy
statement! Get organized, and get in touch with us if you need to!
june11thsolidarity_at_gmail.com                  

SF - June 11 - Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners Marie Mason and Eric McDavid

International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners Marie Mason
and Eric McDavid

Please join us on Saturday, June 11th for the sneak peek Bay Area
screening of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival award winning
documentary If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front.
The documentary tells the story of Daniel McGowan, a political
prisoner who is currently serving out a seven year sentence at the
Control Management Unit at FCI Terre Haute in Indiana for his role in
two multi-million dollar arsons against Oregon timber companies.

This screening will be done in conjunction with the International Day
of Solidarity with Political Prisoners Marie Mason and Eric McDavid.
Cities worldwide will be holding events to highlight the cases of
Marie and Eric, who share the unfortunate distinction of having the
longest standing sentences of any persons imprisoned for their
environmental advocacy in the United States. Both are serving
sentences of 20 years or more as a result of the government's
sweeping campaign against earth and animal liberation activists.

In addition to the film screening, we will have scrumptious treats
for sale and amazing items up for auction. All proceeds from this
event will go directly to Marie's and Eric's support funds.

Come out to learn more about Marie and Eric's cases and to show them
that we have not forgotten them.

Free Marie and Eric!

Saturday, June 11th - 7 pm sharp!
$15.00
The Women's Building
3543 18th St (in between Valencia and Guerrero St.)
San Francisco

http://www.june11.org/
http://supportmariemason.org/
http://supporteric.org/

Radio Interview with Sac Prisoner Support about Eric McDavid

April 26, 2011 by dj Questionmark frolympia.org

Interview recorded at Free Radio Olympia by dj Questionmark on April 25, 2011

Download at:

http://www.indybay.org/uploads/2011/04/26/ericmcdavid042511.mp3 (24 mb) 27
minutes

Interview with Jenny of Sacramento Prisoner Support about the case of Eric
McDavid. Eric was entrapped by government agent "Anna" in early 2006 in a
fake plot to blow up a dam. Anna used FBI money to recruit, house and
transport her fake eco-cell. After the arrests, Eric's co-defendants took
cooperating plea-deals and testified against him. Eric was then tried and
convicted of conspiracy and sentenced to 20 years.

Sac Prisoner Support has supported Eric throughout this experience and is
developing long term strategies. An international day of action is called
this June 11th, 2011 in solidarity with Eric and eco-defender Marie Mason.
For more information about the day of action visit: http://june11.org

For more information on Eric McDavid and ways to support him visit:
http://supporteric.org

http://frolympia.org

June 11th Day of Solidarity with Eric McDavid and Marie Mason and Long-Term Anarchist Prisoners

April 4, 2011 Anarchist News

June 11th began as an international day of solidarity with long-term
anarchist prisoner Jeff "Free" Luers in 2004. At the time, Jeff was
serving 22+ years. Infuriated by the environmental devastation he saw
occurring on a global scale, Free torched three SUVs at a car dealership
in Eugene, OR. The sentence imposed on him was meant to send a clear
message to others who were angered by capitalism's continued war on the
Earth's ecosystems – and to those who were willing to take action to put a
stop to it. Free is, after all, not alone in his concerns about climate
change, fossil fuels, pollution and genetically modified organisms.

After years of struggle, Jeff and his legal team won a reduction in his
sentence and he was released from prison in December 2009. But in the
years intervening Jeff's arrest and release, the FBI had carried out a
series of indictments and arrests in an attempt to devastate the radical
environmental and anarchist communities. Two of the people caught up in
this maelstrom of repression were Eric McDavid and Marie Mason.

Eric McDavid was arrested in January 2006 after being entrapped by a paid
government informant - "Anna" - and was charged with a single count of
conspiracy. Eric – who never carried out any actions and was accused of what
amounts to “thought crime” - refused to cooperate with the state and took
his case to trial. After a trial fraught with errors, the jury convicted
Eric. He was subsequently sentenced to almost 20 years in prison. More
information on Eric's case can be found at www.supporteric.org

Marie Mason was arrested in March 2008 after her former partner - Frank
Ambrose - turned informant for the FBI. Facing a life sentence if she went
to trial, Marie accepted a plea bargain in September 2008, admitting her
involvement in the burning of an office connected to GMO research and the
destruction of a piece of logging equipment. At her sentencing in February
the following year, she received a sentence of almost 22 years. More
information on Marie's case can be found at www.supportmariemason.org

Marie and Eric now share the unfortunate distinction of having the longest
standing sentences of any environmental prisoners in the United States.

Please join us in an International Day of Solidarity with Long-Term
Anarchist Prisoners Marie Mason and Eric McDavid on June 11th. This is a
time to remember our friends who are in prison – who are continuing their
struggles on the inside. This is a time to continue and strengthen the
very work for which Eric and Marie are now serving so much time - to
struggle against capitalism, ecological devastation, and the ever more
diffuse forms of control in this prison society.

Free Marie and Eric!
Free all prisoners!

Please be in touch:
june11thsolidarity@gmail.com
june11th.org (more content soon)

Eric McDavid - 5 Years Imprisonment

by Sacramento Prisoner Support Indybay.org
Friday Jan 14th, 2011

  Yesterday marked the 5th year of Eric's arrest and imprisonment...

Dear friends,

Yesterday marked the 5th year of Eric's arrest and imprisonment. Every
year, at this time, we are forced to reflect on all that has happened. It
is never an easy process, but this year feels different. This year we know
that Eric will be in prison for the duration of his sentence. All of his
appeals have been exhausted. 5 years is a long time – but we aren't even
halfway there...

Perhaps one other thing is striking about this 5 year milestone. Both of
Eric's former co-defendants plead guilty to a lesser included offense. In
doing so, the maximum amount of time they could possibly have gotten in
prison was 5 years. Had the jury in Eric's trial been allowed to find Eric
guilty of the same charge that Zach and Lauren plead guilty to (and more
than one juror indicated that they would have...), Eric would now be free.
But the judge in Eric's trial, Judge Morrison England, refused to allow
this as an option for the jury.

Since Eric's arrest, the FBI has continued its war against activists and
any other groups that they perceive as a threat. Indeed, it seems as if
hardly a week goes by without some new story of FBI shenanigans.
Entrapment – rather than being perceived as a legal no-no – seems to be
their favorite tactic. This is not surprising. We knew all along (with
that horrible, sick, sinking feeling in our guts) that Eric's case would
be used as a test. This was the FBI at their most outrageous (well,
almost...). The FBI spent a year and half creating a crime, entrapping
three people in it, charging them with thought crime, and then sent the
only one who stood up for himself to prison for nearly 20 years. They
certainly are busy bees...

And their scheme worked. Now it seems they are using Eric's case as a
model of how things should be done. If you need proof, don't take our word
for it, check out:
http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2008/june/ecoterror_063008 (just keep in
mind, we have no idea what kind of “cookies” or other such creepy crawlies
might be triggered by visiting this site...)

We have watched in horror these last few years as more and more of these
kinds of cases have appeared across the country. The state has been
emboldened by their “success.” But their success is nothing more than the
attempted destruction of countless lives and futures.

It is hard not to think of this as a time of mourning. So much has been
stolen from us – from all of us - these past 5 years. But we have also
learned a lot. We have learned (and continue to learn) more about how the
state works. About how we can better protect ourselves and the people,
places and creatures we love. We have learned how to make miles seem
irrelevant. We have learned how to walk through walls and bend the bars.
Perhaps most importantly, we have learned just how much strength and
courage we can find in each other.

So maybe instead of a day of mourning, today can be a day of defiance. Of
remembering all that we have lost – and figuring out how to get it back.
Or how to keep it from happening again...

Today can be a celebration of thought crime.

Won't you celebrate with us?

--------------------------------
Please remember that other folks are sitting in prison for very similar
reasons as Eric! They deserve your support.

Marie Mason and Sadie (Joyanna Zacher) both have birthdays this month.
Please consider sending them a note of support.

Marie Mason: http://supportmariemason.org/ or http://freemarie.org/

Sadie can be written at:

Joyanna Zacher #36360-086
FCI Dublin
Federal Correctional Institution
5701 8th St - Camp Parks- Unit E
Dublin, CA 94568

Jonathan Paul also has a birthday this month - but he was recently
released to a halfway house and will soon begin the difficult transition
back to a life outside of prison. Please keep him in your thoughts as
well, and keep your eyes peeled for ways to offer him your support in the
future.

---------------

Finally, we recently set up a wishlist on Microcosm for Eric. If you would
like to send him something, please visit:

http://microcosmpublishing.com/wishlist/31412

If you order something from this list, please contact us and let us know
what you have ordered so we can be sure it is removed from the list. If
you would like other suggestions about books to send Eric, please contact
us.

For information on other ways to support Eric, please visit his website:
http://www.supporteric.org