Wt J^eber Newsletter of the Anarchist Prisoners' Legal Aid Network November 2002 - Vol. 3 No. 1

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Anarchist Prisoners' Legal Aid Network 818 SW 3rd Ave PMB #354 / Portland, OR / 97204 / USA weneversleep®ziplip.com "We Never Sleep was the name of a 'zine put out by former prisoner Paul-X, who worked to bring news from prison to the community before taking his own life when the pressures outside prison became unbearable. The name reflect; our nature and resolve as anarchists."

Notes from Portland formed Out of Control, a prison support We Never Sleep is back! Our prolonged group out of the Bay Area which provides hiatus in publication reflects a period of much-needed assistance to women regrouping on the outside, to lay a solid prisoners. Bo stressed the lack of support foundation for this project's continuance. women receive compared to men, noting We now hope to resume regular publication, that the visiting rooms in women's prisons and look forward to receiving your are nearly empty. Bo spoke with passion and contributions for the next newsletter. wisdom as a powerful voice for incarcerated With regular censorship of this and women. Much can be learned from her other anarchist publications by the Oregon experience and conviction. Department of Corrections, those who refuse Chris Plummer, a longtime to give in to the pettiness of ODOC's mail anarchist, anti-racist and founder of the rooms are fighting back. See our back cover United Anarchist Front was recently for news about Brian McCarvill's current released from prison after serving over eight legal challenge. Those of us in Portland years. Chris Plummer remained very active were planning to litigate on the issue of this during his prison sentence, including starting publication's denial in several Oregon Cell One, a lending library for prisoners that prisons, but unfortunately lost our lawyer distributed radical literature by and about when he left private practice. Money raised Blacks, Chicanos, Native Americans, Asians for this lawsuit has been split between Brian and working class whites. and Craig "Critter" Marshall, for help with Chris spoke with ferocity and their legal efforts. righteous rage. He presented a passionate We still feel that a legal challenge and articulate argument for the anarchist originating from the outside would be of movement to become more active and great help, seeing as those held captive in effective in its prisoner support efforts. Oregon seem to have no rights that the Chris is currently active in the Anarchist ODOC bureaucracy seems bound to respect. Black Cross Network. Many thanks to Bo We are currently looking for an Oregon and Chris for sharing their inspiration and lawyer willing to help us with this effort. experiences. Please get in touch if you have any Former political prisoner Claude suggestions. Marks presented the film "David Gilbert: A Friends on the outside, please note Lifetime of Struggle" in Portland. David our new email address: Gilbert is currently serving a life sentence [email protected] for his role in support of Black Liberation struggles. In the film David frankly Revolutionary Ex-Political discusses the strengths and errors of the movement as a whole and of the Weather Prisoners Visit Portland Underground Organization in particular. We Rita (Bo) Brown and Chris Plummer held a recommend this film. (To order "A Lifetime forum in Portland this past July focusing on of Struggle", send check or money order for political prisoners, state repression and the $20 US / $25 in Canada to: The Freedom necessity of revolutionary resistance to Archives / 522 Valencia Street / San patriarchy, capitalism, racism and the state. Francisco, CA 94110) Bo spoke of her history of Cover art by Rashid. underground, anti-imperialist actions and Kevin (Rashid) Johnson #185^92 eventual arrest in 1977 for bank robbery. Wallens Ridge State Prison After serving eight years in prison, she PO Box 759 Big Stone Gap, VA 2^219 three months Rodney has been denied six Portland OR, Activists Detained Rob los Ricos Enterprises Support of Free and Critter in the individual medical requests, pain medication For Arson face of these further attacks is both and a medically required liquid diet. "Over the past 3 years of my prison Two eco-activists, Jacob Sherman and necessary and welcome. Rodney went on hunger strike for three experience, friends, supporters, well-wishers weeks and lost twelve pounds before he Jeremy Rosenbloom, were arrested this and comrades have been generous to me, finally received a referral to see a surgeon. August on suspicion of arson against sending donations, books, ', cards and After these months of struggle for basic logging trucks at Eagle Creek last year. The letters. Thank you all very much for thinking medical attention, he was finally offered an police also announced they were seeking of me, it means a lot. experimental treatment for his condition; it two other activists, Angela Marie Cesario The Oregon Department of is unlikely to be adequate. He is in need of and Michael Scarpitti, on the same charges. Corrections makes it difficult to send support for both his political persecution and Following the initial arrests, news of literature and monetary donations to his lack of medical care. Write him a letter Angela's arrest soon followed. Jacob, prisoners, so a friend offered to start a bank expressing your solidarity, and please Jeremy and Angela have now all been account for me in Eugene. The only way this contact the Warden of IMSI and demand charged with four counts relating to the seems to work for all parties involved is to proper medical attention for Rodney Wade. arsons and bailed pending trial. However, start a business account in my name, so Rodney Wade #38.058 / IMSI / Al-31 B / Michael, who is also known as Tre Arrow, that's what we've done. FOB 51 Boise, ID 83707 / USA has not been located by the police and he is Having one address for people to Warden Greg Fisher / IMSI / FOB 51 claimed to be "on the run." This November send donations my way seems like the Boise, ID 83707 / USA an additional indictment against Tre and easiest way for me to manage my personal Jacob was added. It presents four counts affairs, so that I have one place and person each for using "firebombs" to damage four to contact when I want to order a book, Ross Island Sand and Gravel Co. trucks. The subscribe to a magazine, order new glasses, action took place on April 15"' 2001. replace my worn out running shoes, send money to my daughter's mother or send her North American ALF Press a gift. (Her birthday is coming up soon.) Office Raided In the future, this business account On July 30"1 the Royal Canadian Mounted may come in handy for helping me produce Police (RCMP) raided the home and office publications and otherwise conduct business of David Barbarash. Mr. Barbarash has with the outside world. Of course, I'll let been the spokesperson for the North ya'll know when such developments arise. American Animal Liberation Front Press Thanks again for your support. It's Update on Rodney Wade Office (NAALFPO) since July of 1999. made a really horrible situation somewhat Idaho prisoner Rodney Wade was During the raid his front door was kicked in more bearable." interrogated by special agent Joseph W. and the cops seized computers, computer Send donations to: Hess Jr. regarding his letter writing in disks, hundreds of videos, miscellaneous Rob los Ricos / PO Box 50634 / Eugene OR protest of animal cruelty. Rodney was photos, paper files, and four US postal mail 97405 (USA) questioned for over an hour about the ELF, bags, in addition to documents and files In Revolt - ALF, specific activists and their activities. seized (and previously returned) during prior Rob Thaxton # 12112716 / OSP / 2605 Rodney told Agent Hess that he should ask raids. "It is an outrage that the type of State Street / Salem, OR 97310 (USA) those activists themselves and that he would invasion and harassment I've been subject to not give him any information on people or can take place against a spokesperson whose Romania Enterprises Files groups. Agent Hess proceeded to tell role is solely as a media liaison" states Lawsuit Against Free & Critter Rodney that he would not be charged, but Barbarash. On February 25, Romania Enterprises filed a that his writings are considered to be a form The RCMP used a newly formed lawsuit in the Lane County Circuit Court. of intimidation, which is terrorism. To this anti-terrorist team INSET (Integrated This suit is an attempt to gain monetary Rodney responded "No! I speak the truth, National Security Enforcement Team) to compensation for vehicles burned at and I tell people what you won't tell them, raid Barbarash's home. INSET will be Romania Chevrolet in an eco-defense action and as long as I have the right to speech, I'm using the premise of "national security" to of May 2000, for which both Free and gonna keep writing and speaking out against invade and disrupt the lives of individuals Critter were convicted. The lawsuit seeks people and things I don't like." Rodney has perceived as a threat to the powers that be, $28,213 from both men for damage to three also been battling an ongoing and potentially regardless of crimes committed or not. pickups. dangerous medical condition. For the past "This is being handled by the Maple Shade From an RCMP press release of June 18lh seatbelt still attached. Time of death is the potential to come back to MOVE, which "INSET will help insure early detection and estimated at 11:30 pm Thursday night. They police. As far as I know, it doesn't involve took away their justification to continue this prevention of any potential threats to feel he was killed execution-style. MOVE, because the deceased was not a court battle. So they upped the ante," said a national security. The importance of greater Neighbors report hearing nothing at all. The MOVE member, and there is nothing statement by MOVE supporters. The press integration of resources and intelligence has body was found when a neighbor currently to implicate them." release ended by saying, "We as supporters been heightened by the reality of terrorism ' complained to police that headlights had At a press release held the day are not going to sit by and allow this system since the tragic events of September 11th, been shining into her apartment for over 30 Gilbride's body was discovered, the to create another May 13, 1985. We are not 2001." minutes. organization invited the press inside their going to allow this system to get away with Barbarash remains clear "This is not Maple Shade police say they have barricaded home, into a comfortable living murder." about animal rights issues or actions. It was no leads as of yet but are "pursuing all room, where Alberta Africa sat in a plush The MOVE Organization / PO Box 19709 about how we have lost a large chunk of possibilities." These possibilities include the arm chair, obviously distraught. / Philadelphia PA 19143 USA basic civil liberties and human rights. We MOVE organization, and police have said She stated that she and MOVE had Send e-mail to: onamoveHiafgiaol.coin really do live in a police state where those they will bring Alberta in for questioning. nothing to do with Gilbride's death, and who speak their minds and who oppose The organization was already on instead pointed the finger at the government, Harassment of Women at oppression risk police raids, possible arrest high alert because of the custody ruling, referencing the horrific history MOVE has with city administration which culminated in Cambridge Springs and lengthy jail terms." which they had defied, refusing to hand over This is an update on what is happening to North American - A.L.F. Press Office / the child. Their 4504 Kingsessing home was Philly police dropping a bomb on MOVE'S house in May 13, the female prisoners at the Pennsylvania PO Box 3673 / Courtenay, BC V9N 7P1 / fortified a couple of weeks ago, which 1985, killing 11 State Correctional Canada wooden slats placed over the windows, and people including five _ _ Institute at Phone:250-703-6312 food stockpiled in the house. MOVE is Cambridge Springs. continuing these precautions, because they children, and setting fire to an entire city This issue is What Does Man's Death Mean say this will be used as another excuse to currently affecting attack MOVE. "They use whatever they can block. "I've for MOVE? experienced a lot of all women to come at us, just to implicate us. We're a imprisoned in By Walidah Imarisha very peaceful organization, we're a non pain at the hands of In a tragic twist to an ongoing MOVE this government, and Pennsylvania, and violent organization but we do believe in was brought to our custody battle, John Gilbride, former MOVE self defense. People know that and they I believe this supporter and father of six-year-old Zachary attention by the want to play on the media attacks on us," government is Africa, was found shot to death in his car in MOVE 9 women: says Tiffany Robbins, MOVE supporter. behind this," Alberta front of his home the morning of September stated. She pointed Janet, Janine & In a statement issued Friday, the 27. to the professional Debbie. The group denied any involvement in the death. Gilbride had been involved in a four nature of the murder, situation that we are "MOVE is committed to protecting our year long custody battle with the radical saying it sounded dealing with has children, but we're not killers or murderers." naturalist organization MOVE over the child like government been in place at It goes on to say that the group is "deeply he had with MOVE member Alberta Africa. agents or military other women's saddened and hurt by the blow we received MOVE says the issues began when Gilbride Special Forces. "That may sound far fetched prisons in this morning of the news that John is gone." deserted his family when Zachary was two, to you people, but any government that Pennsylvania for some time and has just Police also announced September 29 disappearing without warning for six would drop a bomb on babies is capable of recently been implemented at Cambridge that they had contacted the FBI to aid with Springs. months. When he resurfaced, he demanded anything." the investigation. MOVE feels this is just custody, which Alberta denied him, Far from wanting Gilbride's death, "On August 5th, 2002 a new rule another tactic to harass the organization. "I went into effect at Cambridge Springs claiming he had a history of abuse and Alberta says they were beginning to mend don't put anything past this government or prison, allowing the male staff to "pat instability. She offered supervised visits their differences, and find peace. "I never their agents, whatever form their agents search" the female inmates. In a routine whenever he wanted, which Gilbride wanted anything to happen to John because come, whether it be the courts or the police "search" the officers run their hands across refused. A recent court ruling gave Gilbride as long as he was alive, there was hope. We or the FBI. They wanted to hurt MOVE with the shoulders, down the arms, down the partial custody, including unsupervised still loved each other very much," she said, this, and they did, they hurt us bad with this. entire back, between and under the breasts, weekend visits with the child. His first then broke off, crying. John was someone we were really familiar down the sides of the torso, around the scheduled visit was to begin September 20, MOVE says Gilbride was murdered with," Robbins explains. waist, down the buttocks, down the inside but he was in Las Vegas. because if he and Alberta mended their But Inspector William Colarulo, and outside of the thighs and legs starting at Police say Gilbride was found in his relationship, the government would lose its Philadelphia Police Department the crotch. To have men searching women parked car in front of his Maple Shade, NJ excuse of the custody battle to persecute spokesperson, says this case does not like this is a violation against us as women. apartment complex, car still running, MOVE. "They knew that John Gilbride had currently involve his police department. They are saying that these men are at liberty guards will be molesting and raping female Mark Barnsley Update to a higher security level prison. Haro to feel on us like this any time they want to. prisoners. Mark Bamsley was released from replied: And that's just what some of these men are Please contact Secretary Beard of Whitemoor prison on Monday, June 24"', "On April 29, 1986, you were going to be doing-using this as an the Central Office for Pennsylvania Prison's 2002. Mark has been released after serving convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Offense opportunity to feel on women. There have and demand that this policy be repealed two thirds of his 12 year sentence, but has or to Defraud the United States. The warden already been situations of sexual misconduct statewide. yet to clear his name and have his wrongful has determined that your overall offense by employees and inmates, by consent and 717-975-4859 conviction overturned. Prior to his release, behavior presents a significant threat to the force. In August 1997, this prison was under Also contact Warden Brooks (who Mark refused to sign his license on the security and orderly running of the investigation by state representatives for is herself a woman) at Cambridge Springs principle that he is an innocent institution. [...] Your request for Regional misuse and abuse of authority, and sexual 814-398-5400 and explain that if this policy man and his freedom is his Administrative Remedy Appeal misconduct. At the time four officers had goes into effect she will be seen as right. Mark says "since my release is denied." been brought up on sexual charges, found endorsing violence against women I've been taking things one day at a Haro presents Richard's 1986 guilty, and fired. Some quit before they were time." The Mark Barnsley Release charges and some vague words from fired. Despite these hearings the sexual Update from Mumia Legal Fund is still accepting donations for the warden, as rationale for sending harassment continues." Support legal support of his case. Richard to solitary, and for his We are still waiting for a response in the US Mark Barnsley Release Fund / Sumac eventual transfer to a higher security level Statement from the women of the MOVE 9 Court of Appeals to both sides' appeals of Centre, Box CC / 73 Beech Avenue / prison. This ignores that Richard has neither - Janet Africa, Janine Africa, Debbie Africa federal Judge William Yohn's December Nottingham / NQ7 7LR / UK threatened nor acted violently towards In the prison rulebook policy DC- 2001 ruling, in which he set aside Mumia's anyone in the ten years he has been at USP ADM 008 on sexual harassment / abuse death sentence-though he gave the state of Lompoc. The actions against Richard are against inmates by staff members it says Richard Williams in Solitary Pennsylvania the option of conducting a new pure repression. sexual harassment is: "the intentional Confinement hearing at which Mumia could be sentenced Richard is currently receiving touching, either directly or through clothing, Anti-imperialist political prisoner Richard to death again. If that hearing is not held, treatment for Atrial Fibrillation, but reports of the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner Williams has been held in Administrative and Yohn's decision is upheld, then Mumia that the authorities were slow to respond to thighs, or buttocks of any offender; Segregation since April SO"1. He writes "I've would serve life in prison without parole. his needs once he got out of hospital. He conversation or correspondence that labeled the Administrative Segregation Mumia's status is unchanged given these periodically still has episodes relating to this demonstrates or suggests a romantic or "solitary" because they have made it so condition, and again the authorities are slow intimate relationship." This description fits appeals. Contrary to popular opinion, he while denying it." He reports that seven of remains on Death Row, locked up 23 hours to respond. exactly to what the prison calls a "pat the 150 people in the prison's Ad. Seg. Unit Richard writes of his prior search". During this so-called search the a day as before, with Plexiglas barriers are being held in double cells but are not between him and all visitors, and with all the involvement and his charges: guard must actually touch the vagina of the allowed cellmates. Those who are being "I went underground to join the other deadly restrictions inflicted on Death prisoner. That is not sexual harassment it is held in double cells are Richard, three men armed clandestine movement in 1981 and Row inmates. The Court of Appeals can rape. These searches are unwanted and being investigated for serious assaults, and was captured in Cleveland on November respond in numerous ways to the appeals by unnecessary (there are hundreds of female three Arab men who have been in constant 4th, 1984, my 37th birthday. both sides, ranging from overturning Yohn officers and supervisors working at SCI lock up since September 1 llh. They are not "I was convicted for five of the and reimposing the original death sentence Cambridge Springs). This is "intentional allowed contact with other prisoners and United Freedom Front (UFF) bombings in to upholding Yohn and leaving the question touching" labeled a "pat search" and forced recreate alone. Richard himself was initially 1986 in Brooklyn Federal Court. In 1987 I of a new sentencing hearing up to the state, on the women at Cambridge Springs. Our put in Administrative Segregation on got a hung jury at the Somerville, N.J. trial to setting aside the guilty verdict in Mumia's position is that no woman should be September 1101, under the pretext of federal in the death of a state trooper during a shoot- original trial. subjected to this treatment. MOVE prisoners investigation of that day's action. He was out with Tom Manning. Next I went through International Concerned Family & will not allow male guards to so-called "pat released five months later, on February 11"1. a two-year long trial in Springfield, Mass., Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal search" them. This policy amounts to The day following his release from along with Pat and Ray Levasseur, in 1988 (ICFFMAJ) / 4601 Market Street / nothing less than sexual assault. Clearly if investigation, he suffered a heart attack. and 1989 for seditious conspiracy and Philadelphia PA/USA this precedent is allowed soon the male Two and a half months later, he was again RICO. The jury refused to convict us. In (215)476-8812 put in Administrative Segregation. He has December 1991,1 was convicted of killing been awaiting transfer to a higher security state trooper Lomonco in 1981 after my prison, but has so far remained in solitary second trial on these charges in Somerville, and not been transferred. N.J. I am to serve 45 years for the UFF Richard wrote to Regional Director actions when I finish serving my N.J. Robert M. Haro asking to be returned to sentence of 35 years to life. As with all general population, and not to be transferred dedicated revolutionaries the government has caught they have tried to bury my body Help Needed for Herman Fax (225) 655-2319 eliminate any real concerns that families and away in prison, while being unable to crush Wallace Assistant Warden Dupont supporters of prisoners have. Chris Plummer Phone (225) 655-2024 is on parole and this bunk arrest could land my spirit." After over thirty years in solitary Write to Richard Williams: Fax (225) 655-2319 him back in prison. Chris has been meeting confinement, Herman Wallace has been Richard Williams #10377-106 / 3901 Klein Assistant Warden Coody with an attorney to discuss how to defeat the thrown in the dungeon at Louisiana State Blvd / Lompoc CA 93436 / USA Phone (225) 655-2441 charges that have been made against him. Penitentiary in Angola. The prison says he Phoenix Anarchist Coalition Fax (225) 655-2814 Given the absurdity of this incident, the had racist literature in his cell (Black PO Box 3315 / Tempe AZ 85280-3315 / chances of Chris beating these charges are Panther historical information), but has filed USA great, but regardless of whether the charges no charge against him. As the ACLU civil stick or not, the financial and emotional suit and the criminal post-conviction filings stress placed on Chris by legal troubles is Tom Manning moved to wind their way through the courts, the prison going to be costly. In the course of the past Leavenworth administration has stepped up the few months, Chris has been harassed by the U.S. political prisoner Tom Manning was harassment against Albert Woodfox and police, and the authorities recently blocked forcibly transferred back to the U.S. Herman Wallace of the Angola Three. him from traveling to Denver, Colorado to Penitentiary in Leavenworth, KS a few Throwing 61-year-old Wallace in participate in the peaceful demonstrations weeks ago. As a result of past brutal police isolation where he is under 24-hour camera against Denver's annual Columbus Day beatings, Tom was in the Medical Center for surveillance is clearly retaliation for celebration organized by the American Federal Prisoners in Springfield, MO for Wallace's continued resistance to the racist, Indian Movement. Chris needs our financial hip, knee and shoulder surgery. Despite his illegal treatment of prisoners in Angola. The and emotional support now more than ever. continued need for post-surgery treatment prison has tried for thirty years to break For more information on how you can help, these men by keeping them in solitary and and therapy, he was moved out! call Chris Plummer at #512-497-5975 or now they're stepping up the activity. Tom says in a telephone conversation, "Last email him at [email protected] Wednesday they "kidnapped" me right out Excerpts from Wallace's letters: of the yard. No property - no warning at "There is a man in this dungeon the 1pm. By 4:30pm I was in Kansas again. security is really messing with - I'll talk to Anti-Racist 28 Cleared Sleeping like a stray dog in someone else's the lawyers about it when I have a chance. Almost all charges were dropped against cell, bumming coffee, shampoo, etc." Tom The man has been on his back in 4 point anti-racist activists who demonstrated is desperately in need of donations to help restraints since 10/13 (date of letter-10/21). against neo-Nazis arriving in town to attend him purchase clothing (sweat suit), food, When a man goes on 4-point they let him up a racist rally at the US Capitol on August 24. and sundries lost during this forced the next day, but they are keeping this man The activists were charged with attacking relocation. like this without a shower or feeding him. I the racists while they were parked at the Please send postal money order checks made have been sending him my food when I can. Baltimore Travel Center inside their out to Thomas W. Manning #10373-016 to He urinates and defecates on himself and chartered bus, and were facing a combined the address below: they leave him like that. His mother came all total of 1,177 years behind bars. According Thomas W. Manning 10373-016 / US the way from Shreveport to visit him and see Chris Plummer Arrested on to James Rhodes, attorney for the "Anti- Penitentiary / PO Box 1000 / how he was doing and because they have Racist 28," the case was incredibly weak, Bunk Charges much of it relying on a video which could Leavenworth KS 66048 / USA him in 4-point, they told her she could not Huntsville: The Texas Department of not identify any of the assailants because of We hope that you find it in your heart to see him." "He is in the cell next to me and Criminal Justice (TDCJ) held what was help this freedom fighter. Thank you for there is nothing I can do for him or any of the rain and the bus door which blocked supposed to be a public forum for families much of the scene. "There was no way in your continued support and solidarity! the other guys here, as I can hardly do for of Texas prisoners-to address concerns with determining what role if any the defendants For more information on Thomas Manning myself." TDCJ policy. A reporter for Indymedia, played (in the assault)." Rhodes said. Two and the prisoners of the United Freedom Demand that Herman Wallace be longtime anarchist and anti-fascist activist, charges still stand, but Rhodes says he Front, contact the December 16th released from the dungeon and apply and former political prisoner, Chris expects those also to be thrown out before Committee: dec 16th(o)hotmail .com pressure to have both Wallace and Albert Plummer was arrested outside the campus the scheduled Oct. 31 court date. Woodfox placed in general population while building for asking a simple question The attack, which was on a bus of awaiting retrial by calling, faxing or writing: regarding TDCJ policy. Many activists in neo-Nazi skinheads reportedly from Warden Burl Cain Texas and elsewhere feel this is not only a Louisiana State Penitentiary / Angola LA Michigan, left a number of them injured and violation of his free speech rights, but also their bus, in the words of one "demolished," 70712/US A an example of the repression and The 28 defendants, who included a lawyer Phone (225) 655- 2002 intimidation that TDCJ officials use to us in New York, Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, Further Repression in Long that was a legal observer for the with a three year sentence for "assaulting" Detroit, or wherever Anarchists are Beach demonstrators, reportedly did not arrive on the one of police officers attacking the organized. The new "anti-terrorist" laws On January 24th, 2002, Sherman Austin the scene until after the assault. No one protesters. He is now in prison as an give the government a strong hand to put became one of the first victims of the new knows who was responsible. Over the past Anarchist political prisoner of the down political dissent, but solidarity is our USA Patriot Act when 25 heavily armed month, support for the Anti-Racist 28 was government at a California penitentiary. major weapon. We must support each other, FBI agents and secret service surrounded widespread, September 23rd being declared Police justified the police riot by claiming and not allow government lies and and raided his home in Los Angeles because an International Day of Solidarity for them. protesters threw rocks, bottles, and other misinformation lead us to inaction. of his anarchist web site Meanwhile the Nazis compiled the projectiles, and even feces at them, which 1 am calling on the international http://www.raisethefist.com. All computer defendants' addresses they obtained from has been proven to be a total lie. These movement, and equipment and political literature were police records and spread them throughout attacks were unprovoked, and just designed Anarchists all over the world to support the seized. Austin went to court on Monday, the Internet. Among them was the to break up the demonstration and stifle the Long Beach Anarchists, Sherman A., Robert Sept 30th to plead guilty to a felony related Libertarian Socialist News, run by Bill organizing of the Anarchist movement. They Middaugh, and others caught up in the to information on the raisethefist website White, a person close to the National were political repression. government's dragnet. We cannot let this containing directions on how to make Alliance (NA), the white supremacist group Since those protests last year, repression go unchecked, and injury to one explosives. The plea bargain was to give who sponsored the racist rally outside the several other Anarchists have been arrested is an injury to all. Austin a felony conviction with 1 month in Capitol. In a post reportedly signed by him on bogus charges, and others have received WHAT CAN YOU DO? jail, 5 months in a half-way home and 3 on the DC Indymedia website, he said that numerous threats and harassment from the 1. Send donation for legal defense of these years supervised release. The Judge rejected as soon as the NA got the addresses of the police, including constant visits to the Anarchists to: Long Beach , 684 the plea, attempted to make Austin out as a anti-racists they would all be dead. On Sept. Anarchist info-shop. A goon squad of cops Redondo Avenue, Long Beach, CA. 90814- terrorist and argued that Austin should serve 11, there were reports of neo-Nazis visiting have followed them at demonstrations, and 1453. more than twelve months in jail even though some homes, but no incidents of violence tried to goad them to violence. 2. Send letters of complaint to Long Beach the sentencing is between 6-12 months for were reported, despite White's reporting that Yet, through it all they have continued to city and L.A. County officials demanding Austin's criminal history category. If going some anti-racists in Pittsburgh were beaten. protest pig/state repression. And they are that they drop these prosecutions and end to trial, Austin faces 3-4 years in prison if The benefits and fundraising efforts now being supported by the Black the harassment of Anarchists: Mayor convicted of both felonies, the additional that are either planned or underway are still community, especially folks who have Beverly O'Neil, 333 West Ocean Beach charge being in position of an unregistered going ahead to help offset legal fees. For witnessed or been the victims of police Blvd., Long Beach, CA. 90802. E-mail: firearm. more information, see brutality. The Black community in not only [email protected]: Tom Reaves, Mathew Lament (AKA Rampage), a http://www.AntiRacist28.org or Long Beach, but throughout L.A. County, City Prosecutor also needs to hear from you: Long Beach anarchist who has been highly http://www.onepeoplesproiect.com has been subjected to police racist violence [email protected] for bringing involved with many local groups, has been and police racial profiling. the misdemeanor charges, as does Steve in jail since April 20th, 2002. Call for an International Add to this the continuing FBI Cooley, L.A. County District Attorney, who On April 20th, Mathew Lament was spying and the January arrest of Sherman is bringing on the felony charges: Support Campaign for the Long followed from the Long Beach Infoshoppe A., founder of the radical website, [email protected] Beach / Southern California (REACH Center) by Long Beach Detectives RaisetheFist.com, then one can clearly see 3. Send letters of support for the victims of where he was then pulled over in the city of Anarchist Movement that the American government's police these frame-ups or this repression to: Los La Habra and arrested. Recently I visited Los Angeles for a forces have singled out the Long Beach area Angeles Anarchist Black Cross, P.O. Box He is being held in the Santa Ana speaking tour, and learned of the harassment as a test for how to crush the Anarchist 3671, Anaheim, CA. 98203-3671. Email: Facility in Santa Ana, CA. and is being and frame-ups of Anarchists in Long movement in this period. [email protected] charged with 4 felony charges of possession Beach/Los Angeles County, California. It As has happened in the past, 4. Spread the word on the case of the Long of a destructive device, transporting of a seems that repressive police And FBI whenever became a dangerous Beach Anarchists, and when the time comes destructive device, the use of a destructive terrorism is being used to crush the and potent political force, the government for a mass solidarity protest (Day of Action) device, and the possession of materials / Anarchist movement there. During May Day then engages in a policy of systematic and a tribunal on police crimes, be ready to instructions to make a destructive device. protests against capitalism held in Long political repression. This is similar to the come there (dates to be announced). Mart's bail has been placed at Beach, police without provocation attacked FBI's COINTELPRO campaign against the For more information on the Long Beach 100,000 dollars, and prosecutors have stated a street demonstration with brutal violence, 1960's Black Panther Party and New Left. struggle, or to see pictures of the May 2001 that they want to give him a minimum of 2 arresting about 100 persons, and physically They framed activists, set groups against police riot, please see the "Stop Long Beach years. injuring several others. People were shot each other to prevent joint support, and used Repression" website at: with rubber bullets, beaten with baton, and massive violence to put down protests. www.stoplbrepression.org sprayed with Chemical Mace. We must support these Anarchists, or they By Lorenzo Komboa Ervin, August, 2002. One of those arrested, Robert will be coming after us next. Today it's Long Middaugh, was later railroaded to prison Beach and L.A., tomorrow it will be those of Anarchist Black Cross Network help. Free responds to his letters and is a and the outcome of her case or Further dictatorship). (This group has been active Conference great correspondent. All letters can be sent updates. We call For solidarity with this For 27 years in Greece and 17 people have to: Jeffrey Luers, #13797671, Oregon State courageous young woman, and all women been imprisoned -prior to Yannis' arrest- The first Anarchist Black Cross conference Prison, 2605 State Street, Salem, OR 97310. who take against patriarchy. since late June as being members. It should in North America since 1994 was held on Take care not to write anything on the be pointed out that when First arrested some the weekend of July 26-28, 2002, in Austin, envelope except addresses and to avoid chose to collaborate with the police and Texas. The event, hosted by the autonomous writing the words "" or gave names oF other members when first Austin ABC collective and former political "Anarchism". charged. Since then, claims have been made prisoner and Texas anarchist Chris Contribute to Free's College Education by some of these prisoners oF Forced and/or Plummer, comes on the heels of the release Free is currently taking classes in prison Fabricated conFessions by police). The of A New Draft Proposal for an Anarchist toward a college degree. Obviously, this will authorities' only "evidence"- the conFessions Black Cross Network which advocated the take time and a lot of money. All checks and oF 3 oF those charged (it should be pointed creation of a new network of anarchist anti- money orders can be made out to "Howl for out that these 3 men have since changed prison groups. The ABC-Network is now in Freedom" and send to their address listed their statements and now say Yannis was existence and is a promising development in below. never involved in the group and its actions). the generally weak and dismal North Send him a book or ' After 2 hours oF questioning by the Court oF American activist milieu. Reports on the Prisoners in Oregon State Prisons must Appeal, Yannis' imprisonment was conference have been written by longtime receive new books and they must be sent announced. Over 100 people- anarchists, anarchist activists Lorenzo Kom'Boa Ervin directly from the publisher. Best bets for antiauthoritarians, revolutionary leFtists-who and Ernesto Aguilar and others. These getting books to Free are: Amazon.com No, had gathered outside, tried to prevent the reports, and other info regarding the ABC they aren't anarchists but they have police jeep (with Yannis inside) From Network and prisoner-support activities, can everything and get books into prisons often. departing. One person was arrested. The riot be found at the impressive Anarchist Black There website is: www.amazon.com police attacked the demonstrators who threw Cross Network website: For more information about Free, contact: stones in defense. Tear gas was used to www.anarchisiblackcross.ora Howl for Freedom, POB 50263, Eugene, disperse the crowd. OR 97405, [email protected] This is part of an ongoing campaign by the Ways to Support Jeff "Free" Websites: Greek and American authorities to imprison Luers www. Freefreenovv.org Yannis. 25 years ago, Yannis was charged Write to the Governor of Oregon www.eugene.indyiTiedia.ora/features/prisone with the death oF militant Christos Kassimis. Urge the Governor to commute Free's rs/index,html It was later revealed to be the work oFtwo Anti-fascist prisoner Wayne Heaton absurdly long 22.5 year sentence. Point out vvww.breakthechains.net security agents. He was imprisoned For 15 Wayne Heaton; was sentenced to 18 months the punishment does not fit the 'crime' and months beFore the court announced the in prison For "violent disorder" during the that the Tyree oil conviction was based on Frame-up. He had the solidarity oFmany International Updates Burnley riots last summer. Wayne, who circumstantial evidence. Sample letters are people just as he has now. Yannis has Natalia Kexiopoulou grew up in Burnley, was none too happy available from Free's Defense Network, always made it clear that he has opposed the Natalia Kexiopoulou is a 19-year-old seeing the growth oF support for the racist Howl for Freedom, POB 50263, Eugene, tactics oF armed struggle. For over 40 years student who came with her step-family from British Nationalist Party (BNP) in his home OR 97405, [email protected] as an industrial worker and member oFthe Abhazia, a region of the former Soviet town. So when the police defended the BNP, Contribute to Free's Legal Defense group "Glass Unity" at his workplace (public Union. From the time she was 14 years old, Wayne like many locals stood up and Free is appealing his 22.5 year sentence on transport), he has preFerred to be open (in her father had been raping her regularly, Fought. He'd love letters oF support: numerous grounds. It will take a few years speech and practice) about his involvement threatening to send her back to Abhazia (a Wayne Heaton, GK 7292, Wing G18, H.M. before it gets before the court and will take in the mass workers movement and class place that she remembers mainly for the Prison, 2 Ribblestone Lane, Preston PR1 lots of funds. This is the largest expense in struggle. The authorities have no concrete horrors of the conflict there) if she said SAB, UK defending oneself from state charges. Make anything. On March 11, he tried to rape her evidence against him (i.e. his DNA, all checks and money orders to "Howl for fingerprints were not Found in the hideouts) again in his office. She pulled out a knife to Repression in Greece Freedom" and send to the address listed and his imprisonment is part oF a broader defend herself and her father was fatally Yannis Serifis, 63 year old anti authoritarian below. campaign to criminalize the revolutionary wounded. It should be noted that her father syndicalist, has been imprisoned and Write Free leFt/anarchist/antiauthoritarian movement was a man of some power, being a member charged as being a member oFthe armed Prison is an extremely lonely place and and create a culture oF repression, curtail of the security service of Vladimir Putin, struggle group "November 17" and For the sending letters to Free asking how you can Free speech and destroy independent Russian head of state. Her court date was set murder oF CIA chieF in Greece, Richard help, sharing stories, telling him about what for March 15"', we have been unable to find . is going on in the world is a great way to Welch in 1975 (after the fall of the Prisoner Notes 25 Prisoners Die from Smoke in • Yilmaz - 95th "martyr" of the Turkish Dominican Republic struggle against capitalist brutality. Due to space and other considerations, we are currently unable to print everything we receive for La Vega: At least 25 prisoners died of We Never Sleep. We intend to build the newsletter as a legal resource, publishing legal smoke inhalation on September 20 at an Anarchists Acquitted! information, queries and advice. We also prioritize prison news and updates, as well as items overpopulated and badly ventilated state Usak: The trial of five Turkish anarchists relating to anarchist organizing and to the prisoner network. If we do not print an item, we will prison in the Dominican Republic's central from Usak has just ended and all of them note its arrival in the "also received" section and make copies available upon request. As we wish Province of La Vega, north of Santo have been acquitted! The court started in the to get this newsletter to those who need it, we may not publish items likely to cause institutional Domingo. At least 50 other prisoners were morning with participation of 30 anarchists mail rejections. We also prefer if disputes between network members are discussed directly injured, some seriously. Officials say a (for solidarity) and ended within between the relevant parties. Comment is always welcome on editorial decisions. Views printed group of prisoners at the Concepcion jail set 1 approximately one hour. For background in the Prisoner Notes section are those of the individual contributor and not necessarily those of mattresses on fire after barricading info on this situation, contact the group the network as a whole (or of the outside support collective). Please clearly mark "For We Never themselves in their cells to protest a surprise "Anarsist Kara Ay" (Anarchist Black Sleep" on everything intended for publication in the bulletin. - Outside Support Collective inspection for weapons, drugs and Crescent) at: [email protected] From Lee Max Barnett: Taliban! And he is very dangerous to civil contraband. As of September 21, national Thanks for the summary of the PATRIOT liberties - all of them. guard troops were posted outside the prison Act. I've spent so much time working on my Lee Max Barnett / PO Box E-03100 / San to keep back hundreds of angry family death penalty appeals that I haven't paid Quentin State Prison / CA 94974 members chanting, "Bring them out!" The Het'3

J From Joe Zabick: Also Received: In response to We Never Sleep stolen the lands of the Native peoples. And ourselves as the MPLU I have been through Dolen Glen has sent out an appeal for Sept/0ct2001 -vol. 2 no. 7: \l assistance for his education. If you you, the representatives of the state - the hell and back, I've been harassed beyond Every day we evaluate people by their judges, prosecutors, politicians, and cops - one's belief. We are suffering from a lack of can offer any help, please contact Mr. Glen interaction with us. Should there be some directly. also are grown fat on the bloodstained support in Missouri from our comrades. special criteria or prejudged state of mind in dollars and have built the electric chair and Here in Missouri most of you (anarchists) do Dolen Glen # 8602167 PO Box 417 dealing with prisoners, convicted criminals? Michigan City, IN 463 61 (USA) bought the guards to silence the dissidents not understand or care to understand the Should they be categorized according to and secure your positions as the issues surrounding the prisoners' struggle so their crime? A person who commits a crime, Umoya Kwazulu sent an article regarding representatives of a false power. you choose to look the other way when there or is accused of doing so, is not defined by But do you know that a tide is rising - a tide is a struggle going on right in your back his lawsuit in the U.S. District Court, in their crime. Their crime is not their master Abilene concerning the Texas Department of liberation, of which the actions of my yard. I understand that some of you feel safe status. comrades and I are only the merest hint - by doing absolutely nothing. You spend of Corrections rejection of books. The The anarchist community and books in question have been rejected based and that no guns, no prisons, no fences or your time arguing and debating over the activist community supposes to, amongst walls can stem that tide? Do you know that difference of opinion, in which we don't solely on their African American content. other things, be offering people ideas to The magistrate decided that books such as the days of your illusory power are drawing have the time or energy to waste. unclog mental constipation - many Comrades, as anarchists how would you Paradise by Toni Morrison where "written to an end? Your two million prisoners know. individuals prior to imprisonment never had The homeless, wandering the streets with define our anarchist movement in general, solely" to cause prison disruptions. All only hunger in their bellies know. The the state of our purpose? We are fighting to a chance to asses themselves or the society proceedings in this case ended in January, families and minds torn apart by your bombs obtain our civil and human rights, and I am they were immersed in, they had no 2000. A full copy of this article is available and prisons and guns know also. I know. in need of your aid in our struggle here. The exposure to ideas and concepts such as on request from APLAN. And soon you judges, prosecutors, abolition of prisons, the systems of laws, offered by anarchists/activist communities. Umoya Kwazulu AKA Richard T. Ayers politicians and cops will know too. and the capitalist state is the ultimate Many take this time in prison to re-evaluate #4683617 PO Box 45007 Tennessee Colony, So, for today, you may think you have won. objective of every true Anarchist. So if you themselves and perhaps build themselves TX 75886 7 USA But a tide is rising, and someday we will all are not afraid of a real live fight with the with new ideas and concepts. Many may be free - maybe even you. Until that day, I prisoncrats and are willing to join forces have very well committed terrible acts Jason McKenzie submitted an appeal for remain openly defiant to this court and and assist us in organizing a prisoners' labor against their fellow human beings, at one outside help with typing, editing and putting everything it represents, with a proud heart union movement on a national level I can be time. This is now - should they in their together pamphlets for his group, "No possible search for meaningful ideas for a and a clenched fist. contacted at: Longer a Prisoner of Ignorance". He may be Jerome White-Bey #37479 / Jefferson City way of life be cut off, ostracized, or labeled, contacted at: categorized by the very people who claim to Jason McKenzie #380655 7100 GA From Jerome White-Bey: Correctional Center / PO Box 900 / Jefferson City MO 65102 (USA) want abolition of all forms of oppression? Highway 147 G2 #24 7 Reidsville, GA Open letter to the anarchists of Missouri I deal with hearts and minds, with 30499 7 USA Dear Fellow Anarchists, From Ron Young: human beings and this prison is my daily I am proud to say I am an anarchist, though I reality. Tell me how the very nature of your Dear Comrades, John Perotti submitted an essay titled "Is It am a prisoner of the state of Missouri and I proposal is not bourgeois, reactionary, and Really Worth It?" chronicling the futility of have been in here for 24 years, but I refuse Revolutionary greetings to you. I just objectifying? prison litigation due to liberal organizations to give in to the prisoncrats. Sometime ago a wanted to inform you that on June 15th, Joe Zabick #668361/Rt. 3 Box 9800 / , and attorneys lack of concern for prisoners group of prisoners and myself founded the 2002,1 will be returning to the free world Dayton, TX 77535 / USA real issues. A copy of this article is Missouri Prisoners' Labor Union and our after having served my entire ten-year goals and objectives are to promote social sentence in the Texas gulag. I appreciate the available upon request from APLAN. justice, human rights, prisoner rights, support and solidarity you have shown me John Perotti #1677127 878 Coitsville- during my term of imprisonment and I hope Hubbard RoV Youngstown, Ohio 44505 7 workers' rights and prisoners right to vote. USA We seek to establish a prisoners' bill of to remain in contact with you after release. rights, the enforcement of prisoners abuse Please note that after the above date all laws, workers compensation for prisoners, correspondence should be sent to me at the Ammon Ra shared and essay comparing the enforcement of Missouri nepotism laws, following address: chattel slavery to today's prison system and to establish prisoners' minimum wages pay Ron Young / PO Box 355 / Whiteface, TX its effective destruction of the familial bonds scale, to establish impartial ombudsman 79379 (USA) of African Americans. This excellent essay is available upon request from APLAN. office, to abolish the death penalty and to Thanks again. Onward to the revolution. No Parole laws and to abolish the 13th In solidarity - Ron Ammon Ra (Sumrall) #304127 7 100 GA Amendment of the US Constitution.... Hwy 147 7 Reidsville, GA 30499 7 USA Fellow anarchists since the time we organize Once at the Oklahoma State Prison, Mitchell was stripped of all clothing, including his 'nee upon a time, a motha visited her son in prison and asked him, "Son, what is it that these prescription eyeglasses (for approximately two months); then he was placed in wrist, ankle, and people are doing that makes you so mad all the time?" The son shook his head but didn't say belly chains. In these restraints, he was forced to run through a gravel yard where he fell, only to anything. So the motha reiterated her question: "Son, what are these people doing that make you have prison guards kick and stomp him while yelling, "Get up nigga, get up!" so mad?" After a moment of silence, the son responded, "The better question is: what are they When placed inside a filthy cell, Mitchell was denied a mattress and bedding despite the doing that makes me want to forget all about going home"^ fact that night temperatures ranged in the 50's. The same warden who claimed that Mitchell was According to the Associated Press, on May 20,2002, Napolean Harris, a man housed in a model and non-troublemaking prisoner (I. E. James Saffle), justified these deprivations by Georgia State Prison (GSP), forgot all about going home. The report alleges that Harris arguing that "clothing and bedding were privileges", and that "clothing could be wrapped around "repeatedly punched and kicked" correctional officer (CO) James Henderson in a cell block, light bulbs to start fires and use to snare and choke guards." (sic) which resulted in Henderson dying after being in critical condition for two weeks. (Mitchell, like Hudson, sued his captors for the things they did to him, as described The report also states that Harris (AKA "Po-Boy") was serving a 15-year sentence for a above) Some opine that both the Mitchell and Hudson incidents are isolated because one 1993 armed robbery conviction. However, because "an additional 3 years had been added to his occurred in Oklahoma while the other happened in Louisiana. However, such views overlook the sentence for attacks on other guards," the latest Harris could've gotten was 2011 instead of 2008, facts that (1) a police is a police no matter where he is, what his race is, and what his politics are, should he have been denied parole. and (2), police, prison guards, etc., have a national (and perhaps international) mandate to use 2008 and definitely 2011 may seem like ages away, but in reality, both years are not; violence against those who challenge or otherwise question authority. anyone with either long-term or short-term goals will tell you that 2008 and 2011 are just around Hudson was his in the mouth for arguing with a cop. And Mitchell was hit in the mouth the corner. So with this understanding, you ask, why would a prisoner "punch, kick, and attack" because he filed complaints against cops. Both were assaulted because the police felt violence prison guards (as the mainstream media says) when it is known that such actions will result in would make them docile and quiet. This is how all oppressors prefer the oppressed to be! So him receiving more time in prison? when police/prison guards/security guards use violence to achieve their goals of making their To answer this question intelligently, we must first admit that although prisoners out subjects docile and complacent with their orders, it can never be said that their actions are number correctional staff across the nation, it is nonetheless axiomatic that corrections personnel "isolated", regardless of whether the incident occurs in prison, in society, in Cali, in Indiana, or control virtually every aspect of prisoners' lives from issuing them clothes, feeding them and even in Georgia. For systematic violence is never isolated! giving them medical treatment; to allowing prisoners to use the phone, watch TV, receive mail, Even though the supposed first Black president (i.e. Bill Clinton, AKA "a good friend of buy food, and visit with family and friends. Therefore it cannot be disputed that corrections African Americans") went to great lengths to circumscribe prisoner lawsuits with his signing of personnel run the US Prisons. the Prison Litigation Reform Act, civil litigation still is an available avenue for prisoners who The question, however, that begs to be answered is: how can a minority of people (I.E., desire compensation for wrongs committed against them by correctional staff. CO's) control the majority (I.E., prisoners)? The most likely answer is: the minority But what about the prisoner who cannot afford a lawyer; or who does not have the systematically uses violence to maintain control. (Remember South Africa?) patience, understanding, and mental capacity to file a lawsuit pro se; and who, at the time of him In Hudson v. McMillian. ' the U. S. Supreme Court dealt with the issue of whether the being victimized, is not handcuffed as Hudson and Mitchell where during their assaults? What is use of excessive physical force (by COs) against a prisoner constitutes cruel and unusual this prisoner supposed to do: accept an ass-whipping or fight back? The word around G.S.P. is punishment. In that case, it was established that on October thirtieth, 1983, prisoner Keith Napolean Harris is the prisoner described above, and under the circumstances that were present, Hudson had an argument with C.O. Jack McMillian. Latter that day, C.O. McMillian returned he chose to fight back. with C.O. Marvin Woods to handcuff and relocate Hudson to the Angola penitentiary's So, to finally answer our question of why would a prisoner use violence against an officer "administrative lock down" area. when he knows he could get more time in prison, we should consider what chief district judge It was only when Hudson was handcuffed, outnumbered, and out of view and earshot of Fanner stated in the case of Lemaire v. Maass3: other prisoners that McMillian began to punch Hudson in the "mouth, eyes, chest, and stomach, "People who are abused and treated with violence are those most likely to treat others while Woods held the inmate in place and kicked and punched him from behind." Officers abusively and violently. Confinipg people under conditions of extreme violence, fear, Woods and McMillian's supervisor Arthur Mezo, witnessed the incident, and reportedly ordered and hostility, and releasing them into society is like throwing a ticking time bomb into a them "to not have too much fun." crowd." On May thirteenth, 1988, a riot broke out and lasted 3 days at the Mack Alford Correctional-Center in Stringtown, Oklahoma. Carl D. Mitchell was incarcerated there at the Ammon Ra July sixth, 2002 time. It was established that Mitchell had nothing to do with the riot: that (2) confessed white supremacist admitted to starting the riot; ant that two-prison guards thought so highly of Mitchell Ammon Ra (Sumrall) #304127 / 100 GA Hwy 147 / Reidsville, GA 30499 that they urged him to negotiate the release of hostages. Moreover, Warden James Saffle went on the record as having said that "Mitchell was a model, non-troublemaking prisoner. Mitchell, however, had one foible that the Oklahoma prison officials frowned upon: he was a litigator. So when the police took back control of the prison, Mitchell was relocated to the Oklahoma State Prison along with those involved in the riot or otherwise deemed troublemakers.

'Hudson v. McMillian 112 S.ct 995 (1992) 2 Mitchell v. Maynard 80 F 1433 10th cir. (1996) 3Lemaire v. Maass 745 F SUPP 623 D. OR (1990) My Name is Bitch!

When I stand up for what I believe in, When I stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, When I think my own thoughts, and refuse to accept the brainwashing and conform, When I won't tolerate oppression, injustice, and bigotry, And take a stand against them They call me "Bitch"

If being a bitch means that I will not compromise my values, If it means I don't put myself and my needs at the very bottom of my list of priorities If it means I live my life according to my rules & not those society attempts to force upon me, If it means I won't allow anyone to walk all over me, If it means I have strength and courage to be myself, Not what civilization thinks a woman should be If all this makes me a bitch, I welcome and embrace the title with pride.

I am outspoken, opinionated, passionate and relentless. Knock me down, I rise again, Stronger.

You will not silence me You will not own me You will not control me You WILL remember me I am "BITCH"

By an anonymous woman prisoner in Oregon ^Upcoming prisoner Hatosmtt Challenges: Anarchist and anarchist-friendly prisoners within the Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) gulag have been and are being subjected to a steadily worsening crescendo of censorship of incoming mail and publications. This fascistic activity cannot be allowed to continue unchallenged or it will not be long before all material deemed anarchist related will be censored, with the terminology "anarchist related", like "beauty", being in the eye of the oppressor. Currently, barring simple ineptitude on the part of the authorities, any piece of mail or publication displaying a "circle A" symbol or an anarchist black cross symbol is being rejected wholesale. This has held true even where the offending symbol is displayed in a news article photograph in a globally distributed magazine. This policy alone results in the rejection of most anarchist oriented publications. However, rejections sometimes are based upon, "Security Threat Group content" (anarchists have been identified by ODOC as a "Security Threat Group") without any reference to what content is actually threatening or why. I recently wrote to Mike Beagan, ODOC STG Management "Inspector" asking for relief from the censorship and for an explanation as to what criteria and legal mechanism ODOC used to brand anarchists as a security threat group. This is the absurd Orwellian doublespeak 1 received back: "The anarchist movement in Oregon has grown to where it is a serious concern to law enforcement, and the public, due to its increased violence towards others. As such the so called "circle A" is a well known rallying point for those within the movement. The policy of the Oregon Department of Corrections is a zero tolerance for any STG related activity. Each publication is evaluated upon its own merit and either accepted or rejected." As you can see, these authoritarians, with self-appointed pompous verve, refuse to discuss or consider their intrusion upon inalienable humanitarian rights. And so I am bringing suit in the Oregon federal court system. I will be challenging the classification of anarchism as an STG, the over-broadness of this classification, and why there is no procedural due process vehicle in place to challenge, meaningfully or otherwise, this unilateral classification. I will be challenging the rejections based solely upon the symbols "circle A" and "Anarchist Black Cross". I will be challenging the denial of substantive due process where mail is rejected for "STG content" without identifyingvtliat content and without identifying why that content deserves rejection. Lastly, I will be challenging the conversion of my personal property in the form of the rejected mail/publications. The court battle is expected to be drawn out and difficult. Those are the common tactics of the Attorney General's office, the champion of "the people". At the same time as they are both dilating and avoiding the issues before the court the fascists will attempt to brand the issues as frivolous, malicious, and not constituting a legal claim upon which relief can be granted. Usually, and I make this statement without any naive pretense, the court will find for "the people" after giving much lip service to constitutional rights. Just the same, there is grandeur in the effort, the truths are self-evident, and we must not fear the path of truth for the lack of people walking on it. Anyone caring to comment to the court on these issues may do so by writing the court care of me: Brian McCarvill #11037967, OSP, 2605 State St., Salem, OR 97310. Donations desperately needed! The Oregon State Penitentiary consistently rejects anarchist publications. The radical community within the walls of OSP wishes to take the Oregon Department of Corrections to task in a civil rights lawsuit. Outside supporters have been unable to date to raise funds for legal representation. This writer, an experienced prison legal litigator, will soon file suit within the Oregon courts. Litigation is expensive, even more so for prisoners without incomes. Donations, no matter how small, are urgently requested and can be made by sending money orders or cashiers checks only made out to: "The Prison Accouilt of Brian McCarvill #11037967" and sent to: Central Trust PO Box 14400, Salem, OR 97309-5077. If you can and do send a donation, please write to Brian McCarvill separately at: Brian McCarvill #11037967, OSP, 2605 State St., Salem, OR 97310.