A former student of is now active with the Long Island Free Space and claims that Digital Activism was part of what prompted her to get involved with the Free Space. I am actually surprised at how little coverage this has been getting as the trial begins, though perhaps if I read A-Infos I'd be seeing it?
Conor's story is told in varying lights here:
http://nyc.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/2689
http://lists.village.virginia.edu/lists_archive/sixties-l/2982.html
http://stream.paranode.com/imc/hashes/c7/c74140c8f1926b59879c86a456381ea8
I have a lot of (fairly obvious) thoughts about the decision to brand these kids as terrorists, but I will spare you. Ultimately, this is part of a national trend to throw the book at organizers and activists. This is how Sellars ended up looking at a half a million dollar bail in Philadelphia, this is how Jeff Luers is serving 23 years in California (http://www.freefreenow.org).
I encourage you to pass this on, especially if you have connections in progressive communities nearer to Islip. His lawyer seems to feel that a strong (silent, well dressed) presence in the courtroom bodes well for Conor, so anything you can do to help make that presence happen is important. This trial does affect all of us, as activists and organizers.
-------------------------------------------------
>
> This is for those who are familiar with what Conor Cash, co- founder
> of Freespace inc. has beeng going through for the past 4 years or so.
> If you would like to attend his trial, please read the information
> below.
>
> After a first day of witness testimony in Conor’s federal case, it is
> increasingly clear that we need to maintain a strong presence in the
> courtroom. Conor’s attorney, Fred B., has personally asked that the
> punk/hardcore/activist community make every attempt to show up in
> force on Conor’s behalf.
>
> PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE!
>
> The dates left to attend the trial are May 12th, 13th, 17th, 18th 19th 20th
>
> 1. Conor’s trial is taking place on the 10th floor of the Federal Court Building, room 1040. The presiding judge is named PLATT. Apparently there are also judges named “Spratt” and “Pratt”, so remember it is PLATT like as in Plattsburg.
>
> 2. Court begins session every morning at 9:30 am, runs to 4:30 pm under normal circumstances. CONTRARY to previous information, you do
> not need to arrive at 8:45 am AND you can come and go at any time.
> Even an hour of your presence is of value, so don’t think that any
> visit is “too short” - DO NOT BE LATER THEN 9AM!
>
> 3. Please dress in a manner that will convince a very mainstream jury
> that Conor’s supporters are a respectable group of people. (guys,
> slacks, button shirt, a tie if available)
>
> 4. Conor’s attorney has specifically asked us to show up and sit quietly throughout the trial proceedings. We are not there to make any statements at all (and any interference by us with the proceedings will reflect poorly on Conor). We are to keep “poker faces” on throughout the trial… do not react to the proceedings in any manner that might taint the jury and result in a mistrial.
>
> 5. Newsday reporters were on hand today. DO NOT SPEAK TO THE MEDIA.
> If approached by a member of the media, Conor’s defense team has
> asked that you say “I am here to see justice done. I have no other
> comments.” Comments to the media have the potential to taint the jury
> and lead to a mistrial.
>
> The federal court building is at 290 Federal Plz Central Islip, NY 11722-4437. Take exit 43A off of the Southern State and follow the
> signs to the federal courts. The building is an immense white monolith... hard to miss
>
> Directions can also be had via mapquest. "
>
> -----------------------------
>
> Support Conor Cash
>
> Tuesday the 11th of May 2004, Conor J. Cash, a young Long Island activist and friend to many, will be starting trial and is facing serious legal charges. Without going into details, Conor has been targeted for his political activism and he needs our support. IF YOU CAN MAKE IT DOWN TO THE COURTHOUSE, PLEASE COME! ITS IMPORTANT!
>
> Conor has been a long time youth community activist. Employed as the
> Convergence Coordinator for the Long Island Free Space, Inc., Conor
> has worked with countless young people to develop programs, which
> have provided free music lessons for youth in the community,
> consciousness raising group for young women, a recycle-a-bike
> program, and other artistic and activist programs. Conor has also
> dedicated his time to supporting the work of day laborers, the local
> peace movement, the campaign to save WBAI, and countless other
> important issues.
>
> Friends of Conor Cash are calling on the Long Island progressive community and people of good conscience and good will to come out and
> support Conor by being present in the courtroom at his trial. Your
> presence will show the prosecutor, FBI, judge, and jury that Conor is
> a member of a vibrant community that supports him.
>
> Details: The trial begins Tuesday May 11th and will continue for
> about two weeks, and court will not be in session on Fridays. Court
> starts at 9am sharp, with a noon lunch break. Please bring food. At
> the Central Islip Federal Court Building, the large white building. 10th Floor, Room 1040, Judge Platt. Exit 43A off Southern State
> Parkway
>
> Please Note: Dress appropriately. (Suit or slacks/sports coat with
> tie if you have it, very neat appearance – cell phones are not
> allowed in the building, no piercings or obvious tattoos, so take the
> out or cover them up if you can) And please be quiet when coming in
> and out of the courtroom.
>
> Please forward this note to all that would be interested.
>
> If you are Long Island based and would like to be of assistance the Friends of Conor Cash have set up a program to cook vegan meals for
> Conor and his family over the next few weeks. http:// www.czieje.com/conor for more information.
>
> For more information you can contact the Friends of Conor Cash – Kevin Van Meter – 516.655.4675 – executivedirector@lifreespace.org
