Anonymous Comrade writes:

“The Warrior Wind” Newsletter

The long-overdue third issue of “The Warrior Wind,” a newsletter against our society of confinement, is out now. This issue features a new half-page format and an increased page count. It is available as a.pdf file from the following locations:

Version for reading online: http://www.socialwar.net/.pdf%20files/warriorwind3 .pdf
Version for printing out and photocopy distribution: http://www.socialwar.net/.pdf%20files/warriorwind3 print.pdf

These files will eventually also be hosted at Impassioned Insurrection—www.impassionedinsurrection.info. Please feel free to add the files to your own site, too.

The mid-May newsletter’s 28 pages include: “Operation Backfire: Guilty Justice,” a lengthy article providing updates and analysis on the federal eco-sabotage cases in Oregon and Washington; an update on Auburn arrestee Eric McDavid plus a statement from Sacramento Prisoner Support concerning informant Zachary Jenson; an overview of the “San Francisco Eight” case of former Black Panthers facing murder charges based on torture-extracted confessions; an update on critical hearings for death row journalist and political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal; other US news shorts relating to Jeff “Free” Luers, the SHAC 7 and others; updates and documents concerning repression in the U.K., Germany, Italy and Belgium; information about “The Warrior Wind” newsletter project itself; and finally an announcement for the June 9 Day of Solidarity with Jeff “Free” Luers.

We continue to encourage participation in this publishing project, not only through making copies and circulating the newsletter, but also by offering us your feedback and writing for future issues.

As repression increases, we believe that it has become more, not less, important for radicals to raise their voices. “The Warrior Wind” newsletter is one small gesture towards broader efforts of resistance, solidarity, and refusal against a shoddy world system.

For a better world,
TWW Editors

flies on the wall writes:

Notes from Oregon Eco-Sabotage Plea Hearings

Flies on the Wall

[Case background: ecoprisoners.org greenscare.org and cldc.org/green]

Today [Nov. 11, 2006] at the new federal courthouse in Eugene, Oregon, “Operation Backfire” defendants Joyanna Zacher, Nathan Block, Daniel McGowan and Jonathan Paul entered “guilty” pleas for several eco-sabotage related charges, as part of a global resolution agreement with prosecutors. Judge Ann Aiken presided over the hearings. The change of pleas from the four defendants resolves all current “Operation Backfire” cases in Oregon.

As part of this agreement, the four defendants have withdrawn their motion to obtain materials from possible National Security Agency surveillance. The global resolution agreement for the four defendants expressly indicates that Zacher, Block, McGowan and Paul accept their personal participation in crimes, but that these four have not and will not provide information on, inculpate or reveal the identities of anyone else. The four plea agreements are not sealed and are accessible to the public. The courtroom filled with supporters during these hearings; unfortunately, court staff turned away many additional people at the door. A press conference outside the court followed the four change of plea hearings.

Preparing for Sentencing
Lynne Stewart

My Dear Supporters,

I want to thank all of you for standing by me for the past 4 years through the trial, conviction and my bout with breast cancer. Now I am preparing for sentencing on September 25, 2006. I have been fortunate to have gained strength through your support and although the strength of the "all mighty" government seems overwhelming we know we are on the right side of history.

Since the day in April 2002 when I was arrested, the Lynne Stewart Defense Committee was formed. We have accomplished great things through the committee and managed to raise awareness of my case and the issues it has raised. We have made connections to a broad base of people united at this time by the Bush/ Cheney attack on the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.

Family and Friends of Daniel McGowan writes:

Call for Artwork
NYC Benefit Gallery Show for Daniel McGowan

June 23, 2006 at ABC No Rio
156 Rivington Street,
between Clinton and Suffolk Street in the Lower East Side

Co-sponsored by Visual Resistance and Family and Friends of Daniel McGowan
Deadline: June 1, 2006
Email Contact: visual.resistance@gmail.com

On December 7th, my friend was arrested at his workplace by federal marshals. The friend I know as a tireless activist and a funny, generous, caring person was ripped from his friends and family without warning and held without bail in federal prison, facing multiple felony charges and life in prison.

I met Daniel McGowan during the buildup to the protests against the Republican National Convention in New York. The Visual Resistance crew was organizing the No RNC Poster Project and Daniel was our first ally. In the time since, Daniel has been a personal friend to all of us in VR and to many more in the larger New York activist community. His constant smile and good humor belied his selfless devotion to making this world a better place.

And on December 9th, he was disappeared. Daniel was extradited to Oregon and held without bail for two months on charges whose statute of limitations were close to expiring. His arrest came as part of a massive government crackdown on the radical environmental movement which many are referring to as the “Green Scare.” His arrest left the community in shock.