July events for Marie Mason (Portland, Oregon and San Francisco)

Please join us at two upcoming events for Marie Mason, in Portland, Oregon
(July 17) and San Francisco (July 22).

* * * * *

In Portland, Oregon, July 17th:

Red and Black Café
400 SE 12th St. (at Oak St.)
Portland, Oregon
http://www.redandblackcafe.com
Saturday July 17th, 7pm

Members of Marie Mason’s support campaign will be in Portland, Oregon to
talk specifically about her case, but also about the Green Scare in general.

Mason is serving almost 22 years for two acts of environmentally-motivated
property destruction in which no one was harmed. This is the longest
sentence of any of the current Green Scare prisoners. (The Green Scare is
the name given to the recent prosecution of eco-saboteurs and animal
liberation activists, whom the government has labeled as “terrorists” and
sought huge sentences.) Mason was turned in by her then-husband, Frank
Ambrose, who had secretly spied on activists for years and filed for divorce
the day she was arrested. Mason eventually plead guilty to 14 actions; 13
were claimed by the Earth Liberation Front and one by the Animal Liberation
Front. At her sentencing, the judge said she had “violated the marketplace
of ideas” and gave her an even longer sentence than the prosecution had
asked for (15-20 years). Mason has been a labor and environmental activist
for decades, working with unions like the IWW, direct action groups like
Earth First!, and periodicals like ‘Fifth Estate’.

This talk will also explain the legal origins of the Green Scare; how the
“terrorism enhancement” is used specifically to punish environmental and
animal rights activists; and what you can do to support Mason and the other
prisoners.

Brought to you by Support Marie Mason, Team Colors and other friends.

http://www.supportmariemason.org

* * * * *

In San Francisco, July 22nd:

Battles Yet To Be Won: A Benefit for Political Prisoner Marie Mason
Perspectives on Repression & Resistance- From the 1960’s to the Present

Thursday, July 22, 2010
7:30 PM
Submission Gallery
2183 Mission Street, San Francisco

donation: $5 – $20, no one turned away

Featuring: Former Prisoners Jeff Luers and Linda Evans, and Earth First!er
Karen Pickett

Followed by tunes aplenty by KUSF DJ Carolyn Keddy

*****

Marie Mason is a long-time activist in the environmental and labor
movements. In 2008, she was arrested on federal charges of property
destruction that occurred in 1999. She was sentenced in 2009 to almost 22
years – the longest term of any “Green Scare” prisoner. Marie is currently
appealing her sentence. She is imprisoned in Waseca, MN and is the loving
mother of 2 children, from whom she has been torn away. For more
information, see http://www.supportmariemason.org

The “Green Scare” refers to the recent arrests of animal rights and
environmental activists, charged with acts of economic sabotage. The US
government and courts have dealt the activists outrageous sentences,
publicly labeling them as “terrorists” – despite the fact that no one has
been injured in any of their actions. For an introduction to the Green
Scare, see
http://www.greenisthenewred.com/blog/green-scare/.http://www.greenisthenewred.com/blog/green-scare/

This event will contextualize the current repression, a continuation of the
government’s COINTELPRO agenda that historically also targeted movements
such as the Black Panthers, American Indian Movement, Chicano rights, Puerto
Rican Independentistas, and those in solidarity with them. Former prisoners
will share their experiences and perspectives on Marie Mason’s case,
focusing on what we can do to support her. Our struggles for change can only
succeed if we show solidarity with our brothers and
sisters who have fallen into the hands of the state. Let’s gather to
strengthen our resistance!

Speakers:

Linda Evans – Sentenced to 40 years in prison in 1987 for her participation
in radical resistance against U.S. imperialism, Linda Evans was released
after presidential commutation in 2001. She has fought tirelessly for
justice inside and out of prison, currently working with Legal Services for
Prisoners with Children and All of Us or None to demand an end to the
life-long discrimination faced by former prisoners. Linda will discuss the
history of repression and resistance in the U.S., as well as specific issues
faced by women in prison.

Jeff ‘Free’ Luers – In June 2001, 23 year-old forest defense activist Jeff
“Free” Luers was sentenced to over 22 years for the burning of three SUV’s
in Eugene, Oregon as a statement on global warming. After serving close to
10 years, Jeff was released in 2009 following a successful appeal. He will
share his experiences and the ways in which the loud voices of supporters
were instrumental in his early release.

Karen Pickett - Long-time Earth First! activist Karen Pickett has been an
inspired participant in the environmental struggle for years. She is a
personal friend of Marie Mason and has continuously supported her since her
arrest. Karen will discuss Marie’s case, their relationship, and ways in
which we can demonstrate our solidarity with Marie.