Jeff "Free" Luers: On the recent arrests

Dispatch from Jeff "Free" Luers. December 22, 2005.

This last week I've been talking to a lot of people about the recent
arrests. I know what it is like to be where these people are now. I
understand very well the anxiety of not knowing what is happening.
The fear and the stress. Trying to be strong and level-headed not
just for yourself but for your loved ones.

In my conversations with people I can tell they are afraid. Not just
for those arrested, but for themselves. Scared to talk, scared to
act, and scared to support.

These people need your help. You might not know them. They might not
be part of any activist community. But they represent the heart of
this movement and this struggle. Because they are the ones accused of
actions that have become legendary and made into songs. They are the
ones bearing the brunt of this struggles' resistance. They are the
scapegoats for the Department of Justice. They are suffering for
every act of defiance this movement has carried out under whatever
banner.

We owe it to these people to support them. We owe it to them to not
be controlled by fear.

YOU have to help them! If you ever considered yourself part of this
struggle, a part of this movement, if you were ever just thankful
somebody was brave enough to make a stand - YOU have to help them!

Have a meeting with your local activists, form a collective, or act
on your own. Find out what you can contribute: A website, a paypal
account, legal help, fundraising, networking, letters, visits - any
kind of support. Make it happen.

Hell people we are pros at this by now. We've had our practice runs.
This one is for real. This one makes or breaks us as a movement. It
defines who we are as people.

Decades from now this will be a story of how the people came
together. Or it will be a tale about how the back of a struggle was
finally broken.

I know the story I plan on writing. Who will help co-author it? Who
will help make history?

(As of this writing, Stanislas "Jack" Meyerhoff, one of those
arrested, has agreed to testify against the others charged. Jacob
Ferguson has been identified as another informant and is still free
and uncharged. These men are cowards and scum of the lowest order.
They should be treated accordingly.)

- Jeff "Free" Luers

Dispatch from Jeff "Free" Luers. December 25, 2005

Earlier this week it was reported that William Rodgers, accused of
Earth & Animal Liberation Front arsons, committed suicide in his jail
cell.

I know very little other than that. However, I find the circumstances
suspicious and strongly encourage people to push for an investigation.

The news is incredibly sad. If William did in fact take his own life
it is the first time an earth/animal liberation prisoner has done so.
It is a devastating precedent.

I cannot begin to guess why. I can relate to the desperation and
readily admit thoughts of taking my own life entered my head as I
awaited trial. I think it is likely a common experience when people
are facing a lot of time.

The fact that he followed through on the thought breaks my heart. And
my sympathy goes out to his family & friends.

I am left wondering if there is something we could have done to stop
him. Was this an entirely personal decision based on the prospect of
doing a lot of time? Or was this an act of desperation from someone
who felt completely alone?

There are four people left who desperately need your support. Daniel
McGowan, Sarah Harvey, Kevin Tubbs, and Chelsea Gerlach. Write to
them. Support them. Let them know they are not alone. Let them know
there are people who will stand by them until they are released. Be
there for them.

- Jeff "Free" Luers



Write to:
Jeffrey Luers
#13797671
Oregon State Prison
2605 State Street
Salem, Oregon 97310
USA
The Freedom Archives
522 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 863-9977
http://www.freedomarchives.org