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January 7, 2007 Prison Dispatch
For the last several years I have been writing about the causes and signs of global warming. I scour newspapers and science journals for the latest studies. Its no real surprise that the guy in prison for trying to call attention to global warming is writing about it.
When I first came to prison global warming was a myth. I had to argue the facts in numerous interviews. Some journalists were convinced by my passion and knowledge and others dismissed me as crazy.
When I first came to prison global warming was a myth. I had to argue the facts in numerous interviews. Some journalists were convinced by my passion and knowledge and others dismissed me as crazy.
Now more and more attention is being given to climate change and its inherent dangers. Major media outlets are reporting on climate change on a regular basis. Just the other day the Register Guard reported that a 41 square mile chunk of Canadas arctic ice shelf had broken off due to climate change. Reporting that the remaining ice shelves are 90% smaller than when they were discovered in 1906 (Ice shelf break blamed on climate change 12-30-06). Even the US government has now acknowledged the plight of polar bears that are threatened by climate change.
However, I was shocked when the Oregon Department of Corrections recently put an article in the prison bulletin about the dangers of global warming! The article went so far as to break down the types of green house gases. It concluded by asking the inmate population to do its part in fighting global warming by recycling paper to avoid creating methane gas (by letting it rot in a land fill).
I am glad that these issues are finally being acknowledged. It is great that steps are finally being taken to halt climate change. My own captors now agree climate change is a threat. The Bush administration is beginning to acknowledge it. Several states, including Oregon, are fighting legal battles in an effort to reduce green house gas emissions. It is great news. Even though it is going to take much more effort it is at least a start.
However, it leaves me asking the question: If Im right and climate change is this huge threat, why am I still in prison?
I have served more than six years for a property crime that hurt nobody. My codefendant was released more than a year ago. Whatever debt I owe to society is paid in full.
We all know you and me and the state - that I was punished for my politics. I was made to be an example. Well, my politics turn out to be right. No one is arguing with me about that anymore.
It is time for my punishment to reflect my crime not my politics. It is time for me to go home.
Depending on the outcome of my appeal, I will be asking the governor to commute my sentence. I cant legally request that until my appeal process has ended. But when that time comes I will be asking for your help with letters, petitions, demonstrations, and media outreach. I believe that you have the power and influence to bring me home. I hope that you will answer, if I call.
- Jeffrey Free Luers
Write to:
Jeff Luers#13797671
Oregon State Prison
2605 State Street
Salem, Oregon 97310
USA
Write Free at Jeffrey Luers, #13797671, Oregon State Penetentiary, Salem, OR 97310
Donate to Free's Legal Defense:
1-Online through the 'make a donation' button at http://www.freefreenow.org
2-Send a check or money order to: "Free's Defense Fund" and mail to
POB 3, Eugene, OR 97440
http://www.freefreenow.org
However, I was shocked when the Oregon Department of Corrections recently put an article in the prison bulletin about the dangers of global warming! The article went so far as to break down the types of green house gases. It concluded by asking the inmate population to do its part in fighting global warming by recycling paper to avoid creating methane gas (by letting it rot in a land fill).
I am glad that these issues are finally being acknowledged. It is great that steps are finally being taken to halt climate change. My own captors now agree climate change is a threat. The Bush administration is beginning to acknowledge it. Several states, including Oregon, are fighting legal battles in an effort to reduce green house gas emissions. It is great news. Even though it is going to take much more effort it is at least a start.
However, it leaves me asking the question: If Im right and climate change is this huge threat, why am I still in prison?
I have served more than six years for a property crime that hurt nobody. My codefendant was released more than a year ago. Whatever debt I owe to society is paid in full.
We all know you and me and the state - that I was punished for my politics. I was made to be an example. Well, my politics turn out to be right. No one is arguing with me about that anymore.
It is time for my punishment to reflect my crime not my politics. It is time for me to go home.
Depending on the outcome of my appeal, I will be asking the governor to commute my sentence. I cant legally request that until my appeal process has ended. But when that time comes I will be asking for your help with letters, petitions, demonstrations, and media outreach. I believe that you have the power and influence to bring me home. I hope that you will answer, if I call.
- Jeffrey Free Luers
Write to:
Jeff Luers#13797671
Oregon State Prison
2605 State Street
Salem, Oregon 97310
USA
Write Free at Jeffrey Luers, #13797671, Oregon State Penetentiary, Salem, OR 97310
Donate to Free's Legal Defense:
1-Online through the 'make a donation' button at http://www.freefreenow.org
2-Send a check or money order to: "Free's Defense Fund" and mail to
POB 3, Eugene, OR 97440
http://www.freefreenow.org
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Dear Friends,
Above is Jeffs latest prison Dispatch.
In addition, we are putting out a call for artwork. We are going to be printing more stickers soon, and we would like a new design with your help. Please send us your submissions by February 3rd, preferably by email in an attached jpg file scan (freefreenow [at] mutualaid.org) or they can be mailed to Jeffs Support Network, PO Box 3: Eugene, OR 97440.
The design must be in black and white and incorporate the website name http://www.freejeffluers.org and the name Jeffrey 'Free' Luers (or leave room for us to add in later) and the image should be related to support of Jeff and political prisoners. The stickers will be approximately 2.5 inches x 4.25 inches.
To see previous designs, go to
1. http://freefreenow.org/drooker.jpg
2. http://images.indymedia.org/imc/portland/jeffsticker.jpg
3. http://freefreenow.org/pix/june05sticker.jpg
Again, the deadline for submissions is February 3, 2007. The artist selected will get recognition and a big stack of free stickers. Please contact us with any questions at freefreenow [at] mutualaid.org
Thanks so much again for all of your support!
-Friends of Jeffrey Free Luers
Above is Jeffs latest prison Dispatch.
In addition, we are putting out a call for artwork. We are going to be printing more stickers soon, and we would like a new design with your help. Please send us your submissions by February 3rd, preferably by email in an attached jpg file scan (freefreenow [at] mutualaid.org) or they can be mailed to Jeffs Support Network, PO Box 3: Eugene, OR 97440.
The design must be in black and white and incorporate the website name http://www.freejeffluers.org and the name Jeffrey 'Free' Luers (or leave room for us to add in later) and the image should be related to support of Jeff and political prisoners. The stickers will be approximately 2.5 inches x 4.25 inches.
To see previous designs, go to
1. http://freefreenow.org/drooker.jpg
2. http://images.indymedia.org/imc/portland/jeffsticker.jpg
3. http://freefreenow.org/pix/june05sticker.jpg
Again, the deadline for submissions is February 3, 2007. The artist selected will get recognition and a big stack of free stickers. Please contact us with any questions at freefreenow [at] mutualaid.org
Thanks so much again for all of your support!
-Friends of Jeffrey Free Luers
Dear Friends,
Below is the latest prison dispatch from Jeff as well as poem titled '1,461'. Thank you all again for your support!
-Friends of Jeff Free Luers
--
Jeff Free Luers December 20, 2006 Prison Dispatch
I honestly dont have much to say at the moment, which is unusual, as everyone knows how much I love rabble rousing.
This is the first winter in a long time that I havent suffered from depression. I think I owe that to a very special person in my life and a super amazing group of family and friends.
I turned 28 a few weeks back. And I want to thank everyone that sent me cards and letters. I got over 50 of them last week and they are still coming in. Thanks for all the love.
Perhaps the best gift of all came from my wonderful attorneys and friends at the Civil Liberties Defense Center, who have gotten me my visits back and are still fighting to get more. Thank you so much.
Happy holidays to everyone, and best wishes for a bright new year full of change.
- Jeff Free Luers
------
1,461
Powers changed hands but powers not changed
when the corrupt still rule and injustice remains
one thousand four hundred and sixty one days
is not a democracy when things stay the same
Another one thousand four hundred and sixty one days
til your next opportunity to vote freedom away
Yea, the people have spoken, yet havent said much
Disgusted with red voters re-elect blue
In a two party system youve the freedom to choose
Between asshole number one or asshole number two
And free dumb is right when you give yours away
Buy stock in apathy its the American way
Antarctica, Greenland, Alaska is melting
In Baghdad, Iraq innocent people are dying
in half of the world children are starving
while here in America obesity is killing
But thinner is better if you watch the TV
body images marketed to kids and preteens
and thousands of young girls succumb to the fantasy
There is something horribly, horribly wrong with a society
that encourages eating disorders and plastic surgery
while children kill children in rampant school shootings
and corporations get tax breaks for polluting the land
so much that babies are born already poisoned
by more than four-hundred chemicals and industrial solvents
Progress? Convenience? Or just ignorance killing us
Powers changed hands but powers not changed
when the corrupt still rule and injustice remains
one thousand four hundred and sixty one days
is not a democracy when things stay the same
Another one thousand four hundred and sixty one days
til your next opportunity to vote freedom away
By Jeff Free Luers, December 2006
Write to:
Jeff Luers #13797671
Oregon State Prison
2605 State Street
Salem, Oregon 97310
USA
For more information: http://www.freefreenow.org
Write Free at Jeffrey Luers, #13797671, Oregon State Penetentiary, Salem, OR 97310
Donate to Free's Legal Defense:
1-Online through the 'make a donation' button at http://www.freefreenow.org
2-Send a check or money order to: "Free's Defense Fund" and mail to
POB 3, Eugene, OR 97440
http://www.freefreenow.org
Below is the latest prison dispatch from Jeff as well as poem titled '1,461'. Thank you all again for your support!
-Friends of Jeff Free Luers
--
Jeff Free Luers December 20, 2006 Prison Dispatch
I honestly dont have much to say at the moment, which is unusual, as everyone knows how much I love rabble rousing.
This is the first winter in a long time that I havent suffered from depression. I think I owe that to a very special person in my life and a super amazing group of family and friends.
I turned 28 a few weeks back. And I want to thank everyone that sent me cards and letters. I got over 50 of them last week and they are still coming in. Thanks for all the love.
Perhaps the best gift of all came from my wonderful attorneys and friends at the Civil Liberties Defense Center, who have gotten me my visits back and are still fighting to get more. Thank you so much.
Happy holidays to everyone, and best wishes for a bright new year full of change.
- Jeff Free Luers
------
1,461
Powers changed hands but powers not changed
when the corrupt still rule and injustice remains
one thousand four hundred and sixty one days
is not a democracy when things stay the same
Another one thousand four hundred and sixty one days
til your next opportunity to vote freedom away
Yea, the people have spoken, yet havent said much
Disgusted with red voters re-elect blue
In a two party system youve the freedom to choose
Between asshole number one or asshole number two
And free dumb is right when you give yours away
Buy stock in apathy its the American way
Antarctica, Greenland, Alaska is melting
In Baghdad, Iraq innocent people are dying
in half of the world children are starving
while here in America obesity is killing
But thinner is better if you watch the TV
body images marketed to kids and preteens
and thousands of young girls succumb to the fantasy
There is something horribly, horribly wrong with a society
that encourages eating disorders and plastic surgery
while children kill children in rampant school shootings
and corporations get tax breaks for polluting the land
so much that babies are born already poisoned
by more than four-hundred chemicals and industrial solvents
Progress? Convenience? Or just ignorance killing us
Powers changed hands but powers not changed
when the corrupt still rule and injustice remains
one thousand four hundred and sixty one days
is not a democracy when things stay the same
Another one thousand four hundred and sixty one days
til your next opportunity to vote freedom away
By Jeff Free Luers, December 2006
Write to:
Jeff Luers #13797671
Oregon State Prison
2605 State Street
Salem, Oregon 97310
USA
For more information: http://www.freefreenow.org
Write Free at Jeffrey Luers, #13797671, Oregon State Penetentiary, Salem, OR 97310
Donate to Free's Legal Defense:
1-Online through the 'make a donation' button at http://www.freefreenow.org
2-Send a check or money order to: "Free's Defense Fund" and mail to
POB 3, Eugene, OR 97440
http://www.freefreenow.org
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