The Girls Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest: Political Prisoners

This letter came in via the Phoenix Anarchists. Answer Lynne's call to support political prisoners and remember the Arpaio 5 next week. Grace Daniels gets sentenced and taken into custody by the MCSO on November 22. Check their blogspot for jail visiting info, and current news on Claire and Garyn - they're up next.

Be careful in there, Grace - don't let them give you more time. We're counting on you to come back and help lead the revolution...

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For those who don't know [Lynne] Stewart is a 70 year old radical attorney who was imprisoned for staunchly defending her clients -- as a post-911 threat to other leftist and progressive attorneys to "back off"....

Buried Alive, But Fighting On

- A Letter to Friends from Lynne Stewart


In the best-selling Steig Larsson trilogy, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, the heroine, Lisbeth Salander, a hardwired, brilliant young computer genius is shot and presumed to be dead, but is actually buried alive by the antagonist. He is a prototype of the cruel, greedy, misogynistic, exploiter.

She claws herself out of her premature grave and, indomitable and focused, defeats him. Finally by the end of volume three she has triumphed-using her own brains and, relying on her friends and comrades-over the entire corrupt corporate, governmental, military power structure that had been trying to oppress and suppress her, her whole life.

Thursday, July 15, Federal Judge John Koeltl attempted to bury me alive.

Acting for the Government and Judges of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, he sentenced me at their demand, to more than five times the term he originally thought "right and just." With his new sentence, of ten years, I am buried in the Prison Industrial Complex until I am nearly 80 years old, if I make it. But, believe me, I, like Lisbeth Salander, intend to lift the dirt off and, even if weakened and wounded, regain my voice and strength!

Like Lisbeth, I too will always fight back. Justice has been my life, and upholding the Bill of Rights, my joy to defend and utilize on behalf of the People. Since I am now reduced to asking everyone's support and help for personal problems, whether medical or designation of my prison, or other legal issues, I want everyone to know what's expected and to have immediate connection to the people who will continue to be responsible for me and getting the word out.

Along with that, I hope you will maintain contact if there is an opportunity where you live or at an event sponsored by your organization, to speak out about my current situation and highlight the injustice of increasing my sentence only to satisfy the most conservative judicial elements and feed the fear of the so-called war on terrorism.

Sources:

1. Website, complete with sentencing minutes and submissions to the Court, articles, comment, letters, and upcoming events: www.lynnestewart.orghttp://www.lynnestewart.org/>

2. Live persons: Ralph Poynter, 917 853-9759;

email: Lynne Stewart Organization: 1lawyerleft@gmail.com3.

Snail Mail: Lynne Stewart, #555304054, MCC NY, 150 Park Row, New York, NY10007, or Ralph Poynter, 1020 Dean Street, Brooklyn, NY 112164.

Email: 1lawyerleft@gmail.com

Medical: I still have a number of unresolved conditions-mysterious spot on my uterus to be checked (biopsy) for possible cancer, monitoring of bladder condition, a newly discovered kidney stone. My chronic problems undertreatment-diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol and assorted aches and pains and annoyances of aging! The Judge directed that I stay at MCC in NewYork City so that my doctor will continue to be responsible for my treatment. Our daughter, Dr. Zenobia Brown, will continue to consult with him.

Prisons: The Judge also directed that I remain at MCC during the pursuit of an appeal. He also recommended to the Bureau of Prisons that I be sent for imprisonment to Danbury FCI in Connecticut, about two hours driving, or on Metro North Rail line, from New York City. Visiting conditions will be much better and I will be able to see more of my family and supporters for longer periods in more ameliorative surroundings. Of course, the Bureau of Prisons is a law unto itself and if it decides I need to go elsewhere, the Judge's recommendation doesn't control. There are a limited number of women's prisons. They are in Minnesota, Florida, California, and West Virginia.

There is also the Federal Prison Hospital for Women in Carswell, Texas (near Fort Worth).

The Numbers: ten years equals 120 months; 87 percent Good Time Credit for Good Behavior equals 104.4 months; Already Served, equals eight months.Totaled out, it is approximately eight years. The last six to 12 months is usually served in a halfway house (but nothing about this case has ever been usual!) The Grand Total is 84 months more to go.

Where so we go from here legally?

Court-wise, we are still making decisions about Possibilities of Appeals, Campaigns for Commutation, Clemency, etc. Keep in touch with the Web Page.

There will always be issues for me. Incidentally, I mentioned at sentencing that I had volunteered to teach GED and Literacy in here, and had been turned down - BOP regulations. They have neither program, nor any education program for the women. The following Monday, a sign-up sheet was posted for...GED and Literacy classes, a first here according to long term prisoners!!! The classes have started. You never know what can work! I was also asked how much time I could give. We'll see.

Just as the establishment tried to finish off Lisbeth Salander by burying her alive, I too am trying to dig myself out. Give me an assist. Continue the work. That is most important to me. Join the ongoing campaigns for Justice for the Scott Sisters, MumiaAbu-Jamal, Leonard Peltier, Albert Woodfox and Herman Wallace (of The AngolaThree).

Remember All the Political Prisoners. Write to them. Put a little something in their commissary.

Force the government to End the Imperialist Wars.

Fight Racism. Fight for Palestine.

Challenge the Politicians. Demand that they tell you where they stand on Me.

Resist! Resist! Resist! Resist! Resist!

My gratitude and boundless embraces for everything everyone has done.

Love/Struggle

Lynne Stewart
53504-054 MCC-NY 2-S
150 Park Row
New York, NY 10007

Inside Shadows: Memorial for Marilyn Buck, NOV 11.

This comes from the SF Chronicle via Marilyn's friends in the Phoenix Anarchist Coalition. Maybe we should host a memorial here, too.

--------Women Prisoner News: Marilyn Buck obituary in SF Chronicle-------

A memorial gathering will be held on November 7th from 4-7 at the First Unitarian Church, 685 14th St., Oakland. Additional ones will be held in Texas, New York City, and Puerto Rico; details will be posted on www.marilynbuck.com.

On Tuesday, August 3, 2010, long-time U.S.political prisoner and acclaimed poet Marilyn Buck, 62, passed peacefully at her home in Brooklyn. On July 15th, several weeks before the date originally set for her release, Marilyn had been released from the federal Bureau of Prisons medical facility in Carswell, Texas and paroled to New York. Marilyn served 25 years of an 80-year prison sentence for politically motivated actions undertaken in support of self-determination and national liberation and in opposition to racial injustice and U.S. imperialism. Throughout her years in prison, Marilyn remained a steadfast supporter of fellow political prisoners and an advocate for the women with whom she was imprisoned.

Marilyn became involved in the civil rights and anti-war movements and joined the Students for a Democratic Society during her college years and became an active supporter of the Puerto Rican, Native American and Black liberation struggles in this country. She was a consistent and outspoken advocate for the liberation of women and gay liberation.Marilyn was incarcerated in Dublin, California for 15 years, during which time she earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and Master of Arts in poetics. Her poetry and essays have been printed in a wide variety of journals and books. A new collection of her poetry will be published next year under the title "Inside Shadows."

In 2009, Marilyn was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer; treatment came too late to save her life. Marilyn is survived by three brothers, three sisters-in-law; cousins, nieces and nephews; her friend and attorney Soffiyah Elijah, and other loving friends worldwide. A memorial gathering will be held on November 7th from 4-7 at the First Unitarian Church, 685 14th St., Oakland. Additional ones will be held in Texas, New York City, and Puerto Rico; details will be posted on www.marilynbuck.com.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2010%2F08%2F22%2FMNBUCKMARI6.DTL

This article appeared on page Z - 99 of the San Francisco Chronicle © 2010 Hearst Communications Inc.

Decimas para Marilyn Buck: Carlos Quiles.

Thanks to Freedom Archives for putting this out where we can find it.

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En Memoria Marilyn Buck

Sentada al frente Marilyn Buck, detras las hermanas Lucy y Alicia Rodríguez

Ida Luz Rodríguez
Especial para CLARIDAD

Se nos ha ido nuestra hermana y compañera Marilyn Buck. Pasó a otra vida el 3 de agosto rodeada por el profundo amor de amigas y amigos quienes dieron testimonio que Marilyn enfrentó la muerte de la misma manera que vivió la vida, con amor y valor.


En 1985, Marilyn, fue sentenciada a 80 años de cárcel por su incansable defensa del derecho a la dignidad y libertad de los seres humanos. Luchó contra la injusticia, el racismo y el colonialismo que tanto daño le ha hecho a la humanidad y la naturaleza. Durante sus 25 años en cárceles del gobierno de los Estados Unidos logró engendrar solidaridad, amor y respeto internacional.


Al final de 2009, Marilyn fue diagnosticada con un sarcoma uterino, un cáncer poco común y muy agresivo. El 15 de julio de 2010, fue excarcelada del centro médico carcelario en Carswell, Texas y vivía en Brooklyn, Nueva York en la casa de su entrañable amiga y abogada Soffiyah Elijah. El ser que fue Marilyn caló profundamente en mi corazón y en el de mi hermana Alicia. Nosotras como prisioneras políticas compartimos momentos muy importantes con la compañera. Su humanidad y brillantez nos sirvió como una luz.


Alicia y yo pensando en Marilyn nos acordamos de un domingo, 5 de septiembre de 1999 en la cárcel en Dublin, California cuando todavía estábamos dialogando y reflexionando sobre si aceptar o no la oferta del Presidente Clinton. Esa mañana nosotras nos encontrábamos frente al televisor mirando el programa Meet the Press con un moderador y tres invitados. Uno de los panelistas fue el congresista puertorriqueño Luis Gutiérrez quien bravamente enfrentó la cólera y el racismo de los otros panelistas enfurecidos con la oferta del Presidente Clinton. Ya habían pasado casi tres semanas de una gigante ola de represión y racismo desatada por gran parte de los medios noticiosos y represivos que buscaban las formas de impedir nuestra salida de la cárcel.


Como puertorriqueño Luis Gutiérrez sintió el impacto racista y peligroso de las palabras de los panelistas, miró fijamente la cámara, y dijo “que salgan ya”. Nosotras entendimos que se dirigía a nosotros los prisioneros políticos. Marilyn, Alicia y yo entendimos que había fuerzas poderosas que buscaban mantenernos encarcelados costara lo que costara y que la salida nuestra de la cárcel sería una victoria para la nación boricua. Nos acordamos que Marilyn nos miró y nos dijo ustedes no pueden negar la oferta. Tienen que salir ahora. Esas palabras nos tocaron el corazón porque sabíamos que ella se iba a quedar encarcelada.


De nuevo pensando en Marilyn nos acordamos del 10 de septiembre, día de nuestra salida de la cárcel. Alrededor del medio día nos despedíamos de las compañeras de prisión cuando oí un profundo llanto. Pregunté quién lloraba y las mujeres me dijeron es tu hermana Alicia. Había muchas mujeres dándonos la despedida así que no podía verla. Luego Alicia me dijo que el llanto fue producto de una profunda indignación que sintió porque no salían todos los presos políticos particularmente Carlos Alberto Torres, Oscar López Rivera y Haydée Beltrán. Mi hermana sintió un estado de paralización del cual se percató Marilyn y fue ella la que agarró a Alicia y la movió hacia la puerta y afuera la llevó hasta el lugar donde nos procesaron antes de salir de la cárcel. Para Alicia, Marilyn fue su puente hacia la puerta de salida de la prisión. Ésa fue Marilyn Buck. Tuvo un corazón noble y muy bravo.


El testimonio del compañero Carlos Quiles surge de su encuentro con Marilyn a través de la poesía, llamadas telefónicas y cartas.

Décimas para Marilyn Buck

Compañera, para ti
una décima criolla,
la más genuina, que apoya
lo más genuino de aquí.
Del terruño el frenesí
en humilde convivencia,
del campo la luz, la esencia,
los olores mañaneros
y los nocturnos luceros
testigos de tu conciencia.

Es que te siento tan nuestra,
tan nacional, tan cercana,
tan genuina, tan hermana,
del isleño amor la muestra.
El sentir patrio demuestra
lo que tú me has demostrado,
tú eres surco que el arado
ha abierto de libertad,
tú estás en mi vecindad,
tú eres boricua a mi lado.

Yo no quisiera llorar
pero tengo atragantado
tu sentimiento que ha dado
tanto, tanto por amar.
Yo no quisiera mirar
con mis ojos lagrimosos
esos tuyos tan hermosos
más no puedo contener
la rabia ni el llanto al ver
lo que te causó el acoso.

Con los brazos de esta tierra,
Marilyn, quiero abrazarte,
compañera, y quiero darte
todo el amor que ella encierra.
Tú eres patria, nuestra, guerra
por nuestra liberación
ajena a nuestra nación
ante los ojos del mundo,
presente en cada segundo
de nuestra revolución.

Tú eres la décima mía,
la de Llorens y Virgilio,
eres extranjero idilio,
tú eres cercana alegría.
La octosilábica via
para cantar nuestra historia,
tú eres lucha, eres memoria,
eres canto libertario,
eres fusil necesario
para llenarnos de gloria.

Marilyn Buck, compañera,
reconozco tu presencia,
tu lucha y tu consistencia
y tu entrega siempre fiera.
Esa voluntad sincera
que se acercó a mi nación
fue un acto de devoción
y de solidaridad
y apoyo a la libertad
desde lejana prisión.

Maravillosa mujer,
que mi patria te conozca
y que en tu ser reconozca
lo valioso del poder.
El poder de poder ser
en valor y sacrificio
chispa y fulgor, el indicio
que siempre estará presente
en las manos de la gente
para ser del fuego inicio.

Una décima sencilla,
una décima de amor,
una décima cual flor
que representa a mi Antilla.
Para tí, la maravilla
de mujer universal,
para tí ese cideral
espacio de gloria eterna
en la décima más tierna
de nuestro espacio vital.

5 de agosto de 2010

Freedom Archives
522 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

415 863-9977

www.Freedomarchives.org

Questions and comments may be sent to claude@freedomarchives.org

Columbus Day 2009: Phoenix