Federal judges refuse to delay Calif prison ruling

A special judicial panel denied a motion Thursday by the Schwarzenegger administration that sought to delay an order requiring California to reduce its prison population.

The panel of three federal judges scolded the administration for seeking the delay. The judges have ordered the state to reduce its inmate population by 40,000 inmates over two years. That’s about a quarter of all inmates housed in California’s 33 adult prisons.

Full story

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Arizona: Prisoner dies after sun exposure; body covered in 3rd degree burns from sun

PHOENIX (AP) — An inmate who died in triple-digit heat after spending four hours in an outdoor holding cell had numerous first- and second-degree burns on her face and body and a core body temperature of 108 degrees, according to an autopsy report.

The report confirmed that Marcia Powell, 48, died of a heat-related illness but also provided more details of her death than were previously known.

The report, which The Associated Press received this week, found that her death on May 20 at the Perryville prison in Goodyear was an accident and that she had anti-psychotic drugs in her system. Such drugs are known to make people more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

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Antonio Guerrero of the Cuban 5 Art Exhibit in Colorado

Antonio’s Art Exhibit on Tour in Colorado

After its inauguration in Washington, D.C. at the Venezuelan Embassy, and second exhibit in Berkeley, CA, Antonio Guerrero’s art exhibit now moves to Colorado, where it will be displayed in two venues, the University of Colorado at Boulder and the Smokebrush Gallery in Colorado Springs. Until his temporary transfer to Miami last week for re-sentencing, Antonio has been in Colorado in Florence prison since 2002. Also in Miami awaiting re-sentencing on Oct. 13 are Ramón Labañino and Fernando González.

Jimmy Santiago Baca, nationally-acclaimed writer and poet, will read Antonio’s poetry as well as his own, at the opening receptions in Boulder and Colorado Springs.

Santiago Baca, born in New Mexico of Indio-Mexican descent, is the recipient of many awards for his insightful writings, including the American Book Award, and the prestigious International Award for his memoir, A Place to Stand.

Antonio has become an accomplished artist and poet since his imprisonment (read his personal history of his artistic development
by clicking the link below). His exhibit is an opportunity to gain insight to a beautiful and talented man, representing all Cuban Five heroes who maintain their dignity in the face of injustice.

There are opening receptions in each location (Sept. 22 in Boulder and Oct. 2 in Colorado Springs), following which the art will be on exhibit for several weeks in each location. Click the link below for details. The Boulder event is sponsored by the Ethnic Studies Department and the Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race in America of the University of Colorado at Boulder, and the National Committee to Free the Cuban Five. The Colorado Springs event is sponsored by Smokebrush Gallery and the National Committee.

* Exhibit Details
* Antonio’s artistic history

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Looking back at the GOP convention one year later: Police kicked into ‘disruption mode’

Riot pigs at RNCOne year later, law enforcement officials continue to defend their handling of the Republican convention, arguing it was the only way to keep extremists from disrupting the gathering and preventing violent incidents.

Full Minnesota Post Article/Editorial

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Modesto Anarchist Prisoner Literature Project Donation Appeal

We will cut to the chase. Modesto Anarcho Crew’s Prisoner Literature Project, which supplies hundreds of prisoners incarcerated in prisons throughout California, has not been able to function for the past couple months. Our generous supplier of cash has not been able to kick down the cheddar, and as such, we have not been able to send out orders. We also have a PO Box bill of $84 at the end of this month. This has been unfortunate, since a new wave of anarchist organizing and energy has gripped us, as old comrades are coming back from summer travels and our social center, Firehouse 51, continues to be used by many groups and individuals.

This is Us Groveling

We know times are tight; people don’t have much. Comrades are in prison and that rent check still has to go through. We could go on forever. But, if you can send us some cash, if you enjoy what we do and what we put out, if you want to help us to continue sending massive amounts of anarchist/left communist literature into California prisons – please support us.

Full appeal here.

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Regarding The State of Minnesota v. Christina Vana & Karen Meissner

Today, the chains were not lifted from our friends lives’, but perhaps the weight of their bonds are more defined, more certain. Today, Tuesday, September 1st, 2009, Christina Vana and Karen Meissner pled guilty to felony assault in the 2nd degree, for their part in the massive demonstrations during the 2008 RNC in St. Paul, Minnesota. They received a plea deal, with the State agreeing to grant them a Stay of Imposition (meaning the felony charge will be dropped to a misdemeanor after successful completion of probation), a maximum of 90 days jail time, and the possibility of doing Sentence to Serve as a jail alternative. They face up to 7 years probation. This was a departure from the sentencing guidelines, which would normally call for prison time. Their Sentencing is on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009, at 1:30 p.m in front of Judge Warner at the Ramsey County Courthouse. Please show up and make court a slightly more festive endeavor!

There are several ways to view a plea agreement. From one perspective, it is a generous offer from the State, when they have the ability and intention to quench any inkling of resistance and throw us in jail. On the other hand, when we take a deal instead of going to trial, we participate in our own prosecution. It’s just a step away from locking ourselves into our own jail cells. That’s not to say we aren’t forced into these situations, and when we can keep ourselves or friends out of jail without incriminating others, it’s a wise decision.

Despite the judge’s praise of the many supporter’s cooperative behavior, let’s not forget that our outward docility is just a façade, a strategic decision and a postponement of our true feelings towards the cops and courts. It makes a Judge’s job much easier if we sit back quietly while the “fair and impartial” trial railroads free human beings. Of course a Prosecutor will appreciate our silence as he slanders our friends to their faces, drags our names through the mud and convicts us with a Powerpoint Presentation.

In the past year we’ve seen many friends ensared by the wide nets of state repression. The unfortunate rioters filter in and out of Ramsey County Jail, and the question remains,: Where do we go from here? How do we continue to build networks of resistance and foment social change and rebellion in the wake of such widespread repression? Tomorrow Dave Mahoney will be released from captivity, but the jails are still filled with kindred spirits. The Milwaukee Three’s cases may be resolved, but their convictions and the evidence mentioned by the prosecution will be used to vilify and prosecute the RNC 8. Jesse James Forrey faces up to 5 years in jail after being convicted of property damage in St. Paul. We’ll need all the strength and support we can muster in the coming months and years. The path of resistance is a rocky one that rambles on, but for ourselves, our wild companions and wilder creatures, we’ll keep stumbling forward and perhaps find pieces of a world we want.

Those who know Christina and Karen are encourage to write character letters to the Judge, requesting a sentence with no jail time. These must be addressed to The Honorable Judge Teresa Warner, Ramsey County Court and can be sent as an attachment to helpmkegirls@gmail.com, or inquire by email where to mail or fax letters. Also feel free to donate any amount to help with Karen and Christina’s legal costs, estimated at $40,000, via their website.

Also, please show up to the sentencing of Jesse James Forrey, on September 17th at 1:30 p.m in front of Judge Flynn at the Ramsey County Courthouse. He faces up to 5 years in jail and appreciates any support we can give him.

http://helpmkethree.blogspot.com/

http://supportjessejames.wordpress.com/

http://rnc8.org

Original Story

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Critical Resistance Call-In Action

From Critical Resistance:

CALL NOW for HUMAN RIGHTS!

The federal courts have ordered a reduction in the California prison
population by 44,000 over the next 2 years to relieve the inhumane
conditions caused by overcrowding. Governor Schwarzenegger has said he
will appeal-we have until September 3rd to change his decision!

* The judges found conditions in prison to be so unhealthy that
prisoners’ constitutional rights are being violated, amounting to cruel and
unusual punishment. And we know that the vast majority of these prisoners
are Black, Latino and low-income people.

* The judges also assert that reducing the prison population by
44,000 will NOT threaten public safety.

* Reducing the prison population WILL free up billions of dollars for
real public safety: education, health care and services.

Make 3 critical calls NOW and help spread the word!

Call Governor Schwarzenegger:

* Urge him to stand for human rights and NOT appeal the federal court
order on prison overcrowding
* Tell him that reducing prison overcrowding WILL improve conditions
and will NOT threaten public safety.

LA Office: (213) 897-0322

Sacramento Office: (916) 445-2841

Press 1 for English, then Option #2

Call State Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and

Senate pro Tem Darrell Steinberg

Tell them we need their leadership in urging the Governor NOT to appeal!

And ask them to make a public statement against the appeal!

Karen Bass – (916) 319-2047, (323) 937-4747

Darrell Steinberg – (916) 651-4006

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Tomorrow: Letter Writing Night!

Denver ABC is having its second monthly letter writing night tomorrow. Spaghetti dinner, childcare, and letter writing stuff will all be provided. Hope to see you all there!

Denver ABC Political Prisoner Letter Writing Night
Weds, Sept 2nd at 6:30pm
6th Ave United Church of Christ
3250 E. 6th ave, Denver

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RNC 8 September 1st call in campaign: Call in and demand justice today!

RNC 8One Year Later, Keep up the Pressure: Call-in Sept. 1 campaign

One Year Later – Call-in to Susan Gaertner September 1st

651-266-3222 | Fax: 651-266-3010 | RCA@co.ramsey.mn.us

On September 1, 2008, thousands took to the streets of St. Paul to challenge the Republican National Convention. One year later, the RNC 8 are still facing serious legal repercussions because of their organizing. Authorities typically charge a few activists who take to the streets – this time, they went after the people who fed and housed protesters in the days before.

We are asking people across the country to take a few minutes on Tuesday, September 1 – the one-year anniversary of the RNC resistance – to contact Ramsey County Attorney (and aspiring Democratic candidate for Governor) Susan Gaertner and tell her to DROP THE CHARGES! It’s been a full year of dragging community members through the mud, wasted taxpayer dollars, and embarrassment for Susan’s campaign.

Enough is enough!

Tuesday Sept. 1 2009

Contact Susan Gaertner:

County Attorney’s Office: 651-266-3222 | Fax: 651-266-3010 |

RCA@co.ramsey.mn.us

Campaign Office: 651-645-2010 | info@susangaertner.com

Let us know if you made a call or email by contacting us at

info@rnc8.org

online:

website: www.rnc8.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15561103028 |

www.facebook.com/susangaertner

Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/susangaertner2010

Twitter: www.twitter.com/SusanGaertner

Thank you for taking a few minutes out of your day to make this call in day a success!

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Members of the Cuban Five Transferred

Antonio Guerrero (formerly at USP Florence in CO), Fernando Gonzalez, and Ramon Labanino have now been transferred to Miami to await their resentencing, which is still expected to occur on Oct. 13.

Until the resentencing occurs, you
can write to the three at their new
address:

Antonio Guerrero
#58741-004
FDC Miami
P.O. Box 019120
Miami, FL 33101

Luís Medina (NOTE: the envelope should be
addressed to “Luis Medina,” but address the letter inside
to Ramón)
#58734-004
FDC Miami
P.O. Box 019120
Miami, FL 33101

Rubén Campa (NOTE: the envelope should
be addressed to “Rubén Campa,” but address the letter inside
to Fernando)
#58733-004
FDC Miami
P.O. Box 019120
Miami, FL 33101

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