On 2/2/89, Judge Laurence King, after dismissing the La Penca lawsuit without a trial, ordered the C.I. to post a one million surety bond. The bond was posted on 3/8/89, enabling the C. I. to continue the lawsuit, being firmly convinced that the appellate court will find multiple errors in Judge King's sanctions ruling and that it will be overturned. C.I. attorneys point out that the purpose of sanctions is to deter improper behavior by attorneys, not to shut down an organization because the court doesn't approve of a controversial lawsuit. The Institute's attorneys are now preparing a point-by-point rebuttal to Judge King's ruling so that this case can come to trial.
You can help by contacting Rep. Jack Brooks, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee in Wash. D.C., and urging him and his Committee to remain alert, examine evidence and expose any attempt by government officials to cover up the truth. Join your voice to the 75,000 voices of C.I. membership. We must speak out together against policies that have encouraged the "secret government" to exist. C.I. needs your support; in San Francisco call 415/ 788-0475 or 202/ 797-8106 in Wash. D.C.
For information locally, call me at 468-1660. - Gert Warner
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2003
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited