Needless to say, the May 24th car bombing of Judi Bari and Darryl Cherney has had a profound effect on all of us. For the past two months, our stunned community has rallied in support of Judi and Darryl, in support of Redwood Summer, and in support of the MEC. The way the community has pulled together has truly been wonderful: hundreds of people have come forward to contribute to the emergency and legal funds, and to commit themselves with greater determination to work for the changes that are necessary. More people are volunteering, and the MEC is an even busier hive of activity than before - which is remarkable, considering how busy we were before this hideous event. We are so grateful to all of you!
To update you, Judi is recovering very slowly from serious injuries. Her pelvis is broken in four places, her cocyx bone is "mush", she has a very deep puncture wound in her buttocks from the spring in her car seat and neurological damage in her right leg. She's out of traction, and beginning the long and painful rehabilitation process. She is in constant pain, from which loving visitors and music offer momentary distraction. It's going to be a long, painful haul for Judi. She needs our love, our encouragement - and most of all, the knowledge that we are all out here doing it - continuing the work to which she is so committed. Her undauntable spirit is a constant inspiration! Darryl, though less seriously injured, has been extremely traumatized, too. He suffered a scratched cornea and a serious gash above his eye. Yet, he is courageously continuing to organize for Redwood Summer, and, in his own inimitable style, taking the message about the plight of the forests to folks nationwide.
As if all of this is not atrocious enough, the Oakland Police and the FBI for two month pursued only Judi and Darryl as "suspects". They engaged in a campaign to smear Judi and Darryl in the press, and on June 26th again searched Judi's house to accumulate nore non-evidence with which to attempt to smear them. This is an outrage, though unfortunately not uncommon. Recognizing the severity of this situation and its implications, on July 16th, a group which included politicians, environmental organizations, Central America organizations, women's organizations, labor organizations and religious organizations issued a joint press statement calling on Congress and the State Attorney General to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter. Two days later on July 18th, for the third time, the Alameda County District Attorney declined to press charges, stating they had "insufficient" evidence. We need to keep the pressure on Congress and the State Attorney General in order to ensure that they insist that the FBI really investigate this matter and find the perpetrator(s) of this vicious crime.
Other FBI smear campaigns of environmental activists are going on in Montana, Arizona and probably other places as well. This indicates that collectively we are having a cumulative impact and becoming a threat to those who wish to maintain the status quo and continue their polluting and destructive ways. We must double and redouble our efforts to create the changes so desparately needed.
You may contribute to Judi's recovery fund by sending checks to "Judi Bari Trust", 106 W. Standley, Ukiah 95482. Funds to help with legal expenses are also needed. Our attorneys are donating their time, but there have been a lot of "out of pocket" expenses. Checks for legal expenses may be made out to "EF! Legal Fund" and sent to the above address.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2004
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