Bear Lincoln

The vindictiveness of the police towards Bear Lincoln for a tragedy which they caused, is incredible. They are clearly behind the persistent drive to get Bear Lincoln any way they can. It is an abuse of power towards a minority which has, more often than not, received unjust treatment by the courts and our society. What a shame and disgrace these days when speeches in Congress declare this a nation ruled by law. It is, in fact, ruled by the will of men who bend the law to their purpose, as in this strange case of a defeated prosecutor handing over the case to another she expects will win for her.

Ilze Choi (New Orleans)

I just finished writing an e-mail to President Clinton, begging him to publicly acknowledge the murder of an American Hero, David "Gypsy" Chain. Risking life and limb for what he believed in, he is the perfect example of what an American should be. In some countries, you get shot down for making a stand, by the government; here, they just use chemical warfare, pain compliance, riot gear, and hand-to-hand combat on you...I suppose that's relatively Free. The ones we really have to watch out for, in this country, are the ones without badges and uniforms. Gangs run the streets of our cities, peace-loving cannabis farmers fire uzis at innocent hikers, serial killers roam our open highways, speed freaks rob us of our belongings and tote firearms at all times...loggers fall trees at non-violent American protestors, and get away with it.

I still remember the song in my tape player as we pulled up to the base of what is now known as "Gypsy Mountain." Tim Buckley was singing, "Oh, and it's a happy time inside my mind, when a melody does find a rhyme, and tells me, 'I'm home to stay, yes, I'm coming home to stay....'" It really was a happy time inside my mind; I had only been in California a little over a month, from Missouri, and was in love with the Redwood Forest, and with the ocean, and the beautiful people I had met since I had been in Humboldt. And, of course, I was happy to be able to talk to my good friend, Julia Butterfly, who has been one of my best friends for the past four years. And I was doing something I believed in that morning, having been an Environmental Studies degree-holder for about a year-and-a-half, and finally putting my degree to work, standing up for the Mother Earth, and environmental laws, and standing against corporate greed. This would be my first protest.

I remember meeting Gypsy a few days before his death. I first met him just before I learned to climb my first Redwood, but only for a moment. I met him again the day before he died, at Grizzly Creek State Park, as I waited to watch eight people get carted off in the Sheriff's Van, again, only briefly. But, as we all hiked up the Mountain, on September 17th, 1998, I remember really being aware of this brother, Gypsy, along with the other strong brothers and sisters I was just getting to know. I remember the sky being so blue, the sun so bright, and feeling so good to finally be alive and free. I will always remember that feeling, that has been absent since that fateful day.

I can still remember hearing the rage, the hatred in that voice; I can still see the man, looking like he was about to come after us, starting down the hill to catch whoever he could. This is what happens when we let hate come into our hearts...Julia says that we must stay centered in Love at all times if we ever hope to work our way through this life in a positive way. The truth of those words are so evident in this case; if we all stay centered in Love, these things cannot happen. You cannot intentionall fall trees at people that you Love, you wouldn't even risk it with your mother and father, or your children, so why at Mother Earth's Children?

This was not an accident, and I want to see all parties admit that. When you tell someone you're going to kill them, tell them how you're going to kill them, and then proceed to kill them in said fashion, that's premeditated murder, by definition. Admit that, and then we can move on; deny that, and it will haunt us all, forever. Preserve the mountain that Gypsy gave his life for...is that not a high enough price for corporate America? I'll bet if you dangled a few million dollars in front of their face, they would jump right on their high horses about honoring Gypsy...sad state of affairs. Someday everyone will know the truth about what happened in Humboldt County, and Shame will creep in on everyone who had a part in covering up that truth.

Jake, a.k.a. Shunka Wacan-Wicasa

It's not Ammons' vulgarities that particularly bother me. What anguishes me is the conspiracy between law enforcement and the logging industry demonstrated by the Humboldt County Sheriff's action, or the lack of it, after the death of David Chain.

This is not the first story I heard of, or read about, on the failure of law enforcement to conduct impartial investigations. Every week people are killed in this country by policemen out of control. Most of the time the violators go free. People spent many years on death row due to forced admission of guilt or corrupt prosecutors. People are beaten to death in prison by guards. I have a file bulging of similar stories about the daily miscarriage of justice in this country.

Ten years ago I followed my American wife to her country. In those ten years I have become completely disillusioned about the standard in this country of justice, equality, education, integrity of public persons, you name it. Egocentrism, greed, and a mind-boggling materialism is what drives Americans. I came as a friend and in those ten years the American reality has turned me into a very outspoken critic, only an inch short of an enemy, of a corrupt Government (see campaign finance mess) and its ignorant, arrogant, reckless, mindless, and careless populace. Yes, there is a minuscule minority of heroes out there who buck this morally destitute society, but it is only a minority and politically powerless.

America's moral condition made me forget about applying for citizenship. This country is not worth it to pledge allegiance to. Its flag symbolizes too much I consider evil. If I am truly honest I have more hostile feelings in my heart than sympathy. I know I am not the only one. I feel paralyzed here and think about leaving; it's my family who makes me still hold out...

In one aspect America was a blessing to me: It forced me to choose the side on which I fight and the priorities that govern it..

Dr. Gunther Rukl (Georgia)

Greg Brown (Vancouver)

As difficult as it is for me to support a line from Jerry Falwell, I have to credit him for at least stating the truth is his "apology"/explanation (for claiming that the AntiChrist would be Jewish). He did not apologize for his belief because he is sorry for it, but rather for his lapse of political correctness. Perhaps he had wrongfully assumed "prophets" to be exempt.

Yes, especially as a member of an interracial family, it is offensive to hear a self-serving and blatantly racist assumption. But what I like about what Reverend Falwell is that, in this era of Clinton-speak, it is refreshingly honest. Hopefully, people will understand that Jerry Falwell's problem is not that he sounds racist, it is that he is racist. End of story.

Joyce Shanahan

I want to draw your reader's attention to an important "gripe" that appeared in the LA Times on February 13. Gary W. Bornam's "Council Me Before I Leave Prison" begins with, "In little more than 14 months, in all probability I'll commit murder, perhaps even mass murder. That's when I'm due to be released from federal prison where I'm serving a seven-year sentence for bank robbery." This inmate at Lompoc Federal Penitentiary continues by saying, "Prison officials aren't the least bit concerned that I have constant thoughts of harming others or that I fantasize about such things as assassinating the president... Why, knowing this, won't the Bureau of Prisons provide someone like me with the treatment they need prior to releasing them?"

I can only say that I am once again appalled, horrified and extremely angry at the incredible inhumanity and destruction that the 'Correctional Services' of this country offers to its prisoners and therefore to society. For the past 20 years it seems as if this country is spiralling into a pit of vengeance, degradation and dehumanization.

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) response to this man, who has obviously seen more violence and inhumanity while in custody of the state, is nothing short of reprehensible, when it is clear to any thinking, common-sense citizen that the BOP (and legislators) have long gone given up trying to effectively rehabilitate or counsel the prisoners in this country.

This man, like many thousands others, is crying out for help, support, compassion and understanding, which he has probably never received in his tragic life.

When will legislators and the media realize and expose the inhumanity and oppression that is occuring in this country? When will they start to realize that some people need help, not violence and revenge? When will the media stop promoting violence as an answer to problems? When will legislators realize that in order to 'serve the people' (if that is really their aim), then we need to be building schools and community, not prisons and dis-association, we need to foster understanding and compassion, not hatred and fear?

The gulags of Siberia and their Stalinesque brutality have found a new home. Welcome to the United States of Prisons and Oppression.

Lara Johnson (Oakland)

This magazine is a godsend. Finaly someone printing the truth some real news. Not OJ simpson, or some little girl who was killed or all the rest of that crap.

You are a true patriot. I think that you should have an article commenrating the 50 most underrated patriots and freedom fighters that were ignored by the media (Time's 100 greatest people is a prime example). Here is some suggestions:

Larry Flynt
Oliver Stone
Ron Kovic
Abbie Hoffman and the Chicago seven
Jim Garrison

Eric Lang

IT IS TIME TO GO
THE RAPTURE IS TO BE THE MOST DECLARIED ANNOUNCEMENT EVER
YOU USE THE UNIVERSE TO DO THAT

NOW YOU TELL EVERYONE ABOUT
THE DISCOVERY OF THE UNIVERSE
THEN WE ALL CAN GET OUT OF HERE
STAND UP AND OPEN YOUR MOUTH

Robert Lavelle