SENZA CENSURA N.22

march 2007

U.S. POLITICAL PRISONERS IN SUPPORT OF PALESTINE
Statements from U.S. Political Prisoners

On the Occasion of A Commemoration of Black September And Palestinian Political Prisoners, Boston, September 17, 2006

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>From Rafael Cancel Miranda:

The Palestinian and Puerto Rican people have a lot in common. We are two nations under attack, who face the same aggressor, though he may be called by different names.

Having spent 28 years of my life in the Anglo prisons of the United States, I can easily understand the plight of the men, women and Children of Palestine who find themselves in Israeli prisons. As we all know, Israel is an Anglo spawn. It has often been said that societies are judged by the way they treat their prisoners. If that's the case, then we can conclude that the Anglo/U.S. and Israeli societies are extremely sadistic and demonic, given the crimes and tortures they've perpetrated against their prisoners. All the horror stories in the world are insufficient to convey the lack of humanity exhibited by these two aggressors, which are one and the same.

I admire the Palestinian people, because I know how much love and courage it takes to struggle with their determination. My people, the people of Puerto Rico are engaged in a similar struggle. I can say without fear of self deception that we will win; not only because truth and reason are on our side, but because we are ready to do whatever is necessary to secure the rights of our peoples.
Receive my strong embrace and solidarity with our brothers and sisters imprisoned in Palestine.

Palante
Rafael Cancel Miranda
San Juan Puerto Rico,
September 12, 2006

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>From Russell “Maroon” Shoats, a New Afrikan/Black Political Prisoner, to the Palestinian Political Prisoners:

Having joined the ongoing struggle for self-determination for Afrikans born in the United States in 1967, i was then and still am now inspired by the valiant people of Palestine.

Since then i’ve clearly come to learn that both of our struggles are connected by our people’s equal desires to be free.

So when you suffer, we suffer; when you make progress, we make progress; and when you win your freedom, we will also celebrate! Because in our hearts we too are Palestinians!

Ever forward to victory!
“Straight Ahead,”
Maroon
September 7, 2006

Russell “Maroon” Shoats, AF-3855
SCI Greene
175 Progress Drive
Waynesburg, PA 15370-8090

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>From Marilyn Buck:

Greetings to all who stand for a fee, just, liberated Palestine. I was still an infant when Palestine was dismembered, hacked into pieces and driven off its land. It was 18 or 19 years thereafter before I heard that Palestine was alive, that there had not been the burial the imperialist and Zionist powers had hoped. Life coursed then as now through diaspora veins connecting the hearts of Palestinian people worldwide.

The will and resistance of the Palestinian people taught and inspired me along with other anti-imperialists and internationalists. I greet you and honor you who defend the Palestinian nation and its people. If only I could be present to embrace you, to stand beside you for your homeland.
Those who struggle for a lifetime are the bearers of the future!

Your sister in solidarity,
Marilyn Buck, U.S. anti-imperialist political prisoner

Marilyn Buck #00482-285
5701 8th St. Camp Parks B
Federal Correctional Institution
Dublin, CA 94568

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>From Albert Woodfox of the Angola 3:

To my Palestinian brothers and sisters. Herman Wallace and myself greet you from the belly of the beast! (Prison.)

We would so much rather be there in person, to honor your courage and determination against the zionist state of Israel!
For the last 35 years, we have watched the Palestinian people resist the genocide of Israel against the Palestinians while the western world and media tries to make the world see you as a people unfeeling, without love of family, or people of the world.

Your fight for the destiny and control of the Palestinian people’s future is both inspiring and courageous! The world must not rest until the Palestinian people has their own state, with sovereign rights and East Jerusalem as its capital! I salute your courage, I salute your sacrifice, I salute your determination, I salute your victory!

Sincerely,
Albert Woodfox
Angola #3!
September 7, 2006

Albert Woodfox #72148
CCR UB #3
Louisiana State Penitentiary
Angola, LA 70712

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>From Debbie Sims Africa of the MOVE 9:

The MOVE 9 are members of the revolutionary MOVE organization imprisoned since 1978 after a police assault on their headquarters in Powelton Village, Philadelphia. In 1985 the government dropped a bomb on the MOVE house on Osage Avenue in Philadelphia, killing 11 people, including 5 children.
Salute and solidarity to all our strong, loyal committed revolutionary sisters and brothers in Palestine.

The committed example that you continue to set in your country is being felt by all of us here in the USA too. The Move Organization is generating a united, revolutionary vibration to you and all political prisoners around the world through our unending fight for freedom and justice. We are linked together as one to confront and expose the demon intimidation tactics the oppressor uses to beat down and kill off the fighting spirit in all freedom fighters. We must keep fighting back, no matter what or how things may seem. We are obligated to show others the urgent need for change and guide them in the direction of revolution. We must never let ourselves be divided despite any so-call differences, because finally, we have the most important thing in common our fight against the enemy, the oppressor, the enslaver, this system, and any difference among us is secondary to that. What this system fears most is unity because they know unity is power. Power of the people is the key to bring this system to its knees.

We have committed our lives to revolution. Our men, women, children, our infants have lost their lives, they were murdered by this system. We know all of you have lost family, loved ones, and comrades too. The MOVE 9have been unjustly imprisoned for almost 30 years, we are innocent. But despite our innocence, we’ve been beat jailed and had family members murdered, not because we are guilty of any crime but because we stand up against this rotten, corrupt government and fight for what is right and because we expose these government officials, judges, and police for the diabolical monsters they are. We know all of you have suffered injustices there, the stories we’ve heard affect us personally and pushes us to fight harder, cause while we are located in different parts of the globe we understand and can relate to what you are going through. Stay strong my brothers and sisters and know that we will not let the lives of our family, your family, any freedom fighter be in vain. We will never stop fighting this system. The seed for this revolution is planted, and though we may not cross paths in our life time, our roots will be planted in the same soil. LONG LIVE ALL FREEDOM FIGHTERS LONG LIVE THE REVOLUTION!
Ona Move, MOVE

Debbie Sims Africa #506307
451 Fullerton Avenue
Cambridge Springs, PA 16403-1238

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>From Bill Dunne:

To Boston Jericho’s Black September Memorial

Salutations and solidarity to the participants in this commemoration of Black September, a landmark event in the history of popular resistance to exploitation and oppression!

The brutal suppression of the Palestinian people’s aspirations to self-determination by the Jordanian monarchy in September of 1970 is only incidentally an illustration of the inhumanity of the ruling class. History has shown us ad nauseam there is no limit to the murder and mayhem agencies of repression will inflict on the people in furtherance of their masters’ interests. Nor is the event more than incidentally a defeat. People were killed and injured and forced to leave their homes and communities and cast into poverty, and the objective of Palestinian liberation was not attained. The courage of the Palestinian people, however, was indelibly written in blood and their will was not broken.

The point, then, of remembering Black September is not to mourn the losses and condemn the oppression, though doing so goes without saying. It is to celebrate the spirit of the Palestinian people who would rise up for freedom nothwithstanding their long odds against armor and artillery and aircraft, who rise up in resistance to the depredations of king and capital, who rise up in continuing struggle against imperialist thuggery from one generation to another and yet another. Memory must not dwell on the price of pursuing life, liberty, and happiness. Instead, it must focus on affirmation of the indomitable consciousness that impels people to that pursuit and to accept nothing less. So acknowledge the tragedy of Black September, but commend and support the Palestinian commitment to justice and protracted struggle it represented. And let us hope it is contagious!

Moreover, we must extend that recognition and support to the Palestinian people’s current resistance to Israeli aggression. Their cause is our cause, ‘cause what is visited on them will eventually be visited on others of the oppressed class as soon as the oppressor class wants something they have. If we, through our silence, allow the visitation to be legitimized on Palestinians in Gaza and Lebanon and the West Bank and the people with and among whom they’ve made their homes, we will hasten the time when those tactics are used against us.

The Palestine plight is not some far-away issue affecting only some “foreign” group. Contemplating my first thunderstorm in years as it raged across the patch of sky visible from the federal transit camp’s hole 7500 miles west of occupied Palestine, I could not escape images of the human-made thunder and lightening raining down on the people of South Lebanon and the much bloodier consequences thereof. Just because they were only images and not reality to me did nothing to ameliorate the atrocity—induced anger and sadness—or the uncomfortable knowledge I was and remain in the hands of the same government of little Eichmanns that enables and supports the slaughter of Palestinians and Lebanese by the Israeli military whose signs and sounds disturbed me in that remote dark concrete corner. That discomfort is only the thin edge of the wedge.

And I must also recognize you, who took time from your lives and your own struggles with the vagaries of life under late capitalism to recognize and support Palestinian resistance to oppression. Such is the way to realizing our human commonality, our rights as humans and the deprivation thereof. Such is the path to building true international solidarity against exploitation and oppression. Such is the road to revolution.

The future holds promise!

Bill Dunne
USP Big Sandy
7 September 2006

Bill Dunne
#10916-086
U.S.P. Big Sandy
PO Box 2068
Inez, KY 41224

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>From Byron Shane Chubbuck:

Greeting Brothers and Sisters of Earth
we are all connected we
are all related!
I love the Palestinian
people because they have the guts
and heart to stand up
against the greatest source of lies
on earth.
“The Zionist”
Tribesmen of Cain.
Those “brood of vipers” who
Seek to destroy sovereignty
on a global level. And fully
intend on destroying the will
of all arab peoples who refuse
to obey the World Banks, Central
Banking madness.

Stay Strong

warriors!
Fight tooth and
nail like
American Indian
Movements always have.
Stop at nothing
Time is very
limited now.

Love and respect
Oso Blanco de Aztlan.
[Byron Shane Chubbuck]

Byron Shane Chubbuck # 07909-051
USP Beaumont
P.O. Box 26030
Beaumont, TX 77720

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>From Jaan Laaman:

Freedom for Palestine

Solidarity with Palestinian Political Prisoners

I salute this Benefit and all of you in attendance this Sunday night, in support of the thousands of Palestinian Political Prisoners, with real enthusiasm.

The Palestinian People's heroic struggle for the right to exist, to end Israeli occupation, and to have their own independent nation has been going on for such a long time. As a young man in the 1960s, it was the liberation struggles of people in Vietnam, South Africa, Ireland and Palestine that inspired and informed me and many others then. Here we are in the 21st century, with all the multilayered changes and advances the world has seen, and still the Palestinian people live as occupied and oppressed people.

The over 10,000 Palestinian Political Prisoners, which includes dozens of young teenagers, at least 100s of women, as well as thousands of men, suffer the most of all Palestinians. The Zionist Israeli security forces have long been notorious for mistreatment and even torture against Palestinians.

The majority of Palestinian people today have only known of life under Israeli military occupation, and often living in refugee camps. For the past 4 decades, year in - year out, there have always been thousands upon thousands of Palestinians languishing in Israeli prisons. Presently there are over 10,000 in captivity. Israeli prisons are hard, but the spirit and strength of the Palestinian Political Prisoners, their desire to free their nation of foreign occupation, with all the injustice, humiliation, and terror that the Israeli Zionist state inflicts on all of Palestine, remains firm and brilliant.

Political prisoners in America have long supported and stood in solidarity with Palestinian Political Prisoners and we continue to do so today. We know that you will create an independent Nation of Palestine. We salute you. We hope for your survival and we encourage people here in America to support you and the Palestinian struggle for freedom.

Free All Political Prisoners in Palestine!
Free All Political Prisoners in America!

Jaan Laaman
anti-imperialist political prisoner
Walpole state prison
Sept., 2006

Jaan Laaman (W87237)
P.O Box 100
South Walpole, MA 02071

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>From David Gilbert:

Israel’s apartheid-like occupation of Palestine is a most blatant and brutal violation of human rights. That reality combined with the courageous resistance there make the struggle a front-line in the world today. I urge everyone who is committed to humanity and to freedom to make support for Palestinian self-determination, including full and fair provisions for the needs and rights of all Palestinians in the diaspora, a top priority.

David Gilbert, 9/7/06
(Anti-imperialist political prisoner in the U.S.)

David Gilbert #83A6158
Clinton Correctional Facility
P.O. Box 2001
Dannemora, New York 12929

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>From Jalil Muntaqim:

Bismillah Ir Rahman Nir Raheem:

As Salaam Alaikum
Revolutionary Greetings Friends and Supporters:

It is my prayer this message finds all of you in the very best of health and continued high fighting spirits. Today, the Jericho Movement Boston Chapter joins with other progressive people and groups to acknowledge and honor the Palestinian Independence Movement in all of its various forms of struggle. For Jericho to join in sponsoring this event is to essentially extend the solidarity and support of all U.S. political prisoners, many of whom have been in prison over 3 decades. This solidarity speaks to an understanding of our fighting a common enemy, extending this understanding there continues to be a need to struggle in our mutual self-interest and political determination.

When different peoples, different oppressed peoples are fighting against the same enemy, then we need to recognize that solidarity means struggle. I can not truly be in solidarity with the Palestinian Independence Movement without being willing to engage and confront your enemy who is also my enemy. Our struggle is not divorced from yours, but rather our front line struggle is your rear front struggle, while your front line struggle is our rear front struggle. Hence, anti-imperialist and anti-zionist initiatives in the U.S. serve to free us from white supremacy and national oppression. Our fight against white supremacy and national oppression serves to free you of U.S. imperialism and proxy wars in support of zionism.

When we in North America fail to act, fail to confront and engage our common enemy we have betrayed you and our words of solidarity become empty and hollow. Therefore, it is the duty of political activist and progressive folks in this country to build a mass and popular movement that specifically challenges white supremacy and national oppression here. The struggle in the U.S. needs to grow and evolve in a consistent level of resistance that corresponds to—if not exceeds—the degree of oppression and reaction by U.S. imperialism.

Unfortunately, that is not happening here, and because of this failing, more Palestinians are dying who could have possibly been saved. Harsh truths, but truths none the less, and it is far time that progressive forces in the U.S. come to terms with this reality.

In this regard, and in terms of Jericho Amnesty Movement, I have recently proposed that for the 10th Year Anniversary of Jericho ’08, that Jericho organize a national conference, march and demonstration to be held in New York City. The theme of the national determination would be “When the U.S. Won’t—The World Will Recognize the Existence of U.S. Political Prisoners”. Ultimately, such a national determination will serve to demonstrate before the United Nations and the world the U.S. has political prisoners, and these political prisoners represent a legacy of struggle opposing U.S. imperialism, opposing white supremacy and opposing national oppression. By building and raising the issue of U.S. political prisoners onto the national debate and in the international community, we will be undermining and exposing U.S. imperialism and zionism, providing pragmatic support to those engaging U.S. imperialism around the world. Solidarity means struggle, and our struggle is united with those fighting our common enemy. But it will only be when we take responsibility, unite and fight for our own political prisoners, can we truly say we are in solidarity with any other peoples’ fighting our common enemy. We are on the front lines, and our captured and confined are front line activists which Jericho has sought to represent in a national determination.

Therefore, I ask all those attending this event to join with Jericho in support of this proposal for the 10th Year Anniversary of Jericho, to tell the world we join them in solidarity by continuing the fight here, asking them to condemn U.S. imperialism for its inhumane treatment of U.S. political prisoners.

When we strengthen our resolve and capacity to confront U.S. imperialism here, we will in essence be unified with the Palestinian peoples in their war against U.S. imperialism and zionism in Palestine. Let our solidarity be more than words or financial gratuity, when failing to provide same support for our own U.S. political prisoners. Rather, when we fight to free and liberate our own, we will weaken our common enemy ensuring our comrades overseas are better able to be victorious in their many and varied battles. That would truly be solidarity in the meaning of struggle.

Mas Salaam—
Remember—We Are Our Own Liberators!

Jalil Muntaqim #77A4283
Auburn Correctional Facility
P.O. Box 618
135 State Street
Auburn, NY 13024

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>From Hanif Shabazz Bey:

September 13, 2006

The recent Zionist aggression in which the world witnessed Israeli war planes drop cluster bombs on helpless Lebanese children was precipitated by the U.S. government’s greed for oil, as the attack was actually staged so the U.S. and Zionist Israel can secure control over the Eastern Mediterranean coastline for the shipping of millions of barrels of oil, now coming out of the recently inaugurated “BTC” pipeline.

The Balfour Declaration in 1918 was invoked to quench the imperialist thirst for land and oil, as was the European incursion in 1948.

The erecting of the Apartheid Wall in occupied Palestine, in an effort to stifle the economical livelihood of the Palestinian people is not seen as an emblem of power, but rather as a harbinger of weakness. It also shows the Zionist fear and lack of confidence, and serves as a reminder of the strength and resolve of the spirit within the Palestinian populace.

All the freedom loving people of the world are inspired by the Palestinian Resistance to imperialist aggression for the past 100 years. In time the world Intifada will escalate and drive imperialism from the face of the earth.

We stand with you and we support your efforts.

In solidarity,

Hanif Shabazz Bey
S/N Gereau #295933
Wallensridge State Prison
P.O. Box 759
Big Stone Gap, VA 24219

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>From Herman Bell:

To the Palestinian people, their political prisoners and detainees held in israeli jails. To our brothers and sisters in struggle, we u.s. political prisoners and prisoners of war extend greetings and solidarity and commend you for your stout-hearted resistance to zionist occupation of your land. Your dogged resolve to expel them is admired and respected more than ever. We recognize your plight and honor your historic resistance to this occupation and aggression.
Across the border from you—in Lebanon, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, in mother Afrika, and in the belly of the beast itself, the same war against u.s. imperialist designs and its quest for global domination wages on. And at every turn babies cry, and mothers grieve; and sons, daughters, husbands and wives are martyred. In Gaza, a family of beach goers is cut down by zionist tank shells as they recline on a lonely stretch of sand to catch some sun and much needed respite from the stress of bombs, tanks, and overflying warplanes. On a war-torn street in the West Bank, captured by television before a global audience, the figures of a father and son are riddled with bullets as they huddled desperately behind the shelter of a wooden barrel from withering zionist firepower.

After a long train of abuses, people reject injustices and they eventually respond aggressively. This is what usually creates political prisoners and prisoners of war and is why we gather here at this time to honor and immortalize your implacable spirit in tenaciously resisting zionist occupation of your homeland. Therefore, as you have ably demonstrated, we categorically reject the prescribed reality of long suffering and acceptance of our plight served up by the forces of power and greed. Our vision is one that dank prison cells, truncheons, electrodes, waterboarding and the like cannot hope to alter or forestall. To coin a phrase: “we claim no easy victories and tell no lies.” And we shall remain a vigilant and firm supporter of our Palestinian brothers and sisters, as we stay the course in our own struggle ‘til victory is won.

In solidarity,

Herman Bell, DIN 7960262
Sullivan Correctional Facility
P.O. Box 116
Fallsburg, New York 12733-0116

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>From Sundiata Acoli:

September 6, 2006

Greetings, Bros, Sisters and Comrades,

It’s good to see you all honoring Palestinian freedom fighters. They have long borne the main brunt of the fight against u.s. imperialism in the Mid-East. They are doing there what we who want freedom should be doing here—and one day will do here. Meanwhile i send my warmest solidarity to the Palestinian political prisoners and may we continue to struggle in solidarity until we and all oppressed people are free worldwide!

In struggle and solidarity,

Sundiata Acoli #39794-066
(Squire) P.O. Box 3000
USP Allenwood
White Deer, PA 17887

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>From Bashir Hameed:

Bismallah ir Rahman ir Raheem
As Salaamu Alaykum,

I would like to express my solidarity with my Palestinian sisters and brothers around the world in memory of both Black September and their continuous heroic struggle being waged by them around the world.

Their intifadas and ceaseless struggle against the forces of oppression are an inspiration to us all and all peace loving people the world over.

I salute you all and I pray that Allah will continue to guide, bless and reward us all. Be well and continue to intensify our struggle.

In solidarity,

Bashir Hameed #82A6313
Great Meadow Prison, P.O. Box 51
Comstock, NY 12821

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source: 4strugglemag