Painting by Marie J. Mason, from Carswell prison
Earlier this year, editors from the Earth First! Journal received the adjacent artwork and following letter from eco-prisoner Marie Mason, who is serving 22 years for ELF actions, which read in part:
“…Thank you so much for the work you do to make the EF! movement’s voice heard everywhere. What a great balance; news, fiction, poetry, images, analysis—and the backbone, campaigns!
Anyone reading the Journal for the first time would clearly see that EF! is a dynamic, multi-generational, thoughtful and courageous movement. I do hope that it will continue to be a platform for hashing out debate on the tough points of diversity in the movement. Not in an irresponsibly disrespectful or vicious way (that always does the work of the Feds for them, cuz they love to feed and encourage ideological schisms)—but with an open-ness for diversity of approaches. And still not giving ourselves permission, ever, to be comfortable or complacent. The slogan’s not No Compromise just to be slinging macho bullshit around—but I know you know all of that.
The graphics, the tone of this issue [Mabon 2011] captures that genuine greenfire that should burn in all of us.
It’s been too many years away from the world now for me. I cant believe it’s been a year and a half that I’ve been living in this tiny little isolated unit here at Carswell. But nothing’s changed for me; my heart’s still wild and free, and full of so much love and strength when I feel connected to all of you still out there fighting for the Earth. Thank you.
Until All Are Free,
Marie
Write her at: Marie Mason #04672-061, FMC Carswell, Federal Medical Center, PO Box 27137, Fort Worth, TX 76127
Subscribe to the Earth First! Journal online here.
Reblogged this on Beyond The Green Wall.