[MAPC-discuss] Re: FBI: Activists Take Heed! Follow this advice

[Allen Ruff]

Michael Eisenscher wrote:

>  SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTIVISTS TAKE HEED!!!!
> Please read this entire message and follow the advice at the end.
>
> Talking to the FBI, cops or other state security authorities is not
> just foolhardy.  It is dangerous to yourself, others and the causes
> for which you advocate.  In dealing with these folks, SILENCE IS
> GOLDEN!
>
>
> Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2001 1:34 PM
> To: ejpaterson at lccr.com
> Subject: UPDATE FROM VAN JONES
>
>
> dear eva,
>
> van wanted to update you about some recent
> developments over here.  please feel free to forward
> this if you think it would be helpful.
>
> thank you,
>
> ying-sun ho
>
> you should know that we have confirmed that law
> enforcement officials in nyc did recently pick up and
> interrogate a young activist from the "prison
> moratorium project" there. the most recent
> interrogation took place on december 6.
>
> police reportedly asked him numerous questions about
> progressive political organizations and activists.
> (for the record, many of these individuals and groups
> apparently were not connected to arab/muslim/south
> asian causes in any way.) without benefit of legal
> counsel, the young man apparently answered some of
> their questions. he was not physically hit or harmed.
>
> in the course of the "interview," the police showed
> him lists of names of activists and also asked if he
> knew certain people. the young man reported that among
> the names mentioned were "van jones, edget betru and
> jia ching chen" - whom he acknowledged that he knows.
>
> a few days ago in nyc, some key organizations met
> about the "interviews" (including ella baker center
> staff in nyc). my understanding is that the various
> groups there are now informing their members and
> supporters about the best way to deal with such
> situations (right to remain silent, right to counsel,
> etc., even or especially with the FBI). and the young
> man now has legal counsel, has apologized for
> cooperating with the police investigation, etc.
>
> for me, none of this is alarming news. i have been
> quite clear for some time about the true nature of the
> U.S. democratic system, and i have tried to govern
> myself accordingly. however, i certainly want to
> encourage everyone to strictly follow the guidelines
> that i shared earlier in the week. (they are appended
> below.)
>
> also, i want to encourage all ebc staff to take one
> additional step: please inform your close friends and
> associates about these developments, and make sure
> they know their rights - in case the police try to
> interview them. people you know and trust could be
> talking to the FBI right now, thinking they are doing
> you a favour by being helpful and trying to clear your
> name.
>
> make sure: (1) that all your friends and relations
> know that your preference is for everyone to be fully
> aware of their rights to silence and to legal counsel,
> and that you support everyone exercising those
> precious democratic rights during this difficult time,
> and (2) that all your friends and relations know that
> you want to be informed immediately about any attempts
> on the part of law enforcement officials to contact
> them - so that you can help them get the legal counsel
> they will deserve and need.
>
> law enforcement tactics work best for the police when
> the persons whom they grab to interview are not (1)
> legally informed and-or (2) emotionally prepared.
> please make sure that you and your loved ones fall
> into neither category. that will help to safeguard and
> secure them, you, this organization and the movement
> as a whole.
>
> and certainly, feel free to share or forward this
> email as you like. thank you very much for your
> dedication.
>
> no sell-out, no compromise,
> van
>
>
>
> Let's be smart during this period. Please follow these
> guidelines:
>
> 1. Remember that you have the right NOT to talk to any
> FBI agent or police officer at all for any reason. If
> agents drop by unexpectedly, you have the right to
> tell them that you refuse to talk to them without a
> lawyer. You have the right to ask them to leave and
> the right to tell them to contact your attorney (Diana
> Frappier at 415.951.4844x22). If an agent calls and
> asks for an interview, you have the right to tell
> him/her to contact your lawyer (Diana). In general,
> FBI agents are smooth-talking, well-dressed lawyers
> who are good at getting people to talk to them. But
> remember: it is your right NOT to do so, without a
> lawyer.
>
> 2. From now on, do not say or do anything that would
> indicate that you are advocating, supporting,
> condoning or initiating violence against anyone for
> any reason. Even in private. Even as a "joke." And
> "joking" about such things on or near telephones, or
> via email, is especially foolhardy.
>
> 3. Ask yourself, "Are there things I am doing in my
> life right now that could put me in a compromising
> situation, either legally or ethically? Am I doing
> anything that I would not want on the front page of
> the SF Chronicle or the NY Times?" Now would be a good
> time to stop doing those things, and to take all
> prudent steps to clean up any lingering messes.
>
> 4. Ask yourself, "Are there unresolved conflicts or
> closed lines of communications that separate me from
> other activists?" Now would be a good time to repair
> those relationships and sew things back up. Unresolved
> hostilities are the breeding ground for slander and
> disruption campaigns that pit activists against each
> other - at the worst possible times.
>
> In the meantime, we must continue with our work. In
> fact, one of the main dangers in the new period is
> that we will over-react to this news, succumb to our
> hidden fears and feelings of intimidation - and then
> spread panic and paralysis among ourselves. That's
> called: doing the Man's work for him.
>
> So let's not go out like some bustas. Just know and
> exercise your rights. And never let 'em see you sweat.
>
> Thank you for your time and attention. Let's keep
> working for the people.
> Van
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