Jeffrey “Free� Luers Dispatch - 6/19/05

I woke up a few days ago and realized I’d been in prison for five years. I was expecting some kind of sadness, possibly even regret. Thing was, it didn’t phase me one bit and that made me laugh. I looked around my little cage; briefly thought of the people and life that I have lost. I thought to myself "is this it, is this the best They can do?"

Five years later, and I still love, I still hurt, I still get angry. I still stare at the sky with awe and wonder. I am still free! And I defy my captors with every smile, every laugh, and every treasonous thought. I am alive and strong and I will continue to fight because the spirit is with me.

Recently, I was asked by The Oregonian what has kept my spirits so high. My response was easy. I told her, "I am right. I know I’m right and more importantly I know I’ve made a difference."

Each day it becomes more clear what we are losing. Worse, it becomes unbearably recognizable how much we have already lost. We are killing our planets’ ability to sustain human life. We are allowing freedom to be subverted by tyranny. Freedom is a birthright. Freedom can not be granted. It cannot be given. It cannot be locked away!

But, freedom can be given up. It can stop raging inside of you. It can be easier to be a slave. Compliance with this State, its corporations and their treaties is one of choice. Are there consequences to not complying? Yes, and they are severe. But acquiescence is a validation of their rule. Failure to resist legitimizes everything from taking civil liberties away to destroying the planet.

Is there still a fire inside you? Is there still a righteous anger? Will you choose to live in a cage you have the key to? These are tough questions. It is easy to get defensive in response. The truth is often as hard to hear as it is beautiful.

One person can inspire hundreds to resist. Hundreds can inspire thousands. We are holding back ourselves when more than ever we should be fighting. Fighting with words AND actions. Fighting with conviction, honor and love. Fighting to win. Fighting because we are right. Fighting because it is the right thing to do. Fighting because this is your fight!

Are you a slave or will you be free?

- Jeffrey "Free" Luers
#13797671
OSP
2605 State Street
Salem, OR 97310

http://www.freefreenow.org