13th Jan 2013. Today marks the 7th Anniversary of Eric McDavid’s (also known as “D”) arrest. Eric was arrested (along with Zachary Jenson and Lauren Weiner) on January 13, 2006, as part of the government’s ongoing Green Scare campaign. All three were charged with “Conspiracy to damage and destroy property by fire and an explosive.” His arrest was the direct result of a government informant – known only as “Anna” – who spent a year and a half drawing him in and working with the FBI to fabricate a crime and implicate Eric in it. Anna was paid over $65,000 for her work with the FBI. Eric was imprisoned for what amounts to thought-crime – no actions were ever carried out, and Eric was charged with a single count of “conspiracy” – a powerful legal tool often used by the state to crush dissent.
Below is his personal correspondence followed by a correspondence from Jenny, his partner.
Learn more about Eric’s story or find out how to write to him at supporteric.org.
Letter from Eric McDavid,
7 yrs… i can’t say it’s easy 2 put these words dn on paper – that it doesn’t pain me 2 look bk over these past 7 trips around the Sun… w/the process of the courts continuing n the final appeal stages; it’s end yet 2 show up on the horizon = no illusions, while still Dancing w/wishes… Love & Joy have also made their presence known = the overwhelming support from all over the Earth ~ i wish 2 Thank every persyn/grp that has written & supported me along this journey – Ur intents, N which ever forms they’ve taken, have aided & nourished me N remembering who i am N a situation &
environment bent on unraveling, dismembering & remolding…along w/all the communal Solidarity, i’m grateful 4 the support of friends & family – & how i’ve been buoyed by the Love and Passionate Patience of my Partner = i Love you J, you R my Joy… … i’m unable 2 adequately express my feelings of Respect & Solidarity 4 all the folx Dancing w/the overt repression across the continent while staying True 2 their Hearts… 2 the folx Dancing w/Grand Juries = bide Ur time, this is 1 of the few circ.s where time is on the SD of the oppressed… w/N this cultural climate the Path is not easy or simple by any means – making it all the more important 2 find those unique, ever changing, beautiful & sustainable
ways 2 aid & nurture each other… …. i’ll close wishing that each of U continue 2 explore & heal Ur Hearts & communities; may U find the space & time over the coming yr 2 let Ur minds play w/new & safe communication skills, & Ur bodies w/self-defense…
Stay safe & have fun finding Ur Joy
N Solidarity
w/much Love
D
Letter from Jenny,
Hello friends,
Tomorrow, January 13th, marks the 7th year of D’s arrest. It’s strange
how life really does move in cycles. Glancing at the note I sent you all
last year my eyes are greeted by good news. After his move to Terminal
Island last year – right before the New Year – D and I were finally
allowed to hold hands during our visits for the first time since his
arrest. After 6 years. It was a reminder of how precious such seemingly
insignificant acts can be – and to remember to never take them for
granted.
On New Year’s Eve this year I spent the day visiting D at Terminal Island.
The visit started normally – a much awaited hug and kiss, slowly moving
to our chairs, but letting our hands linger – fingers intertwined as we
reached across the tiny table between us. That lasted about 30 seconds.
They called D up to the podium where they sit and watch… I heard a
flurry of voices with undertones of urgency, although never hostility.
When he came back he told me they weren’t allowing us to hold hands
anymore. He tried once more to get them to check their own rules, but to
no avail. After over a year of being granted this glorious privilege, it
was yanked from underneath us.
So many things have been taken from us.
A million thoughts swim through your head at times like that. I knew this
might happen. It’s always in the back of your mind – what they
can/might/will take one day. I’m more prepared for it now than I used to
be – which is to say it’s slightly less devastating when it happens.
I spent much of the car ride home thinking about loss. Sometimes it feels
like my heart has broken so many times that the thing I am mending bears
no resemblance to the original. That thought scares me. But then I think
of the alternative. A friend recently told me that she always felt like
love should be a safe space… I wish I could agree. But that has never
been my experience. With love we throw our hearts wide open – which means
everything gets in. The good, the bad, the ugly. And sometimes that
means we hurt like hell. But other times that means we get to experience
so much joy and beauty that we almost can’t stand it. And that is what I
have experienced with D. And I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
D is an amazing individual. His heart is bigger than any i’ve ever known
and his mind powerfully creative and beautiful… and his commitment to
his friends, his family, and struggle is rock solid. Being his partner
has been the most amazing, beautiful journey. I wouldn’t trade it for
anything.
Even with all of the loss.
Sometimes my heart gets so heavy… but then I remember our friends and
comrades who have followed similar paths. Many of whom are now out here
with us, again. And then I remember all of you – who have been a part of
this struggle. Who have been here with us every step of the way. And
together we inch closer to that light at the end of the tunnel…
Tomorrow is the 13th. I’ll be driving down to visit D again. He called
me the day after our last visit to tell me they found the “memo” that
allows us to hold hands. How strange that a piece of paper can dictate my
interactions with my partner of 7+ years. And that someone misplacing
that piece of paper can be such a cause for panic, sorrow and reflection.
I’m glad they found it. But D has told me it doesn’t seem to have fixed
the problem… either way, I’m not holding my breath. Nothing is ever
certain. And even if they don’t have it fixed…I know that nothing can
stop us. Because we have each other. And we have all of you.
To all of our friends and comrades who have experienced so much loss this
year – our unending love, support, and solidarity. You are never alone.
And to our friends and comrades who have gained their freedom – or at
least pieces of it – welcome home.
With love and solidarity,
jenny
P.S.
Eric has been in prison a long time…and he has a lot more to go. Please
let him know that you are still thinking about him! Letters, books,
donations, fundraisers and support events are still always needed. For
more information on how to write Eric a letter or how to donate to his
support fund, please visit: www.supporteric.org