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This letter was co-written by five leaders of social and environmental justice. All recognize the trial of Tim DeChristopher to be a turning point in the climate movement:
- Dr. James Hansen, author of Storms of my Grandchildren, and who is regarded as the world’s leading climatologist
- Naomi Klein, author of #1 international bestseller The Shock Doctrine
- Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org and author of The End Of Nature and Eaarth
- Robert Redford, actor, director, environmental activist, and founder of The Sundance Institute
- Terry Tempest Williams, author of The Open Space of Democracy
Dear Friends,
Dr. James Hansen
A few months back, you likely heard about a vitally important court case involving the prosecution of a principled young environmental activist named Tim DeChristopher. After several delays, that trial is back on and we are asking for your support on its openings days starting February 28th.
Why is this trial so important to the fight against catastrophic climate change, even in light of recent ecological disasters like flooding in Pakistan and the BP oil spill? As we all know, this fight takes many forms: huge global days of action, giant international conferences like the one that failed in Copenhagen, small gestures in the homes of countless people.
Naomi Klein
But there are a few signal moments, and one will come in February, when the federal government puts Tim DeChristopher on trial in Salt Lake City. Tim—“Bidder 70”—pulled off one of the most creative protests against our runaway energy policy in years: he bid for the oil and gas leases on several parcels of federal land even though he had no money to pay for them, thus upending the auction. The government calls that “violating the Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Reform Act” and thinks he should spend ten years in jail for the crime; we call it a noble act, a profound gesture made on behalf of all of us and of the future.
Tim’s action drew national attention to the fact that the Bush Administration spent its dying days in office handing out a last round of favors to the oil and gas industry. After investigating irregularities in the auction, the Obama Administration took many of the leases off the table, with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar criticizing the process as “a headlong rush.” And yet that same Administration is choosing to prosecute the young man who blew the whistle on this corrupt process.
Bill McKibben
We cannot let this stand. When Tim disrupted the auction, he did so in the fine tradition of non-violent civil disobedience that changed so many unjust laws in this country’s past. Tim’s upcoming trial is an occasion to raise the alarm once more about the peril our planet faces. Local supporters are asking people around the country to flood into Salt Lake City in February. If you come, there will be ample opportunity for both legal protest and civil disobedience. For example:
•Before Tim’s trial, Peaceful Uprising will be hosting events starting February 25th with the Countdown to Uprising Empowerment Summit. This is a people’s movement that draws power from around the globe; for a few days at the end of February its headquarters will be Salt Lake City.
Robert Redford
Outside the courthouse, there will be a mock trial, (or, “real trial” as organizers are calling it) with experts like NASA’s Jim Hansen providing the facts that should be heard inside the chambers. We don’t want Tim on trial—we want global warming on the stand. [UPDATE: the "mock" climate trial was staged outside the federal courthouse on November 5th. It was a great success. Watch it here.]
• There will be evening concerts, film screenings, and gatherings, including a “mini-summit” to share ideas on how the climate movement should proceed in the years ahead. This is a people’s movement that draws power from around the globe; for a few days its headquarters will be Salt Lake City.
Terry Tempest Williams
You can get the most up-to-date news here, including schedules for the Countdown to Uprising Empowerment Summit activities and much more. If you’re coming, bring not only your passion but also your creativity—we need lots of art and music to help make the point that we won’t sit idly by while the government tries to scare the environmental movement into meek cooperation. This kind of trial is nothing but intimidation—and the best answers to intimidation are joy and resolve. That’s what we’ll need in Utah.
We know it’s short notice. Some of us won’t be able to make it to Utah because we have other commitments or are limiting travel, and if you’re in the same situation, peacefuluprising.org will also have details of solidarity actions in other parts of the country. If you can contribute money to help make the week’s events possible, please click here. But more than your money we need your body, your brains, and your heart. In a landscape of little water, where redrock canyons rise upward like praying hands, we can offer our solidarity to the wild: wild lands and wild hearts.
Tim DeChristopher deserves and needs our physical and spiritual support in the name of a just and vibrant community. Thank you for standing with us,
Dr. James Hansen,
Naomi Klein,
Bill McKibben,
Robert Redford,
Terry Tempest Williams
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good jobs done ! thank’s!
So, correct me if i’m wrong… but someone illegally bid on government contracts for heating, so he could bring up global warming??
Seriously, how long is it going to be before you all realize the climate has been changing for thousands of years and it will continue to change until this rock is destroyed. We didn’t cause the giant shift (that was bigger than the one we’ve seen this century) shortly before the last mini ice age, Carbon levels before we even entered the scene have been higher and lower, and let me inform you:
ATMOSPHERIC CONCENTRATIONS OF CARBON CHANGE IN RELATION TO THE TEMPERATURE OF THE ATMOSPHERE. THEY WORK HAND IN HAND, THEY BOTH CAUSE EACH OTHER.
This means, if the temp rises, carbon concentrations will follow (note I used the word “follow” to mean it happens AFTER). and vice versa.
You guys need to stop idolizing Al Gore’s “hockey stick graph” and search the internet that he created for us to share knowledge so you can find the truth..
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is great blog. A great read. I will certainly be back.Tory burch handbags on sale
good work done ! thank you ! I hope you will become free soon.
andreas from germany
Stay ahead!!!
Greetings from Germoney,-)
The true crime here lies in the fact that BLM “auctions” are almost entirely competition-free giveaways of land and resource rights at fire sale prices. The use of “rings” (unlawful in any other public auction) to allow companies to acquire parcels at predetermined prices is commonplace. Many “auctions” are settled on the basis of a single bid.
Strangely, these are called “public auctions”. But when a member of the public steps in an has the gall to make a bid against the entity that was “supposed” to win, he is prosecuted. What is wrong with this picture? Or rather, how many things are wrong with this picture?
Priscilla Lane
What can I say, My heart goes out to Tim for what he is doing. I am not surprised what blm hs been doing. They are the exact reason why our climate and our country is going down the tubes.
With the guide lines of our higher leaders.
Keep up the Fight!
Thank you, all.
SALT LAKE CITY — A new trial date was set Tuesday in the case of Tim DeChristopher, who is accused of throwing a monkey wrench in a federal oil- and gas-lease auction by making bogus bids.
The three-day jury trial will begin June 21 before U.S. District Judge Dee Benson.
DeChristopher was indicted last year on charges of providing a false statement and violating the Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Reform Act during an auction held by the Bureau of Land Management. He won 14 parcels of land worth $1.7 million that he never intended to pay for.
A trial date was initially set for March 15, but it was delayed after defense attorneys filed a motion asking for all of the information prosecutors have on other people who failed to follow through on bids on oil and gas leases. They alleged DeChristopher was being personally discriminated against and was a target of selective prosecution.
Benson denied that motion earlier this week.
— Emiley Morgan
Go, Tim! You and others take care of the West. We’ll organize the shutdown of Marcellus Shale gas drilling in the East. The fossil fuel giant is in his death throes, trying to hang on for just a few moments longer, thrashing and clutching at all of us who know he has to go. Good job. my brother, and good luck with trials mock and real.
Hi,
I just read about this in the UK edition of Adbusters… it’s shocking that he’s been brought to trail in the first place, how you can face prison for bidding on something is a mystery, and 10 yrs? he’d get less time if he’d robbed a bank. You would hope the jury would look at the bigger picture and acquit him.
What i find most disturbing is the restriction imposed on the defence not to be able to explain the true motive. Motive is everything here so how can the Dept of Justice do that?? That doesn’t feel very democratic to me, it sounds like the DoJ is on the run because they think they will lose. Good!
Best of luck with it all!
Bryan (London)
Just read about Tim’s case in New Internationalist magazine (May 2010 edition). I think it’s ridiculous he is still being prosecuted even after Obama has cancelled the sale of the land plots for oil exploration. I really hope he is acquitted. Good luck Tim.
Let’s do it!
Have you ever considered adding more videos to your blog posts to keep the readers more entertained? I mean I simply just read through the whole article of yours and it was quite excellent but since I’m more of a visual learner,I found that to be more helpful well let me know how it turns out! I love what you guys are continually up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve added you guys to my blogroll. This is a great article thanks for sharing that informative information.. I will take a look at your blog on a regular basis for a few latest post.
Why not circulate a petition declaring that ‘we the undersigned’ are co-conspirators to Tim’s act of civil disobedience? It could be quite a trial–the Earth 6.8 Billion vs the U.S. Government (oil-agarchy)!
Dear Tim,
We, at Climate Camp London wanted to send a message of solidarity and admiration to you for the creative and pointed action you made by bidding on the oil and gas leases and upending the auction. As your trial approaches it is inspiring to see American environmental campaigns uniting and mobilizing around it. We must not let governmental intimidation tactics get in the way of the real issue you so cleverly articulated: that profit and corporate interest are being put before people’s interest and climate justice.
Let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
Best of luck in your trial, London is with you!
Camp for Climate Action, London
Well done Tim. The world need more people like you.
I am on your side Tim!
Thank you for saving so much of our precious earth.
Electing the right people? After 2000? After this latest mockery of demomocracy by the Supreme Court? I’m afraid this tyranny of the “oily-garchy” can only be stopped by massive–and I mean massive as in Kiev–public demonstrations. Poor Tim has put his finger in the dyke. I cannot be there to support him, but I promise to spread the word!
Way to go, Tim. After H.D. Thoreau was thrown in jail in act of civil disobedience to protest the war on Mexico, his friend R.W. Emerson asked him what was he doing in jail. His reply, “What are you doing out of jail.” You will not be alone. You will not be the last in this struggle against climate injustice.
Good work Tim – we are behind you financially and spiritually.
Hi Terry, I’ll be there. Let me know if I can help in any way.
10 years in jail for civil disobediance is insane! Your all doing great work trying to prevent that from happening. Thank you!
Good luck with your protests!
SF
Genk
Belgium
I’m in. Let’s get some attention drawn to Tim’s plight. And, if he’s convicted, let’s inform the Obama administration that our continued support will be contingent of him knowing how to spell the word P-A-R-D-O-N.
Denny is a wimpy asshole and should find the facts instead of mouthing off. The earth is NOT, I repeat NOT fine.
What a bunch of shit. You guys have your panties in a twist for nothing. The Earth is fine. You guys are insane!!
Your ignorance doesn’t astound me it simply enrages me to the point of indifference, therefore when you, your child, or any relative of yours develops cancer due to a pollution derived circumstance I’ll simply say, “shake it off they’re/you’re fine!!” And here’s me crossing my fingers X just to help the possibility of it happening along.
Just remember to emphasize that when Tim entered the bidding the auction prices all went up, and it was quickly obvious an outsider was involved, because there was real competition in the bids! Therefore most of these auctions are essentially prearranged by the extractive industry bidders, rigged, to avoid paying the American people any reasonable price for these resources. This insider corruption is what should be on trial here!
Good points Phillip! Many will agree insider corruption should be on trial.
But the proposed actions are “outside the courthouse” where they are not likely to change anything or move the debate. Unfortunately, main stream media frequently ignore or marginalize street theatre.
Mr. DeChristopher’s brave act will be tried under current laws adopted years ago. The judges hands are tied until we commit to creating new law.
Although noble, civil disobedience and street theatre draw attention and support away from focused political action. Instead, we can elect the right people and lobby them to draft and support new laws that protect humans and habitat.
Richard
“He who determines what politics is about runs the country because the definition of the alternatives is the choice of conflicts, and the choice of conflicts allocates power.” E.E. Schattsneider, The Semi-Sovereign People, 1960, p. 68.
Thank you!
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.
Peaceful uprising? LOL. They’re not going to listen and this will matter for little. The time is long gone to tippy toe peacefully around this corrupt behemoth we call our government. It’s time for the masses to bring society to a halt, whenever they get up off the couch.
So Basher, are YOU off the couch? ;)
Everyday millions/billions of people watch or read the mass media. It is designed to support powerful interests, whilst also marginalising the general public from taking action. Keep the public entertained but do not empower or catalyse them into taking action.
You only have to watch:
Noam Chomsky’s Manufacturing Consent.
The Yes Men.
McLibel.
Crude.
To see the game in action.
Please add to this list any other documentaries which you think would help.
My idea is simple are 2-fold.
1) Unite the unions and charities/action groups which are funded by donations. Put every donation into 1 bank account. This forces each group to collaborate on how to spend the money. And it creates a critical mass of unionised people who want to help the poor majority. Call it the Global Donation Fund (GDF).
2) Create a globally accessible network of television channels aimed at empowering the public mind. Funded by the GDF, it would stream content created by our leading unions, charities and activists to educate the marginalised masses. It would also broadcasts the concerns of the poor majority on a daily basis. In the same way that Hugo Chavez uses a state channel to listen to the issues of the poor majority, the GDF channels would also listen to the global poor majority, whilst debating solutions.
The mass media have slowed the evolution of a fair and just society for far too long. Many Couch Potato’s still believe in the American Dream. They are not shown any alternatives.
We cannot rely only on the internet for change. We need to educate the masses. We need our own mass media. We need the GDF.
Best Wishes, Dave.
hey Tim they are leasing out the white house…hahaha Great job
We’re with you, Tim.
Thanks for organizing this important next step in the struggle. Hopefully in SLC I’ll finally succeed in getting arrested at an important act of civil disobedience. See you at the front of the line once again. I’ll be there with you.
For those with the courage to leave their ignorance behind they can read “The End of the Long Summer” AND “Storms of My Grandchildren”, AND “The Vanishing Face of Gaia” AND “Climate Cover-Up”. Paul Hawken gives us a vision for action and hope in “Blessed Unrest”. The FACTS of global warming are here, NOW! Now it takes a congress who is not beholden to the “fossil fuel lobby” the US Chamber of Commerce and the US banking system.
Go, Tim! Go, earth!
To Naomi, James, Bill, and Terry: thank you.
Catherine in Cleveland Heights
Since the trial is canceled, are McKibben and Hansen still calling on climate activists to descend on Salt Lake City? I have a group from Arizona State planning our spring break around it.
Klein, McKibben, Williams, and Hansen are still calling on climate activists to descend on Salt Lake City, but not until the actual date of the trial. So the answer is … yes, BUT don’t come yet … but do plan to come for the trial when it is rescheduled.
The week after we sent out mass invitations that were reprinted hundreds of times, Judge Benson decided to convert the trial date to a hearing date. No new trial date has been set. So, hold off on your travel plans for the moment. But know that it would be fabulous if you are able to travel to Salt Lake City when the actual trial takes place.