Tim DeChristopher

CELEBRATE TIM’S RELEASE!!bidder 70

Tim has served his two years in federal prison, and will be released on April 21, 2013.  To celebrate, Peaceful Uprising has organized community screenings of Bidder 70 across the Nation.  Tim will make his first public appearance since his incarceration immediately following the film in an hour long Q & A that will be streamed live to over 50 different venues.  The Salt Lake City screening is at the Tower Theater (876 East 900 South) at 7:00pm and is being hosted by Peaceful Uprising and Salt Lake Film Society.

See if there’s a screening in your community, and join us in celebrating the safe homecoming of our dear friend.  Purchase your tickets online now!

NOTE:  Tim will no longer be at a halfway house, so if you’d like to send him a letter, please send it to Ken Sander’s Rare Bookstore.

MEDIA:  We invite all representatives of the media to join us at the screening of Bidder 70 on April 22nd where Tim will be participating in an hour long Q & A that will be streamed live directly to over 50 screening venues nationally.  At this time, we are not scheduling individual interviews.

 

UPDATE 11.15.12:

  • Tim DeChristopher is working at Ken Sanders Rare Books in Salt Lake City UT and would love to have people stop by and say hello!

            

UPDATE 10.27.12:

Tim DeChristopher has safely arrived at a halfway house in Salt Lake City, UT where he will serve out the remainder of his two year sentence.  Contrary to recent media reports, DeChristopher has not been “released” and remains an inmate of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) until April 21, 2013.

As a federal inmate, DeChristopher cannot speak to media, and is not allowed visitors or media on the property of the halfway house without permission from the BOP.  We ask that media and supporters of DeChristopher respect these guidelines and contact Dylan Rose Schneider to submit media or visitation requests.

Dylan@peacefuluprising.org

NEW MAILING ADDRESS FOR TIM DECHRISTOPHER:

As we are expecting Tim to be transferred by October 24, 2012 please DO NOT SEND LETTERS TO FCI ENGLEWOOD.  The BOP does not forward mail, so your beautiful notes of solidarity and support will not make it to Tim.  This site will be updated with a new address as soon as possible.

Thank you, and as always, much Joy and Resolve to you all.

 UPDATE 9.28.12 – Statement from Tim DeChristopher Regarding Decision on Appeal

“After nearly four years in the criminal justice system and 14 months in prison, I have decided not to continue my appeal through the federal court system. I greatly appreciate the pro bono efforts of Ron Yengich, Liz Hunt and Pat Shea, who have defended me in the courts and articulated the issues of the case. I am also grateful for all the support I have received thoughout this process, especially from Peaceful Uprising and the First Unitarian Church in Salt Lake City.

 Throughout every stage of this legal process, it has been a predetermined  conclusion that I should be punished for standing up to the collusion between  government and corporations. Any potential discussion of ethics, justice or the  role of citizens has been banished from the court. The government insisted  on this back in 2009 when they wrote that such discussions should be  relegated to “the public square, not a court of law.” The first development in  this case was a preemptive motion by the government to limit
our defense, setting the stage for the trivialities which followed. As a result, our  defense team has been restricted to debating a narrow range of technicalities  rather than the critical issues of the case.

When a conviction is overturned, it is often reported that the conviction was overturned “on a technicality.” Yet is almost never mentioned that every conviction is obtained and upheld on a technicality. Technicalities are the entire foundation of a legal system which has closed itself off to questions of morality and justice. Weighing these questions is the function of a jury, whose role as
designed by our founding fathers is to protect fellow citizens from the government. But Judge Benson and the US Attorney’s Office insisted on preventing the jury from fulfilling their duty.

During the voir dire, the US Attorney’s Office was nearly apoplectic when it was suggested to potential jurors that they should use their conscience. After telling jurors that it was not their job to think about what is right or wrong, Judge Benson blocked evidence of government wrongdoing on the grounds that it would “confuse the jury.” That kind of contempt and fear of citizen participation in government is the hallmark of tyranny and the pathway to oppression.

To continue debating technicalities through further appeals would only serve as a distraction from the critical discussion of how citizens should hold their government accountable. If there is any hope of this country ever getting a justice system worthy of the name, that hope lies in fully informed juries of ordinary citizens, not in judges protecting the interests of the powerful.

Throughout my incarceration I have witnessed the direct personal impacts of a legal system obsessed with technicalities rather than justice. The prisons I have been in are filled with nonviolent inmates suffering from mandatory minimums and other policies which are completely detached from the best interests of the individual or society. The injustice on display in my case is truly systemic, and we will put our continuing efforts toward creating a system of genuine justice for all.”    - Tim DeChristopher

 Elizabeth Hunt, Attorney, Tim DeChristopher’s Legal Defense Team,  Issued the Following Response:

For me, I think it is very sad that he stands convicted of two felonies and  continues to be held in federal prison in a case wherein the Government  conceded on appeal that there was legally insufficient evidence to sustain  either conviction, and only argued procedural issues.  I do not see how it is in  anyone’s interest for our government to prosecute, convict, and imprison someone and not take meaningful corrective action when it is recognized that there is legally insufficient evidence to justify the convictions.

*Photo Credits: 1) George Gage: Tim, Ashley Anderson and the late Larry Gibson, West Virginia.  2) YES! Magazine

Tim DeChristopher’s 3 1/2 year struggle within the US Justice System has come to a close, but the battle for a livable future continues.  Get involved.  Act. Organize.

The Climate Justice Movement stands behind you.

**To help raise awareness of Tim’s story and struggle for a livable future, please visit www.bidder70film.com and help bring the Gage & Gage Production documentary to your area!

          MAKE A GIFT TODAY.  SUPPORT TIM MOVING FORWARD

 

UPDATE 9.14.12 – TIM DECHRISTOPHER’S CONVICTION UPHELD ON APPEAL 2:1 -

Tim DeChristopher’s conviction was upheld on appeal.  The question now remains if Tim and his legal team will decide to appeal again, if they do, we’ll be calling on all of you to help us stand together and with Tim and let the world know that the Justice System’s relentless targeting of Political Dissidents does not align with our pursuit of Climate Justice.  This decision, and any that come after this will NOT deter us. Our movement will not waver in our resolve to take a stand for a just and healthy future.

Link to the appeal: http://www.scribd.com/doc/105939464/Tim-DeChristopher-appeals-decision

Link to the Salt Lake Tribune’s article on the 10th District Court’s ruling with a statement from Peaceful Uprising’s Director, Henia Belalia and Tim’s Attorney Ron Yengich: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/54897620-78/dechristopher-auction-court-act.html.csp 

SUPPORT TIM’S FELLOW INMATE PETITION FOR COMMUTATION; TAKE A STAND AGAINST MASS INCARCERATION AND THE WAR ON DRUGS

Robbie is perfect example of what’s wrong with the war on drugs.  For those looking for a tangible way to resist the war on drugs and mass incarceration, please support Rob’s petition for commutation.”

- Tim DeChristopher (Bidder 70)

Robert Furlong has served 5 of his 15 year sentence for growing Marijuana and possessing a legally owned firearm.  This was Robbie’s first criminal offense, his motives were not malicious nor violent, and yet due to federally mandated minimum sentences, Robbie’s life has been put on hold for 15 years. Unable to be a son or a father, eating tax payers dollars instead of giving back to society, Robbie has completed a variety of rehabilitation and work programs through the is now asking for your help to grant him commutation so that he can care for his daughter and put what he has learned in prison to work in the world.  Robbie is a perfect example of the unjustness and absurdity of mass incarceration and federally mandated minimums, both of which are rampant in the war on drugs Please, read Robbie’s story below, share it on social media and write a letter showing your support for his commutation and a second chance.  For Robbie’s Story and instructions and how to support his petition,please visit the full blog.
**Shared from www.bidder70.org** 

UPDATE 7.7.12 – BIDDER 70 Wins “Best American Film” at Michael Moore’s Traverse City Film Festival

Bidder 70 wins Jury Award for Best American Film at Traverse City Film Festival!  Check out the Bidder 70 website to see screenings coming up in your area!

UPDATE 8.1.12

Orion Magazine just published a blog with a letter from Tim’s attorney Patrick Shea giving us an update on where Tim is 1 year after being sentenced to Prison for his act of non-violent civil-disobedience.

Letter From Utah – Orion Magazine

UPDATE 7.26.12 – 1 Year Anniversary of Tim’s Sentencing

“At this point of unimaginable threats on the horizon, this is what hope looks like.  In these times of a morally bankrupt Government that has sold out its principles, this is what patriotism looks like.  With countless lives on the line, this is what love looks like, and it will only grow.  The choice you are making today is what side you are on.”

- Tim DeChristopher’s address to the Court – July 26th, 2011

1 year ago Tim DeChristopher went to prison for the future of us all.  Instead of being deterred, in the last year climate justice activists across the globe have continued to put their bodies on the line for a livable future.

What side are you on?

**Tim DeChristopher’s release date remains April 21st, 2013.

UPDATE: 7.10.12 – New Books added to Tim’s Wish List!

Tim is happily serving out the remainder at his time at FCI Englewood in CO.  He has requested a few new books be added to his Amazon.com Book Wish List – if you send him one, please also send a note separately letting him know that who sent the book.  CO is treating Tim well, he has been able to be outside more, working in the kitchen and seeing more of his family and friends.

*Tim’s current address is listed below, or is also available via Amazon.com on Tim DeChristopher’s Book Wish List*

UPDATE: 5.16.12 – TIM HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED TO FCI ENGLEWOOD IN LITTLETON COLORADO!

Originally the Correctional Facility that was requested by Tim and his legal team, after serving almost 1 year of his sentence, Tim is being moved to FCI Englewood to finish his time.  If you knew Tim prior to his incarceration and would like to visit, please email Dylan at: dylan@peacefuluprising.org, and please send all mail to Tim at the following address:

Tim DeChristopher #16156-081
FCI ENGLEWOOD
SATELLITE CAMP
9595 West Quincy Avenue
Littleton, CO 80123

UPDATE: 5.10.12 –  Tim’s Legal Defense Team presented Tim’s appeal to the 10th Distrcit Federal Court of Appeals and are awaiting a decision that will be made by the panel in the near future.  The Salt Lake Tribune’s Brandon Loomis covered the story, you can read more here.

UPDATE: 5.4.12“I don’t think being a political prisoner is a failure of activism.  It’s a step along the path of activism.”   – Tim DeChristopher in his interview with Salt Lake Tribune’s Brandon Loomis.    http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/54043206-90/dechristopher-prison-activist-oil.html.csp

Tim’s story
Frequently asked questions
Donate to Tim’s legal defense (appeal)
Help PeaceUp carry on Tim’s work
Read Tim’s blog posts (before and from jail) on Grist.org
Sing like a movement
Tim’s statement to the judge
Contact us (press and others)

UPDATE: 3.28.12   Tim DeChristopher has been MOVED BACK to the Satellite Camp — YOU  TOOK ACTION and demanded that Tim be immediately returned to the Minimum Security Camp at FCI Herlong.   And in less than 24 hours from the time the CALL TO ACTION was sent out, Tim was returned to the satellite camp at Herlong.  We will not stop investigating this situation because the most important questions remain unanswered.  For the full story, click here

UPDATE:  3.19.12 – Tim DeChristopher’s appeal has been accepted and oral arguments have been scheduled for May 10th, 2012 in Denver, CO to be held in front of the 10th District Court.  More updates to come!  Please consider making a financial gift to the Legal Defense Fund to help Tim’s legal team make the appeal as powerful as possible.

UPDATE: 3.09.12  Tim DeChristopher was moved to ISOLATED confinement – On the evening of Friday, March 9th, Tim DeChristopher was summarily removed from the Minimum Security Camp  and moved into the FCI Herlong’s Special Housing Unit (SHU) reportedly due to a request from an unidentified Congressman.  Tim was kept in an 8 x 10 cell which he shared with another inmate, had been let out of his cell only 4 times in 19 days.    There seemed little hope that Tim would be transferred back to the satellite camp.

UPDATE:  2.21.12. Tim DeChristopher Urges Action as Bureau of Land Management “Auctions” off Coal, Clean Air, Clean Water and Climate Stability for Bargain Basement Prices – Check out the Facebook page here.

Tim DeChristopher says ”This coal auction is another example of how the corporate control of government has locked the public out of the decision making process for public land and resources.  That lack of democracy just means that citizens have the responsibility of working outside of official processes to stand in the way of injustice. . .  Whatever opportunities for effective action present themselves, take action knowing that a loving movement is ready to stand behind you.”

UPDATE: 2.14.12 – WHAT NOW?

Tim is scheduled to be released to house arrest in February 2013, so we have another year to go!  Please remember to send your love and support by writing to Tim and once he’s through the stack of books that have been so generously sent to him, we’ll be posting more book choices up!

Also, our challenge to you:  join Tim’s interactive book group and expand and educate your community by starting up a community book group and share your ideas with us on the website so Tim and other book groups can continue the conversation!

APPEAL

GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE

LEGAL TEAM’S RESPONSE AND REQUEST FOR ORAL ARGUMENT

UPDATE 1.2.12 – As we enter in 2012, Tim remains upbeat and optimistic and we wait to see what will happen with the submitted appeal!  2012 is a year full of opportunity for us to change our realities, keep updated with Peaceful Uprising as we introduce PeaceUp CORR and more campaigns that we hope will continue our Mission statement and the vision Tim began.  Looking ahead, we have a long year of visiting slots, so if you’d like to visit Tim up in Herlong, please email Dylan at: dylan@peacefuluprising.org.

NEW MEDIA:

ORION ARTICLE WITH TERRY TEMPEST WILLIAMS – “What Love Looks Like”

UPDATE 12.5.11 – Just heard from Tim that a lot of the visting forms that are being sent to Herlong are being denied due to being incomplete or for not being filled out correctly.  If you’re interested in visiting, please contact Dylan at: Dylan@peacefuluprising.org to make sure you have the necessary information to fill out your form!

UPDATE 11.30.11 – Tim DeChristopher is named one of YES! Magazine’s Breakthrough 15!  ”We think we have no power when in fact we have more than enough power.”  - Tim DeChristopher

yesmagazine.org/yes60dechristopher

On July 26, 2011, he was sentenced to two years in federal prison for a nonviolent act of civil disobedience. He was taken immediately into custody. He is a co-founding member of Peaceful Uprising (Core Principles

UPDATE 11/11/11:  Tim DeChristopher’s Birthday Wish – SUPPORT PEACEFUL UPRISING!

Technically, next week (November 18th) will be my 30th birthday, but it’s just a technicality.  I actually had my 30th birthday back in May.  It was the first surprise birthday party I’ve ever had, and since it was six months before my technical birthday, I REALLY   didn’t see it coming.  I showed up to the Peaceful Uprising office for a  ”meeting,” and I was shocked to see the place packed with my  friends ready to  celebrate my birthday.  It was a pretty good bet that I wouldn’t be around to  celebrate my technical birthday, so the folks at Peaceful Uprising wanted to  get it in while they had a chance.
 It was a wonderful party, but it was much more than that for me.  It showed  me that Peaceful Uprising was succeeding in one of our most important goals:  building a genuine community.  Joshua Kahn Russell once talked to me about  building a “movement that holds people.”  By that, he meant a movement that  genuinely values people instead of treating them as resources, a movement  where people know they are truly supported.  Josh knew that people will only  take the necessary bold actions if they feel like a part of something much bigger, rather than isolated individuals.
In 2008, Peaceful Uprising did not exist.  When I jumped into that auction, I had no idea who would be there to catch me.  But people came from many different paths to form this activist community that holds one another.  Of all the accomplishments of Peaceful Uprising in the past few years, I think the community they have built might be the most important.  Longtime activists from around the country have told me how impressed and envious they are of the PeaceUp community.  We know that things will get much worse before they get better, and the strength of our relationships and our community is what will keep us moving forward in those difficult times.  
Other than pictures and cards, there’s not much that I can recieve for my technical birthday next week.  Since PeaceUp has already taken care of my birthday, my birthday wish is that you take care of PeaceUp.  Think about what you can give to Peaceful Uprising.  Please become a monthly donor, donate supplies, or just stop by the warehouse to see how you can help.  I greatly appreciate all those who have been sending their support to me in letters, cards and donations, and I hope you’ll share some of that love with PeaceUp.

UPDATE 11/10/11 – SELLING TIM’S CAR!  After speaking to Tim in length while visiting in Herlong, he decided to sell his Blue, 2006 Kia Spectra and put the money into the Legal Defense Fund.  If you, or someone you know is in the market for a well-taken care of, energy efficient car – pass them these links!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180753583492&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:MOTORS:1123#ht_500wt_1182

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=733005&nid=443&tab=myads

Update 10/25/11: A few of us got the chance to visit Tim on October 15th and he’s doing GREAT!  He’s happy and relaxed, eating good food and taking walks every morning and night to see the spectacular sunrises/sunsets over Herlong.  (Which are breathtaking!)  He said he’s reading, writing and working and is feeling good.

He just got a photo album so he’s asking people to send him photos with letters so he can see who is writing him!  And photos of events, etc.  We’re working on getting his Book Group going on the Peaceful Uprising site so you can see what he is reading, what he thinks about it and you can make a book list of some great reads!  (Although he says he understands he has more time to read than others, and would rather you get out and take action rather than read!)

He’s up to his neck in books right now and thanks everyone for sending so much support – please hold off on sending him more books until November/December (But do remember that his 30th birthday is November 18th!  So be sure to send some love and solidarity)

The appeals process will begin soon, so keep checking back here for more details.

Update 10.18.11:  Tim has been receiving some amazing mentions and awards – check them out!

OUTSIDE MAGAZINE – “The Trials of Bidder 70″ by Abe Streep

*Please note: On August 23rd, Tim was transferred from Utah’s Davis County Jail to a private prison in Pahrump, NV – (the holding place he refers to as a “shithole” – he was then transferred onto FCI Herlong where he is now.  Herlong is near Reno, NV and is where Tim is able to watch the sunsets/sunrises, take walks and is overall, feeling really good.  

OUTSIDE MAGAZINE – Releases email conversations between the BLM & DOI about DeChristopher’s Case under the Freedom of Information Act.

SALT LAKE CITY BIONEER OF THE YEAR – Article in the Examiner about Tim’s acceptance speech.

UTNE READER – one of the 25 visionaries of 2011

YES! Magazine (coming soon) – one of the 15 most influential people of 2011

HUFFINGTON  POST – One of the Green Game Changer Nominees of 2011

Plus, some beautiful media coverage of Tim’s story that have come out after sentencing:

THE PROGRESSIVE - Article by Terry Tempest Williams

UTNE READER - blog post by Keith Goetzman

ROLLING STONES – #9 – Pardon Tim DeChristopher

ROLLING STONES – BREAKING: interview with Tim DeChristopher from prison – by Jeff Goodell

Update: 9/19/11:  Tim is in very good spirits at Herlong.  He can walk around outside in the middle of the desert, hears coyotes at night and has more freedom than he expected or experienced at either Davis County or Southern Nevada Detention Center.  He is going to be starting his job at Herlong in the next few weeks – he says there are a few different options on the table right now, and  he is receiving more mail and is looking forward to getting more books!  Please check his Book Wish List if you’d like to send him a book.  Also, if you’d like to send him a Magazine or a book not on his Wish List, please check this page of what he has already received.

Update 9/19/11: Check out Tim’s Book Wish List!  Send him a book (and make sure to send a note separately letting him know which book is from you!  Also, he can only have 5 books at a time, and right now he has them!  So please think about spacing out the books you send him.

Update 9/8/11: Tim has arrived at Herlong FCI in Northern California.  He can now receive letters, books, magazine subscriptions etc.  To make sure that we do not send him duplicates on books or magazines, please do not send him anything besides letters until you check Tim’s “Wish List” that will be active on this website tomorrow.  As he can only have a limited number of books, it is very important that we all take the time to make sure we aren’t sending him duplicates.  Please check FAQ’s for more information on how to write to Tim, where to send it, mailing regulations etc.  As soon as we are able to be in contact with Tim, more information re: visits, needs, and personal updates will be posted!

Tim’s story
Frequently asked questions
Write to Tim
Donate to Tim’s legal defense (appeal)
Help PeaceUp carry on Tim’s work
Read Tim’s blog posts (before and from jail) on Grist.org
Sing like a movement
Tim’s statement to the judge
Contact us (press and others)

continued below

Feel free to download and use this image however you’d like. Click for larger version.

 

Archives, (including original climate-trial page)
Talk to Tim on Twitter (maintained by @Ash_Anderson through letters)
Peaceful Uprising on Facebook
Calendar of Direct Action around the nation (new)

 

Wasatch range, Utah. July 23, 2011.

“Don’t go back to sleep.”
~ Quote by Rumi, which Tim included in his email signature.