PE: What are some of the things that have helped you do your time?

My friends and family, hands down. After that, all the letters and support letting me know that it really has all been worth it. And in the day to day, my CD player has helped a lot. There’s something to be said about blasting some Filth when you are locked in a cage and having a bad day.

PE: What kind of role have your parents played during your incarceration? Do they support you? Do they support your beliefs?

My parents are awesome. I would be lying if I said they were OK with me burning things but they are very supportive of the things I’ve struggled for. Its really crazy actually because both my parents are former Feds, my dad used to carry a badge. This experience has really awakened them to what is really going on. I feel like enlightening my folks is my biggest victory. My dad, a life-long Republican who almost threw me out when I was 15 for piercing my ear with a safety pin, votes for the Green Party now. It might not be “radical” but for me that kind of personal change is huge.

PE: What was it like when you learned your sentence was drastically reduced?

I actually first learned I’d won my appeal while watching the morning news. Me and my cellie both looked at each other and simultaneously said [to each other] I’d won my appeal. When I went back for resentencing, because of new federal and state laws, they were going to have to give me a sentencing trial. At first they wanted to give me 12 years flat, no early release. The District Attorney said if I didn’t take it they were going to try and give me 20 years again. Naturally, I very politely through my attorney, told the D.A. where he could stick his deal. In the end, we agreed on 10 years with six months good time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very happy to be going home 12 years sooner. But neither me or my attorney are happy with ten years. Frankly, its bullshit.

PE: What would the normal sentence for that type of arson be, if it wasn’t politically motivated?

I’m the only case I know of in Oregon where burning a car was indicated as arson instead of criminal mischief. The typical sentence is 3-4 years.

PE: What are your plans when you get out?

Getting out. I have to repeat this to myself every now and then to remind myself-—it’s real. I’m trying not to bite off more than I can chew. I’ve already got housing and work lined up. But, again, not to be cliche, I’m planning on going back to school. There are some degrees now offered for green building which is something I’m interested in. I also know that as an ex-con with a violent crime (that’s what arson is), I’ve got a rough time ahead. I think school is a good way to re-adjust and really have a better chance.

PE: What are some of the things you miss most about the “free world”?

I miss spontaneity. I miss cooking and drinking a beer with friends. I miss sunsets and sunrises. I miss circle pits. I miss the smell of ocean and the feel of tree bark. I miss the stars most of all.

PE: What are your thoughts on personal freedom since you’ve been deprived of it for eight years?

I think this question is a little bit like, “was it worth it?” My own lessons I’ve learned is that in this life we have to make time for ourselves as well as the struggles we support. I’ve always said the meaning of life is to live. I think most punks have a better understanding of that than most people. But still, never take anything for granted. Make the most out of life.

PE: What have you observed about America, or the world in general while you have been “locked out”? Have you come up with any different perspectives being in the belly of the beast?

The biggest realization for me has been that what we are doing is not working. I fell at a time when the phrase “we are winning” was everywhere. The radical struggle was coming strong of June 18, 1999 international day of protest against the G8. We had just shot down the WTO in Seattle. As a movement, we were strong. Now, things are actually worse then when I came in. That’s hard to stomach. I think that we’ve allowed ourselves to be trapped by our own dogma and self-exiled elitism. Which wouldn’t be so bad if we were actually doing our own thing but we are still feeding off the machine.

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Includes contributions by Jeff Luers, Ann Hansen, Robert Thaxton, Marilyn Buck, Robert Jensen, Derrick Jensen,
and John Zerzan. Click image for more info.