“This Is What Hope Looks Like”

[StandingInLeftField]

This is older news, but I couldn't find any mention on DU of this link to DeChristopher's full statement to the Court at his sentencing hearing after being convicted of "fraudulently" bidding on BLM parcels open to gas and oil exploration. Given the current courageous demonstrations against corruption, power and greed taking place across the planet, I thought a reprise of Mr. DeChristopher's eloquent statement was timely.

From YES! Magazine, July 27, 2011

"During his sentencing, activist Tim DeChristopher had the opportunity to speak, at length, to the court. This is what he said.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak before the court. When I first met Mr. Manross, the sentencing officer who prepared the presentence report, he explained that it was essentially his job to “get to know me.” He said he had to get to know who I really was and why I did what I did in order to decide what kind of sentence was appropriate. I was struck by the fact that he was the first person in this courthouse to call me by my first name, or even really look me in the eye. I appreciate this opportunity to speak openly to you for the first time. I’m not here asking for your mercy, but I am here asking that you know me.' "

Read the statement in it's entirety at http://www.yesmagazine.org/planet/tim-dechristopher-this-is-what-hope-looks-like

[mattvermont]

1. one of the finest

clarifications of injustice I have ever read.
How can I contact Tim in prison? He is my newest here.

[StandingInLeftField]

3. My feelings exactly!

Here is a link to the Tim DeChristopher FAQ at PeacefulUprising.org.:

http://www.peacefuluprising.org/tim-dechristopher

He can be reached by letter here:

Tim DeChristopher
#16156-081
FCI HERLONG, SATELLITE CAMP
Federal Correctional Institution
PO BOX 800
Herlong, CA. 96113

[mattvermont]

2. here is an update page for Tim

http://www.peacefuluprising.org/tim-dechristopher

[PETRUS]

4. Splendid statement. Thanks for posting! K&R

[Scuba]

5. Excellent piece. Moral is "don't fuck with big oil or you'll spend a long time behind bars".