What the hell is wrong with this country when horrendous environmental disasters go virtually unpunished, and non-violent, non-destructive activism result in the possibility of months in jail?
Environmental activist Ted Glick is facing possible jail time for hanging banners on the Hart Senate Office Building. One of the banner's read "Green Jobs Now" and the other read "Get to Work". That hardly sounds like the kind of dangerous anarchism that deserves jail time, does it?
But, the fact is that Glick faces a maximum penalty of 3 years in jail, and while he's not likely to get the max sentence, there is a good chance he could end up serving months in jail. Especially since the prosecuting attorney's are pushing for a severe sentence.
More details, links and action you can take below the fold.
Ted Glick is policy director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, and has been an activist for decades. He's no stranger to being arrested, but in light of the BP Gulf disaster, this case seems particularly ridiculous.
Green Activist Ted Glick Facing Jail
You can also see a video about the story at the above link.
Ted Glick was way up on the balcony inside the Hart Senate Office Building last September. He was unfurling two banners. He was hoping to make lawmakers feel the heat of global warming.
But the protestors got the attention of U.S. Capitol Police. Glick and one other protestor were arrested. For her, it was a first offense.
But Glick had prior misdemeanor convictions for two similar incidents. This time, his "unlawful conduct" includes displaying a banner in a federal building and disorderly conduct. He was convicted earlier this month and awaits sentencing.
The U.S. Attorney's Office has sent a memo to the judge saying they'll be asking for "increased penalties" because of Glick's prior misdemeanors.
His lawyer says that could mean up to three years in jail. One of Ted Glick's earlier convictions was for unfurling a banner at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The U.S. Attorney's Office says they don't comment on specific cases, but a spokesman says they aggressively pursue repeat offenders.
Really? Does anyone think that repeat misdemeanors are what the US Attorney's office should be "aggressively pursuing"?
From a slightly more recent article:
Glick was convicted in May of two misdemeanors -- displaying a banner in a federal building and disorderly conduct -- each of which carries a six-month jail sentence. But the U.S. Attorney's Office has asked the judge to triple Glick's sentence because he's a repeat offender.
Glick and supporters have started a letter-writing campaign to ask the judge to go easy on him. Supporters are asked to write a polite letter to:
Judge Frederick H. Weisberg
DC Superior Court
500 Indiana Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20001.
An e-mail is now circulating asking people in the DC area to show up and support Glick at his sentencing.
From that e-mail:
If you are in the greater DC area, can you be with me next Tuesday [July 6th] AT 12 PM NOON, when I'm sentenced? Or if you're not in this area are there people you know that you could reach out to? It could make a difference to the judge if he sees a full courtroom. And it will also be a way of our collectively saying that the time is long overdue for action by our federal government on the climate crisis.
The address of D.C. Superior Court is 500 Indiana Ave. NW. The Metro stop is Judiciary Square, and I'm being sentenced by Judge Frederick Weisberg in rooom 318.
Please let others know about this, and I hope to see you next Tuesday.
I am not in the DC area, but I know many kossacks are, and that is why I'm writing this diary.
If possible,and if you're so inclined, please consider showing support for a non-violent activist for the environment. If you cannot be there, consider writing a letter to the judge (ASAP, since time is limited).