Sara Olson
Support Sara Olson
It is essential that progressives support Sara Olson’s cause for many reasons.
First, as a consequence of the horrific attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the period ahead will surely produce obstacles to persons and groups challenging the status quo that are far greater than at present—and it’s tough enough today to engage in such challenges. Indeed, we will all have to unite in struggle to defend the very right to dissent in this nation.
Second, the focus of the media on this case, following the prosecution’s lead, is guilt by association. Although she denies being a member of the SLA and the state has no evidence of her membership, the trial will focus on the violence prone activities of the SLA, most done before Sara had any association with the group. After Sara’s friend Angela Atwood was killed when the LAPD and scores of other law enforcement personnel incinerated a house containing Angela and five SLA members, Sara gave a speech condemning the LAPD’s actions and eulogizing her friend.
Third, the use of conspiracy charges to silence dissent has a dangerous past and should not be permitted. From Sacco-Vanzetti to the casualties of the anti-war movement, conspiracy is a frighteningly effective way to send people to prison or death when there is little physical evidence to support the charge. We must not let that happen here. If Sara Jane Olson can be convicted based on innuendo, fear-mongering and without evidence, for crimes committed 25 years ago, who is safe? If the Constitutional and human rights to free speech, free association and dissent can be so mangled in Sara's case, then those rights do not exist for anyone.
Sara needs the support of Southern California’s progressive community to counter the well orchestrated onslaught against her. While she has an incredible network of friends and supporters in Minnesota, we are just beginning to establish a support network in L.A. Progressives here must expose the vindictive and repressive nature of this shameful prosecution.
Now that we have entered a new era for America —a new America— it is more important than ever that we protect the rights challenged by the prosecution of Sara Olson: the right to struggle for economic and social justice, the right to dissent and challenge power and the right to fairness in the criminal justice system.
We hope you can support the following events.
Reception
Please come meet Sara and welcome her to LA
Sunday, Sept 30th
3-6pm
If you can come please call for more information.
323 653-3610
Sara Olson Defense Fund Committee Meeting
Thurs, October 4
Peace Center
8124 West 3rd Street Rm 204
6:30 pm
Ralley
October 15th (sceduled first day of trial)
Outside the Superior Criminal Courts Building
210 West Temple
9am