Introduction to Issue 6

Issue 6: Winter 2006

Comrade Brother Richard Williams * Organizing Against the War * Black History * Repression

This issue features a tribute to Ohio 7 political prisoner Richard Williams, who died this past December. We mourn our brother’s passing, but we celebrate his life, his words and deeds of resistance and hope. We also offer some reflection and high tribute to Filiberto Ojeda Rios, the Puerto Rican Independence leader murdered by the FBI last Sept. 23. In this same vein we must share the sad news that Schafik Handel, a principle commander and founder of the Farabundo Marti Liberation Front (FMLN) of El Salvador, died of a heart attack on Jan. 24. The brother was 75 years old. While we mourn these losses, we certainly hope that the next wave of Richards, Filibertos and Schafiks are already out there, picking up the weapons of Liberation and Freedom, perhaps some are even reading these words.

This issue also has important words for the anti-war movment. In light of Black History Month (which of course should be every month); Dhoruba’s thoughts are especially significant. We also feature a section on the First International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners.

As I explain in my personal appeal for support at the end of this issue, which I hope lots of you will seriously consider, my state sentence is ending and I’ll soon be transferred to some federal prison. Therefore the next issue, early summer, will be coordinated by Bill Dunne.

As always we encourage feedback, especially on our discussion board [no longer active] but also via letters. For everyone that can, go out and take part in the March anti-war activities. Do it for yourself, your family and friends, for our world, and do it for all us political prisoners who so want to, but can’t be there!

DYNAMIC PEACE AND JUSTICE
Jaan Laaman, editor