Susan B. Jordan, lawyer, died in the crash of a small plane in Southern Utah on Friday morning. Susan, at 67, had represented during her almost four decades, both political persons and political causes. I first became familiar with her work when she defended Inez Garcia, accused and convicted of murder in the shooting death of her rapist. Susan brilliantly argued self defense on behalf of this battered woman and WON. It was a revelation and it was born of Susan's instinct which never deserted her, of what was just and right. She went on to represent captured members Emily and Bill Harris of the Symbionese Liberation Army; Judy Beri, who the government claimed was an environmental terrorist when a bomb exploded in her own car (later totally disproved); Marilyn Buck, political prisoner in her bid for parole from federal prison and Susan Olson, a political fugitive and Mom arrested in Minneapolis and now serving parole there. This is just culling from my far from perfect memory, some of the work Susan did.
Personally, after I was falsely convicted of materially aiding terrorism in February 2005, it was necessary for me to put together a team of lawyers who would represent me at sentencing and fight the government's outrageous demand of thirty years. Susan and I had first met personally at the National Lawyers Guild Convention of 2002. She was writing an article about my case (which later appeared in Guild Notes and also the San Francisco Law Journal). It was a friendship that was pre ordained. At the end of three hours of interview, laughter, exchanging "war" stories, exploring mutual friends; Susan smiled her beautiful smile and said heartily "You're my new best friend !" Indeed it was to be so for the entire time of my trial, my fight with breast cancer (she accompanied me to the hospitalfor the followup to the mammogram) at sentencing. The legal team I had asked to represent me consisted of Joshua Dratel, Jill Shellow, Ellen Yaroshevsky, Liz Fink and Susan. Each one of these lawyers had sterling qualities but it was apparant at times that "teamwork" was not their forte--something about legal egos (mine included). Susan, transcended the turmoil and whether it was her Buddhist belief or her zen and yoga training, she was the force that made it possible for us all to work together and ultimately submit to the Court a memorandum that resulted in the thirty years becoming a twenty eight month sentence. She labored for hours--in person and coast to coast, with me, in the preparation of a statement to the Judge that accurately portrayed my thinking and feelings, which I now realize, I could never have done without her.
And now she is gone. It does not fill the void to comment on the length of her exemplary life and career, for she still had miles to go before she slept. I last saw her at the Lawyers Guild dinner honoring Steve Bingham in Oakland California, last month. We were able to talk only for minutes but we planned to see each other in NYC or she would fly us up to Eureka in her beloved Mooney-- now that is never to be. I miss Susan presently and forever, as my mentor, my Sister lawyer but mostly as a kindred spirit loving life and fighting for justice. Susan B. Jordan, presente !
Lynne at a fundraiser in Sacramento, CA, April 2009.
May 2009 - Health Update
Someone mentioned to Ralph and I, recently, that they see us at "Everything"!!! So many causes--so little time.
However, for what we hope will be a short period, we won't be seen so frequently. In January, Ralph was diagnosed at Sloan Kettering for a skin cancer--lymphoma (not lethal). After a PET scan revealed no internal spread, the doctors recommended radiation: Total skin Electron Beam Therapy. We are beginning this on Tuesday 5/26. It is a CURE because it will completely replace Ralph's skin.(I can guarantee you all that he will be as Black as ever--before, during and after!!) There are side effects and we cannot predict how these will affect him but we are hoping to maintain some level of activism during the next two months. Please help us support all of the needs of the People through you, while we are sidelined. Send your positive vibes as well.
Love Struggle
Lynne
April 2009
We were in Denver from March 23 to March 30 to be support for Ward Churchill at his trial. This is my impression - LS
Ward Churchill's trial for the first amendment and academic freedom was held in one of those marble courthouses that you thought were only in old movies. It was downtown Denver and it was winter but the truth and light revealed in this trial of resistance were enough to "ward"(no pun intended !) off any chill. The "I am Ward Churhill" buttons were all over and the courtroom itself was filled with everyone from Amy Goodman progressives to the front line of the American Indian Movement. Most importantly, as my practiced eye scanned his jury, I could scarcely believe it--the six people who were to decide this case of principles vs expediency were all under the age of 30 !! This was a great harbinger of things that were to come.
By following Lynne's case, Lynne Stewart - An American Story explores how the Bush Administration used the September 11th attacks to push forward a concerted attack on the American justice system and, in a number of cases, changed strongly held judicial traditions like habeas corpus and the right of a defendant to have adequate legal counsel.
You can show "American Story" in your own city! It is still the roughcut and depending where and when, Lynne will accompany film and answer questions. Lynne will be in SF-Bay Area 4/18-25, in case anyone is interested in showing it then.
Who is Lynne Stewart?
Lynne Stewart received a 28-month sentence in October 2006, but is free on bail pending appeal.
Radical human rights attorney Lynne Stewart has been falsely accused of
helping terrorists. Now
convicted, she faces 30 years in prison. On Tuesday, April 9, 2002, she was arrested and agents
searched her Manhattan office for documents. She was arraigned before Manhattan
federal Judge John Koeltl. This is an obvious attempt by the U.S. government to
silence dissent,
curtail vigorous defense lawyers, and install fear in those who would fight against the U.S.
government's racism, seek to help Arabs and Muslims being prosecuted for free
speech and defend the rights of all oppressed people.
To read Lynne Stewart's entire remarks to her supporters who had waited outside the courthouse for hours for Lynne to emerge after her sentencing on October 16, 2006 before the Hon. John G. Koeltl,
click here.
Still no word from the 2nd Circuit as the 7th Anniversary, April 9, of my arrest rolls up on us.SEVEN YEARS--count'em, and we struggle on. If you can please contribute to the Lynne Stewart Organization by clicking on the button below or sending a check or money order to Lynne Stewart Organization, 350 Broadway, Suite 700, NY NY 10013, please do. We need your support now more than ever!
CALENDAR** indicates Lynne hopes to attend.
June 12
Noam Chomsky at Riverside Church Benefit Brecht Forum,.Tix on line Save the Brecht.**
July 10 to 12
National Assembly Conference at LaRoche College, Pittsburgh Pa.
For more information e-mail us at info at lynnestewart.org The Lynne Stewart Defense Committee
350 Broadway, Suite 700 New York, NY 10013
212-625-9696
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