A Message About Sherman

Sherman Austin's 12 month, 3month probation, and $2,100 fine is a cruel sentenced imposed on him. Any other judge would have probably been more understanding and would have taken the prosecutions sentence recommendation with more consideration and looked deeper into the psychological evaluation.
This judge seemed to have involved his personal politics in this case. I felt the Judge ignored request by the defense and prosecution for a four month jail sentence and four month community confinement. Even after the Justice Dept. and FBI in Washington agreed to this sentence. The judge seemed headstrong and only seemed to see the opportunity for the trouncing example he felt he would set to deter future revolutionaries from acting in the same manner. The sentence is nothing more than an example for all those believing in the system to feel assured the "bad people" get punished and for the people wanting to expose the holes in the system and make change to
have fear. It's all a game for the system supporters and even some impulsive wanna-be revolutionaries.

Wilson's position on setting him as a plastic model of punishment for future revolutionaries is vulgar to the full extent. The Judge seemed like a heartless conservative, he could've at least mentioned his motives. This cannot all fall upon the Judge thanks to the FBI Agents conducting the investigation. It seemed it was their goal to get a conviction even after
realizing Sherman wasn't what they thought he was, which might have been a man on a mission creating an anarchist militia to overthrow the government.
The charges seemed trumped up and as well as other allegations. This could have been another reason the judge reacted in this manner.

Sherman did not author the reclaim guide. The reclaim guide (a.k.a. bomb making instructions) was a completely different website that was actually written by a 15 year old caucasian rich boy with republican parents. Why didn't they go after him?

If Sherman would have had a private attorney and was rich he would have been able to pay his freedom, since that's the way the system seems to work. American Justice by the dollar. I wish I had a Phd in law to be able to defend for Sherman's freedom. Many people reading about the story are being mislead with some info on the AP press article. Sherman is displayed as an immature man with a stereotype of
a violent Anarchist. Its as though he is Hester from the Scarlet letter, stigmatized by the letter A circled. I personally know Sherman is not what is portrayed in the media, but of course mainstream media needs ratings and wing nuts need entertainment.

Sherman Austin is not a terrorist. He allowed a link on his site of self-defense, security culture, and incendiary making device instructions. What's the big deal? That information can be found all over the web,
libraries, bookstores, etc. His anarchist ideologies could not be more badly stereotyped during this whole thing. He is non- violent, loving, compassionate, and helpful person. I remember him once mention that he would not engage in any violent acts that would hurt a living thing because he feels there's always an alternative to achieve justice, but it does not mean
he will lay down while someone is threatening his life. I'm sure a large majority would feel the same.

Sherman is non-aggressive and he has never committed a violent act, even the psychologist report stated "Mr. Austin came out very low on his measure
showing no indication o psychopathic thinking. He does not ignore the rights or feelings of other people.no history of criminal behavior." He's really
laid back, non-aggressive, and peaceful young idealistic man. Every time I'm with him he's never shown anger, except at the court sentencing. Even then
he still remained calm and focused. The August 4 sentencing hurt everyone around him. We were in disbelief, especially seeing the FBI agents leaving
the court with a huge smile on their faces was revolting.

The sentence does not only affect him, but also his loved one's, friends, supporters, and our rights. I deeply feel the effect of this sentence, and I know his mother must be 20 times more devastated since she's
known him all his life. It's hard not to love the guy. I've known him for almost to 2 years, but we've only been together for about a year and 5months yet I feel I've known him all my life. He is a huge part of my life, and
having him away for a year will hurt intensely. I'm use to seeing him everyday. Even my family loves him and worries for him while he goes to jail. My family cannot belief that this is happened to such a sweet guy. He'
s Sherman for goodness sake. He may be goofy, nice, shy, opinionated, idealistic, and helpful, but not guilty. He's never ever raised his voice at me nor shown any violent behavior. He can show a little immatureness, but he's only human. Yet he can even be seen as the most rational one in the relationship. Even when we debate anarchism he does not try to push his ideology on me, but tries to help me understand his views. His views are way different than Anarchy is stereotyped as. I think he really enjoys it when I question him about it and challenge his ideals. I do learn a lot and find we
have similar views on rights, non-authoritarian and hierchal structures, education, teaching yourself rather than relying on a system, but I just don't label my views. I'm not an anarchist and I don't feel I'm in love with one, but I know I do Love Sherman Austin.

I will miss him and will stay with him while he's in, helping him any way I can and ask any of you interested to help raise money for his fines, write
to him, organize something against the patriot act, etc. You can e-mail ShermanAustinLegal@riseup.net if you want to help put something together or help with funds.

Strength and Love to Sherman and all those also affected by the injustice,
LUPE