How did you initially get involved in environmental activism ?

Originally, I was radicalized by anti-authoritarian, anarchist beliefs, as well as animal rights. I got involved in environmentalism first in 1997, I was working for CalPIRG and canvassing for the Sierra Club. I was exposed to a lot of information I hadn’t known before. It was then I started to prioritize the environmental cause.

 What motivated you to participate in direct action and eventually adopt arson as a tactic ?

Actually, I’ve been involved in direct action since I was 15. That was when I broke my first cop car window with a slingshot. I think I’ve always known that power cedes nothing without demand. That the only way to bring change is to fight for it. As for using fire : It was appropriate for the situation and for the goal we wanted to achieve.

 To the critics and nay-sayers, those who think arson causes more harm than good, what would you say regarding the use of arson as an effective means of sabotage ?

I don’t think anything I can say will change minds. I think many critics see using fire as morally wrong. But what I take into consideration on the issue is whether there are other alternatives ? Are they effective ? When the answer is no, then you have to up the ante. The use of fire does two things. 1. It destroys the target-which not only stops whatever destructive practice it was engaged in, it also causes severe economic damage to those responsible. 2. It receives the most media attention. And regardless of how you look at that, the one thing you have to acknowledge is nothing has shown to be more effective and drawing attention to an issue.

 Why was Romania Chevrolet the target on June 16, 2000 ?

Romania was an easy target to strike. It also had the type of vehicles we were looking for-large trucks. And it conveniently happened to be a large dealership with several different locations.

 How did you get caught ?

We were tailed by three different unmarked vehicles. We made several turns and drove all around the city trying to pick out a tail. The cops kept switching off, so one car was never behind us long. I must say tho, we both had this weird feeling so my advice is always trust your instincts. Cuz, as I have learned, just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean their not behind you.

 What can activists learn from the Romania Chevrolet and Tyree Oil actions ?

No comment.

 Is there anything you would have done differently ?

I’ve thought a lot about this. I’m sure that I could change some things and not have gotten caught. But really I think getting caught and getting 22 plus years has done a lot of good. I know that sounds ironic, but the mainstream media has been all over it and surprisingly sympathetic. I’ve been given a forum to help radicalize people, to bring the dire situation our planet and we are in to the attention of those who would normally ignore it. I wouldn’t have this opportunity had things worked out differently.

 Days before your trial was to begin, a second arson took place at Romania Chevrolet destroying more than 30 SUVs. Some have criticized the strategic timing of the action and the impact it could have had on your sentencing. What are your thoughts ?

Actually, I just wrote my critique on that action. I think that without a doubt it added to my sentence. And I think that some things could have been done different. At the same time, I was able to use it in my defense seeing as how it was 10 times more extreme. All in all, I have my issues with the action, but I am overall supportive. So if you’re out there reading this, thank you !

 Aware of the corruption within the prison system and the possible sentence you could receive, why didn’t you take the original plea agreement offered ?

Contrary to popular belief I never got a real deal. From the get go, I was suspected/accused of being the leader of the Earth Liberation Front in the northwest. The first deal for seven-and-a-half years was that I tell on everyone and my co-defendant Critter. Fuck that. After that all my deals offered were 10 years and up. Besides they wanted me to plead guilty to acts I didn’t do. They wanted me to say I committed a person-to-person crime with intent to hurt someone. That simply isn’t true.

 The government has set out to make an example of you with its heavy-handed sentence, and it appears to hope that by locking you up that resistance will fade. As the risks and potential consequences increase, what can we do to encourage and/or support direct action and sabotage in defense of the Earth ?

The first thing we can do is to stop denouncing it. Stop apologizing for it. We need to give overwhelming support to those willing to make the sacrifices necessary to participate in direct action and sabotage. We need to set up a prisoner support network, develop a legal fund that is ready to go before its needed. There are so many things we can do. Imagine hundreds of people stepping forward and claiming credit for something when someone gets busted.

 Can you explain your experience with the courts and prison system ?

You don’t have the space to print my experience with the system. Just picture a situation where you know you are absolutely powerless, and you know you are going to get screwed over. And there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.

 What effects has prison had on you already ?

I’ve closed down. I’m less willing to feel emotion. I have a hard time sharing my feelings with my loved ones. I don’t get to walk away from here for another 21 years. I can’t see the stars or the moon. I can’t wake up next to a lover. It affects you in ways you can’t ever begin to imagine. You become numb.

 What gives you the spirit to fight on in the face of increasing violence against the planet ?

Knowing that I don’t have a choice. I’ve watched the changes in my lifetime. I’ve seen things get worse. I know that we can only count on ourselves to change things. It is important for me to be able to say that I gave everything I had. The responsibility lies with us to stop the destructive practices our lifestyle has caused.

 Do you have any regrets ?

Of course. You can’t get the sentence I got and not have regrets. But they are not the kind you think. I have regrets about things I didn’t get to do. I don’t regret lighting that fire. I don’t regret the choices that I made.

 Is there an appeal of your case in the works ?

Yes. I’m using a public defender-who actually refers to me as a political prisoner. And several attorneys have volunteered their help, including the regional vice president of the National Lawyers Guild. So, basically I have an awesome legal team. I just hope that they can accomplish something.

 How can activists best support you ?

OK, I have a list. Personally, you can help me by swamping the Governor of Oregon with letters about my sentence and case. You can support other political prisoners, volunteer with a prisoner support project. Perhaps my greatest request : Fight back. Make revolution an everyday part of your life. Start creating the sustainable communities we talk about. Nothing changes unless we make it.

 Do you have any other thoughts or words of wisdom about the future ?

We are at a critical point in herstory right now. Not only ecologically, but in our human interactions as well. The future is going to be what we make it. We are either going to end up living in a world void of any wild places or natural diversity, an oppressive police state monoculture. Or we are going to finally realize that we need to put our differences aside. Come together, learn from each other and create the world we want to live in. The greatest challenge we face is that it is much easier to accept things as they are and to give up hope than it is to try and make a difference. We have the power, we only need to realize it.