Aid & Abet

This is the text of a guest blog post I have on the Women in Media and News blog, WIMN’s Voices, a group blog full of amazingly smart and insightful women. The post involves the story of my friend, Sarah Olson, and the scariest part of it is that this story could easily be about me or you or any other independent journalist or activist that you know!

—

Last week, journalist Sarah Olson was subpoenaed to testify at the January 4 pretrial hearing for the court martial of Army 1st Lt. Ehren Watada. Sarah, who has interviewed Lt. Watada, is being called by the prosecution to corroborate the statements of Lt. Watada, the first commissioned officer to publicly refuse to serve in Iraq. Several of the charges against Lt. Watada are a result of his political speech, recorded by Sarah and other journalists.

Regardless of your feelings on Lt. Watada’s stand against the war, this case has several far-reaching implications for journalists and free-speech advocates. First, the case will help determine how far the government can go in prosecuting the political speech of members of the military, including statements, like Watada’s, that are made while off-duty, not in uniform, and speaking as an individual and not a representative of the military.

Second, while it is often customary for reporters to corroborate their stories when asked by the courts, what are the implications when that corroboration aids in the prosecution of political speech? Isn’t it antithetical to ask a journalist to aid in a case that will limit free speech rights of any American?

Finally, should Sarah be compelled to testify, she will, in essence, become an unwitting investigative tool for the government. As she says in a statement, “It is my job as a professional journalist to report the news, not to act as the eyes and ears of the government or participate in government prosecutions.” This will have a vast chilling effect on the coverage of controversial issues. Will reporters continue to cover controversial issues if they know their actions can aid in the prosecution of individuals? Will whistle-blowers and dissenting voices of any stripe talk to reporters if they know the reporters can be compelled to testify against them?

I urge everyone reading this blog to follow Sarah’s case, as the implications for journalists are extensive. You can find updates at: the Free Press Working Group website.

Hey all – here’s an update about the grave situation over at Clamor HQ. I think I’m dealing with it pretty well, since I’ve been able to get my panic attacks down to almost one a day. Yeah, it’s serious. Please help, OK?

——-

Emergency Message from Clamor Magazine

First, we’d like to thank everyone for the well-wishes and concern you’ve shared with us following the announcement that Clamor would be ceasing publication.

Today we are writing to ask you to help us protect and sustain Clamor’s closest allies:

Just Seeds, Left Turn Magazine, Spread Magazine, Critical Moment, Alternative Press Review, Infoshop.org, Faesthetic, Vegan Freak, and
Left Out all use the online infoshop we’ve built over the last few years.

On Friday December 15, we received word that Sky Bank, one of the banks to which Clamor owes money, froze our bank account and intends to block the transfer of the infoshop to the crew that was going to take it over. This move runs counter to what we (our lawyer included) thought would happen, and it has profound repercussions for the people and projects that were depending on us to continue providing distribution and making regular payments.

The sense of loss we have felt in closing Clamor is completely overshadowed by the knowledge that we have jeopardized these otherwise
growing and healthy projects. Without the money Clamor owes them, some of these projects will not survive.

WE NEED YOUR HELP to ensure that these valuable independent media projects do not go down along with Clamor. You are probably receiving many requests at this time of year. These are all incredible projects that you should support on a regular basis, but it is urgent that you offer that support right now.

Your direct donations will not affect our debt to them, but given the bank’s the strength and aggressiveness at pursuing our limited business
and personal resources, this is only way we can see to repay them.

There are thousands of active Clamor supporters out there. Please stay active: use the following links to make donations directly to one or
more of these projects or contact us to make tax-deductible donations of $500 or more.

———-

justseeds has been the only spot to find socially conscious street art, anarchist literature and political printmaking all in one place online. Please donate to help Josh MacPhee continue this important work. The future of justseeds depends on you.

———-

Left Turn is an international network of activists committed to exposing and fighting the consequences of global capitalism and
imperialism. Through Left Turn magazine, and face-to-face forums, we amplify voices of those on the frontlines of radical struggles for social justice, and provide resources for strategy-building and reflection. We are on the brink of survival financially and the seizure of funds owed to us has been a major blow. We hope you will contribute and/or subscribe as a testament to the importance of supporting radical independent media.

———-

$pread Magazine is a quarterly, glossy magazine by and for sex workers and those who support their rights. This current situation may have grave effects on their future ability to continue publishing. Please step up and donate using their link.

———-

Critical Moment is an independent community newspaper serving Southeast Michigan. For the past three years, we have featured hundreds of authors, provided critical analysis of issues facing local communities, and championed various forms of resistance taking place in our area. But the future of Critical Moment is in jeopardy due in part to the recent collapse of infoSHOP direct. Please help us reach our modest goal of $1000 so that we can print our 20th issue and continue to provide a critical voice to Southeast Michigan. Go to www.criticalmoment.org to make a donation or subscribe.

———-

Infoshop.org &
Practical Anarchy are the online resource for radical news, opinion, and information as well as the occasional zine focusing on practical aspects of anarchism. Please help them weather this storm by donating.

———-

Faesthetic is a yearly graphic design & art magazine printed in small quantities with submissions from talented creatives from around the world. Please donate via paypal to his account info@faesthetic.com

If you would like to donate to Jen and Jason’s legal support, please donate via paypal to our account at jason@clamormagazine.org.

In frustration and solidarity,

Jason and Jen

So, the beans have been spilled – After seven years and 38 issues Clamor is no longer publishing. It may seem sudden to you, but to those of us involved in the day-to-day operation of the magazine, it has been a long time coming.

After sending a letter to subscribers, we posted our official announcement on our website. Josh Breitbart blogged about it at Civil Defense. Our other projects, the Allied Media Conference and the Infoshop will continue separately.

How do I feel about it? I have mixed feelings. Jason and I will be going through the long and arduous task of dissolving the business, and that will take some time. I’m working on a more indepth analysis and reflection that I hope to post soon.

xo

jen