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CEML Update

[CEML is the Committee to End the Marion Lockdown, an anti-control unit group. PLN recently received the following letter from CEML concerning their activities. ]

This has been the busiest of times for CEML. First, work continues to prevent the opening of the new control unit at Florence, Colorado, or at least to alter its destructive impact. The bulk of the work is being done by the Coalition to Shut Down Control Units, a statewide organization in Colorado (they also publish an excellent newsletter, Shut Them Down , available for $10.00 from the Rocky Mountain Peace Center, P.O. Box 1156, Boulder, CO 80306). CEML is continuing to press this work as well as trying to find sympathetic audiences within the new administration. Additionally, we along with the folks in Colorado are continuing our petition campaign. We now have over 4,000 signatures but would like to double that number. Please write for copies of the petition.

Second, our work continues to combat the control unit prison in nearby Westville, IN. As if the brutality of that prison were not enough, the comparatively tiny state is apparently now planning to build a second control unit since the first has not succeeded in stifling dissent there.

Third, since the coming October will mark the tenth anniversary of the lockdown at Marion, we are trying to construct a fall conference that is suitable for the event. In this context, we are in touch with several prominent speakers. We will tell you more of the details as they become available.

Fourth, we continue our battle against the state of Illinois in its plans to build a control unit prison. Thus far, the proposal has been made by Gov. Jim Edgar's Task Force but Edgar has not yet been able to find the money for such a project. There is evidence that our work has played a part in keeping Edgar from building this prison.

As a result of all this activity, we must once again appeal to you for financial assistance. We know that many of you give generously. We apologize for asking again but we simply cannot proceed otherwise. Already we have cut back. For example, we have not published Walkin' Steel recently due to a lack of funds. Meanwhile expenses continue to mount. We spent over $300 producing literature that we provided to the governor's task force. The upcoming program and demonstration will also generate expenses. So please help if you can. CEML, P.O. Box 578172, Chicago, IL 60657-8172, (312) 235-0070.

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