As I stared at the numbers that came in from federal sentencing, I can only say I’m heartbroken and distressed. Maximum years per charge assigned, to be served consecutively, to ensure the greatest amount of suffering is inflicted. And for what, besides to “send a message”?
What justice, this?
And to know this isn’t the end of the state’s case is all the more anxiety inducing. State level charges are waiting to be or have been filed, and trials are inbound for those convicted so far, and for several others, including myself. We face a sentencing range of 15 to 99 years in state prison per charge if convicted. I have no doubt we’ll all be looking at the upper end of that range.
A wide reaching dragnet has been cast, hoping to pull as many people in as possible to “set an example” for anyone who even dares to believe in a better world for all of us. Families shattered and lives ruined, all to set a cruel precedent and design a playbook to handle those who follow after.
To what end? It will never be enough for them.
Personally, I am terrified. It’s hard not to be. But, that doesn’t mean I am going to give up. And neither will my codefendants, nor countless others in this struggle. Every day is another chance to fight against these injustices. Things may seem bleak now, but we all must continue on.
Everybody comes home.
We will prevail. We cannot dare to think otherwise.
