| >> Fomenting for revolution from the comfort of trees |
|
Toronto-- If Robin Hood were alive in this day, he’d likely be a tree sitter/hugger. Thoughts soon turn to fomenting revolution when you’re holing it out in, or hugging a leafy tree. Bucking the system seems a passion for eco-terrorist Tre Arrow, who turned up with friends for an extradition hearing in Vancouver court this week. While an august judge tried to train her ears on the arguments of lawyers, funky fleece-wrapped backpackers worked on their yoga relaxation exercises. "Ohmmm" was the drone in a courtroom, where not even court reporters need the temptation to nod off. Lawyers argued out pros and cons of the extradition of Tre Arrow. Uncle Sam wants Canada to hand him over to face justice for allegedly conspiring to commit arson against two Portland Oregon area-logging companies and causing some $250,000 in damages. Momentarily taking leave of his "ohmms", was one of Arrow’s former roommates Michael Sheely, announcing to everyone but no one in particular, "It’s heady stuff, I don’t understand why the process can’t be more real. It’s completely disconnected from anything below the head." These remarks were followed by Sheely’s bow to Arrow, before both gents clasped their ands in prayer while locking eyes. "Thank you," Arrow whispered to the group of followers from the U.S. and Canada, who had come to court to lift his spirits during the hearing. Michael Jackson would have been proud. To his roommates and followers, Tre Arrow is an unjustly wronged environmental hero. To the FBI, he’s one of America’s 10 Most Wanted. Because, as his lawyer Tim Russell points out Arrow is accused of political offences for which he will be persecuted in the U.S., he is applying for refugee status in Canada. Rosellina Dattilo, a federal Crown prosecutor acting for the U.S. government, begged to differ, saying that Canada’s justice minister is the only person with the jurisdiction to deal with such claims. Dattilo said the job of Justice Kirsti Gill is narrowly focused on ruling whether there is enough evidence for Arrow to be extradited. He can make claims about political persecution in an appeal court, she added. Judge Gill reserved her decision until next week. Arrow will be there, if you can call being there via video link from jail being there. "He will be able to see us and we can see him," Traci Park informed supporters outside B.C. Supreme Court. Park is the co-coordinator of an international network that is working to free Arrow. Donations from the public at large go towards his legal defence–and to the imprisoned’s staple diet of raw food. Not only has the ecoterrorist gained weight during incarceration, but also he is concerned about wasted energy resources being used to cook food. "We prepare his meals and pay for everything out of our own pockets," Park said. "He likes spirulina, a blue-green algae, avocado, guacamole, nuts and seeds. He really loves raw organic almonds." According to his primary care provider, "Most of us would give up our life savings for him." But not for his bail, which no one has posted. Tre Arrow is waiting for a Canadian with $300,000 worth of property to spring him. Park thinks it’s a tragedy that Arrow, who changed his name from Michael Scarpitti, can’t be outside enjoying the natural wonders of the summer season. "He misses being out here and picking fresh berries," she lamented. Tre Arrow’s supporters drive to Vancouver from the U.S. One Seattle supporter said she send Arrow positive intentions for clarity and energy. Even Tre Arrow would have to admit that tree sitting is better. Canada Free Press founding editor Judi McLeod is an award-winning journalist with 30 years experience in the media. A former Toronto Sun and Kingston Whig Standard columnist, she has also appeared on Newsmax.com, the Drudge Report, Foxnews.com, and World Net Daily. Judi can be reached at: letters@canadafreepress.com.
|