An interview with Grant Barnes by eco-prisoner Jeff Luers.

JL: You are currently serving a long prison sentence for arsons claimed on behalf of the Earth Liberation Front. What compelled you to take such actions?

GB: I had been aware of the ELF for some time, and as I became more aware of the severity of the most likely consequences of climate change I decided it was time for me to do my part and take responsibility. I think that property
destruction is a useful component in a united front of tactics toward first,
earth liberation, and ultimately towards the cultivation of a biocentric
culture. It raises the economic and psychological costs of earth destruction,
and when there is media coverage, as there usually is, it shows people on all
sides of the struggle that the destroyers are vulnerable. I believe that
property destruction is one of the things that the other species of the planet
would do in their defense against extinction if they had the knowledge and
ability to do so. Those who destroy the property of uncaring, irresponsible
people act on behalf of these other species, which are our cousins.

JL: How did you first get into activism?

GB I helped with an info-shop in Denver (now closed) and Food Not Bombs, and I worked for the Rape Assistance and Awareness Program.

JL: You are serving your sentence in maximum security. What has that been like?

GB: One challenge has been racism. I’m white, and most of the people I talk
to are not, and this has led to some confrontations with racists. My friends
back me up though, so when problems arrive we respond and that keeps me safe enough. They deserve the better part of the credit for that.

Otherwise, the hardest thing is the isolation; I’m a social person and
community is very important to me, so everyday it takes a conscious effort to adapt to spending most of my time alone (most of the time I’m not allowed to leave the cell). However, I stay productive by studying for my degree and working out, and I’ve made strong progress in both areas. I occasionally have the opportunity to return correspondence and that is one of my favorite things to do.

JL: When you first decided to get involved in eco-defense did you think you
would end up in prison? If so, how did you prepare yourself for that possibility?

GB: I knew I could go down and I strove not to. At various times in my life I
had read prison memoirs like Soul On Ice by Black Panther Eldridge Cleaver and Soledad Brother by George Jackson, and some more recent accounts of prison life, including a web file entitled How To Survive In Prison. It contains some good information, for instance on the importance of respect, but I think I would have picked up on that sort of thing whether or not I had read anything on it. Probably the best way somebody could prepare would be to stay in good physical shape.

JL: How has your support been? How can people get involved?

GB: The Lucy Parsons Project sent two books last year, which are outstanding to have as good reading material is hard to get here. Earth First! Journal kindly gave me a free prisoner subscription, and I also got an issue apiece from Green Anarchy and Bite Back, all of which I considered notable on the outside and appreciate having in here. I am especially thankful that Earth First! Journal and Green Anarchy have listed my address. I’ve got several letters and postcards wishing me well, and recently I’ve begun corresponding with several people. It would be outstanding to hear from others.

The best thing people can do is send information on intentional communities, mutual aid networks, and similar formations I might contribute to when I am released. One of the most frustrating things about being inside is having few outlets to give to others, but I want to lay a solid foundation for such community that I can build on when my time here is done. Creating community takes a great deal of work, and I know it’s necessary to spend time to understand, among other things, a potential member’s level of commitment and the extent of the common ground shared with existing members. I want to start that dialogue, because the kind of life I want to live on the outside is one spent as much as possible in spaces of liberation from patriarchy, exploitation, anthropocentrism, racism, and all other symptoms of the present alienating civilization. To that end I am most interested in more primitive groups.

Also, I find that in general pictures are more natural expressions than words, and it means a lot to me to see photos along with peoples’ writings.
Regardless, it is always special to receive a letter or postcard from anyone
who feels concern for the earth and joy for life.

JL: Are you working on projects while locked up?

GB: I’m finishing my degree in cultural anthropology; I was a student when I
was arrested. Reading about a range of cultures has been provocative. It has
shown me to some extent how much is being lost with the extinction of so many sustainable, primitive ways of life–knowledge we need now more than ever. I also keep up with reports on climate change, and I am reading some books I had not made time for on the outside, like Derrick Jensen’s Endgame.

JL: And now here’s your chance for a shameless wish list. Would you like
people to send any specific books or books on particular subjects? Are there
any canteen items, like a radio or anything else, we can help you buy to make your time easier?

GB: I don’t listen to the radio or watch TV, or buy snacks, and money is
qualitatively less valuable to me than heartfelt correspondence, but I would
certainly appreciate funds for mailing supplies, and for beans and oats, as the vegan food here is very limited. One luxury I do love is music and receiving some of that would be a treat.

One of the subjects I most want to better understand is the difference between primitive and complex cultures. I would be very grateful for any

well-researched reading material at the undergrad level on this topic. Much of what is listed in Green Anarchy is of interest, for instance.

–
“Grant Barnes is serving a 12 year prison sentence for the arson of SUVs.
From his prison cell he watches the birds that have made their nest within the razor wire. A reflection of what is happening to our world.”
Write to: Grant Barnes, #137563, San Carlos Correctional Facility, PO Box 3,
Pueblo, CO 81002.