April 29, 2009

Sign the court petition: a TRO against the world is NO TRO


graphic courtesy of WVNS-TV

graphic courtesy of WVNS-TV


Say no to Massey intimidation, sign the petition.

Massey’s lawyers are now trying to intimidate folks and squash the rising tide of resistance to MTR. After the first three actions, Massey sought and obtained a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) barring those already arrested from interfering with Massey’s operations in any way or assisting others to do so. But the order went further declaring that the restrictions applied to “all other persons allied, associated, confederating, conspiring, or acting in concert with them” and indeed anyone who ever finds about the TRO. You can read the TRO here (the good stuff is on page 5). This means you too are restrained! You are now enjoined from interfering with Massey Energy anywhere in the United States.

We have responded by filing a motion to vacate–get rid of–the TRO because it essentially restrains the entire world and we’re pretty sure you can’t do that. Just as the devastating effects of mountaintop removal mining and the global warming caused by the burning of coal effects us all, so do attempts to silence dissent and attack those that stand up for what is right. Please sign this letter to the court asking that the TRO be vacated.