[WAR] In Memory of Jill Phipps, 1964 - 1995

February 2, 2008

****Cross Post Freely**** In Memory of Jill Phipps1964 - 1995The following was written on February 1, 2005 and posted to the WAR listserv by SHAC USA. Although a lot has happened since then, the words are as true today as they were back in 2005. Sadly, the author was only wrong about one thing, and he now sits in a prison cell and is surely frustrated that he cannot be on the streets putting his words into action.Jill Phipps is an inspiration to all of us that fight for animal liberation. Please honor her memory by doing what she would be doing if she were still here among us. Also, remember those who are in prison and who cannot be on the front lines right now. Ask yourself, what would they want you to do? Next weekend, Win Animal Rights will be screening

"Jill's Film", at a location to be announced shortly. Join us for this inspiring film about Jill's life and her untimely and tragic death. To learn more about Jill Phipps, visit her website memorial: http://www.jillphipps.org.uk/"A Call to Action""Ten years ago Jill Phipps was murdered. She was a passionate British animal rights activist who literally stood her ground when defending animals from terror and death. She was killed during a demonstration against the cruel live export of 'veal' calves at Coventry Airport. She stood defiantly in front of a crowded animal cargo truck, as she had so many times before, to stop it from making its fateful delivery. This time the truck choose not to stop. She was crushed under its wheels.In a crude gesture to its pharmaceutical masters - the UK government marked this, the tenth anniversary of Jill's death, by announcing legislation that would have made Jill's

stand, had she only survived, punishable by 5 years in prison.Like with the absurd - and certain to be dismissed - indictment against seven US SHAC activists, the UK government has also turned the very definition of justice on its head. Instead of pursuing an industry that has a daily news roll call of drugs being removed from market because they are maiming and killing hundreds of thousands of people - it goes after those passionately agitating for an end to the most unthinkable crimes against innocent animals in labs.But when the biggest lobby in Washington cries and screams about the impact of our cunning protests - the politicians listen. The pharmaceutical industry is worth 200 billion a year and has 40% of the US public on one of its wonder pills. It gives more in campaign contributions than any other lobby and gets away with murder as a result, literally. Free speech didn't even stand a

chance.No one said winning animal liberation was going to be easy, or closing Huntingdon for that matter. The signs of the times however are encouraging. It is encouraging when we are labeled extremists, persecuted by the state, sued over and over again, and bear witness to the desecration of civil liberties in the hope of curbing our efforts. It's encouraging because these are the hallmark signs of success so many other progressive social causes traversed through. The flare and heat of repression comes as our cause and campaigns threaten vivisection's very survival.Jill hasn't been the only one to be murdered. Steve Worbly and Mike Hill were murdered while protesting hunting with hounds. An activist in India was butchered for his political work. Scores more have been beaten and critically injured. What less should we expect from an opposition who literally sews the eyes of kittens shut, puts cigarettes out on

the foreheads of primates, mechanically rapes cows over and over again, and even hunts doves, the international symbol of peace?Times are going to get tough. Advocating animal rights isn't a social scene or a well paid profession (ahem, cough, HSUS). But remember those animal victims who are dependant upon our valor and commitment right now - and double your efforts for them. There is nothing in life that could befall us as a result of our activism that is any worse than what billions of these sentient creatures experience daily. Their fate is in our brave hands.This week, please help to ensure Jill's life was not taken in vain. Pledge to write one more letter, place one more call, go on one more protest to honor her life, sacrifice, and the shared political and compassionate cause that unites us all!SHAC USA"******************************Please join Win Animal Rights as we honor the memory

of fellow activist Jill Phipps and participate in a global weekend of action against Escada. If you cannot be at the protests, consider making some phone calls or sending e-mails or faxes to the following:ESCADA STORES - USA HEADQUARTERSESCADA USA Headquarters1412 Broadway, 9th FloorNew York, NY 100181-800-869-8424 (Note: this is a different number from the one we posted yesterday)e-mail: jkim (Janet Kim - Public Relations)Escada offices will be closed over the weekend but you can leave voice mail and their retail outlets will be open for business on Saturday and Sunday. For telphone numbers and store hours, check out the following:http://www.war-online.org/Alert_Escada_Contact.htm******************************If you are in the New York Metro area, please plan on joining us this weekend:ESCADA PROTESTSDate/Time: Saturday, February 2, 2008 at

2:00 PMPlace: Escada - 715 Fifth Ave. (between 55th & 56th Streets)Date/Time: Sunday, February 3, 2008 at 2:00 PMPlace: Escada - Americana Mall, 2060 Northern Blvd. Manhasset, L.I.Activists traveling from New York City to Long Island, for Sunday's demo, should contact WAR at: centcomWe will be organizing car pools and if car space is not available, activists will be meeting at the LIRR ticket counter at Penn Station in New York City at approximately 12:00 PM. If you live on Long Island and can provide transport from the Manhasset LIRR station to the Mall, please contact us to let us know. If you choose to take the LIRR on your own, the Mall is a short taxi ride away and should cost less than $10.00. If you want to come but the car fare is an issue, contact WAR and we will do our best to get you a ride.Driving directions can be found on the Americana website

at:http://www.americanamanhasset.com/Note: Posters and flyers will be provided. Just bring yourself, your passion and a loud voice to speak out for the suffering animals. If you are artistic and would prefer, feel free to bring your own sign. As an added bonus, we will also be doing protests against the designers that use seal fur, including: Prada, Gucci, Versace and Dolce and Gabbana.The international campaign website is at:http://www.escada-campaign.org/start.php?lang=enFor more info contact Win Animal Rights at: centcomCall: 646.267.9934 or visit the WAR website at: http://war-online.orgW.A.R. (WIN ANIMAL RIGHTS) is an independent non-profit organization not affiliated or associated with SHAC, SHAC USA or any other group or organization and does not conduct or incite any illegal activity. The above information is not meant to incite or request any illegal actions or

illegal activities of any kind. If you have any questions about the legality of any act, we encourage everyone receiving this (or the) action alert(s) to check your local laws and ordinances before proceeding to do anything.---------W.A.R. (WIN ANIMAL RIGHTS) is an independent non-profit organization not affiliated or associated with SHAC, SHAC USA or any other group or organization and does not conduct or incite any illegal activity. The above information is not meant to incite or request any illegal actions or illegal activities of any kind. If you have any questions about the legality of any act, we encourage everyone receiving this (or the) action alert(s) to check your local laws and ordinances before proceeding to do anything.

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W.A.R. (WIN ANIMAL RIGHTS) is an independent non-profit organization not

affiliated or associated with SHAC, SHAC USA or any other group or organization

and does not conduct or incite any illegal activity. The above information is

not meant to incite or request any illegal actions or illegal activities of any

kind. If you have any questions about the legality of any act, we encourage

everyone receiving this (or the) action alert(s) to check your local laws and

ordinances before proceeding to do anything.