To: kaelin2@comcast.net

Subject: important message

Date: Fri, 4 Jun 2004 21:38:19 -0700

Hi,

Please read this message and keep it in a place where you can refer back to it.

I pretty sure that most of you know that I am a political activist…the label that usually sends peoples’ eyes rolling. All of the political stuff I do centers around rights, that is being able to move freely in the world in peace, and livability, that is being able to get one’s essential needs met around food, shelter, and clothing.

Recently, I started turning my attention to the US government’s detention of people who have not been charged. When this happens, the government ends up ruining the person’s life. The most common results are life imprisonment for a false confessions, deportation, or enemy combatant status…again, many times there is no evidence. I’ll save you the details, but a recent phone call from a Muslim woman I met on a plane a year ago in Virginia changed my life and my political focus. In addition to Muslim detentions, I also have stepped up my work with others in getting resolutions passed that condemn the U.S.A. P.A.T.R.I.O.T and associated executive orders. I am working with leaders in the Muslim community. This means that I am now on more government lists than before.

This is not an email to ask for money or for time. However, I need to make sure that my friends understand the work I’m doing in the event that the government decides to make my life uncomfortable. After reading about the case in Ashland, I think all bets are off as to how far the government will go.

I have always wanted to help people who are being treated badly by governments, agencies, and even individuals. I’m not Muslim, Christian, or Jewish. A Buddhist? Maybe. I’m really just Kaelin. I do not believe and have never believed in violence as a means for individuals, governments, or agencies to change policies, positions, or perceptions. I only advocate via legal and peaceful means and I only do political work with folks who advocate in this way.

I could be paranoid. I could be overestimating the government’s reach. If I am, nothing is lost by sending this email.

However, if you don’t hear from me for a couple weeks and you’re used to being in contact with me that often, I ask that you check in with me via phone or email to see what I’m up to. Thanks for reading this.

Kaelin

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For more information about Kaelin Bowers, go to http://toddmecklem.com/kaelin_bowers.html