March 13, 2005

Dear Webmaster- Sami's trial is coming soon, and there is very little support. I was with him 12 hours before he was arrested, and was given a poem, written by him that day. To my knowledge I have the only copy. I offer this little intro and poem to you, if you think it will help - not harm his visibility. I trust your judgment and have never talked about, nor shared this.. But I am very concerned about what is and will be done to him, his family, and this insidious silencing of all good men who dare to take a stance against the Zionist onslaught. Yours truly, Barbra-renee Brighenti

Sarasota Florida- an unusual day, a peace march against a war that hadn't started. Twelve spokespersons came and went. Good sentiments- war is bad, Bush is bad. Not a word about Palestine.Not a word about Israel.The usual gatekeepers slight of hand. I talked to several of the guest speakers, the Green Peace guy said, we can't mix the two subjects. A Black Democratic city official looked worried and said we cannot mention the Zionist, only one thing at a time. Another speaker, I think a minister, said not now dear, they must wait their turn. I guess 50 plus years hadn;'t put Palestine in que. Turning around, there was Dr. Sami Al-Arian grinning at my attempts. Never having met, but recognizing him, we shook hands. A gentle, gentleman,he inquired if I enjoyed being photographed.The Feds were there.I was touched by his concern. Later, after talking at length, we parted, agreeing to meet again the following week. "A parting gift,I just wrote it..."and handed me a letter size page, typed, the layout implying a poem. "Read it latter." And we shook hands. Twelve hours later I received a call, "Sami's been arrested."