Note: With Ross’ permission, a few words were changed as per the attorneys’ guidance. It was a question of semantics and incorrect use of legal terms, not a change of meaning. There was no time to have Ross re-write the letter before porcfest.
The letter is transcribed below:
Hi Porcfest,
I’m writing you from my cell in New York City. Sorry I couldn’t make it this year. Unfortunately the worst case scenario has played out for me and I’ve been sentenced to spend the rest of my life in prison. I am an eternal optimist though and will never give up hope for my release. [I have confidence] that the appeals court will recognize the errors by some and outright corruption by others in the government and give me some kind of remedy. It could be a new trial, where hopefully the whole story can be told, [or the case could be dismissed altogether].
In many ways, my struggle is just getting started now that it’s going to the higher courts, so I still need your help. Mounting an effective appeal is not easy. I’m confident in my team, but there’s only so much we can do without donations. What we can be sure of is that the government will spend as many of your tax dollars as needed to keep me behind bars, so please help however you can.
I hope my story has shed light on some of the issues we face these days. There are many, but please don’t let what happened to me lead you to despair. Keep standing for liberty and respect for our rights. Keep fighting for your freedom and eventually we will win.
Cheers,
Ross