Dear Comrade,
My situation at this time is one of repression. I nonetheless, have survived worse, I certainly will survive this. I have been framed and put on lock-up for a small amount of time. I believe [they have done this] to let me know that they (Administrators) can do whatever they want and get away with it. However, my path is unchanged! I will try to give you a brief history of the events that led to my present situation (lockup).
I first wrote a Letter/ARP listing the complaints I had/have with this administration (E.C.I.) and sent it to several places, anticipating no response from the warden. But the Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards, one of the organizations I sent the letter of complaints to, forwarded it to the warden, making him respond and angry.
I had a brief discussion with one of (the warden's) lackeys. Then another [conversation] accompanied by another lackey. It was then that the second lackey decided to put me on Ad. Seg. [Administrative Segregation] pending an investigation. The reason for this was because he decided that I have something to do with the disturbance that took place, in the unit I resided, on July 13, 1996. The letter/ARP was written and sent in on June 26, 1996 and some of the language, according to lackey #2, was troubling to him, therefore, my being placed on lockup justified.
They have 96 hours to take you up for Classification Team Hearing when on Ad. Seg. It was during this hearing that it was decided they were going to show me something (their power over me) because I wouldn't back down from them. They fabricated a ticket, which stated "If I stay here, I'm going to start a riot." and "I helped start the disturbance a few weeks ago in unit #3."
I only received 30 days on lock-up mostly because all the other tickets I had within the last few years, I beat, therefore giving me a good adjustment record. During my discussions with these people (all of them white) I never lost my temper even slightly. As a matter of fact, I sort of laughed at them, because I knew they were angry not so much about the complaints themselves, but because I had sent them out to various places of which they still don't know them all. Because of this they felt the need to retaliate against me, violating my first amendment right, to access without retaliation, therefore the fabrication and unjust imprisonment.
It was during my Adjustment Hearing that this tom, bootlicking, white ass kissing ... told me that I should learn to keep my composure because he was going to find me guilty of those rule violations cited on the ticket. It was then that I started to lose my composure, but only a little. It was how he said it, the way he said it that irritated me. It also told me that this guy has assimilated so well in the mainstream (white culture) that he doesn't live in reality. This reality is that white people (white men in particular) have always conspired against other people, especially those of color. but he (the hearing officer) wouldn't believe [it]....
It is funny in a sad way, that people like him believe that because they have assimilated so well that [they believe] all Black people should assimilate. I proudly say that I am not that kind of man.... It is fine, however, that I have to experience this ordeal, because I know that nothing or something doesn't come without sacrifice and struggle. This serves to make me stronger... I realize that life is a culmination of experiences upon which one is supposed to learn from, extract the knowledge, wisdom and understanding that can be gained from the them and apply it to oneself. I am always trying to gain that knowledge, wisdom and understanding, ... so my experiences serve me well.
--A Maryland Prisoner, 12 August, 1996
ILLINOIS PIGS INCREASE REPRESSIVE PRISON POLICIES
...I have finally received your newsletter.... I greatly appreciate this because it helps me to broaden by input on certain subjects happening here at the Pontiac Correctional Center. Well I am sorry to report that we have lost a few battles here at Pontiac. As of Jan. 1, 1997, inmates at all IDOC [Illinois Department of Corrections] Facilities, will not be supplied with 3 state envelopes. This means that the indigent individuals will not be able to write home or to their attorneys, unless he/she has money in the trust fund account. [Which they won't since indigent means without funds. -- MIM]
I felt that they were really going to make more money on the phone calls, but then they hit us with a new bomb to try to disable us. About 2 weeks ago, they took the phones away, stating that we cannot use the phone if we are in C-grade. (The majority of the Brothers in Pontiac are in C-grade ) I found out that the reason they are doing this is because they are scared to death that we will contact the media about the going-ons that are happening at Pontiac. Here are three prime examples:
(1) No state pay allowance given to inmates is segregation even though state legislators approved an allowance for "All" prisoners in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
(2) Poor medical treatment given to prisoners in the IDOC. (I have had an injured hip for 5 months now and have still not been given medical treatment . All they have given me is their medical cure for everything, which is 400 mg of ibuprofen. They give you this even if you are dying of a heart attack.)
(3) Staff here are provoking prisoners to assault them [by] calling them Bitches, punks, spicks, wetbacks and other racial slurs, knowing that it will make a person react negatively toward them. Then they give you disciplinary reports and throw you in the segregation unit, sometimes even assaulting you after they handcuff you and throw years at you to serve in segregation!
Well as I said before, Thank you.. I appreciate receiving your paper. Keep it coming as it is an inspiration and helps me keep fighting.
Respectfully submitted, -- An Illinois Prisoner, 16 September, 1996
NEW YORK CENSORS MIM NOTES
Dear MIM, Every time you send me Notes, I couldn't have them because the media review committee here at this facility fells that they are too violent. So what I'm saying is until I leave this facility, stop sending me Notes that promote violence 'cause they are not going to let me have them. Thank you.
The name of the person who wouldn't let me have them is Larry Woodward, Chairperson. MIM Notes # 119 and #120 were the Notes I couldn't have.
--A New York Prisoner, 22 September, 1996
Letters of protest can be addressed to: Larry Woodward, Chairperson of Median Review Committee, Box 500. Elmira, NY 14902-0500.
PELICAN BAY CONTINUES TO CENSOR MIM NOTES
***In the past month MIM has received several letters from prisoners being held at Pelican Bay State Prison in Crescent City California. The all have reported extensive and virtually complete censorship of MIM Notes.
-- RCG1, 9 October, 1996.***
Greetings, I am writing to inform you that your last 4 issues of MIM Notes have been deemed a "threat to the security of the institution". Therefore prison authorities have refused to deliver them to me.
I wrote you not long ago requesting an affidavit or letter which I could use on my litigation which I started last year when your publication was first denied to me. Anyway, I guess it would be best to take me off your mailing list, to save costs, until I can resolve this legally. I could still use a letter or affidavit though or any information in this area. Gracias.
In Struggle, -- A California Prisoner, 22 September, 1996.
Dear MIM, ...You asked me to send you the names of other publications that have been denied because of censorship. There are several I can think of right off hand, well at least a couple. First, Black Autonomy... and Second, Raze The Walls...
-- A second California Prisoner, 26 August, 1996
Letters of protest can be addressed to: Pelican Bay State Prison,, 5905 Lake Earl Dr.,, Crescent City, CA 95531.
To Whom it May Concern I am in regards today of your recent correspondence, I received in light of your publication. The prison here at Gander Hill, Wilmington, Delaware has sent back the literature I was supposed to receive. Point is this place ain't Shit.
Presently I have 3 pending lawsuits against this institution for various reasons, that publicly need to be addressed once and for all. This recent thing, as far as censorship is concerned, only adds fuel to the fire, on my behalf. This whole institution, for the Sentencing Commission on down to the ordinary Correctional officer who oversee funding and operations as far as keeping the place functional, is totally illegal.
Point is, this Department of Corrections here still gets away with entirely too much shit. The old saying goes, "Inmates run the jail!" Well come to this shit-hole and the inmates do not.... I have been housed on the Maximum Security Unit for almost 7 months now, because I am the one who stands up for my rights and other prisoners as well.
The Classification Board will not classify me to another facility because I have been labeled, "a threat to the rehabilitating society", and a very "high security risk" because I've been labeled an anti-social political prisoner. Heck even Governor Thomas Carper of the State of Delaware is seeing to it personally that, "I am fine where I'm at." I take it that "too much knowledge of one's self" is against the Correctional Process an inmate has to endow upon before his or her release into today's society. People are crazier than me on the streets. What gives? These politicking ass lawmakers come up with some very structural laws, but when it comes to enforcing them, they go against the grain so to speak....
I personally thank you in addressing the problem that has occurred. I will see to it that a political force will win a non-frivolous lawsuit, in the State of Delaware.
Your Brother in Struggle, -- A Delaware Prisoner, 30 August, 1996
RCG1 responds: This letter clearly demonstrates the oppressive and controlling forces in prisons. Censoring political literature and putting leaders in segregation are pig tactics use to weaken and divide the masses. Remember the prison system is imperialism's way of controlling people. Delaying release dates due to political beliefs is part of this control. When laws are enforced in Amerikkka , they are used to keep the internal colonies oppressed. It may seem "against the grain", but it is intentional because oppressed nationals and politically active people are seen as a threat to Amerikkka's current system of imperialism.
10 October, 1996.
MICHIGAN SYSTEM REPEATEDLY OPPRESSES PRISONERS
Governor John Engler Office Of The Governor State Capitol Building Lansing, MI 48913
Dear Governor Engler: I forward this letter to you out of concern for the state of affairs that is taking place within the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) and that which I will undoubtedly face upon my release from prison. First I'd like to address the problem of "accountability" within the MDOC. This is a very big issue and it is something prisoners are always upheld to. However, corrections officials are routinely doing various acts that assumes no accountability and when a prisoner happens to file a grievance (which is a joke within itself) nothing is ever done and almost always the grievant is told higher grievance is frivolous. No matter how much factual material presented. Here is an example of lack of MDOC accountability:
In July 1995, Six Corrections Officers (C.O.) tackle a prisoner by the name of Frank McBride, at the Michigan Parole Camp, in Jackson, because he was suspected of swallowing drugs. During the struggle he was handcuffed and ended up dying. Prisoners who attempted to report the events; prisoners who attempted to gather information for Mr. McBride's family were transferred from Parole Camp (a level 1 facility) and transferred to other leveled facilities, some being transferred to higher secured facilities. No administrative hearings, no formal reasons given. No one has been charged for this death and it has been "covered- up".
Another example is what took place at the Scotts Correctional Facility in July 1995, when a female prisoner by the name of ..., was found hogged-tied and beaten into a coma in her room. A room where she does not have her own key to get in but must be let in by an officer. There is no one being held accountable in this action, though it is being investigated by the U.S. Justice Department.
Another case in point; when one Officer R. McGill punched a prisoner in the face and attacked him at the Egeler Correctional Facility in August 1995. The officer was laid off and the prisoner transferred, only for the officer to resume working at the same prison. Yet a prisoner who is simply "horseplaying" will receive a Majored misconduct, thrown in detention, found guilty, given more lock- up time, loss of good time, added security points, security (possibly) raised and (possibly) flopped by the Parole Board. And finally, the latest irresponsible acts of C. O's at the E.C. Brooks Correctional Facility: one officer busted bringing drugs into the prison and fired, the other fighting the case...
My point is this...prisoners are held to standards that are above and beyond the average human being and prisoners are expected to never question authority, even if that authority is in violation. Which brings me to this next issue.
Earlier this year the full House and Senate approved housing authorization bills (H.R. 2406 and S. 1260), which rewrite large portions of the public housing and Section 8 programs. Though this legislation is in conference committee now, but when enacted will dismantle the Brooke Amendment. Under the amendment a family living in subsidized housing and had to pay 30 percent of their yearly income for rent will pay more.
Removing the 30-percent cap provided by the Brooke Amendment will cause monthly rents to skyrocket for most people, especially prisoners returning to society with little or no real income. What provisions have been made for the ex-prisoner upon his/her release for obtaining adequate shelter, employment and job-skills? Since welfare is no longer available for able-bodied" persons, that leaves the ex-prisoner in a very vulnerable situation. The attack on welfare by President [K]linton and with "your" approving endorsement, not only are non-offenders hurting as a result of this, but those coming out of prison will be really hurting and in need. No one has mentioned this and no one seems to care. And this is what I mean (in principle) about "accountability". Naturally the poor are the ones being targeted and the most vulnerable but so to are ex-prisoners. Where do we go for help? Where do we go for the opportunity to make change: effective and responsible change and become a productive citizen and taxpayer? Where do we get jobs? As an Afrikan Amerikan, this hits me even harder because I come from an urban area. The recent signing by [K]linton of the Dole welfare bill will have an especially devastating effect in Michigan. "Your State". The most hard hit by this will be African American cities and Detroit is definitely one of the cities that will be hit. For example; the Michigan unemployment rate in July 1996 was 5.4 percent. But in Detroit (to my understanding) the 'official' rate was 11.1 percent, Flint 13 percent, and Benton Harbor 26 percent. So where will the jobs be for those coming out of prison? And without jobs how are the prisoner suppose to pay the costs for being on parole supervision? These questions are basic and fundamental and have not been addressed by "any" politician. Not even "your" office. Again, we are talking about "accountability", and we can even add "responsibility".
Since my incarceration I have made many inner changes and have dedicated myself towards the re- educating myself and my community. But somewhere in this process...the leadership...the political leadership will and must take a strong position. Somewhere within this process the problem has to be addressed.
In conclusion, the MDOC has not worked. It has not worked to improve the thinking of its incarcerated. It has not worked to ensure prisoners returning back into society will be forthright citizens and not burdens on the system. The MDOC has not provided anything remotely related to "Correcting" deviate behaviors and have effectively made sure that education is all but destroyed within the prison system. Until and unless these fundamental changes are addressed, "your" administration will not escape histories frown.
I thank you very much for your time.
-- A Michigan Prisoner, 10 September, 1996
RCG1 Adds, This article shows the repressive and controlling nature of Amerikkka's prison system. Prisoners are held to a different standard than pigs. Prison officials are encouraged and rewarded when they are brutal, while prisoners are punished for trivial things. Just remember that is "lack of accountability" is an intentional part of the Amerikkkan system. All the above examples show how the prison system is used to control the lives and livelihoods of people, especially oppressed nationals.
How can one "become a productive responsible taxpayer?", We suggest that this is not a desirable goal. The best way to become productive and responsible is to educate and organize against imperialism. Help build Maoist revolutionary communists organizations. Don't support the system that is torturing and murdering human beings, work to overthrow it.
11 October, 1996
CALL TO ORGANIZE AGAINST OPPRESSION
Revolutionary Greetings: Clenched-fist!/All power to the People! I am a New Afrikan politically conscious prisoner being held kaptive in one of united states' most racist and repressive kkkoncentration kamp known as united state penitentiary in Florence, Colo.
There is widespread racism and discrimination that exists within the hierarchy of this administration and the chain of command of pigs. During the past 10 months, New Afrikan prisoners are criminally and sadistically assaulted (physically attacked) for no justifiable reason whatsoever. This cycle of brutality continues today.
The pigs involved in these incident covered up their unlawful conduct by making it appear as though the New Afrikans had assaulted them first. (a tactic) commonly used when pigs want to cover up their use of excessive force against a New Afrikan prisoner.
One of the primary reasons why these criminal and sadistic assaults are taking place here at this kkkoncentration kamp is that this racist warden here flatly refuses to take proper action against his subordinates whenever they abuse New Afrikan prisoners. This lets the pigs know that whatever they feel like doing to the New Afrikan here at this kkkoncentration kamp will be covered up and justified. Many more New Afrikans will be attacked for no reason whatsoever. These pigs here have set out to systematically harass publicly chastise, and try to intimidate New Afrikan prisoners by using intimidation tactics.
I am seeking the support of all who read this article and requesting that you write or fax letters of protest to the below listed people and demand that they vigorously investigate the criminal and sadistically assaults. And demand a end to this blatant brutality. Please write or fax letters to the following:
Warden Joel H. Knowles, USP/High, 5880 State Hwy 67 So., Florence, Co. 81226, Fax No. (719) 784-5150 Director of Prisons Kathleen Hawk, 320 1st Street N.W. Rm. 645, Washington, D.C. 20534, Fax No. (202) 514-6878 Office of Internal Affairs, 320 1st Street N.W. Rm. 670, Washington, D.C. 20534, Phone No. (202) 307- 3286
If we are going to be successful in overcoming a lot of the obstacles which we are constantly confronted with, we are going to have to start forming united fronts and establish bases of support through which we can collectively support each other and combat enemy aggression.
Those who is reading this article, I'm asking for your help and support to end this brutality that's being inflicted upon New Afrikan prisoners here in this desolated area. For more information, please contact me personally. [Write to MIM, we'll forward.] All power to the People who don't fear freedom!!
Freedom Now, --A Colorado Prisoner, 13 September, 1996