It has been a while since last I communicated with you mainly because I have been in the hole without my stamps and writing materials. It is a damn shame that a pig can lie on you and his word is taken as the truth.
Since I have been in the hole, I have seen these out of shape pigs show their true colors in rare form. Like last night for instance, there was an inmate upstairs who was kicking the cell door because his cellmate was having a medical problem.
When the pigs rushed into the unit, instead of getting the sick inmate medical attention, they sprayed their poison or pepper mace into the cell. Then they gave the two inmates conduct violations for creating a disturbance.
Just yesterday a pig gave me a conduct violation for a minor assault because I wouldn't let him grab me by the arm and treat me like a little child. These people [guards] have lost their minds. They think just because you are in prison you have lost your god given right to be a man and a human being. Enough about these swine....
I hope to hear from you soon, at this time you are my only lifeline to what's going on in the struggle.
-- A Missouri Prisoner, 21 October 1997
RETALIATORY TRANSFER OF MICHIGAN REVOLUTIONARY IN KKKAMPS
Please note that i am no longer at the X Facility. i was systematically moved from X Facility because of my political / social activities.
i was transferred from Facility X and they left all my personal property and legal property there. This includes my personal footlocker (with all my clothes, books, papers, cosmetics, radio, Holy Koran, etc. in it); legal footlocker (with all my legal books, court papers, briefs in it); typewriter and TV. Essentially, i have NOTHING!
And to make matters worse ... i am in the Michigan Court of Appeals recently and got a letter from the Court telling me i had 22 days to come before them. Those 22 days are up October 22nd, and i have not begun to research the cases i need, let alone write up a draft copy of the brief, type it out and make 6 copies: one for the Attorney General, one for myself and 4 to the courts.
My last word to you expressed how i was denied the materials you sent me and that i was fighting it. However, before i could have a hearing i was transferred. So i don't know if this hearing will resume at this kkkamp or not, but i plan to pursue it from this end and find out something -- and find out where and what they did with that material.
This particular kkkamp is considered a Medium Security facility, but it is run as though it is a Maximum Security Facility. There is very little movement and very little yard time.
And to make matters even worse ... Black People run this kkkamp. Black Overseers! Black House "Knee- grows" ... That's who runs this place. 99% of the pigs here are knee- grow black overseers oppressing other Black men. And out of the 99% Black run/pig infested kkkamp, only 1% of the administration is white. Now Ain't that a Bitch?
Mighty Whitey has taught us well. Taught us to oppress and humiliate our own. Now get this - 65% of the black pigs and overseers who run this kkkamp are Black Wimmin! What's up with that Shit?
The Warden is Black. The Deputy Warden is Black. The Assistant Deputy Warden is Black. All the nurses are Black. The doctor is Black and female, but i hear she is very professional and treats men as men and not as a dog....
-- A Michigan Prisoner, November 1997
MIM RESPONDS: It may seem like a contradiction to see members of oppressed nations in the oppressor's uniform -- but it happens. People believe in the Amerikkkan nightmare, that they can get a piece of the pie, or crumbs off the table. Just because a person is Black, does not mean that they are hip to the revolution. Nationality can tell us who has a material interest in revolution but the imperialists have succeeded in buying themselves a number of lackeys from among the oppressed nations both inside and outside u.s. borders.
MICHIGAN SECURITY THREAT GROUP POLICY BURIES PRISONERS
... As of now I am still under lock down and currently being railroaded on trumped up charges by the facility to the outside courts. I supposedly spit on one of these oppressors, which is False to the greatest extent. I am being prosecuted for a "felony" assault, to which they are trying to include habitual penalty to carry a time statute of 8 years! A charge of such nature in the free world is at the highest, classified as a misdemeanor punishable at a maximum of 90 days.
This is a prime example of corruption at this facility. At the moment several prisoners are being charged with this. The goal is to bury us prisoners. It is a small town and state police work with the facility.
The institutional investigator's investigation consists of asking a guard if a prisoner committed the alleged charge, an answer of yes is reported to the same state police officer every time. Which is sent tot he same prosecutor downtown. They are very systematic and prisoners are guilty before tried.
Since charged I have received bogus misconduct reports, receiving the maximum time per charge. My property is being taken and I'm refused receipts for several days, months in one incident. This gives oppressor easy time to lose and destroy property, which was done of course.
MDOC [Michigan Department of Corrections] Internal Affairs supposedly investigated a complaint of corruption and harassment. Refusing to call or contact prisoner witnesses, only interviewing guards. The complaint was improperly investigated, and as a result held the complaint without merit. Due to this the Assistant Director of the MDOC in Lansing ordered a misconduct [report of the prisoners] for exposing the folly. These are only a few personal instances occurring. Strong comrades are singled out also.
Michigan prisons recently, 12-14-96 passed a new policy: Security Threat Groups (STG I & II). Under this policy prisoners "suspected" of belonging to organizations can be placed on Faze I. Which automatically restricts family visits drastically and enforces repeated shakedowns. The supposed policy is to secure the facilities from gang or threatening movements. In reality it is a new wave of justifiable harassment. The facilities label whoever they wish. I can obtain this policy also. As many policies and laws, it is sugar coated justifiable oppression which targets Black Muslims, Revolutionary Students, and Latinos, which these facilities label as "Gangbangers." In all reality this is nothing more than a "Miniature COINTELPRO!"...
-- A Michigan Prisoner, 14 September 1997
CENSORSHIP AND STG IN MICHIGAN KKKAMPS
... In answering your inquire concerning censorship here in Michigan prisons, the Department is kind of strict about what enters its prisons (literature etc.).
Attached are copies of Michigan Policy Directive in dealing with mailing etc. This covers what is allowed in the prisoners via mail.
Also, the Department has just implemented a new Policy entitled Security Threat Gangs (S.T.G). It is designed to stop gang activity within the walls of prisons here in Michigan. But we fully well know its interior motive, which is to prevent brothers like me from demonstrating our Revolutionary concerns. This policy is basically a utensil that the Department is using to prevent non-religious material from entering the prisons that they deem is a threat to the order and security of the Institution. However, to the order and security of the Institution. However, they cannot stop the entering of newspapers, newsletters, etc. due to the effect of prisoners' first amendment rights....
-- a Michigan prisoner, 16 September 1997
REPRESSION AGAINST 5%TERS CONTINUES
... I am a poor righteous teacher of the 5% Nation. I have been studying Islam for over 10 years. And the struggle we had to fight in New York is nothing in comparison with the state of South Carolina. I have been down 3 years, and during the first 6 months of my fist year, I was placed on lock-up (Administrative Segregation) for being a part of a threat group. This threat group was later found out to be the 5%ters.
The SCDC [South Carolina Department of Corrections] states that we are a gang and that we hold cipher in place of congregating something violent to manifest. I must stress that fact that the poor righteous teachers of the Nation of Islam are not a gang, nor an enemy to SCDC. Our prime goal is to teach freedom, justice and equality to all the human families of the planet earth. I have been on lock-up for over 2 years now. I feel teaching the truth to the blind, deaf and dumb is the duty of a civilized person. So why must we be oppressed? ...
-- a South Carolina prisoner, 25 August 1997
MIM RESPONDS: We too advocate educating people about the truth. The truth is that teaching freedom, justice and equity is not in the interests of the imperialist pigs. That is why they seek to oppress and dominate any groups that are progressive. Keep exposing the truth and work with MIM to overthrow imperialism and put an end to this system that is build on oppression and exploitation.
VIRGINIA GULAG CONDITIONS ARE ROTTEN
... After reading the section called "Under Lock and Key" and learning of those things that have been going on at other institutions, I feel that I should let you know of the things that are happening with Virginia Department of Corrections, especially here at Nottoway Correctional Center.
Since there are so many deliberate and disregarding actions against prisoners here at Nottoway Correctional Center, I will limit my account to events that have effected me over the past few years.
In June of 1995, I was charged with possession of a weapon and sent to what is called Pre-Hearing Detention (PHD) to await an adjustment hearing. When the date of my hearing came, I was not allowed to attend the hearing by way of a lie and an act of deliberate denial by one Sgt. L. Evans.
Although this was made known to the administration of the institution, as well as the administrative heads of the Department of Corrections, and yet nothing was done. And really everyone has seen fit to lie and deny that it ever happened.
On top of that, while in isolation, after being found guilty because of the deliberate lie by Sgt. L. Evans, I was denied access to the courts. I gave an officer legal documents to be mailed, per legal mail, only to find out some time later that the courts never received the documents.
Not only has the above been a source of complaints and problems for inmates, but there is more. Such as the fact that Operations Officer M. M. Hill has openly admitted that she not only reads prisoners' legal mail, but she also has admitted to copying prisoners' legal documents and has stated that she has no intentions of stopping these wanton illegal actions.
As for the medical care of inmates here at Nottoway Correctional Center, it is poor to say the least. To give you some idea of what I mean, there is an individual here who calls himself a "doctor" by the name of L. Thompson. This individual does not only have no respect in the medical community, but according to court records he has allowed by way of negligent medical care, three people to be injured or die.
And the only rebuttal to this by the Department of Corrections and the Administrators of Nottoway Correctional Center is "as long as `Dr' L. Thompson has his license we won't question his decisions." This man deliberately changed prisoners' medication without any authority, refused to sent prisoners to competent doctors or doctors who specialize in the conditions or problems that the inmate has.
He has also given instructions to medical staff not to treat inmates. And the prevailing attitude among the medical staff is that it doesn't matter weather "Dr" L. Thompson is wrong or not, they are going to do what he tells them.
As was stated to me by one of the nurses when I asked her about following "Dr." L. Thompson's instructions even when she knows that they are wrong. "I'm still going to do it whether his is wrong or right."
This is the prevailing attitude of the medical staff here at Nottoway Correctional Center. And it has proven to be harmful to the prisoners here at this institution, with no one in an administrative position even caring.
... I am Muslim and because of my religious beliefs I have been punished, bothered and even told by the Assistant Warden of Operations that "this institution will not provide you with your job and your religious practices."
Because of my religious beliefs, I have also received a charge for performing prayer and was told that I could not pray when free from work by the Food Service Supervisor, M. R. Davis. Which I have been prohibited from proceeding court actions because of documents that are not in my possession.
This denial of religious beliefs goes further than just the incident with me. It deals with the whole administration's effort to stamp out Islam at this institution....
... This DOC has the full requirements to provide inmates with due process as required by the constitution, yet this institution, sanctioned by the Department of Corrections, has seen fit to exact a policy called IOP 834 which effectively denies inmates due process. And subjects them to penalties that are only enforceable after the proper due process has been afforded to the inmate. In short prisoners' constitutional rights are being violated and ignored by a system and people that are not less than tyrants.
The above are only some of the troubles that myself as well as other have experienced at this institution. ...
It is so tyrannical here that ... inmates are being locked in the mess hall while eating, as per instructions from the Warden, A. D. Robinson. [This shows] little or no regard for prisoners' safety and is being shoved off as a safety precaution.
What I am trying to convey ... is that prisoners' lives, rights and liberties are being put at risk deliberately by the Virginia Department of Corrections. Knowingly lies upon lies are being used to cover up what is happening. There has been a deliberate refusal to correct these problems because in the DOC's eyes inmates are less than human beings....
-- a Virginia prisoner, 19 September 1997
GEORGIA WARDEN CENSORS MIM NOTES AND GUARDS BRUTALIZE INMATES
MIM is being censored in Georgia by Warden Patricia Hicks at the authority of a proven madman Commissioner, Wayne Garner. Whose prison guards latest revelations suggest a statewide belief that beating prisoners is OK.
Additional testimony from employees of the Georgia Department of Corrections paints an ever clear picture of prison guards engaging in unprovoked brutality during a July 1996 Shakedown at the Hay's State Prison in Trion.
The latest employee depositions confirm previous eyewitness accounts, both in general terms and specifics. For example earlier testimony of a corrections officer describe a brutal confrontation between an inmate and Sargent Joe Johnson. The inmate was standing HANDCUFFED behind is back, facing the wall.
According to the officer, an angry Johnson slammed the inmate's face into a wall. "Blood went up the wall." The officer testified, "Blood went all over the ground, all over the inmate, I heard it ... a sickening, cracking sound."
Now that the gory scene has been corroborated in telling detail by sworn testimony from a lieutenant who also witnessed that incident. The story is the same: a handcuffed inmate says Johnson, angered by something, slammed the inmate's head into the wall.
Johnson, with the State of Georgia and state officials has been named as a defendant in a federal lawsuit filed on behalf of inmates. Despite the testimony against Johnson, the department has NOT disciplined him or even suspended him with pay. No employee has been disciplined for participating in, what one officer has described under oath as, a dud- gummed shark frenzy.
In fact, corrections commissioner, Wayne Garner and his department have taken the position that nothing out of the ordinary occurred that day at Hays. Only necessary and appropriate force was used against inmates. Department mouthpiece, Mike, the Lie, Hight says in response to criticism, "Garner has stressed his willingness even eagerness to discipline employees who do mistreat inmates." Nice Line Wayne!
Sgt. Joe Johnson stated in a deposition in regards to a retarded inmate, "He's an idiot. I don't mean that the bad way. He's mentally retarded. He can't comprehend anything. He was just down there crying, didn't know what to do."
When asked how Sgt. Johnson felt seeing that he was responsible, he said, "It was nothing to me. I have no use for any of them. I don't care." When asked how he feels in general about the inmates he deals with, his statement was "I have no us for them at all."
This man is a lieutenant and in a responsible position and he acts like this. This should bring some light about what kind of people Wayne Garner has working within the department....
Comrades once again I ask you all to stand together as one. Struggle with your brothers... your hard work makes a difference.
In Struggle, -- a Georgia prisoner, 15 September 1997
DOC BIGGEST EMPLOYER IN NORTH CAROLINA
...Being incarcerated in the State of NC (Notorious Corruption) brings out the best of you or destroys you entirely. The Department of Corruption is the biggest employer in this state. Yes, it is all about money and what hurts me is that they don't give a damn about helping you. Their jobs are to make you think you're a criminal, but in actuality their intent and purpose are criminal. But as sure as I reap what I sow, so will they. I'm a firm believer in paying the cost to be the boss.
... Now the system has begun to charge for medical and dental care. Their reason, they say is to cut down or prevent people (prisoners) for signing up for sick call. All personnel are low caliber, the inmates teach officers how to do their jobs.
A lot of female guards have been hired, which has really added fuel to the fire. The females are using their bodies to move up the ladder. They allow inmates to masturbate. It's sickening to walk into a block or rest room and see 90% of the inmates masturbating without any shame.
I call it like I see it. It's damaging their mentality. They are so sick.. They make statements like, "Damn that pussy was good." Boy she can throw that Pussy." etc....
The legal system is very corrupt. It's also designed to maintain bondage.
I'll keep you briefed on the things in my environment. But before I close, I must say, my present disposition doesn't define who I am. And in the future we shall unite to fight this oppression and tyranny. But first we must become economically secure. We must start businesses in our communities. Then nationally we must support those who support us....
-- a North Carolina prisoner 16 October 1997
MIM RESPONDS: The above account is good example of how prisons are used as social control. Prisons make money for the imperialists while keeping potential revolutionary's bonded. The hiring of female officers may be a tactic by the pigs to use sexual stimuli to distract prisoners from revolution. Masturbation in itself, as a form of release and relaxation is not a bad thing. In contrast masturbation that is used to imitate sex, the domination of men over women in this case, is less tolerable. Especially in this context of a public setting, where people may be encouraging each other to be sexually aggressive and dominant. And where sex is serving to pacify the prisoners and keep quiet their opposition to the pig guards. We agree that the masses should be economically independent. This is why we encourage people to work with MIM in building independent institutions of the oppressed.
PENN PRISONER BATTLES CENSORSHIP & WINS
I just received the latest issue of MIM Notes. I apologize for taking so long to respond but the powers that be stopped letting MIM Notes in for a short time. But now after some paperwork and long conversations with the administration they will allow MIM to continue to come in. So please continue to send your publication.
The Struggle Continues!!
-- a Pennsylvania prisoner, 20 October 1997
ANOTHER PENNSYLVANIA GULAG PRISONER STILL CENSORED
... I am writing to inform you to inform you that your last 4 issues of MIM Notes have been deemed a "threat to the government and its institutions", see documents enclosed.
My present status in Ad Seg (Administrative Segregation), Death Row. ...I now have a pending Petition for Review in the Commonwealth Court against the DOC [Department of Corrections]. And this is why the racist pigs keep denying me my MIM Notes. If you can offer any assistance with releasing the pigs racist restriction, please do so.
I do appreciate receiving my comrades' papers. We will win! Please write or fax you letters of protest to the following address: Superintendent, Ben Varner, 1030 E. Roy Furman Hwy, Waynesburg, PA 15370-8090, Tel. (412) 852-2902, Fax (412) 852- 2909.
Your Comrade, Dying But Fighting Back -- a Pennsylvania prisoner, 28 September 1997
AMERIKAN CENSORSHIP OF MIM NOTES CONTINUES IN FLORIDA
For the last 60 days at Washington Correction Institution, I have been denied the MIM issues by the Superintendent, Charles Germany, P.O. Box 628, Vernon, FL 32462.
I did file grievances with the Florida Department of Corrections: 2601 Blair Stone Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2500.
I have received MIM Notes at prior prison. Mailroom officer, B. Singer has been retaliating and hampering with my mail and other prisoners' mail.... I have been victimized by Florida Department of Corrections Staff....
If you would write to support my claims in retaliation by denied MIM Notes, write to:
...Karen Stanford, Executive Director, Florida Commission on Government Accountability to the People, 154 Holland Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32399 -- a Florida prisoner, 21 October 1997