Greetings Comrade,
I am thankful for the movement and all the progress it has made over the years. I would like you to know that I have not received any MIM Notes in over three months. We have to make some change in the movement, towards the prison system because these pigs get away with too much. On December 18, 2003 I was sexually and physically assaulted at Downstate Correctional Facility by ten C.O.'s coming back from Riker's Island. These C.O.'s had assaulted me on July 29, 03 and I had brought the matter to the Commissioner and superintendent, but to have the fox investigate the fox is a waste of time. This time they made sure they charge me with assault on staff and re- arrest me on outside charges and one year in the SHU. In every way I end up with the short end of the stick.
What we need at Downstate is a camera to watch the pigs. I had four inmate witnesses but it did not matter. Me personally, I have made up my mind to die or kill one of these pigs the next time they attack me, because after they cuffed me there was nothing I could have done and no one tried to assist me. The medical staff cover up for their pigs brother. What would you have done in my situation? Would you fight back? surrender and be cuffed? or wait on the pigs to do something? Please let me know.
Stay strong, --a NY Prisoner, January 2004
MIM replies: Your situation is the unfortunate reality to many captured by the u$ injustice system. In some cases getting the "fox to investigate the fox" can improve these day to day conditions. But in your case that avenue has been tried and failed. This is why we organize to overthrow the system all together. Sometimes we can help people out, but if we want to keep this from happening to anyone again we have to put a permanent end to imperialist oppression.
What would MIM do? What is our advice? Our advice is to avoid physical confrontations with the pigs whenever possible, for the very reason that you point out, they have the upper hand and they can get away with anything. You are more valuable to the cause alive than dead. And if you get out of prison, or even just get put in a better situation in another camp, it will be worth making it out alive. We certainly don't recommend adventurism that will mean suicide for our comrades.
When facing the oppressor in military situations, whether on the street or in a prison you may find yourself with no way out but to fight for your life. This is a judgment that can only be made by the person in the confrontation. All we can advise you to do is to avoid confrontations at all costs. We do not want to confront the enemy unless we can defeat them. So do not lash out in frustration. That release could cost you dearly. If you find yourself in a situation where you do feel your life is on the line, no advice we can give can help you then, it is up to you.
We will do what we can by printing reports of such abuse in our paper and on our website and keeping the struggle alive on the streets.