Letter written on behalf of Robert BrownTo whom it may concern:It is with great concern that I write this letter on behalf of Mr. Robert Brown, who is facing a sentence of 90 months in the Intensive Management Unit. After years of correspondence and working together I have seen Mr. Brown work with people from all backgrounds and organizations for the common cause of bettering the world around him. Our organization has seen the spirit and energy that he puts into working for change. And I personally know many of his associates through whom I've come to appreciate the respect that he commands for the work that he puts in on their behalf. Regarding the charge that Mr. Brown is facing, I only know what he has told me and what the Misconduct report states. It alleges that he kicked a Correctional Officer during the conflict at EOCI on June 19, 2005. I do know that the context of that conflict was that it followed the brutal treatment of a young inmate by a Correctional Officer at EOCI. It seems to me that it was a humane reaction on the part of the prisoners at EOCI to be outraged by what happened to that young man. It also seems that the initiation of this incident lies with the Correctional Officers whose job it is to maintain safety within the prison. Therefore the real investigation should be to address the root of the problem and not a side effect, such as the alleged kick that Mr. Brown gave a CO. As I'm sure you are aware, the conditions of the IMU are conditions of extreme isolation. I find it appalling that you would even consider putting someone in there for 7.5 years. Mr. Brown's behavior in recent months has demonstrated that he is willing and able to unite many prisoners, in a peaceful way, for the improvement of the Oregon Department of Corrections. I think it is fine time that the department begins to listen to Mr. Brown and the thousands of others who are speaking out about the inadequate conditions in many of these facilities. Rather than shooting the messenger and trying to repress the message, it would be prudent to look at the source of discontent and address those problems. I thank you for your time, and hope you will take these words into consideration when deciding Robert's case. He is a truly positive force for the many people he has reached, and it would be a crime to lock such a man away in isolation for such a long time. Sincerely, XXXX |