Arkansas censoring letters longer than 3 pages
I am an inmate at the North Central unit in Calico Rock, Arkansas. About six months ago they started a new mail policy to stop people in the free world from sending drugs through the mail. When this all started we were told to notify our peoples about this new policy which consisted of letters to us being no longer than 3 pages, one sheet, both sides and one side of another, or 3 sheets front-side only.
The letters are copied and originals are shredded immediately, this includes photos which one photo counts as one page. They shred it not caring if it has any sentimental value to you or not. It comes down to us receiving 2 sheets of paper, 3 sides for literature or a photo and one side to copy the envelope. If a letter comes to the mailroom for you that exceeds 3 pages, that night at mail call you will receive a return mail notice at which time you are told to supply a stamped envelope to the mail room so they can return all of your letter back to sender. You get none of it. If you do not supply them with an envelope to return your mail to sender, then after 30 days your mail is destroyed leaving you wondering aimlessly what was written in your letter.
In my own experience as of lately an old girlfriend from 35 years ago has found me somehow, and has decided to write me. She leaves no return address, only her initial and the letters postmarked from Illinois, where I was born and raised. Since she's not leaving a return address I have no way of contacting her and letting her know about this policy. It's pretty cool having someone still thinking about me after so many years. Guess I'll never know what was written cuz her letters will be destroyed without me ever being able to read them.
Isn't this totally against what the First Amendment stands for? I can understand them trying to alleviate the problem of drugs coming in, I can deal with them copying the letters even though we won't be able to smell the scent of a woman after she sprays our mail with the scent of her perfume, but to limit the amount of pages we're allowed to receive is just against our rights. Is this legal and can you help me with this issue? I want to end this letter by saying I really enjoy reading your newsletter please send more, and everything you do and stand for is awesome!
