 INDEPENDENCE
Greetings! I’ve been called up from the ranks to jot down a few thoughts and random ramblings for the July issue of the newsletter. I’m not sure where everyone has gone, but it seems that half of the country has vanished—on vacation, maybe? Watching the rain at Wimbledon? Even that rude beast (“THE” cat) has turned tail and sauntered off on a road trip right before deadline. No doubt he’s lying among the trashcans of some exotic seafood restaurant somewhere, licking his lips and rubbing his belly. That’s a cat for ya!
So, here I sit with orders…. Errrr, I mean a request, to contribute an “article” about “something” before we’re ready to print the newsletter. OK, I can do that, but about what? Well, it’s July, best known for the 4th, our Independence Day, so let’s go with that tie-in. Let’s discuss independence in it’s various forms as it relates to all of you. The word “Independence” as basically defined in the dictionary begins: “Freedom from…” So:
Freedom from heat. There’s plenty of grumbling going on (among you as well as among all of us) concerning the stifling heat of summer and yet again no fans have been approved by the DOC, although we remain hopeful that relief will soon appear. One suggestion I give to you is to think positive and visualize the cooling whir of your own personal fan and concentrate on the fact that it will happen. If you pray, then pray for relief from the heat, and give those positive thoughts all of your concentration. Miracles do happen but sometimes they need a little help, a little nudge, a little support. So please build up your positive thoughts surrounding relief from the heat and pray!
Ronald Clark Jr. begins his own display of independence with a personal protest against the heat. His “Hungry for Air” hunger strike begins on July 1st. We wish him well.
Abolitionists are also gathering in Washington DC to take part in the “Starving for Justice” rally. Florida’s own Abe Bonowitz is in attendance as is Johnny, who flew in from Puerto Rico to take part. Thanks to both of them for their constant dedication to the cause!
Freedom from financial burden. Also beginning on July 1st, a new policy created in essence to help increase the state of Florida’s revenue goes into effect. Known to the politicians as the State Correctional System bill, it passed 37-0 in the Senate and 117-0 in the House. To you and to us, it’s simply referred to as the “monthly banking fee.” Words fail me on this one, folks. The unfairness and greedy nerve of Florida’s politicians to procreate additional state income from all of you has me dumb-struck. If the state is in need of several million extra dollars a year to run efficiently, fault the administration and insist that they be creative and come up with their own cuts to make ends meet. Don’t steal money under the guise of a “bill” from those who have so little.
|
Shame on you, Fred Brummer for this evil thievery!!! And, shame on all those in the House and Senate who voted in favor of passing this bill. (which was basically everyone) One suggestion to save money: HALT EXECUTIONS!!!! That would save quite a few million dollars a year, wouldn’t it?
Freedom from the Bush administration
. Oops, did I say that out loud???? Well, since I obviously did, I can’t urge all of you enough to insist your loved ones get out and vote this November since you can’t. Michael Moore’s documentary “Fahrenheit 9/11” opened June 25th to mostly positive reviews---negative comments seem to come solely from Republicans who insist on labeling the documentary as slanted “propaganda.” I can’t wait to see it, propaganda or not, but I doubt it will be shown in my area. In my humble opinion, getting Bush out of the White House would solve a lot of our woes, including devastating nationwide state deficits that have hit many states, including Florida, and have initiated such brilliant ideas as the infamous “ State Correctional System bill” (aka the monthly banking fees).
Although the election is still too close to call at this point, I have to think optimistically. I’ve recently had several people I barely know initiate conversation that was highly critical of Dubb’ya as president, and that’s normally unheard of in this vastly Republican part of Ohio. Maybe things are looking up after all!
Freedom from isolation. I’m hearing lots of buzz about slow mail and lack of mail, and I’ve been contacted by quite a few of your friends on the outside asking if I know why some of you have stopped writing. I won’t mention any names, of course, but for those of you who have not written to your friends and loved ones for a month or two (or longer), please write them and at least let them know that you’re ok. I can understand that the heat has sucked your energy and it’s a huge effort to sit and write a letter. I know that sometimes the sheer boredom of life on the Row gets you down and depressed and not feeling in the mood to write. But you have people on the outside who care and who worry, and they are asking if you’re OK. Maybe you are not getting their letters, and maybe you are writing but they just are not getting yours.
Since nobody knows the answers to these questions but you, please take a moment to at least drop your friends a note or a card to let them know that you’re ok. Some haven’t heard in so long that they are worried that you no longer want to correspond with them. A devoted friend is hard to find anywhere, and you all know how particularly difficult it is to find someone willing to reach out to you in your situation. Please don’t send them away with your silent indifference!
Freedom from my ranting. In other words, “That’s All, Folks!” (yes, you may throw confetti and cheer now!) I hope you are all well and finding ways to manage the heat. Remember to keep in touch with those you care about. We worry about you, you know!…Blessings….Dianne
|
Ink and Pen 
Prison Art, P.O. Box 31574, San Francisco, CA 94131.
Each month, FDRAG will collect book wishes from the readers of our Newsletter. In order to submit a book wish, simply fill out the form below, send it to FDRAG and your book may be one of the 10 book titles, which will be drawn each month, and purchased via Amazon.com.
Because we want this program to benefit as many as possible on our shoestring budget, we ask that you pass on your book when you’re done reading it.
