Second Chance for Juvenile Offenders

Joseph Orosco

2011-02-20T10:18:00.000-08:00

Essay by Joseph Orosco who was waived into adult court at 16.

I have a question. What constitutes an 'adult offense' v. a juvenile offense? I ask because here I sit, in prison, for a crime I committed at 16. I do not believe that there should be NO consequences for my actions. I agree, I was wrong. Nonetheless, it's the length and rationale with which I have the disagreement with. How can a person be told that at 16 yrs. old, once he/she has done a certain behavior, they are subject to the 'adult' standard of consequences, Where's the logic in all of this? The Supreme Court ruled in its Roper decision that a juvenile cannot be sentenced to the death penalty because they are not capable of making a fully informed decision. That the adolescent doesn't have the full use of the brain's ability to make a decision on the long term consequences (whether good or bad) because the pre-frontal cortex hasn't reached it's fully developed stage. This is science telling people this and the Court agreed. Include the other choices that are reserved for a person who is 'of age'. Not until a person is 18 can they purchase any tobacco products, vote, live on their own, buy alcohol (even that age was upped l8 to 21 because of the ability to make an informed decision), cannot graduate from high school nor complete the GED/HSED testing. A teenager must acquire a work permit before they can get a job even! But let that same adolescent/juvenile commit a crime that's been determined to be an adult offense and they're automatically waived into the criminal courts. The adult court. Where's the logic?! Who determined this? Is that a fundamentally sound decision? So, this juvenile is instantaneously considered an adult and stuck into a legal system that everyone else has gone to school for- they've all completed high school and have spent another 3-6 years in college afterwards. On top of that they've had other courtroom experience, and said juvenile is to aid the appointed advocate (he/she cannot afford an attorney. He/She doesn't work)in putting forth a viable defense, Really? All of that from a teenager who, by an action alone, is assumed to be cognizant? This is what is acceptable? "Oh, sure, that young person is getting what's best." What about the evolving standard of decency? In a country revered for its fairness and justice, this hardly seems to bolster that dogma. One of two countries in the world who sentence a juvenile to such a lengthy term (Life) and yet this is overlooked. The other is considered a third world country. The USA and Somalia. Love that patriotism... It just feels like a second wrong is being done here. It's not because I feel sorry for myself and this isn't to be taken as a boo-hoo. I don't EVER forget what it is that I did. It's fact and it is my burden. My gripe is the fact I continue to see others similarly situated who come into prison at a young age and become warehoused. There is no designed or special treatment given to a juvenile coming into the adult prison system. You get here and you sit down. No shrink comes to visit you. Except for the one that is customary during your arrival at Dodge for the Assessment and Evaluation phase. And that's to determine if you're a security threat. After that, there is no on-going mental evaluation. The person is an adult now, thanks to the predetermination based on the age at the time of an action. It's ridiculous. Anybody can have psittacistic behavior as to what is fed to person in school, but can that alone be equated to being "fully informed"? That's enough for "automatic waiver"? I'm coming up on 30yrs. old and have been really thinking about this for some time now. What is really taken into account on the part of the p s e u d o - a d u 1 t ? A Life sentence? Yet a drunk driver is given leeway because they're impaired. How many times do you see a drunk driver charged with First degree Intentional Homicide and receive a prison term equatable to that of what a pseudo-adult has been given. Let's keep in mind that a great majority of those convicted for a drunk driving offense resulting in a death are ADULTS!. And they've seen countless commercials informing said persons of the dangers. I don't know guys...pseudo-adults v. legitimate adults.... Cogitative processes... um..ouch. A dope dealer can sell to someone KNOWING that drugs can and do kill but, when a person dies as a result of the drug, and the dealer is identified, how likely is the dealer to receive a sentence like that which the pseudo-adult received? Fairness in full effect. So, who asks for a change? Who wants an overhaul? Or, at least, at least, a long and "fully informed" second look at the issue? This is okay to continue? What other options can be put forth? Who’s willing to say something other than myself in a 'social diatribe'? I am not asking just on my behalf but for all us who 're stuck with little recourse and otherwise stymied.

A voice with maturation,
Joseph Orosco 335933
Waupun Corr. Inst.
P.O. Box351
Waupun, WI 53963

Introduction

2011-01-24T07:44:00.000-08:00

Second Chance For Juvenile Offenders
In this blog we will introduce and discuss a proposed program developed by two prisoners who have been incarcerated since they were children. It asks us to not only acknowledge that youthful offenders can and do change but to support their attempt at a second chance at life as a result of the significant changes they've made. Due to the fact that the majority of youthful offenders profiled here never had the opportunity to experience life before getting incarcerated for LIFE, it's safe to say that Second Chance For For Juvenile Offenders is advocating a second, first time at life for these now adult men and women. Men and women who are no longer the violent, self-destructive, misguided, youth they once were. Although the number of cases where a juvenile is sentenced to life without parole in Wisconsin are low, the number of those sentenced to life with parole are high. However, many of them aren't eligible to see the parole board for 20, 30, or 45 years or more. That's essentially life without parole. In 1989 judges were given the ability to set parole dates. What they failed to consider was the fact that people do change, especially children who are less culpable than the adults they were sentenced as.
We ask you to read the proposal and the profiles of the prisoners we have here. There will be more profiles and essays coming. We hope to encourage what is becoming a national discussion. As I put this blog together, the fate of juvenile offenders waived into adult courts is being discussed in the U.S. Supreme Court. Please read these young men/women's writings and you will agree that there has to be a time when we say enough !

Andre Bridges Above

Roy Rogers above

Andrae Bridges tells story

2011-01-02T13:05:00.000-08:00

Above: Andrae at time of arrest, Andrae now
Andrae Bridges #248420
CCI
PO Box 900,
Portage, WI 53901

At The Hands Of His Mother
- Why we tend to throw our lives away; a worse case scenario -
- -' I knew of a little boy who suffered severe abuse at the hands of his mother. Such abuse consisted of verbal put-downs and insults, tons of head games and life threatening physical attacks. This young boy loved his mother dearly and practically worshipped the ground she walked on. If only I could get her attention without being beaten all would be all right, he thought. As a result, by the age of eight this young boy could cook, clean, sew, shop and do just about everything else within the guidelines of properly running a household. For he was obsessed with impressing his mother in the hopes that he would in turn receive the love he so freely gave.
Just when he thought he saw signs that his mother loved him, they were soon erased by her abuse. For he couldn't understand why he was constantly being subjected to such awful brutality. And it could have been for the smallest reasons; like forgetting to tie his shoe or losing the door key. He also got beat for the things his three younger siblings did, or didn't do. If that meant getting a black eye then so be it. He didn't want his brothers to go through what he was going through so he felt obligated to protect them and thereby took the blame for everything.
Aside from what this young boy underwent at home he was a high achiever who made the honor roll on a consistent basis and thereby loved school. Bright and intelligent beyond his years was this young boy. Unfortunately he had a few problems with his behavior. Teachers termed it hyperactive disorder but it was nothing more than this young boy's desire for attention manifesting itself. He was a class clown who really didn't take anything seriously. This resulted in classroom disruptions. Which ultimately led to some of the worse physical punishments any child should have to endure. Yet and still this boy protected his mother, for she could do no wrong! Besides, who would believe him?!
One incident in particular his mother beat him for what seemed like hours. Only to beat him more because he would not cry. This left the boy with two black eyes and a badly bruised body. Upon attending school the next day teachers saw this. Being concerned, they asked the boy, "What happened to you?" Without coaching from his mother, the boy simply stated, "I fell from the pear tree I was raiding." Although the teachers knew better, they accepted his story. Again, in his mind, Momma could do no wrong.
As time went on, so did the abuse. This young boy started to realize that there was no real way of escaping his mother. Often times he fantasized about running away, killing her, or simply killing himself, but he couldn't find the courage to do either. Along came an older friend. Someone he could consider a big brother, and someone he could put the blame on in the hopes of being spared a beating from time to time. God had looked upon him. For his plan seemed to work. But at what cost?
Simply put, at the cost of sexual abuse. Yeap! The someone he considered a friend and loved like a brother was sexually molesting this young boy. Thankfully that was short-lived (3 years) but the damage was done. All he had to contend with now was the abuse his mother had to offer.
As the young boy matured into a young man, so did the abuse at the hands of his mother. It was apparent that every time she attacked him, it was in the hopes of killing him. Not only had his mother broken several of his ribs but she chipped teeth and broke his jaw with an iron. That wasn't the worst part. Upon breaking his jaw, she refused to take him to the hospital until
several hours and a whole lot of swelling later. Staff at the hospital called the law because signs of child abuse were apparent. The boy wanted so bad to tell of the things he had not only been through but was going through as well. But he refused to make his mother look bad, even at the expense of his own safety.
Due to the fact that the young man's mother became a drug addict it was either prepare for a beat down because she didn't have and/or couldn't afford any drugs or make her "happy" by going to get some. As awful as it made him feel, the boy took it upon himself to purchase dope for her. For he still yearned for his mother's attention and affection. In addition to that, he was tired of suffering. All of that ultimately led to the young man using and selling drugs himself. For he could not only take care of the house, his little brothers and himself, but he could use his dope as a means to get his mother to let him hang out.
When the young man hung out, he practically stayed out. A beating was always in store but the little freedom he attained was well worth it. Besides, his friends showed him love and seemed to care, unlike his mother. Therefore in order to keep their love and attention he felt he needed to impress them; and impress them he did. School was no longer a priority, money didn't matter and neither did the opposite sex. In fact, he had a certain dislike toward females but he pretended to like them for the sole purpose of getting what he wanted, be it sex or money.
See, it was all about his gang. The one avenue he used as a means to "act out" his deep seeded anger and self-hatred. Therefore, when it came to gang-banging, he banged with the best. As a result he was considered crazy by his peers for the stunts he'd pull during shoot-outs or in general. To be considered crazy was to be looked upon as "not to be fucked with!" But the boy had an ugly secret. He never really intended to hurt anyone while letting his anger and rage free. NOPE! That was not the case. He just wanted to die. So upon acting out he hoped and prayed he'd one day receive the short end of the stick, as did many of those around him. That would be the ultimate escape from the abuse at the hands of his mother.
One frightful morning the young man unexpectingly got his wish. For he died a quick,, painless death at the hands of those who could have helped him had he "chose" to be helped!
- The End -
QUESTION:
"How" did this young man die and who killed him?
Without even knowing your answers I'm willing to bet they're wrong. Good! But wrong! You see, that young man is NOT dead at all. Not in the physical sense at least; which is exactly what you all may have concluded. "For he was killed by the Justice System." Whereupon at the age of sixteen he received a life sentence for First Degree Intentional Homicide-P.T.A.C. this in turn left him "institutionally dead!"
Andrae L. Bridges would be that young man and this is my story. I've been incarcerated for nearly eleven years and I have a lifetime to go. Although I've written about my life, this isn't about me at all. Better yet, it's about YOU! It is through my story I hope you all realize just how precious life is before you throw it away, as I did my own. Sure, you may have been abused as I was, or perhaps worse; you may still be getting abused which leaves you feeling worthless. Thus suffering from low self-esteem, depression, etc., etc., all together making you very angry! You're not alone! But trust me, nothing or no one is worthy of you throwing away your opportunity to live a positive and productive life! Love yourself enough to get help; You do have a choice! I don't intend to make anyone feel sorry for me, nor do I make excuses for my childhood behavior. My only goal now is to educate; in the hopes that you will not end up like me!

"That Kid" , Roy Rogers

2011-01-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

THAT KID
My name is Roy Rogers, I'm 32 years old. When I was 16 years old I was sentenced to life in prison for first degree intentional homicide party to a crime.

If someone asked the question, "Roy how was your childhood, what was your life like?" My response would be, "I was that kid."

You know "that kid" that other parents wanted their kid to be like, that kid who was quiet and obedient to his parents. That kid who enjoyed to read and enjoyed school. That kid who got good grades and made the honor role. I was that kid that parents referred to when they chided their kids saying, "You need to be more like Roy!" Yeah, that kid. I was that kid, the least likely candidate for prison. This is who I was. So from elementary school to middle school I was an average kid who did not smoke, use drugs nor gang bang. The thought of doing so was stupid to me.

However, at the age of 13 I became obsessed with "the cool" and the "in crowd." You see I grew up in Mississippi, in the country and wasn't introduced to city life till I was 11 years old. So at 13, my country boy image was interfering with what was considered "cool" and "in." Consequently, I found a new set of friends who were not interested in comic books grades and band. They smoked weed, cigarettes, got drunk and hung out on the block. Most of the activities they engaged in were illegal, harmful and potentially life threatening and I was well aware of this.
However, these facts alone, the mere possibility of danger excited me; I was seeking a new experience.

So now I'm hanging out with thugs and gang members, I was more or less curious about the lifestyle; I was attracted to the image. I wanted to know for myself what it was all about. I wanted to know was it as bad as it was told to me by moms, teachers and media shows. As I spent more time out of the house on the block with them, my identity began to be shaped into theirs and I enjoyed being around them in that atmosphere. There likes and dislikes, creeds and way of life became mine.

So how did this begin to affect family, and friends where did it lead to?
How did these choices affect my family relationships? Well, I began to spend more of my free time with the guys on the block, wherever they were, I was expected to be there as well. Family events and activities took third place in my life, the "hood came first." Hood values took the place of my family values. I started lying to my family about where I was going and who I was with because I knew my family would strongly disapprove of my new friends and our brand of fun. I would hide things from my love ones specifically my secret lifestyle of thuggin’.
Also,I broke household rules moms laid out for me. Rules like, the established curfew, no drugs, smoking or drinking in the house. I neglected my house duties and my attitudes towards moms and her rules were negative which showed in my behavior.

How did these choices affect my friendships? The friends that I normally made time for and spent time with, took a back seat in my life. Why? Well, I felt they were boring and wasn't "on nothin," they were square. My new friends and old friends were from two different worlds and these two worlds didn't mix. I no longer shared the same interests as my old friends. My interests were now informed by the streets and my new set of friends. Having nothing in common with my old friends, we soon grew apart. They went their way and I continued to go my way. The things I was getting involved with they wanted nothing to do with.

And school? Well, as I said I did enjoy school; I valued education because this is how I was raised. When I began to rotate on the block more, I would skip school just to hang out with them. First, it would be just one class I would skip, then it would be the whole afternoon, then I would skip whole days! Kickin it, so I thought. My school attendance dropped, my grades dropped, my enthusiasm for school dropped. When I did go to school I was always tardy.
Where did all this lead to? Well, before I made the choice to see what them streets had to offer me, I was a kid who loved school, received good grades, didn't use drugs or alcohol, didn't smoke, never skipped school, no police contacts, no criminal record and involved in the church. I had big dreams and ambitions of graduating from college, owning my own business, raising a family and even pursuing a political career.

Sadly to say, the choice I made to sample the streets were connected to consequences that didn't lead me down a course of academic achievement, entrepreneur-ship, family building and political success. Instead, the choice I made at the age of 13 gave birth to a lifestyle. A style of
living that destroyed life and diminished the quality of life. Three years later found myself sitting in prison with a life sentence. That's what I became.

While in prison it took me a few years to actually come to grips with my new reality. I was depressed and didn't know I was depressed. I was traumatized and didn't know it was trauma. I recall during my waiver hearing that a social worker testified about me and said, " I think Roy hates himself." I went thru a period of self-loathing where I had given up on life and family, I embraced suffering and kept it within myself. Any wrong that occurred and any miscarriage of justice I experienced I felt it was part of my redemptive suffering. My communication with the outside world diminished.

I struggled with the question of why bother to better self, to what end and for what purpose and does it even matter. I was becoming a pessimist without knowing what pessimism was!
This is what characterized my years between 16-20. All these things played itself out in the context of the prison violence around me. Turing this time Jesse Anderson and Jeffrey Dahmer were murdered.

Prior to Dahmer’s death I witnessed an earlier attempt on his life while in a church service. Things erupted so suddenly I was shaken. Being one of the youngest inmates in a "double max" made physical, mental and emotional development difficult to say the least. There were no process mental health groups to help me work thru all of this; the chapel was limited in its resources and there was no one I felt comfortable with talking to about this ... this was prison.

However, I came to an understanding of the forgiveness of God and the sacrifice of Jesus for sins and what it really meant to confess my sin. I faced the ugliness of my deeds, looked the monster in the eye and took ownership of it and buried it. I realized I was much much better than the worst I had done. I realized I had to go beyond remorse to repentance. My thinking and attitudes had to change and in turn my life, personality and character would change. I realized that I was obligated to live life. Live my life in light of my crime not in the shadow of my crime.

Meaning the source of all that was good in me derives from an understanding of the pain and destruction my crime caused and the determination to not allow such pain and destruction to happen again. And the only way to do that is to destroy the conditions that could potentially produce such pain and destruction. I had to undergo a radical transformation that began at the thought level which moved to the word level, which manifested on the action level, which influenced the habit level which developed a new and improved character which has reset the course of my destiny from now till eternity.

Consequently, I began to engage life intensively. I began to study and educate myself any and everything to better myself. I engrossed myself in the pursuit of God. Three things saved my life in prison. Jesus, the Reach Out Program and Restorative Justice at CCI. My conversion set in motion what I would eventually achieve and accomplish. The reach out program was juvenile delinquency prevention program that targeted at risk youth to keep them from making the same mistakes we made. I was recruited for that group at the age of 16, talking to kids my age and younger about my life, mistakes and regrets. I grew up in that group. Hearing the stories of the other convicts in that group helped me just as much as it helped the kids who were attending the program. That was from 1994 till 2002.

In 1999, I was introduced to the philosophy of Restorative Justice by Warden Jeffrey P. Endicott. This gave me a frame of reference to explore victim awareness issues and the triangular impact of my crime on the victim, the community and the offender. This philosophy gave me the tools needed to do my part to live out restorative justice by involving myself in community service projects, victim awareness programming; writing music and songs that deal with victim awareness themes. From that point on I tried to measure all my activities by the standard of repairing the hurt because I acknowledged the hurt my crime caused.

These three life savers drove me to express myself as a musician and songwriter. I learned to play piano in prison. At CCI, GBCI and OSCI I operated as the chapel's choir director and chief musician. I'm currently the keyboard player here at SCI. At these prisons I have provided musical services for graduations, veterans' programs, victim awareness programs, volunteer banquet programs and memorial services for fellow deceased inmates. This is who I am.

With these words I have attempted to paint a picture of who I was, what I became and who I am now. I have reaped what I have sown. Now I am sowing good things and I am expecting to reap the same. And whether the doors of the prison open for me or not; I will continue to serve Jesus, live life as a whole human being and be blessing to those around me

Redemptive Reentry Proposal

2011-01-02T11:09:00.000-08:00

Date: December 14, 2009

To: Interested Parties

By: Roy Rogers 1273696 & Andrae L. Bridges #248420

Re: Redemptive Re-Entry Program (Revised 12/09)

I. INTRODUCTION

This is a proposal for a program entitled Redemptive Re-Entry for juvenile offenders who were waived into adult court between the years 1988-1999, were charged with and convicted of Class A felonies, sentenced to a term of life in prison, with or without parole, and have served a substantial amount of time thus far, ten (10) years or more.

The purpose of this program is twofold as it was initially intended to facilitate the re-entry of offenders who committed crimes as juveniles back into the community. However, the lengthy sentences of said offenders remove any and in some cases, all chances of them ever re-entering the community. Therefore, we have decided that the first and most important purpose of this program is and should be to shorten the lengthy sentences of said juvenile offenders. Which would then give them a realistic opportunity to work towards re-entering the community. It should be noted that this program is aimed at shortening long juvenile sentences ONLY in cases where the offender has shown significant rehabilitation.

II. PROGRAM TARGETS
This program has been designed to target offenders like the authors of this proposal who:

A. Were waived into adult court between the years 1988-1999.
B. Were charged with and convicted of a Class A felony.
C. Were sentenced to a term of life in prison, with or without the possibility of parole. (In 1992 Andrae L. Bridges was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole until the year 2037. In 1993 Roy Rogers was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole until the year 2020.)
D. Entered an adult correctional institution as a child.
E. Grew up and matured in prison.
F. Have served ten (10) years or more.
G. Have received their HSED/GED's while incarcerated. •
H. Have learned a vocational trade while incarcerated.
I. Have completed both mandatory and non-mandatory programs like AODA, CGIP, Anger Management, Responsible Thinking, etc.
J. Have invested a substantial amount of time in juvenile crime
prevention programs which target at-risk youth/ etc.
K. Have invested a substantial amount of time in/with Victim Awareness, Community Service, and Restorative Justice projects, etc.
L. Have demonstrated positive change through consistent and positive institution adjustment.
M. Have maintained prison employment with good evaluations from employers throughout.
N. Have received tutor certification from Literary Volunteers of America.
O. Who have not only used their time wisely but have matured mentally, emotionally, and spiritually and now truly understand the err in their thinking, and past violent and self-destructive ways.
P. Have taken an active role in bettering their lives by fully cooperating with the rehabilitation process and have thereby allowed their time served thus far to work for them as opposed to against them.

And this program will also target offenders who/ under the normal structure of their sentence will:
A. Never get out of prison. •
B. Eventually get out but at an age where they will be unable to gain and maintain meaningful employment, be independent and self-sufficient, and effect change within the community.
C. Only be released by discretionary action of the parole commission.

III. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
This program will serve the objectives of:
A. Bringing real meaning to the term Earned Release by giving offenders who committed crimes as juveniles the opportunity to have their sentences reduced as a result of demonstrating their rehabilitative efforts. Thereby proving that one time juvenile offenders such as the authors of this proposal can be rehabilitated without having to spend the majority of their life in prison.

B. Giving one time juvenile offenders the opportunity to;
1. Be valuable assets to the community.
2. Live out the rest of their life as productive and constructive members of society. -
3. Use the skills they've learned to prevent others from making the same mistakes as they once did; namely at-risk youth.
C. Easing overcrowding in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and the cost of incarceration.
D. Affirming the Restorative Justice philosophy by connecting the
offender with the community by which they can begin to earn the community’s trust through community service projects of all kinds.
E.Supporting the idealism of Juvenile Justice Reform and the fact that the person you are at the age of fifteen (15) or sixteen (16) is not the person you are at the age twenty-five (25)/ thirty (30), or thirty-five (35) so why must one continue to be punished as such? Hence, if only I knew then what I know now! An excerpt from an article entitled Juvenile Injustice? by Jacquelin Sutton in the Isthmus dated March 7/ 2008 reads as follows:

What the public thinks
A national survey revealed the following attitudes toward juvenile justice reform:

.89% of those surveyed agreed that "almost all youth who commit crimes have the potential to change," and more than seven out of 10 agreed that "incarcerating youth offenders without rehabilitation is the same as giving up on them."

. The public supports providing counseling, education and job training programs to youth offenders. Eight out of 10 favor relocating state government money from incarceration to programs that seek to help young people become productive citizens.

. Treatment and services are widely seen as more effective than locking people up. Less than 15% of those surveyed thought incarceration was a "very effective" way to rehabilitate youth.

. More than three-quarters of the public favors keeping non-violent youth in small facilities in their own communities; six in 10 favor community supervision for nonviolent youth.

. The public believes the juvenile justice system treats low-income/ African American and Hispanic youth unfairly. Almost two-thirds of respondents said poor youth receive worse treatment than middle-class youth who get arrested for the same offense.

SOURCE: THE MACARTHUR FOUNDATION "THE POTENTIAL FOR CHANGE: PUBLIC ATTITUDES AND POLICY REFERENCES FOR JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEMS REFORM."

IV. GENERAL PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
Although the Redemptive Re-Entry Program can be formatted in many different ways, we have come up with three. These three range from the very simple, void any further programming or group participation; to the very
Complex, which will consist of an assortment of groups and programs. Upon completing one of the three programs described here, the offender will receive a Special Sentence Modification.

A. Special Sentence Modification - A Special Sentence Modification will be just that. Given the fact that this program pertains to one time juvenile offenders who were sentenced to life with either no parole or no parole until the offender has reached an old age, the Special Sentence Modification will change that. In other words, the offender who once had life without parole would receive a reasonable parole date. While the offender who once had life without parole until he has reached an old age will receive a parole date for well before he reaches an old age. ONLY- in cases where the offender has shown significant rehabilitation. These modifications are to be determined by the RRPRC (See: Section V) and other governing bodies. Taking into consideration all relevant factors such as:
1. Offense • \ .
2. Sentence
3. Time served
4. Program completion
5. Institution adjustment, etc.
6. Initial A & E program recommendations
7. Pre-Sentence Investigation report
8. Other
Upon receiving a Special Sentence Modification one of the following custody reductions should be granted so the offender might go on to work towards receiving a Special Parole Grant:
1. Minimum Security/Work Release
2. Halfway House/Work Release
B. Special Parole Grant - One automatically becomes eligible to receive a Special Parole Grant after receiving a Special Sentence Modification simply because with a favorable sentence modification, release should become attainable, thus inevitable. However, while in minimum security and/or on work release one will have to work towards actually receiving the Special Parole Grant. Such work should consist of further programming prescribed by the RRPRC. Perhaps programming similar to the current pre-release curriculum will be sufficient. A Special Parole Grant will simply allow the offender to be released on parole after being reviewed by the parole board; not to be mistaken with the RRPRC.
C. First Program Format - The first and simplest program format for the Redemptive Re-Entry Program does not consist of any further program requirements as the selected participants will have already completed all of their required program needs and some. This does not, however, include pre-release programs. Therefore, the RRPRC will go on to determine whether or not he should receive a Special
Sentence Modification. With that, everything listed under section IV:A & B. This simple review can be conducted at any facility.

D. Second Program Format - The second format is a group type similar to that of CGIP Phases I and II, Anger Management/ or Restorative Justice which can be conducted at any facility. The length of this particular program format would be 4-6 months. The subject matters and overall time frame could change depending upon the needs of the participants. For example, the RRPRC might want to see an individual complete Restorative Justice and re-take Anger Management before determining whether or not he should receive a Special Sentence Modification. In the event of an individual being required to take a specific program(s), it is expected that he will be sent to the facility that offers said program(s). Successful completion results in a Special Sentence Modification and everything listed under section IV:A & B.

E. Third Program Format - The third and final format considered for the Redemptive Re-Entry Program is the lengthiest and most intense when compared to the First and Second Program Formats. Format three is one that should be a unit based program that further motivates participants to minimize their risk of offending by challenging and changing the beliefs and thoughts that support their criminal behaviors and allow them to continue learning, developing, and practicing new skills in order to live a more pro-social life.

The unit should be designed to provide an environment within a medium-security institution to support the delivery of CGIP Phases I-IV, Vocational Training, Tutor Training, Restorative Justice, and other treatment programs. The unit should exist as an alternative community within the institution that helps to isolate the offenders from the anti-social prison subculture. The unit should also encourage involvement in pro-social activities such as support groups and community service. Program length should be 18-36 months. Upon successfully completing the programs on the unit the offender should be granted a Special Sentence Modification and everything listed under section IV:A & B.

Y. REDEMPTIVE RE-ENTRY PROGRAM REVIEW COMMITTEE (RRPRC)
The Redemptive Re-Entry Program Review Committee (RRPRC) should be made up of a group of prison administrators similar to the already established Program Review Committee, with the exception of a judge and/or parole agent being available as sentence modifications and parole grants are at stake. Note; the RRPRC is not to be mistaken with the parole board as it is not the goal of this program to take over the general role of the parole commission. The RRPRC should and must be created to:
A. Investigate and collect data on the offenders who were waived into adult court between the years 1988-1999, convicted of Class A felonies/ and sentenced to life/ with or without parole.
B. Select the appropriate programs Redemptive Re-Entry Program participants will be required to take and successfully complete, if any/ as many of us have already received our HSED/GED's/ Vocational Training/ and other programs such as CGIP, Tutor Training, Restorative Justice, etc. (See: Institution Resumes)

C. Develop a criteria of eligibility for this program; accepting input from prison staff, offenders, law officials, and the community as a whole. This criteria should take offense, sentence, time served, program completion, institution adjustment, etc. into consideration.

D. Review and recommend suitable participants for the Redemptive Re-Entry Program.
E. Determine whether or not a Redemptive Re-Entry Program participant should receive a Special Sentence Modification.
F. Determine what that modification should be.

VI. CONCLUSION
In light of the ever growing WDOC population, budget woes, and the changing roles of the parole commission, the creation of such a program would help alleviate some of the problems. As well as provide programming for a group of offenders that have continuously been overlooked in the development of new programs that tend to target everyone except the type of offenders this program targets. Which means this program will give the WDOC a viable option of WHO to release and HOW to release them. As well as acknowledge that children who committed horrible crimes are not beyond redemption, contrary to what was once popular belief.

The underlying notion of the Redemptive Re-Entry Program is that children who committed horrible crimes should have received stiff sentences. However, when those sentences were handed down judges failed to consider the fact that children can be rehabilitated. And that they can grow to be productive members of society and it doesn't take a lifetime to do so; which many were sentenced to.
"The court explained that juveniles were less culpable because inexperience, less education, and less intelligence make [a juvenile less able to evaluate the consequences of his or her conduct while at the same time he or she is much more apt to be motivated by mere emotion or peer pressure than is an adult. The reasons why juveniles are not 'trusted with privileges and responsibilities of an adult also explain why their irresponsible conduct is not morally reprehensible as that of an adult." 2007 Wis. L. Rev. 729 (pq. 4)

Finally, the Redemptive Re-Entry Program has been revised to bring attention to a specific group of individuals and to better coincide with the efforts of today's juvenile justice, earned release programs, and the latest efforts of Wisconsin 2009 Act 28. By supporting the Redemptive Re-Entry Program or programs similar to it, the WDOC and justice system as a whole can begin to restore the lives once deemed lost. NOTHING here has been stated for the purpose of excusing or minimizing ones violent and self-destructive childhood behaviors. In fact, that goes against everything this program stands for as it is vital that one take full responsibility for his actions; past/ present/ and future. This proposal is, however, a plea to establish a program which supports today's efforts of Juvenile Justice Reform and grants second chances. For those who have proven worthy of such. This proposal is also a tentative draft that is subject to change and is open for suggestions, future re-writes, and endorsements until it is in a form that is viable; taking all relevant factors into consideration.

In the interest of Restorative Justice/
Roy Rogers #573696
Andrae L. Bridges #248420

Prison resumes

2011-01-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

Institution Resume

One
ANDRAE L. BRIDGES #248420
Columbia Correctional Institution
2925 Columbia Drive (P.O. Box 900)
Portage, WI 53901-0900

GROUP EXPERIENCE
Reach Out Program (1993-2003) Columbia
• Mentored and educated at-risk youth that were allowed to attend the R.O.P. from all around Wisconsin.
• Created summary, survey, evaluation, and data forms. Compiled and assessed all data received.
• Interviewed inmate participants.

Cognitive Intervention Program - Hub House (9/1/05-3/26/07) Waupun
• Successfully completed the following programs while housed in the CGIP-Hub House:
* CGIP Phases I and II
* CGIP Phase 4 Disclosure/Support Group
* Community Services (Over 600 Hours)
* Criminal Thinking
* Able Minds
* Commitment to Change
* Framework for Recovery
* Diversity Circle
* Abused Boys Wounded Men
• Facilitated, proposed, and created programs, i.e., Abused Boys Wounded Men
• Mentored and tutored fellow CGIP participants
• Produced, directed, and narrated two video programs for students at South Division High in Milwaukee about life in prison and criminal thinking.

Restorative Justice/Victim Awareness (2/7/08-4/28/08) Columbia

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY 1992-Present) Columbia & Waupun
• Lead Food Server
• Vocational Printing Clerk
• BSI (Pressman, Technician, Accounting Clerk, etc.)
• Controller-Dishwasher
• Administrative Clerk/ Tier Tender
• Trash Collector
• Segregation Janitor

SKILLS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
• Work very well with others
• Responsible, safety first
• Complimented on jobs completed and work ethics
• Attention to details
• Flexible, willing to learn and do new things
• Take and follow directions very well
• Worked closely with the community
• Determined to give back and lead by example
• Trustworthy and dependable
Institution Resume

EDUCATION
• HSED/GED (8/29/93) Columbia
• Vocational Welding Moraine Park Technical College (WCI)
• Associates Degree in Theology of the Bible Family Radio School
• Math/Marketing (6 Credits) UW-Platteville
• LVA Tutor Training . Waupun
• Certificates: •
* Assertiveness Training
* S.M.A.R.T.
* Vocational Mathematics
* Occupational Communications
* Student Success Strategies
* Occupational Success Strategies
* Production Welding
* Welding
* CGIP Phases I and II . * Framework for Recovery
* Diversity Circle
* Abused Boys Wounded Men
* Able Minds
* CGIP (Housing Unit Based) Phases III and IV
* Commitment to Change I, II/ III
* LVA Tutor Training
* Baptismal
* American Bible Academy Bible Studies
* Great Truths of the Bible (Crossroads Bible Institute)
* Survey of the Bible (Crossroads Bible Institute)
* Associate of Religious Education Degree (Family Radio School of the Bible)
* Bible Correspondence (The Prisoner's Friend Ministries)
* Restorative Justice

PERSONAL PROFILE
Ambitious, flexible/ dependable, compassionate, young man looking to continue mentoring and educating the youth. Eager to learn new things and lead by example. Easy to get along with and always considered a valued employee.

REFERENCES
Please contact me.

Two
ROY ROGERS #273696
Stanley Correctional Institution
100 Corrections Drive
Stanley, Wisconsin 54768

OBJECTIVE
Seeking to be a prime candidate in spear heading the Redemptive Re-Entry Program.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY (1994-Present)
* Education Clerk 3yrs at CCI
* Lead Server in Unit Kitchen 2yrs at CCI
* Janitor 6months at OSCI
* Braille Transcriber/Worker 3yrs at OSCI
* Tutor 2yrs at GBCI
* Tutor (current employment) at SCI

EDUCATION
* HSED
* Vocational Printing
* Macro Economics Course (3 Credits) UW-Platteville
* Trained as a Braille Transcriber
* LVA Tutor Training
* Took Introduction to Business Class at CCI

PROGRAM COMPLETTION
* AODA Level 5B (Mandatory)
* Anger Management
* Challenges & Possibilities
* Restorative Justice
* Responsible Thinking

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
* Counseling at Risk Youth in the Reach Out Program at CCI
* Counseling at Risk Youth in the Youth Awareness Program at OSCI
* Counseling at Risk Youth in the BRICK Program at GBCI
* Served on Victim Awareness Service Committees at CCI in which we raised money to support local boys and girls clubs, organizations that serve children who have been victims of child abuse; women who have suffered domestic abuse; families in need; the Red Cross to support victims and family of victims in 9-11 attack
* Published juvenile crime prevention brochures thru the reach out program distributed to various schools and social service agencies
* Open letter writing to Transition High School in Milwaukee
* Participated in a informational video promoting restorative justice

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
* Completed religious based alcohol and drug abuse treatment program
* Completed religious based anger management treatment program
* Completed numerous Bible Studies for spiritual enrichment
* Consistent involvement with chapel program as choir director, piano player and singer at CCI under Chaplains Burkum, Dawson and Jackson, at WCF under Chaplain Wilks, at OSCI under Chaplain Burkum, at GBCI under Chaplain Baker and currently at-. RCT under Chaplain Mohr

REFLECTION .
On 4-14-94 a DOC classification specialist reported the following recommendations:
1. That I receive educational training and get my HSED
2. That I get vocational training due to limited employment history
3. That I go through AODA. level 5B treatment Program
On 4-24-94 a DOC clinical staff member reported the following recommendations:
1. Based on the risk for increased anti-social thinking and
behavior it was hoped that I seek out contact with a chaplain at a permanent placement and enroll in pro-social activities
CONCLUSION
These recommendations have been fulfilled

Authors of Program tell WHY

2010-11-19T16:32:00.000-08:00

Testimony One by program co-author Andrae Bridges, Imprisoned at age 16, now 33.

Why I Think This Program (Redemptive Re-Entry) Is Needed •
I think the Redemptive Re-Entry Program or something similar is needed because juvenile offenders who were waived into adult court, convicted of violent crimes, given lengthy sentences and have served more than thirteen (13) years deserve a second chance at the life they never knew. Or had for that matter. I have found that juveniles who don't get waived into adult court ultimately receive a second chance at life. Even after having been convicted of crimes just as violent as those who get waived. It is clearly understood that we're dealing with two different jurisdictions here; juvenile and adult. However, we're dealing with the same kind of individuals; JUVENILES.

"The Court explained that juveniles were less culpable because inexperience, less education, and less intelligence make [a juvenile] less able to evaluate the consequences of his or her conduct while at the same time he or she is much more apt to be motivated by mere emotion or peer pressure than as an adult. The reasons why juveniles are not trusted with privileges and responsibilities of an adult also explain why their irresponsible conduct is not as morally reprehensible as that of an adult." (2007 Wis. L. Rev. 729)

With that being said know that I attempt to make no excuses for my actions. And I'd be the first to admit that said actions were deserving of punishment yet I can't help questioning the degree to which such was disseminated. In 1992 (when I was convicted), had I not been waived as an adult I would have most likely been released around the age of twenty-five (25) or so, depending on certain factors. I most certainly wouldn't still be in the system, as I am now. And that's due solely to the fact that I was waived as adult and thereby sentenced as such. But my point is this: with the Redemptive Re-Entry Program or something similar, prisoners such as myself will be given a shot at freedom just like those who remained in the juvenile system.' Although having served more prison time. Hence, under the juvenile system I probably would have served no more than ten (10) years. Whereas I have nearly double that (17) in the adult system.

In closing, I think the Redemptive Re-Entry Program or something similar is needed because it would apply to a unique group of individuals who have essentially been forgotten. In addition to the ten reasons why I feel and/or think I should be released from prison. But as I was saying, over the years there have been tons of research done on the brain development of juveniles as well as juvenile justice reform. But all of those efforts seem geared toward the juveniles that are entering the system today. Don't get me wrong, I believe that's wonderful and I encourage more efforts in that regard but I'd also like to see something put in effect that would allow prisoners such as myself to receive a special parole grant or at least be given the opportunity to work towards obtaining one or something as such.
Andrae L. Bridges #248420

Testimeny Two by program co- author Roy Rogers
R. Rogers
Why I Think This Program (Redemptive Re-Entry) Is Needed
I believe a program like the Redemptive Re-Entry program is needed because it acknowledges the redemptive value in teens who committed horrible crimes. This program affirms the possibility of positive change in the lives of these offenders and their ability to be productive members in society. This program is needed because it acknowledges that teens who committed serious offenses and sentenced as adults to lengthy prison terms are not throw aways. I believe this program is needed in the Wisconsin Prison System because in order for restorative justice to be complete it requires the restoration also of this class of inmates.

The Redemptive Re-Entry Program is needed because it is in the spirit of the Second Chance Act and the current re-entry initiatives because those eligible for the redemptive re-entry program will be offenders who have taken active responsibility for their actions. They've done this by doing their part to repair harm and restore relationships thru their program involvement and community service.

A program like this is needed because the State of Wisconsin is in a financial bind with a lot of money spent on corrections. The cost of incarceration is steady rising as more offenders are entering the system while current offenders are not exiting fast enough. There are a class of inmates who have fulfilled their rehabilitative goals by receiving vocational training and completing essential programming reducing their risk of re-offending, who came to prison between the ages of 13 and 17 who have been incarcerated 13 years or more who would pose no risk to the community if released and would be valuable contributors and assets to society.

In conclusion, I believe a program like this is needed because adult prisoners who came to prison between the ages of 13-17 should be viewed and treated differently from offenders who came to prison as adults. The reason being is that the personalities, characters and ability to fully comprehend long term consequences and effects of negative behavior were still in development stage in 13-17 year olds in comparison to their adult counterparts. A program like this is needed to recognize and reward the rehabilitative efforts of this class of inmates.

In The Interest of Restorative Justice,
Roy Rogers

Ten reasons why I should be given my freedom

2010-11-11T16:58:00.000-08:00

First essay is by Andrae Bridges, second by Roy Rogers.

Ten Reasons Why I Feel and/or Think I Should Be Released From Prison
I thought I had already had my bouts with the hardest of writing assignments until I got assigned the arduous task of writing down ten reasons why I feel and/or think I should be released from prison. Wow! What's so hard about that? One may wonder. Especially when you consider the fact that I've written numerous subjects ranging from prison life to sexual abuse, in addition to an autobiography. As a result I consider myself to be a writer and a pretty good one at that. However, ten reasons why I feel and/or think I should be released from prison don't quite roll off the brain as quick or smooth as one may think. Not because I don't feel or think I should be released. But simply because the task at hand calls for me to be self-serving and that's not something I'm accustomed to thus it's very uncomfortable. I could write down ten reasons why someone else should be released from prison in less time than it took me to write this paragraph because it has become something of a habit for me to put others before my own self. On the other hand, I love a healthy challenge and having to write ten reasons why I feel and/or think I should be released from prison has proven to be just that. So please bear with me as I try to meet and conquer said challenge.

(1) I should be released from prison because I have served my debt to society in full. Although I've only served seventeen (17) years out of a life sentence, without the possibility of parole until 2037, my punishment has been harsher than anyone can possibly imagine:
(a) I entered the system at the age of sixteen (16) whereupon I was waived as an adult. Although I thought I knew everything, both prison and maturity made me realize I knew absolutely nothing and was therefore clueless. With a sound understanding and appreciation for life and everything it has to offer, it's devastating to know that I may never get the opportunity to fully experience such. Now having served more time in prison than I had in society tears at my soul every day. Thus I'm constantly reminded of the fact that I threw away the life I never had. In that alone I feel I am more than deserving of a second chance. Better yet, a second, first chance!
(b) I have essentially lost my family, immediate and otherwise. Be it death or simply living life, which has caused them to forget about me. Around these parts that's most commonly known as "Outta sight. Outta mind!" Understandable, yet very painful nonetheless. The list of things that make my punishment harsher than anyone may know grows on. In fact, at times I believe a death sentence would have been far more lenient. Make no mistakes about it, nothing listed here is intended to minimize or take away from that which got me incarcerated. I take full responsibility for my actions, both past and present.
(2) I should be released from prison because prison no longer provide opportunities to atone for my actions, if anything, prison facilities have become institutions that feed everything negative and I refuse to go back down that road. I need to be released so that I might be able to surround myself with positive people who not only encourage me to give back and be constructive but expect nothing less of me.
(3) I should be released from prison because I can be far more productive in society as opposed to incarcerated. Doing prison time after having served seventeen (17) years have proven to be more counter-productive than anything else.
(4) I should be released from prison because I have outgrown these walls that confine me. Not to say that I'm not able or willing to learn more. It's just that I've allowed my time to work for me as opposed to against me. In that I've taken full advantage of every opportunity to grow up and give back, give back and grow up (SEE: Institution Resume). For being able to give back and lead by example ultimately encouraged me to get my mind right and vice versa. I can't do the one without the other. Confinement/ for me now severely limits that. A good example of just how limited we are, from and educational standpoint is the fact that we can only take one vocational course. Although most facilities offer a minimum of two, we can only take one. No matter how much time one has served or has left to serve. After completing one vocational course, that's it. You'd think we'd be allowed to get as much education as we wanted. But the massive population expansion and lack of funding limits that and everything else for that matter.
(5) I should be released from prison because my being here is a waste of time and space. Admittedly, I don't want to see or suggest that anyone be subjected to incarceration as it is today however, there are many who could use this time to get their minds right. Granted the appropriate groups and programs are provided. Once they better themselves they should be given the opportunity to prove such in society, as with myself.
(6) I should be released from prison because I would NOT re-offend.
(7) I should be released from prison because I am willing to be a model for those who get released from prison and refuse to fail. In fact, I want to be in a position where I can assist them as needed.
(8) I should be released from prison because I need to mentor the youth so that they won't make the same mistakes that I once did. I believe juvenile violence can be greatly decreased if someone actually got in there and listened to the youth. And who better than someone such as myself? Instead of constantly looking for ways to lock them up, I want to help devise ways to set them free.
(9) I should be released from prison because I have conquered my personal demons and I live above any and all negative influences. Gone are my self-destructive ways and days of victimization.
(10) I should be released from prison because I have become a good man. Deserving of nothing less than a second chance at this one life so many often take for granted. The beauty in all of this is every person I've met thus far would support everything I've listed here.
Andrae L. Bridges #248420

Ten Reasons Why I Feel and/or Think I Should Be Released From Prison
In support of this initiative for this Redemptive Re-Entry program I submit these ten reasons why I feel and/or think I should be released from prison. Writing this has been a very difficult and challenging endeavor for me, for many reasons. First of all, I am self-conscious and aware of the reason of why I'm incarcerated in the first place, a vicious crime committed against another human being. Second, I'm aware of the victims I created and the horrible pain I've caused and the wounds and scars I left behind. Thirdly, the sentencing court was rightfully looking to punish me for my horrendous behavior and at the same time protect the public. Thus, I'm mindful of these factors and refuse to do or say anything that would depreciate the seriousness of the crime I committed. I have taken active responsibility for my actions and in all humility I submit Ten reasons why I feel and/or think I should be release from prison.

1) I should be released from prison because I am no longer a risk to the public. I have grown up and matured into a responsible adult who has relinquished anti-social behavior and thinking. I came to prison at the age of 16 and began to do all I could do to change and minimize that risk to the public by aligning myself with Biblical spirituality, obtaining my HSED, receiving vocational training as a printer, taking and completing all mandatory programming and optional programming, I became a model inmate who is compassionate and caring towards others. .

2) I should be released from prison because I should be given the opportunity to repair some of the harm I've caused in the community. I haven't been able to do that in prison to the degree of measurable impact. I want to do my part but the current system makes no allowance for that. I'm indebted to the City of Milwaukee to do my part to have a positive impact on it.

3) I should be released from prison so I can help mentor youth and specifically at risk youth who are in danger of hurting themselves, others and their community. I've been where they're at and have suffered great consequences as a result of my behavior and have to live with what I've done for the rest of my life. Moreover, reaching out to the youth will be a continuation of what I've been doing for the past 15yrs in prison.

4) I should be released from prison because my track record in prison personifies what the DOC means when it speaks about rehabilitation. To keep a rehabilitated man like myself incarcerated works against the very rehabilitation I have achieved and continue to achieve because I grow in positive change everyday. There is nothing left for the DOC to offer
me I am an unused resource that's being warehoused.

5) I should be released from prison because it is bad public policy to invest public funds to continue to imprison me since the DOC's rehabilitative goals for me has been fulfilled. My continued incarceration is unnecessary and incurring unnecessary costs to taxpayers. The average cost of my incarceration is approximately $32,000 yearly. Taxpayers have paid $512,000 in the past 15-16 yrs; in 10 more years it would have cost taxpayers $832,000 to keep me incarcerated. And since I'm a lifer with no guarantee of release it will literally become a million dollar investment to keep a man who poses no risk to society incarcerated. These figures are actually lower than what they actually are as they are not adjusted to reflect the rising costs of incarceration.

6) I should be released from prison because I have community leaders who support me being restored back into society.

7) I should be released from prison because I can and will make a difference in Milwaukee.

8) I should be released from prison because I should have the opportunity to bring honor to the name of Glance Venson, Jr., the victim in my case to give him a voice. I want to and will somehow make sure he is remembered as I will do many monumental and life changing things in his name This has been my endeavor for many years. I don't feel I have paid my debt to the community if I am not afforded such an opportunity. The DOC is totally passive in this respect.

9) I should be released from prison because as a lifer I'm less than 1/3 as likely as all released offenders to be rearrested within three years of release from prison (See, George Soros Justice Initiative Project "The Meaning of Life"- This coupled with my history of personal development and positive change (see Rogers resume).
10) I should be released from prison because I realize I'm far more better than the worst I have done. I was incapacitated and punished for who I was ... is there no redemption for who I am now?
Roy Rogers #273696

Darren Morris, a story of transformation

2010-09-08T17:01:00.000-07:00

Darren Morris (#236425)
Columbia Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 900,
Portage, WI 53901

Below is Darren's letter to an official a few years ago and then his first letter to me. see his Art work (at darrenmorrisartist.blogspot.com) and Guide for Urban Youth(at guidebydarrenmorris.blogspot.com.)

Janis Mueller
Legislative Audit Bureau
22 E. Mifflin Suite 500,
Madison, WI 53703

Re.: Mental Illness Testimony

Date: October 28, 2008

Peace and Love

Ms Mueller,

Recently Peggy Swan has informed that you are conducting some sort of audit on the Mental Health treatment of inmates, I will share with you my experiences and hopefully it will help you to help us, and help people like Peg. I truly believe that Peg saved my life, had she not gotten involved and let the prison know that someone was watching they would have killed me, because I was in a place in my mind that I would act without regard for my own well being or fore thought what they would do to me.

I am not sure what all you need to know so I will give you a short history of how I got here. My mental health problems seem to have plagued me from the beginning. When I was about 3, I was playing with my father´s pistol, and when my mother seen me, she went to take the gun from me; as she snatched it, it went off, hitting my mother. From that point on I was not very well liked among family members. My mother lived, and gave the story to the officials that when she set the gun down on the dresser, it went off accidentally, this was to keep the State from taking her children. My brothers and others would often do things to me to punish me. I will not go into specifics, most of it was physical, and restraints (home made), different types of isolation, there was some sexual from both older males and females.
I accepted what ever they did without complaint, I felt that I deserved it for shooting my mother.

Until I was about 11, one of my mother´s boyfriends done something to me that was a wake up call, I do not remember how I understood it but I knew that if I did not do something, they were going to kill me in that house. I began to retaliate whenever and however I could. This sudden violence shocked many people that were not in the home and did not know the situation, because I was a very silent person, I read a lot and tried as best as I could to not be seen or heard. This change in them, or rather in me, brought a change in that they became even more violent, if that was possible.

I went through a very long depression by the time I was thirteen, I was hearing voices and it would be like I would see somebody on the side of me out of the corner of my eye, but when I would look, they would be gone. I would be fine for a while, and things would just change, I did not understand what was going on and what was happening to me. I was sent to a special school after seeing the school shrink who sent me to another doctor, who diagnosed me with Schizophrenia, and they put me on medication

In 1993 I was released from boys school (Lincoln Hills), they sent me to a group home before sending me home. When my medication ran out I stopped taking it. I never told my mother. She noticed that I began to change and thought that I was on drugs. She felt that “we” were in need of a fresh start. She moved me to Green Bay, where a family friend had moved to and told her that they had more resources to help me up there than they did in the inner city.

Within a few months, I was convinced that people were trying to kill me, I even lost weight because I was certain that my mother was poisoning my food, so I would only eat can goods, but I went through great lengths to ensure that I picked my own cans from the store. My weight went from about 220 to about 185, maybe 190 pounds, I worked out and ate a lot of beans, I had to be ready for when they came.

I eventually hit a breaking point. First I tore up my mother´s apartment, trying to figure out where these voices were coming from. I was taken to Brown County Mental Health Center, I was there for a day or so and they let me go, I was convinced that I had been drugged, so I told them that I was drugged and that is what they went with.

Two weeks later I felt I was being followed in school and the voices were telling me that they were going to kill me, I kept trying to get away. I got trapped in a hallway that had only one way out and these two guys that I thought were about to get me had just entered the hallway. I didn’t know who they were, but I knew what they came to do and I started to fight for my life, several teachers attempted to restrain me, I hate to be grabbed! They were unable to restrain me. They let me leave rather than attempt to try and fight with me. I was picked up by the police, I fought with them, with additional officers; they were able to restrain me.

I was taken to the hospital, which referred me to the psych. hospital. They took a urine sample, because they were sure I had to be on drugs I was not. They told my mother I was dangerous, something needed to be done. My mother asked me how I felt, I said I was fine as long as she did not let them tie me down again. The first night I was in there they strapped me down to a bed and left me in there alone. I told my mother that, she refused to sign the commitment papers.

I was taken to court and they sought to get an order from the court, but because I was 17, the judge did not want to place me in an institution without trying everything else first. I was released on a 90 day consent settlement. I was put on medication called Haldol. I was sent to counselling. I got better.

By 1994 I was so good that I thought I was cured and I stopped taking the medication. March 22 I had fallen back into the same pattern, but I had not peaked yet, I was at an apartment with my then girlfriend and either because it was true or these people thought it was funny to mess with the crazy guy, the people in this apartment started talking about gang members with guns outside wanting to kill us, people were running this way and that way, screaming, they would go to the window and say stuff like there they go and run away from the window. I use to be in a gang and many of my childhood friends in the Kenosha and Northern Illinois area were shot and stabbed by members of a gang called Latin Kings and these were the same people they said were outside. This went on for 1 maybe 3 hours, I was convinced I could not get out.

Eventually, I was backed into such a place mentally that I began to hear stuff, and I became fearful that it was true that they were going to kill me. I could not stay in that apartment any more, I had to get out, armed with a knife I went out. There was a man in a red truck. This man lost his life there in some dispute about what actually happened. Witnesses told police that I stabbed the victim 3 times. The next day I was arrested and I could not remember stabbing the victim. I remembered going outside with the knife and then waking up.

Over the next few months I began remembering things, each memory about that night, and each one was as real as any memory I ever had, if not more real. The county jail had me see a psych. doctor and put me back on medication (Haldol). My attorney was told about this, I pled a special plea, of Not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. The Judge signed an order to have me evaluated for mental responsibility, but they never did the evaluation.

The day of trial my attorney told the court that he had written a letter and I signed it wanting to withdraw the plea. The court asked me one question, if that was true, to which I said yeah.
I was convicted and I was sent to prison. In Dodge they put me back on medication. I had stopped taking it before trial, because I could not think on it. I went into a long depression. I was sent to Green Bay Correctional. I was okay for a while, then I was sent to Waupun Correctional Institution and they had a very different way of doing things. I was placed in segregation.

They locked me in this room, and before long I had attempted suicide, I could not take it anymore, and the only way to escape that I know was to hang myself, but fortunately for me, I did not brake my neck or crush anything, I was choked unconscious. But that was only the beginning. I would fight with them, they would fight back, they would gas me, and as punishment, they would leave the stuff on burning, and they would tell me to remember that feeling. But sometimes they would attack me when I had not done anything.

Once I was placed in observation, after I told the psych doctor that I was hearing voices. They took all my clothes and placed me in a cell with big windows and a camera, naked, I did not have a blanket or a mattress. They gave me this rubber mat that looks like the mat that they put on the back of them trucks to keep from scratching it up. I was up for 2 days. It is extremely cold in there even in the summer time, which is not normal. I had fallen asleep finally, when the psych doctor came to see me. I told him to go away, I did not want to talk to him anymore, I refused to talk with him, so they gassed me, they then shocked me with a taser, they came in with the gorilla suits on, they beat me up and then tied me down to a bed, and every few hours, the nurse would ask if I had to go, and when I did have to go, the nurse would come in while 2 blue shirts and a white shirt stood watch, the nurse would take my penis and place it into this thing that looked like a big clear plastic coffee mug, or if I needed a bed pan, they would leave me strapped to that bed and just slide it under me without letting me up to clean myself, or give me the privacy to go.

This would be a revolving cycle, at times I would be blessed to get out of seg, but it would
not last long. I would be written up for some sort of rule violation, some times it was legit, I had done something wrong, and sometimes, the officers would bet on a pool on how long a “Seg. rat”, which is a name they use to call inmates that spend a lot of time in the hole. The pool would be based on how long it would take before they could make me snap or act out. In population there is no one to talk with who can help you through the rough times. Every 3 months I would be seen by a head shrink to see how I was, but he would have 4 or 5 guys scheduled for one hour, and he would push you back out of the door as quick as you came in.

There were times, I wanted to learn what was wrong with (me) and have some one to talk with and help me do that. I eventually learned from some very special people and funny enough I met them all about the time, Peg, a lady named Jamyi Witch, who was a chaplain at Waupun Correctional, and George Kammer, a crisis intervention worker at Waupun. These people really cared for me, and no matter how long it took in some cases that meant hours, they would talk with me, explain things to me, and the helped me reconnect with something that was lost. These type of people are not well liked in here. The guards make life very hard for them, and the women who want to help and actually care, usually get accused of having some kind of inappropriate relationship with one or so inmates.

Peg helped me reconnect with painting and drawing, as a way to distract and soothe. No one had ever taken time to explain simple things like that. Those seg units are not right. I understand that if I do something wrong, I should be held to answer for that.

The place usually smells of urine, and I do not mean the gas station bathroom kind, this is the kind that when I first smelled it, I got sick, partly because it is usually fused with other smells, body odor from guys that have not washed in a while, and at times fecal matter. There is an endless attack of noise, banging and yelling, but if I take out my hearing aides to escape the noise, then I do not get fed. There are no real programs to deal with the needs of the mentally ill, the staff do not know how to deal with us and often times they do things to intentionally make it worse and sometimes it seems unintentional.

They cannot make an accurate diagnosis of what is really wrong, because they see so many people they just give you pills and send you on your way, and they will change that diagnosis to suit their needs. I had been in a single cell for nearly 14 years. When I got here as a way to get even with me and punish me, they took my single cell status and doubled me up.

I have a very real fear about contact with an adult male, if I think he is peeking at me, with any hint of funny ideals, I can not handle that. But I have to remind myself to think first. I was fortunate, I was blessed to meet people that helped me brake the cycle. I have been stable for about 3 years on medication. It helps when there is a real check and balance, when Peg let them know that someone was watching out for me and willing to go to bat for me, it made them back off me long enough for others who want to help, to help.

I have many medical records and will do whatever I need to do, to help you help us. Most of the time I am fine, from time to time I need a little extra help, as I have gotten older, I am now being treated for Bi-Polar, manic-depressive type.

Be at Peace, Be Blessed

First letter to me:
August 17th 2006

Darren Morris #236425
Waupun Correctional Institution
Post Office Box 351
Waupun, Wisconsin, 53963

My name is Darren Morris, and I am an inmate here in Waupun Correctional Institution, where I am currently being held in a Segregation Cell. At the age of 17, I began to have "more"severe psychotic episodes, in which I had to be hospitalized for more than once. I was put on the medication called Haldol. I would hallucinations and delusional thinking that would lead to violent acts. I was arrested for PTAC of first-degree intentional homicide, and once in prison I continued to have these psychotic episodes. I would go through periods with no episodes, and then it was like someone snatched the rug from under me. I had numerous disciplinary actions taken against me, more so since being in Waupun Correctional. I have been shocked with some kind of electrical device It was around 1999 some time. I'm sorry my memory can't come with exact dates.. I thought I was in danger, that my medication had been switched and laced with poison, so I stopped taking them. Soon I had a psychotic break and I was put into segregation, though I cannot remember the charge and my delusions continued. They put me into the "Naked Man Cell", (observation). they chained me to the cell door, cut my clothes off, they put me in the cell naked. I don't remember much, though I do remember I was cold and crying. I was given two squares of tissue to clean myself with after using the toilet. I could not sleep because I was naked, it was cold and there was no mattress. Instead of a mattress there was a hard rubber mat, and the lack of sleep only made things worse. I started to pound on the door, at which I was given a direct order to stop, and I did not. In turn they gassed me and came in with these black suits and helmets, and when they attacked me I fought back. I was choked until I blacked out. When I woke up I was handcuffed to a concrete slab by both wrists and my feet. I began banging my head on this slab. They came in and put a strap on me to hold my head down. About a day later i was let out of restraints, I was still naked, I began pounding on the door, and told them if they gave me a blanket I'd stop. They gassed me again, they came in with the suits on and when they had me pinned down to the floor some electroshocked me. i went to Wisconsin resource Center- twice. I had many situations where my illness caused me to get a ticket and put in the hole. I'm also hard of hearing, I'm supposed to have a hearing and for both ears. I came here from the outside with two- they lost them, and claimed not to be responsible. They gave me only one hearing aid and told me to make due as best I could with that. i got two tickets once for sleeping during count, I never heard the buzzer and they put me ion the hole for, I think, 90 days that time. Now I am stable on my medication and had been doing okay, but I got a ticket again for disobeying an order. They gave me 60 days in the hole. Since I been here I tell them I can't hear the buzzer for meals or medication or other things. Here, when the tone sounds you must stand at your cell door to get that meal, medication, showers or whatever if you are not at that door, I don't get to eat or my medication for the schizo effective bipolar type. I keep telling them, I can't hear the buzzer, They have 2, one in the hall, which is the one I can't hear. Then there is one in the cell which they use sometimes- that one I can hear just fine. They should not be able to pass me for meds and especially medication- if I can't hear the sound then I can't react to it. I have about a 7th or 8th grade reading level and I'm trying to figure out the law because I'm knowing what they do is wrong. I want to teach them that it is not okay to let a person go hungry, and to discriminate against people. I want to change the rules and the way they do things here(..her he asks for help) .. They never ask how to help me, they leave the lights on all the time, my brain don't get a chance to rest, the people argue, and pound all day long and the COs pick on them when they get quiet to make them argue again. Every time I hear keys I get worried they coming with them suits again and shock me and cuff me up or gas me up. I tell them I hear voices and they give me no counseling or help with my issues, and I try to tell me self it's in my head, nothing to fear, but when I hear them keys I get ready to fight cause I think they coming to get me.
If you cannot help. will you please find someone who can. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Darren

Sabir Wilcher

2010-06-16T19:55:00.001-07:00

Sabir Wilcher 304719
Green Bay Correctional Institution
PO Box 19033
Green Bay, Wi 54307

My name is Sabir M. L Wilcher and I am currently housed at the Green Bay Correctional Institution. I'm 30 years old and will be 31 in December. At the time I was arrested in 1995,1 was only 15 years old and not well educated. I was convicted of first degree intentional homicide, 6 days before I turned 16, in 1995.1 was sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility in December 2025.

Before my conviction, I had never been arrested of a violent offense and I wasn't part of the juvenile detention system like Lincoln Hills, Wells, etc. People would have described me as being very shy when I was a kid. I only completed school through the 6th grade. I was bullied a lot growing up and I only wanted to fit in and impress the same kids who would beat me up every day and chase me home. Both of my parents had a crack cocaine addiction and I basically had to take care of myself. We lived in a bad neighborhood in Milwaukee with drug houses on the same street.

I've been down now a total of 15 + years. While I've been in prison, I've gotten my HSED, 2 Vocational Trade Certificates in Welding and Building Maintenance and Construction. I've completed CGIP phase 1 and 2, Able Minds program, and tutor training.

Although I'm still a little shy, I now accept the fact that everyone is not going to like me and I don't need people's approval to be who I am. I believe I have become a person of substance and value. I have avoided gang activity and drug use in prison and have worked on becoming healthier, mentally and physically. I no longer think like the child who pulled that trigger 15 years ago. I value the lives of others, as well as my own. My goal is to get out and show my nieces and nephews how to be productive and positive role models in the community.

I would also like to share my experience with other kids and help teach them the value of education and that fast money can lead you to bad situations. I just wish people would see me for the man I've become and not the kid I used to be...

Thank you,

Sabir Wilcher

_______________________________________________________________
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

December 25, 1995

TOO YOUNG TO SHAVE, NOT TO KILL
Teen's life collapsed into death At IS, he was a drug house lookout who murdered for his boss —————

David DOEGE Journal Sentinel staff

"Looking back, there are many things 1 would have done differently, and avoiding drugs and my so-called friends would be first on the list." 16-year-old convicted murderer Sabir Wilcher in a letter to Circuit Judge Patricia D. McMahon.

As he strode hump-shouldered into Circuit Court rubbing his chin, Sabir Wilcher had the gangly gait of a young man who wasn't completely comfortable in a body that had not finished growing.

At 15, Wilcher was not old enough to legally do things Wee drink and vote and wasn't physically mature enough to shave.

But Wilcher was old enough to work in a drug house. He was old enough to commit a cold-blooded, execution-style murder of a friend he had known since childhood. And he was old enough to serve a life prison term with parole eligibility beginning Dec. 4, 2025.

"You will be 46 years old at that time when they can consider whether you are appropriate for release to the community," Circuit Judge Patricia D. McMahon told Wilcher. Moments later, Wilcher trudged from McMahon's courtroom, his shoulders slouched the same way they were when he entered.

"I think he didn't have a chance messing with the people from Chicago," his mother, Lynette Wilcher, had told McMahon earlier, referring to gang members who recruited her son to work in a drug house across an alley from his home on W. North Ave. "Where are they now?

"They are on the outside looking in while my son is on the inside looking out."

* * * "I am speaking out of my hart (sic) that what I done was verey (sic) stupid. I would like to say that I am sorry for what I done and being in here (the County Jail) for eight months made me think that what I done was wrong."

* * *

"About two years ago, when Sabir was 13 years old, the supportive resources in his life began to slowly deteriorate," Julie Paasch-Anderson wrote in a waiver study for Circuit Judge Russell Stamper in June. "Both his parents developed a crack cocaine addiction.

"He entered middle school, and the connections that he had at Lloyd Street Grade School were severed. He was introduced to alcohol and marijuana, which he used on a regular basis as time progressed."

The "connections" at Lloyd Street School were a woman who served as a volunteer parent and a physical education teacher. Wilcher's attorney, Ann T. Bowe, said the two took a special interest in the boy because they recognized he was headed for trouble and wanted to "rescue him from the streets."

"His clothes were often ripped and dirty," Paasch-Anderson reported in her study. "He had poor hygiene, and other children often avoided him because of his body odor."

The volunteer parent gave Wilcher clothes, took him on outings and welcomed him at her home. The teacher allowed Wilcher to help out in the gym, got him a membership in die YMCA and took him to sporting events. But when Wilcher left Lloyd Street School for middle school he lost his two rescuers and gravitated toward a street gang, according to the study.

At home, meanwhile. Lynette Wilcher's "judgment was impaired by her own drug and alcohol use," according to the study. Sabir Wilcher's father also had a drug problem and once was put under house arrest by a street gang because of his cocaine debt, the study said.

Within a year of his involvement with the gang, young Wilcher began selling drugs. By March, he was hanging out at the drug house across the alley.

"I have never denied my involvement in this. You see I could not live with myself knowing I was responsible for taking the life of someone."

* * *

Police reports indicate that Emanuel Johnson, a 21-year-old man running the drug house, was the first person to tell Wilcher that "the minister," a shadowy figure from Chicago, wanted Wilcher to work at the drug house. Johnson eventually sent Wilcher by bus to Chicago to meet the minister, and when he returned a couple days later, he was assigned the task of keeping watch for police and was to be paid $100 every other day.

Inside the drug house on N. 14th St., a brown, rundown duplex, worked three "servers" and a "weight man" named Elvis Anderson, 20, who packaged the cocaine, according to police. Also inside the house were a sawed-off ,410-gauge shotgun, a rifle, a semiautomatic pistol and a .22-caliber, black revolver, according to police.

Beside in charge of the drug house, Johnson served as the runner who brought cocaine to Milwaukee and took the $700 to $800 daily proceeds to Chicago, according to a criminal complaint.

After a disagreement with the minister in early April, Johnson later told police, he began forming a plan to kill the minister and Anderson. Anderson, Johnson explained, had to die because he was too close to the minister.

* * *

"At night, I can't sleep. I tose (sic) and turn thinking about that night over and over agin (sic)."

* * *

On the night of April 22, Johnson gave Wilcher the .22-caliber revolver and told him it was his duty to kill Anderson. According to the plan, when it was time for Anderson to leave for the night, he would have to be driven home and it was during that ride when he would be killed.

Later, when Anderson asked for a ride, Johnson got behind the wheel of a friend's car, Anderson got into the passenger seat and Wilcher, with the revolver in his pocket, sat behind him.

Moments after they drove off, Anderson said he wanted to pick up some food, so Johnson drove to a McDonald's restaurant at 920 W. North Ave. After pulling away from the drive-through, Johnson rolled his window up, turned tine radio volume to high, glanced at Wilcher and nodded.

As Anderson sat with the bag of food in his lap, Wilcher raised the handgun and held it about 6 inches from the back of Anderson's head, he later told police. "Wilcher closed his eyes, turned his head down and to the left and pulled the trigger three times," Police Detective Allan Schoessow testified at Wilcher's preliminary hearing earlier this year.

Johnson drove to a dead-end alley in the 2400 block of N. 10th St. and pulled Anderson's body out of the car. After taking a packet of cocaine from Anderson's pocket, Johnson drove back to the drug house.

" You act like you done this before." Johnson told Wilcher, according to a police report.

When they went back inside the drug house, Wilcher handed the gun to a server who cleaned it, Wilcher later said, before he took it home.

The next day, police announced the arrests of Johnson and Wilcher.

Johnson subsequently took his case to trial, was convicted and sentenced to a life prison term with no parole eligibility for 40 years.

Wilcher pleaded guilty in November and was sentenced recently.

"He was 15 years and four months old at the time of the shooting," Bowe said at the sentencing hearing. "This is not a young person who was saved from the streets by family members ... but someone who was able to shoot somebody in the back of the head with no provocation."

* * *

"I hope the victoms (sic) family forgives me for what I have done. But now all I can do is accept the penalty for the crime I committed. I am so verey (sic) sorry!!"

Three Poems By Tyrone Munson

2010-06-16T19:19:00.001-07:00

Tyron D Munson #35616
PO Box 351
Waupun , Wi 53963

****CONGRATULATION****GRADUATION****
Congratulation,you graduated,but no one will call your name.No,there will be no role call,no acceptance speech!You did not finish school or make the deans list.There was no diploma,you just simply graduated.Sad,, no mother,no father,no brother,no sister.No one to cheer your name.What for? No one came to honor you,"CONGRATULATIONS,for your GRADUATION"!

"Who do you think you are to receive such a prestigious award?You only survived a household of trama.There is no blue ribbon because your father left you at an early age.You don't get a courageous of the year trophy because you survived the family secret and your mother's shame. That at the hands of someone you trusted.They, did awful things to you."Ha" you think it noble,there is no B.A. there is no master's degree.

For your degree's are third degree burns,that runs from your face to your torso.From hot grease being thrown on you because your mother says every time she looks at you,she see's your father.A mathematician,never saw that in your future,and besides that you are too dumb for that,at least this is what everyone is telling you.You want to be a mathematician? Well solve this problem,One mother on crack. Plus a father who is not even a part of your life,which really is a minus,divided by drugs alcohol,dropping out of school.Equals committing a crime,ending up in prison or dead.

Yeah "CONGRATULATIONS" as you look into the mirror,and you have come to hate him that stares back at you.Because now you believe everything people said about you.No you should not have low self esteem.Suck it up! didn't they tell you real men don't suppose to cry.But this boy who is only 11 years old says to himself I am not a man.But he is indeed a man,but the only thing he can remember was when he was this boy.Now at 30,he is still stuck at 11.CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR GRADUATION.

For this time you have made a stand,from being powerless,to being power ful.You are honored for your silent courage.You are praised for your resilience.Not backing down from when life smacked you around.CONGRATULATIONS. Because you GRADUATED,from a school that had no dreams.The teachers have all failed you,but you passed.Not because of some book that told you this,or you felt that you needed validation from someone else.Or some paper acknowledging mere accomplishments don’t even seem to suffice.
No "CONGRATULATIONS you GRADUATED".Because you choose not to stay in a box,you did not make excuses.You choose not to allow your past,to say who you are in your present.So I think that I should CONGRATULATE you on your GRADUATION.There is no need for a cap & gown,be proud of who you've become.Hold your head up and stand tall,smile for the camera. You made it.not how other's think you should have,but you made it......
"CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR GRADUATION......

This is for anyone who have went through anything in your life. I want you to understand that you have graduated from a school of life and if you are in a right frame of mind I think that you should be proud of yourself.Not for the many bad things that happen,but for you making it this far.It counts for something CONGRATULATIONS

D.B.I. (DEATH BY INCARCERATION)
You have heard the saying, "Life in prison without the possibility of Parole".This is an incorrect way of saying it.No, the proper term to use is "Death in prison without the possibility of reaching your goals.”
When you speak of life,I see it a whole lot differently then most.Life consist of hope, freedom, space , joy, fullfillment,and satisfaction.These are the things of life. Life opens up doors, opportunity,you are able to be someone.There is a chance in life,although restricted there is no restrictions.Again opportunity to be whatever you want to be,having that chance.To have an investment in your natural abilities,your God giving talents.

When I speak of life what also comes to mind is freedom.In life you have a freedom,freedom to express yourself without any consequence. Freedom is to live how you choose to live.Not a freedom to do whatever you want to do no matter who gets hurt.But a freedom to be in love with someone,to really care if they are hurting.This freedom is not stifled by rules that utterly disregard the human physique.Where the natural senses are controlled by unnatural senseless people. With a new respect you are able to taste what is good.To enjoy the flavors of what life has to offer.
To smell,that which smell good to the central of your nerve system.To touch the very essence of what this freedom is all about,Life.Whether it be a plant,a dream,a new born baby,a beautiful women,or whatever it maybe.To hear a song,a word of encouragement.A simple I love you,or what about children playing outside,the sound of her heart beat as you both lay together.Yes this is life,to see those things which at one point you were blinded to.Love,respect family,marriage,to care,to have compassion,and understanding.

This is freedom,this is what life is all about,But where I'm at is death.I received death in prison.To live under the dictates of those who doesn't even believe in my life concept.Those whom are so caught up in trying to prove that I am the criminal,that they,themselves have failed to see there own criminal mental and emotional behaviors.Death in prison,there is no enjoyment watching second by second,minute by minute,hour by hour,day by day,week by week,month by month,and year by year going by and you can’t help but think,"I'm" dying.My dreams of ever being what I wanted to be is slowly wasting away.

This is a superficial reality,what seems to be never is.You have no more chances,you cant go to the beach,you cant watch movies with your family.You know the little things,there is no dream job here.In all actuality you no longer live.You just merely exists.So there really is no such thing as life in prison.There is however death.Death of your hopes,death of your dreams,even the harsh reality of losing family members.This is not living,although you may have to settle or some how condition your mind for acceptance.This is not living! do not have life in prison,no I have death by incarceration.

TYRONE DEVON
(TREATED)
You strip me from my freedom,I admit I've did some wrongs.But why are you trying to keep me,away from home for way to long? If I accentuate my culture,you misjudge me for being in a gang! But you are a part of a "union" an "institution" that's all the same.I maintain a positive mind frame,but in your brain I'm still the same.Just because you are stagnated in your growth,doesn't mean that I cant change.

How dare you define your morality,by the position you hold over me. Looking down at me with a frown,but seriously you're worse than me.I've committed crimes to get me here,but now I digress from such behaviors.On the other hand,you back hand your children and noisy neighbor’s.On a drunken tantrum,you mentally destroy whomever they want to be.By callin them fat,cunt,ugly,or stupid!You have no right to keep on judging me.

After 400 years,we are still in the same boat,no buses are used to transport.Teenager's ranging from 12-thru-18,giving death sentences,in a all white mans court.Sent to prison,the new plantation,to work for meaningless wages.All while keeping us locked down in cell's smaller than little dog cages.The department of corrections,no let me correct you.There is no correction in prison.More like the death of connections or destitute of colored men.How about the destruction of our children.

I admit there are men who still belong in prison.Because they fail to realize the prison within them.But there are some whom you locked up as kids,we have long since recompensed for the things that we've did. Society if you hear me,please don't be ignorant to the facts,that concealed behind these prison walls are many people who want to give back...
TYRONE DEVON

Lloyd Jarrow

2010-05-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Lloyd and nephew

Lloyd Jarrow #365826;
general Delivery
LA State Prison
Angola, LA 70712

FREEDOM ON LIFE SUPPORT BY: LLOYD JARROW
What do you do as a juvenile sentenced to natural life for a crime you did not commit and the judge refuses to consider "New Evidence" that the prosecutor withheld . . . evidence that support your innocence?
What do youdo when the judge faults you because your attorney didn't check the prosecutor's file for this evidence, some, 10 months before trial?
What do you do when the judge's ruling disregard all the motions your attorney filed requesting this evidence, two weeks before and during trial?
What do you do when the judge's ruling even disregard her own ORDERS (before and during trial) for the prosecutor to hand over this evidence?
What do you do when the judge's ruling disregard the law and the fact that the prosecutor lie to your attorney and herself (in open court) about the mere existence of this evidence?
What do you do when the judge's ruling disregard the prosecutor's, inadvertent, admission to having sent you this evidence only "by mistake"?
What do you do when the judge's ruling disregard a sworn affidavit from your attorney affirming your innocence and/or the prosecutor's withholding of such evidence?
What do you do with "New Evidence" that would have permitted the jury to see your case from a whole different light?
What I've decided to do is show you just how inconsiderate and wrong a judgment can be ...

If you have any comments or wish to be a part of my mental support team you can help write or email at the addresses below. The only requirement is that you are positive and optimistic — believe in change.
Lloyd Jarrow General Delivery La. State Prison Angola, LA 70712
email: lloydjarrow@myjail - mailman.com
NOTE: "When someone is innocent it is everyone's business"
— LuLu

Stop
Please don't stone me
For I am innocent.
with the fault of the indigent

We can't go on this way, our lives
has taken a different turn..
as a people detached &unconcern

We are more than distinct colors
We are the spectrum & common neighbors..
a lost Friend, Family, savior

How did we get here, how do we change..
For the higher good, for humane

We share the same sun & recycle
The same air….I am u and u are me-there

Love is stronger than pride..
It's my heart to u
It's God's will-for I have abide

Here's the bridge, save your talk..
It's the son of God at your feet bleeding
Head, heart, and soul.

P.S.
Sometimes we don't realize
Just how much we mean to someone
..just how much we are connected

Sometimes we don't realize the power
We can draw from each other.. sometimes we are afraid

Sometimes fear keeps us
Until we lose hope & foresight
To see beyond the moment
Sometimes we forget….

Lloyd Jarrow #365826;
general Delivery
LA State Prison
Angola, LA 70712

A Once Illiterate Offender expresses His Innocence
It was 55 days after my 17th birthday when I was arrested on suspicion of murder. I was suspected after two witnesses said they saw me w/the shooter headed toward the scene minutes before the shot. I was in tenth grade –special aid –reading and writing on a 4th grade level. I had no idea then that I’d end up here, learning to read and writing about my innocence.
Let me explain. Those witnesses were ex-offenders and drug addicts-hardly enough? They were thrown in jail until the trial, allegedly, to ensure they would attend. The prosecutor had to come up w/something else, but there was nothing else. Although I was at the bar past curfew none of those witnesses saw me shoot or kill anyone! I had never been convicted of a crime. All the evidence pointed to the shooter-who confessed, yet maintained his innocence. During the trial my attorney stressed “my client is innocent and we’re not saying he was an accessory; we’re saying he was not involved in any way.”
In spite of this, the prosecutor tried to get me to plea to a lesser charge of 5 years probation, if I’d agree to testify that I was w/the shooter when he robbed and shot the victim. I wanted to, out of fear and desperation but it wasn’t true! Because I refused, the prosecutor had no witness to the murder so in the midst of the second day of trial he allowed the shooter to plea to a lesser charge (15 years) if he agreed to testify that I was the shooter, which he did. I was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to natural life in prison.
My trial went swift and without the evidence that would have supported m innocence. The evidence that was withheld by the prosecutor came later, years later, “by mistake.”
I say mistake because this is what the prosecutor said when and how I received the Grand Jury testimony and statements of witnesses, which I was totally unaware of. This evidence implicated his two witnesses of murder. The prosecutors had the trial jury believe his witnesses had no reason to lie, as did the detective, for indictment! When the grand jury ask about “ any other person other than’me’ that had people to come forward and implicate, he lied, and covered for them, in order to make his investigation more reliable. I tried to petition the courts with this newly discovered evidence(pro se) , along with a sworn affidavit from my trial attorney that” If I had discovered these statements I would have done everything under allowable law and have used these statements to support your innocence!!

If you would like to stand with Lloyd in his fight for freedom an d education, you can help by writing to him at:
Lloyd Jarrow #365826; general Delivery; LA State Prison; Angola, LA 70712.

Note: Lloyd was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole . If you believe that sentence was too cruel and teens especially should be given a second chance, share your concern by contacting Citizens for A second Chance; Kelly Orians, 504-522-5437.
Kelly Orians is the campaign coordinator for the Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana.

“Many small people, who in many small places do many small things can alter the face of the world”
Piece of graffiti from the Berlin Wall, Fall 20 years ago.

MY FOUNDATION

If you had ask me to describe my foundation in high school(i.e. round the time I was abducted into the adult prison system) I wouldn’t have been able to. I’m sure I had some sort of impressionable foundation. But if you had asked me to express it in writing I probably would have looked at you with contempt and alarm, esp had you been one of my teachers. It’s not that I hated writing I just didn’t know how, i.e. to read, write or spell. And everyone of my teachers know but did very little to help. I don’t fault them anymore than I felt myself cause there were times when I was plain stubborn and childish. As a jaded teen I felt alone and uncertain. I didn’t know how to discern or make friends. In fact, I fought against the very foundation of my social puberty.
At home there was no one there capable of schooling me, at least not academically. My father was deadbeat and gone. I only knew his name and face cause we wear the same. My mom did her best. She was illiterate and dying from depression, drugs and physical abuse. Though she maintained a steady job for 27 years I had to sieze he checks or whatever was left of it. She could tell me the day before payday no matter what she says or do I was not to give her the money back. Instead pay the bills and if it wasn’t enough I had to flip what she had until I had enough for food, school clothes and rent. It wasn’t easy to deny her esp. where she was jones’n for a fix. Then she would cry, beg, scream, demand and plea for a hit or a few dollars to get one. It hurted me to see her in that state as much as it hurted to go without food, field trip money and decent clothes. It hurted even more because I didn’t understand. I didn’t understand the foundation she was installing in me. A foundation of strength and independence.’
That was her gift to me. And cause of it I’m able to stand firm inspite of being sentenced to natural life as a juvenile.. inspite of the grief of loosing her… inspite of having spent over 5,675 days of my life in prison for a crime I did not commit….Inspite of it all she gave me a foundation…

A CRY FOR INNOCENCE by Lloyd Jarrow
I am not sorry and neither will I apologize for a crime I did not commit!! Would you?Some people say its funny how the system convicts the innocent. As one, I don’t believe it’s funny at all. I believe it’s a random disregard of human life. I believer it’s murder!!! So random and murderous to where Innocent Projects ha d to be set up throughout the states. Unfortunately, most of all of them only accept DNA based cases. What’s to happen to those cases where the accuse is coerced to give a false confession, or (like me) where the D.A. withheld favorable evidence that support your innocence..evidence that not only implicate his witnesses of murder,but point out where/how the lead detective covered for them in his investigation and /or testimony before the grand jury ?!? It’s a game like putting coins into the pinball machine. You cast your ballot to elect them and they cheat you by withholding evidence. They cheat believing “trials are too important to be left up to juries,” Someone once told me this is not a world for the honest! This is not a place where people are concern about anything beyond themselves. For all the wrong reasons I’m compelled to believe it. But I know there are people that are just as concerned bout the innocent as they are about the environment.
Even still, if I ask for help – if I ask you to stand with me as an Innocent Juvenile Offender sentenced to NATURAL LIFE (to death) I wonder if you’ll brush me off as just another innocent person? I hope not but if you do please remember my cry and:

“The moment we stop
Fighting for each other that’s
The moment we lose our humanity”

Hope
I hope you are sober
At least enough to remember
And appreciate the treasure of life

I hope for tomorrow
For a more promising future
For love and space to grow

I hope you are inspired,
Inspired to fight for your dreams
Like oxygen fighting pollution to
Breathe

I hope you smile

Ivy Carter

2010-05-28T12:14:00.001-07:00

Ivy Carter #206034
CCI; PO Box 900;
Portage, Wi 53901

Background
I have been incarcerated since I was 19 years of age. I will be 38 later this year. I have practically spent more time in prison than I have in the "free world," and I must say justifiably so. I am serving time for the worst crime that could be committed—murder. The specifics of what happened is irrelevant when in the end a person loss their life.
I must admit that when I was nineteen I did not know what life was about/ let alone value it. I was an angry abused child who was convinced that the world was "cold and heartless" so I had to be the same way in order to survive. It wasn't until years later that I realized that line of thinking was wrong and I had to change it.
My "stint" in prison has not been an easy one—change is never easy—however/ it has been a productive one. With confidence and pride I can say that I am nothing like the angry/ cold/ and heartless teenager that I was eighteen years ago. I not only know what life is about/ I also value and respect it to the fullest. If you have time check out my article "Where's The Governor?" Thanks. ELABH!

Where's The Governor?By Ivy James Carter III ©2010
What if we did not have governors for each state in this country and there was no one to fill that chief executive position?. Hypothetically, the people of each state would be ungoverned. History reveals that ungoverned people will lead to anarchy--disorder and confusion. If it is likely for ungoverned adults to lead to disorder and confusion, should the same logic be applied to adolescent delinquents whose prefrontal cortex, "which governs the 'executive functions' of reasoning (i.e., advanced thought, and impulse control)," isn't fully functional1? The human brain in adolescents does not mature and complete its development until around the age of 25. Put simply, adolescents do not possess the ability to reason and behave like adults.
With an underdeveloped brain--no governor — adolescents search for boundaries in life that will help them make sense of the seemingly chaotic world around them. For the lucky ones, that quest may lead to some form of "brief" punishment from their parents. For the not so fortunate ones, that quest may lead to a "permanent" punishment that can last until old age. I, like many other delinquent adolescents currently incarcerated, are among the not so fortunate ones. I am not against punishing delinquent adolescents for crimes they commit; however, I do question the logic behind locking them up and throwing away the key when their "poor decision making" was a part of who they were. Isn't there a more reasonable, judicious, and balanced approach toward keeping order and protecting the public once the child has learned how to reason and act like a responsible adult?

"When I was a child I acted like a child..."
By no standards would I call myself an angel. In fact, if you look up "adolescent delinquent" in the dictionary, you will more than likely see my picture. I was a troubled youth who saw trouble as a way of getting attention and making a name for myself. Each time I got into trouble I was referred to juvenile court where the focus was more on punishment than the reformation of the corrupt thoughts and behaviors that I had. I was left to handle and figure those things out for myself and, like a dog, I chased my tail believing that I would "get it." Unfortunately, the only thing I got at the age of 19 was a life-sentence with the chance for parole a few weeks after I turn 64 years old.

"...When I became a man I stopped doing childish things."
1 Coalition for Juvenile Justice "What Are the Implications_ of Adolescent Brain Development for Juvenile Justice?" 2006, p.3.
I have been in prison for the better part of 18 years now, and I am nothing like the stubborn, hardheaded, "youngster" that I was when I first got locked up. In fact, it is safe to say that I am no longer an adolescent trying to make sense of the world around me. I would consider myself a man who knows how to reason and be responsible.
During my incarceration, I have completed many programs and read thousands of books that have helped me develop constructive thoughts and behaviors. Those that get to know me often ask, "What are you doing in prison?" implying that I do not belong in prison. I explain in so many words, that the person I am now may not belong in prison, but it is the "big ball of idiot" that I used to be that keeps me confined.

"When you know better, you do better...Over-incarceration"
At what point does incarceration for a "delinquent adolescence" become over-incarceration?
I do not have access to the statistics, but I am confident that the numbers will show that a good percentage, over 75% or 3 out of 4, delinquent adolescents sent to prison that have served 10 years or more, are least likely to re-offended. My point, once their brain fully developed, they disposed of the thoughts and behaviors that led them to prison in the first place.
I know many men like myself who came to prison as "boys" and self-reformed into respectable men who now see criminal behavior as detestable. The positive thoughts and actions we have incorporated into our lives can be used to stop the next troubled teen from following in our footsteps, and guide us toward being productive members in our communities. The odds of us "re-offending" are not the same as the adult "career criminal." Now that we have learned better ways, we choose to do better things. So what's the point of keeping us incarcerated? In so many ways, we are being over-incarcerated.

Tyrone Munson

2010-05-19T21:08:00.001-07:00

Tyrone D Munson #35616
PO Box 351
Waupun , Wi 53963

I too was a Juvenile, first time offender who before my crime took place was not in trouble with the law. Never been to juve, did not even have a violent history. Got sentenced to 290 years in prison when I was 17 years old. At the mental age of a 12 year old. My crime was not a reflection of my daily living. But was a result of the many unresolved childhood issues I never had a chance to properly release. In turn I violently raped a women. Which in turn did not feed anything other than the hate, bitterness, anger, pain, and me being raped. Not only of my childhood innocents, but my ability to properly express what was taking place as a child. There will never be a right justification to what I've done. But I can say my actions now reflect that of a different person. From a boy to a man. The reality of this situation is even in prison. I still battle this hierarchy of what crime is the worst crime to commit.

You couldn't have told me that I would be in prison for sexual assault. Not only because I knew it was wrong but it was not socially acceptable in my community. Neither is it in prison, which I still can't understand how can one shun a rapist, but accept a murderer. That always puzzled me. For the simple fact both crimes you have taken the security away from that person. Except in a murder that person doesn't have to feel it. It will be the family who feels it so to me both are equally wrong. All in all unfortunately I have this jacket, and I have to wear it so I might-as-well speak out about it. The harsh reality is a lot of young as well as older men is coming to prison for rape. But many of them never get treatment. Most still deny it only because again it is socially "not cool"!

Yes I am ashamed of the things I've done but I refuse to continue to make it about me. I did the crime, and society wants me to do forever for what I did as a child. I truly believe that I can be of some assist-ance to come to understanding the why behind the will to do something so horrendous. I want to share my story in the hopes of enlightment. Not saying people won’t still have there opinions. However it will give one a pen point.

Written by: Echo DeVon (Tyrone D. Munson)
***
****Congratulations****Graduation*
Congratulations, you graduated/ but no one will call your name. No there will be no roll call. "There will Be no acceptance speech!" You did not make the deans list. You just simply graduated. Sad though, no mother, no father, no sister, or no brother. No one to cheer your name, what for? No one came to honor you, Congratulations, for your Graduation.
"Who do you think you are?"
To receive such a prestigious award. You only survived a house hold of trauma. There is no blue ribbon because your father left you at an early age. You don't get a courageous of the year award trophy, because you survived the family secret, and your mother's shame. That at the hands of someone you trusted. They did awful things to you. "Ha" you think it noble, there is no B.A./ there is no Master's Degree.

No your degrees are third degree burns, that run from your face to your torso. From hot greases being thrown on you because your mother say; every time she looks at you she sees your father. A mathematician, never saw that in your future. Besides, you are too damn stupid for that, at least this is what everyone is telling you. Do you want to be a mathematician? Well solve this problem. One mother on crack, plus a father who is not even a part of your life which really is a minus. Divided by drugs, alcohol, and dropping out of school. Equals committing a crime, ending up in prison, or dead.

Yeah "Congratulations" as you look into the mirror. You have come to hate him that stares back at you. Because now you believe everything people said about you. You're ugly, you will never amount to anything, and that you were a mistake. No you shouldn't have low self-esteem. Suck it up, didn't they tell you real men aren't suppose to cry. But this boy who is only 11 years old says to himself, I am not a man. Though indeed he is a man, however the only thing he can remember was when he was this boy. Now at the age of 33 he is still stuck at 11.

Congratulations on your Graduation.
For this time you have made a stand, from being powerless to powerful. You are honored for your silent courage. You are praised for your resilience. Not backing down from when life smacked you around. Congratulations because you Graduated from a school that had no dreams, the teachers have all failed you but you'passed- Not because of some book that told you this. Or you telt that you needed validation from someone else. Not even some papers acknowledging mere accomplishments, not even this seem to suffice.
No Congratulations you Graduated, because you chose not to stay in a box, you did not make excuses. You chose not to allow your past to say who you are in the present. So I think I should Congratulate you on your Graduation, there is no need for a cap and gown, please be proud of who you've become. Hold your head up and stand tall, yeah that's it now smile for the camera. You made it. Not how others think you should have but you made it......"Congratulations on your Graduation......

This is for anyone who have went through anything in your life. I want you to understand that you have graduated from a school of life. If you are in your right mind. I think you should be proud of yourself. Not for the many bad things that happen to you, but for making it this far. It counts for something Congratulations.

FAMILY
(The new Reality)

I was born out of my mother's womb, on January 26, 1980.

Shortly thereafter, I was adopted by a different family. This was a family of a different race, a family of a whole different creed. This new family I was adopted by, treats me worse than a red headed step child(as they would say).

Our parents never reward us for the many tries. We are always punished though if we do wrong. My brother's,(All boys because this family has no girls)are all different in many ways. We all come from the same mother of bad choices and wrong decisions. We rarely talk about mother, because sometimes it seems to painful to face. If we do talk about mother, it tends to have a negative effect on us. Leaving us angry, bitter, sad, and depressed. Mainly because, if we had listened to our real parents, We wouldn't have to face the ugly truths of our other mother. Bad choices and wrong decisions.

What can I say, my family is so dysfunctional. On top of this we all have major issues, some of my brother's are killers. many of my brothers sold drugs, a lot of them raped women, robbed there own birth mothers, smoked dope, drinked liquor and stole things."You name it we did it"! Like I said we all are alike in some ways. We all have taken something. We all have stole something or something have been stolen from us. Any way it goes we are here, The sad part about is, alot of us did not have our birth fathers. So now we are forced into a situation where we have to listen to our new parents.

There names are Mr. and Mrs. Correctional Officer.

We have to listen to everything they say. If not, we will be punished. Or they will send us to our uncle's and aunt's house. There names are the white Shirt family. Mr. and Mrs. Captain, or Lieutenant. Last and surely least, we have the grand of daddies. The Warden, he doesn't do anything but hand out orders. To be honest I dislike this family. But the truth is, without them as a whole. Everyone, I wouldn't have seen my worth. Because of my brother's(some of them)and there unwillingness to change. It gives me all the more hope to change. Because I refuse to remain the same. Because of the Go's/White Shirt's and the Warden. I strive even harder, they propel me to become a better man. Because honestly they don't give a care if I do or not.

Like I said this whole family is dysfunctional. Everybody has there issues, but your best bet is to work on them while you can. Because there is so much hatred in this family, they will kick you out of the house(prison)
with nothing, no tool's to utilize on the street's. So use this opportunity to get better. Then you will get
out and be with the ones who really loves you.. If not......Just as I am, you will be a part of this

family until to die. Unless by the power of God something changes....... THINK ABOUT IT.

CRY
Why should I cry didn't nobody hurt me.When my father died.I didn't feel that he deserted me.There is no way I could shed any tears,for seeing my mother being abused and using drugs for many years.Waking up in the middle of the night wishing tne pain would go away.Praying that someone could help us,I begin to feel like a through away.My feelings wasn't hurt,when others treated me like dirt.Wearing my heart on my sleeve leaving it exposed,so it was easy to make me bleed.In agony a child was conceived,but at that moment I only cried to breath.Besides I was always told ,that real men don't suppose to cry. Suck it up,keep going,hold it all inside. This crazy part for me though I was just a kid. Who suffered a great deal of misfortune at the hands of what my parents did.

"Shut up boy" for I give you something to cry for.Would be the words I hear after getting beat with extension cords.As welts appeared on my body,I begin to question what to live for.l want to cry out but I'm afraid because I don't want to lose my inner pride.Crying makes me soft,and 1 always want to appear strong.I don't want anyone to know that deep down inside I'm fighting to hold on.I love my daughter so much.That at night I cry myself to sleep.But I will not tell anyone, then you'll think I'm weak.Sentence a teenager to life in prison he won't even feel it. He didn't feel the pain he caused,he just kept on living.

Should I cry if a person die I really cared about? For all the tears I held in for years man just let it out! I'm tired of hurting can there just be one day I can go and feel relief? Or will I be forever haunted for the life I lived on the streets,As I touched my face a stream of water begin to run down my cheek. In my mind I've crossed that line hoping no one can see me.When I look back on everything in my life, I started to notice a lie.The lie was this,what I truly missed."Real men are not afraid to cry!"By: Echo Devon.

Product Of Environment
An adolescent bombarded by the disposition of his environmental control.A absentee father so in dissipation he spirals out of control. A transference from the umbilical cord.The child consumes in the womb what the mother experience in life.From love, hate, fear, drugs, or abuse of alcohol. To violence, depression, bitterness, or rage the fetus can feel it all.

When the child is conceived how precious is he, a new addition, to a broken family. But little do he know, that before he even grow he has been infected with an unstable mentality. So when the time comes for him to transform, that boy into a man. The stifling of his emotions kill any chance that he will have in life to ever advance. Not fully understanding this metamorphosis, he immediately internalize. That which his mother embodied the negative forces, hate, fear and constant lies.

The father isn't there to cultivate, or properly inform this man-child. So the things he is now experiencing is self-destruction in
form of acting out. Frora unsafe sex, selling drugs, smoking weed drinking and staying out all night. To robbing people, having shoot outs, even organizing neighborhood gang fights. The list can go on, because the true identity of this man child has been stripped away.

Self-hatred, low self-esteem, no self-concept or structure to build a foundation. So the school of the streets taught him selfishness, self preservation, get what you can get by all means, even if that meant by annihilation.What a devastation, for a man-child to be lags than what God created. Not because he chose this road, but it is evident that past mistakes made it.

No wonder he grows to kill, lie, rob, rape, commit suicide, or end up behind bars. Because there was no way he could escape, it was
already injected into his heart. The only way this cycle can be broke is going back to where it was birth. Then replacing the falsehood that was taugnt. With the truth to his already damaged self-worth. Acceptance is essential, but forgiveness is key. To unlocking the mystery, a lost product of society.,...
BY: Tyrone Munson
B.K.A Echo Devon

White Walls
As I stare at these walls,painted in this cell.I can’t help but to realize to them I've failed.They look back at me,as if I am gum on the bottom of there shoe's.With judgmental eye's they say “I’m better than you!" If I pay close attention I sometimes hear them speak,some with a respectful tone. Yet others yell at me.If history tells me anything this is nothing new. Because the white walls that surrounds me,surrounded ray ancestor's too.The only color I really see,is those in the color green just like me.I also see the color blue but they're is a contrast between me and you.

Because of my failures I've been sent away to be stock in a prison.At least thirty thousand dollars for my existence is what
your bidding.Racism & reality goes hand in hand,am I a racist because I despise the abuse of authority from a white man? Oh you
thought these white walls I speak of was literal? When in all actuality this message is not subliminal.I've been taken away from family,and brought to another land.Where white is dominate;from the t.v. shows to the white Co's,the nurses,and psychologist,even
those who do parol.

Everything I do is considered a gang,if I make one mistake the
walls say's "He'll never change."I'm considered to be manipulative
because I posses social skills.If I look at these walls for to long
they tell me how I should feel.I miss black women with there attitude,and curvaceous temple.The way they love and care for me,these attributes very instrumental.I have now developed a liken for white women.But there is a rule,don't look to hard and don't touch.This rule goes against natural law because I1^ a man who respect and like all women so much.

My assertiveness is considered aggressive,if I'm passionate then I
must be mad.When they don't understand me they write antisocial, depressed or sad.Everytime I wake up,I'm reminded of my life on pause. All because I'm en-trapped in the midst of these "White Walls"........
By Echo Tyrone Devon

ME (Complex-of-ME)
A detriment of my pride has commence to take shape.
A deformity in my character perpetuate a masquerade
so I'm faking. Trying to be some one I really cant be,
an adolescent in adult shoes. Failing to articulate this concept of self-hate so I choose. To be a fool and drop out of school, and conform to society stereo-types.

Instead of pursuing an edumication I pick up a dope sack,
or check, check mic. There is more to my plight in life,
but I assimilate to what's being taught. Because the truth
of my identity is like a fiction novel that can ba brought.
Who am I?" No the question is who I am not? I am not your
average Joe. I have the full capacity to think, speak and live like a palm tree so I grow. I feel, I cry, I laugh, I'm shy. I learn from a lie, I love so I sigh….

I empathize with emotional muscles that I have learned to exercise. So this detriment that 1 speak of is no longer an issue, Like one big tissue I have become a gentle man soft to the core. Now when you see me,you don't, see this peter-pan
anymore. Although I am still flawed, in my humanistic capabilities. I accept the man I've become , but I embrace this
boy inside of me..
Echo Devon

D.B.I. (DEATH BY INCARCERATION)
You have heard the saying, "Life in prison without the possibility of Parole".This is an incorrect way of saying it.No, the proper term to use is "Death in prison without the possibility of reaching your goals.”
When you speak of life,I see it a whole lot differently then most.Life consist of hope, freedom, space , joy, fullfillment,and satisfaction.These are the things of life. Life opens up doors, opportunity,you are able to be someone.There is a chance in life,although restricted there is no restrictions.Again opportunity to be whatever you want to be,having that chance.To have an investment in your natural abilities,your God giving talents.

When I speak of life what also comes to mind is freedom.In life you have a freedom,freedom to express yourself without any consequence. Freedom is to live how you choose to live.Not a freedom to do whatever you want to do no matter who gets hurt.But a freedom to be in love with someone,to really care if they are hurting.This freedom is not stifled by rules that utterly disregard the human physics.Where the natural senses are controlled by unnatural senseless people. With a new respect you are able to taste what is good.To enjoy the flavors of what life has to offer.

To smell,that which smell good to the central of your nerve system.To touch the very essence of what this freedom is all about,Life.Whether it be a plant,a dream,a new born baby,a beautiful women,or whatever it maybe.To hear a song,a word of encouragement.A simple I love you,or what about children playing outside,the sound of her heart beat as you both lay together.Yes this is life,to see those things which at one point you were blinded to.Love,respect family,marriage,to care,to have compassion,and understanding.

This is freedom,this is what life is all about,But where I'm at is death.I received death in prison.To live under the dictates of those who doesn't even believe in my life concept.Those whom are so caught up in trying to prove that I am the criminal,that they,themselves have failed to see there own criminal mental and emotional behaviors.Death in prison,there is no enjoyment watching second by second,minute by minute,hour by hour,day by day,week by week,month by month,and year by year going by and you can’t help but think,"I'm" dying.My dreams of ever being what I wanted to be is slowly wasting away.

This is a superficial reality,what seems to be never is.You have no more chances,you cant go to the beach,you cant watch movies with your family.You know the little things,there is no dream job here.In all actuality you no longer live.You just merely exists.So there really is no such thing as life in prison.There is however death.Death of your hopes,death of your dreams,even the harsh reality of losing family members.This is not living,although you may have to settle or some how condition your mind for acceptance.This is not living! do not have life in prison,no I have death by incarceration.

TYRONE DEVON
(TREATED)
You strip me from my freedom,I admit I've did some wrongs.But why are you trying to keep me,away from home for way to long? If I accentu¬ate my culture,you misjudge me for being in a gang! But you are a part of a "union" an "institution" that's all the same.I maintain a positive mind frame,but in your brain I'm still the same.Just because you are stagnated in your growth,doesn't mean that I cant change.

How dare you define your morality,by the position you hold over me. Looking down at me with a frown,but seriously you're worse than me.I've committed crimes to get me here,but now I digress from such behaviors.On the other hand,you back hand your children and noisy neighbor’s.On a drunken tantrum,you mentally destroy whomever they want to be.By callin them fat,cunt,ugly,or stupid!You have no right to keep on judging me.

After 400 years,we are still in the same boat,no buses are used to transport.Teenager's ranging from 12-thru-18,giving death sentences,in a all white mans court.Sent to prison,the new plantation,to work for meaningless wages.All while keeping us locked down in cell's smaller than little dog cages.The department of corrections,no let me correct you.There is no correction in prison.More like the death of connections or destitute of colored men.How about the destruction of our children.

I admit there are men who still belong in prison.Because they fail to realize the prison within them.But there are some whom you locked up as kids,we have long since recompensed for the things that we've did. Society if you hear me,please don't be ignorant to the facts,that concealed behind these prison walls are many people who want to give back...
TYRONE DEVON

Jamaica Wilson

2010-05-14T05:42:00.001-07:00

Jamaica Wilson #403119
CCI;PO Box900
Portage, Wi 53901

SECOND CHANCE FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS

MY NAME IS JAMAICA WILSON AND I'M FROM MILWAUKEE WISCONSIN. I'M CURRENTLY INCARCERATED AT COLUMBIA CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION (CCI). I'M 28 YEARS OLD AND HAVE BEEN IN PRISON FOR 10 YEARS. I WAS ARRESTED A MONTH AFTER MY 18th BIRTHDAY. I WAS CHARGED AND CONVICTED OF FIRST DEGREE INTENTIONAL HOMICIDE. AT THE TIME OF BEING CHARGED AND CONVICTED I HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OR UNDERSTANDING OF THE LAW BECAUSE I NEVER HAD ANY RUN-INS WITH THE LAW. MY LAWYER CONVINCED AND MANIPULATED ME INTO PLEADING GUILTY TO A CHARGE I DIDN'T COMMIT AND AS A RESULT I WAS SENTENCED TO LIFE WITH THE "ELIGIBILITY" OF EXTENDED SUPERVISION AFTER 2025.

BEFORE MY ARREST I WAS A VERY HUMBLE AND FAMILY ORIENTED PERSON THAT LOVED TO PLAY BASKETBALL FOR DIFFERENT LEAGUES AND TOURNAMENTS. I ALSO LIKED TO DREW, WRITE MUSIC, AND SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY. BUT UNFORTUNATELY I FELL VICTIM TO THE STREETS WHILE IN 7th GRADE AFTER MY FATHER PASSED AND MY ONLY TWO OLDER BROTHERS WERE CONVICTED AND SENT TO PRISON. I STARTED SMOKING WEED AND SELLING DRUGS WHILE TRYING TO BALANCE MY "HOOP DREAMS". BUT I GRADUALLY STARTED TO LOOSE INTEREST IN BASKETBALL BECAUSE OF THE WEED SMOKING, DRUG SELLING, AND PERSONAL PROBLEMS. I ALSO HAD NO SUPPORT FOR MY "HOOP DREAMS" BECAUSE MY MOTHER WAS ALWAYS AT WORK OR TOO SICK TO LEAVE THE HOUSE. I BEGAN TO LIVE IN THE STREETS. GOING FROM ONE HOUSE TO ANOTHER AT THE AGE OF 15 UNTIL I WAS 16 AND ME AND MY 23 YEAR OLD GIRLFRIEND GOT AN APARTMENT. I ATTENDED SCHOOL TIL 10th GRADE, AND EVENTUALLY THE "STREET LIFE" CAUGHT UP WITH ME.

AFTER SENTENCING I WAS TRANSFERED TO WAUPUN CORRECTIONAL INST¬ITUTION (WCI). WHILE AT I'VE GOTTEN MY HSED, COMPLETED AND RECEIVED CERTIFICATES FOR LIFE SKILLS, EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS AT MARSHi-AND HIGH, AND ANGER MANAGEMENT AT WCI. I ALSO GOT CERTIFICATES AT MORAINE PARK TECHNICAL COLLEGE FOR VOCATIONAL MATH, STUDENT SUCCESS, OCCUPATIONAL SUCCESS STRATEGIES, AND OCCUPATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS. WITH THAT SAID, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT I'VE ACCOMPLISHED MANY POSITIVE THINGS THAT ARE BENEFICIAL DURING MY INCARCERATION. I'M NOW INTERESTED IN TAKING AN AUTO COLLISION. REPAIR/REFINISHING VOCATIONAL CLASS AND TRYING TO ADVANCE MY EDUCATION THE BEST I CAN. I LIKE TO READ POSITIVE EDUCATIONAL BOOKS AND PERIODICALS. PARTICULARLY ABOUT RESTORING AND BEING CREATIVE WITH VINTAGE AND MODERN VEHICLES.

I CAN HONESTLY SAY I'VE MATURED MENTALLY, PHYSICALLY, AND SPIRITUALLY, I'VE BECOME RESPONSIBLE AND NOT ONLY DO I KNOW WHAT IT TAKES BUT I UNDERSTAND HOW TO BE A PRODUCTIVE INDIVIDUAL MY PERSONALITY AND DEMEANOR HAS THE TENDENCY TO ATTRACT AND ATTACH POSITIVE PEOPLE, SO THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING SURROUNDED BY POSITIVITY WILL HELP ME UTILIZE MY GREAT ABILITIES AND GROW MORE AS A PERSON IF GIVEN A SECOND CHANCE. I'M EXTREMELY CONFIDENT THAT MY SELFMOTIVATION WILL PRODUCE A HIGH LEVEL OF SUCCESS AND ENABLE ME TO BE A PRODUCTIVE CITIZEN. FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION AND REFUSE TO RETURN TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONALS.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED

Shareef Williams

2010-04-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

Shareef Williams #335432

GBCI
PO Box 19033
Green Bay, WI 54307

In the Name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Second Chance for Juvenile Offenders

My name is James Williams also known as Shareef Williams. I can sit here and write you the most romanticized letter about why I should have a second chance at life. But it”ll only be a fraction of how I truly feel.

Yes, I was young when I committed my crime, 17 years old. I foolishly took part in taking the life of an innocent person. Someone who was only doing their job. Helping other people and giving advice. Even gave me some advice.

When the judge gave me my time, I didn’t blink nor drop a tear. Not because I felt I deserved it. But because I had the mind state that I was superman. There’s no way that this man can give me a parole date of 2098, 101 years! I’ll be 118 years old when I first see parole.

I was never a real trouble maker. I was the type of kid that felt the world owed me something. And I felt that I deserved the world in gold. Do to a low self-esteem I just rolled with the punches. This way of thinking has been negative at times, as well as positive. It has placed me in groups that helped me get many jobs. And groups that have placed me in hot water at home. And one time in a detention center over night, at the age pf 15/ For two counts of misdemeanor battery. Which was dropped to one count. I was given probation and community service for my actions.

After13 years in prison, I’ve changed many things about myself. I let go of my I’m the victim thoughts, and started taking responsibilities for my actions. This way of thinking opened my eyes to a new world. I began to give back to the world. And felt that a positive me would be the best gift that I could ever return to the world.

But the big question remains, Do I deserve a second chance? In all honesty, I’ll have to say no. I don’t deserve the chance, my family do. They deserve the chance to see me be a productive person. Someone they’ll be proud to call their son, brother, and father. I’ve hurt them more by my actions, then I’ve hurt myself. So please don’t fight for my freedom. Fight for my family, to have a chance to see the man that I’ve become.

Thank you for your time and support,

SHAREEF

3 new offerings
IN THE Name Of ALLAH, MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL

Honorable Dominic S Amato
May this letter find you and your loved ones in the best of health, and state of mind. I must inform you that this letter isn't a motion for a time cut nor a plea for any relief in any way, shape, or form. This is wrote with the hope of being given a second chance to make a first impression.

Please allow me the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is James D. Williams, you convicted me to life in prison on August 4, 1997 (case # F-971225). At the time my 17 year old way of thinking did not do me or society, any help. But with 12 years of thinking I have come to an understanding that only a mature man can accept.

Many nights I find myself revisiting your court room, hearing your words about the person that I was, 12 years ago, really forced me to put some thought into who I was, and am today.
In 1997 I didn't have any respect for life, nor did I have a idea of respect for myself. This lack of respect allowed me the ability to stupidly take a life. Not just any life but, the life of someone that was a positive influence within the community. And within that same action destroyed any chance I had at any type of life.

Now I realize that remorse isn't something that is used in order to say how sorry I am for my actions. True remorse is within the actions.

And no amount of time can correct my actions. Only a reaction can correct any incorrect action. So with this new thought process, I have been trying to make attempts at changing how I am viewed by people. And even though you don't remember me or even care if I have changed or not, it matters to me how I have left a negative last impression in your mind. So I request that you please up date any negative thoughts of that 17 year old boy, to who I am today. A person that is seeking to correct his past mistakes. May you and your loved ones be blessed and thank you for your time. -
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
JAMES D. WILLIAMS

Changing The Youth:The New Revolution....

Change is the most wishful word in the English language. It evoke feeling of hope. Strong possibilities and endless opportunities. You know, "the silver lining in the sky," change does not exist. It's simply another tooth fairy "leave-the-tooth-under-the-pillow" and hope for a gift hoax.

Even you, yeah you, reading this paper right now, cannot change! You can not be a better parent or shed that extra weight or change your attitude. You are who you were ten, fifteen, and twenty years ago and you are doomed to continue on the same course of action until your death.

What’s wrong? Does it hurt to feel insulted??? Well, join the club, This is the same line of gibberish teenagers all over the United States of America are being brain washed with; because of bad choices made during their adolescence. Walk into any juvenile courtroom and you will hear the judge give society this story about how some kid is a disgrace to the community and need to be banned for the rest of his or her young life.

Please don't get me wrong, this is not a call for readily made excuses for negative behavior patterns, it's a cry for help. It is time for society as a whole to became aware and take control of the punishing of our children.

Unless we are going to accept the notion that's being politicized by judges, district attorneys, and politicians that juvenile offenders are doomed for failure and should receive the harshest penalties for first-time offenses. As if the juvenile is exempt from the change that comes with maturity.

These same juveniles are from our communities and upon release will return back to our communities. Now is our chance to take control of the type of adults that will be returning. Join the fight, right now! There are organizations that are laying ground work for a plan to better rehabilitate the children of America. Please go to: http:www.prisonforum and click on juvenile page. Give your input and offer your support. The future should be in our hands.

4 Elements Of Consciousness

Use what you have before, you have not. Supplies of "I TRY" are plentiful. So keep trying, while the rest of the world is doing what you can't. Life is passing join it or be left behind No one will miss you, someone Might remember you, P1""1 not anyone will trade places with you.

We are living... how about you? Has the stress of the world choked the life from your spirit. Broken you down to a meaningless existence. Break free from the burdens that hunt you. No one can save you, but you. The choice is all yours. If you fail, you fail because of you. If you rise to the challenge and win, you win because of you. This fight is all yours, use your four elements. There are few that understand how vital they are, in the game of survival.

Element 1 :
Be aware. This go beyond the three senses, look, listen, and learn. This element challenge the intellect and force one to see, what is not shown; hear what is not said; and understand the unquestioned riddle. This is done by understanding that the human being is a being of the circle effect. The circle effect is the action to the cause and effects of life. There is a high percentage of humans that react the same, to the same cause that effect the behavior. When one is mad, one ball up their face, when one is happy, one smile and so on. The face tells all, the eyes don't know how to keep a secret, and the impulse(VERBAL OR PHYSICAL)is no liar.Humans are all wired
in the same way. "know yourself an: you'll know all.
Element 2:
Silence. Only in the darkness of quietness, is one able to surface the answers, that will manifest the self clearly. If we allow our mind to run wild, our words and actions will mirror the image of our inner self. Educate the self to shut up, point blank. If one can't control their mind, how will one be able to control their out come.
Element 3
The honey effect.Have you ever tried to quickly pour honey from a jar? If you said yes, you have burned off energy that could have been used else where. One has to allow the honey to slowly creep out the of the jar and onto the object of choice. One have to master the honey effect, this is done by thinking before you speak. Allow your works to slowly slide from your mind and analyze each one as it creeps to your mouth and out the lips. A well thought out sentence is worth the world in gold. And can keep one out of a sticky situation, that can leave them stung. them stung.
Element 4:
Store and evaluate. Create a storage space, in your mind for useful conversation. Once you have stored them you are able to evaluate them, and see when and where you allowed an
conversation opportunity to pass you by. By using this element, one is able to mentally encourage themself to speak up when the time is right. And it allows one to become mentally stronger. So when a debate is thrown at you,you are able to counter more effectively. By evaluating our past, we are able to alter our future. Life is a game that is won by the hungry. Every moment is a chance to excel above the rest. Who we are isn’t what matters, but what we become is the important thing.

If you didn't come to play hard, then go home, watch from the sidelines, or die with the rest of them. Are you intellagent enough to win. The war has moved beyond the physical world. The battle field lay within the minds of the human beings. It's all about the power of the mind. Use it, or lose it. Period!!!

MY Appeal
I appeal to you, not the form, or the character of the individual, but the conscious mind of men. We have been placed in a rut. A rut of 2nd guessing ourselves. 9x'S out of 10 we are blessed to want to do more, be more!!! But we allow ourselves to be 2nd guessed by our doubting minds. That part of us that feel like we can’t won’t shouldn’t and can never be better. It's in our nature to seek to be better than yesterday.

Allow your power, to be great, to break free from the monster of 2nd guessing. I call to you INTELLECTUAL SELF, rise up RISE-UP, RISE-UP!!! The time for action is upon us and change of the level self is now. It's time to stop just being good and be the best, stop being average and step into the shoes of greatness. It's us who have sold outselves short, and only the man in the mirror can help you.

The moment of truth is now, the fight is in our own backyard, every last one of us. Clear house or allow it to collapse. We’re man enough to fight each other, man enough to take from each other, man enough to break the law (MAN MADE, SELF MADE AND ALLAH MADE). I ask you this? Are we man enough to defeat our self? To hear that insight from our intellectual self and utilize it? change will come, it's who you are when it get here that is most important.

SELF CONTROL
CONTROL YOURSELF OR SOME ONE ELSE WILL Is one of the building block statement of personal control. Personal control is the ability to take charge of self on a daily basis. Without giving up any part of our self to any one. When we allow any one to control our actions and/or reactions, no matter if the’re emotional or physical, we have giving them free reign over out personal control.

One must be able to take charge of their emotions at any given time. One can't allow them to be manipulated at the free will of others. Even one slip can cause one to lose the game. In life their are no second chances. We live in a world, where everything that we do watched, noted, and exploited for the amusement or benefit of others. One can't allow anyone to take the wheel and steer their life in any direction, that pleases them. One either takes ahold of the wheel of life, and control them self mentally and physically or the puppeteer will do it for you.

One should never allow themself to lose focus, of their personal control. A second of lost focus can 1ead one down the road of being second in command their lives.

Control is given, not taken. NO one can control anyone without them allowing them to. Take control of yourself, before someone else doses. Personal control is a obligation, that the foolish ignore.

KNOWLEDGE Vs. WISDOM

There is this group of monkeys that live deep within the jungle, by a stream that emits steam. Naturally the monkeys came to the conclusion, that the water was dangerously hot. Until one day. One of the monkeys decided to pause on the bank of the stream and examine the piece of fruit that it just picked. When suddenly the monkey lost it's grip of the fruit and, it dropped into the stream. Without thinking about the hot water, the monkey quickly reached the water and retrieved the fruit. Upon doing so the moa^y realized that the water wasn't hot as it had thought. It was cool and perfect for cleaning food, and proceeded to do so. The other monkeys seen this and watched in amazement. One by one they slow approached the stream and placed their hand within the water.

within this story there are two important factors, knowledge and wisdom. At first glance the degrees of separation between these words, are hard to see. But a brief look into them will allow one to see there similarities as well as differences. Knowledge is defined by the webster dictionary as: Understanding acquired through experience. This is a process of learning that the monkey went through, by a set of circumstances that pushed the monkey's survival instinct in to play. To starve or eat was it's only choices. Which lead to the monkey to acquire the informationthat the water was cool, and not hot as it first believed.
Wisdom is defined as: Insightful understanding: what is true, right or enduring. Which is the process, that the rest of the monkeys elevated to. After watching the monkey wash its food in the water knowledge and wisdom are bonded by the links of education. This process of learning is more closely connected with knowledge. But the most widely used form of it is wisdom. So in closing a knowledgeable man learns from experiences And a wise man learns from others experiences.

THE MEASURE OF WILL
Will: control exercised, over oneself: self-discipline. Within life many of us fail to acknowledge our ability, to have the option of choice. Some either think that we have full power or none at all. The former thought process is for the foolish minds, and the latter one is considered as extreme, depending on the situation that it is applied to. Within the middle standing of intellegence, one must exercise a level of understanding between these two thought patterns. Which will in turn bring one to a realization of an ability of a limited will. Which is a more logical mind set.
Lets take a look at the logical and illogical approach of these three types of wills.

The ability of full power of will, is as smart as fish flavored ice. Let us use the air of rational for a second. Humankind been given full power of will, just imagine the chaos that would run rampant within the world. Every foolish wish and desire can be materialize at our every thought. Think of how many people that we have wished death upon through out our lives. How many people would you have foolishly wished dead and for what reason?

So with the irrational minds of the human being in mind, do the ability of full power of will, still sound logical?
The idea of mankind having no free will is more on track, than the above thought process. But even this leval of thinking is too far to the right. Yes in certain areas of human we have no control. To name a few, our birth, our death, our amount of s sustenance we'll acquire during our life. If one need further explanation why these areas have been taken out of our free will, please refer back to the beginning of this paper. The most intelligent view is that we as humans are given a limited free will. This is given only to show us our growth or lack there of.

So in layman terms, not giving mankiind full free will is in reality saving us from ourselves, and allowing us a limited free will is allowing us to have a taste of responsibility over our lives. Without leaving us void of Guidance.

FORMULATED BY Shareef Williams

(7-20-10)

Faux Pas (Fo Pa)

(1) As a unit the word Faux Pas (Fo Pa) is defined in the following words: A social blunder, which doe not truly do the word justice. Lets look at the word from a different angle. Faux Pas is made up of two word Faux and Pas. Faux is defined as: Artificial or fake. And Pas is defined as: A series of steps. Upon further inspection it becomes clear that the social blunder isn't a mistake that is achieved overnight. It was built upon a series of artificial steps, which ultimately lead to an embarrassing end. This is the state of our society, the moral standard has been reduced to a with the filth, leaving the four pillars of the society (Home, Community, School, & media) in ruin. Many half hearted attempts have been made to correct the crumbling strcture; but duct tape and popsicle sticks can only hold for so long. A conscious effort needs to be made to rebuild the pillars. Having even one weak one would weaken and take away from the strength of the other three pillars. Forcing them to work harder to keep up as they pull the slack of the weak pillar.

Home is the strongest of all the pillars, because it is the place where the three main parts of knowledge are learned: Values, lessons, and morals. Before anyone is allowed into the realm of the community, they are influenced and indoctrinated within the home, which if the home is stable, leads to a healthy community.

But when the home is decayed only an illusion of the pillar remains and leaves the community to foot the bill. The original role of the community is to be an active enforcer, of the values, lesson, & morals that were instilled within the home. But with the watered downed version of the home, the pillar of community has been manipulated into being a synthetic home. Parents have went from being the main source of behavioral instruction of THEIR CHILDREN to taking the backseat, as their child learns life's most valuable lessons from their peers and the neighborhood peter pans, (adults who refuse to grow-up), then, to add gas to the flames, the government has stepped into the home and setup laws to orchestrate how parents raise their kids. This leads to three things: 1-parents being- useless, 2- the kids spiraling out of controls, and 3- the community being littered with unruly kids. With the crippled state of the home and community, the third pillar school has went from being the provider of knowledge and career training to being a daycare for overworked, high stressed parents. Parents only care about getting their kids to daycare so that they'll be allowed to get some sleep before work, which is at the same time that Kids are getting home which leaves the kids with the new inhome babysitter, the media. Tha media has been floating in and out of our home for hundreds of years. Beginning with radio and newspapers and television.

The media have been a outlet to plant seeds into the minds of communities since it's beginning. These subliminal messages began as harmless encouragements. What styles to wear, family structure and political adgendas. over the years this family friendly pet, has grown into a vicious beast that doesn't only suggest ideas, but takes control of fragil minds within society. The pillars of media has rose above the rest of the pillars and has gained power and the status of the parents. Not just to the kids but also the parents. The role of the media is so powerful that it has taken on an active role of Image consultant to the world. Teaching females that a real woman is the weight of a eleven year old. And when it comes to clothing, less is best. Teaching males that men are emotionless, but physically having a touch of femininity which is a paradox that drive many insane as they are trying to achieve it. Teaching woman that they are the new age men. That men are good for nothing oppressors. Which leads to woman mirroring these ideas into action and words. Influencing her children with her many,"I hate men", tiraids. While continuing to hopelessly looking for a man to share her life with. Which leaves the men with yoke on their face. Some because they have been exposed for the filth they really are. And the rest are innocent by standers who have paid the price many times for the actions of the pimps, players, and dogs. Leaving them with two choices: 1- accept the bad reputation that has been attached to men, or 2- sorrowfully work to distance themselves from the stink of the decayed image of man. This landfill of a society that we find ourselves in, has been eroded.. The many false ideas and images have chipped away at the beautiful surface of these pillars and left there core exposed and susceptible to be changed into whatever is popular at the time. This course of action only leads to ruin and the loss of the core elements of these pillars. Which will be the end of our society. The time is now, we all need to step up and take responsibility for our actions. And accountability for our addition to the problem. The phenomenon of passing the buck is only taking us further away from the problem. Which isn't leading to a solution, in the near future, the nucleus of this problem is within the relationship of the parents.

Men and women need to wake up and see that the state of society can only be changed by them. It is up to us all. It starts with responsibility for our personal short comings and decisions. All men are not to blame for you to allow some men to knock you up and then run away, or abuse you. It's not every woman's fault that you let some golddigger suck you dry (no pun intended),or abuse you. It was your choice to allow these unworthy individuals into your life. Which only added to your bitterness and resentment towards the opposite sex. These thoughts are the building blocks of the downfall of the family structure. Unless the major players of the family structure are willing to work together we're doomed. I would like to suggest ten steps, that if taken may be able to narrow the gap of men and woman in their relationship.

Ten steps of togetherness

1. Take responsibility for your own actions.

2. Take accountability for inactions.

3. Always include yourself while issuing out blame.

4. Know that change starts with the self first.

5. The media is only entertainment, not the law.

6. Expect from others only what you are willing to give.

7. Communicating requires someone being quiet while one person speaks.

8. Yelling is like drugs, useless and deadly in the wrong hands.

9. Sometimes it doesn't matter what everyone else is or isn't doing, your behavior is what matters most.

10. Respect is a two way street, if you don't drive down it, you won't be shown it.

These ten steps are not law and relationships should not be limited to them. But any action is better then none at all. In the words of Issac Newton, "An object in motion remains in motion until stopped by an outside force". We must rise up and be that outside force, this is our society and the way that it is only effects us. Look around you, take a unromantic look at your environment. Is it really what you want to leave your children and grandchildren? Today is the day for action, tomorrow will be to late. We must act now if not for us, then for the safety of our children. And yes, I am aware that I stated the same sentence two times. The reason is to show that the underlining issue needs to be seen as twice as important. We must take the state of our society seriously, continuing to accept artificial examples of what a society is built upon is pure insanity. The time for action is now. tomorrow might be to late!

BY: Shareef/James Williams

Shulbert Williams

2010-04-17T18:42:00.000-07:00

SECOND CHANCE FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS

Shulbert Williams 258920
Columbia Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 900
Portage, Wi. 53901

My name is Shulbert Williams. I am an inmate currently incarcerate at Columbia Correctional Institution. I was arrested approximately one month after my 18th birthday and convicted of four counts of armed robbery. I was sentenced to server 100 years in prison with a parole eligibility date of 2020.

Before my arrest I was an impressionable child with no education nor any sense of direction. I never completed the 9th grade and upon entering prison my test scores showed that I had a 7th grade reading level and a 5th grade math level. I am now 32 years old, I have served 14 years and 3 months in prison. This has been a tough school to learn in, if I may call it that. However, I’ve managed to make a man out of myself by taking advantage of the opportunities and programs that are available. I have successfully complete anger management, restorative justice, I have received my HSED and earned top honors upon completing a vocational trade from MATC. I have also earned a slew of certificates of completion from several voluntary programs.

Prison has sincerely humbled me and given me a new perspective on which to view life. I value everything that I’ve achieved while being incarcerated because it wasn’t easy. It was hard work, something I can now appreciate because the hard work is what gives a person balance. I feel I deserve a second chance at freedon to show, not only those who have stood by me and believed in me all these years, but to also show the naysayers and non believers that the system does work and rehabilitation is real. At last, I am ready tobe the father to my daughter that I was meant to be.

Sincerely,

Shulbert Williams

Latasha Armstead

2010-04-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

Latasha Armstead 372936
Taychedah Correctional Institution
PO Box 1947
Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1947

My name is La Tasha R. Armstead. I am currently 26 years old I was 13 years old at the time of my arrest and 15 years old when I got convicted of first degree homicide. I was sentenced to life with my parole set in 17 years which would be in four years (2-28-14).

Before my arrest, I was a quiet, shy, and a child with lots of pain and hurt built up inside. My birth mom chose to do drugs and run the streets instead of being a mother. I was raised by my grandma whose health started to deteriorate as the years past. At age six I had to start doing adult responsibilities, such as clean the house, dress my younger sister, care for my granny, sister and self. Then I started paying bills, going shopping for food and cooking added to what I was doing. I couldn’t get a legal job before my arrest, so I had to start selling drugs, from age six till my arrest. Since I was under a lot of mental and emotional pain, I ended up smoking weed, doing acid, and popping diet pills. I also tried Meth. I feared leaving my disabled grandma home alone, fearing someone would run in on her, while I’m away at school and hurt her. So I started missing a lot classes/ days at 4th thru 6th grade and was passed up anyways. I never made it to the 7th grade level being all that was going on and being in A. D.D./A.D.H.D.. as I have been for l3 years.

So far I have accomplished:.1)Anger management, 2.) Parenting,3. )Childhood abuse counseling, and 4) I’m finishing up math to receive my H.S.E.D.. It took long due to adjustment issues and I’m A.D.D./A.D.H.D..

I am now a woman whom even though was forced into the adult prison system, have grew into the maturity stage, I know how to respect and love myself, I have accepted Jesus Christ into my life, I’ve learned how to work and earn money. I have accepted responsibilities of mines and have made goals I aim to accomplish if I’m freed.

I believe I deserve a second chance because I’m human and I’m not perfect nor will I ever be. I made a big mistake without realizing it till too late. I took, not only the life of my victim, but also the victim’s family and my life as well. My world took a horrible spin and now that I’ve matured mentally, I want to get a second chance in order to give back to society by becoming a psychologist or social worker. I also want to open a place for troubled children. I now have a child of my own and don’t want him to fall into my past foot steps.

THE DANCE OF DEATH

Wrote 8 -17 -2006 @ 1pm

Shhhhhhhhh…..Silence, listen to the wind. Thoughts cross your mind of what may or may not have been, if a soul wasn’t taken by your hands. Now close your eyes and count to ten. Do you see the bad memories flash across the screen again. Oh no, don’t cry don’t shed a tear, these are your fears. Yes the boogyman is here, don’t be scared.

Do you see her lifeless stare. You couldn’t have gave a fuck then, but now you care? Now lets play make believe, place a cord around your throat and tightly squeeze, can you even breath. Cut off your air supply, that’s what you did to her life, You know it should’ve been you to die, so don’t even wonder why. It’s the dance of death.

TO MY SON EMMANUEL

Wrote March 7, 2002

Dedicated to my son Emmanuel

How I wish I could place in your hand, the key to unlock the door marked “Understand”, so you could truly see what horror wasn’t meant to be. They say the truth never fail, but it’s one story I yet can’t tell…

I wish I could have you near, as I explain my love for you that I wish you’ll hold dear, But if you don’t its one of my biggest fears. I know when that day comes I’ll cry tears. One thing is for sure, that my love for you is very pure….

I remembered looking into those soft brown eyes, knowing I was going to tell you lies. About the reason why, you Mother wouldn’t be there, watching you walk, talk, laugh, cry, and share. Those special enjoyable moments, most mothers hold in their hearts ‘ documents….

I never meant for this to happen the way it did. If I could’ve only seen the future and understood whom tears really would’ve been shed, By the real fact of the nature. But the only alibi I have is being young and immaturely dumb. Of course I didn’t think in my life you’d come…

There’s not enough rough word to express how I feel, but for a fact everything I said so far is real, I know you deserve more than this. It’s one piece of the puzzle that will be missed, until your maturity, to recognize the reality, and why I was judged to be guilty…

I named you “Emmanuel” because it stood favorable, to my belief of the true meaning of ”God with us”, Hopefully you’ll see out my eyes that he surely was! Still he glows through your smile and the way your eyes happily dart around. I couldn’t become less proud of what he gave me to help stand my ground…

For I shall Always remember my blessing called Emmanuel.

PAIN
Wrote 8 17 06 @3:15 pm
I stand 50 feet above the ground, on a building. I look down and see he cars moving, the children laughing , the adults talking. Then all Of a sudden it gets still and all i can do is hear the wind. i glazes my skin like a soft kiss. I close my arms and spread my arms wide as if attempting to fly . Scenes from my past flash before my closed eyes. I see my mother giving birth to me, my trying to suffocate my sister when she was a baby, me hating my sister and blaming her for my mom not being there, me growing older and becoming more evil, me hearing my mother telling me she didn’t want me or the duty of being my mother, her telling me I was a mistake , me wanting to die, me having sex at a young age just to feel loved and wanted and desired, me being beaten and raped by grown men, me joining a gang just to feel protected and belonged, me finally finding my missing half just to be snatched from him because we took a human’s life, me finally becoming a mother of a son who I couldn’t raise due to being found guilty and sentenced to prison and turning to women to raise me into the lesbian drama life. All this rush across my mind torturing my nerves. Tears gently fill my eyes and overflow to caress my cheeks, dripping to my mouth and seeps into the corners of me mouth to place a bitter salty taste on my tongue. Voices scream into my head asking “why me”- “help me” Erase this pain”-“end my misery” “ take me away –so far away”… Bu only one voice seems to cut through the others and that voice has said, “it’s finished, let’s go’> Eyes still closed, arms stretched out wide to the sides, tears still taking a stroll down my carmel face. I slowly stretch one foot out in front of the other as I tilt my head back and whisper to the heavens saying “forgive me Emanuel>” Then I feel my other foot escape the landing, as I fall 50 feet to the ground. I let the wind make love to my flesh as I realize it’s over finally and too late to turn back around> I feel myself hit the ground and my brains paint the sidewalk. I hear the screams of the adults , the terrified cries of the children and loud horns from the scars and tires screech against the pavement. But…but…. I can’t feel no more pain, I can’t see or smell, I feel a release and realize it’s my spirit lifting outta my body. It doesn’t float to the heavens, instead, it seeps into the ground. First class trip to hell. The last thing that plays is the song that explained my discomfort. The words to Amy Lee “My Immortal”, “These wounds won’t seem to heal, this pain is just too real, there’s just too much that time cannot erase”..it’s finally over…no more pain..
by Latasha Armstead

Terranze Sharp

2010-04-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

Mr Terranze C Sharp #229098
KMCI
PO Box 282
Plymouth, WI 53073
My name is Terranze C Sharp. I was 15 years when I committed my offense. I am currently serving a life sentence with a parole eligibility of 20 years. Presently I am 35 years of age, I’ve served 19 years 6 months of the 20 year eligibility sentence. I am set to see the parole board in August 2010 of this year.
This is my first incarceration as an adult. I’ve never been to any juvenile institutions other than Children’s Detention Center. Also, my last conduct report was on 12-13-96.
Currently I’m enrolled in KMCI vocational masonry programs, which offer a masonry apprenticeship upon completion of the class in which I am presently working. I’ve actively participated in every program that has been made available to me .
Thankyou for your time and patience.
I’m looking to reintegrate myself back into society by asking the parole board to send me to a secure minimum. I understand this is my first parole hearing and they may want to evaluate me further due to the nature of my offense.

Todd Jones

2010-03-17T16:36:00.000-07:00

Todd J Jones #333660
CCI
PO Box 900
Portage, Wi 53901

WHAT IS PRISON?
Prison is:
A place where you write letters and can't think of anything to say... A place where you wait for letters that come less and less often ... A place where you gradually stop writing all together. A place where you lost respect for the law because you see it raw, naked, bent, ignored and blown out of proportion to suit the people who enforce it... A place where it is proven that absolute power corrupts absolutely. A place where you wait for a visit that doesn't happen... and although you know the real reason, you have to accept the lies. A place where you learn that nobody needs you... you are the forgotten man, and the world goes on without you... A place where you discover that all of the talents and abilities you have are worthless, for you are a man in green. A place where you receive your divorce papers and you learn the meaning of the words "Till Death Do us part"... for the outside world you are a dead man. A place that doesn't exist in the minds of friends, for they cannot put it on an envelope, nor can they find it in a car... A place that exists only in a time warp, for you are only remembered in past tense... and that's probably appropriate, for you can see no future. A place where days blend into weeks, months merge into years, and eons pass without feeling the touch of a human hand unless it is raised in anger... A place where a kind word and an affectionate touch are only memories. A place where basic humanity is ignored, discarded, and eventually forgotten... A place where men are stripped of their clothes as well as their dignity, and herded like the beast society believes them to be. A place where you go to bed early, even if you are not tired; you walk in circles, even though you have nowhere to go; and you pull the covers over head, even though you're not cold. A place where escape is possible, but only through reading, dreaming, or just plain going mad. Can a man survive prison and resume a useful life? If he can overcome the degradation that is heaped upon him, society will continue to remind him that he is tainted. Does he deserve what he got? Of course! And smug society can be assured that it bas done the right and proper thing. Until... circumstances, errors, accidents, or a mistake in the judicial system flips the table and they find themselves in the shoes of the man in the cell next door!!!!
by: Mr. Todd Jones, #333660
P.O. Box 900 (CCI)
Portage, Wi 53901

THE HOLE
You wanna walk in my shoes, well here you go, gone try them on/ be sure to let me know what it's like, when you sit in this cell all alone./ You gone trip, but don't start tweaking, when you see flies flying around/ cause that's just the beginning, wait till you see, them fruitflies that patrol the ground./ Your days become planned out to the tee, while you wait for the next big argument/ you hope that carries you to about 4:30, till you get that delivery from the mail department./ Well let me rephrase that because I forgot to tell you something you should know/ Don't plan your days around getting some mail, cause you gone be sick when the mailman passes your door./ Asking other brothaz "Was that mail?" when you know damn well it was/ just that feeling of hurt & shock, cause ain't nobody wrote to show they love./ Don't get mad though, because at one point or another, its happened to all of us/ you'll forget all ya pains anyway, especially when that med cart pull up at ya door like a city bus./ Its 40,000 ways to pass time, but yet down here we chose one/ conversation about any & everythang, ribbing each other just to have fun./ The c.o.s, oh they become victims, mainly crued by the circumstances/ you try to be cool cause every 30 days, you hoping that the review boards handed out them advancements./ One to you of course, no doubt, while the rest go out to ya guys/ when they come ask a cat they shoe £ clothes sizes, I wish I could see the reaction of their eyes./ To so many of us, this hole ain't nothing, so we accept it as it come/ we soldier on every damn day, but we don't march to the beat of the drum./ The hole is pretty unique, so don't break no rules to come here/ then you got the crisis worker at ya door, asking bout ya pills that'll keep you in gear./ Plus don't get all spooked when cats kick the door, like a soccer player kick the ball for a goal/ man be honest what did you expect, you just spent a day up in the hole.
by: Mr. Tod Jones, #333660 P.O. Box 900 (CCI) Portage,WI 53901

Wake Up Call
Is this a hellish nightmare that I have awaken from?
Caged and confined, thinking and pondering,
I wonder what human is this
that he should be subject to imprisonment
that neither improves nor corrects his soul.
Is there compassion for restoring a man
to contribute to this nation?
Or does the dark side of humanity
see offenders of the law as utter undesirables
unworthy of aid and therapy?
Society, I have been tried and sentenced.
Serving time for violating the law
is not supposed to be a picnic.
But demoralizing and dehumanizing a man
to the dust of the ground does not correct behavior
which got him incarcerated in the first place.
This only fuels the fire, a fire which, if not handled properly, will in time burn everything in its path.
NOW, WHO IS THE CRIMINAL?

by: Mr. Todd Jones, #333660 P.0. Pox 900 (CCI)
Portage, WI 53901

As you got up this morning, I watched you, and hoped you would talk top me, even if it was just a few words, asking my opinion or thanking me for something good that happened in your life yesterday. But I noticed you were too busy, trying to find the right outfit to wear.
When you ran around the house getting ready, I knew there would be a few minutes for you to stop and say hello, but you were too busy. At one point you had to wait fifteen minutes with nothing to do except sit in a chair. Isaw you spring to your feet. I thought you wanted to talk to me but you ran to the phone and called a friend to get the latest gossip instead. I watched patiently all day long, with all your activities I guess you were to busy to say anything to me.
I noticed that before lunch you looked around, maybe you felt embarrassed to talk to me, that is why you didn't bow your head. You glanced three or four tables over and you noticed some of your friends talking to me briefly before they ate, but, you didn't. That's okay. There is still more time left, and I hope that you will talk to me yet.
You went home and it seems as if you had lots of things to do. After a few of them were done, you turned on the TV. I don't know if you like TV or not, just about everything goes there and you spend a lot of time each day in front of it not thinking about anything, just enjoying the show. I waited patiently again as you watched the TV and ate your meal, but again you didn't talk to me.
At bedtime I guess you were too tired. After you said goodnight to your family you plopped into bed and fell asleep in no time. That's okay because you may not realize that I am always there for you. I've got patience, more than you will never know. I even want to teach you how to be patient with others as well.
I love you so much that I wait everyday for a nod, prayer or thought, or a thankful part of your heart. It's hard to have a one-sided conversation.
Well, you are getting up once again. Once again I will wait, with nothing but love for you. Hoping that today you will give me some time. Have a nice day!
Your friend, God

Hayes Jackson

2010-03-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

Hayes E Jackson #253086
WSPF
PO Box 9900
Boscobel, WI 53805

Second Chance For Juvenile Offenders
I was waived into adult court at the age of 16 years old. In 1994 I was convicted of A class B felony, I was sentenced to a total of 100 years with parole after 25 years. I was 17 years old when I was convicted.
Convicted by jury trial of PTAC OF FELONY MURDER, ARM ROBBERY,
AND ARM BURGLARY,
The type of person I was before my arrest, I was more of a
Follower. I was peer pressured into alot of things by friends
I was always a good kid but got hooked up with the wrong
crowd. I was a giving person with a big heart, I was always
making people laugh even when I knew that they were going through a difficult time.
I have been incarcerated for 16 years.
While being in prison I have gotten my HSED. Stayed away from conduct reports, Looking at things alot different through the way the victim felt if it would had happened to someone I loved.
I have become A man who is patient, respectful, understanding trustworthy, Someone people would love to get to know if giving A chance. I see more deeply into things than many people who were not shackled by my inhibitions. I have learned alot to take back into the community and help the younger kids who are going down the path I ones went down.
Sincerely yours Truly,
Hayes E Jackson

Jose Manuel Bonilla

2010-03-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

My name is Jose Manuel Bonilla. I was born in Milwaukee Wisconsin, but mainly I was raised in New York with my father. I had a very difficult childhood. My father kidnapped me twice when I was a baby from my mother. I was raised not really knowing who my mother was until the age of 6, when the FBI came and took me from school and brought me to the care of a woman with whom I've never known or met till then. I had
a hard time adjusting, I was introduced to brothers and sisters who I never knew I had. With time, I grew to love and know my mother and family.

My father, when I had turned 9, somehow managed to gain custody of me at which time he brought me back to New York to live. I resented my father for taking me back away from my mother. I had a problem readjusting to living with my father again. I attended school and did good. I led the school marching band, performed Piano solos and led concerts at the schools I attended. I was in the Boy Scouts too. Both my parents were very poor and I never had the things I wanted, but I had what I needed.

My father was a heavy alcoholic and was very abusive at times, which led to (CPS) Child Protection Services taking me away at the age of 10 or 11. I was placed in a run away shelter for several weeks, then transferred to an (RTC) Residential Treatment Center in upstate New York. While in the (RTC), I started having a lot of problems with the other guys around me. Getting picked on and fighting a lot. I started trying out drugs like weed and liquor that would get snuck in the RTC by some of the guys.

I was then sent to a group home when I was 13 and started doing well again. I had a personal tutor, I attended work shops and various youth programs. I saved a little money and finally decided to come back to WI and live with my mom. I found out my mother was very sick, so I could take it no longer and I ran from the group home in New York, and came out here to be with my mother and help her. I was in school and was very helpful to my mom. I noticed how hard things were for her financially while she tried to support me, my niece and her sister who was very sick. My aunt had this disease called PIC, its similar to alzheimers disease except it begins at an earlier age. I loss two uncles to the disease also. My mom couldn't take care of my aunt anymore and was forced to place her into a nursing home.

Not long after, my mother passed away when I was 15. After she passed away, I pretty much spiraled out. I was in deep depression. I started to drink again heavy and smoke weed. I was still in school and had found a job with family as a painters apprentice. I got a girl pregnant, but she had a miscarriage.

Then I caught the case that I'm in prison for now. I went to a Marquett College party with 3 other guys. I only knew one of them though a gun was brought along, I ended up getting a hold of it. When we got to the party we weren't allowed in. An argument broke out over some racial remarks that were said to us because it was assumed that all of us were Latino. We tried to leave, the guy who I thought to be my friend at the time continued to argue. I went up to the porch to get him since he was the driver. When I got to the porch to pull him away, the guys he was arguing with pushed us off the porch. We both landed on the concrete walkway. The guys on the porch started to come off the porch towards us, reacted out of fear and pulled the gun out and shot once towards the crowd to back them up. They kept coming off the porch and out of the house. There were a bunch of people on top of my so called friend and I fired another shot towards the group of people to get them away from him. I got up and ran toward the car and noticed one the of the other guys I was with calling for help. I ran behind the big guy who was on top of him and fired a shot that went the big guy and into the guy I was with unfortunately wounding them both. I later learned that my the first shot i fired hit someone in the shoulder and went through someone else's jacket, luckily not injuring him. The second shot I fired hit the same guy that I had injured in the back, in his jaw. Somehow he was unaware of the injury because he continued to fight the guy who called out for help.

I was charged with one Reckless Injury in the first degree, two Reckless Endangerments in the first degree, and one in the second. I was facing a total of 82 years. At the Jury selection, right before trial, my Attorney told me that it would be my last opportunity to except the plea agreement, which was that I plead guilty to the Reckless Injury and one Reckless Endangerment which would be reduced to the second degree the other two charges would be dropped and read in for sentencing purposes. I would be then exposed to a 45 year sentence. It was up to the judges discretion at sentencing. The Attorney told me that I would not be getting more than 10 years in prison max. My father was a paralegal in New York and was well versed in the law, so before excepting my plea, I asked to call him in N.Y. My Attorney let me call right there on his cell phone in the court room. I ran down to my father what the Attorney said, then my father spoke to my Attorney to confirm. He told me that the Attorney said that I would not be serving more than 10 years max in prison if I took the plea but that he would be fighting for 7 years.

The Attorney explained that because of my age, this being my first felony offense and the fact that I was taking responsibility for my actions, the judge won't give more than 10 years in prison max. So with the impression that the judge wouldn't be sentencing me to more than 10 years in prison, even though I still felt that rather harsh, I took the plea. As a result, I was sentenced to the whole 45 years. Under the Truth In Sentencing Law, so I am to do 30 years in prison with 15 years of extended supervision. Both charges were ran consecutive.
..
I have been incarcerated now for more than 5 years. I am still trying to fight my case through the court system, but with no success. At the moment I am on my second Appeal attempt, Pro Se, which is currently in front of the court of Appeals. Since my incarceration, I have managed to obtain my HSED. I have graduated from one vocational program (so far), I have become a Certified Tutor for the DOC with a certificate from the Literary Volunteers of America. I tutored both the ESL (Non-English speaking) and the Special Education Needs students as well which honestly takes a lot of patience, especially when trying to teach English as a Bilingual Tutor. I am currently completing a Coping Skills program which I've finished and am awaiting to take CGIP and Anger Management also. I will be signing up to take Restorative Justice soon too. I am also working on starting a college correspondence course soon to get my Associates Degree in either Law (paralegal), Psychology or Business Management. I have set for myself realistic goals for my future while I continue to strive for my freedom, not allowing my current situation to discourage me.

In 5 years I have matured far beyond my years, forced to grow up very quickly, I am now 22 years old. I have a lot of plans I would like to bring to the community. I really want to focus on the Latino Community who don't speak English, opening workshops for the juveniles to learn English and more about their culture, as well spread my story to encourage kids & teens to head in a new direction. I have a lot of ideas and things I would like to accomplish in life as you can see. But most importantly, I am focused on the one thing I lack the most, my "FREEDOM!• • •

As you have read, I have had a rough life. I've lost both my parents at a young age, my father several months ago. I have almost no support at the moment, but I hold a deep drive within to regain my freedom and make my own family. 30 Years is too much time for anyone to have to do, let alone a young man. I am not one to avoid my consequences, I understand the severity of my actions. I acted in defense of myself and others, but I also acknowledge the results of my actions. I took full responsibility for my actions at the age of 17, which shows the sense of responsibility I had then. I entered the prison system at 17, a young teen, and am to get out at the age of 47! An old man! No offense! But honestly, what can could I offer to the community and society at such an age? What experiences would I be able to share with others? All I will know know is these prison walls. I was sentenced as though I've taken 2 lives! I know of others who are doing less or equal time for double murders and homicides! I feel as though I've lost my life for a mistake that I made when I was younger.

This situation has truly been a difficult one for me in which I've matured through, but I continue to move ahead and pray that one day I will get the second chance I deserve. I've been told over and over again how harsh my sentence was and I hope others will see as well. Too many of us are having our lives taken away with no opportunities for change...

I don't expect you to have the key to my freedom, I only ask for the assistance in sharing what I and many others view as extreme and harsh. I understand the main focus right now is on those of us who serving life sentences, but I like to shine light and open the doors for those of us who brought into the prison system at a young age and given these lengthy sentences that are considered life! In prison or even out there in the community, ask anyone what a life sentence is, I can almost guarantee the response will be 25 years! In prison we consider anything over 25 years a life sentence, and my life has been taken away from me and my loved ones. Those in which I've physically injured because of my actions, have to live with the events that took place that awful night, but I thank God that they do get live, leading normal lives. Unfortunately for me, I have to not only live with the realization of my actions that night, but also the realization of the life I may not be able to live.
Thank you so much for your time, I greatly appreciate you reading this extension of my life and interest in the situation of many of us young men...
GOD BLESS, JOSE M. BONILLA "

Jacob Baker

2010-03-10T10:38:00.001-08:00

Jacob Baker #316255
WSPF; PO Box 9900
Boscobel, Wi 53805

My name is Jacob Baker . I was convicted of 1st degree intentional homicide and attempted armed robbery in Milwaukee Co. I was 15 years, old a “run away at the time and I received a sentence of life imprisonment with a parole eligibility the court at 2046. I would be 65 years old and have been incarcerated 50 years straight when I’m first eligible for parole. Right now I’m 29 years old and have been in prison for 14 years. It has been a long road and regrettably not always a positive one. As of his writing I am sitting in Wisconsin’s Supermax and am considered one of the state’s most dangerous prisoners. I wish I could add to the examples of those juvenile offenders who were waived, sent into adult prisons, I stayed on a positive track from the start, however I’m not-but I still feel my story can add some useful into a “juvi” who’s grown up in the system, has changed and is not a throw away kid and why juvenile justice reform should be supported.
It has been only the last couple of years that I have become more conscious of my actions and responsibilities as an accountable person, regardless if I’m in prison or not. Unfortunately a lot of young men in the system get caught up in a terrible cycle of anger, frustration, fear, desperation and never moved past it, because the system isn’t set up to help them deal with what they are going through . kids are just thrown in a cell and left to sink or swim. Most kids sent into the system are good kids though, they’ve made a mistake but still want to be responsible, to be respectable- sometimes it takes a little time to figure it out on our own, so not all of us have a perfect record to present, but most kids who commit their crimes as juvenile offenders do not understand the severity of their actions or the consequences at the time (most of the crimes are extremely unfortunate reactionary unthought-out situations)and it isn’t until later in life do they actually realize what they exactly they’ve done. It isn’t just a “copout” excuse for one’s actions. There definitely is a disconnect between the child minded juvenile who committed the crime and the adult minded man he is to become.
The crime I committed involves a 14 year old female accomplice and I breaking into an apartment to burglarize it for “run away” money, it was only intended to be a burglary, nothing more. We were surprised by a person being in the apartment as we burglarized it and the situation spiraled out of control. Some very reactionary and stupid decisions were made that left an innocent person dead. Shocked by what happened, we both left the apartment immediately. We were both caught shortly after, and were both waived into adult court.
When I first came into the adult prison system that wasn’t made for getting by or rehabilitation. I was sent to one of WI’s worst prisons. Known for its routine violence and nicknamed “gladiator school” because of it.
Most kids who enter this sink or swim environment don’t start off with a very good track record for positive prison adjustment whether they’re rehabilitated or not.. that’s reality and I was no exception. And unfortunately I was caught p in that cycle for many years. However, this doesn’t mean me or other Kids were not rehabilitatable . Most of us were(and are) just trying to get by in an environment. Most of us kids have , with time, grown and matured and genuinely want to be good productive people given a second chance, not just what we’ve been labeled because of the grievous mistakes we made as children- throw aways-or products of the prison environment. We want to be good, we want to be responsible.
I may not have started my prison sentence off very well and I am still paying for that. But I have grown up and I’ve learned to take responsibility for myself and my actions. I truly feel sorry for the crime that I committed and the hurt and pain I caused. As a kid I wasn’t even close to understanding the severity of the crime I committed –it wasn’t until later as an adult I read the court record that I realized what I did and it is still hard for me to reconcile the fact that I committed this crime with the me I am today because today I am an adult and a different person.
Does this mean that I or others should not have been sent to prison or be held accountable for wrong doings and crime? No, That’s not what’s being proposed here. What’s being proposed is that a child who is waived into adult court and sentenced to life, if , after time, this person has shown remorse and extensive rehabilitation, and that he will positively serve society if released under supervision, that a second chance be given.
Whether ever given a second chance or not, I have recently changed my life and plan to be positive and productive in all things I do. I will always be burdened by my past, the crime that I committed. I will bear that burden as a reminder to work twice as hard and be twice as committed to positive change. Thank you for our time and God bless.
Jacob Baker

Lamont Moore

2010-03-10T10:23:00.000-08:00

Lamont Moore 246986
Waupon Correction Institution
P.O. Box 351
Waupon, WI 53963

SECOND CHANCE FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS

My name is Lamont Moore. Born July 2, 1975. I am currently serving a life sentence, where I must serve 25 years before I become eligible for parole, which is not guaranteed. My eligibility date is August 2017.
At the time of my arrest, I had turned 17, thirty six days prior. My original charge was 1st degree reckless homicide by child and carrying a concealed weapon.
I ended up waived to adult court, going to trial on 1st degree intentional homicide while armed, as a party to a crime charges. In April of l993, I was found guilty. Still 17 years old, I was sent to Green Bay Correctional.
Before my arrest, I was in a gang, in the streets and very reckless. I had no regard for anyone, except myself. I dropped out of school just to hang out with people whom I thought were my “friends”, and “cared” about me. I was wrong . It took a while to see and recognize that. So the type of person I was before I got locked up, was a person who lacked self love, worth, esteem, knowledge and appreciation,
That was then. In 2010, I’m completely evolved with a craving for understanding things possible. After 18 years incarceration, I’ve travelled a very long way. I pride myself on it.
I’ve accomplished so much. I attained my HSED\GED. I have a diploma in Small Business Management. I graduated from Custodial Services with a B+ average. I became LVA certified a tutor and have helped many receive theirGEDs; on and off the record. I’ve completed many of my mandated programs, with the exception of CGIP – Phase 1 and 2 and Anger Management. Both of which, I’ve remained on a waiting list for, due to those with less time than I.
I’ve held numerous jobs, whether vocational or tutoring or working on things I’m unfamiliar with. I enjoy new challenges, as it expands my knowledge.
The best thing I’ve accomplished while incarcerated is the understanding of life. Without it, I’ve always taken advantage of it or taken it for granted.
I’ll be 35 this year and the person I’ve become, I enjoy. I’ve become independent in ways that didn’t seem possible.I understand the value of life, friendships, education and survival. I focus on the positive aspects of everything. I think before I act, no longer jumping the gun. I’m not angry at the world, whereas, I’d love to learn more about. I’ve become patient, caring, compassionate, forgiving, honest, reliable, respectable, trustworthy, etc..
Basically, I’ve grown from the foolishness to being productive and efficient. The type of person I am now ? I’m very proud myself, as well is my Mom! And that’s saying a lot. I’m the good guy, the one you’re not ashamed to stand next to.
Why do I believe I deserve a second chance? I am not the same person I was when I was 17. I couldn’t make a good decision if there was one decision to make.
I didn’t understand what “life” meant to law abiding people. More so, I was confused because I wa looking for somewhere to belong, when my fanily was there. I used to blame people for my problems, when I was the one causing them. That was then.
I am a different person, now. I consider myself a young man, man with a direction, a purpose, a sense of self awareness and an in depth appreciation for “ life” and what it represents.
I was given the opportunity to better myself and become a responsible person. I believe I’ve done that and much more and I’m ready to show you, as my community, that I am ready to participate in “life”.
I do believe I deserve a second chance. But before it’s too late. After serving 18 years, I believe in rehabilitation. Yet to sentence someone to so much time in prison, with the thought of rehabilitation, it becomes a punishment because the likelihood of one getting out is unforeseeable.
Thank-you for reading these thoughts.

Lamont Moore 246986
Waupon Correction Institution
P.O. Box 351
Waupon, WI 53963

James Earl Jackson

2010-02-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

My Life, My struggles ,My story
(at right: James Earl with daughter)

James Earl Jackson #200607

KMCI unit#4
P.O. Box 282
Plymouth, Wisconsin 53073 - 0282

My name is James Earl Jackson. I was born in St. Louis, MO on April 1, l976. I am now 33 years old. I am the second oldest of four. I am my mothers only son.

I grew up on the north side of Milwaukee. My mother moved here after my father was killed in St. Louis. My father was shot and killed just two weeks after my second birthday. I was too young to remember my father but I was told that my father was a good man and loved me as his own. I always wanted a father when I was growing up! And for some reason I always wanted to meet the person who murdered my Dad.

My mother’s name was Irishstina Ann Jackson and for whatever reason, she always told people that she was from the ‘show me state” whenever she became upset. My mother was a good mother as a single mother of four(3 girls, one boy) . She did the best that she could to raise and to provide for us. I love my mother very much and I will always remember her as the number one mom in the world.

Unfortunately my mother was not strong enough to continue facing and standing up to all the problems that life put on her. She looked for and found her peace of mind in the use of drugs and alcohol. Tragically on June 1, l990 at 6:30 pm that Friday evening my mother was pronounced dead.

The cause of my mother’s death was a drug overdose. Sadly my mother was pregnant with twins when she died. My mother was 33 years old at the time of her death. She was so young and certainly too young to have died.

I was l4 years old when my mother died. I remember feeling like life doesn’t matter to me anymore and as I had no father and now no mother, I felt like I wanted to die myself.
I never had a male figure in my life to guide me positively to the duties of manhood. I never had a positive example to follow in my transformation from a boy to a man! I was a little boy in pain being emotionally destroyed by all that was happening to me in my life. I just wanted to feel loved and accepted by somebody. I wanted a family I just wanted to feel like somebody.
At 14 years old I felt like I had nobody to turn to. I felt like nobody understood me and how I was feeling about the loss of my mother. I turned to my childhood friends in my neighborhood because they are the only people that I felt understood me. For the most part we all was fatherless and had drug addicted mothers. Everyone called us trouble makers and told us that we all would be dead or in prison before our 18th birthdays ( Sadly, these predictions were correct).

By this time in my life I didn’t care about what people said about me or my childhood friends because the truth is that, I found love and acceptance in my friends they were the only family that I had known. None of us had parents to tell us what to do or when to come in , or where to go to school etc… For the most part we all did whatever we wanted to do. We had no curfew so staying out on the streets until two or three oclock in the morning was normal for us.
As a child I had so much anger inside of me, I didn’t care about who I hurt nor did I care about what might happen tome. I hated God. I hated life and honestly I hated being me.
In l991 shortly before my daughter was born, I committed a horrifying crime. I shot and killed a man in his own home. On June 9, 1992(at 16 years old) I turned myself in to the Milwaukee police department for the crime I had committed. I was sent to a juvenile detention center and shortly thereafter I was waived and moved to the adult court system. ( I never seen or hugged my daughter as a free man).

My being 16 years old at the time, I didn’t understand anything about the law nor the legal troubles that I was in. I was kept among adult repeat offenders and they repeatedly told me to go to jury trial and to not take the plea deal that my public defender attorney advised me to take. As I listened to these adults , I went to jury trial, (against my own choice) and I was found guilty of 1st degree intentional homicide.

On Jan. 5, l993 – 3 months before my 17th birthday- I was sentenced to life in prison with a parole eligibility date set for January, 2025.

At the time I committed my crime I didn’t understand the seriousness of what I had done. I didn’t understand the seriousness of what I had done to the victim or myself.
I wasn’t until I was around 29 years old, that I finally began to realize the truly reality of what I had done. It was at this time that I began to realize and fully understand how much pain that I had caused my victim’s family, and that I had taken a life from this world.

I then started thinking about the relationship between actions and consequences. This started me to thinking about good choices rather than fast bad choices. With this I began to adopt positive change in my life. I begin to think before acting. I started to understand the importance of making productive decisions rather than destructive decisions. I finally understand the power of positive thinking.

I have learned so much in prison. I understand that some mistakes I will never stop paying for and that I have to learn to live the and deal with my life problems in a responsible manner. I have learned how to accept responsibility for all my actions. As a child I didn’t know how to accept responsibility for my actions because I always made an excuse and put blame for my action on the things that I been through as a child.

As my mind matured, I came to realize that I am the only person that is responsible for my actions, and for all the choice that I make in my life. As a man I accept full responsibility for everything I have done. I have made so many mistakes and I have learned from my mistakes but most importantly I have also learned from the mistakes of others.

As a mentally matured adult I don’t believe that I should be let off the hook for my crimes as a juvenile. I believe that everyone should be punished for any and all criminal activity in which he or she involve themselves in whether he or she be a juvenile or an adult, however I strongly believe in second chances! I don’t believe that a 15 year old or a l6 year old juvenile should be sent to prison for life as if a juvenile can’t change his or her ways of thinking. . Juveniles can change and I believe that all juveniles should be given a second chance to prove that their destructive behavior could be transformed into positive constructive behavior if given the chance to prove it. I’m a 33 year old man . I been in prison since I was 16 years old and since I been in prison I have changed my way of thinking and I have changed my behavioral patters. I have earned my H.S.E.D. and I became a licensed barber/cosmetologist. I have took classes on character development and I’m constantly trying to better myself as a person.

My goals are to be home with my 17 year old daughter that would love for me to be a part of her life. If paroled I want to open my own barbershop and start an Intervention program for troubled teen to help them to not make the same mistakes that I have made.

I am praying for a second chance at real life. If you have any questions or comments please write me at address listed above.

James Earl Jackson #200607
KMCI unit#4
P.O. Box 282
Plymouth, Wisconsin 53073 - 0282

IN The News

2010-01-02T11:18:00.000-08:00

November 9, 2009
Editorial from the NY Times

Imprisoning a Child for Life
The United States could be the only nation in the world where a 13-year-old child can be sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole, even for crimes that do not include murder. This grim distinction should trouble Americans deeply, as should all of the barbaric sentencing policies for children that this country embraces but that most of the world has abandoned.
The Supreme Court must keep the international standard in mind when it hears arguments on Monday in Graham v. Florida and Sullivan v. Florida. The petitioners in both argue that sentencing children to life without the possibility of parole for a nonhomicide violates the Eighth Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.
The court came down on the right side of this issue in 2005 when it ruled that children who commit crimes before the age of 18 should not be subject to the death penalty. The decision correctly pointed out that juveniles were less culpable because they lacked maturity, were vulnerable to peer pressure and had personalities that were still being formed.
Writing for the majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy said the practice of executing 16- and 17-year-olds violated the Eighth Amendment, conflicted with “evolving standards of decency” and isolated the United States from the rest of the world.
The Roper decision took scores of juveniles off death row. It also threw a spotlight onto state policies under which young juveniles were increasingly being tried in adult courts and sentenced to adult jails, often for nonviolent crimes.
The practice is even more troubling because it is arbitrary. Children who commit nonviolent crimes like theft and burglary are just as likely to be shipped off to adult courts as children who commit serious violent crimes. And the process is racially freighted, with black and Latino children more likely to be sent to adult courts than white children who commit comparable crimes.
The rush to try more and more children as adults began in the 1980s when the country was gripped by hysteria about an adolescent crime wave that never materialized. Joe Sullivan, the petitioner in Sullivan v. Florida, was sentenced to life without parole in 1989 — when he was just 13 — after a questionable sexual battery conviction. His two older accomplices testified against the younger, mentally impaired boy. They received short sentences, one of them as a juvenile.
The case of Terrance Graham has similar contours. A learning disabled child — born to crack-addicted parents — Mr. Graham was on probation in connection with a burglary committed when he was 16 when he participated in a home invasion. He, too, had older accomplices. He was never convicted of the actual crime but was given life without parole for violating the conditions of his probation.
These were two very troubled children in need of adult supervision and perhaps even time behind bars. But it is insupportable to conclude, as the courts did, that children who committed crimes when they were so young were beyond rehabilitation. The laws under which they were convicted violate current human rights standards and the Constitution.

November 10, 2009 from the NYTimes

Justices Consider the Role of Age in Life Sentences By ADAM LIPTAK

WASHINGTON — A majority of the justices at two Supreme Court arguments on Monday seemed inclined to find a way to take account of the age of young offenders in deciding whether they may be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
But there was disagreement among the justices about where to draw various lines and, indeed, over whether line-drawing or case-by-case determination was the right approach.
A lawyer for Joe Sullivan, who was sentenced to life without parole for raping a 72-year-old woman when he was 13, asked the court to say that the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment forbids such sentences for youths under the age of 14 convicted of any crime, including murder.
“To say to any child of 13 that you are only fit to die in prison is cruel,” said Bryan Stevenson, Mr. Sullivan’s lawyer. “It can’t be reconciled with what we know about the nature of children.”
In a separate argument in a second case, a lawyer for Terrance Graham, sentenced to life for armed burglary at 16 and a probation violation at 17, said the line should be set at 18 but only for crimes that did not involve a killing.
The court has drawn bright lines in its capital jurisprudence, forbidding the execution of offenders under 18 in 2005 in Roper v. Simmons and of people of any age for crimes against individuals other than murder last year in Kennedy v. Louisiana. The question at Monday’s arguments was whether the logic of those decisions should be extended to cases outside the area of the death penalty.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. suggested a compromise approach that did not involve categorical distinctions but would instead require consideration of the offender’s age in deciding whether the sentence was proportional to the crime case by case.
“We know from Roper that death is different, and we know from Roper that juveniles are different,” the chief justice said. “Wouldn’t it make sense to incorporate the consideration of the juvenile status into the proportionality review?”
Outside the context of the death penalty, the court’s Eighth Amendment jurisprudence has not taken the offender’s age into consideration in deciding whether a sentence is proportional to the crime. Requiring sentencing judges to add age to the sentencing calculus would presumably make a difference in some but not all cases.
Bryan S. Gowdy, a lawyer for Mr. Graham, said a case-by-case approach at the time of sentencing cannot work because juveniles are still unformed.
“At that age we cannot make a determination about whether or not the adolescent will or will not reform,” Mr. Gowdy said.
Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. seemed to join the chief justice in rejecting what he called a per se approach while remaining open to “proportionality challenges that take into account the particular circumstances of the juvenile in question.”
But Justice Alito added that some juvenile offenders deserve life without parole, describing cases “so horrible that I couldn’t have imagined them if I hadn’t actually seen them” — “raping an 8-year-old girl and burying her alive” and “raping a woman in front of her 12-year-old son and then forcing the son to engage in sexual conduct with the mother.”
Other justices noted that the law routinely makes distinctions based solely on age. “Think of the teenager who can’t drink, can’t drive, can’t marry,” said Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, adding that those legal lines were not drawn case by case. “They say no juvenile can drink — no juvenile.”
Mr. Stevenson said there are nine people serving life without parole sentences for crimes they committed at age 13. No juvenile younger than that is serving such a sentence. Two of the 13-year-olds did not commit murder. In 18 years, Mr. Stevenson said, no 13-year-old has seen sentenced to life without parole for a crime in which no one was killed.
Justice Stephen G. Breyer said the words of the Eighth Amendment might justify categorical distinctions, at least for the youngest offenders. “It’s pretty unusual to have this,” he said. And, at least for 13-year-olds, he continued, “it is a cruel thing to do to remove from that individual his entire life.”
Scott D. Makar, Florida’s solicitor general, said that was the wrong analysis.
“It’s a lawful sentence that can be imposed, but it’s rare,” he said. “And we should be proud of that.”

November 8, 2009 from the NYTimes

Weighing Life in Prison for Youths Who Didn’t Kill
By ADAM LIPTAK
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — There are just over 100 people in the world serving sentences of life without the possibility of parole for crimes they committed as juveniles in which no one was killed. All are in the United States. And 77 of them are here in Florida.
On Monday, the Supreme Court will hear appeals from two such juvenile offenders: Joe Sullivan, who raped a woman when he was 13, and Terrance Graham, who committed armed burglary at 16. They claim that the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment forbids sentencing them to die in prison for crimes other than homicide.
Outside the context of the death penalty, the Supreme Court has generally allowed states to decide for themselves what punishments fit what crimes. But the court barred the execution of juvenile offenders in 2005 by a vote of 5 to 4, saying that people under 18 are immature, irresponsible, susceptible to peer pressure and often capable of change.
A ruling extending that reasoning beyond capital cases “could be the Brown v. Board of Education of juvenile law,” said Paolo G. Annino, the director of the Children’s Advocacy Clinic at Florida State University’s law school. Judges, legislators and prosecutors in Florida agree that the state takes an exceptionally tough line on juvenile crime.
But they are deeply divided about when sentences of life without the possibility of release are warranted.
“Sometimes a 15-year-old has a tremendous appreciation for right and wrong,” said State Representative William D. Snyder, a Republican who is chairman of the House’s Criminal and Civil Justice Policy Council. “I think it would be wrong for the Supreme Court to say that it was patently illegal or improper to send a youthful offender to life without parole. At a certain point, juveniles cross the line, and they have to be treated as adults and punished as adults.”
A retired Florida appeals court judge, John R. Blue, did not see it that way. “To lock them up forever seems a little barbaric to me,” Judge Blue said. “You ought to leave them some hope.”
Several factors in combination — some legal, some historical, some cultural — help account for the disproportionate number of juvenile lifers in Florida.
The state’s attorney general, Bill McCollum, explained the roots of the state’s approach in the first paragraph of his brief in Mr. Graham’s case.
“By the 1990s, violent juvenile crime rates had reached unprecedented high levels throughout the nation,” Mr. McCollum wrote. “Florida’s problem was particularly dire, compromising the safety of residents, visitors and international tourists, and threatening the state’s bedrock tourism industry.” Nine foreign tourists were killed over 11 months in 1992 and 1993, one by a 14-year-old.
Mr. Snyder, the state legislator, put it this way: “Instead of the Sunshine State, it was the Gun-shine State.”
In response, the state moved more juveniles into adult courts, increased sentences and eliminated parole for capital crimes.
Thomas K. Petersen, a semi-retired judge in Miami who spent a decade hearing cases in juvenile court, said that the state’s reaction was out of proportion and that it has lately failed to take account of changed circumstances.
“Back in the 1990s, there were dire predictions about teenage super-predators, particularly in Florida,” Judge Petersen said. “Florida, probably more than other places because of that rash of crimes, overreacted. It was a hysterical reaction.”
“People still go around saying things have never been worse,” he added. “But violent juvenile crime has gone down even as the juvenile population has grown.”
The state’s brief in Mr. Graham’s case said juvenile crime fell 30 percent in the decade ended in 2004. It attributed the drop to its tough approach.
Shay Bilchik, who served as a state prosecutor in Miami from 1977 to 1993 and is now the director of the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform at Georgetown, said the state took a wrong turn. “We were pretty aggressive in those years in transferring kids into criminal court,” he said.
He said later research convinced him that his office’s approach was much too aggressive and had not served to deter crime. “My biggest regret,” he said, “is that during the time I was in the prosecutor’s office, we were under the false impression that we were insuring greater public safety when we were not.”
Mr. Sullivan, 34, had committed a string of crimes by the time he was charged with raping a 72-year-old woman after a burglary in 1989 in Pensacola. Mr. Graham, 22, was sentenced to a year in jail and three years’ probation for a 2003 robbery of a Jacksonville restaurant, during which an accomplice beat the manager with a steel bar. Mr. Graham was sentenced to life in 2005 for violating probation by committing a home invasion robbery when he was 17.
Concern about tourism continues to drive crime policy in the state, said Kathleen M. Heide, a professor of criminology at the University of South Florida. “We’re at the more extreme level,” she said, “because our economy is so tied up with people coming here on vacation and feeling safe. And older people want to live out their retirements here and be safe.”
Florida is one of eight states with juvenile offenders serving life sentences without the possibility of parole for nonhomicide crimes, according to a report prepared by Professor Annino and two colleagues at Florida State. Louisiana has 17 such prisoners; California, Delaware, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska and South Carolina have the rest.
The number of such sentences in Florida was greater in the decade that ended in 2008 than in the decade before. The state sentenced nine juvenile offenders for nonhomicide crimes to life without parole in 2005 alone. “We’re just so far out from everyone else,” Professor Annino said.
Mr. Snyder said finding the right balance in addressing juvenile crime was difficult but should be left to the states. “People do things at 16 and 17 that they wouldn’t do at 37, but they spend a lifetime paying for it,” he said. “But we have to create an environment where our children are safe and our elderly are safe.”

New York Times
December 17, 2009

Editorial

De-Criminalizing Children

As many as 150,000 children are sent to adult jails in this country every year — often in connection with nonviolent offenses or arrests that do not lead to conviction. That places them at risk of being raped or battered and increases the chance they will end up as career criminals.

To fix this problem, Congress needs to properly reauthorize the Juvenile Justice Delinquency and Prevention Act of 1974, under which states agreed to humanize juvenile justice policies in exchange for more federal aid. This act was largely bypassed in the 1990s when unfounded fears of an adolescent crime wave reached hysterical levels.

When it reauthorizes the law — it is already three years late — Congress should make it illegal for states to place children in adult prisons, perhaps with the exception of truly heinous criminals.

The House has yet to introduce a new bill; in the Senate, an updated version has yet to be voted out of the Judiciary Committee. The Senate bill is less than ideal, but it does encourage the states to de-emphasize the practice of detaining children in adult jails before trial and requires them to better protect young people who end up there. Several states have begun to reform their systems: housing young people in juvenile facilities — where they are better protected and can get mental health treatment — even if they have been convicted in adult courts. The current version of the law threatens states with loss of federal aid if they make that decision. The Senate bill would do away with that language.

The bill also would require states to phase out policies under which children are detained in either juvenile or adult facilities for offenses like violating curfew or smoking. These children should be dealt with through community-based counseling or family intervention programs, which are better for the child and for taxpayers.

In addition, the bill increases financing for mentoring, drug treatment, mental health care and other programs that have been shown to keep children out of custody in the first place. And it would require states to closely monitor — and address — racial inequities in their system. Studies show that black and Hispanic children get harsher treatment at all levels of the juvenile justice system than white children.

The Senate bill is not perfect. But it represents a welcome step away from the cruel and self-defeating policies that subject children to irreparable harm at the hands of the state and puts them on a path that too often leads to a lifetime spent behind bars.

Locked Away Forever, A Growing campaign against Juvenile life sentences

2010-01-02T00:41:00.000-08:00

The Case Against Juvenile Life Without Parole
By Pat Arthur and Brittany Star Armstrong
At 16, Sara was tried as an adult and sentenced to the rest of her life in prison, even though the California Youth Authority (CYA) determined that she was "amenable to the training and treatment" they offered.

Sara Kruzan received a sentence of life without parole when she was 16. She is now 28

There are more than 2,000 child offenders serving life without parole (LWOP) sentences in United States prisons for crimes committed before the age of 18. The United States is one of only a few countries in the world that permits children who commit crimes to be sentenced to prison forever, without any possibility of release.2 Only eight states in this country — Alaska, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, New Mexico, New York, and West Virginia - and the District of Columbia prohibit life without parole for youthful offenders.

Unfortunately, adolescents. like adults, commit horrible crimes and make terrible mistakes. And, like adults, they should be held accountable — but in accordance with their age, stage of development, and greater capacity for rehabilitation. A sentence of life in prison is excessively harsh for such young people, many of whom were themselves victims of abuse or neglect.
An estimated 26 percent of juveniles sentenced to prison for life were convicted of a felony murder, that is, for participating in a robbery or burglary during which a co-participant committed murder, in some cases without the knowledge of the teen.3 Fifty-nine percent of youth sentenced to LWOP are serving time for a first-time offense.4 In 26 states, the sentence of life with-out parole is mandatory for anyone, even a juvenile, who is found guilty of committing first degree murder.

The disproportionate use of this sentence on youth of color is extreme. Nationwide, black youth are sentenced to LWOP at a rate 10 times greater than white youth. In California, 158 of the 180 people serving LWOP for crimes committed before the age of 18 are youth of color.6 Black youth in California are 22.5 times more likely to receive a life without parole sentence than white youth.

Juveniles sentenced to LWOP frequently receive ineffective assistance of counsel during pre-trial and plea proceedings, and at trial and sentencing. For example, a federal district court judge in Washington state found that Donald Lambert, who at the age of 16 plead guilty to aggravated first degree murder and received a mandatory life sentence, was not provided constitutionally adequate representation. Nevertheless, Lambert is serving life without parole at the Walla Wall State Penitentiary in Washington state. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected on technical grounds the grant of habeas corpus relief by the district court. A juvenile sentenced to LWOP in Michigan in 1989 for felony murder describes his representation this way:
" I did not see my attorney at all. I called his office and no one accepted the calls. He never vis ited me. I never had any kind of interview about the crime, I never even talked to him about the crimes. I seen him one time at a hearing that lasted about 5 minutes, then I seen him twice IN THE COURT ROOM at trial that was a two day trial and then I seen him moments before I was to be sentenced. When I seen him before the sentence it was in the bullpen behind the courtroom and he told me there that Id be getting natural life. I kept asking him when I'd be going home, but another inmate explained it all to me. He never asked me if I even did the crime. I didn't know anything about the law or that he was supposed to come and see me during the trial. I went through a murder trial at the age of 15 with out ever talking to my attorney.”

In other legal contexts, youth are not treated as having the same capacity as adults. For example, they are not considered responsible enough to enter into contracts, to vote, to marry.
or to leave school. Yet, in most states, they are presumed as fully responsible as an adult for purposes of the criminal process - they can plead guilty, go through complicated legal proceedings, and be sent to prison to die - without regard to their age and diminished capacity.

A Growing Campaign to Stop Sentencing Juveniles to Life Without Parole
In light of the recent recognition by the U.S. Supreme Court that juveniles should not be held to the same standard of criminal culpability as adults 12, the elimination of juvenile life without parole sentences is becoming an increasingly important subject of juvenile justice reform. Children's advocates, faith-based groups, human rights advocates, juvenile justice experts, families of juveniles serving LWOP sentences, and even the victims of serious crimes have joined together in voicing their disagreement with the use of LWOP to punish youth who "are not yet the persons they will become."14 The advocacy is supported by growing public opposition to the use of LWOP on juveniles. A poll conducted of Americans on the West Coast found that 86 percent disagree with the idea that children who commit crimes are so beyond redemption that they should be locked up for the rest of their lives without any opportunity to ever earn their release.

Litigation and legislative efforts to eliminate juvenile LWOP sentences are underway and in various stages of planning in several states, including Michigan. Illinois, Pennsylvania. Louisiana. California and Washington state. The Colorado legislature just recently enacted a law that eliminates the future use of LWOP sentences on juveniles.. In Mississippi and Washington, the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund. Inc. is focusing advocacy and research efforts on the racial disparities in LWOP sentencing. The Juvenile -Justice Committee of the Criminal -Justice Section of the American Bar Association is working on a proposed Bar Resolution regarding juvenile LWOP.

The media are paying greater attention to this unfair sentencing practice. Media coverage is providing more complete portraits of the juveniles who have been sent to prison for life.1'''
Internationally, many are working to call attention to the use of LWOP sentences to punish juveniles in the United States, a practice that violates the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the International Bill of Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The sentencing of youth to life without parole was included in a juvenile justice resolution adopted by the Human Rights Commission in Geneva in 2005. Human Rights Watch has made submissions calling for the elimination life without parole sentences for juveniles to the Committee against Torture, the Human Rights Committee, and to the UN Secretary-General's Study on Violence against Children. A petition has been submitted on behalf of child offenders sentenced to life without parole to the United States Inter-American Court on Human Rights showing how this cruel sentencing practice of violates principles of international law.18.
All involved in the campaign to stop the sentencing of children to die in prison are deeply motivated by the life stories of these truly discarded children and believe deeply in their capacity for rehabilitation.

Pat Arthur is a senior attorney at NCYL, specializing in juvenile justice reform. Brittany Starr Armstrong interned at NCYL in summer 2006 as an Arthur Liman Public Interest Fellow. She is in her first year of law school at University of San Francisco Law School.

National Coalition to Ban Life Without Parole for Youth Offenders

National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) Senior Attorney Pat Arthur is Working with Human Rights Watch, private law firms and a number of organizations to end the practice of sentencing Child offenders to life without t parole.

As part of this initiative, NCYL and other advocacy organizations are working to eliminate life without the possibility of parole as a sentencing option in California and Washington State for youth who commit a crime while under the age of 18.

NCYL is also part of an effort to create a national collation for coordinating advocacy to ban this sentencing around the country. The advocates in this coalition take heart in the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roper v. Simmons, 543 U.S> 551 (2004) because it acknowledges fundamental differences between adults and children that make egregiously harsh sentencing disproportionate and unnecessary.

1 The Rest of Their Lives: Life without Parole for Child Offenders in the United States. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, October, 2005, p.l, available at: http://nrw.org/re-ports/2005/usl005/
2 Id. at 5.
3 Id. at 27.
4 Id. at 28.
5 Id. at 2.
6 National Center for Youth Law interview with Alison Parker (Human Rights Watch author of The Rest of Their Lives), March 2, 2006.
7 The Rest of Their Lives, at 40.
8 See e.g. Miles Moffeit and Kevin Simp-son. Judges in Both Cases Troubled by End Results, Denver Post, Feb. 21. 2006: Ken Armstrong, Florangela Davila. Justin Mayo, "For Some, Free Counsel Comes at High Cost, Seattle Times. April 4, 2004. available at: http://seattletimes. nwsource.com/news/local/unequalde-fense/stories/one/
9 Lambert v. Blodgett. 248 F.Supp. 2d 988 (E.D. Wash. 2003). affd in part, rev'rj in part. 393 F. 3d 943 (9th Cir. 2004). cert.dened. 126 S. Ct. 484 (2005).
10 Lambert v. Blodgett. 393 F.3rd 943 (9thC ir.2004)
11 Second Chances: Juveniles Serving Life without Parole in Michigan Prisons (ACLU of Michigan, 2004), p. 16, available at: www.aclumich.org/pubs/juve-nilelifers.pdf.
12 Roper v. Simmons. 543 U.S. 551 (2005) (juvenile deatn penalty violates the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment).
13 Relying on neurosctence and psychological research, the Court in ffoperfound that youth tend to make "impetuous and ill-considered decisions," they have "susceptibility to negative influences and outside pressures," and the nature of their character traits is "transitory," making their capacity for rehabilitation greater than that of adults. Id. at 569-570.
National Center for Youth Law www.youthlaw.org
14 Naovarath v. State, 779 P.2d 944, 944 (Nev. 1989), cited in Nina Chernoff and Marsha Levick. "Beyond the Death Penalty: Implications of Adolescent Development Research for the Prosecution. Defense, and Sanctioning of Youthful Offenders. Clearinghouse REVIEW Journal of Poverty Law and Policy, July-August 2005, at.212.
15 National Center for Youth Law interview with Alison Parker (Human Rights Watch author of The Rest of Their Lives), March 2, 2006.
16 206 Colo. Leg:s. Ch. 228 (West).
17 For example, the Denver Post ran an in-depth series highlighting the extreme physical, emotional, and sexual aouse suffered during childhood of many juveniles serving LWOP sentences. Miles Moffeit and Kevin Simoson, "Teen Crime, Adult Time." Denver Post. Feb. 17, 2006, available at: http^/www. denverpost.com/teencrime. See also: hUp:/ /www ,'denveroost.com/portlet/ ar t ic le/ht ml/fragments/print .article. jsp?articie=3636564.
18 Petition \s available from National, Center for Youth Law.
Litigation and legislative efforts. to eliminate juvenile LWOP sentences are underway and in various stages of planning in several states.

The disproportionate use of this sentence on youth of color is extreme. Nationwide, black youth are sentenced to life without parole at a rate 10 times greater than white youth.

how does it feel to give?

2009-12-24T11:36:00.000-08:00

...Simply Can't Be Put Into Words!
How Does It Feel To Give?
Hummmm, I can't say I've ever given, how it feels to give much thought. That's not to say that I don't give. It's just that giving, or the feelings that follow isn't something I think about. I just do it and move on.

Giving was exemplified in just about everything my mother did. Aside from the abuse she subjected me to, Momma had the biggest heart I've ever seen. That was the beautiful thing about Carol Bridges, better known as Momma. Not only would she give of herself and her wealth but of her ears, and her shoulders for tears. She didn't lend a hand, but two- And don't let her know you need money or a place to stay; she'd give you her last dollar, and make extra space. That often meant on the floor I had to sleep, but I never complained because I could clearly see... GIVING was bigger than both Momma and me!

When it's all said and done, I learned early on that GIVING is far more than a holiday or a kind deed, but OUR DAILY DUTY TO ONE ANOTHER AS FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS! I'm thankful to my mother for teaching me this. Now my heart is as big as hers and HOW IT FEELS TO GIVE simply can't be put into words!
Andrae L. Bridges