Prison Up Rise 2

Prison Uprise The Abolishment Movement Newsletter

November, 2006

Texas Hunger Strike Ends Just The Beginning

T

he strike is over. The 3 of us decided to pack it in for now. Me? I went 82 meals and a bag of cookies, 27 days. I just got done eating my first meal in 27 days....rice and beans, peanut butter and jelly. I was also supplied with a couple pastries and candy bars from unnamed sources. My fellows went 12 days each. We did not win better conditions, but that will still be worked on. Why'd we quit? The three of us knew that we weren't enough to win. We're gonna get healthy again, get a larger group, and get back to it. I'll call the strike a success though. People are now aware of our plight. Death row prisoners have shaken off some of their lethargy. We continue to draw in support from all over the world. We have put the reality of the death penalty in the face of "Joe Citizen". I'm a bit disappointed in myself. I honestly thought I would make it all the way...I could have, but for what? Yeah, the idea of a hospital stay, costing the state a bunch of money sounds great...But is it worth the cost? Nah, not really. TDCJ were gonna wait ‘til my kidneys completely failed before they attempted to force-feed...I'd lose that much of myself, for what? For nothing. Definitely not worth it. I will not be ruled by my pride this time. I just hope that our hiatus doesn't stop outside support. We need to keep the fight going. I have to commend the Drive Movement for their

support and their participation in the struggle. And I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart, those who put time and energy into supporting us. Please continue to do so. We are NOT finished, merely taking a break. There is something I wish to get working on...I'll explain in detail in the coming days...I want to start a campaign directly against the Board of Criminal Justice, if they refuse to fix our situation, it will take a lot of planning, work, and dedication. But it's about time we really did something. This hunger strike was a good wake up call. Now that we're awake, let's get to it. In Struggle & Solidarity, Steven Woods

Fast-In To Support This Hunger Strike On 11-11-06 I organized a Fast-In to show support to the inmates on Hunger Strike, and to also protest the conditions. The following people signed up to participate: Donna Chagnon, NH Dee Hawk, Massachusetts Jennie S. Michigan Debbie Frazier Elenora Steve Baskin, Arizona Katja Famden, UK Jensey Salazar, Texas Ness Knut Erik Paulli Jennie UK Spouse UK Angela Michelle Reeves

2 The Abolishment Movement Newsletter Christopher M. MacNeil, Indiana Rachel Baker, Taiwan David W. Collingsworth Roderick Robinson, Florida Shayla Dotson,Birmingham Alabama Noora O'Brien, Finland Rosa Caldwell, Kentucky Karen Peggy Howell, Minnesota Maayke Trijuannis m. lynch Mrs. Sam Gray Emily Powers, Georgia Claire D. ---REPPIN TEXAS__DRIVE__HUNGER STRIKE GabrieleFluckiger, Germany Patrick Bogdan, Germany Xieline Carmen Raymundo Elena Gaita, Italy Dana Coutu, Canada Bobby Castillo Cheryl, Australia Chrissie Townsend Debbie Catherine Shook, West Va. Nancie Ferris Carol Leonard Sherlyn Bear, Canada Kaiti Herliby, New York Fanny Bodin Angela Huguet, France Emily Powers, Georgia Sabrina Harmon Magdelina, Poland Ryan Mckenzie Connor, N.Y. Sabine Brandt, Germany Pastor John, Tx Emile, France Sandie, UK Saundra (prison Angel) Florida Karen McNeil, Va. Annette Watts, Va. Carolina Danielle Moore Rubens Adrisha B'dos

November, 2006 I can only imagine how it was to go so many days without eating, because at the end of day one I was starving. Dee From The Associated Press, Some States Use Sedatives To Calm Inmates In a common but little-known execution scenario, at least 19 of the country's 38 death penalty states offer sedatives and anti-anxiety drugs to condemned inmates. "It helps keep the inmate calm and we think that's good, not just for the inmate but for the staff as well," said Brian Hauswirth, spokesman for the Missouri Department of Corrections. The practice does not violate national ethics standards for doctors and nurses — who prescribe or administer the sedatives — but makes some opponents of the death penalty uneasy because it involves doctors, however incidentally, in putting people to death. Condemned inmates in 11 states have received sedatives or anti-anxiety drugs before executions going back at least 12 years, according to a review by The Associated Press. Four death penalty states prohibit the drugs, including Texas, with the country's busiest execution chamber. Ohio has had the second-busiest since 2004. Now, I cannot understand why Texas, which leads the nation in executions will not offer sedatives to the inmates. It shows how revengeful and inhumane they really are. It IS all about revenge. Why wouldn’t they want to calm the inmate? This story shows what their intentions are Dee

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Georgia HELP IS NEEDED! Georgia prisoners are being forced to cut their visitors lists to only 2 friends! This is particularly difficult for death row prisoners who don't have family willing to visit but do have friends that will! Contact with the outside world is vital to these men and women! Please help change this new rule by sending letters to the DOC Commissioner ASAP! Below is a sample letter and the commissioners's name and address. Feel free to print and send this letter if you wish. The more letters we send the greater our chances of getting this new rule changed. All letters wil be greatly appreciated! D.O.C. Commissioner's Office Commissioner James Donald 2 MLK Jr. Drive 8th floor Atlanta, GA 30334 Dear Commissioner, I am writing to express concern about recent changes to the visitation policy of Georgia's prisoners. I am concerned that the new policy of restricting the number of visitors to prisoners is going to result in a less safe environment on many levels. Many studies show that prisoners who receive support while in prison are more likely to successfully reintegrate back into society when they have served their sentence and are released from prison. This is not only good for the prisoner, who can make a positive impact on the community, but it is good for society to lower recidivism. Further, prisons are safer places when prisoners have stronger support from people on the outside who are able to make contact with them. The restrictions on non-relatives is especially troubling for prisoners, particularly death row inmates, who do not

November, 2006 have the active involvement of family in their lives, but may have friends or others who care and are willing to make visits. I appreciate your attention in this matter and I urge you to remove these restrictions on visitation of prisoners. More positive contact between prisoners and those who care about them and are invested in their successful rehabilitation is needed, not less. Sincerely,

Texas Visitation Petition The following is a petition written by Sabine Brandt ([email protected]).

To: Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Brad Livingston Dear Mr. Livingston, Since 1996 TDCJ allowed men to have 10 adult visitors in the visiting room at the same time, his last two days before his execution, to say good bye to all his loved ones and friends. They didn't have to be on the visitors list either .Now Warden Hirsch changed this visit rules, and only two adult visitors are allowed in the visiting room at one time! If Mr. Hirsch was worried about security, he could have cut it in half to 5 adults in the visiting room at one time, and allow the others to switch out with the other visitors waiting in the parking lot when someone else wants to come in. Please, abrogate this restriction of visit rules! It's not only for the inmates, it's important for their loved ones and friends, because it's the last chance for them to say good bye. Imagine family and friends already emotional, because their loved one is about to be executed, having to walk back and forth down this side walk in

4 The Abolishment Movement Newsletter the very hot sun or blinding rain. Please, think about the people who must use canes ,walkers or wheelchairs. We appeal to you, to arrogate this change of visit rules! Yours sincerely Sincerely, The Undersigned

November, 2006 Groups working with crime victims have demanded that the website, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation, removes them. The profiles list the inmates' hobbies and personalities and some include blogs in which prisoners relate the daily doings on death row, their favorite music and films or even the crimes they were convicted of.

Here is the web address to sign this petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/sb110480/ petition.html

Myspace The Media has just realized that inmates have Myspace pages. It has been on the news and in the newspapers. They are shocked that death row inmates have myspaces. I watched as they scanned through some of the pages, and there we were, our faces, our logos. Shocked that free world people are doing pages for inmates. I am in the process right now of doing a myspace for an inmate activist. I think everyone should have one. It’s a great way of connecting, of networking. It will bring attention to your case, if that’s what you want. Anyone who wants a myspace, write to me and I will advertise in The Abolishement Movement Forums for someone to do one for you.

As prisoners are not allowed internet access, the profiles are created and managed for them by friends and relatives who receive prisoners' updates in the form of letters. "I think you ought to draw the line somewhere," said Andy Kahan, the director of an office that works with crime victims. He has written to MySpace asking the site to reconsider having pages created and maintained for convicted criminals, particularly murderers. "Is it within your policy to allow the glorification of killers by giving them a platform to influence young minds?" Mr. Kahan wrote. "Are there specific guidelines within MySpace that would prohibit giving convicted felons a platform for all the world to see?" MySpace has yet to respond to Mr Kahan's request.”

Here is a brief from the news about it:

“At least 30 prisoners awaiting execution in Texas have pages on MySpace, which is used by millions of teenagers around the world to socialize and make friends.

This is a First Amendment Issue

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Scheduled Executions The following are scheduled executions throughout the nation: 29 - Ohio 10:00 AM EDT John Spirko is scheduled to be killed by the people of Ohio in revenge for his alleged murder of Betty Jane Mottinger. JANUARY 2007 10 n Texas 7:00 PM EDT Carlos Granados is scheduled to be killed by the people of Texas in revenge for the murders of Katherine and Anthony Jiminez. 17 n Texas 7:00 PM EDT Johnathan Moore is scheduled to be killed by the people of Texas in revenge for the murder of Officer Fabian Dominguez. I noticed there are none scheduled for December, and assume that it is because of Christmas. The birth of Christ. But wasn’t Jesus Christ also arrested, convicted, and executed by his own people? Do they wan’t for us to forget this? I urge everyone to make calls, faxes, write letters, and protest the upcoming executions. Good News Anthony Nealy, Texas, was granted a Stay of Execution.

Execution Rituals A short story about the rituals of an execution

November, 2006 I have never been witness to an execution, and quite frankly I never want to be. If I had it my way the death penalty would be abolished. But I noticed that the following day after an execution, it's in all the media. All the little details about who attended, what the condemned said as his "final last words," what he ate as his "last meal." How the witnesses were pressed against the glass as the condemned took his last breath. There are certain rituals that occur with an execution. These rituals have to be broke before we can ever hope to abolish the death penalty. By allowing these rituals to take place, we are allowing the death sentence to take place. It breeds acceptance. If these rituals were suddenly viewed as taboo, maybe then will the people of America see that the death penalty is also taboo. Let's begin with the last meal. Why would they offer a last meal to a man who is about to be executed? To give him a last meal of his choice, nurturing food, to only take his life away doesn't make any sense at all. "How polite they were to offer him a meal of his choice." Is this what they expect the public to say? And where did this ritual originate? With the Last Meal of Christ before his crucifixion? Next is the final last words. The condemned has been sitting in a living hell for many years already, thinking about what he has done, or that he never committed the crime. Why does anyone want to hear what he has to say now? By now it's all been said. It's just another ritual. He is expected to say something. An apology, a final good-bye to his family and friends, or maybe a thank you to the correctional officers for his upkeep. The

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November, 2006

media is hoping for something out of the ordinary. It sells papers, it sells viewers.

I know others , mostly inmates feel the same way about this issue. The DRIVE Movement website has written this:

I suppose they got their fill when condemned serial killer Danny Rolling, executed by lethal injection on October 25, 2006, by the state of Florida, when asked if he had anything to say, began singing a song, that he most likely wrote himself out load to the witnesses. Now, this is the first time I have heard of this. He surely gave them something to talk about. This time it was the the inmate who participated in this execution ritual.

Fighting Until the Very End? Drop Us Your Thoughts!

When convicted killer Gregory Lynn Summers, executed by the state of Texas also on October 25, 2006, was asked if he had any final words, reclined. However three of his friends each dressed with a pink shirt and black pants attended the execution. The attire of the three was something to talk about. They too, participated in the execution ritual. Another execution ritual, is walking to ones execution. Why would anyone want to willingly walk to their own death fate? It's making a statement that they are participating, accepting their own execution. If the inmates are accepting their own executions, it makes it hard for the public not to. I hope that this is not the newest trend in execution rituals, making the execution stand out amongst the rest. Maybe they see it as a protest? That the execution will get publicity? The execution is already going to get publicity, we don't need for people to sensationalize it. We need for people to stop participating in these execution rituals. We need to change the way people view executions. We need for executions to be seen as taboo.

Greetings to you all. From time to time I have friends that come on this forum, among many, and do some chatting with people. Well, since chatting is going on, I figured I’d drop some thoughts worth disserting. I think it’s totally necessary to see where you alls minds are, especially since some of you support us personally or just support the cause. But, even for those that just like to politic this is for them as well. The following is a HOT topic of Texas’ death row and I want you alls thoughts on this. What is your reaction to a man on a death row fighting until the death ? What I mean by this is physically fighting when he’s in the process of being taken to the gurney. Do you feel it’s foolish ? Meaningless ? Makes us fit the criteria of being violent ? Is it something that should be done ? Should one just walk in peace and silence ? I’d like to know what you think. But first, here’s a little story for you. In 1998, I witnessed the first man ever fight until the end. His name was Desmond Jennings, young Black male of about 32 or so*. I don’t know how it is at others Units, but I’m sure it’s probably the same, but when you refuse to leave a certain area (cell, recreation yard… whatever area) then the Administration will run what’s called a Use of Force on you. Some call it an Extraction Team. This is usually a team of officers (usually around 5) that come in full riot gear and will chemical agent (pepper gas) on you to

7 The Abolishment Movement Newsletter make you submit. If you withstand that gas they will run into said area and subdue you by any means necessary. I saw Desmond Jennings go through this process on the day of his execution. It changed my life forever because to me he made a statement that this process wasn’t ok to him. I know at the time that if it was ever me, I’d do the same. In the history of death row in Texas only 3 others men have physically resisted : Shaka Sankofa (FKA – Gary Graham), Emmerson Rudd and Ponchai “Kamau” Wilkerson. One other individual made them drag him and that was Todd Willingham*. Texas kills men like no other state and they’ve killed over 300 to this day. They’re not letting up either. Texas also has the 2nd most populated death row with a little over 400. The pro-death penalty person would more than likely say – so what. He deserves what he got coming – So, we won’t focus on them. My focus is on those that oppose this death penalty. For an inmate that launches a campaign to save his life, ask people to help him file petitions etc., would it be a contradiction for him to just walk to his execution, and then at the end eat some lavish meal ? In my beliefs I’d say yes and this is why. If we take the position that out lives are valuable and worth something then I fell that it is our #1 duties to make that stance. Nevertheless, year after year, inmates walk to their executions and most eat these huge death feast before the execution ; food that will more than likely not digest. To me this is an abomination and disrespect to this precious life that we have. Now, I know what many are thinking – well, you’re going to die any way, so what’s the use ?

November, 2006 – I have one answer for that – to show that this is not ok and that we do agree with it. There’s a different angle to this as well. What do you think would happen to the public’s psyche if they heard time after time again that a man struggles to the end before his execution ? You see, the System has already pacified the death penalty. Each year they try to make it look nicer and nicer ; they dropped the electric chair in some states, they offer these meals, they do these lethal injections in these white sterile environments. It doesn’t matter if it’s at the end of a firing squad or a syringe – it’s still state sanctioned murder. I believe that the public has to be remind to how vile this process is, but do we “humanize” it so to speak ? I mean, even a dog can sense danger when he is about to be put to death and will resist. Some will say – oh, he’s scared to die or he’s not at peace. – That’s no necessarily so as the 4 above men were all at peace. It was just the statement that needed to be made. If you know you are about to die, why not make the statement. Now, not every man has to fight. One may be a Christian and believe in non-violence or just believe in non-violence period ; or one may be older (yes, there are men beyond their 50’s on Death Row) or have health problems. Ok, just don’t walk. Lay it down and make them drag you. I suggest for a Christian to pray for the guards. Pray them for participating in your murder. It’s blood on their hands too. Make them realize that. How powerful do you think that would be if it happened over and over ?

8 The Abolishment Movement Newsletter This is topic worthy of discussion and I ask that you all discuss it. I also ask that for those of you who write men on death row to discuss it with them too. I do believe that it’s something worth considering and propagating. Post your thoughts or forward them to [email protected]. We really need to start considering newer ways to oppose this death penalty – on the inside and out. I’d like to start sharing more of them as our movement must unity and come to one accord. I leave you with this for now. In Struggle The DRIVE website is host to many prison petitions, and activist action that is taking place. This is their logo: by Robert Will

Guantanamo Bay Prisoners Here is a piece about the inmates, (Detainees they call them) By MATT APUZZO WASHINGTON Nov 13, 2006 (AP)— The Bush administration said Monday that Guantanamo Bay prisoners have no right to challenge their detentions in civilian courts and that lawsuits by hundreds of detainees should be dismissed. In court documents filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the Justice Department defended the

November, 2006 military's authority to arrest people overseas and detain them indefinitely without access to courts. It's the first time that argument has been spelled out since President Bush signed a law last month setting up military commissions for the thousands of foreigners being held in U.S. prisons abroad. Bush hailed the law as a crucial tool in the war on terrorism and said it would allow prosecution of several high-level terror suspects. Human rights groups and attorneys for the detainees say the law is unconstitutional. Prisoners normally have the right to challenge their imprisonment. The Justice Department said Monday that the detainees have no constitutional rights because they are being held overseas. Giving military detainees access to civilian courts "would severely impair the military's ability to defend this country," government attorneys wrote. "Congress could have simply withdrawn jurisdiction over these matters and left the decision of whether to detain enemy aliens held abroad to the military," the Justice Department wrote. Instead, Congress set up a military commission structure establishing "unprecedented" levels of review for detainees, the attorneys wrote. Thank God the elections favored the Democrats. Bush seems to be shaking in his shoes. NOW we will see what secrets are unraveled. I will keep you up to date on the political side of things.

9 The Abolishment Movement Newsletter Help Wanted! I am looking for submissions from inmates, and also free world people. Anyone who wants to help me with this newsletter, please get in touch with me. Free-world people email [email protected] Inmates snail mail: Dee Martin PO Box 63095 New Bedford Ma. 02746 I am hoping to get submissions from inmates throughout the nation, so we can keep everyone up to date on what is going on elsewhere. If you have an inmate friend, print this out and mail it to him/her. If you’re an inmate, share this with others. Ink, postage, stationary can get to be expensive when you do as much correspondence as some of us do, so I ask that you pass this around. If you have a website, myspace, etc. that you want the address mentioned, let me know. If you have any news about prison activist actions, send me an email or letter. I hope everyone has a peaceful Thanksgiving. Dee The Abolishment Movement

November, 2006