Thanks for your excellent words, Oppolo. I am a writer, and I would be interested in corresponding with you. Is it possible for you to post an address where you can receive mail? Chrishmael
Hey Johnnie, I've really been enjoying your blog entries and I hope you keep making more. I can tell you've lived a hard life but you've gained a great deal of wisdom and learned a lot more about life than most people ever will and it's good to hear your thoughts and ideas.
I know how you feel about the family situation, my family is like that too I don't really hear from them anymore. I noticed when I used to work at this hospital that older patients would get visitors at first but then less and less at time went on. I think that's just how families are sometimes. Your first instinct is to get angry at them and although that anger is justified in the long run I think it just drives a wedge more and more between you.
All throughout history people have tried to build walls to keep people away like the great wall of China, the Berlin wall, the U.S., Mexico border, and the Korean DMZ but no matter how big or powerfull the wall is it always fails. I think this is because walling people off doesn't solve anything and is an unhealthy attitude to have whether that wall is mental or physical. Sorry if this was depressing to read, but I feel like any news even if it's bad brings us all a little closer together.
Thanks for your Shout Out! I only saw it today, and it quite surprised me. It's very interesting to hear more about your ideas for reform.
Have you shared these ideas with other people? It'd be great to know what you thought the chances of these reforms are. I've no idea, for example, whether having some health care is something gangs already do some of the time, or never.
You ask my own opinion - I guess I'd say that reform doesn't come all at once but rather in gradual changes.
I'm afraid I don't have so much to add myself -- I'm just a student at college!
The wordpress link doesn't work; but you can find the site which Muise is referring to at solitarywatch.com. Looks like it is a site dedicated to exposing uses and abuses of solitary confinement.
Wow, your drawings are amazing! You should definitely try to do something with your art when you get out, you've got an incredible talent. And I'm sure it's been said, but your penmanship is very unusual. I like it a lot! How do you come up with inspiration for your drawings?
As for books, I really enjoyed The Sword of Truth series as well. People seem to like Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time fantasy series, but I liked the former far more. Might be worth a read, however. I think there are more than 13 books, so it's one that will keep you busy for quite awhile.
I'd recommend contacting the media in your area, you might find an interested reporter who wants to run with the story and get the word out.
Here's a big list of contact information for the staff of the Wisconsin State Journal: http://host.madison.com/wsj/article_8231547a-9f12-11de-97f4-001cc4c002e0.html
I thought your poem was awesome! Interesting rhyme scheme, great subject. I really enjoyed reading it. I also am really glad you're following politics and sharing your thoughts with us.
Your drawings, handwriting, and poetry are all so beautiful. Never stop creating! You have such talent. I hope you keep exploring it and pushing the boundaries of what you can do.
I'm not sure that setting up prison sweatshops is really a good solution - I know that people on the outside certainly don't want to feel like they're forcing horrible work on inmates! But at the same time, I think I see what you mean - there are no opportunities for work in prison, so why not make a few dollars, do something with your hands, and have something worthwhile to do? It makes sense but I don't think it could ever happen. I do like the programs where inmates can train service dogs, though. I think everyone has a soft spot for fluffy animals, so it certainly doesn't hurt public opinion either! I'm sure that other work could be found, if only the system would actually focus on helping rather than punishing.
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Chrishmael
I know how you feel about the family situation, my family is like that too I don't really hear from them anymore. I noticed when I used to work at this hospital that older patients would get visitors at first but then less and less at time went on. I think that's just how families are sometimes. Your first instinct is to get angry at them and although that anger is justified in the long run I think it just drives a wedge more and more between you.
All throughout history people have tried to build walls to keep people away like the great wall of China, the Berlin wall, the U.S., Mexico border, and the Korean DMZ but no matter how big or powerfull the wall is it always fails. I think this is because walling people off doesn't solve anything and is an unhealthy attitude to have whether that wall is mental or physical. Sorry if this was depressing to read, but I feel like any news even if it's bad brings us all a little closer together.
Thanks for your Shout Out! I only saw it today, and it quite surprised me. It's very interesting to hear more about your ideas for reform.
Have you shared these ideas with other people? It'd be great to know what you thought the chances of these reforms are. I've no idea, for example, whether having some health care is something gangs already do some of the time, or never.
You ask my own opinion - I guess I'd say that reform doesn't come all at once but rather in gradual changes.
I'm afraid I don't have so much to add myself -- I'm just a student at college!
Best,
Squishles
As for books, I really enjoyed The Sword of Truth series as well. People seem to like Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time fantasy series, but I liked the former far more. Might be worth a read, however. I think there are more than 13 books, so it's one that will keep you busy for quite awhile.
Here's a big list of contact information for the staff of the Wisconsin State Journal: http://host.madison.com/wsj/article_8231547a-9f12-11de-97f4-001cc4c002e0.html
What a story. I guess some of the people in your life just arent worth mentioning.
I thought your poem was awesome! Interesting rhyme scheme, great subject. I really enjoyed reading it. I also am really glad you're following politics and sharing your thoughts with us.
Your drawings, handwriting, and poetry are all so beautiful. Never stop creating! You have such talent. I hope you keep exploring it and pushing the boundaries of what you can do.
I'm not sure that setting up prison sweatshops is really a good solution - I know that people on the outside certainly don't want to feel like they're forcing horrible work on inmates! But at the same time, I think I see what you mean - there are no opportunities for work in prison, so why not make a few dollars, do something with your hands, and have something worthwhile to do? It makes sense but I don't think it could ever happen. I do like the programs where inmates can train service dogs, though. I think everyone has a soft spot for fluffy animals, so it certainly doesn't hurt public opinion either! I'm sure that other work could be found, if only the system would actually focus on helping rather than punishing.
Best wishes to you!