Transcription
July 28, 2013
Hello World!
Sad news. Out of 120,000+ inmates within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Governor Jerry Brown said he could find only 1,200 who he would feel comfortable releasing. This was in response to a 3-judge Federal Court Order requiring the Governor to reduce the inmate population by 10,000.
It's sad because I am not one of the 1,200 or at least I assume I am not, because staff have not come to my pod door to tell me to pack my bag. I do not believe my 27 years of being disciplinary free was overlooked. Neither overlooked were my successful completion of numerous self-help groups, the obtaining of current marketable job skills, nor my tireless work to bring a measure of peace to the lives of my victim's family. No. I, along with thousands of other inmates are purposely overlooked because of our title: murderer.
Now that's frick'n scary.
However, it is also inaccurate. True. I was convicted of the horrendous act, but unlike a carpenter, I do not engage in it everyday. By using this noun to label me, it does a disservice to the concept of rehabilitation. It ignores my ability and desire for change. I will never shed the weight of responsibility for my act that caused so much pain, but to label me as such blinds the user from seeing success.
What is the goal of placing a man in prison? If it is only for punishment, then read my book A Year in a Life Sentence. Congratulations - you win! If prison is to bring about change, then rejoice when a man's eyes and heart are opened to betterment.
The Governor speaks of releasing only inmates who are least likely to re-offend. I agree and laud his desire. However, it confuses me because the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation uses the California Risk Assessment Score to determine an inmates risk of recidivism. My score is a 1, the lowest, least likely to re-offend. I am surrounded by hundreds of inmates who are also a 1. Could it be that all 1,200 inmates who the Governor was referring to are housed here in Valley State Prison? Doubtful. The majority are murderers.
Does this discourage me? No. I will continue to contribute when possible. I will always reflect on the choices offered to me so that my decision will do no harm and I will be grateful for each opportunity to create a new label for myself - a citizen of the world.
Thanks for checking in on me.
Cordially,
Gregory Barnes Watson
Gregory Barnes Watson
D-67547 VSP B3-15-20
PO Box 92
Chowchilla, CA 93610
gregorybarneswatson@gmail.com
Novel: A Thundering Wind
Journel: A Year in a Life Sentence (Amazon.com)
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Replies (1)
This is Tanya's husband, Gary. I just wanted to let you know I was appalled by your blog today. Well, not really by your blog, but by your report on the shenanigans going on in California.
The first thing I thought of when I read this was that it had nothing to do with you or any of the other prisoners. Unfortunately, it is my belief the prisoners are getting caught in a (excuse my language) pissing match between your infamous governor Jerry Brown and the three federal judges. So I went online and found a few articles about the situation and sure enough, it was exactly as I expected.
The articles clearly stated that there has been a long term battle going on between the governor and these three judges because the governor doesn't believe the judges have any right to interfere with his prison system. It seems very convenient to me that they were only able to identify only 1,200 worthy prisoners to release, exactly 1% of the prison population. It is my guess that they did not identify anyone, but just pulled that number out of the air as a conveniently low number.
If I were you, I would not fret over whether or not you are part of the 1%. I honestly do not think anyone is. This is nasty politics through and through. You may be interested to hear that the US Supreme Court refused to grant a stay on the federal court order to release the 10,000 prisoners. The federal court has also threatened to find the governor in contempt of court if he does not comply with the order. So we shall see what happens.
I want to close with two things. One, I wanted to let you know that I am going to write a letter to the three federal judges and include a copy of your blog. I doubt if they ever hear from actual prisoners and their very real feelings and concerns. I want to make sure they hear from you. I will make sure you get a copy of the letters. And secondly, I want to reassure you that our God reigns. And he can and does perform miracles. In fact, I believe he delights in performing miracles and taking care of his kids. I know you have been in the valley for a very long time, but keep the faith. God knows you, he knows what is going on in your life, and he wants the very best for you. We will continue to pray for your quick release.
Gary