My name is Michael Jo Santos and I am the brother of the 14 year old child that was murdered by Timothy Reeves, Scott Rose, Richard Hazard and Michael Coul. As I appreciate your diligence for well needed change I feel that your readers are not getting the whole story, at least when it comes to your article in reference to Scott Rose. Before I begin please know that I empathize with the families of the four individuals that were convicted because just like my family they lost someone also. They are grieving as my family is grieving. In fact when we heard the news about Scott Rose someone said to me “you must be happy” and my reply was “why would I be happy? This not only doesn’t bring my brother back but now his family is grieving even harder. “
I noticed that in your article you failed to mention my 14 year old brother who was murdered before his life even began. In fact this happened in my presence and it almost destroyed me. No mention in your article on the families that were destroyed, (not just mine but the convicted) just the system that seems to punish more than it does rehabilitate. You see, I am a firm believer that the justice system needs a huge makeover and has been long overdue. I also believe that with the 13th amendment having a loophole that states (and I’m paraphrasing) Slavery is unconstitutional unless one is a prisoner needs to be amended so there isn’t incentive to criminalize people for profit. However, I also believe in personal responsibility.
I am aware of all the obstacles we face with poverty, guns, drugs, mental instability and the list goes on and the prison systems that need to be restructured in a way that the recidivism rate declines to the highest minimum. With that said I am going to quote a great man you should research that I refer to as the father of the West African revolution and sparked the armed struggle for the Portuguese colonies of Africa, His name is Amilcar Cabral. “Who is this enemy who dominates us, stubbornly scorning all laws, all international legality and morality? This enemy is not the Portuguese people, nor even Portugal itself: for us, fighting for the freedom of the Portuguese colonies, the enemy is Portuguese colonialism” What he meant by that was it was the system, not the people that was in need of change and so the people wasn’t the enemy. He knew as human beings we all want the same things in life.
I don’t think that what you’re fighting against is a Josh Wall problem and it seems that he and a few correctional officers being targeted in your writings and being classified as “murderers” defeats your purpose and is to me a false statement. They are human beings, they’re not the system. They have families and problems just like any other person. I feel that you calling them murderers but painting Scott Rose as the victim of Josh Wall is wrong.... (Continued in next box)
Hello Harlan, I, for one, look forward to your blogs. I like to hear your opinion on all these many topics. Your beliefs coincide with my own. I, too, have been very disappointed in our elected leaders. And in those who elected them. I am incredulous! As a former teacher, I feel Governor Walker has given teachers a very bad rap. He has certainly discouraged them, disparaged them, and made good ones leave the profession. And all of these issues that we discuss today pertain to the education of our young. (FYI, I am still using the dish cloths that were made by your hands years ago.)
Uce you do the crime you do the time. Prison ain't supposed to be a nice hotel. Been in salinas valley, chino, Wasco. The Hope you have needs to be let go Uce. You say you will be out and with your loved ones.. Sorry to break the news to you but you will only be getting put in a wooden box. Good thing is you can meet your loved ones again, that is is heaven. Read the bible, find Jesus in your life and give your life to Jesus and you will be set free. Much love and respect Uce
I'm sorry to hear that you have had it rough. Even those in the "outside world" can relate to you having this terrible funk for the start of this year. Especially over whatever President Trump and his administration are doing to ruthlessly censor anything opposing their view. So much narrow-mindedness and aggressive denialism going on, it hurts. I can relate. I'm hoping that it's no more than four years of this too.
I hope that this outlet helps you vent and cope in every possible way that it can. Can't keep it bottled up. And know that I absolutely appreciate your honesty. I'll keep transcribing some of your older posts too.
RSS
My name is Michael Jo Santos and I am the brother of the 14 year old child that was murdered by Timothy Reeves, Scott Rose, Richard Hazard and Michael Coul. As I appreciate your diligence for well needed change I feel that your readers are not getting the whole story, at least when it comes to your article in reference to Scott Rose. Before I begin please know that I empathize with the families of the four individuals that were convicted because just like my family they lost someone also. They are grieving as my family is grieving. In fact when we heard the news about Scott Rose someone said to me “you must be happy” and my reply was “why would I be happy? This not only doesn’t bring my brother back but now his family is grieving even harder. “
I noticed that in your article you failed to mention my 14 year old brother who was murdered before his life even began. In fact this happened in my presence and it almost destroyed me. No mention in your article on the families that were destroyed, (not just mine but the convicted) just the system that seems to punish more than it does rehabilitate. You see, I am a firm believer that the justice system needs a huge makeover and has been long overdue. I also believe that with the 13th amendment having a loophole that states (and I’m paraphrasing) Slavery is unconstitutional unless one is a prisoner needs to be amended so there isn’t incentive to criminalize people for profit. However, I also believe in personal responsibility.
I am aware of all the obstacles we face with poverty, guns, drugs, mental instability and the list goes on and the prison systems that need to be restructured in a way that the recidivism rate declines to the highest minimum. With that said I am going to quote a great man you should research that I refer to as the father of the West African revolution and sparked the armed struggle for the Portuguese colonies of Africa, His name is Amilcar Cabral. “Who is this enemy who dominates us, stubbornly scorning all laws, all international legality and morality? This enemy is not the Portuguese people, nor even Portugal itself: for us, fighting for the freedom of the Portuguese colonies, the enemy is Portuguese colonialism” What he meant by that was it was the system, not the people that was in need of change and so the people wasn’t the enemy. He knew as human beings we all want the same things in life.
I don’t think that what you’re fighting against is a Josh Wall problem and it seems that he and a few correctional officers being targeted in your writings and being classified as “murderers” defeats your purpose and is to me a false statement. They are human beings, they’re not the system. They have families and problems just like any other person. I feel that you calling them murderers but painting Scott Rose as the victim of Josh Wall is wrong.... (Continued in next box)
(FYI, I am still using the dish cloths that were made by your hands years ago.)
Be well and be blessed, Harlan.
Michele
I hope that this outlet helps you vent and cope in every possible way that it can. Can't keep it bottled up. And know that I absolutely appreciate your honesty. I'll keep transcribing some of your older posts too.
Stay safe in there.