7/1/13

Why Now?

Today a memo was passed to every prisoner regarding new changes to inmate property here in California. Funny thing is the memo is dated June 5th. So why is it late? And more so, why now?

It seems that the upcoming hunger strike by California prisoners has prison officials in a scramble to present the carrot. With prisoners demanding their five care demands to be met, and putting a stop to work and food is enough to frighten the prisoncrats. The thing that strikes me as odd is why so "willingly" do they cave in? Please keep in mind that none of the stuff prison officials are giving us are part of the five care demands. We can now get a typewriter, clothes, bowel, tumbler, a second entertainment appliance (i.e. radio, CD player, guitar, harmonica, etc.). But even with this last stuff is a toss up. So why now?

Another thing that's striking is how much prisoncrats hate and despise the unity of all ethnicities in prison. Why is that? There has been a call to end hostilities of it. It's a historical moment for all of us here witnessing it firsthand. As someone said, "Of course you'll have your cannibals, but for the most part, it's a beautiful thing to cease the antagonizing." Instead of trying to foster an environment of unity, the prisoncrats and their henchmen will do any and all things possible to see the chain of unity broken and crushed.

Whatever the outcome of this hunger strike/work stoppage, what can be said with certainty is that a spark has been ignited and a flame is steadily burning. Change is all in the air around us. One need not be a rocket scientist to see that. Prisoners have been awakened, albeit slowly, to the reality that they are a giant when it comes to the forefront of change. I say to them: awaken, you slumbering fools!

Notes
The five core demands are as follows:
1.) Eliminate group punishment
2.) Abolish debriefing policy and modify active/inactive gang status criteria
3.) Comply with recommendations of US Commission of Safety and Abuse in America's prisons (2006)
4.) Provide adequate food.
5.) Provide constructive programs and privileges for SHU prisoners