Daniel Gwynn Blog Update
Date: 5/17/15
Subject: "Stick A Fork In It"

Stick a fork in us, we're done. The Capital Case prisoners' "uprising" at SCI-Greene has run out of steam after 14 weeks of braving the cold temperatures & Torrential rains. Our numbers were weak, but our resolve was strong. We had a righteous cause for which to stand--"Freedom from oppression." The Administration had re-issued an old policy where they wanted to strip search us every time we exit out cells. This policy proved untenable & punitive in the past, so the previous administration forewent this insane practice, but neglected to remove it from the policy books. This Administration has been determined to make this insane unwarranted practice work, so they've ignored the pleas to forego & the evidence of its disruptive effects. The guards & prisoners, in accord, expressed to the Administration how insanely disruptive to the daily operations this practice has been, and would be, as prisoners' would be delayed in getting to their activities, and the time delay would come out of the prisoners' end. We've also expressed that this action is unwarranted, especially since "The Capitals are the most well behaved prisoners in the facility." (quoting Stephen Longstreth, Unit Manager). There hasn't been an incident of violence, contraband, or behavior on this unit in the decades we've been here. Also, strip searching a man multiple times a day to escort to a non-contact activity is an assault on our dignity and proves excessive. (stripped naked; lift genitals; show hands & armpits; open mouth; turn & lift feet; and bend over spreading cheeks). We are in solitary confinement, where movement is severely restricted & activities are non-contact (except the yard where you can sign up a partner). This policy doesn't serve a legitimate penological interest as no contraband posing a threat to security or staff has ever been discovered.
In my investigation of DOC policy, I've discovered that most of the policies imposed upon us don't even apply to us. The DOC has us jumping back-n-forth between Administrative Custody & Disciplinary Custody policies which are uncomprehensive and oppressive to the Capital Case population. The prisoners & staff are at a constant class over the ambiguity, which has...

Daniel Gwynn Blog Update
Date: 5/17/15
Subject: "Stick A Fork In It" (cont.)

...created a dangerous hostile environment. The DOC is well aware of the mental & physical degradation the practices & conditions of solitary confinement causes, yet continues this.
For 14 weeks, the capital case prisoners at SCI-Greene stood together in a non-violent protest to change the conditions of our confinement. Through frigid temperatures & torrential rains we stood in defiance of the oppression we've been subjected to for decades. Many did not join the fight, but silently stood by waiting to enjoy the fruits of our labors. Although this was upsetting, we still marched onward. We thought that more people would the movement once it warmed up, but instead, the prisoners splintered & faltered when we should've been more united. Prisoners started to double up in their cages in order to socialize. This caused the movement its disruptive powers to the daily operations. It's crazy, because these are some of the same dudes that be complaining about how bad it is the most. This is a problem not just here, but every where. People are always quick to complain, but lack the spirit, heart or stamina to endure the hardships of the lengthy battle for change. It seems they rather suffer the oppression & complain.

Daniel Gwynn