Reply ID: rgy&

Rita,

One of my favorite movies Pay it Forward (2000). Haley Joel Osment, 7th grade student, takes action to change the world by helping three people who in turn help three people of their own, paying it forward. I like to believe that the good that I do transcends my single act.

I'm working on a few new art projects: Gun Violence; Legal Inequality; The Underground Railroad; and The Democratic Party. I believe that my calling is to paint images inspired by God. My works seem to have messages that move people. We are all God's messengers in some fashion, we just need to realize our true potential.

Justice has been a fleeting concept these past 20+ years. Although I have faith that I will not be denied justice, I am concerned about how long it's going to take. Solitary confinement is having a bad effect on me, like many others around me. The DOC isn't in any hurry to fix the harsh oppressive conditions of confinement. Their only concern is keeping these prisons full to capacity, collecting their money, and advancing their careers. There has been all kinds of studies that have concluded that it's cruel and unusual punishment that causes mental illness. There's no rehabilitation, just warehousing and punishment. The mental health experts that have been planted here are not very effective because the administration doesn't care. They are the problem. Prison is an industry designed to make political careers, create jobs, and a tool for population control.

Why is it so difficult for us to love ourselves and each other? I'm tired of seeing people preying upon each other to get ahead. We should be working together. In spite of my incarceration, I believe that I can still make a difference. Art for Justice just had an event at Ben Franklin H.S. (5/5) using my artwork as part of its workshop to inspire at-risk youths to aspire to make better choices that lead to constructive lifestyles.

Thank you for caring and sharing with me. It helps to know that someone cares.

Daniel Gwynn