August 13, 2020 @OCSI

Hello again interested readers!

First, some of you may know that I'm running the Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee (IWOC)- Milwaukee Chapter's representative to the National Steering Committee. I am honoured to have received the most votes in the preliminary for this nomination. I'm now in a run off with an individual at RCI the actual representative spot. Just wanted to say "Thank you for your votes!"and please continue to vote in this run off. For those of you able...please don't forget to vote in the upcoming November election!

Well, the hearing on my sentence modification based on the COVID-19 pandemic (reconsideration of previous denial) was delayed. Apparently the district attorney didn't get the Notice of Hearing (although they're in the same building as the Clerk of Court) so they weren't able to comply with Marcy's Law/Victim Notification. So, I'll have my hearing next week on Wednesday the 19th. Wish me luck!

As far as the motion for post conviction relief actually challenging my convictions goes, I couldn't get it in the mail with time enough to get to the DA in time for them to look over everything. I'll still pursue it but have to do so later. I just don't think it would be fair to 'blindside' them with it. Although, I have tried a couple times to get the DA to come to the bargaining table with letters explaining things. Thus far they haven't even had the courtesy to respond.

It makes me think, "Why bother trying to be fair? They weren't fair to me." I guess it's that my sense of fair play is better developed. Either that or I really just want to have the high moral ground for once in all of this.

Hmm... the latter sounds like a stronger motivator and more like me but my sense of fair play does play a part.I guess that comes of having done some things that hurt others that were in no way fair; and having them done to me. Is that what they call a conscience? Ah, empathy! Pretty well developed for an "old con" like me.

For whatever reason, I want to do this fairly. Not using the bogus tricks they used is getting convictions when I was young and (somewhat) naive. My position on my guilt and responsibility for my actions remains the same.

However, as for my crime she I was 16, I've given my pound of flesh to the state. I have served every day of the 20 year sentence I received for that act. The only debt I now owe for that is my to my actual victim. At least that's my take on things. Other people's opinions may be different. They're as entitled to their opinion as I am. Definitely doesn't mean I have to agree with them either.

I've done so many years with this overwhelming sense of guilt and shame that I've accepted a lot of the hardships over the years as no less than I deserve. But the line has to be drawn somewhere or else there's no point in my going on. I need to be able to see a future for myself where I can standup for what's right for me. This feels like the beginning of that future. *fingers crossed*

Well, my philosophical ramblings aside...there are a couple of things I'd like to talk with you about in my next posting. It's been brought to my attention that the WI DOC is supposed to cut about $250 million dollars from their operating expenses. From news and anonymous sources, this cut will probably include inmate programming. Having completed a lot of programs in my day, I'll have a few words about what they should/shouldn't cut and why.

As always, please stay safe and sane!
Tony