FROM: danielgwynncw5713@voiceforinmates.com
TO: Blog Update
SUBJECT: A Sunset
DATE: 4/21/12

Today i witnessed a very wonderfully sunlit evening sky. A light blue-violet canvas adorned with fluffy violet cumulus streaked with highlights, and touched by a blanket illuminated golden kisses from the sleepy sun. I was drawn into a deep contemplation by the hypnotic heavenly sight. "How lucky I am to be in America--the symbol of hope and freedom."

I was wondering how many people actually paused for a moment to take a deep breath and enjoy this wonderful sight. Taking a moment to appreciate what 'America' has to offer, in spite of the government corruption that's ruining this great nation. Every day I'm seeing good people inch a little bit closer over that moral line in the sand to provide for their families. Our corrupt politicians have polluted the system upon which we rely, and have dimmed that shining flickering flame of hope.

How many people looked out over that waning night sky in either terror or joy? Were they in terror for fear of what may come tomorrow? Or was it joy, because in spite of the hardships they're still able to experience that bliss that makes life worth living?

Here I stood looking through the bars of my cell window with great joy in my heart. A terrible injustice has been perpetrated against me and my very being is threatened to be extinguished and yet I am not crushed as they would have me be.

For many years, I've stumbled due to the many obstacles thrust into my path. I've found it difficult to take advantage of any opportunites 'America' has to offer me, and I was affected. I was lost for a long time until I realized I had a choice to live as best I could and be happy, or be miserable and unfulfilled.

I looked around and saw so many other prisoners deteriorating under the weight of their incarceration and their unhappiness. Many of us are getting sick, old and dying. My reflections in the mirror on the wall displayed more gray each passing day. Was I aging? Have I done enough to make a difference?

[signed] Daniel Gwynn

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FROM: danielgwynncw5713@voiceforinmates.com
TO: Blog Update
SUBJECT: A Sunset
DATE: 4/21/12

Page 2

Upon reflection, I'd felt I hadn't done enough to contribute to society. There's so much work to be done, and not enough people stepping up to make a contribution, including myself. This country has done so much for us (come good or bad); it gave me a home. Life wasn't promised to be an easy one, but it's better than most. I make this comparison to those still struggling to survive under the tyrannical reign in third-world countries: poverty, famine, wars, genocide, and disease. With all that they face, they still continue to go on, holding on to hope. So what do I have to complain about? Every oppression, prejudice, obstacles, and political corruption in America I face can be overcome. And if the problem proves to be a tough nut to crack, we can live with it until we do, they can't. We are armed with the toold to achieve many things in this country, for 'We Are The People'.

You can't blame the rain for being wet. Just get an umbrella and learn how to use it. Your world is what you make of it in 'America'. So take a moment to appreciate a spectacular sunset, and see how you feel (hope or terror).

[signed] Daniel Gwynn