Mail Call

Hey, I know what you mean. The courts in California wanted to give me 27 years for selling drugs. The only reason I sold drugs was there wasn't any work, and I have four children to take care of. With no job, and with my record, they won't let me get any kind of assistance. So what's a guy to do? Well, good luck and God Bless. - Anonymous

I have just seen your website and wanted to say that it's reassuring to know that thoughtful debate on drug issues actually takes place in a country that appears to be traveling backwards sometimes. Removing this issue from the moralistic rubbish preached by both your government, and to a lesser extent mine, can only help us all. Thank you, and don't ever give up! - David Allan-Smith RN, United Kingdom

I was told that you offer information on really important issues in the war on drugs. I am in on a drug case myself. I have been in solitary confinement for more than three years. I get no visits, phone calls, or even commissary. I am also unable to work in solitary and can't support myself.
I also have no family either, and so you can assume I have no funds. So if you could help me out with your publication, I'd be very grateful to you. - Very sincerely, Wesley Hendricks

I'm currently incarcerated at Rockville Correctional Facility, sentenced to 40 years for meth on my first felony conviction. I was out on bond in another state, so that was their reasoning. I have never been in trouble before, and I'm 34 years old. This just seems extreme. Please, if there is anything you can suggest, I'm at my wit's end. - Thank you, Susan Banks

I just wanted to write to tell you to keep up the good work. Please don't stop. Please don't give up on us now. I have not seen the Razor Wire in awhile, and I was thinking you forgot about me or lost my address.
If anyone who reads this could help me, I'd appreciate it. I need info on how to work on my offense level 38 to get back five years on my excessive sentence. If I can't, I have 13 more years to serve in prison at age 55 now. - -

One of the big stories now in the news is about the closing down of U.S. military bases. Such action may save $40 billion over the next 20 years. I find this interesting when compared with this nation's prison problem. Alone, federal prisons cost $4.6 billion each year, or $92 billion in 20 years without including inflationary increases.
Instead, why not revive Federal parole, freeing those who earn it, and save money by closing prisons instead of military bases. Who will defend this country from future terrorist attacks: prisons or military bases? - David Correa

While I was in county jail I tried to kill myself by swallowing razor blades. I did this because I was afraid to come to prison, and tried the easy way out by killing myself. All my life I've been into drugs. I sold them to help feed my family, and I did robberies so they could eat, and I could get high. I joined a gang, and it became my new family. It was all about drugs and crime.
I would like to join and receive a newspaper from you. I've been down for one year, and I've almost got my GED certificate. I'm writing a book about my life and would like to tell you about it. - Sincerely, Aaron Ames

I got the wonderful book you sent me (Drug War Facts) - thank you so much! I literally have people signed up and waiting in line to read it when I'm through. It should be mandatory reading for all Americans. I also made copies of the book list you suggested and sent them to several people to order some books for us here.
I am enclosing some stamps for you; all I can afford at $5.25 a month. So here's my paycheck for the month of May. I look forward to the next issue of The Razor Wire; real news is hard to get in these places. - Peace; Stephen Meyers

On March 2, 2005, I was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. I have been incarcerated for two and one half years to date in state prison, but none of that time counts toward my new fed sentence.
I have 18 months left in state prison, and then I'll be released to the feds to start over again. My offense is drug possession/distribution of 50 grams or more of meth. Due to my prior drug charge, I was sentenced to a mandatory term of 120 months by the federal judge. I was indicted because I failed to testify in my codefendant's hearing.
I do believe this drug war is out of control. I need help, not more time. I have a 10-year-old daughter who, by the grace of God, is with my mom, a wonderful person. So in some ways I'm very lucky. - Amy Fluckiger

I recently received your last Razor Wire newsletter, and really enjoyed it. My question to you now is, "Can I subscribe and pay the $6 annual prisoner membership fee with postage stamps?"
The North Carolina prison system charges $5 for a money order, and then it's a lengthy process to get approval. It's much easier for me to come up with $6 in stamps than pay $5 more for a money order, and wait a long time, too. - William Derbeck
(Editor: Yes, we do take postage stamps as payment for membership. We use a lot of stamps in our mailing process, and if we get more than we can use, other grassroots' groups always need postage. We are allowed by law to sell them.)