Thanks for Telling the Truth

By Wally Paredes, prisoner of the war on drugs

Many years have passed since I last wrote. More than a decade ago your informative newsletter (Razor Wire) ceased, right? I never questioned the demise of something I came to enjoy. You see, "so many" things in my life have come to an end over the past 20 years that I now question little.

I am presently 64 years of age and serving a 30-year sentence for the nonviolent, victimless offense of a single delivery of a controlled substance to a paid, contractual, criminal informant. No money ever exchanged hands, and not a single person witnessed the alleged offense. Yet, a jury believed the paid-for testimony of a person making a living by accusing others.

This September 2008 I begin my 20th year. Over the past two decades all of my family but one sister have passed away. I have listened to the hopes and dreams of legislation to come that would put an end to these draconian sentences.

Other inmates bring me newsletters from nonprofit outside groups and a host of law firm newsletters promising relief on the near horizon or a light at the end of the tunnel. And far more often than not, the light at the end of the tunnel soon reveals itself as an oncoming train.

All these years inside have taught me much acceptance, tolerance and broad-mindedness. Yet, at the same time I have developed vexation, indignation and irritability towards those who find some repugnant, appalling, disgusting pleasure in building up false hope within those of us grasping for straws.

For years, older offenders like me looked hopefully to an elderly offender law that just might afford us our last years with the few loved ones we have left. Only to see it come forth within the Second Chance Act of 2007 as a very limited program, not subject to law, but subject to the discretion of the Bureau of Prisons.

The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines in Chapter 4 clearly exclude convictions over 15 years old for establishing a criminal-history score. Yet, this provision of the Second Chance Act permits "any" prior conviction of violence to exclude an inmate's eligibility. Moreover, the BOP, in establishing a history of violence, utilizes relevant and/or acquitted conduct. An individual charged but exonerated of the offense, under the BOP's interpretation, still has a history of violence -- precluding eligibility from the Elderly Offender Program.

How on earth could Congress write such a toothless law? It has no backbone, no foresight. It will soon be obvious just how few prisoners will qualify. Why is it that every new law, every new break, every second chance, are given to those with no serious time to do? Those that have already been given every consideration on earth. While those of languishing away continue to "again" be punished for prior convictions "already" utilized three and four different ways in order to achieve what are, in essence, life terms of incarceration.

Where is our "second chance?" Just when have we finished serving sentences from 10, 15, 20 years ago? Sentences we have already served the time for. When do they end? It sickens us to see the never-ending efforts of those on the outside who could make a difference single out only those who have already received break after break.

Maybe somewhere in our past we've had some type of conduct considered violent. But we're now serving 30 year-sentences because of enhancements for that prior conduct. Our instant offenses are not "We" chose not to engage in violent crime. Yet, we now serve sentences for drug offenses greater than those imposed upon many murderers, rapists, child molesters and armed robbers. Why?

Recently, federal prisons from coast to coast have been buzzing with hope that Congress will reinstate parole and the old (pre-1984) earned good time system. Rumors run wild. False information travels everywhere. This week, in fact, rumor was that the House of Representatives passed this long-awaited legislation. Inmates are desperate to finally give mothers, fathers, wives, children and host of other loved ones good news. How utterly sad!

Fortunately, I was able to borrow a copy of a printout of a six-page bulletin your office put out on April 18, 2008. On page 3 in bold print you accurately state that "there is at present NO bill in the U.S. Congress, 110th Session, to restore federal parole."

Thank you! It can't be much clearer than that. And that is how it should be. Should we give up hope? Of course not. But giving our loved ones false hope based on false or misunderstood information does far more harm than good. Had "your" information been more readily available, possibly these rumors could be replaced with knowledge and better understanding.

If the Razor Wire is still distributed, I would certainly welcome and appreciate receiving it. Rest assured, I will spread the word/facts. I have about six and one-half years remaining in my sentence -- if I live that long and am able to walk out these doors. I seriously doubt that I will witness our government realize or admit to the travesty the war on drugs has bestowed on its own citizens. Keep up the good work.