Mail Call

Dear November Coalition . . .

 

It is my firm belief, as a prisoner of conscience, that our country, by and through this so-called "War on Drugs," has set itself within a downward spiral to social destruction. Privacy, personal choice and freedom are cast into the fire when non-violent individuals are persecuted and convicted to heartshattering sentences by overzealous politicos clamoring for the spotlight, leaving misery and broken homes in their wake.

If we, as a "free civilized society" are to continue to exist, we must stop and re-evaluate our laws and human nature itself. We must strive to insure, for our children, the same freedoms and rights our forefathers so vigilantly fought to secure. Right, wrong, good or bad is not the issue-the issue here is being free enough to exercise the choices ourselves.

Scott Walt, Serving 25 years for a "no-weed" marijuana conspiracy.

 

A thought I had and a point I'd like to make is this - The government (both state and federal) isn't building all these new prisons for those of us who are already locked up. They are for the people out there who are still free.

Opie Roe, Prisoner of War in America

 

I talked to a new guy today, he's in until the year 2017. Very hopeless situation and I found myself trying to convey hope-darn hard to do in here. Maybe the newsletter needs a column that would address problems associated with living in prison long-term; dealing with depression, hopelessness, despair, depersonalization, deaths in the family, marriage or lack of, etc. Just another idea to made the newsletter more personal to POWD's.

Eddie Abbott, Prisoner of War in America

 

If one had systematically and diabolically tried to create mental illness; one could probably have constructed no better system than the American "Correctional" system. From this perspective, prisons may seem as warehouses for people who have no place in the economic order. With the economy ailing in many parts of the country, local so-called leaders often see a potential state or federal prison as a recession-proof economic base. In fact, prisons are more than "recession-proof"-they are the one industry that greatly benefits from recession.

Troy Thomas, Prisoner of War in America

 

Hello, my name is Edith and I just received my first issue of the paper and I am now outraged!!!!! Why doesn't our government see what is happening to so many people? Do they not care? What is going to happen if there isn't something done now? I worry about my future a great deal, and this is supposed to be the United States of America. I carry pride in that name, but as this goes on, what is there to be proud of?

Edith Braybrooks

 

Yesterday I received the first of N.C. newsletter and must admit a proud feeling to be on the ground floor of a new organization that will end this destruction of life and the American family because of the Government's War on Drugs. There is no doubt that bridges must be crossed and a way paved in personal hardship, but I feel sure that we will end this war.

Scott Braden-Walker, Prisoner of War in America

 

I wrote the gentleman who runs the news service that keeps me updated on drug war news across the country and world:

Just wanted to thank you for email that keeps me updated on the drug war world-wide. Who are you anyhow? How do you track the news this way. I'm just curious as all get out. -Nora

His reply :

Subject: And Thank You

Date: Mon, 05 May 1997

From: Kiril H Dubrovsky

To: nora@november.org

Thank You for the most inspiring web site.

Makes me feel like this work is all the more needed. I do my share of collecting news, but most of it comes from others who clip and send me articles from literally anywhere. If you find a good (or bad) article that needs to get read or needs a response, send it along to: editor@mapinc.org

As to who I am, Um . . . I guess I'm just a shy guy with too many political ideals, and a little free time. And someone who wants to power their car with something else besides fossil fuels. It's funny, I don't take drugs except for a little wine now and then, but I want to help America overcome it's addiction to war.

 

Subject: The November Coalition

Date: Fri, 2 May 1997

From: Robert Lunday (This message was posted on a mail server)

Hello all,

I don't know about you, but sometimes I need a reminder as to why I put so much time and energy into changing the current drug laws. I've found that reminder at www.november.org, website for The November Coalition, based in Colville, WA. If you need a reminder as well, just visit the wall at http://www.november.org/wall.html to meet a few fellow citizens who are serving EXTREMELY long sentences for non-violent drug offenses.

Also, the essay "America's Drug War" is a fabulous piece, summarizing the multi faceted beast that is our War on Drugs.

 

Subject: Editorial

Date: Thu, 29 May 1997 16:24:14 -0400

From: dan umanoff

I am a victim of the war on drugs although not in jail, I have been in jail. As a physician and addict, I have made my contribution for decriminalization in the form of a free book on my web page for anyone interested in understanding the realities af addictions, and rational policy coming out of these realities. It is the biological basis of all addictions, and how humans work in relation to addictions. Please feel free to use these ideas to help in the struggle.

Dan Umanoff, M.D.

http://www2.netcom.com/~dumanoff/hypoism.htm

We created a link ro Dr. Umanoff's page within our website and I wrote him further about our organization.

 

Subject: Truce

Date: Fri, 30 May 1997

From: dan umanoff

Hi Nora, thanks for responding. I would be honored to do anything for your organization I can. I am attempting to change very deeply held prejudices about addicts and addictions by the non-addict population. The addict is the last discriminated minority and scapegoat for society. The biggest problem is that the addict believes in these prejudices about themselves as well and hates himself for that reason.

The defense against this is defiance to everything and everyone. This perpetuates the problem. First we must change our own ideas about ourselves (and what we are, and what are our limitations as hypoics) and then we can get together and take care of ourselves as a unified group. I want to set up a foundation to do legal battles for discriminated against addicts and to confront legislatures to change laws.

Will do whatever I can for you.

 

Subject: Re: Your talent is needed even from Atlanta

Date: Mon, 26 May 1997

From: Jewsky

Hello. My name is Joel. I live in Atlanta, GA. I am replying to the latest email I recieved from you. I may be able to be of some help to you in getting photographs of prisoners for the site. In my experience, it is especially difficult to get authorization to shoot pictures in jails and prisons and it often takes a lot of time. If your not on a deadline, I can get some good shots with impact for you. Let me know how soon you need these pictures, and I will let you know if it is feasably possible for me to help you guys with this site.

I hope to hear from you soon. Best wishes in ending this senseless prohibition.

(Joel, is a proffessional photographer)

 

Subject: Joining the Organization

Date: Fri, 23 May 1997

I am a conservative, college educated, professional woman. Except for an occasional cocktail, Advil, and caffeine, I do NO other drugs whatsoever. And I agree absolutely with your opinions on your web site.

We are turning the United States into a police state and trashing the constitution in the pursuit of the insanity that is the 'drug war'. My son's are caught up in the system now. They have NEVER hurt anyone else but themselves. My 80 year old Mother grieves and is so afraid that she may not live to see her grandson out of prison. He is serving 6 years for a FIRST time offense of .24 of a gram of heroin and was 19 years old when it occurred.

I personally hate the harm that drugs (including alcohol) do to people and their families, my father died an alcoholic. But at least our family, then battling alcohol, didn't have to feel that the United States of America was waging a war against us too.

I feel that our family now needs to fight not only the addiction (which is hard enough), but also now the government. Good luck and I do want to join. My sister is a lawyer and feels as I do also. People who are capable of critical thought are coming to these conclusions.

Susan Bobby

Susan has agreed to help design our Guide to Activism which should be available in August..

 

Subject: Re: Photos of these folks

Date: Sat, 24 May 1997 12:26:24 -0700

From: Jim Rosenfield

To: nora@november.org

Nora, regarding http://www.november.org/wall.html (am including some friends on this msg. Friends are being let into our discussion about your extraordinary project on behalf of WOD prisoners because of expressed interest in such matters.)

Yes, the photos are showing up fine, though I did read a few with no photo.

The more I look at the jail door motif, the more I like it. I especially like the animated gif "stroke counting" effect. Can I help with the layout of your navigation area?

Hear this. Your site is wonderful. Content is extraordinarily rich. Job well done. Workable site, decent layout, dignified, humane, full, full, full of heart.

Publicize this resource everywhere you can. You can use this to build a tremendous community response for this constituency. -Jim Rosenfield

 

The prisoners of the drug war at FCI Three Rivers, Texas salute you. Myself, I'm halfway through a fourteen year sentence which puts me aout at 2004. I find that unacceptable. I intend to be out in time to welcome the New Millenium. And I don't intend to party alone, so the rest of these boys here have to get out along with me. There are two possible situations which will occasion the end of the war. One is when people everywhere stop using drugs. The other is when the laws are repealed which criminalize the use of drugs. We must work to accomplish the latter, as it is unlikely the first will ever occur . . .

. . . Our cause is in need of a leader. There has to be an honnest politician willing to do more than talk tough. There has got to be a leader who will tell the truth about the drug war. Where is the man with heart, who will stand up and demand government regulation of all drugs?

... Let us seek a reasonable end to the war on drugs. Let us petition our president for Peace and Amnesty to begin the New Millenium.

Bruce Ward, Prisoner of War in America