Toni Thomas' Blog

2006-08-23T17:31:00.000-07:00

KNOW HIRING
I was recently employed as a Youth Advocate at Ken Rock Community Center in Rockford Illinois. My supervisor would write me little notes on how well I was doing, and how she was working on possible full time employment for me. The Center has a joint collaboration with the YMCA in our area. The Y representive was fresh out of college. (As my supervisor said with no bedside manors) She literally had created a hostile work environment, and guess whou she felt was a threat? So she lied, literally lied on me, known fact could be proven without a doubt.A list of allegations were made against me, not once had I ever been wrote up, I was only there for two months. Of course I wasn't wrote up because my supervisor would type up little letter on how well I was doing. Yet the only person that observed these behaviors was this one supervisor. The program was for helping children, yet she would tell me the students could go do things at home.So this one week was a challenging week for me. On Friday I was told that I didn't have to work, but later they realized that they needed me. So I told them that I could come in when I get off at my other job. So since I didn't arrive when they expected me to. My supervisor left me a message terminating me over the phone. Which I hadn't heard it until after I arrived for work and she told me she had left it. So to make a long story short after meeting with her and the director of Ken Rock she told me to disregard the phone call, and that they were meeting with the Y to discuss the accusations made against me and that I would be considered laid off until the fall. That they were looking at possible full time employment for me. They also told me how my supervisor totally was supporting me in this matter, because the Y representive had put her in some unprofessional situations with employees. She created some work disputes with her and other employees so she knew how I felt.So one day in the summer I just so happen to stop by there to check on the full time position that I had been told about and to my surprise they had posted it. So my supervisor told me that she was going to call me, to let me know about the position and that the Director of Ken Rock had someone he wanted her to interview for the position. I don't have to say anymore do I. Of course not. So I interviewed for the position and of course didn't get the position. Imagine that.So I'm saying this- did they break the law? YES-I can't understand why people do things that doesn't demonstrate honest work ethics, and think that it's okay.
I wouldn't say this was racially motivated but race did play a factor. I was there and made a difference to several students in the program. This is a community center that is reaching out to help minorities yet how many does it employee? OOPS I forgot they do have some minorities working in the kitchen.For a someone to say they stand by and support their employee yet they end up without a job.I feel these are the types of situations that people shouldn't have to go through and yet we do, hopefully one day people will really be held accountable for their actions.This is how you know it really isn't about the children, it's about who you know. I made a difference yet in the end that didn't matter.

2006-06-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

After a recent social injustice meeting that I attended in Durham, North Carolina I haven't been able to forget several key things discussed in the meeting. The first one is the Declaration of Independence. Once again thanks Lafonda Jones from The North Carolina FAMM division. You said you were going to send me back home with something, you did. Thanks again.

For those that don't know, I'm sure they have noticed the high rate of non violent offenders incarcerated for long cruel unjust prison sentences under minimum mandatory sentencing. In June of 2005 Congressman Danny Davis introduced a bill into Congress to revive parole and good time to federal offenders(Bill H.R. 3072). It has been stalled in The Judicary House Committee since then. Congressman James Sennsbrenner from Wisconsin believes in lock them up and throw away the key. How can we allow this when the Declaration of Independence was written to protect people from unfair treatment and abuse of power.

"This is what the Declaration says"

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

Then why are we stuck with 2 million incarcarated and James Sennbrenner stalling a bill in the Judicary House Committee? Can anyone answer that after reading this portion of the Declaration of Independence?

Also the Story of Alva Mae Grove touched many of us. Alva Mae is a 85 year old Woman who was incarcerated at the age of 72 for conspiracy-she refused to testify against her daughter and know she is serving a 25 year prison sentence.
Her family is fighting to get her a compassionate release due to her health at the age of 85. What if it was any of our Grandparents locked up because of the war on drugs and minimum mandatory sentencing?

2006-04-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

Hi
Just another response to my blog that I would like to share with everyone that reads
Hi Toni, my name is Pauline and I received your blog today by email. The>only way I could figure you reached me is by some prison action affiliate.>I am a member of PAN and have been to many other prisoner reform websites>out there as well. Let me first introduce myself on a more personal level.>I happen to be a “white” female, age 46, however, I have 2 sons whose >father>“was” a black male when he died at age 47 while incarcerated. We live in>New York state. My husband became ill with kidney failure during his 12th>year of incarceration. He first was imprisoned for that term when our sons>were just 4 and 5 years old. They were 18 and 19 years old when their dad>died. Many situations have surprising or unexpected details to them. I>also have my daughter, my eldest child, and she is all white like myself.>You see, she was influenced by our beloved “Billy”, rip, as I met him when>she was just at the tender age of 2 ½. She was 12 years old when Billy was>taken from us by the system. Billy was her “real daddy” in her heart>because her own white father never cared to bother with her much though he>was always a free man. Well yes, I sure could go on and on, but just >wanted>to let you know that as a white woman and mother of 3 beautiful children, I>too know the wicked ways of the system, and yes, I also know of its’ racial>inequities. My now 21 year old son has been to county jail, with a now>pending 5 year probation over his head. I raised them alone in a>predominantly white class neighborhood just outside of Albany in New York.>There, he had one trial and tribulation after another with all of the white>cops and I daresay, even moreso due to the fact that his ethnicity is of a>mix, and I truly believe those cowardly cops have more hatred in them for>the white woman who lies down with a black man. I do not back down from >the>system though, and I will not stop until I and my family receive the >justice>we deserve from the great loss we suffer every day. Oh and if you are>curious, yes, Billy was incarcerated for a $25 drug sale, and his sentence>was 12 ½ to 25 years. Please feel free to get in touch any time you wish,>even just to talk. Pauline>

2006-04-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

This is a response to my blog below

I am with you 100%. I am also sick and tired of people who screamabout>poisoning their children with drugs but those same people sit quietlyby>while the government poisons our school children with mind altering>drugs while telling us that they suffer from ADHD. As children my>grandmother had a cure for ADHD and it did not come in a bottle either.>It came in leather form and it worked very well. These same people are>telling you that you can not whip your children but they say nothing>when a bunch of white police officers are whipping our children over>their heads with night sticks even when it is caught on camera. It is>time for us to take our communities back and raise our children the way>we were raised. Hopefully, we can then keep them off the "New Slave>Ship".>>Teresa Aviles>Mother of Isidro Aviles (inmate #33404-054 who passed away in prison>while serving a harsh, racist mandatory prison sentence)>>See: "So Many Tears" by Teresa Aviles>>Available at www.amiayaentertainment.com, www.amazon.com,>www.barnesandnoble.com, www.blackbooksplus.com>

2006-04-18T07:22:00.000-07:00

For the last month I haven't felt the desire to blog. I'm just frustrated with words that come out of people's mouths. I have heard so many people say that they can't stand drug dealers because they are poisoning our children. Then people say it isn't any excuses for why
they sell drugs because it is other options out their. Don't get me wrong because yes it is wrong to sell drugs. I'm not trying to justify them doing what they did. However has anyone ever listened to what they are saying. It's a known fact that education has let African Americans down. It was a two day special on Oprah talking about the education of African Americans. It was said in that program that we are back to racial segregation in education.
So I'm going to say this to all those that say they are poisoning our children. Those were the children that someone 10 or 15 years ago said someone else was saying were being poisoned. Those are the same children that didn't receive an education that everyone is talking about. Those are the children that public schools let down 5 to 15 years ago.
In another five to 15 years ago it will be someone else saying they are killing there own and poisoning the children.
How can we say that people for whatever reasons resulting in someone selling drugs is the worse human being there is. They are worse than a murder a child molester according to society. How can we say that and then on the other hand say we aren't educating our children they end up dropping out and 12th grade African Americans are reading at a 7th grade level and their Caucasian counterparts are reading at a 12th. So when the mixing pot began mixing and the finish dough came out to be non violent drug offenders than oh my god. Lock them up and throw away the key. Has that solved the problem? Is it going to solve the problem?
No one should have to fight a fight to get a child educated like the fight we are. So when people throw in the towel and for whatever reason gives up don't judge and say what they deserve and what you hate. Instead let's all take responsibility for what society has created and began to change it.
Illegal immigrants protested for three days about a bill that was introduced to the house that would have made anyone arrested in this country that was an illegal immigrant a felon. After only three days that part of the bill is history.
Why is it we are the first to fall and the last to stand? You may say it's not you-but believe me it will hit your family one day. Starting in elementary school when they tell you that your child can't read or your child is ADHD. Just know that is where it all begins. The question is when will it end?

Also before someone speaks about how these people are walking around with guns and doing all these crazy things. WHAT DOES NON VIOLENT MEAN?

How do you know your son will be the 1 out of five that won't be arrested and won't go through incarceration?
How can you say that your daughter won't be the one who ends up with the boyfriend that wasn't the one out of five and ended up incarcerated? Trying to raise a child alone because on his first offense he is doing twenty years.
Or who is to say that you will not end up being that parent serving prison time because you didn't tell on your child. You are know serving time with them.

Bill H.R. 3072 To Revive Parole and Good Time to Federal Offenders.

2006-03-15T11:19:00.000-08:00

DO YOU KNOW THE PERSON THAT REPRESENT YOU IN WASHINGTON D.C.

On Friday March 10, 2006 me and several other women were given the opportunity of meeting with Congressman Donald Manzullo. I was in shock and disbelief by the time this meeting ended.
For those that don't know I'm the Regional Volunteer for the November Coalition-The November Coalition is working to end the war on drugs injustice.
With that said on June 27th 2005 a bill was introduced into Congress to revive parole and good time for non violent offenders. Up until I met with Congressman Manzullo I and others had been gathering signatures asking him to support this bill. The first thing that he told us was that he hadn't heard anything about this bill until that day. With the help of a hard working individual she had submitted 800 letters asking him to support this bill. I had submitted about 200. We know that we weren't the only ones submitting letters.
So that told us that he doesn't know what is going on and the response that we received wasn't from him.
If that wasn't enough he said that he doesn't support parole. I asked him has he gone in the African American community and spoke with mothers that has children that has used drugs and other children that has sold drugs? He didn't answer he just looked. He could only respond by speaking on violent crimes that people have committed. I would have to constantly remind him that we were discussing non violent offenders. The question was asked had he sat down with the judge that does the sentencing and his opinion on sentencing this non violent offenders.
He didn't say anything.
He also told us that selling drugs in his opinion was a violent crime. I asked him why when it is a non violent crime according to the law. He then asked me the definition of violent and non violent.
By the end of this meeting he told us that he would contact Congressman Danny Davis's office to find out about the bill and maybe he might sponsor it if they hold some hearings on it.
He tried to tell us that you can't co sponsor a bill unless they hold hearings on it and you can hear both sides. I asked why can't you look into it. You heard our side know look into the side that is against it. He said he can't do that-that you have to have hearings. Well everyone who knows about the bill knows that it is stuck in the House judiciary Committee. The committee chair doesn't believe in the bill and he supports minimum mandatory sentences and people have been trying to get hearings for months now yet it isn't considered an issue of importance. However he can co sponsor a bill without a hearing.
Needless to say he didn't know much about bill H.R. 3072. If you know you are having a meeting with people to discuss it you would research it. In this case that didn't happen. He also tried to say that racial disparity doesn't exist in the war on drugs.
If your state representing isn't working for you then why should you vote for them?
Know the person that gets your vote and if they will support the issues that effect the poor.

Support Bill H.R. 3072 To Revive Parole and Good time to Non Violent Offenders

2006-03-10T07:50:00.000-08:00

After losing a friend to incarceration to the war on drugs, I was talking to another gentleman. He was telling me how he knew about the case and how the government informant was wrong for telling on these individuals. He said because that man had children just like the government informant did. He said and when it all boils down it’s about the kids. He said and since then he has wanted to change the way that he lives. He said that he wants to get a job. So I said you don’t have any work history. I told him even at the temporary service they want you to have work history. He was like I walked away from that life, and I’m ready to get a job, but it’s hard.
Every since that conversation it has stuck in my mind. In reality how can he just walk away from that life? I suggested that he goes back to school. I don’t know anything about his background if he has been incarcerated long term or short term. I don’t know if he has a diploma or GED or if he dropped out of school. Never the less he is a man that wants to change how he lives.
How can he or any other man or woman make it in this society after living the life of a hustler? This society is set up for failure. After reading everything that I have about the war on drugs-minimum mandatory sentencing and incarceration, I feel that the whole system is a catch 22. They are damned if they do and damned if they don’t.
I know a man that went to prison for attempting to sell a look alike substance. He was on drugs. He came home and he finally was able to get a job. However a man in his mid to late 30’s trying to change his life and fight the temptation of drugs. How could he do that making $6.50 an hour? This man would walk to work from one side of town to the other. It would be in the depth of winter yet he was walking to work. He could count on one how many times he had missed. In the end he ended up going back to using drugs. What incentive is making $6.50 an hour and you have children to take care of?
We know how hard it is for people that haven’t lived the life of hustling to get a job. So how can it be so much easier for them? I’m so tired of people saying they should have worked a real job. In reality it’s hard for us to work a real job, so can we imagine how much harder it is for them?
Yet we don’t see Congress passing laws and making it easier for people that want to turn their lives around. In most States after a drug conviction most women and men can’t get welfare. So if that’s not punishing them for a crime that they have already paid their debt to society for what is it?
I’m having a hard time understanding how companies will hire men and women to work for them while incarcerated but they wouldn’t hire them before they became incarcerated and they definitely aren’t going to hire them afterwards. Yet if they would have given most of these individuals the opportunity to work and support their families they wouldn’t have been in the situation they were incarcerated for.
Why hasn’t a bill been introduced into Congress saying that if a company uses prison labor that they have to employ so many ex cons after they are released?
Why hasn’t these things happened? As Americans we don’t demand our fellow Americans are treated with dignity and respect. We look down on them because of some poor choices they have made in the past and we make it so they can never put those mistakes in the past.
My last thought is this. A judge sentences a man to 25 years in prison. Then orders him a 26,000.000 fine to pay when he gets out. That man will be released according to The FBOP when he is in his early 50’s. Where is that man supposed to get that type of money from? He is getting out with a debt knowing that if it isn’t paid where will he end up? So if that’s not pushing that life style back in that man’s face then what is it doing. You have taken this man’s life away from him. So when he does return to society first and foremost he has to be able to pay the government.
While in prison these men and women receive a fine that has to be paid while incarcerated and one to be paid upon their release. HMMMM-So an inmate makes on an average of $5-10 dollars a month. Yet they have to pay anywhere between $20 on up a month on their fine. Where are they supposed to get the money from? Let’s hope they have a supportive family that steps in. If they don’t pay the fines they end up in punishment housing and can’t purchase commissary.
A man is a man before he is a convict, drug dealer, drug user or a prisoner. To try and rob them of being who they are first only creates a problem in society that we can’t deal with. Unnecessary incarceration. Robbing a man of his identity and in reality all he wants to do is provide for his family. No matter how you trace it-no matter how you look at it. It still goes back to family.
After Katrina hit in New Orleans I remember President Bush saying that he didn’t know the poverty level was that bad. Well imagine that. You see people without jobs so when someone in their family goes to provide for them the only way they know how, they are locked up for years on top of years.
So tell me how are we suppose to succeed and beat the odds?

We need to start holding our elected officials accountable and make them work for the situations in the United States.
Educated and Rehabilate and not just locking people up and throwing away the keys.

SUPPORT BILL H.R. 3072 TO REVIVE PAROLE AND GOOD TIME FOR NON VIOLENT OFFENDERS

2006-02-21T11:57:00.000-08:00

An Open Letter to the members of the Judiciary Committee:We the undersigned have seen the US prison population increase year after year, with great financial and social costs. Today our country is the world's leading jailer, with increasing community instability because prisons cannot solve the problems of poverty, hopelessness, lack of education and job opportunities that persist. They compound for growing numbers of people disenfranchised and carrying the stigma of felon. We write to urge the House Judiciary Committee to study the merits of reestablishing a system of earned, early release of federal prisoners. One bill, H.R. 3072 to revive parole is one remedy before you today.Harsh, determinate sentencing reforms of the mid 1980's were enacted by Congress with the hope of curbing illegal drug and associated crime, and creating evenhanded punishment. These goals have not been met. Instead we have a system that cannot be properly monitored, lacking in transparency, without the balance of judicial discretion. The continued institutionalization of millions of people will not rehabilitate people, or change society for the good. Over reliance on prison to solve problems has failed us. There are fresh ideas to replace locking people up in human warehouses, cages then expecting them to function normally in society after years and decades of wasteful imprisonment. H.R. 3072 To Revive Parole was introduced by Danny Davis on June 27, 2005, with 10 Cosponsors to date. National prisoner advocacy groups are finding growing support for earned, early release for federal prisoners, all evidence that suggests rewarding offenders for model behavior in prison is agreeable to the public.We respectfully request an opportunity present to the House Judiciary Committee, a panel of experts and citizens intent on introducing ideas that will reduce the federal prison population while increasing public safety. Respectfully,Garry L. Jones President and Founder Of Advocate4Justice
Toni Thomas: Advocate 4 Justice Researcher & Regional Volunteer for the NovemberCoalition-
Duane King: Advocate 4 Justice Attorney
Terry Jones: Advocate 4 Justice AdvisorNora Callahan, Executive Director of the November Coalition.
Chuck Armbury, Senior Editor of November Coalition
Tom Murlowski, Technical Administrator of November Coalition
Katana Christen, Special Projects, November Coalition
John Flahive/Director,Blakey Ross/Asst. Director/WeBelieve Group
MaryAnn Ross
Gloria Flahive
Evelyn Martorano, Francesca Martorano
Delores Ferrari
Mario Ferrari
Suzanne Dinnella
John James Flahive
Kathleen Flahive
Julie Ferguson
Dr. Gary Erkfritz, California
Jane Spiller, Texas
Sarah Nettles, SacramentoTara BoglePam Griffin, Cleveland OH Kelly Still,St.Louis Post DispatchGinny Carter
Mary Kaufmann - St. Louis, Missouri
Aim'me Jenkins,
Sacramento/San Francisco
Tim Bogle MI
Kevin Watha MI
Kay Leekaylee1@charter.net
Making The Walls Transparenthttp://www.angelfire.com/fl3/starke
The Florida LOLITShttp://www.angelfire.com/fl3/starke/lolit.html
Ayana Reese MIKirk Bogle San Francisco, CA
Brent Bogle MI
Treasa Perry Detroit,MI
Curtis Franklin Detroit,MI
Tanisha Sturdivant MI
Harriett Boyd MI
Marlene Roper Detroit,MI
Amy Bogle MI
Oneita Peoples Detroit,MI
Alecia Perry MI
Vickie Gipson Detroit,MI
Sharisha Gipson Detroit,MI
Tony Chappell MI
Nicole Lewis Toledo,OH
Reggie Lewis Toledo,OH
Rebecca Concepcion MI
Blair Bogle Chicago, IL
Tony Thornton Detroit, MI
Patricia Smith-San Leon, TX
Francine Stephens
Inmate pen pal connection group Executive Director, Francine StephensEdward Pluta and Doris Pluta AUGUSTA, Gamerrit hudson
debbie hudson
adele hudson
cathryn ferrigno, FAMM coordinator Atlanta
Carol Leonard
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/Inmate-Activists
Taxpayers for Improving Public Safety,www.ForPublicSafety.com
Roy Harper ,Santa Barbara, CA
Joanne Burkholder, Sacramento, CA
Linda Buttler, Lake Havisu City, AZ
Laurie Burkholder,Sacramento, CA
Cynthia Jenkins ,Bonney lake, WA
Julius Jenkins, Tacoma, WA
Theresa Vollien, Texas
David Bittner
Beverly Bittner - Indiana/California
Susan Moncer, Switzerland
Shannon Kaltenbronn St. Louis, Missouri
James L. Hall Palmetto, Florida
Chris Kaufmann St. Louis, Missouri
LaNese Craft Jones, Oklahoma
Sarah Nettles
Patricia Smith-San Leon, TX
Parolee Human Rights Project of The New York City AIDS Housing Network (NYCAHN).
Alliance for Inmates with AIDS (AlliA) a statewide coalition.
Romeo Sanchez
Claudia Parham - Burlington, IA
Kathleen Knueppel,Wisconsin
Barbara Schwaller,Barrington IL
Susan Morin,F.A.I.R ( Families Against Injustice and Retaliation/. volunteer for in Florida for F.A.M.M.
Dianne and Roger Landingham,DeFuniak Springs, Fl.,
Barbara Guilford, Walterboro
Linda Crosby, Walterboro,S.C
Lisa and Bob Danzey. Crawfordville, Fl. ,
Frank Sharon, Niceville, Fl
Barbara Robertson, John's Island, SC
Joseph Taylor, Ft. Walton Beach Florida
Joyce and Monty Landingham, Ft. Walton Beach,
Robert Crosby, Walterboro, SC
SC H. W. Guilford, Walterboro. SC,
Ben Robertson, John's Island, SC
Johns Island, S.C
Edward Pluta and Doris Pluta AUGUSTA, Ga
Lori Farnham
Ruth Farnham
David Farnham Sr
Matthew Farnham from Grand Isle Vt. Ellen Pratt
Brenda Carden San Antonio, Texas
Willim Larrow from Essex Jct VtEricka
David Farnham Jr
Carl Griggs and Debra Griggs -Liberty, MO.
Gary Griggs and Annette Griggs , Raymore, MO
Gary Griggs and Annette Griggs ,- Raymore, MO
Johnny and Anna Griggs- Blue Sp. MO.
Charles and Carmella Griggs- Holden, Mo.
Bob and Lois Holtzclaw- Warsaw, Mo
Ronda Griggs- Clinton, Mo.
Jean Griggs, Clinton, Missouri
Beth Rudock
Kathleen Thornton
John Thornton
David Korzun
Richard Batto
Joyce Batto New York
Virginia Rush,Wynne, Arkansas
Deborah J. Smith-WVa
SHIRLEY ROGAHN,
PEWAUKEE WISCONSIN
Dr. Andrew R. Conn
Catherine Thompson
Alyce G. Allen, Hogansville, Ga.
Mike & Tiffany Smith, Hogansville, Ga.
John & Stephanie Weiher, Hogansville, Ga.
Hannah Weiher, LaGrange, Ga.
Novelle Gray, Hogansville, Ga.
Lawson & Nadine Boyd, Hogansville, Ga.
Janice Cosand, Lake Havasu City, AZ
Clara Mackey-Hobbs NM
Kristie & David Carter
Founders, The Carter Foundation
Organization advocating for our prisoners and families, Atlanta, GA
www.carterfoundation.org
Leslie Thompson
Leslie Thompson Singer Island Fl
Violet Neenan, Villa Park, Illinois
Jackie Brown, Stillwater, OK
Claudia Parham - Burlington, IA
Mary Kaufmann - St. Louis, Missourihttp://www.christianinmatepenpalconnection.com/Fatima Allen, Maryland
Nancie Ferris New York
http://www.imatepenpalconnection.org/
Malia Deel, Northern CA
Maryann Ross
Gloria Flahive
Evelyn Martorano
Francesca Martorano
Delores Ferrari
Mario Ferrari
Suzanne Dinnella
John James Flahive
Kathleen Flahive
Julie Ferguson
Brett Yingling
Wayne Roach
Anna Martin
Robert Berretta
Gloria Brown
Craig Nowell
Laurie Nowell
Shawn Nowell
Mary Noble, Alexandria, VACarlon Logan
Scot Arnjo-Post Conviction Associateswww.postconvictionassociates.com
THOMAS J WALSH JR
JEAN F WALSH
BRIDGET WALSH
ERIN WALSH
JEANINE WALSH
TOMMY WALSH
Dr. Robyn Pfeiley,Singer Island Fl
Yveline LACAVE (France)
GLENDA DESPER VA
BARBARA ABSHER,STUARTS DRAFT VA
ROY ABSHER,STUARTS DRAFT VA
GREG ABSHER,STUARTS DRAFT VA
Janet Tidwell,Rockford, IllinoisNeal Howard,Rockford, IllinoisElaine Rushing,Rockford, IllinoisSheila LewisShirley FricksTammy FricksDonna ThomasTerri HowardDavita McWilliams
Jean Giallombardo / Washington State
April and Marleene Creecha from Missouri
Julie Perriello Rochester, New YorkNancy Kaufmann St. Louis, MissouriChad Kaufmann St. Louis, MissouriCharles Kaufmann St. Louis, MissouriLinda Holloran LeMay, MissouriJerry Sims LeMay, MissouriTeri Tebow Blackwell, OklahomaMarsha Kirby CaliforniaJaime Osborne. Erie Pennsylvania
Jeanette Otero, Albuquerque, NM
Janet Harrington, Albuquerque, NM
Richard Ingram, Los Angeles, California
Georgelle Hirliman, Albuquerque, NM (author of THE HATE FACTORY: A FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT OF THE 1980 RIOT AT THE PENITENTIARY OF NEW MEXICO)
Randy & Susan Griggs San Ramon, CA.
Amanda Howell Lancaster, OH
Frank Howell Lancaster, OH
Helga Iden Louisville, OH
Larry Iden Louisville, OH
Steven Griggs Jr.- Washington, D.C.
Kimberly Griggs - Austin, TX.
Sandra Bouchard.Carlon Logan, Texas
Jon & Kristi Holt - Plano, TX.
Shelli Wilson Denver, CO
Alex & Leslie Maples - Blue Sp. MO.
Pamela Copeland Scanlan
John Michael Scanlan, Warren, NJ,
Christopher Griggs - Blue Sp. MO.
Allyson Beals-Shaw
Gail Buzzard - Warrensburg, MO.
Latrina Foster Cleveland,OhioLaDawnda and Thomas Smith Youngstown,OhioMrs. Linda Williams Cleveland,OhioBrenda White Cleveland,Ohio
Aaron & Kelly White - Roseville, CA.
Gary & yvonne Johnson - Raymore, MO.
Greg & Gloria Griggs - Clovis, CA.
Deanice North
Allison Pape, IL Waunita
Maro - Laughlin NV
Robert Maro - Laughlin NV
Ann Mackri - Chicago IL
Joseph Parks - Joliet IL
Rachelle Sprinkle - Mitchell SD
Connie Thomas - Des Moines IA
Laura Ling - Champaign IL
Veronica Sanbrano - Chicago IL
Karla Jordan - Monroe IA
Kara Lee Lee
Alex Straaik Boston, MA
Lori James
Alex Straaik Boston, MA.
Lori James
Candice Zwick Cynthia Fuentes
Allison Pape, IL
Lisset Ortiz ; Allentown, Pa
Ms. Mailie La Zarr,
Modesto, CA
Virginia Anderson,
portsmouth VA 23702

2006-02-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

Today I assisted another woman who despairs about what the war on drugs hasdone to her family. Our despair, must turn to action.
From: <helpless1009@hotmail.com>> Date: Wed, 08 Feb 2006 15:00:38 +0000> To: > Cc: > Subject: RE: war on drugs> > Hi> I will first say that when I find myself getting confused and questioning what I'm doing God always sends someone my way to let me know keep going and> in the end it will be just reward.>First you need to tell your son and other mothers that's in your> situation change is going to come. However in order for change to come we> have to work together. Number one you and anyone else that you know that is> currently faced with these trials and tribulations must first believe and> speak that change is coming never letting anything negative come out of your> mouth. Yes it's hard and at times I find myself saying they wrong thing.> Second you need to pick up your phone and start calling Congressman Donald> Manzullo's office. Call on a regular basis and pass his number along to> anyone that you know that was from Rockford that is currently incarcerated.> Next call James sennsbrenner's office. While calling both offices you need> to ask them to support Bill H.R. 3072. By supporting you are asking them to> co sponsor the bill. Anyone from any state can contact James sennsbrenner's> office. Donald Manzullo is the representive for Rockford Illinois, and some> surrounding areas.> I have been working with others in the community. The next focus is trying> to put together an awareness rally so people can become aware of this blind> justice. I look forward to meeting you and if it is anything that I can do> please let me know.

Hi! I'm from Loves Park. My son is serving a 21 year sentence for drugs in Oxford, WI, a Federal Prison where most of the Rockford people are sent. My friend from Rockford who was in Oxford with my son but they sent him to Arizona. He asked for a transfer after a couple of years and in the middle of the night they once again kidnapped him from his prison cell and sent him further away from his Mom. He is California. He writes to me all the time and showed me this article from the November Coalition website that his mom sent to him. He wants to get involved with your efforts to stop the drug war. He asked me to email this to you
If you hear anything new about HR 3072, let! We know. I send news about the drug war to five prisoners all in different states.
FYI--In the literature I received from NORML (Normal Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, they quoted Jimmy Carter from August 2, 1977 during his Presidency as saying "Penalties against drug use should not be more damaging to an individual than use of the drug itself. Nowhere is this more clear than in the law against possession of marijuana in private for personal use." How profound that he made such a statement before the drug war and mandatatory sentencing were enacted. He is a true Christian but Bush is a fake Christian. We can see who the hypocrites are in our political fight to be "Faithful and True" like the White Horse in Revelations 21:9. True Justice uses mercy and compassion. (Zech. 7:9-1! 0) Where is the compassion for drug users or sellers?

2006-02-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

Bill H.R. 3072 To Revive Parole and Good time to non violent drug offenders.

Dear Congressman Sensenbrenner:
I have been discouraged in writing you this letter. Yet I feel that it is a letter that should be wrote. As you are aware Bill H.R. 3072 was introduced into congress on June 27, 2005. As chairman of the Judiciary Committee you will reviewing this bill.You have helped eliminate wasteful goverment spending and have always considered the interest of the american taxpayers. With that in mind I ask that you not only consider the tax payers but consider children whose families have been torn by the war on drugs.When calling your office on Tuesday January 24th, 2006 I was told that you would never consider any type of parole for any federal offender. That has bothered me every sense. Espically when most federal offenders are mothers and fathers and also non violent offenders.I strongly feel that if a child molester or a murder is given the opportunity to be rehabilated then these non violent offenders should also.I also feel that it is a problem when we spend more in America to incarcerate an individual than we do to educate our children. We spend anywhere from between $26,000.00-30,000.00 to incarcerate and only 10,000.00-12,000.00 to educate.How can we as americans say that the children are our future and we will look to them in the future, when we are looking over there needs right now. The need to have a parent and to feel the love of a parent not from behind bars. How can this parents teach their children not to make the same mistakes that they have made? They can't but a violent offender can play on the fact that their parents are gone and create violent offenders out of this children. Then you have a whole family lost because of not giving someone the opportunity to be rehablitated and be the mother or father that they can be. Yes they made some mistakes in life, we all have. Just imagine if something you did earlier on in life kept you from being the Congressman that you are today.Parole and good time is a good beginning to restoring families in American espically the Africian American family. It would also save us hard working taxpayers. Then maybe if The United States had more money then we could educated our children and not worry about shows like 20/20 showing the reality of The United States and children not being able to read. If we educate our children and teach them to read then maybe when they become adults they will have other options then turning to selling drugs.Toni Thomas-Illinois

2006-02-08T08:45:00.000-08:00

Expressing myself through communication 1-14-2006