This morning we had our first Toastmasters meeting of the new 12-week session. Our club’s sponsor, Ms. Oliver, took a more active role in leading the group and her input will keep the meetings flowing much more smoothly. In previous sessions I was disappointed by the jostling among members for positions of authority. Some club leaders used [...]
As I returned to my housing unit this afternoon I caught a glimpse of the National Geographic icon on the lower right section of a television screen. I appreciate the informative programs that NGTV produces, so I walked into the room to watch. The program was describing the ways that Saudi Arabia responded to terrorists. [...]
As I was writing this morning, another prisoner sat beside me at a table reading. Usually I’m alone in the predawn hours of the morning, but Juan (the other prisoner) said that he couldn’t sleep. Insomnia troubles many prisoners, but I can’t remember how many years have passed since I’ve had that problem. When I [...]
Millions of Americans face today’s tax filing deadline with apprehension, and sometimes depression. I don’t have the same views. Having been a prisoner for nearly 23 years, I long to return to society and I would welcome the privilege of paying taxes that support all of the programs that make America great. Without taxes, the [...]
Fernando, a new prisoner, joined our TOAD group a few weeks ago. I was happy to learn more about his progress at Taft Camp. Clearly, Fernando will contribute a great deal to our group that strives to offer positive messages to at-risk adolescents. Fernando told me that he was 42 and that with his wife, [...]
Many new prisoners surrender to the federal prison camp each month. In an effort to ease their adjustment, I introduce myself to the new prisoners I see. The initial days and weeks pass slowly, and because of my experience of living in prison for so long, I feel a responsibility to help newcomers understand that [...]
What is the secret for nurturing a loving marriage through a long prison sentence? That question challenges me every day. In 2002, I was blessed with Carole’s love. She has been the most magnificent wife, enriching my life in every way. Through her I’ve enjoyed the illusion of freedom because she has walked through so [...]
Every prison where I’ve been held has its own league of organized sports. With sponsorship from the recreational staff, prisoners organize teams for softball, basketball, soccer, and other sports. They play against other teams made up from with the prison’s population. Sometimes staff members form their own teams to compete against the prisoners, or teams [...]
Read my Quarterly News Report - First Quarter, 2010: http://prisonnewsblog.com/2010/03/first-quarter-report-2010/ Print PDF
Darrin, a new prisoner at Taft Camp, asked me if his family could bring food to him on visiting days. When I told him that food was available for purchase from the visiting room vending machines but that his guests couldn’t bring him anything at all, he insisted the rules were cruel. I understood his [...]
