Write a Letter/Send a Postcard to an Anti-War Prisoner!

by anti-big brother Wed Mar 08, 2006 03:53

thank you progressive big brother, did you enjoy 1984? were you even alive then? you are so enlightned and so progressive, thank you for removing opionions that differ from your greatness, i am so proud of you, big brother. censor censor just like the nazi propagande machine, big brother is so wise you are so smart, thank you for this teaching.

by Frank Wed Mar 08, 2006 03:20

February 28, 2006 - Prison Journal #1 from Pottawattamie County Jail

The Courtroom: It all took less than a half hour. In attendance,
Federal ma0gistrate Judge Gossett Presiding, two Offutt AFB attorneys
prosecuting,Chuck Hannan and Jack Hearn standing in as my defense attorney, a few
other court attendees, about 20 good friends and supporters and
myself.Most of the 30 minutes were taken up with Judge Gossett asking me
questions to ascertain that I was competent to plead guilty for the
trespass charge. Once the judge was satisfied that I was competent
enough to plead guilty.

We immediately moved to the sentencing phase of the procedure. More
questions from the judge were asked. I waived my right to a
pre-sentencing report. The Offutt attorneys produced an FBI summary
report of my previous criminal record. Their report cited 23
previous convictions. I was sure this was an incomplete list, but I didn't
object to its being entered into the record.

Judge Gossett asked the Offutt attorneys for their sentencing
recommendations. The lead Offutt attorney recommended a six month
sentence and the strictest possible fine, which was $5000. They
reasoned since jail time did not defer my line crossing, a stiff fine would be
an added burden.

Judge Gossett then asked my lead attorney, Chuck Flannan what he
recommended. Chuck reminded the judge that our witness was
completely non-violent, no property was destroyed, and we came fully announced
to the Offutt security personnel. Chuck reminded the judge that I lived and
worked at a catholic worker as a volunteer, and could not pay a fine.
Chuck recommended a minimal jail sentence, if any jail sentence at
all.

Then Judge Gossett turned to me and allowed me what he called an
allocation. I read to the judge my prepared statement. If could not
have taken more than five minutes to read. It was a good statement, that
took several days to prepare. I was satisfied with it.

Apparently, the judge also liked it. Before he sentenced me, he
assured me that he believed I was a person of deep conviction and belief, and
that I spoke well in my defense. Then he promptly sentenced me to six
months in jail. Within moments I was handcuffed by the U.S. Marshals and
escorted out of the courtroom. I had just enough time to turn to my
friends and supporters to thank them for coming.

Is it worth it? I don't have a lot to show for my efforts. A 30 minute court
appearance, a five minute statement and the next six months of my life behind
bars. I am abundantly blessed with good friends and family will miss and
support me through this ordeal, and they are priceless. Still this was the
7th six month sentence I've received over the last 26 years for crossing
the line at Offutt AFB, and the question begs asking: Is it worth it?

Through the years I've been asked this question more times than I can
remember. It was most recently asked my first day in the
Pottawatamie county jail. After finding out the reason I was in jail and that
this was my 7th six month sentence for the same thing, a black inmate from
Omaha asked me "Is it worth it?"

I answered him with an old Rabbinic story. There once was a prophet
who came to the city gates of the great city of Ninevah once a week with
a powerful message to the people of Ninevah to repent, for their city's
many sins. He used to attract large crowds, and his message was fearfully
received and spread throughout the populace. Each week he would
return to the city gates with the same powerful and truthful message. As the
weeks turned into months, fewer and fewer people gathered to hear his
message. And as the months turned into year, fewer people still even noticed
his comings and goings. Eventually, no one paid any attention to him,
except for the children who made fun of him. One day, a young boy
approached the old prophet and said, "Old man, why do you keep coming back to our
city with your same tired old message? Can't you see no one is listening
to you any more?" The old prophet looked at the young boy and said, "I
used to come in hopes of changing the city. I now come in hopes that the
city doesn't change me."

by madamk Wed Mar 08, 2006 00:57

Good on ya fella... Are there any others that you would wish to add to your prisoner list? ....

by Michael R Tue Mar 07, 2006 18:05

Done deal Ciaron. Will get some postcards/letters off.

Solidarity