With Thanksgiving at close range, being in captivity can become quite challenging. Understanding rules, regulations and an assortment of unannounced mayhem certainly can invade one’s moment of solace.
Being thankful allows one not to overcome their surroundings, by allowing life to be filled with happiness and all that is great. Whatever the circumstance, situation, trial or tribulation, being thankful is welcomed. Remaining thankful allows one to look forward to the future with confidence, assured that the best remains to be seen.
Webster’s New World Dictionary defines “thankful” as being grateful; to feel or express appreciation. Thankful embraces, never rejects, promotes acceptance without denying enrichment, hope without want, and rejoicing without fear and love over hate. The season to extend thanks is not relegated to the traditional Thanksgiving celebration.
Demonstrating that living is not enough, one must know how to live by honoring the past, present, as well as the promises and guarantees of the future.
Author Dr. Charles R. Solomon exhibited his thanks with these thoughts: “When we come to a place of full retreat and our hearts cry out to God, the only person whose hearts ours can meet is the one who has likewise trod. Others may offer a word of cheer to lift us from despair; but above the rest, the one I hear is the whisper, ‘I’ve been there.’”
Thankful allows one to maintain their disposition in confronting opposition by emphasizing boldness, courage, meekness and joy. Bear in mind what thankful actually is, and allow its essence to elevate your lives to plateaus never envisioned.
Hartley is a graduate of the Christian leadership program of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.
Spencer Michels’ Penetrating View of the Crisis in California’s Prisons
Television news corres-pondent Spencer Michels recent trip to San Quentin prison was a return to places where he has gathered news in turbulent times past, and has come once again on a new mission to gather information for his latest assignment.
His assignment is to investigate three very complex issues such as the impending drastic cuts in California’s prison programs, the potential early release of thousands of the state’s inmates to the streets and the impact of federal medical Receiver Clark Kelso’s on-going spending plan in California’s prisons. Mix in three enlightening interviews with the likes of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Secretary Matt Cate, federal Receiver Kelso and state Attorney General and would-be-governor-again Jerry Brown. Then carefully weave together highlights of his interviews with these very volatile topics in order to produce five or six minutes of hard-hitting and informative, fact-based TV reporting intended to capture the attention of a nationwide audience.
That is the challenge facing Michels following his recent trip through S.Q. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, in search of a story for his employer, Jim Lehrer of “The News Hour With Jim Lehrer.” The SQ News was invited to tag along with Michels and his cameraman as they made their trek around the aging prison by the bay.
SEARCH FOR NEWS
Following Michels’ search for the news on what was a very pleasant afternoon, we were promised a few moments with him in order that we might record for our readers Michels’ perspectives on these important issues which are beginning to reshape the lives of every inmate behind the walls of California’s 33 prisons.
But first we watched as Michels engaged inmate Ernest Morgan in a prearranged interview in the Garden Chapel area. What, Michels asked of Morgan, a San Francisco native currently serving a 15-years-to-life term, does the potential loss of most or all of the educational and vocational programming offered at the prison mean to SQ’s inmate population?
Morgan, with the sharp perspective of a man who has spent the past 22 years of his life behind bars, shared some profound insights of an inmate population that would find itself severely handicapped in its critical efforts at rehabilitation. Michels listened attentively, voicing his surprise when Morgan noted, for instance, that Lifers have a recidivism rate of less than 1.0 percent.
Following the Morgan interview, Michels sat for a few moments to answer our own questions about his interviews with Cate, Kelso and Brown.
“It is absurd,” said Michels, “this level of overcrowding in California’s prisons. And it is important to note that although Cate seemed to articulate some very good ideas for change, I have interviewed a few other CDCR heads in the past that also had some very great plans for change. But for whatever the reasons, change just hasn’t come.”
Regarding Receiver Kelso, Michels said, “I think the attention the receiver has put on this issue is astounding.” Still, Michels pointed out from his many years of experience in the news business, the real problem is with a public which seems to have very little empathy with a person who has been convicted of breaking society’s rules and is then placed out of sight behind bars to receive their punishment.
As for Jerry Brown, Michels expressed great admiration for a man of such advanced years who has survived for so long in politics. “But still,” he pointed out, “he is still a politician. And in this state, he’s not going to stand up and say that he is in favor of releasing inmates. So it’s impossible to know where he really stands.”
LIVES IN MARIN
Michels, a Princeton-educated San Francisco native who resides in Marin with his wife, acknowledges the mountain of work before him in preparing his segment for airing on a future edition of “The News Hour With Jim Lehrer.”
“A lot of film will wind up on the floor in order to get what I need for my segment,” said Michels with a smile. The difficult choices made in the editing process will play a large role in determining the eventual face of Michels’ report when it airs.
Michels has 48 combined years in print and electronic media, taking his first job in 1961 as a reporter for the Palo Alto Times, and he remembers well coming to S.Q. in 1972 to cover the aborted escape and shooting of Black activist and author George Jackson.
He has held his position in the San Fransisco office of “The News Hour” since 1991 and has produced hundreds of five- to ten-minute segments for the show on issues including politics, health, science, the environment and art. He has won several Emmys for his work.
Explaining the Path and the Goal of Church Discipline
In the confines of any organization, discipline is a mechanism of correction that should ultimately lead to restoration of the offender. This holds true in the church in situations of unintentional error and/or private sin. In this San Quentin News feature, Garden Chapel Christian Fellowship Protestant Chaplain and Senior Pastor Dr. Morris A. Curry Jr. provides scriptural and spiritual insight regarding church discipline.
Pastor Curry, what is the goal of church discipline?
Based upon Matthew 18:15-17, (dealing with a sinning brother or sister) the goal of church discipline is to protect the church from being permeated with sin and false doctrine. Correct erring church members. Restore an erring member.
What initial steps does the church take to correct the offense of the member?
Go to the person and show them their fault in private.
Should the person not listen, return with one or two witnesses.
Should the person refuse to listen, bring the matter before the church.
Would this be a process of gentle restoration for the member?
Indeed. The discipline must be handled carefully, straightforwardly and lovingly. The correction should never be vengeful, instead it should be given to bring about a cure. Discipline is in hope that the experience would bring the person to God, to destroy their vice through repentance.
Is there a moral code in regards to church discipline of the member?
Yes. The church has the responsibility to maintain standards of morality that are found in God’s commandments. Transgressions cann ot be tol-erated in the church because it affects others as well as the responsibility to encourage, pray for and build up each member
What occurs to the member should they not adhere to the initial steps of restoration?
Should the offender not adhere to the initial steps, the final steps are:
Remove the one in error from fellowship. The church gives united disapproval, but forgiveness and comfort are in order should the offender choose to repent.
Do not associate with the disobedient person: and if you must, speak to them as one who needs a warning.
After two warnings, reject the person from fellowship.
Again, the purpose of church discipline is to lead the person to repentance, not being too lenient and not correcting the mistakes, or being too harsh.
Is the common theme to make the member aware that the church loves them?
Absolutely. The church demonstrates its love by honestly sharing their concerns in order to assist the offender and to do their very best for God. Sometimes people make choices that we know are wrong. Should we ignore their behavior and allow them to continue in it, we are demonstrating that we don’t love them. When we don’t assist, we demonstrate that we are more concerned about being well liked than about what will happen to them. There is a time to confront and a time to comfort. Restoring the person to fellowship is the goal of church discipline.
Professional Boxer Irish Pat Lawlor Paroles from S.Q.
Noted boxer Pat Lawlor departed the gates of San Quentin on May 17th 2009, but not his dreams. He has decided to open a boxing theme pizza bar called “Ringside Pizza”. He wants to establish the goals that have alluded him such as proving to his 14-year-old daughter that he is not a loser and demonstrating to his detractors that when in shape he is a formidable opponent.
When he speaks, Lawlor commands attention. His presence is engaging, even when it appears that he is calmly reflecting upon the years that have been good, bad and indifferent. “There is much I wish I could change. Like this prison sentence for a DUI. I was actually just trying to sell DVDs of my fights. Evidently, the judge saw it differently.
Among his impressive achievements was defeating Wilfredo Benitez in 105-degree heat in an action-packed ten rounder in Tuscon, Arizona on May 23, 1990. On March 18, 1991 on the Mike Tyson/Razor Ruddick under card, he stopped Roberto Duran in six rounds.
Eligible for the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2010, Lawlor 45, began his odyssey into boxing by entering Golden Gloves competition because he wanted to win a title for dear friend Merlin Porter, who died tragically in a motorcycle accident. Those titles propelled him to enter the professional ranks.
He fought through an array of disabilities and injuries and admits that his last professional fight in 2005, on three days notice that resulted in a 4 round draw against Paul Vasquez, for the love of the sport. One of his few regrets is he has not spent the time that he wants with his 14 -year- old daughter, the other is not being in the best boxing shape at the time of many of his 40 bouts.
The last fight that he truly trained for was in September 1994 in San Jose versus Hector “Macho” Camacho. At 150 pounds, he battled valiantly but went down to defeat. In 18 years of professional boxing, Lawlor accumulated a record of 23-16-1, 7 KO’s, with earnings of $198,000.
He wants to be the first boxer to fight anyone who has been a champion in a weight class because that would set him apart from all others in the sport. That would include the likes of Mike Tyson, Hector Camacho, Evander Holyfield and Roy Jones Jr.
Ethics and the Family Dynamic
Cultivation is key to reap an abundant harvest. The dynamic family structure is truly the cornerstone of generational existence. This key leaves nothing to chance in relationships with our wives, children and significant others. The family dynamic is much more than the attractiveness of one’s mate or their household and human talents. It is the sincere desire to incorporate a sense of worth to one another that will weather any storm.
In a world swirling full of deceit, suspicion, tyranny and uncertainty, the burning question is: how are your ethics? Ethics is defined as a discipline dealing with good, evil, moral duty, principles or practices. Even in a place such as this, one can remain a compassionate and honorable husband, father, grandfather, son, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. Although we are in absentia, there should be absolutely nothing to interfere in our roles as parents and mentors, such as assisting in coping with loss and providing them with the encouragement, inspiration and motivation required to continue navigating their lives.
In a world swirling full of deceit,
suspicion, tyranny and uncertainty, the
burning question: how are your ethics?
History teaches us that the family dynamic is the mechanism of happiness, sadness, reconciliation and closure, consistently connecting and continually learning the purpose of this relationship. Consider appreciating the letters, cards, subscriptions, telephone calls, visits and packages: each are done out of love, not necessity.
An ancient proverb teaches that honesty is the best policy. Ethics is a lifestyle that on a personal level doing what is right, even when there is no one watching. We can clearly gather all of the elements of our lives and in that moment, begin designing our future. We must be very firm in our own ideas and considerations. Our family dynamic will certainly serve as an example for others who are in relationships to become a beacon of light, ray of hope and safe harbor to all that enter their presence now and beyond.
FAITH
The New Year began with fabulous proclamations of commitment and re-dedication to spirituality, healthful living, education and other important items of interest.
Unfortunately, the best laid plans have many accepting what was viewed as symbolic to their lives as misfortune. It is only appropriate for one to attempt to reverse this trend by being introduced to something that they may have indeed overlooked: faith.
It is defined as confidence or trust in a person or thing; loyalty or fidelity; a system of religious belief or in God. Of the three definitions, the latter garners the most interest. Faith is the one entity that can immediately bring results to your life. It is tantamount to the presence of God. Faith gives substance to our hopes, and makes us certain of the realities we do not see. In other words, just because you don’t see Him, doesn’t mean that He does not exist.
In addressing faith, distinguished author Dr. Emmet Fox once said, “God is infinite life. God is boundless love. God is Unfathomable Wisdom. God is Unspeakable Beauty. God is the Unchanging Principle of Perfect Good. God is the Soul of man.”
The mercy and grace of God has allowed the vehicle of faith to become a time-tested recipe for refining and teaching how one can enjoy happiness, health peace, poise, power, prosperity, success and truth, by consistently allowing Him to reign in your life today.
HOLIDAY SPIRIT LIVES
Saturday Dec. 13, 2008, marked a milestone in evening holiday celebrations in the Protestant Chapel. This magnificent festive night was full of praise, worship, moving testimonies, entertainment, an awards presentation, and food; glowed with brotherhood, communion, friendship and was enjoyed by special guests, honored volunteers as well as the dedicated members of the chapel ministry. The event certainly gave new meaning to what the joy of Christmas is truly all about. The banquet featured a series of delicious menu items and an absolutely delectable dessert, was catered by Cornerstone Church. Protestant Chaplain Dr. Morris A. Curry Jr. lauded the grand evening as “Wonderful.” On the next night, the Catholic Chapel hosted their annual merry holiday celebration with a scrumptious banquet of their own that honored their special guests and the exceptional efforts of members of the chapel ministry.
SQ Addiction Counseling Program
The greatest quality an Addiction Recovery program can possess is Unconditional Positive regard—the ability to accept everyone with love, compassion and respect. The program is under the direction of Addiction Recovery Counseling Center Clinical Director Rick Baez and the gold standard of addiction counselor training in 42 countries and 38 states: CAADAC (The California Association of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors).
Additionally, the addiction counselor educational requirements and responsibilities have been enlarged to include greater focus on pharmacology, skill development in the selection and use of diagnostic measures, and proficiency in multidisciplinary treatment planning and healthcare delivery.
As it relates to alcohol and drug addiction, Warden Robert L. Ayers spoke directly to the issue of recidivism stating: “This was an idea dreamed up by the men in blue here; their efforts have put this thing on the map. These counseling resources will be used to break this vicious cycle. We are taking additional steps to target the guys in orange, 60 percent of which have six months or less and 20 percent are Reception Center violators.”
Inmate David Sievers, a 2007 ARC graduate, says the program gave him “hope, strength and courage to stay clean and sober.”
Addiction counselor trainee Clinton Avalos adds, “Understanding addiction has allowed me to never second guess others who are taking necessary steps in addressing their pain.”
The ARC program has screened 266 inmates with 218 intakes. A total of 175 began treatment and 83 completed the four month addiction treatment program. Currently, there are 21 inmates in treatment. The intense, comprehensive process groups and informative presentations allow one to endure the circumstances of their trials with diversity being the greatest asset to this philosophy. This equates to a preeminent program that is powerful in its impact to each participant involved.
Insight Factor at Work
A group of violent crime survivors and perpetrators recently came together for a remarkable night of healing.
The Oct. 20 graduation event began with the soaring majesty of a choir, whose words of wisdom ultimately set the tone for the evening in Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel.
It was the concluding evening of The Victim Offender Education Group (VOEG), a 22-week course that covers such topics as crime impact, self as victim, cycle of offense, impact on victims and relapse prevention. At weeks 20 and 21 the VOEG facilitators create a safe space for dialogue with a panel of victims.
This allows victims of violent crimes to share their experiences and the profound effects that crime continues to have on their lives. It is an open dialogue with the convicted men of the program, who are also given an opportunity to outline the impact that their crimes have had on themselves, their victims and society in general.
The cases of the victims and perpetrators are not usually connected. Instead the experience serves as a medium for connecting people that remain in pain.
“This is a historical night in San Quentin,” said Patrick Mims, a co-facilitator of the program. Beginning in 2004, with a class of 13, VOEG has graduated 79 people. Mims spoke for all when he thanked The Insight Prison Project Executive Director Jacques Verduin, Restorative Justice Program Manager Rochelle Edwards, and VOEG facilitator Jack Dyson for their foresight in creating this program and Warden Robert L. Ayers, Jr., Deputy Chief Max Lemon and Community Partnership Manager Laura Bowman for allowing programs like these to become commonplace at San Quentin.
Edwards took center stage and first thanked her guests, the survivors of violent crimes. She also thanked The San Quentin administration, IPP represented by Verduin, IPP Program Director James Fox and Associate Director/VOEG facilitator Jamie Karroll, VOEG facilitator Jack Dyson, VOEG co-facilitators William Amos, Robert Frye, Patrick Mims, Dennis Pratt, Leonard Rubio and Phillip “P.J.” Seiler.
Finally she offered tearful, heartfelt thanks to her husband for his encouragement and support. Edwards spoke of the commitment and dedication the graduates maintained during the 12-month course that went four months beyond schedule. “We were at the one year mark and you were asking me when we were going to graduate. In as much as I wanted for you to graduate, I just was not ready to let you go. Now that you are here, I want to let you know that I am so happy that we had the extra time. I am very proud of you.”
Edwards went on to give special thanks to all invited guests and Catholic Chaplain Father Stephen Barber in his tireless efforts in supporting Restorative Justice Projects.
Guest speaker Brian Smith, who paroled from San Quentin in 2007, gave a moving, inspirational speech on how he does his very best to be a force of change to those who remain in the clenches of negativity, self-loathing and addiction. Employed as an addiction counselor at a local substance abuse center, Brian said, “Change begins in the here and now and not in the hereafter. I changed my life because it was not just the right thing to do; it was the only thing to do. My change was not for the parole board, not for family, not for somebody else. It was for me. It is up to you how you want your new beginning to end. I know that you can and will do it.”
Several members of VOEG Next Step graduation class of 2008 spoke of their appreciation for the program, the facilitators and group members.
Ronald Martin said, “Through this program, my life is definitely changed forever.”
Bobby Brown spoke of “the opportunity to connect and find growth in the process.”
Darnell Hill vowed that he will “continue to do everything I can to become a source of change in the lives of those who desire to do so. Don’t listen to what I say, watch what I do.”
Steve Higueret said he is “thankful and grateful for who I am today and most assuredly will never hurt anyone ever again.”
Richard Lindsey added, “It’s about doing the work!”
Greg Sanders spoke on how VOEG has allowed him to “become a better man through and through.”
Albert Hernandez says that VOEG has “taught me special lessons that I can share for a lifetime.”
Juan Navarette thanked VOEG for the opportunity to serve others.
Harry Barton said that he has “learned a great deal about my crime, myself, and the lives of others.”
Tuan Tran stated that VOEG has “raised his consciousness to understand the impact that I caused in the life of my victim’s family.”
James Houston stated that he is most thankful that VOEG “allowed me to become accountable and responsible for my crime, to find the courage to forgive my father and challenged me to listen, speak and be heard.”
Demetrius Daniel credits VOEG for his “continued commitment and focus in being a mentor to those who endure their own difficult circumstances.”
Edwards, Dyson, Karroll and Verduin presented diplomas to each of the graduates of VOEG. At the end of the diploma presentation, Verduin presented Edwards with a purple leather- bound journal from a group of women in Nepal, which will be signed on an individual page by each VOEG NEXT STEP graduate.
Additionally, there was a wide variety of commentary from participants, administration and guests.
Bowman said she was delighted on how well the event turned out. “What a night! The program was excellent. I am looking forward to the next series of graduations.”
Fox commented on a personal level how profound the evening was for him. “Just take a look around you; there is a great deal of healing in this place.”
Former ARC/ACT I&II Director Claire Elizabeth DeSophia said that she was impressed on how well organized the event was. “I appreciate how each graduate spoke from the heart on how the VOEG program has changed their lives and how the spirit of the choir in music and singing rang through.”
Smith added, “What more can I say? There is a great sense of purpose in this place. I can see and feel positive change here. I was pleased to be involved.”
At the conclusion of this historic evening, the East Bay Church of Religious Science choir, graduates and audience formed a circle and sang a song of joy and healing.
Verduin summed up the evening in only one word: “Awesome.”