In the Baemba tribe of South Africa, when a person acts irresponsibly or unjustly, he is placed in the center of the village, alone and unfettered. All work ceases, and every man, woman, and child in the village gathers in a large circle around the accused individual. Then each person in the tribe speaks to the accused, one at a time, about all the good things the person has done in his life-time. All his positive attributes, good deeds, strengths, and kindnesses are recited carefully and at length. The tribal ceremony often lasts several days. … [Read more...] about LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK Letters to the Editor:
NEWS BRIEFS
US States 1. Vermont—The ACLU of Vermont and the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation at Harvard Law School filed a class action lawsuit challenging the state’s refusal to treat hundreds of inmates with Hepatitis C, Vermont Business Magazine reports. The law- suit claims that the inmates are systematically denied medication that would cure their chronic Hepatitis C, which they claim violates the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment as well as the Americans with Dis- abilities Act. The inmates are asking the … [Read more...] about NEWS BRIEFS
Upcoming Events for San Quentin in July
San Quentin Day of Peace July 13th Lower Yard Ken Burns documentary July 24th Protestant Chapel 11:00-1:00pm San Quentin Barbershop Dialogue July 26th Protestant Chapel 10:00-3:00pm San Quentin Education Graduation July 26th San Quentin Yard Show July 27th Lower Yard … [Read more...] about Upcoming Events for San Quentin in July
NEWS BRIEFS
1. Alabama—The Department of Justice issued a report that showed how overcrowding, poor conditions, inadequate staffing, and deliberate indifference from prison officials contributed to a rise in violence, sexual abuse, and extortion, The Appeal reports. The problem became known after prisoners held hunger strikes and posted videos showing abuse on the internet. Assistant Attorney General Eric S. Dreiband and three U.S. attorneys wrote a letter to Governor Kay Ivey that said, “In particular we have reasonable cause to believe that Alabama … [Read more...] about NEWS BRIEFS
People who have been convicted of a crime may apply for a commutation
People who have been convicted of a crime and are currently serving their sentence in California may apply for a commutation (reduction of sentence). In deciding whether to grant a commutation, the Governor’s Office will carefully review each commutation application and consider: • the impact of a commutation on the community, including whether the grant is consistent with public safety and in the interests of justice; • the age and circumstances of the offense and the sentence imposed, and the age of the applicant at the time; … [Read more...] about People who have been convicted of a crime may apply for a commutation
Applying for a Governor’s pardon in California
Two distinct processes available to California prisoners From theGovernor's Office: People who have been convicted of a crime in California may apply for a gubernatorial (Governor’s) pardon. The Governor of California cannot grant a pardon for a conviction from another state or a federal proceeding. There are two ways to ap- ply for a pardon in California: a Certificate of Rehabilitation and a Direct Pardon. Pardon Application by Certificate of Rehabilitation: One way to apply for a pardon is to first petition for and obtain a … [Read more...] about Applying for a Governor’s pardon in California
Happy Mother’s Day
FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR ALL YOUR UNDYING LOVE I LOVE YOU MOM DUSTIN HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY WE LOVE YOU MICHELLE SMITH & CARLOS SMITH I LOVE YOU MOM, YOU THE BEST! -FRED … [Read more...] about Happy Mother’s Day
NEWS BRIEFS
1. South Carolina –There were at least 10 suicides in the state’s prisons last year— the cause of two deaths have not yet been determined, re- ports The Post and Courier. In addition, there were nine homicides — including seven at Lee Correctional, making last year the deadliest year in the history of the state’s prisons. Prison homicides and suicides have risen in the state for at least five years in a row even as the inmate population declined. 2. Cleveland, Ohio –The state’s prison system is so short of staff that interns evaluate the … [Read more...] about NEWS BRIEFS
Around the World
Buddhist Monk in the Himalayas at the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan approximately 12,000 feet above sea level Andy Alpine, co-facilitator of Developing a Positive Attitude - underwater in Roatan, Honduras … [Read more...] about Around the World
Happy Valentine’s Day to the special people in our lives
From Michael Johnson Happy V-Day Mom! Michael Johnson with his Mom Valentines Day Jhonnie Simon and Cahantelle Simon Shane Goddard & Maria Goddard Happy Valentine’s Day! Thank you for a wonderful 8 years. Love You. “Our Love” Lovell and Tracy Keller Mark 10:9 On behalf of your new and improved son and brother. Happy Valentine’s Day! Thank you for all your love and support Reginald & Ruby Ours is official God Bless our love Tonia, My best friend & love of my life. There is nothing more precious and heart warming … [Read more...] about Happy Valentine’s Day to the special people in our lives