There’s a great deal of concern, confusion and controversy over the issue of immigration — whether legal or otherwise. The recent influx of more than 50,000 undocumented children has left Democrats and Republicans at odds over what to do about the situation. Some define it as a refugee crisis while others claim it a failure of current immigration policy. Clearly, a deep sense of fear, ignorance and uncertainty is fueling the national debate. Whether these immigrants are coming into the United States from the border regions of Mexico or … [Read more...] about People Who Cross Borders
Opinion
An Opinion About the 19 Women Sentenced To Life Without the Possibility of Paroling
Today at the California Institute for Women, there are 19 women who have been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Their profiles, their individual sentencing factors, their time incarcerated and their in-prison behavior exemplify two specific factors: The main reason these women received this inhumane sentence is not because their crime was so much more egregious than any other serious crime. It is well recognized that the imposition of an LWOP sentence, as opposed to a term-to-life sentence, is much more a reflection of the … [Read more...] about An Opinion About the 19 Women Sentenced To Life Without the Possibility of Paroling
Time in San Quentin Remains Frozen
For decades, time remains unchanged San Quentin’s Lower Yard gym has a three and a half square foot clock atop it. However, since 1982, it has been frozen at 5:44. Nobody knows if it stopped ticking at dawn or dusk. “The yard clock is frozen in time—not reflecting the spirit of San Quentin’s population,” said prisoner Rudy Morales. “Collectively, we need to help that clock breathe life into its brass lungs.” The San Quentin administration says getting the clock fixed comes down to a money issue and suggested if prisoners want the clock … [Read more...] about Time in San Quentin Remains Frozen
Dutch Social Psychologist Impressed by Prisoners
My time in San Quentin has evoked the following question in me: “How can it be that I, safely raised in Holland, have never felt so understood, accepted and heard as I have in a group of violent offenders?” Although the stories of drugs, violence and even murder were far from what I’ve experienced and new to me, it was not what had surprised or gripped me. I was highly surprised and impressed by the integrity, emotional intelligence and authority of a group of men that society labeled as “monsters.” Prison has not only taught me a lot as … [Read more...] about Dutch Social Psychologist Impressed by Prisoners
Cinematographer Shares His Perspective on Life
Ruben Ramirez spends his days behind the lens of a camera capturing the lives of inmates at San Quentin. His work as a cinematographer has given him a unique look into aspects of his own life. ‘All I used to do was take in life...Now I want to give back’ Ramirez said he has always kept people at arms length. However, when filming, he tries to get as close to the individual as possible. “I want to let the world in, but I have something inside me preventing me from doing so, and my camera work has allowed me to see I have this inner … [Read more...] about Cinematographer Shares His Perspective on Life
Teen Decision First Step
The U.S. Supreme Court took a step in the right direction when it outlawed mandatory sentences of life without the possibility of parole for children below age 18. The Miller v. Alabama decision invites a look at other types of cases that would sentence juveniles to die in prison of old age. The Miller decision lessens the possibility that some juveniles will be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. The court held “that the Eighth Amendment forbids a sentencing scheme that mandates life in prison without possibility of parole … [Read more...] about Teen Decision First Step
Prison Not the Answer for Juvenile Offenders
Editor’s Note: The following story by San Quentin News sports editor Gary Scott was published in the June 5, 2012 edition of the New York Times. Scott was arrested at age 15 for second-degree murder and was sentenced to 15 years to life at age 17. He has served 14 ½ years. He works with at-risk youth and is studying toward an associate of arts degree. Like many states, California allows youth offenders as young as 14 to be transferred from the juvenile system to adult courts. From there, most of the teenagers who are tried as adults and … [Read more...] about Prison Not the Answer for Juvenile Offenders
Men Urged to Change by ‘Being More of Who You Really Are’
“What I did is not who I am.” It’s a powerful statement for someone who has felt the pain of doing wrong. Reflecting on the disconnect between one’s values and one’s actions requires substantial courage and inner strength — qualities we all possess. When you choose to use life’s experiences as your teacher, you learn the true nature of the world and your part in it. DIFFERENCES We all come into this world with advantages and disadvantages. Broken homes, violence, alcoholism, drug addiction, bigotry and indigence are all too common. … [Read more...] about Men Urged to Change by ‘Being More of Who You Really Are’
From a Mother With a Son in Prison to Other Mothers of the Incarcerated
Around two million men and women are in prison in the United States, more than any other country in the world. That means a corresponding number of moms have children in prison. Many others are affected by incarceration such as friends and family members: fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, wives, husbands and children. Do you know any of those two million? Are any in your family? Most likely not. It is not the first thing one mentions, nor maybe the last, when discussing family members. “Well, how are the kids doing?” You will hear … [Read more...] about From a Mother With a Son in Prison to Other Mothers of the Incarcerated
Sending Sermons to Prisoners
Why me? Why this? Who hasn’t asked this at times? Two men serving time in San Quentin asked me to talk about how and why I send sermons to California prisoners. I can answer in two ways. One, my experience of how it happened, and the other is through God’s view, as I read it in the Bible. My experience comes from the fact that I have a brother who teaches a Bible class in a jail in California. He connected with some men who went on to prison. For them, he made copies of sermons preached by the minister at his church. Over time, he was … [Read more...] about Sending Sermons to Prisoners