Friends Bulletin- Building the Western Quaker Community Since 1929-January 1997

20 Pages·1997·2.5 MB·English

Friends Bulletin From the Editor
The official publication of Pacific, When a Quaker couple named Pat and Jay Jemison buttonholed me at
North Pacific and Intermountain Intermountain Yearly Meeting and told me that they had a concern about aging
Yearly Meeting of the Religious prisoners, I responded enthusiastically.
Society of Friends (Quakers) “My first professional teaching job was in a prison,” I explained. “The
Yardville Youth Correction and Reception Center in New Jersey. Do you
Editor/ Publisher
know ofthe place?”
Anthony Manousos
Jay and Pat smiled at each other, and then at me.
5238 Andalucia Court
Whittier CA 90601 “That’s where my husband and I met!” replied Pat.
[email protected] We all sensed a Higher Power at work. Pat went on to explain that she was a
young social worker when she met Jay, who was then warden of Yardville
Book Review Editor Youth Correction Center. By a cosmic coincidence we were all in the same
Grace Buzaljko, 612 Albemarle, place at the same time, but it wasn’t until twenty years later at a Friends’
El Cerrito, CA 94530
gathering that our paths finally crossed.
[phone]
IMYM Corresponding Editors Teaching in prison was one ofmost significant episodes ofmy life. During
Maria Krenz, 10107 Gold Hill Rd, the course of a summer, my fears and stereotypes about “criminals” were
AmaBnoudladeSrk,owC,O858103E02600 S, #204, blown away. The students in my prison classes were some ofthe most eager I
Salt Lake City, UT 84102 have ever encountered. I was amazed to discover that they were “people like
W
Doris Tyldesley, 703 Meseto, us” after all. Little did I know it at the time, but I was on my way to becoming
Mesa, AZ 85210
NPYM a Friend.
Corresponding Editors
Jim Coates, PO Box 377, Friends have had a long history ofactivism in prison reform, starting when
Red Lodge, MT 59068 thousands ofFriends were imprisoned for violations ofthe Conventicles Law
Ruth Evan, 477 E 32nd Ave, prohibiting Quaker meetings in the 1660’s and 70’s. As Pablo Steinfeld notes,
Eugene, OR 97405
Marie Oesting, 27501 U Street, “Many Friends have known first-hand the injustices ofthe legal and prison
WA
Ocean Park, 98640 system. Some, like Elizabeth Fry, worked to alleviate the plight of those
[phone] trapped in it. Friends formed the first penitentiary in Philadelphia as a step
oesting(^aone.com
PYM Corresponding Editors away from the dungeons, pillories and gallows then prevalent. They worked to
John Fulbright, 3038A Waipuna Rise, replace prisons and chain gangs with ‘reformatories’ in the 19th Century.”
Honolulu, HI 96822 When I went to the former Soviet Union, I met a Russian historian named
Bobbi Kendig, 3275 Karen,
Long Beach, CA 90808 Tatiana Pavlova who first became attracted to Quakerism precisely because of
[phone] their willingness to go to prison for their beliefs. She was particularly moved
Ramona Silipo, 1613 Tyler St, by the fact that a hundred and sixty-four Quakers signed a petition asking to
Berkeley, CA 94703 [phone] take the place ofthose who had been imprisoned for their religious views.
Friends Bulletin Board ofDirectors
Clerk: Rob Roy Woodman Being able to put oneself in the place of those whom society rejects has
2532 Westemessee Rd, been, and is, the essence of our Quaker faith and practice. Because of this
Davis, CA 95616 [phone] empathy. Friends have been responsible for initiating a remarkable number of
Recording Clerk: Randy Herrick-Stare
501 E First Ave, Denver, CO 80203 innovative programs and concepts; Alternatives to Violence, Prison Visitation
Treasurer: Annis Bleeke and Support, Friends Outside, and Restorative Justice.
SW
3540 OCoRrbett, Finding material for this issue was not a difficult task. Friends in every
Portland, 97201
Co-Treasurer: Pat Daggerty Yearly Meeting are concerned about prisoners and are working to make a
625 E Grandview difference. They eagerly supplied me with articles and ideas.
Sierra Madre, CA 91024 For this reason, extra copies ofthis issue are being printed for you to share
Mary Lou Coppock, 127 E Belmont,
Phoenix, AZ 850201 at a discount rate ($1.50 per copy) with those in prison and with those who
Lucy FullerWtoAn, 41 1 N 90th St, #402, need to know the truth about our escalating “penal-industrial complex.” I hope
Seattle, 98103 that many of you will take this opportunity to become involved with this
Arden Pierce, 498 South Court,
Palo Alto, CA 94306 important concern.
Coverpicture by Christopher Moffat, a 22-year-oldfirst sentencedwhen 17,
currently incarcerated in a stateprison, and not eligiblefor parole until 2004.
• Friends Bulletin (USPS 859-220) is published monthly except February and August by the Friends Bulletin Corporation ofthe Religious
Society ofFriends at 5238 Andalucia Court, Whittier, California90601-2222. Telephone [phone]. Periodicals postage paid at Whittier,
CA 90601-2222.
• Subscription Rates: $24 per year for individuals, $19 per year for group subscriptions through your local Friends meeting. Check with editor
for a student or low-income subscription. First class postage $10 additional. Foreign postage varies. Individual copies: $3.00 each.
• Postmaster: Send address changes to Friends Bulletin, 5238 Andalucia Court, Whittier, CA 90601-2222.
—
Page 83 Friends Bulletin January, 1997
5
and
Prison Visitation Support
By Jeannie Graves able life is reality.—A job, a home, a car, By Elaine Granata,
Orange County Meeting (Calif.) a circle offriends 1 enjoy these but it’s Mountain View Meeting (Colorado)
“Why do you visit the prison?” he asks, girmapnotretda.ntI nfeoerdmtoerneomtemtboetraktheattthheemy afroer “Holy cow!” escaped my lips as I
eyes narrowed. gifts, temp—orary gifts after all. And the entered the sterile visiting room at the
“How else would I get to meet you?” I other gifts being treated —with res-pect, United States Penitentiary (USP) at the
say, smiling brightly. And that’s part ofthe dignity, courtesy, and love these aren’t Florence Prison Complex. All but one of
answer. I have come to like so many of automatic either. the men we were to visit were African
these people and our paths would surely It opens my heart to hear their stories, Americans, further reminding me that the
not cross “on the street.” Or not in see and share their pain. It’s been rather justice system is skewed against men of
circumstances that would allow us to too easy for me to dismiss the ones with color. And the Complex doesn’t refer to a
converse long enough to really get to know dirty hair and tattoos, but I find them to psychological condition, but to acres of
on“eWahnoythdeor.you come?” “What a stupid idea,” I thought. bheavekian chwahnecne toI duteisoenrst:laandcafmipll,edawimtehdfiouumr fseedceurrailtyinsctoirt--
“Because if 1 were in “Lady Bountiful or Little Goody get to know them. rectional facility, a high security penit-
psroimseoonneI tthoinkvisiIt’dmlei.k”e Two-Shoes visits theprison. How “Why do you entiary, and the ADX, administrative
And that’s part of the presumptuous to think that L go?” maximum security where men leave their
answer, too. I think could do anything useful,” L'd “I feel a calling cells one hour a day for recreation in a
sometimes what it must tell myself. But callings donV go to go into the cage.
be like with the endless away and they get more prisons.” I felt This visit to Florence, about fifteen
dTFeahdyeesroapflriesDnoedntleesnIstivbioosnirteCdeionsmt.-a guancnomtfoohratvaeblreeaolvesrymtpiamte.hy/wibteh- tcehavelelre“dwuhnybde”efrosortfeoodI mfaicniluitteiess infrCoamnyotnheCitsyt,atweascoorcrceacstiioonneadl
it.
er for people awaiting Jonah. “What a stupid
trial, awaiting sentenc- f“Visitation, ” continuedonpage 93)
idea,” I thought.
ing, waiting to be sent to the prison where
“Lady Bountiful or Little Goody Two-
thhoelyd’ilnlgsaerrevae, tthheeirre tiismn’et. mBuecchausofe aitp’sro-a Shoes visits the prison. How Jeannie Graves and Elaine Granata
gram (like the 12-step programs) or even presumptuous to think that I could do are both volunteers for Prison Visit-
much work to do. The educational pro- anything useful,” I’d tell myself But ation and Support (PVS), the only
grams have been cut, but this prison never callings don’t go away and they get more visiting service which has access to all
hdoa.dAthveismitahneylwpasyb.reSaok tthheerme’osnontootnmyu.ch to urenaclomsfyomrptaatbhlye owvitehr tJiomnea.h.I bAesgasnotoonhaasveI Federal and Military Prisons in the
“It’s so nice ofyou to come.” started to visit, I felt a huge relief United States. For more information,
“I wouldn’t miss these visits. It’s my So on another level, the real reason I call PVS at [phone] or write
hhItee’alsrpttoktoeheaetpasnmyeeefdosgrrtmoouenbedtoeodtpheiinnnekmd.ym”yhTuhcmoeamnfvioitsriytt.-s vsiuspitposisedstiombpel.e: this is where I am PPVAS,19115002.1 Cherry Street, Philadelphia
Pacific yearly meeting Treasurer: INTERMOUNTAIN YEARLY MEETING
Sylvie McGee [phone]
Presiding Clerk: Eric Moon [phone] 12525 17th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125 Presiding Clerk: Chuck Rostkowski
2314 Eighth St, #B, Berkeley, CA 94710 [email protected] 962 26th St,
AssistantClerk; Margaret Mossman (510) 433- Junior Friends Co-Clerks: Ogden, UT 84401
9930
PO Box 12806, Berkeley CA 94712-3806 PeterBNakWke [email protected] [email protected] [phone]
3452 126th, Continuing Committee Clerk:
TrePasOurBeorx:4P9h3y5ll9i9s,JRoendedsi(n9g1,6)CA2239-65044095 Portland, OR 97229 [phone] Jan Miller [phone]
JuniorYearly Meeting Co-Clerks: Sarah Wildflower [email protected] 211 Fifth Ave, #204
Sarah House [phone] 9728 3rd NW, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
1236 S Delay, Glendora, CA 91740 Seattle, WA 98117 [phone] [email protected]
AnnaMorgan [phone] Young Friends contact person: Treasurer: Tom Schroeder [phone]
28 Urey Court, Irvine, CA 92715 Kathy Hyzy 715 E 400 N,
20409NE 190th Ave Wellsville, UT 84339 [email protected]
NORTH PACIFIC YEARLY MEETING Battleground, WA 98604 Senior Young Friends Co-Clerks:
[email protected] AlidaGodfrey [phone]
Presiding Clerk: Ann Stever [phone]
Secretary: 5110 Burch Creek Dr,
1118 37th Ave
Seattle, WA 98122 Lexanne Bumm [phone] Ogden, UT 84403
Steering Committee Clerk: Helen Dart 2342 N 50th St, Keil Mueller(303)476-1363
WA
2675 Baker Blvd, Eugene, OR 97403 Seattle, 98103 1840 Dover St.
[phone] [email protected] [email protected] Lakewood, CO 8021
—
Friends Bulletin January, 1997 Page 84
By D. Pablo Stanfield dation and that the Transforming Power the Silence enfolded us, the meeting was
University Friends Meeting we were always talking about was like covered, two people ministered briefly,
Seattle, Washington God or from God. Many of them had and we all realized that something miracu-
found that the Transforming Power in lous had begun.
The seed for the Monroe (Washington) their own lives had given them the ability For me, the Monroe Worship Group has
Worship group was sown in 1986 when to handle hard times and hard people bet- been my true spiritual home (even though
Friend Lynn Fitz-Hugh of Illinois Yearly ter. After talking to us individually, a I could attend at most twice a month). For
Meeting was finishing up an internship number ofthem, especially Dan Pens and Lynn, MaryHelen and others at various
with Brethren Volunteers in Seattle and Kevin Grendon at WSR, asked for an op- times, it has been a similar refuge.
saw a major need for nonviolence training portunity to try our kind ofworship. Soon after that beginning the men inside
in our area. She had been trained in AVP, Lynn wanted to respond and received arranged with the chaplain to meet in the
the Alternatives to Violence Project from support from her friend MaryHelen back room by the vestry even when no out-
New York Yearly Meeting, so she gath- Lewis. I went along because ofmy grow- side chapel volunteers were available to
ered support and seed money from various ing commitment to prison work. We be- come in. We knew then that the Spirit was
churches, including University Monthly came chaplain volunteers. Eventually, I doing her job and that we had “brought
Meeting, and founded Peace Between became the group’s sponsor. them to their Teacher and left them there.”
People. This organization’s mission is to
give people effective skills to deal with “ It was disastrously noisy, yet Building Our Community
fear and violence. It also sponsored the suddenly the Silence enfolded From the beginning there were a num-
AVP program in western Washington.
us, the meeting was covered, ber of other people not connected with
By Fifth Month, 1987, two groups of two people ministered briefly AVP who came in at least a couple of
us had completed the basic training and times. Some have gone on, but others have
some members had finished facilitator and we all realized that become integral to our community. It had
training. These volunteers received per- something miraculous had taken us two and halfyears to get permis-
mission to do the first inmate basic work- begun... For me, the Monroe sion to hold what we call “Family Worship
shop at the Washington State Reformatory and Education” during visiting hours, the
(WSR) at Monroe. This workshop was a Worship group has been my afternoon of the fourth Firstday of each
success, as were succeeding ones. By that true spiritual home. ” month. This has been a significant factor in
fall 1 had been trained as a facilitator and strengthening our community.
had gone in to facilitate a workshop. On the morning of Christmas Eve, Weddings led to an interesting time
In Eleventh Month, 1988, we began 1989, a group of us went in and spent for me as sponsor since the state required
workshops in Twin Rivers Corrections thirty minutes talking about Quaker un- “pre-nuptial counseling” by a psychologi-
Center (TRCC), "across the street" in programmed worship, the uses of the si- cal professional or ordained clergy, and
Monroe, where we soon had another ac- lence and concepts of the Inward Light we wanted to have an unlicensed “lay”
tive program going. We also did outreach, and Holy Spirit. Then we had forty-five clearness committee. We also insisted that
and our first workshops were presented at minutes of worship, talked together for having a wedding after the manner of
McNeill Island Correctional Center, Clal- another half hour and had to leave. Friends required an exception to the nor-
lam Bay CC and the Washington CC for The most memorable part of the “sil- mal limit of a ten outsiders (including the
Women (Purdy). At the invitation of ence” was that it was the day ofthe evan- bride). If the process were completed un-
Friends in Walla Walla, we did a training gelical Christian Christmas carol service, der the care ofthe WG, non-clergy had to
there, leading to a pilot program in the with trumpets and harking herald angels be allowed to sign the marriage license
medium security unit at the State Peniten- and ole-time preaching over loud speak- (i.e., the state law that allows Quaker mar-
AVP
tiary. in the Northwest has since ers in the adjacent chapel. The heater in riages had to be followed).
spread to Idaho, British Columbia, and our room had a broken fan that rattled in- This process required considerable dis-
Montana. cessantly and so loudly that we all cussion with the assistant superintendent
By 1989 we had developed a follow- jumped at the silence the one time it went of the prison, asking him to review the
ing and “a good rap” among the—men, who off! A native American drum circle was code and comply with its letter when the
now included inside facilitators inmates practicing behind the activities building institution’s spirit was against us.
who had done all ofthe training. Among and men were playing ball in the yard in There was also discussion with the chap-
these were men interested in those rarae front ofus. lain, who was usually our advocate, but
athveeisr wcoalrlkedwaQsuabkaesresd,onwhaoreclilgaiiomuesdfotuhna-t It was disastrously noisy, yet suddenly (“Monroe Worship Group, ” continuedonpage 86)
—
Page 85 Friends Bulletin January, 1997
("Monroe Worship, ” continuedfrompage 85) In 1995 several of the men who at-
Pacific Northwest Quarterly
who kept saying, “Some Quakers have tended occasionally got out at the end of
clergy.” I responded, “No. Quakers their terms. Other mainstay members Minute on Criminal Justice
have no laity; we are all ministers ofGod. were moving on: to parole, work-release,
Some Quakers have pastors, who are not programming in other institutions, filling Pacific Northwest Quarterly Meeting
ordained any more than I am; it is God’s the new mega-prison; and I was leaving approved thefollowing minute at Busi-
business to choose and give ministry. If for Central America. Other outsiders who
ness Session on September 28, 1996.
the state interferes, it is in violation ofthe had been active could not come in be- Friends are asked to speak to candi-
First Amendment (and the state constitu- cause their spouses were no longer there. dates and newly elected officials to
tion, which is even more stringent on sep- Despite all the departures, the worship share this concern and to work with
aration ofchurch and state as well as pro- group was not laid down, mostly because other groups to raise the issues. Those
tecting freedom ofworship). You must al- Liz Chenoweth and David Duhaime, her interestedinjoiningto work on this con-
low us to follow God's will for us.” husband, wanted it to continue and Mar- cern may contact the convenor of the
garet Gottlieb and Faith Adams of Uni- Monroe Worship Group, Gordon L.
State of Monroe Worship versity Monthly Meeting continued as Dickman, 225 7th Ave. W., Kirkland,
Group Today sponsors. Finally, the Quarterly Meeting WA, 98033.
The core of the Religious Society of Oversight confirmed its support. There Friends in Pacific Northwest Quarter
Friends has always been worship. Even was a sense of the meeting that, even of the Religious Society of Friends be-
though we cannot gather together in one when separated, we are a community. lieve, first, in prisoners’ human poten-
place, Monroe Friends still continue Fam- So the work goes on. Where even two tial for goodness; second, in the crucial
ily Worship the fourth Sunday afternoon. or three are gathered, the Spirit joins. need for offering educational opportuni-
On that day Friends meet in the Visiting There are new attenders now. Spokane ties and realistic vocational education to
Room Annex, a huge, Friends have had those incarcerated; and third, in the need
—
bleak hall too cold contact at Airway to offer the kind of support to those in-
all winter and too hot The chaplain kept saying, Heights. Chuck and side prison that Quakers have espoused
—
all summer where “Some Quakers have clergy. ” EttaMarie James for hundreds ofyears.
spouses and friends of I responded, “No. Quakers keep the link with The criminal justice system is not
inmates as well as vol- TRCC and we may working. It has given up on the goal of
unteers and prisoners have no laity; we are all soon ask for Family rehabilitation. It is costing an exorbitant
can meet for the re- ministers of God. Some Worship there. When amount of money, taken from more
freshment of time to- Quakers have pastors, who we sent out the first worthy projects such as education. It
gether. The Spirit is are not ordained any more draft ofour minute to does not cut down on crime and returns
often fully present all the “members of people to the streets who are unprepared
with us there. Almost than I am. It is God^s the Worship Group” to live in society.
every time we get in, business to choose and give scattered around the Therefore, Pacific Northwest Quar-
there has been some state, we heard back terly Meeting endorses working on
”
ministry.
new “logistical” prob- from most of them these concerns in coalitions for public
lem dealing with the (al—though indirect- education and legislation in the specific
officers and the fickle ly) a higher degree areas of:
rules for how, who and what is allowed of participation than many Monthly 1. educational opportunity, includ-
into the institution. But we share and cen- Meetings. ing vocational training;
ter down and in comes the grace. The oversight committee recently 2. reinstatement of extended family
The group began as individuals’ con- agreed to coordinate both the support of visits for all prisoners;
cern responding to F/ffiends’ needs and the worship and efforts to help our 3. recreational and athletic opportu-
interest. When we began to feel the need f/Friends through public education. Some nities;
for institutional support (for example, ofus wish the Yearly Meeting to adopt a 4. fully adequate medical care to in-
leading up to one wedding we needed mates;
minute establishing some basic principles
“documentary proof’ that we were a valid 5. elimination of punitive assess-
about justice and treatment of offenders
“mission of a recognized religious de- ments;
nomination”), we asked for clearness, and as well as victims. I work on this concern 6. restoration of civil and human
an innovative structure was the outcome. because I sense a leading that demands rights, such as habeas corpus,
It was decided to take our worship group we show why justice in the prisons and communication, etc.
We
directly under the care of Pacific North- reform ofthe “criminal” injustice system encourage meetings and individ-
—
west Quarterly Meeting, with an oversight is essential for the health ofsociety and uals to acquaint themselves with prison
committee composed of one each from why I think Friends are called to it for the problems and to act as they are led in
the monthly meetings most involved: concert with others.
health ofour Society.
University, Salmon Bay and Eastside.
—
Friends Bulletin January, 1997 Page 86
Men
Testimonies from Quaker
in Prison
The following inmates have participated in twenty dollar gift my mother gave me.
the Monroe Worship Group. This does not make me feel responsible. It
“Prisons are a form of violence against makes me feel mad.
people. Violence is a spear that is pointed “In my prison job, I make $.38 an hour.
at both ends, wounding those that use it This works out to be less than $50 per
worse than their perceived enemies. A month. It has been decreed that out ofthat
recognition of connectedness, a sense of paycheck I am to pay a fee for my medical
services, school classes, athletic programs,
divinity in everyone, and an expression of
and state hygiene products. Prisoners have
love are the only foundations capable of
already paid the marked-up price for their
eliminating violence from our world.
own televisions. Now they will also have
“If one person is abused, dehumanized,
or degraded, we all are.” to pay a fee for the privilege ofturning on
—EdKing, their television and watching it. I must pay
Airway Heights Correctional Center this privilege regardless ofthe factthat I do
Jose Mendoza. Artist not own a television.”
—
Patrick Velez
“Over the last few years, the state of “Society wants to lock us up to humili-
Washington State Reformatory
Washington has become increasingly ate, condemn, deny us our dignity, pri-
harsh in its treatment of human beings vacy, hope, and autonomy—yet society
who are in its prison system. We have lost also wants us to come out ofprison ready “Attica turned out to be a watershed
many minor privileges that are viewed as — event in the prison rights movement. Prior
to get a job, pay taxes, and “fit in” not
coddling of prisoners, as well as major on an equal level, but on a sub-level to Attica, prisoners had little or no access
tools for personal growth. Washington’s where we become easily tolerated, to the courts. There was almost no means
Department of Corrections and legislative
bodies seem to be trying to create severely tracked, and managed, like obedient by which prisoners could air their griev-
dysfunctional people out of those who sheep... ances or seekjustice for widespread brutal-
were already in pretty bad shape. “Taking away higher education oppor- ity and abuse by their captors.
“The simple things I have lost would tunities for people locked up will not de- “In the years following Attica, a number
seem trivial to people outside of here. crease crime on the streets. Common of landmark court rulings literally swung
Even to me, much seems trivial. But taken sense dictates that education leads to em- open the courtroom doors, allowing pris-
as a whole and felt from the perspective of ployment and legal ways to obtain oners to seek official recognition of their
alosptrimsoynecr,omepauctherlosass iwseltlraausmatthiec.riIghhtavteo money. Locking people up without giv- basic human and Constitutional rights, thus
take educational classes and to buy health ing them a means by which they can gain giving a voice to prisoners who suffer in-
products such as protein powders and vita- marketable skills is nothing more than justice.
mins. My hot pot used for cooking health- human warehousing. “In the last two years, several significant
ful foods was banned. I have limited ac- “I attended school for the last five years Supreme Court rulings and the passage of
cess to medical care and have recently at Washington State Reformatory. In that major federal legislation have had the
been made to pay for soap, toothpaste, time I earned a college degree and certifi- combined effect of once again closing the
clothing, and privi—leges such as television cation to be a computer technical support
and use ofthe gym regardless ofwhether person. My lack of education limited my courtroom doors in the face ofprisoners.
I use them. I feel almost constant uneasi- social existence, made me feel powerless, “Martin Luther King, Jr., once said, ‘Riot
ness, not knowing when the next blow is is the voice of the unheard.’ It is time for
going to come or from what direction. But and imprisoned me long before the state Friends to become aware of and involved
the blows do keep coming and seem to ever locked me up. As I have learned, this in the prison rights struggle. As the court-
come harder and harder each time. is the case with many prisoners. Educa- room doors once again shut out the voices
“I have been in prison for seventeen tion has since liberated me before my re- ofthe unheard, other means must be devel-
years and have life without parole. I am lease. oped for prisoners to bear witness. Other
supposed to be here forever. Living this “The new policies are meant to instill in
life forever, with rules changing at the me a sense ofresponsibility. Recently my means must be found to shed the light of
whim ofany new official or angry legisla- mother sent me twenty dollars as a gift. scrutiny and truth into the darkened re-
My cesses of America’s prisons. For without
tor, is an experience that I have not come mother is sixty-eight years old and a truth, without witness, without light, pris-
tufephc,rto.buugMthomsuntyscpaarctithiseoodnn.serIssfeeeleilmktethoamtheIacvhaeanvnlieotttllegiitetvfle-e wfairwodamorwd.emdySthoefhaertrehceferi’rsvoemspheainssmisooedrnevsictteh-airtnelcawotamesed wointehrsnomamyeaonnsceforagtahienm stuoffbeerhienarsdi,leunnctei,l
gumption and much depression.” death. To supplement this modest income riot and bloodshed once again give voice
—DavidDuhaime, she cares for senior citizens who cannot to—their plight.
take care ofthemselves. The Department Dan Pens, Monroe Worship Group
Washington State Reformatory
of Corrections confiscated 35% of the Twin River’s Correctional Center
—
Page 87 Friends Bulletin January, 1997
By Ann Bishop
American Friends Service Committee
Southern California Area Program Representative
The Walk for Humanity was initiated and organized by one
woman, Annie Kirchner of Santa Barbara, on October 26, 1996.
She was inspired by Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man
Walking. Sister Helen, after working on the issue for many years,
reached the conclusion that most people who embrace capital
punishment as a solution to the problem of violent crime lack
information. One way to capture public attention is for a large
group to walk a long distance. Sister Helen Prejean participated
in an 80-mile walk from New Orleans to Baton Rouge to bring
attention to the evil and ineffectiveness ofthe death penalty. That
event inspired Annie Kirchner to organize a walk from Santa
Barbara to Santa Monica as a step towards abolishing the death
penalty in California. She began to talk about the possibility last
spring.
I must confess that when I first heard about it, I felt it was too
unrealistic ever to become a reality. My apologies to Annie K.!
The Walk for Humanity was a con-
siderable organizational feat, and a Letterfrom Sister Helen Prejean, tion, will be a tough struggle, but it
splendid accomplishment. will be a good struggle.
Author o/Dead Men Walking
There were nearly a hundred peo- I asked Annie Kirchner what she
ple at the send-off. An inspiring let- plans to do now that the walk is over,
ter from Sister Helen Prejean was / am with you in spirit today. There is something and she replied:
read to the group. About fifty-five “I took the training in the Victim
people of all ages walked the five really special about expressing with your body in a Reconciliation Program in Fresno
miles or so from the Court House in public way what you passionately believe. At this the week before the walk. Last week,
Santa Barbara and then into Mon- time in our history, with so many confused and I met with a group of ten Friends
ecito. There was a television camera misinformed about government executions, what who have been thinking and plan-
person on hand, and speakers were ning about bringing restorative jus-
interviewed. Two vivid banners you’re doing is one of the best actions to take. tice to Santa Barbara. I am leaving
my
headed up the procession, and there You’repositive,for life, not death. You’repart ofa full-time job to organize this
were appropriate signs as well. We community ofpeople, andyou’re committedfor the work.”
were seen by many people. Some Our Efforts Save a Life
showed support, while others long haul. You’re acting out ofa sense ofintegrity A man named Joseph Payne was
shouted, “I believe in public hang- becauseyou believe that the death penalty must be scheduled to be executed in Virginia
ings!” We had literature to hand out abolished. The success may not be immediately but for a crime he probably did not com-
to interested people, and there were it will come. It will come. mit. He was accused of murdering a
fellow inmate by dousing him with
several earnest conversations with
bystanders. You ar—e staging this—walk exactly twelveyears to paint thinner and setting him on fire.
the day October 26 when we staged our very Severaljurors expressed doubt about
There were speakers representing
Amnesty International, California first public action to educate people in Louisiana. their verdict after learning of other
prisoners whose testimony had been
Death Penalty Focus, and Murder We walkedfrom New Orleans to Baton Rouge. We
disallowed. The mother of the mur-
Victims’ Families for Reconcilia- walked then, andyou are walking now, and when dered man said, “I don’t want Joe
tion. These spoke of their experi-
ences as victims ofviolent crime and one day the story of the abolition of the death Payne to die. I have doubts that he
of their opposition to the death penalty is told, your courageous action will be killed my son.” Annie Kircher for-
penalty. An execution does not bring noted. warded information to me and prob-
bpaocukndas ltohsetsluoffveerdinogn.e; it only com- Blessing on you—on your good hearts and steady aTbhliys ewvaesrpyaornteoeflsaenoantihoenr-wei-dmeaielfffoirlte,.
Attending this demonstration made feet and willing hands. and it worked! Governor Allen com-
me realize that ending the death Our sacred cause will prevail because light does muted Payne’s sentence to life. I feel
that together we made a difference.
penalty in this state, and in the na- scatter the darkness andlove is stronger than hate.
—
Friends Bulletin January, 1997 Page 88
way that they treated people. They were
A
Aging Prisoners; Growing Concern able to have an impact on the dehumaniz-
ing things that were common in prison,
such as the way prisoners’ visitors were
From a report
treated.
by Pat and Jay Jemison
After retiring from the prison system,
Prescott, Arizona they spent a year in New Zealand at the
Aukland Friends Center. They became
As longer and longer sentences are New
interested in the Zealand prison sys-
handed out to convicted felons, thanks to
tem, which is similar to that ofthe United
mandatory sentencing such as California’s
States. They were inspired by the impact
Three Strikes Law, the prison population
— of the widespread Alternatives to Vio-
is growing older and much costlier to lence Project (AVP) in New Zealand
maintain. According to the National Crim-
“When I first went to work in a prison prisons and the Quaker commitment to
inal Justice Commission, it costs an aver- AVP.
in 1970 at the age of 23,” recalls Pat, “I
age of $22,000 to house an inmate 54
had very few preconceived notions about Returning to the United States, they
years old or under versus $69,000 for in- crime and criminals. I met people from became active in the Arizona Area Com-
mates 55 years old or older.
the entire criminal spectrum, but found mittee of the American Friends Service
The needs of this increasingly aging that I always saw them as people first and Committee. From this experience with
population have become the concern of prisoners second. This seemed natural, AFSC, a concern for elderly prisoners
Jay and Pat Jemison, two Friends from
Arizona who have spent their lives work- biuntg Iinsothoenslyesatrenemddtihdatnomtanshyaroethmerysbweolrike-f wHaalsfYdeeavrellyopMeede.tiFnrgieansdksedfPraotmanAdriJazyontao
ing in the prison system. I, too, was the target of demonization: as develop this concern under the care of
After retiring from the military. Jay AHYM.
the the first woman to work inside the
Jaenmdismoonvetdookupajtohbraosugahcotrhreecrtiaonnkssofwfhiicleer general population area ofthejail, I met a “Our initial hope was to work with the
great deal of hostility from male correc- Department of Corrections towards cre-
earning a B.A. in criminal justice. He
tion officers. I, too, knew how it felt to be ating a special unit for elderly prisoners,”
eventually served as deputy warden of a
New Jersey state prison and a warden of twrietahtoeudtwistahyoiuntg rwehsapetcta. ‘Ipcoarnt’tinrealastteotrhmi’s wardimitneisJtaryataonrds,Pawte. fe“lAtfttheartmseuecthinagn wiidteha
the Burlington (N.J.) County Jails in 1985. Jay was. He was frequently chosen to be was a way ‘down the road.’ If the De-
After retiring in 1992, he moved to Ari- my escort in the prison, and I always partment of Corrections approves our
zona with his wife Pat. knew that he would treat me in a kind and visitation plan, as we expect they will, we
Pat met Jay while she was working in the
thoughtful manner.” will ask Friends to accept the challenge
prison system. Graduating with a B.A. Pat and Jay were married in 1980. As of Friends before them to go into the
from Rutgers University in 1970, Pat they worked together, they became in- prisons and seek to provide comfort. As
landed ajob as a social work trainee in the creasingly concerned about prison issues. the population of elderly prisoners in-
same prison where Jay was working.
Their work gave them the opportunity to creases, so will our challenge to help
Serving as the first woman to work inside put their Quaker faith into action by guid- them.” [To be continued in afuture issue
the general population of a male prison in
ing the decisions that they made and the ofFB.]
New Jersey, she faced many challenges.
Monterey Friends a way to remove violent criminals from prison terms for the latter. We are also
the streets. As enacted, however, Califor- starting to look at alternatives to prison
Oppose Three Strikes
nia’s 3S law has led to disproportionately sentences.
long sentences for /row-violent offenders. Meanwhile, we have met with Monterey
Submitted by Bob Jasta, Clerk As Quakers, we believe that a law which County’s District Attorney in a friendly
Peace and Social Justice Committee imposes such draconian sentences for and forthright dialogue to express our
non-violent crimes is badly flawed. Ac- Quakerly concerns about Three Strikes.
Our Committee has taken on the issue of cording to our District Attorney, it costs While voicing his support for the present
California’s egregious Three Strikes (3S) $20,000 a year to keep a person in prison. 3S law, and defending his implementation
Law. The harshest ofthe 3S laws so far en- Multiply that by twenty-five years, and ofits terms as fair andjust, our D.A. recog-
acted in twenty-four states, California’s the cumulative cost of carrying out a nizes the law’s inequities and encouraged
law calls for doubling the sentence for a Three Strikes sentence is at least a half- us to pursue the issue with the legislature
second felony and imposes a twenty-five- million dollars. The human costs of a life and the “grass roots.”
years-to-life sentence for a third felony, so wasted are incalculable. Meeting and individuals who share this
even when none of the three were violent We therefore will work towards having concern should contact Bob Jasta, Mon-
crimes. California’s 3S Law amended to distin- terey Peninsula Friends Meeting, 22 Via
The public is thought to be heavily in fa- guish clearly between violent and non- Buena Vista, Monterey CA 93940 (408)
vor ofthe 3S Law, which has been sold as violent crimes, and to impose shorter 641-9337.
—
Page 89 Friends Bulletin January, 1997
"Table of Voices"; Listening to Victims and Offendets
By Laura Magnani ingly similar from one family to the next. prosecution orto make a good story for the
Berkeley (Calif.) This is art working its way into our hearts evening news. Another mother ofa victim
and moving us to new levels of under- said: “I see both myselfand the perpetra-
I thought I had been doing “peace work” standing. tor as victims. Something has to change.
for most of my adult life: the usual letter The AFSC’s role is to bring the parties Sending more people to prison won’t
writing, demonstrations, and occasional together in face-to-face dialogue. In front help.” The mother ofa prisoner says, “The
civil disobedience. But lately my criminal ofaudiences of50-80 people I have been Table represents some hope to me.”
justice work at the AFSC has plunged me facilitating “community conversations” Dorsey, an ex-offender, described the
much more squarely into the lion’s den. that ask victims and perpetrators to tell process he went through: “I was growing
—
The Criminal Justice program has em- their stories, and then to share their in- into a sense of responsibility mostly
barked on an ambitious new project that sights about underlying causes of crime from the experience of seeing my young
—
brings together victims, offenders, fami- and violence. daughter growing up without a father but
lies and law enforcement personnel in a se- In the coming months, as the Table I wasn’t allowed to be responsible in
ries of “community conversations” on moves to different exhibit spaces around prison.” (Later Dorsey spoke passionately
crime and the criminaljustice system. the country, we will add new voices, in- about the devastating policies, being put
The project began over three years cluding activists, criminal justice profes- into place now by the Department of Cor-
ago in collaboration with artist Richard sionals, perhaps politicians and others. rections, to deny family visits to a large
Kamler. Kamler, who has taught art to of- percentage ofprisoners.) Offenders are left
fenders and parolees for many years, be- The AFSC^s role is to,., ask to take care of their own “rehabilitation”
came interested in gathering stories ofvic- and only the most motivated, and often the
victims and perpetrators to tell
tims as well. His inspiration came initially most spiritual, overcome their circum-
from reading Sr. Helen Prejean's book. their stories, and then to share stances.
Dead Man Walking, in which she de- their ins ights about underlying Another theme that has been repeated
scribes her outreach to murder victims’ causes ofcrime and violence. throughout the conversations concerns the
family members. Richard created a “Table children. What are we offering youth in a
of Voices,” resembling a prison visiting climate of closures and cutbacks? Do the
It is important to say that virtually all
room table with plate glass down the cen- schools have the resources to offer any-
the participants in these dialogues are ex-
ter and telephones on either side. Viewers traordinary people who have made a con- thing but the most basic curriculum? Are
pick up a phone on one side of the table families supported in ways that enable
scious effort to transform the trag-edies
and hear a victim's story; on the other side that have confronted them. Some have them to stay together and thrive?
ofthe table, they hear an offender's story. Although few participants see prisons as
actually found the ability to forgive.
These two “sides” of the issue are cur- Many are actively working in community a solution, many want real accountability.
rently wedged apart by politicians and le- programs for violence prevention. “Victims are in too much pain to talk to
gal systems. The media, reporting on perpetrators. No pressure should be put on
Jean talked about losing her daughter
We
crime, prefers conflictto reconciliation. In them.... keep living our pain and our
and grandson in a bloody triple murder:
fact, the Table of Voices only symbolizes “You try to wake up every morning and loss.” But many of the victims have been
—
actual communication across the barriers. active going to juvenile and adult lock-up
just do something do one thing.... After
On the walls surrounding the installation facilities to get their messages across to of-
a year you might get a preliminary hear-
are memorabilia from the families in- fenders. Others welcomed efforts, like the
ing. It’ll be another year before the trial.
—volved. So far it is the memorabilia All the unanswered questions keep hang- art exhibit, to bring people into dialogue.
five-year old’s fmgerpainted—hand print
ing there....”
or a high school footballjersey ^that have Nate, an ex-offender, responds to the The Dangers of the Dialogue
elicited the most controversy. Some vic- question about underlying causes: “We Approach
tims have objected to having their memo- One danger in amplifying any particu-
have to look at what conditions children
rabilia alongside those of an offender. lar voice in the public’s hearing is that it
are exposed to from birth. For offenders
And indeed these artifacts look surpris- might be seen as encouraging people to
to turn their lives around they need to “take sides.” The AFSC does not take the
have known at least one person, some- position that victims’ voices should be
Laura Magnani is Program Director where along the line, who believed in given greater weight than other voices.
for Justice and Youth for the AFSC them, who loved them.” Such a position very quickly licenses re-
Pacific Mountain Region in Oakland, Over and over again participants venge, for example. Similarly, the new
and is a member ofBerkeley Friends say, “Nobody ever asked me before what trends toward victim impact statements
—
Meeting. She is author ofAmerica's my experience was or how I felt.” In- have given some victims “the right” to say
First Penitentiary: A Two Hundred stead thejustice system uses and manipu-
Year Old Failure. lates the victims either to enhance the ("Table ofVoices, ” continuedonpage 93)
—
Friends Bulletin January, 1997 Page 90
Microsoft Out-Cells Competition
By Dan Pens, it’s a terrific idea. There has been consid- Burger began proselytizing for the conver-
Monroe (WA) Worship Group erable debate about whether or not it’s a sion of U.S. prisons into “factories with
Condensed from Prison LegalNews, April 1996 “terrific” idea, but rare is the challenge to fences.” Congress was a willing convert.
the premise that it’s a “new” idea. Most As part ofthe Justice System Improvement
In the Seattle area, home to software gi- people think that corporate prison labor is Act of 1979, Congress passed an amend-
ant Microsoft, it’s not uncommon to hear a recent innovation. Nothing could be ment which established seven Prison In-
the phrase “Microsoft Millionaire.” There farther from the truth. dustry Enhancement (PIE) pilot projects.
exists a large number of of ex-Microsoft Beginning in 1817 with New York’s The law was again amended in 1990 to al-
employees who made their millions, quit Auburn prison, the predominate U.S. cor- low up to 50 pilot “projects” (e.g., states) to
the company, and are now free to enjoy rections model was based on a scheme participate. Today, all of the prison prod-
other pursuits. Many of them are quite generally referred to as “lease prisons.” ucts from as many as 50 states or counties
young, in their thirties or forties. Sometimes private business entities con- may legally enter the stream of interstate
Not everyone who toils for Microsoft, tracted with states to operate their entire commerce. And so begins round two of
however, can hope to become a million- prison system; othertimes the state would the prison labor profiteering racket, with a
aire as a result. Many ofMicrosoft’s prod- operate the prison and “lease” the prison PIE big enough for any business to start
ucts are packaged and shrink-wrapped by labor to businesses. grabbing a piece ofthe action.
prisoners at Washington’s Twin Rivers Exmark and other private industries op-
Correction Center (TRCC). According to In the 1970*s Chief Justice erating in Washington’s prisons do not
one prisoner who works for Exmark, a Burger began proselytizing have to provide their prison workers with
company specializing in product packag- any benefits such as health insurance,
for the conversion of U.S.
ing, approximately 90 prisoners at TRCC workers’ compensation, or retirement
packaged 50,000 units of Windows 95 prisons into ^factories with (although the state offers a comprehensive
demo disks and direct-mail promotional fences. ” Congress was a “Three Strikes” retirement plan!). These
packets. And operations are further subsidized by the
willing convert.... so
Exmark is a subsidiary of Pac Services, state in that they usually pay little or noth-
a Washington company which also em- begins round two oftheprison ing for the factory, office, or warehouse
ploys non-prisoner, or “free world” work- laborprofiteering racket.... space in the state’s prison.
ers. Steve Curly, a “free world” supervi- Exmark has a “lease” (sound familiar?)
sor, denied the company had packed any Nineteenth-century prisons were essen- with Washington State wherein they pay
Windows 95. But he said that Exmark’s tially forced labor camps. Prisoners were only one dollar per month for an impres-
TRCC operation had packed tens ofthou- made to produce a wide array of goods, sive amount of factory and warehouse
sands ofunits ofMicrosoft Office, and had including shoes, furniture, wagons, and space.
wrapped and shipped as many as 40,000 stoves. For the sake of profit, they were Many of the prison workers claim that
Microsoft mice in one week. often housed in squalid conditions, fed this arrangement offers them tremendous
Many of Exmark’s prison workers are spoiled food, and given scant clothing or benefits, and these claims are backed up by
employed, as one prisoner put it, “when shoes. Whippings were commonplace, a waiting list ofat least one year for TRCC
they have a big contract and need the extra and medical care was non-existent. prisoners hoping to get an Exmark job.
workers.” When work is plentiful. Ex- From almost the very start of the lease Workers say that since they have no real
mark’s prison workers shift into high gear, labor prison system, there were scattered living expenses, most of the money they
often working both day and swing shifts. protests from manufacturers’ associations earn in industry jobs can be sent home to
At other times the crew is scaled back and and organized labor. The states were ad- help support their families. Many of them
most workers remain idle in their cells. dicted to the cost savings, however, and express a fierce sense ofpride in being able
Exmark workers say that Microsoft is refused to dismantle the lease system. to provide for their families even while
not the only beneficiary of Exmark’s In the 1890’s, angry union miners they are imprisoned.
“flexible” labor force; they also claim to stormed the lease prisons, released over Some prison rights activists also think
have regularly packaged goods for Costco, 400 prisoners, and loaded them onto that private industryjobs are a boon to pris-
Starbucks, and JanSport. They also say trains to the state capital in what came to oners. But what kind of jobs will await
that Exmark not only packages retail be called “Coal Creek rebellion.” As a re- these “employable” prisoners when they
goods, but also stuff envelopes for mass sult, Tennessee finally dismantled the are released? Many of the jobs that might
mailings, something they claim to have lease labor system. By the beginning of otherwise be available to them may have
done for telecommunications giant US this century, most other states had fol- moved into prisons. Lockhart Technolo-
West. lowed suit, enacting a patchwork ofstate gies, Inc., is one example of a company
Most people are surprised to learn that laws abolishing or restricting the use of which eliminated 130 “free world” jobs.
private corporations use prison labor. Af- prison labor by private enterprises. They closed their Austin, Texas, circuit
ter the initial shock, however, many think In the 1970’s, Chief Justice Warren (“Microsoft, ” continuedonpage 92)
—
Page 91 Friends Bulletin January, 1997