Systemic Silencing: Maine State Prison Inmates in Danger for Publishing on Voices

14 September 2011

 

Dear Blog Readers,

 

On September 2, 2011 Commissioner Joseph Ponte issued a memo stating that Maine State Prison (MSP) will no longer allow inmates to send mail or pictures to people that post them to “Facebook and other social networking sites”.  The commissioner went on to say:

 

          “Any prisoner who is already engaged in this activity is to notify the person(s) who did any posting to remove them immediately.  Any prisoner who is discovered to have engaged in this activity after this date or whose prior posting(s) remain on Facebook or other social networking site [sic] two (2) weeks from this date will be subject to disciplinary action”.  [emphasis mine]

 

Ponte’s desire to silence inmates is so intense , he is threatening them with “disciplinary action”.  The Commissioner’s behavior is exactly the reason why Voices from the Cracks is necessary to the inmates and the community at large.  If the Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) has nothing to hide, why are they in such a hurry to silence inmates?  If Ponte believe the MDOC is wholly innocent of: murder, physical abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, excessive use of solitary confinement, hundreds of instances of gross misconduct, and systemic abuses of power– than why is he threatening “discipline” for any and all who write to people who post online?  Moreover, many of the pieces that are submitted to Voices consist of: poetry, short stories, memoir, and political musings, which enrich the community while giving inmates a positive create outlet and a chance to make meaningful contributions to society.  All of which promote successful reentry and reduced recidivism.  Isn’t that suppose to be the goal?

 

Furthermore, Commissioner Joseph Ponte does not give a definition, outside of his Facebook reference, as to what he feels “other social networking” is.  However, Warden Patricia Barnhart made it clear in her personal letter to me that the she and Ponte believe Voices from the Cracks qualifies as “other social networking”.  After accusing my colleague of being Sophie Inchains, Barnhart says, “Sophie Inchains is not a verifiable name and we are asking you to use your proper first and last birth name or legal name on all correspondence with prisoners”.  Using a pseudonym in a field that is wrought with various kinds of danger and retaliation from prison officials is a common practice.  Regardless, Sophie Inchains is a “verifiable” person.  She has a post office box, three email accounts, a Facebook, a Twitter, and a Blog.  For months I, Sophie Inchains, have been communicating with inmates at MSP and it was not until recently that I became UN-“verifiable”.  In fact, I have even spoken to the commissioners office and the MSP mailroom.  Continuing with her rally against me, Barnhart went on to say:

 

     “Prisoners will not be permitted to send/receive correspondence to/from Sophie Inchains.  Prisoners are not permitted to provide photos and information to persons outside the facility to be uploaded to Facebook and other social networking sites.  I have attached a copy of the memorandum issued by MDOC Commissioner Joseph Ponte regarding this issue for your review”.

 

Clearly, Barnhart and Ponte are collaborating to silence and punish inmates.  Barnhart’s letter says inmates “will not be permitted to send/receive correspondence”, however, Ponte’s memo says prisoner need to “notify the person” that is posting to “other social networking” sites within “two weeks from this [September 2] date”.  How are inmates going to “notify” anyone if their mail is confiscated?  Moreover, Ponte’s memo is dated for September 2 but Barnhart’s letter was not postmarked until September 12.  I believe Ponte and Barnhart strategically timed the staggering of the memo and letter in order to illegally hold all incoming/outgoing mail to/from Sophie Inchains for at least ten days.  Although, if you take into consideration the length of time since my last MSP letter, I am guessing that MSP has been illegally holding mail for up to twenty days.

 

Commissioner Ponte and Warden Barnhart I am asking that you research the definition of a Blog [weB-LOG] and reconsider the position you are taking by calling it “other social networking”.  There are thousands of prisoner sites, which are run by: advocates, family members, lawyers, human rights activists, and even inmates themselves in facilities where the officials are not terrified that their abuse will leak to the media.  It’s funny how when prison officials have nothing to hide, inmates are treated like the humans they are.

 

Furthermore, incarcerated men at MSP do not send ANYTHING to be published on Facebook or “other social networking” sites.  The internet is a vast and mysterious thing, which allows people to post LINKS, on Facebook, or other pages.  A link on Facebook does not denote inmates sending materials for posting to Facebook, it simply means that someone liked what they read and shared it with their own friends via a link on Facebook.  I would also like to point out that no original work from an MSP inmate has ever been published to Facebook. Links are a part of everyday internet life, holding an inmate accountable for a process they have no control over is wholly criminal.  If an inmate is published in “The New England Journal of Medicine Online”, and someone posts a link to that on their Facebook page, are you going to punish the inmate?

 

In closing, Commissioner Ponte and Warden Barnhart’s uses of systemic silencing are so blatant they would be comical, if not for the over 800 men who are at the mercy of vindictive guards, the MDOC, and the Prison Industrial Complex as a whole.  Since MSP has proven repeatedly that inmates will be beaten death, psychologically abused, or keep them in solitary until they hang themselves temporary action must be taken to assure prisoners safety.  Therefore, in an attempt protect all the Voices I care so deeply about, all blogs posting from MSP prison inmates are suspended until further notice.

 

But rest assured readers…there will be a further notice.

 

Sincerely,

 

Sophie Inchains

Verified Prison Advocate

Rare Breed

Rare Breed

When someone asks me, “what happened?”
Their like, “you know, with that or this.”
I say “oh, I didn’t tell you?
Because, it’s none of your business”!
Want to know how to find out if someone’s real?
I’ve got a suggestion, that’s quite ideal.
It’s a plan to be signed, stamped, and sealed.
To set yourself straight, through this whole ordeal.
When asked to do a solid for a supposed friend.
You come to find out, he stabs you in the back in the end.
Because, no matter what, everytime.
He’s the first, to drop a dime.
Ones true colors, come shining through.
Still you remain, as always, old school.
Facing the consiquences, like a real man.
And come to truly understand.
That you alone, were caught commiting the crime.
And you alone, shall serve the time.
Don’t take someone else down with you.
And remember to always remain true.
Keep it in mind, as you walk these streets.
We’re hard to find, this rare breed.

8/16/11
Written By: Derek Lindsay
Maine State Prison

You’re all Alone

You’re all Alone

If you have an addiction, that needs to be fed.
Like an obsession inside of your head.
You’d do anything, to get that next fix.
Like, stealing, or turning tricks.
If you’re never experienced it first hand.
Then how can you tell me, you understand?
Because you read some books, or took some class?
Where they put your name on some useless plague?
So, try with your books and degrees.
To understand a users mind.
I can most definitely, garantee.
You will be completely blind.
To what goes on inside the mind,
of someone who wants to get high.
I know how it is, because I’ve lived this life.
So, here it is, some good advice.
Instead of trying to be so crooked or stoned.
Try to do the right thin when no ones looking
you’re all alone

8/13/11
Written by: 
Derek Lindsay
Maine State Prison

A Fool for Fidelity: A Short Story

View this document on Scribd

The Prisoners Dream Girl

The Prisoners dream girl

I would want of her peace and tow birds kiss.

Lots of suspense and what do I do next.

Reading and writing surely her passion.

Apples and berries is all of her scent.

Bonnie and Clyde but nothing of murder.

Two of friendship, holding on to each will.

For the last breath of one, holds as both, cry.

Simple evening food, one great kiss held still.

White soft sand by the lake without any sock.

Her flower dress would ripple with the wind.

She would have dreams of music, as like I.

We would face new love, I would poem, sing;

‘An ole song thats stuck in the 60’s love,

Put a peace sighn up, before I wake up!

Harold Sanford Carter III

Maine State Prison

Seeking Fair Pay & Better Work Programs for Inmates w/Shorter Sentences

View this document on Scribd

unknown

“unknown”

She always knew.  Playing the color of my persona.
Soft.  Passionate…..
                    liar.
You killed him and the others,
               Sweet, the taste of revenge.
When I saw you; day….
               Melted snow, cold.
I was so cold, blue eyes radiated such
sickening beauty, wanting-lust.
Affaid at first, come closer.  The look.
               A body.  Unhuman.  Perfect.
She was unearthly immortal.  Undying.  Sapient.
               Love.
I never fogot that day---I always knew
               liar.
                    my death.

Tilley
Maine State Prison

Shanked, Scarred, and Traumatized this MSP Inmate is Seeking Justice

Dear Sofie [sic] Inchains,

Hello!  My name is Christopher [last name omitted], I am a 21 year old male at the Maine State Prison.  Recently, a serious occurrence has happened to me here at MSP.  My very good friend [name omitted] suggested that I write a letter to you describing my problem.

So, here’s the rundown…

On 7/22/11 I went to the recreation building and was in the gym.  Mind you, I am a Medium custody prisoner.  I was slashed from behind, across my face and my neck.  This happened to me from a close custody prisoner.  (Maximum Custody)

Okay, so here’s the clincher; At first I truely [sic] did believe that my throut [sic] was cut.  But I did not react as most people have indicated that would have been “natural”.  Naturally, I protected myself.  (Using my hands only, of course!)  Upon protecting myself, I was stitched up in Medical, then brought directly to the Super-Max Unit.  There I was held on Administrative Segregation for 20 days.  During which, I wrote a letter to Warden “Patty” Barnhart with my concerns about MDOC policy not being consulted in lieu of my administrative Segregation status.  I was release immediately, because I should have never been brought there.

I was written-up (Inhouse Charge) on 2 different Violations; Class A-Bodily Injury, Class B-Fighting.  I have recently been informed that because a time period, these have been dropped, but for no other reason but the facility not meeting the expected timed scheduale [sic].

Resulting from this attack, Many issues have surfaced during the course of it.

First, after being handcuffed and led to the Medical, I was uncuffed and placed on a table for observations.  The nurse cleaned and stared to stitch my face back together.  While this was in progress, the suspected Attacker was led by wheelchair, unsecured, through Medical to the room on my immediate right.  All during which nurses freely walk in and out of both rooms, leaving the doors opened.  Being placed in that situation, I was worried about another attack, and being unable to protect myself if indeed another occurred.  I was instilled with fear and anxiety at that time.  I’m forced to relive this tragic attack, everyday, everytime [sic] I look into a mirror or a reflection in the windows around.  People stare at my scar, ask about it, interupt [sic] my daily life.  This has made me self-concious [sic], extremely depressed, and has stared to make me anxious around large groups.  Because of the scar, I will remember this trauma forever.

The slash, is between 5 and 6 inches long, and is now a prominent feature on my face.  It begins on my right cheek, where the outside of my eye and the bottom of my nose intersects.  It continues outward towards, and across my jaw-line.  it then leads down under my right ear and across my neck, through to my hairline.  The stitches, (22 in all) were done very poorly; 3 placed inside, 19 on the outside.  My face being scarred further due to the bunching of the skin, and the botching of the sutures.

This scar could potentually [sic] ruin my entire future!  My social life, job oppertunities [sic], anything in which a physical appearance is necessary.

Not only was Medical unhelpful, I was never offered an anti-biotic, or pain medication during the whole ordeal.  I went through immense pain during and through-out the entire ordeal.  I experience an unbearable week and a half (10 days) of pain.  I couldn’t eat, talk, or even sleep without being in pain.

I am being subjected to punishment for protecting myself!  Protecting my own personal safety to avoid any further serious damage to myself.  Yet, the Maine State Prison, (of whom is responsible to ensure [sic] prisoner safety) was unable to ensure [sic] my safety, forcing me to act and react in a self defense.  I had to take immediate action to be able to maintain self preservation.  Therefore, I believe that my actions and behavior were completely justified.  But due to all the action thereafter resulting from the incedent [sic], my personal right to be safe have been violated and the MDOC’s prison officials behavior toward me was seriously unjustified.

So, there it is.  I have more details in which concern this issue, but need to consult an attorney.  (If I can find one).  But this part is my issue, I am unable to finance this.  I’ve got no money to be able to pursue this, but I really need a civil lawyer to assist me.  I was advised to contact Zachary L. Heiden of the M.C.L.U., of whom I will write to soon.

Thank you very much for taking your time to read this.  Please contact me as soon as you can possibly do it.

Christopher

Maine State Prison

Watchers

Watchers

     It started again;      The lovely crying. 
beautifull but eerie.     She stood there Watching, 
Singing her song of lost souls.

     A message.  Unclear.  The eyes so pasionate, 
loving, but lustfull wanting to touch me, reaching 
so close yet never becoming within the realm 
of physical.  So beautifull……

     I could only stare, filled with sorrow, “I 
know you.  We lived.  We loved.  You are me, 
how?  Why?  Please come closer.”  I begged.

     The leaves rankeled as if they were angry against
the window, a low howl of the fall wind,
the lovely crying--  laughing now, distant…..
beautifull-growl.  It knew.  It waited
as it fell ever distant.  Silence.

     The candels flame went out……The Moon.
The morning brought a cold wind.  Musk.  

     Rain danced of the window.  I rose
to tighten the jam.  The reflection, the
instant second.  The lovely crying, her again,
gone.  The everlast….feeling so lost,
so helpless……..

-Tilley

Cell Block Shakedown (A Prison Rap)

Cell Block Shakedown

(A Prison Rap)

by

Harold Sanford Carter III

Cell block shake down here come the cuffs/here they come get down here come the cops/pepper spray tasers bean bag guns/here come the doggies trying to get drugs

(chorus)

The shackles scar bad/these handcuffs hurt/I need to see a shrink dog these meds dont work/Ive been doing it for years/Ima do five more/outlaw tatted man wicked hardcore/step into the realm/step into the pit/seethe gates of hell/this white boys a witch/play a game of spades/jail is like a game/hold on to rage we locked in a cage/what more can I say/fuck the D.A./bubba go away/that mans got aids/c.o.s babysit/that’s how they get paid/this shit is mad lame/watch me escape/a barb wire fence/and then get shot/directly to the head/jail prison lock up/where life is a bitch

(verse 1)

(chorus)

Another day holmes/another day gone/I look around my space all I see is cut stone/this place is my home/its real fucking sad/my girls on the street getting fucked smoking crack/Im counting off the days/Im looking at my case/I need to write a letter so I trade off my cake/some cats are fake/some cats are hard/cats who like pitchforks are my fucking dogs/Ill meet you at the yard/cypher like gangs/survival of the fittest to survive you will bang/Im talking bout prison/Im talking about jail/They tell you what to wear/and tell you where to shit/take away your woman/and make you jack your dick/you can go gay burrito/and take one for the team/I remember the rape/remember all the screams/It really changes the meaning of a really bad day/Dont get it twisted dog still here we pray/what I write is no lie/Im happy in the day/and at night time I cry.

(verse 2)

(chorus)

I aint slept in five days I got bags in my eyes/nothing else to do but to write these rap rhymes/get it off the mind/before I go blind/call me big crime/I think I did a lot/maybe all this music will get me to the top/better than a sentance/better than a bid/I long for the day I can sing to my kids/but now Im in the cuffs and these chains is real tight/These people got the keys so Im chill and don’t fight/make amends to myself/contemplate wrong right/this life needs correction/Im not a fucking fool/what would you do if me was you/Im sorry god I hate pigs cops fuck screws/cops hate robbers dog this is old news/Am I really bad/Am I really mean/one thing for sure dog I miss the fuckin streets

(verse 3)

(chorus)