biggest prison strike in history underway in georgia

[bcbm]

Georgia — On Thursday morning, December 9, 2010, thousands of Georgia prisoners refused to work, stopped all other activities and locked down in their cells in a peaceful protest for their human rights.

The December 9 Strike became the biggest prisoner protest in the history of the United States. Thousands of men, from Augusta, Baldwin, Hancock, Hays, Macon, Smith and Telfair State Prisons, among others, initiated this strike to press the Georgia Department of Corrections (“DOC”) to stop treating them like animals and slaves and institute programs that addresstheir basic human rights. They set forth the following demands:



· A LIVING WAGE FOR WORK
· EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
· DECENT HEALTH CARE
· AN END TO CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENTS
· DECENT LIVING CONDITIONS
· NUTRITIONAL MEALS
· VOCATIONAL AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
· ACCESS TO FAMILIES
· JUST PAROLE DECISIONS

Despite that the prisoners’ protest remained non-violent, the DOC violently attempted to force the men back to work—claiming it was “lawful” to order prisoners to work without pay, in defiance of the 13th Amendment’s abolition of slavery. In Augusta State Prison, six or seven inmates were brutally ripped from their cells by CERT Team guards and beaten, resulting in broken ribs for several men, one man beaten beyond recognition. This brutality continues there. At Telfair, the Tactical Squad trashed all the property in inmate cells. At Macon State, the Tactical Squad has menaced the men for two days, removing some to the “hole,” and the warden ordered the heat and hot water turned off. Still, today, men at Macon, Smith, Augusta, Hays and Telfair State Prisons say they are committed to continuing the strike. Inmate leaders, representing blacks, Hispanics, whites, Muslims, Rastafarians, Christians, have stated the men will stay down until their demands are addressed, one issuing this statement:

“…Brothers, we have accomplished a major step in our struggle…We must continue what we have started…The only way to achieve our goals is to continue with our peaceful sit-down…I ask each and every one of my Brothers in this struggle to continue the fight. ON MONDAY MORNING, WHEN THE DOORS OPEN, CLOSE THEM. DO NOT GO TO WORK. They cannot do anything to us that they haven’t already done at one time or another. Brothers, DON’T GIVE UP NOW. Make them come to the table. Be strong. DO NOT MAKE MONEY FOR THE STATE THAT THEY IN TURN USE TO KEEP US AS SLAVES….”

When the strike began, prisoner leaders issued the following call: “No more slavery. Injustice in one place is injustice to all. Inform your family to support our cause. Lock down for liberty!” So calls to the warden’s office of the following Georgia State Prisons expressing concern for the welfare of the prisoners during this and the next few days are welcome.

Macon State Prison is 978-472-3900.
Hays State Prison is at (706) 857-0400
Telfair State prison is 229-868-7721
Baldwin State Prison is at (478) 445- 5218
Valdosta State Prison is 229-333-7900
Smith State Prison is at (912) 654-5000
The Georgia Department of Corrections is at http://www.dcor.state.ga.us and their phone number is 478-992-5246



http://newsone.com/nation/newsonestaff2/historic-georgia-prison-strike-ignored-by-media-prisoners-guards/

[ckaihatsu]

> *SUPPORT THE GEORGIA PRISONERS STRIKE!
> *
> *SIGN THE ONLINE PETITION to the Obama Administration and the Georgia
> Corrections Commissioner NOW!
> at http://www.iacenter.org/prisoners/gaprisonstrikepetition
> <http://www.iacenter.org/prisoners/gaprisonstrikepetition>
> *
>
>
> *Sign online* <http://www.iacenter.org/prisoners/gaprisonstrikepetition>
> to tell President Obama, Attorney General Holder, Georgia Governor
> Perdue, Georgia Attorney General Baker, Georgia Corrections Commissioner
> Owens, the Georgia Legislature, the Georgia Congressional Delegation,
> Congressional leaders, U.N. Secretary General Ban, and members of the
> media you want no violence and no reprisals against the courageous
> Georgia Prison Strikers and you want their demands met.
>
> click *HERE* <http://www.iacenter.org/prisoners/gaprisonstrikepetition>
> to sign. (scroll down to view petition text).
>
> According to reports from family members and prisoner rights advocates,
> thousands of incarcerated men engaged in a coordinated strike starting
> Dec. 9. They refused to go to work or participate in other assignments
> or activities, but stayed in their cells, calling it a "lockdown for
> liberty."
>
> Using unauthorized cell phones, the prisoners have been able to organize
> among themselves and to communicate with news media and supporters.
>
> What is so extraordinary about this action besides its statewide
> character is its unity among the prisoners - Black, Latino, white,
> Muslims, Christians, Rastafarians - to achieve their central demand to
> be treated as human beings, not slaves or animals.
>
> The Georgia Department of Corrections (DOC) has refused to provide any
> information to date but did release a short statement on Dec. 9 claiming
> that no job action had taken place and nothing unusual was happening.
> However, the DOC acknowledged that based on the "rumor" of a strike,
> wardens at four facilities had ordered a general "lock down" of the
> institution to prevent any disruption. A lock down means that all
> prisoners are confined to their cells and no visitors or phone calls are
> allowed.
>
> Inmate families and community organizers such as Elaine Brown, former
> head of the Black Panther Party and long-time prisoner rights activist
> have received numerous phone calls recounting instances of violence and
> intimidation by prison guards and officials in response to this peaceful
> protest.
>
> At Augusta State Prison, at least six prisoners were dragged from their
> cells and beaten, resulting in broken ribs and other serious injuries.
> At Telfair State Prison, guards rampaged through the cells, destroying
> personal property while searching for contraband cell phones.
> At Macon State Prison, the prison authorities first shut off the heat as
> temperatures dropped below freezing and then on the second day of the
> strike, also cut off the hot water.
> An unknown number of prisoners have been taken to the "hole" at the
> various facilities.
>
> Georgia has over 100 prisons, work camps and other detention centers
> with the 5th largest prison population in the US. It is estimated that 1
> in 13 adult Georgians are under some sort of legal control by the state
> -- in prison or jail, on parole or out on bond with charges pending or
> under some sort of court or correctional supervision.
>
> In a message sent from a prisoner on Day 3 of the strike, he urged
> "Don't Give Up Now! On Monday, when the doors (to the cells -- editor)
> open, close them. Do Not Go To Work."
>
> Prior to the strike, the prisoners issued a statement outlining nine
> specific demands:
>
> · A LIVING WAGE FOR WORK: In violation of the13th Amendment to the
> Constitution prohibiting slavery and involuntary servitude, the DOC
> demands prisoners work for free.
>
> · EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: For the great majority of prisoners, the
> DOC denies all opportunities for education beyond the GED, despite the
> benefit to both prisoners and society.
>
> · DECENT HEALTH CARE: In violation of the 8th Amendment prohibition
> against cruel and unusual punishments, the DOC denies adequate medical
> care to prisoners, charges excessive fees for the most minimal care and
> is responsible for extraordinary pain and suffering.
>
> · AN END TO CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENTS: In further violation of the
> 8th Amendment, the DOC is responsible for cruel prisoner punishments for
> minor infractions of rules.
>
> · DECENT LIVING CONDITIONS: Georgia prisoners are confined in
> over-crowded, substandard conditions, with little heat in winter and
> oppressive heat in summer.
>
> · NUTRITIONAL MEALS: Vegetables and fruit are in short supply in DOC
> facilities while starches and fatty foods are plentiful.
>
> · VOCATIONAL AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES: The DOC has stripped
> its facilities of all opportunities for skills training,
> self-improvement and proper exercise.
>
> · ACCESS TO FAMILIES: The DOC has disconnected thousands of prisoners
> from their families by imposing excessive telephone charges and
> innumerable barriers to visitation.
>
> · JUST PAROLE DECISIONS: The Parole Board capriciously and regularly
> denies parole to the majority of prisoners despite evidence of eligibility.
>
> The conditions that have caused these men to take such a courageous
> action are duplicated in prisons and jails across the US. News about
> their historic strike has been censored with next to no coverage
> throughout Georgia. The New York Times did print information about the
> strike following calls by prisoners to the newspaper (Dec. 12, 2010).
>
> Solidarity is needed to ensure the safety of the prisoners and the
> improvement of their conditions. Calls to the following Georgia prisons
> are encouraged, demanding no retaliation or reprisals and full
> compliance with the prisoners' demands.
>
> Macon State Prison -- (978) 472-3900.
> Hays State Prison - (706) 857-0400
> Telfair State prison -- (229) 868-7721
> Baldwin State Prison is at (478) 445- 5218
> Valdosta State Prison - (229) 333-7900
> Smith State Prison - (912) 654-5000
>
>
> *SIGN ONLINE AT http://www.iacenter.org/prisoners/gaprisonstrikepetition
> NOW!*
> ***
> SAMPLE PETITION TEXT:*
>
> To: Georgia Corrections Commissioner Owen, Georgia Atty General Baker,
> Georgia Gov. Perdue, Attorney General Holder, President Obama
>
> cc: Georgia Legislature, Georgia Congressional Delegation, Congressional
> Leaders, U.N. Secretary-General Ban, members of the media
>
> Stop the violence and abuse against the courageous Georgia Prison
> Strikers! Grant the prisoners' just demands of respect for their
> humanity and human rights!
>
> Beginning on Dec 9 the prisoners in at least 6 facilities across the
> state of Georgia carried out a united non-violent strike, sitting down
> and refusing to perform slave labor for no pay. Demonstrating unity and
> solidarity among all prisoners, [list .. in the reports somewhere sites
> about 6 different groups including rastas, etc..will try to find that
> for here] the prisoners have issued a set of demands tha boil down to
> one: they insist on being treated like human beings. Yet the response of
> the Georgia prison system has been violence and more abuse.
>
> At Augusta State Prison, at least six prisoners were dragged from their
> cells and beaten, resulting in broken ribs and other serious injuries.
> At Telfair State Prison, guards rampaged through the cells, destroying
> personal property while searching for contraband cell phones.
> At Macon State Prison, the prison authorities first shut off the heat as
> temperatures dropped below freezing and then on the second day of the
> strike, also cut off the hot water.
> An unknown number of prisoners have been taken to the "hole" at the
> various facilities.
>
> I demand that this abusive treatment cease immediately, and that there
> be no reprisals against the strikers. I further demand that the
> prisoners' just demands be met immediately. The list of them itself
> speaks volumes condemning and exposing the totally inhuman and barbaric
> conditions in the Georgia prison system. They must be addressed
> immediately. They are:
>
> · A LIVING WAGE FOR WORK: In violation of the13th Amendment to the
> Constitution prohibiting slavery and involuntary servitude, the DOC
> demands prisoners work for free.
>
> · EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: For the great majority of prisoners, the
> DOC denies all opportunities for education beyond the GED, despite the
> benefit to both prisoners and society.
>
> · DECENT HEALTH CARE: In violation of the 8th Amendment prohibition
> against cruel and unusual punishments, the DOC denies adequate medical
> care to prisoners, charges excessive fees for the most minimal care and
> is responsible for extraordinary pain and suffering.
>
> · AN END TO CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENTS: In further violation of the
> 8th Amendment, the DOC is responsible for cruel prisoner punishments for
> minor infractions of rules.
>
> · DECENT LIVING CONDITIONS: Georgia prisoners are confined in
> over-crowded, substandard conditions, with little heat in winter and
> oppressive heat in summer.
>
> · NUTRITIONAL MEALS: Vegetables and fruit are in short supply in DOC
> facilities while starches and fatty foods are plentiful.
>
> · VOCATIONAL AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES: The DOC has stripped
> its facilities of all opportunities for skills training,
> self-improvement and proper exercise.
>
> · ACCESS TO FAMILIES: The DOC has disconnected thousands of prisoners
> from their families by imposing excessive telephone charges and
> innumerable barriers to visitation.
>
> · JUST PAROLE DECISIONS: The Parole Board capriciously and regularly
> denies parole to the majority of prisoners despite evidence of eligibility.
>
> Hands off the Georgia Prison Strikers! Grant their just demands immediately!
>
> Sincerely
> (your signature appended here)
>
>
> *SIGN ONLINE AT http://www.iacenter.org/prisoners/gaprisonstrikepetition
> NOW!*
> **
>
> *About the IAC <http://iacenter.org/about/> | Donate
> <http://iacenter.org/donate/> | IAC Books & Resources
> <http://iacenter.org/books_resources/> | Contact Us
> <http://iacenter.org/comments/>****| Sign the Petition!
> <http://www.iacenter.org/prisoners/gaprisonstrikepetition>*
>
> *International Action Center
> c/o Solidarity Center
> 55 W 17th St Suite 5C
> New York, NY 10011
> 212-633-6646
> [email protected]
> www.iacenter.org
> *
> **

[Red Commissar]

I hope to see this go somewhere and strike into the prison-industrial complex that has been developing in the United States. This is welcome news.

[ellipsis]

My comrades in Richmond released this statement (http://thewingnutrva.wordpress.com/2010/12/15/anarchist-black-cross-statement-in-support-of-georgia-prison-strike/)


Support the Georgia Prison Strike!
The Richmond Anarchist Black Cross wants to acknowledge and support the strike that prisoners in the Georgia prison system have been engaging in since Thursday, Dec. 9th. Thousands of prisoners have refused to leave their cells to work in their prison jobs.
Though the prisoners have been engaged in this struggle non-violently, the Georgia Department of Corrections has attempted to force prisoners to go back to work using threats and violence to intimidate prisoners into capitulation.
This strike is the largest Prison Strike in the history of the United States of America, which has more people incarcerated than any other country. The strike has been organized despite the oppressive conditions within the Georgia prison system, which speaks to the dedication and passion of the striking prisoners. The demands of the prisoners in Georgia are things that all human beings have a right to. The conditions in prisons across this country are reprehensible.
The demands from the prisoners on strike in Georgia are the following:


A LIVING WAGE FOR WORK
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
DECENT HEALTH CARE
AN END TO CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENTS
DECENT LIVING CONDITIONS
NUTRITIONAL MEALS
VOCATIONAL AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
ACCESS TO FAMILIES
JUST PAROLE DECISIONS


These demands reflect the situation in prisons across the country, including those here in Virginia. The Prison Industrial Complex in the U.S.A. is simply the new slave system. Prisoners are forced to work for little or no money in bad conditions, with few rights or opportunities for recourse.
Leaders of the prisoner strike in Georgia said, “Brothers, we have accomplished a major step in our struggle…We must continue what we have started…The only way to achieve our goals is to continue with our peaceful sit-down…I ask each and every one of my Brothers in this struggle to continue the fight. ON MONDAY MORNING, WHEN THE DOORS OPEN, CLOSE THEM. DO NOT GO TO WORK. They cannot do anything to us that they haven’t already done at one time or another. Brothers, DON’T GIVE UP NOW. Make them come to the table. Be strong. DO NOT MAKE MONEY FOR THE STATE THAT THEY IN TURN USE TO KEEP US AS SLAVES….” The struggles of prisoners in Georgia are just the tip of the iceberg of change that this country needs to see.

The Richmond Anarchist Black Cross is a political prisoner support and prison abolition organization.
Tear Down All The Jails!
-Richmond Anarchist Black Cross

[ellipsis]

i just called all those numbers through gmail. its was kinda funny, i don't think the phone opperators knew what to make of it.

[An archist]

They're forcing inmates to work?
That's fucked up, I thought work was sort of a privilege in prison?

[Rosa Lichtenstein]

Any news on how this is going?

[bcbm]

Any news on how this is going?

strike is over for now (http://www.ajc.com/news/prisoners-protest-over-for-778293.html)

[ellipsis]

Inmates began planning the protest in early September when tobacco was banned throughout the prison system.

HA! My theory that tobacco shortages contribute to social unrest and counter-revolution has more evidence to support it. And they laughed at me. HA Well who's laughing now? ME! HA!

[Rusty Shackleford]

I heard of this story on NPR when i was without internet.

Basically my first reaction was: good job, fighting against hyper-exploitative prison labor.
then the discussion began. a bunch of people called in glorifying the lack of wages as a them being payment to society. the majority of what is produced goes to the government. places like the DoHS of all places. yes, those who work in the DoHS sit in slave-labor produce chairs and right on tables produced the very same way.

then i got to thinking, in cuba, you get the same wage as a worker outside of prison, you can go into nursing and actually work in hospitals as a prisoner learning how to be a nurse! for fucks sake, thats probably the best system ever. prisons will likely not disappear in the next millennium.

prisons are necessary for social function. theres always going to be some sort of infraction of social mores and legal standards. its how they are used which is the question.

i know that the RCP is big on getting their paper into prisons, have they said anything?

[Os Cangaceiros]

tobacco being banned in prison = really bizarre

[fionntan]

If they are criminals fuck them...If there are political they should refuse to work full stop..

And dont start with the difine criminal bullshit.

[scarletghoul]

If they are criminals fuck them...If there are political they should refuse to work full stop..
The majority of prisoners in the US can be defined as political prisoners, when you consider the racist 'justice' system, the economic conditions that force people into crime, the bullshit charges and regime that forces some people to stay in prison their whole lives.

[fionntan]

Its an oxemoron screws cops criminals stricking....All bastards and deserve no support.

[scarletghoul]

1 in ten Black Americans are in jail or prison, on probation or on parole. Are you saying they are all bastards who don't deserve our support, or do you think maybe there is something more to consider..

[fionntan]

1 in ten Black Americans are in jail or prison, on probation or on parole. Are you saying they are all bastards who don't deserve our support, or do you think maybe there is something more to consider..


The justice system world wide is currupt but to use a skin colour to try to make a point is bad on your behalf. And although i dont trust the system i also dont take the ole im inocent shit that serious.

[Ostrinski]

The justice system world wide is currupt but to use a skin colour to try to make a point is bad on your behalf. And although i dont trust the system i also dont take the ole im inocent shit that serious.

Are you in denial that institutional racism exists? How reactionary of you.

[fionntan]

I know it exists i also know that criminals rapists and soforth also do.

[Os Cangaceiros]

If they are criminals fuck them...If there are political they should refuse to work full stop..

And dont start with the difine criminal bullshit.


“We committed the crime, we’re here for a reason,” said the Hays inmate. “But at the same time we’re men. We can’t be treated like animals.”

It's funny that you (and certain other people on this site) claim to oppose capitalism yet give righteous moral condemnations of prisoners. This despite the fact that capitalism is a socio-economic system that invades every aspect of life, including the criminal justice system. But hey, they're criminals, right? Let the state do what they please with them. :rolleyes:

[fionntan]

Are you not an appoligist for child rapists????????

[Decolonize The Left]

I know it exists i also know that criminals rapists and soforth also do.

Your comments betray a stunning ignorance. In California there exists the three strikes law (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_strikes_law) whereby if you are convicted of a 'serious crime' for the third time, you will receive up to life in prison regardless of the isolated punishment for that specific crime. In many cases, small possession of marijuana can be considered a serious crime.

So you see that just because someone is in prison does not make them a bad person, or necessarily a criminal. I suggest you consider the implications of your comments if you were to be wrongfully imprisoned.

- August

[Os Cangaceiros]

Are you not an appoligist for child rapists????????

not that old chestnut again

[Os Cangaceiros]

Your comments betray a stunning ignorance. In California there exists the three strikes law (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_strikes_law) whereby if you are convicted of a 'serious crime' for the third time, you will receive up to life in prison regardless of the isolated punishment for that specific crime. In many cases, small possession of marijuana can be considered a serious crime.

So you see that just because someone is in prison does not make them a bad person, or necessarily a criminal. I suggest you consider the implications of your comments if you were to be wrongfully imprisoned.

- August

The three strikes law has existed in New York, as well. I can't remember if it got repealed or not.

One marijuana dealer got life in prison under the law. His first two strikes? A Quaalude pill found in his pocket and an instance where he forged a prescription for a diet pill. :rolleyes:

[fionntan]

Your comments betray a stunning ignorance. In California there exists the three strikes law (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_strikes_law) whereby if you are convicted of a 'serious crime' for the third time, you will receive up to life in prison regardless of the isolated punishment for that specific crime. In many cases, small possession of marijuana can be considered a serious crime.

So you see that just because someone is in prison does not make them a bad person, or necessarily a criminal. I suggest you consider the implications of your comments if you were to be wrongfully imprisoned.

- August


Listen if a prisner/citizen was in jail and was innocent or a political prisoner he or she would refuse to work FACT..

[fionntan]

not that old chestnut again


do you not like to talk about it??

[Hoipolloi Cassidy]

First things first: I've worked in the jails. The US jails. So unless you know what it's like in there, shut the fuck up and listen.

Second: you've gotta have a hell of a lot of arrogance to decide who is worthy of your involvement or not. You want to keep waiting until the perfect prole turns up so he/she can be organized by you, be my guest, only I'm not paying for your drinks.

Third: Funny that these gweat big wevolutionawies who want to destwoy the bourgeois order are making these decisions as to who's worthy or not,based on Miss Manner's morals- what a bunch of middle class prigs. "Freud did drugs! OOOOOh!" "The people are in jail! EEEEEEw." What's your next idea of hopelessly evil, kiddies who play with their weewee?

Fourth: Nobody, but nobody is saying these are nice guys - that is, nobody who's been in a jail and survived more than a month. But you know what? Even unnice guys deserve to be treated like human beings.

Fifth, "treating people like human beings" may well be the best organizing tool of all. When you work with some tough rapist and you get him to have a sense of why he's there, and perhaps even what he might be able to do, if not to get out of there, then at least to make sure that nobody he loves has to go through what he's going through, you've already begun to organize him, the part about the class struggle and so forth comes later on. But if you're missing that first part, the one called "treating people like human beings," you're pissing up a rope.

[fionntan]

Were you one of them good screws then Cassidy..

[Jazzhands]

Were you one of them good screws then Cassidy..

shut up already. if you have nothing useful to contribute to this thread in the way of an actual argument for your position, then don't post anything at all.

That being said:

These people are not just thugs trying to break out of prison. They're basically the same as slaves. Regardless of what their crimes may have been before, human beings are human beings. For those of you who think this is exaggerated, consider this:

Prisoners are used as pretty much forced laborers in the American South. This system grew out of the abolition of slavery, when the Southern plantation owners realized that it was now illegal to own slaves, but still wanted the same kind of socio-economic control over their former slaves. So they turned to the prisons, which were being filled to the brim with blacks and poorer whites because of the Jim Crow laws. They made a few deals with prison wardens to contract out their prisoners to work on a plantation. The system the prisoners are on strike against is a remnant of the plantation aristocracy to try to preserve their domination of their slaves without actually owning slaves. It is an unjust remnant of a primitive, brutal time in American history between feudalism and capitalism.

[fionntan]

shut up already. if you have nothing useful to contribute to this thread in the way of an actual argument for your position, then don't post anything at all.

That being said:

These people are not just thugs trying to break out of prison. They're basically the same as slaves. Regardless of what their crimes may have been before, human beings are human beings. For those of you who think this is exaggerated, consider this:

Prisoners are used as pretty much forced laborers in the American South. This system grew out of the abolition of slavery, when the Southern plantation owners realized that it was now illegal to own slaves, but still wanted the same kind of socio-economic control over their former slaves. So they turned to the prisons, which were being filled to the brim with blacks and poorer whites because of the Jim Crow laws. They made a few deals with prison wardens to contract out their prisoners to work on a plantation. The system the prisoners are on strike against is a remnant of the plantation aristocracy to try to preserve their domination of their slaves without actually owning slaves. It is an unjust remnant of a primitive, brutal time in American history between feudalism and capitalism.


Fuck of realese who then what about the guilty ones let them into the community???I propose killing them what about you??

[Hoipolloi Cassidy]

Were you one of them good screws then Cassidy..
Who taught you about these things, your Father Confessor?

[fionntan]

Who taught you about these things, your Father Confessor?


Me and my da and ma..We call our selves revolutionary

[An archist]

Me and my da and ma..We call our selves revolutionary

You call yourself a revolutionary and then you say things like

If they are criminals fuck them...If there are political they should refuse to work full stop..

What kind of nonsense is that?
Also, the difference between 'politcal' and 'regular' prisoners is just plain bullshit.
Someone who's in jail because they robbed or stole money, is in jail because of capitalism and unjust laws. They're just as much politcal prisoners as people who are in jail because of revolutionary activities.

[ZeroNowhere]

Stop trolling, Fionntan. It's not nice.

[ellipsis]

Some of the best revolutionary's came out of prison, including Malcolm X and Ali Le Pointe.

[Jack]

I know it exists i also know that criminals rapists and soforth also do.

This isn't about some "burn the prisons" shit and letting criminals free. This is more about giving people a decent chance to get out of prison and not just turn right to crime. By denying prisoners opportunities at education and vocational training, you're just going to leave them with no way to make an income without crime once they get out.

[gorillafuck]

With these guys you more likely to be the fuckee.:D.
That is not funny!


The justice system world wide is currupt but to use a skin colour to try to make a point is bad on your behalf. And although i dont trust the system i also dont take the ole im inocent shit that serious.
You think that using race to prove the justice system is racist is wrong?

What should be used to prove it's racist? Hair color?

Do you "acknowledge" it, but refuse to actually support anti-racism or apply it to real life?


Fuck of realese who then what about the guilty ones let them into the community???I propose killing them what about you??
I feel like a big man when I talk about shooting people!

Your standing on the side of oppression in prisons and in minority communities.

[Hoipolloi Cassidy]

That is not funny!


Which part isn't funny? That there's a lot of prison rape? Yeah, I agree. That clowns like that think they're tough? :tt2:

[Eastside Revolt]

Are you not an appoligist for child rapists????????

How many people in prison are child rapists???!!!!\

Not that many, certainly not to warrant the mass imprisonment we are seeing in thease times.

Fire to the Prisons!

Not to mention that prisons don't actually solve anti-social crime (jaleous murder, rape etc.) they tend to make people worse. Look at the history of residential schools in KKKanada, and the Cathiolic Church, the system promotes and perpetuates child rape!!!

Getting rid of this prison society is exactly what will stop child rape!!

[Decolonize The Left]

Me and my da and ma..We call our selves revolutionary

I'm issuing you with an infraction for trolling this entire thread. Please do not troll.

- August

[Sean]

There does exist a horrible remnant in northern ireland of the struggle in that people think that unless you're in jail for blowing up something English you have to have deserved it. Living in a community where punishment beatings were always a possibility if someone stepped out of line makes for a lot more loathing of criminals rather than the more common mix of contempt and fear. Its a culture where criminals should be afraid of the community, not the community afraid of the criminal. Fiontann is a judgemental shite with a wrong opinion (criminal justice system here is absolutely different to the american industrial complex and none of the few similarities are applicable in a thread about strikes in that system) but he's not inventing a trolling persona for the purposes of annoying people in this thread. I think its fair that's pointed out.

[Amphictyonis]

What drove them to strike? Ideology or material conditions?

[Reznov]

Can I ask what kind of prison this was?

Were they rapists, murderers and drug dealers?

Or were these small time offenders?

[ellipsis]

What drove them to strike? Ideology or material conditions?

Material conditions.


Can I ask what kind of prison this was?

Were they rapists, murderers and drug dealers?

Or were these small time offenders?

These were state prisons, and if they can work I am assuming its general population, meaning a mix of all offenders, but the one who have behaved themselves. I think.

Again it should be pointed out that just because you were convicted of rape, murder or drug dealing in the US, DOES NOT MEAN YOU COMMITTED THOSE CRIMES. The justice system is broken in this country.

[fionntan]

There does exist a horrible remnant in northern ireland of the struggle in that people think that unless you're in jail for blowing up something English you have to have deserved it. Living in a community where punishment beatings were always a possibility if someone stepped out of line makes for a lot more loathing of criminals rather than the more common mix of contempt and fear. Its a culture where criminals should be afraid of the community, not the community afraid of the criminal. Fiontann is a judgemental shite with a wrong opinion (criminal justice system here is absolutely different to the american industrial complex and none of the few similarities are applicable in a thread about strikes in that system) but he's not inventing a trolling persona for the purposes of annoying people in this thread. I think its fair that's pointed out.

I really dont know were to start with this Sean. We will start with the basics you use the term blowing up something English..For one i do not dislike anyone from any country UNLESS they are donning an occupation uniform in Ireland or any other occupied country.Then and only then do they become an enemy.Point two yes criminals do fear the community were i live and long may that continue.As for calling me a "judgemental shite" maybe i am criminals should be in jails or holes..Political prisners are a diffrent kettle of fish.But yes your right on the trolling thing i wasnt but yet still got infractions...Slan

[ZeroNowhere]

Trolling isn't about what you say, it's about how you say it.

[ckaihatsu]

[icffmaj] GEORGIA PRISONER "CONSPIRATORS" IDENTIFIED BY OFFICIALS


GEORGIA PRISONERS' STRIKE: CALL TO MEDIA TO HELP WITH VIGILANCE EFFORTS.

This is a call for folks connected to alternative media sources to check
in with the Georgia DOC regarding the prisoners who have been identified by
DOC officials as "conspirators" in the Georgia Prisoner Strike and
subsequently moved to other prisons.

In a conversation with Elaine Brown on Thursday, Dec.23rd, she told us
that officials informed her on December 17th that they had identified 37
conspirators in the prisoners' strike and had transported them to other
prisons. They assured her that they would get the list of the names of the
37 prisoners to her. As of our conversation with her on Dec. 23rd, she had
not received the list from the Georgia DOC.

Please assist in finding out who those 37 prisoners are and use your media
access to help those concerned keep a "watch" over them to make sure they
are not being abused.

Thanks.
www.ontheblockradio.org




[icffmaj] SIGN ON FOR SUPPORT FOR GEORGIA PRISONERS


fellow human rights defenders,

Thank you to all those who have followed the inspiring lead of the Georgia prisoners responsible for the largest strike in U.S. history.

Please visit this link (http://www.petitiononline.com/wagesnow/petition.html) to view the current signers of the Solidarity Statement, which is in essence a petition to the people of this country to take concrete actions to build this movement. So many people have been committed to this for years already, and because of the bold and dignified stand taken in Georgia we have an opportunity build on these efforts.

Please direct people on your lists to visit the link above to sign the statement from now on. I had to create this site now because I am having trouble keeping up with all the support that is pouring into my inbox from around the country.

Also, I am attaching the updated word and pdf versions of the statement to be broadcast online, sent in press releases, and mailed into jails and prisons everywhere. The censors will get some, but they cannot keep them all out.

Let's all stay plugged in and support the strike in Georgia, along with one another wherever we may be.

solidarity,

Bret Grote
Human Rights Coalition (hrcoalition.org) (www.ontheblockradio.org)
412-654-9070
======================

A Moment for Movement-Building: Statement of Solidarity with Georgia Prisoner Strike

On December 9, 2010, thousands of prisoners in at least six Georgia state prisons initiated the largest prisoner strike in U.S. history, uniting across racial boundaries to demand an immediate end to the cruel and dehumanizing conditions that damage prisoners, their families, and the communities they return to.

Prisoners are demanding a living wage for work, increased educational opportunities, decent health care, an end to cruel and unusual punishment, decent living conditions, nutritional meals, vocational and self-improvement opportunities, access to families, and just parole decisions. These demands are not only fair and just, but mandatory under international human rights law and the U.S. Constitution.

And it is not just Georgia where these conditions exist. Prisoners throughout this country are subject to routine dehumanization, violence, denial of basic medical care, separated from their families, exposed to illnesses, and obstructed from accessing the court. Jails and prisons throughout the U.S. are routinely in violation of the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment, the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

It is imperative that members of the legal community, human rights advocates, social justice activists, faith communities, and concerned members of the general public mobilize in support of prisoners and their families in this urgent moment. Georgia prison authorities have reportedly reacted to the peaceful strike with violence. The threat of retaliation will remain for the foreseeable future, and we must rise to the occasion with increased vigilance and action.

We are especially asking that members of the legal community recognize their unique role and serious responsibility in working to support prisoners and communities targeted by policies of mass incarceration.

We must also seize this opportunity to support and strengthen those forces fighting against race and class-based policies of mass incarceration. Under the cover of a cynical drug war, the U.S. has constructed the largest prison economy in the history of the planet, incarcerating more of its own people than any other nation in the world. And when evidence of the pervasive targeting of communities of color at every level of the criminal legal system is recognized for what it is, there is only one conclusion to arrive at: mass incarceration is the new Jim Crow.

Like the old Jim Crow, this system serves to perpetuate institutionalized racism, economic inequality, and political disenfranchisement. It seeks to pit poor whites and people of color against each other in order to keep working and middle class communities subordinate to a political and economic order that prioritizes profit at the expense of our communities and our democracy.

The transcending of the politics of racial antagonism by the prisoners in Georgia striking for their human rights and human dignity is a profound call for the renewal of visionary mass movements for social justice and freedom in this country. Our communities outside of these walls are in dire need of human rights as well: health care, educational opportunities, jobs, food, housing, peace, and a livable planet.

In building an integrated, mass movement for human rights inside and outside the prisons we are also working to undermine the conditions of social, economic, and political inequalities that fuel crime and violence.

We are asking that others sign onto this statement of solidarity and make a commitment to take action in support of the prisoners in Georgia, to take action in support of prisoners' rights, and to help build a historic mass movement against mass incarceration and for universal human rights and dignity.

Solidarity and Struggle,

Center for Constitutional Rights
Noam Chomsky
Professor Michelle Alexander, Ohio State University
Professor Jules Lobel, University of Pittsburgh Law School
Professor Marjorie Cohn, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Rosa Clemente, 2008 Green Party Vice President Candidate
California Coalition for Women Prisoners
Nkechi Taifa, Esq., Director, Legacy Justice Institute
Justice Now (www.jnow.org)
Drug Policy Alliance
Ethan Nadelmann, Executive Director, Drug Policy Alliance
Human Rights Coalition-Chester
Human Rights Coalition-Philadelphia
Human Rights Coalition-Fed Up! Pittsburgh
Vania Gulston, HYPERLINK "http://www.ontheblockradio.org" www.ontheblockradio.org
Jordan Flaherty, Louisiana Justice Institute
Paradise Gray, Executive Director One Hood
Van Jones, author, The Green Collar Economy
International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal
Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition
MOVE Organization
Prison Radio - HYPERLINK "http://www.prisonradio.org" www.prisonradio.org
Redwood Justice Fund
Noelle Hanrahan
Pam Africa
Suzanne Ross, Co-Chair, Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition (NYC) Spokesperson
Steven Gotzler, National Lawyers Guild National Vice President
Heidi Boghosian, National Lawyers Guild Executive Director
James Rucker, Executive Director, ColorOfChange.org
Annie Paradise, student, Anthropology Dept., California Institute of Integral Studies
Paul Wright, Editor, Prison Legal News - HYPERLINK "http://www.prisonlegalnews.org" www.prisonlegalnews.org ;
Deirdre Wilson, Program Coordinator for California Coalition for Women Prisoners, and proud member of All of Us or None
Bruce Reilly, Behind the Walls Committee-Direct Action for Rights and Equality, Providence, Rhode Island
Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity
Andrew Grant-Thomas, Deputy Director, Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity
California Prison Moratorium Project
Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice
Lois Ahrens, The Real Cost of Prisons Project
North Star Fund
Women Who Never Give Up (www.wwng.org)
International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network – United States
Michael Letwin, Co-Convener, New York City Labor Against the War; Former President, Association of Legal Aid Attorneys/UAW Local 2325
Andy Switzer
Anthony Papa, author of 15 to Life
Dominique Reed
Pam Nath, Community Organizer, Mennonite Central Committee—New Orleans
Thousand Kites – HYPERLINK "http://www.kitescampaigns.org" www.kitescampaigns.org
Amanda Rosenblum
Laura Erickson-Schroth
Ali Brooks, Madison, Wisconsin, Groundwork Anti-Racist Collective
Bret Grote
Dr. Rachel Luft
Claude Marks, Director, Freedom Archives
Jamie Kalven, Invisible Institute
National Lawyers Guild – University of Pittsburgh Law School Chapter
Matthew Shelton
Emily Zeanah Shelton
Marlon Peterson
Jeff Hitchcock, Executive Director, Center for the Study of White American Culture, Inc.
Sarah Lomax-Reese, President, WURD Radio
Tema Okun, Dismantling Racism Works, Durham, North Carolina
Mollie Crittenden
Gary Johnson
Lisa Albrecht, University of Minnesota, Social Justice Program
Survivors Village, New Orleans
Russ Vernon-Jones, Alliance of White Anti-Racists (Hampshire Co., MA)
Serena Alfieri, Associate Director of Policy, Correctional Association of NY
Laurie Bezold, Baltimore, Maryland
Christian Peele
Amanda Johnson
Geri Silva, Facts Education Fund: Families to Amend California's Three Strikes
Prisoners are People Too, Buffalo, NY
Camy Matthay, Wisconsin Books to Prisoners, Brooklyn, WI
Wendy Ake, Graduate Research Associate, Global Justice Program, The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, Ohio State University
Alan Eladio Gomez, Ph.D., Arizona State University

[Sentinel]

Trashed a joke diversion about prison rape from this thread. Jokes like that aren't acceptable -- general verbal warning. Also, while I realise certain topics are heated by default, I'd still like to see a more calm tone of discussion from everyone here.

[ckaihatsu]

On 1/3/11, International Action Center <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> International Action Center - iacenter.org <http://www.iacenter.org>
>
> *About the IAC <http://iacenter.org/about/> | Donate
> <http://iacenter.org/donate/> | IAC Books & Resources
> <http://iacenter.org/books_resources/> | Contact Us
> <http://iacenter.org/comments/>**| Sign the Petition!
> <http://www.iacenter.org/prisoners/lucasvillehungerstrikepetition>*
>
>
> *SUPPORT THE LUCASVILLE PRISONERS HUNGER STRIKE!
> *
> *SIGN THE ONLINE PETITION to the Obama Administration and the Ohio
> Department of Rehabilitation and Correction NOW!
> at http://www.iacenter.org/prisoners/lucasvillehungerstrikepetition
> <http://www.iacenter.org/prisoners/lucasvillehungerstrikepetition>
> *
>
> Facebook
> <http://api.addthis.com/oexchange/0.8/forward/facebook/offer?pco=tbx32nj-1.0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iacenter.org%2Factions%2Frc12 0510%2F&username=iacenter>
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>
> *Sign online*
> <http://www.iacenter.org/prisoners/lucasvillehungerstrikepetition> to
> tell President Obama, Attorney General Holder, Ohio Governor Strickland,
> Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Moore, the
> Ohio State Penitentiary Warden Bobby, the Ohio Legislature, the Ohio
> Congressional Delegation, Congressional leaders, U.N. Secretary General
> Ban, and members of the media you want the Lucasville Hunger Striking
> Prisoners removed from 23 hour a day lockdown, their consitutional
> rights respected and their wrongful convictions overturnedl
>
> click *HERE*
> <http://www.iacenter.org/prisoners/lucasvillehungerstrikepetition> to
> sign. click *HERE* <#sampletext> to view petition text.
>
> On Jan. 3, four prisoners held in Ohio State Penitentiary, a supermax
> prison started a hunger strike to protest the highly restrictive
> conditions they have been subjected to since they were moved to the
> prison in 1998. These prisoners are Bomani Shakur aka Keith LaMar,
> Siddique Abdullah Hasan, Jason Robb and Namir Abdul Mateen aka James
> Were, all received death sentences as the result of wrongful convictions
> on charges related to the 1993 prison uprising in Lucasville, Ohio.
> Hasan and Robb helped negotiate the settlement of the Lucasville
> uprising, preventing a massacre such as the one in Attica in 1971 which
> resulted in more than forty deaths.
>
> In his statement of his reasons for the hunger strike Bomani states,
> "..we have undergone penalty on top of penalty, kept from fully
> participating in our appeals, from touching our friends and families,
> denied adequate medical treatment.we who have been sentenced to death
> must be granted the exact same privileges as other death-sentenced
> prisoners." ..To see Bomani's complete statement, go to iacenter.org.
>
> The four prisoners have been kept on the highest security designation,
> "Level 5" throughout their time at OSP. Their solitary confinement is
> conducted in such a way as to ensure no contact with other prisoners
> even during showering and "recreation". The doors to their cells are
> sealed to prevent sound transmission. During visits, they are shackled
> even while confined within a booth, separated from their visitor by
> bullet-proof glass, while other death-row prisoners can have contact
> with their visitors through an opening in the glass.
>
> The good behavior of these prisoners is selectively ignored during their
> annual reviews by prison authorities because of their alleged crimes
> during the Lucasville prison rebellion. They were told in writing that
> "your placement offense is so severe that you should remain at the OSP
> permanently or for many years regardless of your behavior while confined
> at the OSP."
>
> While the appeals of the prisoners are at different stages, the results
> have not been encouraging. Attorney Staughton Lynd, who has done
> exhaustive investigation of their cases, has documented a clear pattern
> of deliberate use of perjury by prisoners who were rewarded for their
> false testimony. Key witnesses have recanted their testimony in recent
> years. The prisoners have maintained their innocence on all
> rebellion-related charges.
>
> Please sign on to the online petition below to support the prisoners'
> right to have their security levels fairly evaluated and reclassified so
> that they may participate in the small privileges afforded to other
> death row prisoners. The harsh treatment of these prisoners violates
> their constitutional rights and is widely recognized as not only
> inhumane but as a form of torture.
>
> The wrongful convictions which placed these men on death row must also
> be set aside. The charges must be dropped entirely or the men must
> receive new trials.
>
>
>
> *SIGN ONLINE AT
> http://www.iacenter.org/prisoners/lucasvillehungerstrikepetition NOW!*
> ***
> SAMPLE PETITION TEXT:*
>
> To: Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Moore,
> Ohio State Penitentiary Warden Bobby, Ohio Gov. Strickland, Attorney
> General Holder, President Obama
>
> cc: Ohio Legislature, Ohio Congressional Delegation, Congressional
> Leaders, U.N. Secretary-General Ban, members of the media
>
> Stop the 18 year 23 hr a day lockdown of Lucasville Uprising prisoners!
> Overturn their wrongful convictions!
>
> On Jan. 3, four prisoners held in the supermax Ohio State Penitentiary
> began a hunger strike to protest the highly restrictive conditions they
> have been subjected to since they were moved to the prison in 1998.
> These prisoners are Bomani Shakur aka Keith LaMar, Siddique Abdullah
> Hasan, Jason Robb and Namir Abdul Mateen aka James Were. They all
> received death sentences as the result of wrongful convictions on
> charges related to the 1993 prison uprising in Lucasville, Ohio. Hasan
> and Robb helped negotiate the settlement of the Lucasville uprising,
> preventing a massacre such as the one in Attica in 1971 which resulted
> in more than forty deaths.
>
> In his statement of his reasons for the hunger strike Bomani states,
> "..we have undergone penalty on top of penalty, kept from fully
> participating in our appeals, from touching our friends and families,
> denied adequate medical treatment.. we who have been sentenced to death
> must be granted the exact same privileges as other death-sentenced
> prisoners."
>
> The four prisoners have been kept on the highest security designation,
> "Level 5" throughout their time at OSP. Their solitary confinement is
> conducted in such a way as to ensure no contact with other prisoners
> even during showering and "recreation". The doors to their cells are
> sealed to prevent sound transmission. During visits, they are shackled
> even while confined within a booth, separated from their visitor by
> bullet-proof glass, while other death-row prisoners can have contact
> with their visitors through an opening in the glass.
>
> The good behavior of these prisoners is selectively ignored during their
> annual reviews by prison authorities because of their alleged crimes
> during the Lucasville prison rebellion. They were told in writing that
> "your placement offense is so severe that you should remain at the OSP
> permanently or for many years regardless of your behavior while confined
> at the OSP."
>
> While the appeals of the prisoners are at different stages, the results
> have not been encouraging. Attorney Staughton Lynd, who has done
> exhaustive investigation of their cases, has documented a clear pattern
> of deliberate use of perjury by prisoners who were rewarded for their
> false testimony. Key witnesses have recanted their testimony in recent
> years. The prisoners have maintained their innocence on all
> rebellion-related charges.
>
> I support the prisoners' right to have their security levels fairly
> evaluated and reclassified so that they may participate in the small
> privileges afforded to other death row prisoners. The harsh treatment of
> these prisoners violates their constitutional rights and is widely
> recognized as not only inhumane but as a form of torture.
>
> I also call for the setting aside of the seriously flawed convictions
> which placed these men on death row. I ask that you use your influence
> to ensure that the charges be dropped entirely or the men receive new
> trials.
>
> Justice now for the Lucasville Uprising Hunger Strikers!
>
> Sincerely
> (your signature appended here)
>
>
> *SIGN ONLINE AT
> http://www.iacenter.org/prisoners/lucasvillehungerstrikepetition NOW!*
> ** Facebook
> <http://api.addthis.com/oexchange/0.8/forward/facebook/offer?pco=tbx32nj-1.0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iacenter.org%2Factions%2Frc12 0510%2F&username=iacenter>
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> <http://iacenter.org/comments/>****| Sign the Petition!
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>






To: Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Director Moore, Ohio State Penitentiary Warden Bobby, Ohio Gov. Strickland, Attorney General Holder, President Obama

cc: Ohio Legislature, Ohio Congressional Delegation, Congressional Leaders, U.N. Secretary-General Ban, members of the media

Stop the 18 year 23 hr a day lockdown of Lucasville Uprising prisoners! Overturn their wrongful convictions!

On Jan. 3, four prisoners held in the supermax Ohio State Penitentiary began a hunger strike to protest the highly restrictive conditions they have been subjected to since they were moved to the prison in 1998. These prisoners are Bomani Shakur aka Keith LaMar, Siddique Abdullah Hasan, Jason Robb and Namir Abdul Mateen aka James Were. They all received death sentences as the result of wrongful convictions on charges related to the 1993 prison uprising in Lucasville, Ohio. Hasan and Robb helped negotiate the settlement of the Lucasville uprising, preventing a massacre such as the one in Attica in 1971 which resulted in more than forty deaths.

In his statement of his reasons for the hunger strike Bomani states, "..we have undergone penalty on top of penalty, kept from fully participating in our appeals, from touching our friends and families, denied adequate medical treatment.. we who have been sentenced to death must be granted the exact same privileges as other death-sentenced prisoners."

The four prisoners have been kept on the highest security designation, "Level 5" throughout their time at OSP. Their solitary confinement is conducted in such a way as to ensure no contact with other prisoners even during showering and "recreation". The doors to their cells are sealed to prevent sound transmission. During visits, they are shackled even while confined within a booth, separated from their visitor by bullet-proof glass, while other death-row prisoners can have contact with their visitors through an opening in the glass.

The good behavior of these prisoners is selectively ignored during their annual reviews by prison authorities because of their alleged crimes during the Lucasville prison rebellion. They were told in writing that "your placement offense is so severe that you should remain at the OSP permanently or for many years regardless of your behavior while confined at the OSP."

While the appeals of the prisoners are at different stages, the results have not been encouraging. Attorney Staughton Lynd, who has done exhaustive investigation of their cases, has documented a clear pattern of deliberate use of perjury by prisoners who were rewarded for their false testimony. Key witnesses have recanted their testimony in recent years. The prisoners have maintained their innocence on all rebellion-related charges.

I support the prisoners' right to have their security levels fairly evaluated and reclassified so that they may participate in the small privileges afforded to other death row prisoners. The harsh treatment of these prisoners violates their constitutional rights and is widely recognized as not only inhumane but as a form of torture.

I also call for the setting aside of the seriously flawed convictions which placed these men on death row. I ask that you use your influence to ensure that the charges be dropped entirely or the men receive new trials.

Justice now for the Lucasville Uprising Hunger Strikers!

Sincerely,