Dear Loretta, Monday, Nov. 29 7 pm
Checking on my commissary account I see you put $300 on the account Nov. 19. 14 days later would be Friday Dec. 3, 15 days would be Sat. Dec. 4. Try every day to put another $300 on my account. I have .02 cents in there right now and my phone minutes will run out on Thursday or Friday, although I don't call Jodie Friday (she's in the air)Saturday or Sunday (visiting me) or on Monday (in the air); but I am desperate so I hope Access Corrections takes that money soon.
Otherwise today was a good day. I got a job in the library Monday (8 - 10 am, 1-3 pm) to Friday. I'd prefer not to work at all. I'll have lots of newspapers, books and magazines to read. Today I got 56 letters alone, that will take me weeks to respond to, even more now. But its also a job I can help others at. We dispense legal paperwork for appeals. I want to get some magazines/books in there.
Side notes from letter: As of Thursday I will have no money for phone or commissary. HELPLESS PLEASE HELP! If you can't put money on my account by Saturday then you'll have to get all my supporters to call the prison about me being starved for money by their insane policies. Have people call here and GEO headquarters. (Loretta's notes: This was rectified)
4:30 pm Tuesday, Nov. 30
Today was my first full day at the library and I got the entire book collection re-labeled, straightened out and looking as good as possible. However, it is a very sad library. They have no current magazine subscriptions. The most recent copy of Rolling Stone is August 2009, Michael Jackson's Death issue.When it converted from the State Prison the company that owned the State Prison (Cornell) canceled all the magazine subscriptions and GEO has not renewed any of them. So, I need you to ask people to send me a subscription of any good magazine, especially Spanish language ones for me to put in the library.
Same with any new or like new paperback books or magazines bought by anyone. Should be sent one per envelope. The library can't take books from the public weirdly, (everything about this place is all weird, odd, or contrary to BOP regulations ---- this whole set up is wrong. And it doesn't seem to have ordered any new books. They are all ancient library books, most very worn out. There are a few good books and the small collection of Spanish language books were bought new. But they have maybe 250 Spanish books total and they need about 2,000 - 5,000 books in Spanish alone. There are no more than 100 recent or like new books out of 2,500 English language books. Most of these are 10 to 40 years old and obsolete. The inmates are truly being ripped off here. Yet the prison employs probably 150 people, but they have nothing to do and know little; they just warehouse us. Inmate labor (at .12 to .20 cents an hour)does most of the work in the kitchen, maintenance. Yet the yard and volleyball court are already deteriorating because no professional grounds keeping (watering and fertilizing the yard for one) is being done.
GEO has run this place for 2 months now and progress in any area is not happening (putting money on inmate accounts; collect calls, getting inmate property from previous prison, getting inmate money from previous prison, visitation forms.) Its supposed to be low security but our movements are rigidly controlled. We're searched all the time. The 6 Canadians are isolated. Very challenging.
I have 20 stamps left so I am going to last on stamps if my phone time stops Thursday. Please keep calling the prison and beg them to change this strange restriction on inmate deposits. The BOP limit is $10,000 on any inmate account. Inmates can issue checks drawn on their inmate accounts to pay bills, order books and magazines, pay lawyers - let alone cover phone bills like my phone account. Its so cruel and completely punitive, as sop many of the rules about this place are, the way GEO runs this place.
The food is very repetitive too, with almost no fresh fruit, after 12 days here I can tell you I'm going to hate this place after 60 or 90 days.
Called Dana and told him to send you $500 to use on my account. I talked to Jodie and she's having a rough day. She cried the entire 15 minute phone call. She's exhausted and frazzled.
Kirk, my lawyer, is supposed to come in the next few weeks and this place is so badly run legal action ought to be taken. But once I get money so I can get phone time and essentials I will feel better. I was distressed at Jodie being so distraught. I'm going to call you up and urge you to call her and calm her a bit. Reassure her.
I'm very excited to get a visit from you. Excited to see Jodie Saturday and Sunday but she's worried about being turned away, being tired when she sees me, money in my account. I understand, I worry about those concerns and more, too.
I worry that they are not working on making the transfer paperwork happen, even though Sylvia Royce (US lawyer in Washington D.C. hired to make this happen) is supposed to call this week.
So, you can tell that though I am glad I got a library job I worry about all these things because this place is so bizarrely run and I feel I will be stranded helplessly in this place.
Like I say, I'll feel way better once I see you and Jodie in visits. Write me often and keep trying to put money in my account.
Please visit soon!
Thank you so much for everything!
Love you,
In Gratitude and Affection
Marc
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Letters from Marc Emery #2
Below are the letters Marc Emery has written me from prison and asked me to post online so that everyone knows what's happening to him. These may be somewhat out of chronological order, but that won't matter because the information is relevant no matter what order it is in.
If you are Canadian please use these letters by sending them to your elected officials, the Justice Minister and anyone else who will be instrumental in getting Marc transferred back to Canada.
Monday, Dec. 6, 2010,
Dear Loretta,
I sent you a letter yesterday asking you to do a number of things. This morning I saw you had put $150 on my account, so I am financially OK until Dec. 18 or so.
I am going to use you as a researcher/go-to person in a variety of requests. I already ask Jeremiah to do journalism and research on specific prison issues and Jodie gets swamped with my requests, but from you I'll often need you to find a phone number, fax number, address or send a request for catalogs (often books and magazines) or documents of a legal nature, BOP regulations etc.
My first request relates to work I do in the inmate library. In there I often fill out a cover letter and request for what amounts to a fast track deportation. Basically, as you can tell by (*stipulated deportation order and pursuant to A.R.S. 41-1604-14) letter, if an inmate meets the criteria set out in points 1-6 he can request to be deported after half of his sentence has been served.
We type in the inmates name, BOP number, address at DRJCF (although it's in top right corner too) on the cover letter (marked #1) and on the stipulated deportation order (marked #2). We type their name, BOP number & return address too. And they mail it completed to the addre3ss listed on the form letter (Atlanta ICE office). I've done about 15 of those in the last week. Here is what I would like you to find out for me by calling the Atlanta ICE office and asking the following questions.
1) What is the name of the field director in the Atlanta office that these letters go to?
2)What is the phone number?
3) What is the fax number?
4) Do they have an FAQ or information online or in reprint or policy paper about this ARS 41-1604-14 that you can get, make a copy of so that I can make additional copies?
5) What is the turn around time in processing these applications?
6) Does the field manager or staff there have any advice on making applications easier, more successful or clear for the purposes of getting the deportation to happen?
Another thing I need you to find is the definition of class 1,2,3,4,5,6, felonies. As you can see the eligibility for deportation at 1/2 time is to those with class 3 through 6 felonies.
I understand Class 1 is murder, arson, serious bad shit, but I'd like to know, if a list is available, what offense3s are in each class. Can you find that out and send me what you find?
I also need to know a place I can order Spanish language books/Spanish language magazines from. Retail is fine. We typically want to order only one copy of each. You might find stores online with outlets in Miami nearby. Print out their ordering info, list of titles. I especially need their phone, fax, email, terms and catalog.
I'm in charge of acquisitions so I need catalogs and online catalogs reprinted so I can order books, magazines and newspapers for the library.
Also enclosed is a print out called "Legal News" (I'll need this back). It's from the Winton, NC INS low security facility that just closed down its INS part at Rivers Correctional in Winton.
I want you to google that case: Case # 1:09-cv-00200 (RWR) Patel et al. US Bureau of Prisons et al.
The arguments made there are substantially the same arguments I made to Jeremiah in a 14 page letter I sent him Friday. Ask to get a copy of that letter faxed or emailed to you. It's meant to be a blog by me and it outlines my opinions on how GEO and the BOP discriminate against foreign nationals in this and probably other facilities contracted out.
One thing has changes, the limits on deposits. First deposit $300 made out Oct. 19. No further deposits were possible until Nov. 30 when $200 was put in. On Dec. 6, only 7 days later $150 was put in, exceeding the previous restricted limit of $300 in 10/11 days. As $350 has been put in a combined 7 days. The front office says the limit is now $300 per day in an inmates account. We won't test that threshold , but clearly $350 deposited in 7 days is a change from $300 max in 10 days.
So, progress is being made. I love my library job. I get to help inmates, get magazines, books, reference material for them. Today i helped an inmate arrange to get married here. The chaplain, warden and counselor are all giving him the run around but BOP policy is very clear on in-prison marriages. (Look up the policy at BOP) and they (the prison) require very little consent, it's just a few formalities, but the people here have never done one so they keep saying, "talk to the chaplain" who says, "I don't know anything about that, talk to the warden" who says, "the chaplain has to approve it." In fact, the chaplain has nothing to do with marriage approvals. If the inmate and his fiance legally qualify the warden MUST marry them at the earliest convenient opportunity with a justice of the peace present. The only stipulation is that it can't threaten the security of the prison (DUH!) and the inmate has to cover the cost of the Justice of the Peace and marriage license. So, I got out BOP policy, underlined and highlighted the clear policy for the warden to read and sent our would be groom to unit manager Carter with BOP policy and a polite summary of the run around so far and what is the correct prison procedure for in-prison marriages. Feels.....AWESOME!
So, I'll let you know when he is getting married. It's not complicated and there is almost nothing in the ordinary circumstances that can derail a prisoner who wants to marry a legally qualified woman. So far he's encountered a lot of, "I don't know how that's done, but there are many here in authority who seem unaware there is a BOP policy ON EVERYTHING and it's very clear.
So, I'll let you) and I'm hoping I get some magazines or paperbacks to add to the library shelves.
OK, more tomorrow. I know you are super busy already so I hope you'll forgive me getting you as my researcher - inmate rights liaison - helper - library assistant person. I hope you find helping me do good a fun thing.
I love you,
Marc
If you are Canadian please use these letters by sending them to your elected officials, the Justice Minister and anyone else who will be instrumental in getting Marc transferred back to Canada.
Monday, Dec. 6, 2010,
Dear Loretta,
I sent you a letter yesterday asking you to do a number of things. This morning I saw you had put $150 on my account, so I am financially OK until Dec. 18 or so.
I am going to use you as a researcher/go-to person in a variety of requests. I already ask Jeremiah to do journalism and research on specific prison issues and Jodie gets swamped with my requests, but from you I'll often need you to find a phone number, fax number, address or send a request for catalogs (often books and magazines) or documents of a legal nature, BOP regulations etc.
My first request relates to work I do in the inmate library. In there I often fill out a cover letter and request for what amounts to a fast track deportation. Basically, as you can tell by (*stipulated deportation order and pursuant to A.R.S. 41-1604-14) letter, if an inmate meets the criteria set out in points 1-6 he can request to be deported after half of his sentence has been served.
We type in the inmates name, BOP number, address at DRJCF (although it's in top right corner too) on the cover letter (marked #1) and on the stipulated deportation order (marked #2). We type their name, BOP number & return address too. And they mail it completed to the addre3ss listed on the form letter (Atlanta ICE office). I've done about 15 of those in the last week. Here is what I would like you to find out for me by calling the Atlanta ICE office and asking the following questions.
1) What is the name of the field director in the Atlanta office that these letters go to?
2)What is the phone number?
3) What is the fax number?
4) Do they have an FAQ or information online or in reprint or policy paper about this ARS 41-1604-14 that you can get, make a copy of so that I can make additional copies?
5) What is the turn around time in processing these applications?
6) Does the field manager or staff there have any advice on making applications easier, more successful or clear for the purposes of getting the deportation to happen?
Another thing I need you to find is the definition of class 1,2,3,4,5,6, felonies. As you can see the eligibility for deportation at 1/2 time is to those with class 3 through 6 felonies.
I understand Class 1 is murder, arson, serious bad shit, but I'd like to know, if a list is available, what offense3s are in each class. Can you find that out and send me what you find?
I also need to know a place I can order Spanish language books/Spanish language magazines from. Retail is fine. We typically want to order only one copy of each. You might find stores online with outlets in Miami nearby. Print out their ordering info, list of titles. I especially need their phone, fax, email, terms and catalog.
I'm in charge of acquisitions so I need catalogs and online catalogs reprinted so I can order books, magazines and newspapers for the library.
Also enclosed is a print out called "Legal News" (I'll need this back). It's from the Winton, NC INS low security facility that just closed down its INS part at Rivers Correctional in Winton.
I want you to google that case: Case # 1:09-cv-00200 (RWR) Patel et al. US Bureau of Prisons et al.
The arguments made there are substantially the same arguments I made to Jeremiah in a 14 page letter I sent him Friday. Ask to get a copy of that letter faxed or emailed to you. It's meant to be a blog by me and it outlines my opinions on how GEO and the BOP discriminate against foreign nationals in this and probably other facilities contracted out.
One thing has changes, the limits on deposits. First deposit $300 made out Oct. 19. No further deposits were possible until Nov. 30 when $200 was put in. On Dec. 6, only 7 days later $150 was put in, exceeding the previous restricted limit of $300 in 10/11 days. As $350 has been put in a combined 7 days. The front office says the limit is now $300 per day in an inmates account. We won't test that threshold , but clearly $350 deposited in 7 days is a change from $300 max in 10 days.
So, progress is being made. I love my library job. I get to help inmates, get magazines, books, reference material for them. Today i helped an inmate arrange to get married here. The chaplain, warden and counselor are all giving him the run around but BOP policy is very clear on in-prison marriages. (Look up the policy at BOP) and they (the prison) require very little consent, it's just a few formalities, but the people here have never done one so they keep saying, "talk to the chaplain" who says, "I don't know anything about that, talk to the warden" who says, "the chaplain has to approve it." In fact, the chaplain has nothing to do with marriage approvals. If the inmate and his fiance legally qualify the warden MUST marry them at the earliest convenient opportunity with a justice of the peace present. The only stipulation is that it can't threaten the security of the prison (DUH!) and the inmate has to cover the cost of the Justice of the Peace and marriage license. So, I got out BOP policy, underlined and highlighted the clear policy for the warden to read and sent our would be groom to unit manager Carter with BOP policy and a polite summary of the run around so far and what is the correct prison procedure for in-prison marriages. Feels.....AWESOME!
So, I'll let you know when he is getting married. It's not complicated and there is almost nothing in the ordinary circumstances that can derail a prisoner who wants to marry a legally qualified woman. So far he's encountered a lot of, "I don't know how that's done, but there are many here in authority who seem unaware there is a BOP policy ON EVERYTHING and it's very clear.
So, I'll let you) and I'm hoping I get some magazines or paperbacks to add to the library shelves.
OK, more tomorrow. I know you are super busy already so I hope you'll forgive me getting you as my researcher - inmate rights liaison - helper - library assistant person. I hope you find helping me do good a fun thing.
I love you,
Marc
Messages from Marc Emery
Below is a chart that Marc Emery sent me and asked me to post online. These first three are (is?) a comparison chart between showing the differences in how Americans and foreigners in the federal prison system are treated. The images get much larger if you click them and then click them again once they come up.
The next are printed articles about private prisons.
About to post this on Facebook. Please share with everyone you know. I tried to upload these images to facebook but couldn't for some unknown reason.
I am about to finish typing all of the letters he has sent me and post them here and on facebook as well.
The next are printed articles about private prisons.
About to post this on Facebook. Please share with everyone you know. I tried to upload these images to facebook but couldn't for some unknown reason.
I am about to finish typing all of the letters he has sent me and post them here and on facebook as well.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
It's A MIRACLE!!!
Raw Story is reporting that televangelist and general loony toon 700 Club host and founder of The Christian Coalition Pat Robertson said "Pot isn't the Devil's Harvest and that he thinks imprisoning people for possession of a couple of ounces is destroying the lives of young people and bankrupting our country.
No....I am not pulling your leg, yanking your chain, playing an early April Fool's joke or trying to get on over on you.
He really said that!
Now, I'm pretty sure that I have never agreed with anything Pat Robertson has said. EVER. But, a lot of people, especially those say in and around say Alabama, agree wholeheartedly with everything he says. And that could be a very positive thing for those of us who are trying to change the laws governing marijuana.
If you are a church going person please take this article with you on Sunday and show it to your preacher. Encourage them to consider giving a sermon on it and see where it goes.
Monday, December 20, 2010
What to say to Iraq and Afghan War Veterans
Please excuse my repeated use of the word FUCK in various forms throughout this post.
On my trip through Jacksonville Airport this weekend I witnessed some of the most heart wrenching reunions between soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. I've thought about little else all weekend.
While I was waiting for Jodie to arrive it seemed like hundreds of soldiers dressed in their BDU's were coming through the airport. It was both heartbreaking and heart warming to see the wives/husbands coming back and their spouses and children waiting anxiously with signs to welcome them home. There were many tears and much joy. I cried every time a dad or mom walked by me in a uniform and their small children ran to them with open arms screaming DADDY or MOMMY and were picked up and swung around and smothered with kisses and love. How can any human with a heart not cry at such a thing?
What really got to me though were the soldiers coming back without their fucking arms, legs, half their heads etc...You'd have to be a real cold hearted mother fucker, regardless of how you feel about the war, to not be affected by seeing what, in reality, are nothing more than kids coming back from that HELL missing their limbs. If you are from the South and, Alabama in particular, then you know that Alabama sacrifices more sons and daughters to war than any other state. That is directly related to the poverty and lack of good educational opportunities that define this godforsaken hell hole. The majority of them join the military for college funds.
After I picked up Jodie she told me about something that happened on her plane ride from Chicago to Jacksonville. And it has prompted this post more so than anything else.
She said that in Chicago there was a woman with a couple of young kids, one a little boy about 5 or 6. In front of her was a soldier with his goddamn legs blown off. The little boy started talking to his mom about the soldier and pointing at him etc. His mom told him, "That man is a hero who has been fighting for our freedoms." The little kid asked if he could say hello and the mom gave him permission. Jodie said the little kid went up and started talking to the soldier with no legs, NO GODDAMN LEGS, telling him how he liked his uniform and all sorts of things of that nature. She said the soldier was quiet and just looked at the kid for a minute....that it was very hard to read the soldiers eyes and gauge what he might be thinking. Finally the soldier with NO GODDAMN LEGS asked the kid his name. The kid told him and the soldier said, "Nice to meet you." And that was all he said.
Shit like that makes me so fucking mad my head could literally explode. I am against the war....obviously. But I support the kids sucked into the fucking meat grinder with all my heart. How dare some faux patriot just ASSUME that the soldier feels like a hero. How dare they ASSUME that any soldier called to duty approves of and supports what they had to fucking do in war. How dare that ignorant bitch claim this war, this endless fucking war, has anything to do with American freedom. It has NOTHING to do with protecting American freedoms and everything to do with nation building and major oil pipelines. If it were truly being fought to protect American freedoms (which are disappearing rapidly) I would be completely behind it.
Today, when I went through security at Jacksonville airport I saw those TSA bastards molest an old crippled man who was unable to stand in their fucking porno machine. His wife protested loudly, bless her heart, to no avail. They practically held him up so that could grab his goddamn testicles...all because he couldn't stand on his own or raise his arms above his head. Then as we were going through the gate to get on the plane an 80 year old granny set off the alarm, that no one was even aware was there, with her pace maker and her steel rods in her back and she was sexually assaulted and her her belongings rummaged through in front of everyone. I was glad to see the people around me pissed off about that. Granny spoke her peace to those filthy government bastards who get off on sexually assaulting disabled and old defenseless people and asked them just what about her at her advanced age would cause that after she had already cleared TSA. I spoke up and said, "You know the terrorists (which is really the American government IMHO) have won when we allow them to treat us that way in our own country. I bet they are sitting over there saying, "and then they grab their balls and vagina's.....like this...hehehe". Then I asked those in immediate hearing range if they reckoned that all of the soldiers around the airport had fought for THIS! There was a loud murmur of agreement with my sentiments.
See, there are no freedoms in the US any longer....not when shit like this happens. And I bet you that very few if any soldiers risked life and limb in Iraq and Afghanistan so that MeMaw and PePaw could be sexually molested trying to fly home for fucking Christmas.
So, here is my advice...for whatever it is worth. The next time you see a veteran returning home from or the other of the unnecessary meat grinder wars America is perpetuating across the globe...and just feel you just absolutely MUST MUST MUST say something to them then say ONLY the following.
"I'm glad you make it back alive." That's all you need to say.
Don't you dare fucking assume that just because they are in uniform that they agree with what they had to do or that they in any way feel like heroes or heroines or feel like you do. And, while you are at it, reexamine your support for these wars and your faux fucking patriotism and Nazi-ish nationalism that you have been taught since your first day in kindergarten when you were forced to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
That's where all this bullshit starts when you really think about it. What does any tiny child know about politics, government and war? They barely know how to NOT shit or wee wee in their pants. And what does any adult know about the horrors of war if they themselves have not experienced it firsthand? How dare they claim to know what someone who has experienced it thinks or feels?
On my trip through Jacksonville Airport this weekend I witnessed some of the most heart wrenching reunions between soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. I've thought about little else all weekend.
While I was waiting for Jodie to arrive it seemed like hundreds of soldiers dressed in their BDU's were coming through the airport. It was both heartbreaking and heart warming to see the wives/husbands coming back and their spouses and children waiting anxiously with signs to welcome them home. There were many tears and much joy. I cried every time a dad or mom walked by me in a uniform and their small children ran to them with open arms screaming DADDY or MOMMY and were picked up and swung around and smothered with kisses and love. How can any human with a heart not cry at such a thing?
What really got to me though were the soldiers coming back without their fucking arms, legs, half their heads etc...You'd have to be a real cold hearted mother fucker, regardless of how you feel about the war, to not be affected by seeing what, in reality, are nothing more than kids coming back from that HELL missing their limbs. If you are from the South and, Alabama in particular, then you know that Alabama sacrifices more sons and daughters to war than any other state. That is directly related to the poverty and lack of good educational opportunities that define this godforsaken hell hole. The majority of them join the military for college funds.
After I picked up Jodie she told me about something that happened on her plane ride from Chicago to Jacksonville. And it has prompted this post more so than anything else.
She said that in Chicago there was a woman with a couple of young kids, one a little boy about 5 or 6. In front of her was a soldier with his goddamn legs blown off. The little boy started talking to his mom about the soldier and pointing at him etc. His mom told him, "That man is a hero who has been fighting for our freedoms." The little kid asked if he could say hello and the mom gave him permission. Jodie said the little kid went up and started talking to the soldier with no legs, NO GODDAMN LEGS, telling him how he liked his uniform and all sorts of things of that nature. She said the soldier was quiet and just looked at the kid for a minute....that it was very hard to read the soldiers eyes and gauge what he might be thinking. Finally the soldier with NO GODDAMN LEGS asked the kid his name. The kid told him and the soldier said, "Nice to meet you." And that was all he said.
Shit like that makes me so fucking mad my head could literally explode. I am against the war....obviously. But I support the kids sucked into the fucking meat grinder with all my heart. How dare some faux patriot just ASSUME that the soldier feels like a hero. How dare they ASSUME that any soldier called to duty approves of and supports what they had to fucking do in war. How dare that ignorant bitch claim this war, this endless fucking war, has anything to do with American freedom. It has NOTHING to do with protecting American freedoms and everything to do with nation building and major oil pipelines. If it were truly being fought to protect American freedoms (which are disappearing rapidly) I would be completely behind it.
Today, when I went through security at Jacksonville airport I saw those TSA bastards molest an old crippled man who was unable to stand in their fucking porno machine. His wife protested loudly, bless her heart, to no avail. They practically held him up so that could grab his goddamn testicles...all because he couldn't stand on his own or raise his arms above his head. Then as we were going through the gate to get on the plane an 80 year old granny set off the alarm, that no one was even aware was there, with her pace maker and her steel rods in her back and she was sexually assaulted and her her belongings rummaged through in front of everyone. I was glad to see the people around me pissed off about that. Granny spoke her peace to those filthy government bastards who get off on sexually assaulting disabled and old defenseless people and asked them just what about her at her advanced age would cause that after she had already cleared TSA. I spoke up and said, "You know the terrorists (which is really the American government IMHO) have won when we allow them to treat us that way in our own country. I bet they are sitting over there saying, "and then they grab their balls and vagina's.....like this...hehehe". Then I asked those in immediate hearing range if they reckoned that all of the soldiers around the airport had fought for THIS! There was a loud murmur of agreement with my sentiments.
See, there are no freedoms in the US any longer....not when shit like this happens. And I bet you that very few if any soldiers risked life and limb in Iraq and Afghanistan so that MeMaw and PePaw could be sexually molested trying to fly home for fucking Christmas.
So, here is my advice...for whatever it is worth. The next time you see a veteran returning home from or the other of the unnecessary meat grinder wars America is perpetuating across the globe...and just feel you just absolutely MUST MUST MUST say something to them then say ONLY the following.
"I'm glad you make it back alive." That's all you need to say.
Don't you dare fucking assume that just because they are in uniform that they agree with what they had to do or that they in any way feel like heroes or heroines or feel like you do. And, while you are at it, reexamine your support for these wars and your faux fucking patriotism and Nazi-ish nationalism that you have been taught since your first day in kindergarten when you were forced to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
That's where all this bullshit starts when you really think about it. What does any tiny child know about politics, government and war? They barely know how to NOT shit or wee wee in their pants. And what does any adult know about the horrors of war if they themselves have not experienced it firsthand? How dare they claim to know what someone who has experienced it thinks or feels?
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Visiting Marc Emery
Today for the first time in nearly three years I got to see my mentor, close friend, and freedom fighter extraordinaire Marc Emery. The last time I saw Marc was when he flew me to Vancouver to relax and participate in the 420 festivities in 2008 where I was subsequently filmed by CBC throwing huge joints to the crowd. I remember spending 3 days on the top floor of the BCMP rolling up that 7 pounds of weed into joints with loads of other activists. It was a great time.
I met Marc in 2002 on the Cannabis Culture forums. I flew to Vancouver a few months later to meet him and learn about activism and brought what I had learned back to Alabama and went to work. He was with me every step of the way after my arrest, hired me to write occasionally for CC magazine, sent staff down to cover my trial, hired me to anchor POT TV News and sent me jet setting all over North and South America covering horrific drug war stories. In short the man made me what I am and is responsible for the fact that there is even a movement in Alabama to bring about rational, sane drug policies. I owe him a great deal in terms of making shit happen and making him proud of his investment in me over the years. And it has been huge investment is you ask this poor country girl. I love Marc more than words can ever adequately convey.
Throughout his arrest by the DEA and all of his trials and tribulations we have remained very close, talking via phone and email often. I promised him that on the offhand chance he wound up in the South to serve his time that I would be Jodie's escort and visit him every two weeks. I never thought they would send him here. But, in many ways it is a great thing (for him) that they did. Not so great for them....which they will soon realize. When they do they will have him on the first plane out of here and back to Canada. I will explain what I mean by that in a minute.
But, first, the visit.
We arrived at 8:30 which is when they begin allowing visitors in. And even though there are over 900 people imprisoned there there were only 6 visitors for three inmates today. It was extremely sad. The reason for that is because most of the people imprisoned there are simply being held in prison because they are in the US illegally and are waiting to be deported. I assume most of them are probably very poor and their families can't travel from Central and South America or even the West Coast of the US to visit.
We had to fill out a form swearing that we weren't carrying anything illegal into the prison and surrender our keys and ID's. As we were preparing to go through the metal detector a female guard told Jodie to stand back from the desk. Jodie stood back and the guard said, "I think your dress is too short" and she proceeds to call Captains and other higher ups on her radio. Hell I expected them to break out the damn ruler and measure. Jodie's dress was sitting right on top of her knee cap and seemed plenty long enough to me. She told them that the BOP handbook states that dresses and skirts cannot be more than 1 inch above the knee and that she was within the limit. They broke out the rule book and she pointed out that specific rule to them. Two black male guard came in and looked her over and decided we could visit after all. I told her if she hadn't been good looking we would have had to come back to the hotel and had her change. But, luckily, they were civilized enough to let us in.
We proceeded to the metal detector and although I had absolutely no metal on me anywhere I set the damn thing off. They said it was probably my shoes so I took them off and put them through the x-ray machine and went back through the metal detector and it was fine. Which is weird because the shoes were leather slip ons with no metal that I could see.
We were then led through a series of locked doors and concertina wire (which is very odd for a low security facility) and into the visitation room. A minute or so later Marc was led through another door and there was much hugging and kissing and a few tears...mostly from being so happy to finally see him with my own eyes, and lay my own hands on him and know that physically, at least, he is doing fine. He's a little skinny, but has been able to get out and get some sun here in South Georgia so he no longer looks starving, pale, and gaunt like he did at Sea-Tac.
Visitation last from 8:30 to 3:30 and between the three of us we kept up a constant conversation about what is being done to get him home, what needs to still be done to get him home, what life is like for him inside prison etc. Jodie held one of his hands and I held the other for nearly the entire visit. Physical contact is so important to the human soul and being deprived of it does terrible things to ones mind. It was just really great to touch him.
If you know Marc than you know he is willing and able to keep up a rapid machine gun fire of conversation. It's so funny when he calls me. When I see the number I grab a pen and paper and as soon as the call is connected He says "Hi Loretta" and then launches off into a 1 to 2 minute list of instructions of things he needs done. I rarely get to actually do much talking to him at all :) I was very pleased to see that prison has done absolutely nothing to dampen his enthusiasm for the love of gab. Nor has it cowed him in any way.
In fact, he has done just what I, and probably everyone who knows him at all, thought he would do....he's taken the damn place over, has a devoted following of other inmates who have come to depend on him for help with their paperwork, lodging complaints against the prison, getting the library on order, counseling people when they are down and standing up for the little guy. Just being Marc in other words.
I think they really fucked up when they decided to send him to a prison that was only recently taken over from the state by GEO group. They really don't have their shit together, ignore all the BOP rules, violate every policy and procedure, and are just plain unorganized. Marc hates disorganization and dirt. He is an organizer...perhaps the greatest organizer of our time (to me there is no question about that) and it is just his nature to make sure things are done right and according to established rules. Sending him to a place where that isn't the case has allowed him to focus his incredible energy and determination of all of the things that need doing, that are done wrong, or not at all, and he stays extremely busy. He knows more about how the place is supposed to be run than the people they have hired off the street, with absolutely no training whatsoever, know about it and will likely ever know about it. He said the warden told him he is 'tantalizing' which is an extremely odd word to use. All of this channeling of energy has kept sadness and depression at bay. He has something to focus his considerable will upon and that makes him extremely dangerous....only the authorities inside the prison haven't realized it yet. When they do you can bet they will figure out that transfer application process real quick and have his rabble rousing ass on the first flight back to Canada they can get him on. I can't wait til that happens. I'll have a good long laugh on that day.
He gets along well with all of the staff. they treat him with respect and he reciprocates in kind. All of the other prisoners look up to him. They've even started this chant when his huge stacks of mail come every day. They start chanting FREE MARC! FREE MARC! and he responds "THAT'S A GREAT IDEA". If he doesn't respond right away they get louder and louder until he either responds or one of them responds for him. It's quite hilarious!
And while all of this is really great to know it is still imperative that we all continue to do everything we can to get him sent back to his home country to serve his time. He has absolutely no business in South Georgia. So, please don't slack off just because he is coping well and doing all he can to make life behind bars tolerable for himself and the others who are suffering the same fate. Tomorrow or Tuesday when I have had a day to recover from this trip I will post a gargantuan list of all the things he needs done. I want all of you reading this to pick one thing...anything...and DO IT. Report your progress to me and I will keep him up to date on everything that is happening and who is doing what. In order to keep his spirits up we must let him know that we are all working on his behalf to rectify this terrible wrong that has been committed by our government in our goddamn name.
When our visiting time was over (and it seemed to fly by) we all embraced again and man I tell you it was difficult to walk away and leave him there. He saluted us and I told him to "Hang on Commander", which is what I always used to call him and then we were led back to the free world. I'm so happy conditions weren't deplorable and that there was no hint of violence. I am used to dealing with Alabama state prisons which are nothing but giant torture chambers and disease incubators and filled with extreme violence and danger. This prison leaves a great deal to be desired....but by God at least it ain't state prison and for that we can be thankful.
A couple of announcements before I close this out. Today Marc and Jodie asked me to be the new ad sales manager for the CC website, which I am happy to do because I can sell matches to the devil (I used to sell cars after all) and because I could really use the extra cash. Marc also asked me to take over the Free Marc website and keep it updated by posting the letters he writes me and organizing the information on how to help him all in one place. I won't be using the current website, because I am unfamiliar with the format. I will be transferring everything there to a blog format (like this one) because I am familiar with that and it is simple and easy to use.
So, be sure to check back in the coming days for the new website and for the huge list of things that need to be done to help Marc. There will be plenty to go around....and then some.
I met Marc in 2002 on the Cannabis Culture forums. I flew to Vancouver a few months later to meet him and learn about activism and brought what I had learned back to Alabama and went to work. He was with me every step of the way after my arrest, hired me to write occasionally for CC magazine, sent staff down to cover my trial, hired me to anchor POT TV News and sent me jet setting all over North and South America covering horrific drug war stories. In short the man made me what I am and is responsible for the fact that there is even a movement in Alabama to bring about rational, sane drug policies. I owe him a great deal in terms of making shit happen and making him proud of his investment in me over the years. And it has been huge investment is you ask this poor country girl. I love Marc more than words can ever adequately convey.
Throughout his arrest by the DEA and all of his trials and tribulations we have remained very close, talking via phone and email often. I promised him that on the offhand chance he wound up in the South to serve his time that I would be Jodie's escort and visit him every two weeks. I never thought they would send him here. But, in many ways it is a great thing (for him) that they did. Not so great for them....which they will soon realize. When they do they will have him on the first plane out of here and back to Canada. I will explain what I mean by that in a minute.
But, first, the visit.
We arrived at 8:30 which is when they begin allowing visitors in. And even though there are over 900 people imprisoned there there were only 6 visitors for three inmates today. It was extremely sad. The reason for that is because most of the people imprisoned there are simply being held in prison because they are in the US illegally and are waiting to be deported. I assume most of them are probably very poor and their families can't travel from Central and South America or even the West Coast of the US to visit.
We had to fill out a form swearing that we weren't carrying anything illegal into the prison and surrender our keys and ID's. As we were preparing to go through the metal detector a female guard told Jodie to stand back from the desk. Jodie stood back and the guard said, "I think your dress is too short" and she proceeds to call Captains and other higher ups on her radio. Hell I expected them to break out the damn ruler and measure. Jodie's dress was sitting right on top of her knee cap and seemed plenty long enough to me. She told them that the BOP handbook states that dresses and skirts cannot be more than 1 inch above the knee and that she was within the limit. They broke out the rule book and she pointed out that specific rule to them. Two black male guard came in and looked her over and decided we could visit after all. I told her if she hadn't been good looking we would have had to come back to the hotel and had her change. But, luckily, they were civilized enough to let us in.
We proceeded to the metal detector and although I had absolutely no metal on me anywhere I set the damn thing off. They said it was probably my shoes so I took them off and put them through the x-ray machine and went back through the metal detector and it was fine. Which is weird because the shoes were leather slip ons with no metal that I could see.
We were then led through a series of locked doors and concertina wire (which is very odd for a low security facility) and into the visitation room. A minute or so later Marc was led through another door and there was much hugging and kissing and a few tears...mostly from being so happy to finally see him with my own eyes, and lay my own hands on him and know that physically, at least, he is doing fine. He's a little skinny, but has been able to get out and get some sun here in South Georgia so he no longer looks starving, pale, and gaunt like he did at Sea-Tac.
Visitation last from 8:30 to 3:30 and between the three of us we kept up a constant conversation about what is being done to get him home, what needs to still be done to get him home, what life is like for him inside prison etc. Jodie held one of his hands and I held the other for nearly the entire visit. Physical contact is so important to the human soul and being deprived of it does terrible things to ones mind. It was just really great to touch him.
If you know Marc than you know he is willing and able to keep up a rapid machine gun fire of conversation. It's so funny when he calls me. When I see the number I grab a pen and paper and as soon as the call is connected He says "Hi Loretta" and then launches off into a 1 to 2 minute list of instructions of things he needs done. I rarely get to actually do much talking to him at all :) I was very pleased to see that prison has done absolutely nothing to dampen his enthusiasm for the love of gab. Nor has it cowed him in any way.
In fact, he has done just what I, and probably everyone who knows him at all, thought he would do....he's taken the damn place over, has a devoted following of other inmates who have come to depend on him for help with their paperwork, lodging complaints against the prison, getting the library on order, counseling people when they are down and standing up for the little guy. Just being Marc in other words.
I think they really fucked up when they decided to send him to a prison that was only recently taken over from the state by GEO group. They really don't have their shit together, ignore all the BOP rules, violate every policy and procedure, and are just plain unorganized. Marc hates disorganization and dirt. He is an organizer...perhaps the greatest organizer of our time (to me there is no question about that) and it is just his nature to make sure things are done right and according to established rules. Sending him to a place where that isn't the case has allowed him to focus his incredible energy and determination of all of the things that need doing, that are done wrong, or not at all, and he stays extremely busy. He knows more about how the place is supposed to be run than the people they have hired off the street, with absolutely no training whatsoever, know about it and will likely ever know about it. He said the warden told him he is 'tantalizing' which is an extremely odd word to use. All of this channeling of energy has kept sadness and depression at bay. He has something to focus his considerable will upon and that makes him extremely dangerous....only the authorities inside the prison haven't realized it yet. When they do you can bet they will figure out that transfer application process real quick and have his rabble rousing ass on the first flight back to Canada they can get him on. I can't wait til that happens. I'll have a good long laugh on that day.
He gets along well with all of the staff. they treat him with respect and he reciprocates in kind. All of the other prisoners look up to him. They've even started this chant when his huge stacks of mail come every day. They start chanting FREE MARC! FREE MARC! and he responds "THAT'S A GREAT IDEA". If he doesn't respond right away they get louder and louder until he either responds or one of them responds for him. It's quite hilarious!
And while all of this is really great to know it is still imperative that we all continue to do everything we can to get him sent back to his home country to serve his time. He has absolutely no business in South Georgia. So, please don't slack off just because he is coping well and doing all he can to make life behind bars tolerable for himself and the others who are suffering the same fate. Tomorrow or Tuesday when I have had a day to recover from this trip I will post a gargantuan list of all the things he needs done. I want all of you reading this to pick one thing...anything...and DO IT. Report your progress to me and I will keep him up to date on everything that is happening and who is doing what. In order to keep his spirits up we must let him know that we are all working on his behalf to rectify this terrible wrong that has been committed by our government in our goddamn name.
When our visiting time was over (and it seemed to fly by) we all embraced again and man I tell you it was difficult to walk away and leave him there. He saluted us and I told him to "Hang on Commander", which is what I always used to call him and then we were led back to the free world. I'm so happy conditions weren't deplorable and that there was no hint of violence. I am used to dealing with Alabama state prisons which are nothing but giant torture chambers and disease incubators and filled with extreme violence and danger. This prison leaves a great deal to be desired....but by God at least it ain't state prison and for that we can be thankful.
A couple of announcements before I close this out. Today Marc and Jodie asked me to be the new ad sales manager for the CC website, which I am happy to do because I can sell matches to the devil (I used to sell cars after all) and because I could really use the extra cash. Marc also asked me to take over the Free Marc website and keep it updated by posting the letters he writes me and organizing the information on how to help him all in one place. I won't be using the current website, because I am unfamiliar with the format. I will be transferring everything there to a blog format (like this one) because I am familiar with that and it is simple and easy to use.
So, be sure to check back in the coming days for the new website and for the huge list of things that need to be done to help Marc. There will be plenty to go around....and then some.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Christmas book drive for Marc Emery
I get a letter and a phone call from Marc Emery nearly every day. He has been given the position of Librarian at D Ray James correctional facility in Folkston, GA. That is a perfect position for him seeing as how he has owned some sort of book store since the age of 16, is a genius despite not even possessing a GED and loves to read more than anyone I know.
Problem is that the library he is in charge of has almost no books and absolutely no magazines. What books they do have are years outdated. And there are no Spanish books or magazines anywhere in the prison, despite the fact that 700 of the 750 inmates are Spanish speaking.
So, Marc has asked me to organize a book and magazine drive for the prison. Here is what I need readers to do.
Buy a year subscription to any of the following magazines and have them sent to
Marc Emery #40252-086
Unit Q Pod 2,
CI D Ray James,
PO Box 2000,
Folkston GA, 31537
Here is a list of magazines he requested.
Spanish Magazines
Don Balon
GO (en espanol)
Mechanica Popular (en espanol)
Men's Health (en espanol)
National Geographic (en espanol)
My Interesante
People (en espanol)
TV y Novelas
Pre Seso
El Zeta
Readers Digest (en espanol) and English
American Curves (in English and Spanish)
Marc has also requested that books and magazine you may have just laying around the house be sent. One per envelope addressed to him or to the other librarian Mr. Folk, at the same address (sans the prisoner number if sending to Mr. Folk).
So please take a moment and order a years subscription to one of these magazines listed above, look around your house for books and magazines that you are no longer using, pack them up and send them off. This is important and a very small thing to do for someone who badly needs your help.
Subscriptions are cheaper at Tradewindspublications.com
Marc is hanging in there best he can. The conditions are deplorable, food gross and insubstantial and at least one employee is an absolute monster. From his letter the other day
"Today the inspectors were here from the BOP asking about the quality of the food we get served. Boy that was good! I told them the only "fresh" fruit we ever get is a scrawny orange that Florida/Georgia would be ashamed of, one every two days. Never an apple or a banana. God forbid Georgia is the Peach state, How bout some peaches?"
Good that he is keeping his sense of humor intact.
Please make his stay there more bearable by sending the magazine subscriptions listed above. Also send him a subscription of the Miami Herald (both Spanish and English) and a subscription to the Nassau Guardian.
Soft cover books and magazines may be sent through regular post. Hard cover books must be ordered and delivered from a bookstore such as Amazon.
Problem is that the library he is in charge of has almost no books and absolutely no magazines. What books they do have are years outdated. And there are no Spanish books or magazines anywhere in the prison, despite the fact that 700 of the 750 inmates are Spanish speaking.
So, Marc has asked me to organize a book and magazine drive for the prison. Here is what I need readers to do.
Buy a year subscription to any of the following magazines and have them sent to
Marc Emery #40252-086
Unit Q Pod 2,
CI D Ray James,
PO Box 2000,
Folkston GA, 31537
Here is a list of magazines he requested.
Spanish Magazines
Don Balon
GO (en espanol)
Mechanica Popular (en espanol)
Men's Health (en espanol)
National Geographic (en espanol)
My Interesante
People (en espanol)
TV y Novelas
Pre Seso
El Zeta
Readers Digest (en espanol) and English
American Curves (in English and Spanish)
Marc has also requested that books and magazine you may have just laying around the house be sent. One per envelope addressed to him or to the other librarian Mr. Folk, at the same address (sans the prisoner number if sending to Mr. Folk).
So please take a moment and order a years subscription to one of these magazines listed above, look around your house for books and magazines that you are no longer using, pack them up and send them off. This is important and a very small thing to do for someone who badly needs your help.
Subscriptions are cheaper at Tradewindspublications.com
Marc is hanging in there best he can. The conditions are deplorable, food gross and insubstantial and at least one employee is an absolute monster. From his letter the other day
"Today the inspectors were here from the BOP asking about the quality of the food we get served. Boy that was good! I told them the only "fresh" fruit we ever get is a scrawny orange that Florida/Georgia would be ashamed of, one every two days. Never an apple or a banana. God forbid Georgia is the Peach state, How bout some peaches?"
Good that he is keeping his sense of humor intact.
Please make his stay there more bearable by sending the magazine subscriptions listed above. Also send him a subscription of the Miami Herald (both Spanish and English) and a subscription to the Nassau Guardian.
Soft cover books and magazines may be sent through regular post. Hard cover books must be ordered and delivered from a bookstore such as Amazon.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Miraculous outcome in Michael Lapihuska Case
An amazing thing happened today due to the diligence, passion, and determination of the people who make up the ranks of Alabamians for Compassionate Care.
For those readers who may have missed the previous coverage of the Michael Lapihuska case you can read about it here and here. In short, Michael is a native Alabamian who moved to California in the 1990's so that he could legally use the only medication that works for his multiple conditions. Marijuana. He became a licensed patient.
On December 15, 2009 Michael had returned home to Anniston to visit his family. One night while walking down the road and minding his own business he was accosted by an Anniston police officer and accused of hitchhiking. The cop demanded that Michael consent to a search and being scared to death he did. The cop found his medicine in prescription bottle and Michael showed him his medical card from California...and was promptly arrested and jailed because Alabama does not yet have a medical marijuana law. He contacted me and asked for help and we at ACC came to his defense. With a fury!
We wrote numerous letters to the Anniston Star on his behalf. You can read those here. The Anniston Star also did a feature article on his situation.
Michael began attending ACC meetings and events all across Alabama and practically swamped the Oxford/Anniston area with handouts and flyers about his case and about the Michael Phillips Compassionate Care Act. He was a tireless and energetic advocate for the only medication that works for him and for others who need/use it but are too afraid to speak out.
A couple of months ago ACC members from as far away as Cullman and Alexander City converged on Anniston to attend his first court hearing. Michael was not even aware that he had a court hearing that day. He had not been notified by the circuit clerks office nor by his then attorney. Thankfully I have friends in the legal community who are more than willing to look up a case for me. The same thing happened today.
Last week I spoke with Michael and asked him when his next court date was. He said he hadn't heard anything and that his lawyer wasn't returning his calls. So, once again I called up a friend in the legal community and found out that Michael had a pre-trial hearing today and that his trial date had been set for Jan. 24, 2011. I told Michael who knew nothing about it.
I picked him up this morning and took him to court. We sat in court for about an hour and when most of the cases had been called he asked me if he should go and ask the D.A. if he was on the docket for today...just like last time. And, just like last time she said he was. He told her that he had not been notified and had it not been for me he wouldn't have known to be there. She said he was lucky he showed up or else a Failure to Appear warrant would have been sworn out for him. She told him that his lawyer wasn't going to be there until 10:15 so we decided to step outside and call her.
He called her and she told him he was not on the docket for today...that she had just gotten off the phone with the judge and he confirmed that. Michael told her that he was in court 'right now' and had just talked to the prosecutor and saw his name on the list and was told that she (his lawyer) was on the docket for 10:15. She said she would be there in a few minutes.
When we got back in the courtroom she was already there and in front of the Judge discussing his case. We sat down to wait and a few minutes later she took us out to a private consultation room. She asked Michael if he would accept a plea deal. We asked what kind and told her anything that didn't include unsupervised probation was out of the question due to marijuana being his legal, doctor approved medication. She said she would ask for unsupervised probation.
Michael was very reluctant to take the deal. In reality he had done nothing wrong, should not have been stopped in the first place much less searched and didn't feel he should be being put through this whole charade to begin with.
I told him that he should take the deal because it was as close as we were ever likely to get to getting him off scot free. That a deal like this in Alabama is unheard of for someone with a record like his (multiple possession charges for marijuana before he was a legal patient). He said he thought a jury would not convict him. I asked him to please remember where he was....that he would not be able to raise a medical defense in Alabama because we do not have a medical necessity law. I told him that my case all those years ago was different....that I wasn't facing 10-20 years in a state prison running at 195% capacity....that he could do more on the outside to change the law than inside. To please take the deal.
He finally decided...and it was a very difficult compromise for him...I mean he really, really struggled with it...to take the deal if she could get it. He said he felt like he had caved, that he hadn't stood true to his values. I told him that was nonsense...the court is what caved by offering that deal. I told him he had absolutely nothing to feel sad about...that he had won if they offered the deal we wanted.
The lawyer came back in with the paperwork and said that the prosecution had agreed to the deal...all he needed to do was sign. I looked over the agreements and saw that the deal we had discussed was not in there and asked her about it. She said the D.A. didn't want it in writing. I asked her if we got in there and the DA or the Judge didn't accept his plea to 2 misdemeanors could he withdraw it and continue on with the trial as originally planned. She assured me that he could. I also asked her if this deal would be dependent on him passing a drug test today. She said she would work that out, that they usually do, but since this is his medicine she would try and avoid it. I told her if she couldn't then the deal would be off.
She began reading Michael his rights. She told him that the Judge would ask him if he had anything to say and that he should just say no. He said he didn't know if he could do that because he had plenty that he wanted to say about how fucked up this whole situation is, how he is a LEGAL patient, about how the law is wrong etc. I told him to please try not to say anything (and trust me I know how HARD it is to bite your tongue when in that situation) and he said he would do his best.
So, finally he signed the plea agreements, albeit it unhappily, and we proceeded back into the courtroom. When the Judge asked him if he had anything to say...he paused...and God it was a very long pause and I thought he was about to unload on the Judge and then he said "No."
The Judge asked him if he planned to return to California and Michael said "Yes". Then he sentenced him to 365 days in county, suspended, and 2 years UNSUPERVISED Probation, $250 on each count, court costs and lawyer fees and told him he was free to go.
Before that though his lawyer said, "Don't talk to the media because it will make the prosecution look soft on drugs and that will make it hard for me to work deals in the future." I told her we would try not to celebrate too much. As soon as we were out of there I called the Anniston Star and told them of the outcome since her request was just a request and not part of the deal Michael had signed.
I also asked the AS to investigate the fact that Michael was never notified about today's hearing and that even his lawyer was unaware....that if I hadn't known to get him to court that he would have been arrested for FTA through no fault of his own. Personally I think they did that shit on purpose. I can see it happening once....but twice? And the second time his lawyer didn't even know. Yeah...something's definitely up.
The fact that the media coverage was mentioned at all tells me all I need to know. ACC did one hell of a job coming to Michael's defense and alerting the public to this total miscarriage of justice. I want to personally than everyone who wrote a letter to the Anniston Star on his behalf, made comments on the letters that were printed, came to court with him, took him back and forth to ACC meetings and helped him in other ways.
WE DID IT Y'ALL!!! We defeated the dragons in Calhoun County and none of it would have been possible had it not been for you brave souls who dared to stand up and stare down the Alabama Criminal INJUSTICE system.
Many thanks are also in order to the Anniston Star. They picked up this story and ran with it the whole way through and published nearly every letter we sent in for Michael. Had it not been for them and their willingness to cover this issue then we would have never made the court fear us and back down today. Many thanks Anniston Star.
I never again want to hear that political advocacy and things like letter writing and showing up with someone for court don't have an effect. We made them cry uncle today and you should all be very proud of the part you played in it. I am still in shock that it turned out this way. Extremely happy in a bitter sweet way....but absolutely shocked.
Next!
Monday, December 06, 2010
Only in Alabama...
Only in Alabama will you find an 8 point buck as part of the Nativity Scene. Gee, I don't remember that from the KJV. Saw this at the local Christmas Parade and just had to share.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Duck a la Orange Anyone?
Amazing game. Just effin amazing! Garcia took an absolute beating! National Championship here we come!!!!
Duck a la Orange anyone?
Friday, November 26, 2010
WAR EAGLE!
So, today is the BIG day....the day all of us Auburn fans have been waiting a year for.
PAYBACK!
I never brag before an Auburn - Alabama game, because, despite either team having a terrible year none, of it matters when the Iron Bowl kicks off.
I believe Auburn will win today. I predict the score will be Auburn 35 Alabama 31.
Wish I could be there. Since my son is a student at Auburn I do plan to attend next year since the game will be in Auburn and I will have season tickets!
WAR DAMN EAGLE!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
A very happy and tummy satisfying Thanksgiving to all of my friends across the US today.
Here is what's on the Nall menu.
Turkey
Mashed Potatoes
Homemade Mac n Cheese
Turnip Greens
Green Bean casserole
Dressing
Cheesecake with cherry topping
Crown Royal Black and Ginger Ale
Hope y'all have a great one!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Loretta Nall vs. Senator Jeff Sessions
I may have mentioned a time or two on this blog my intense dislike of one Senator Jeff Sessions, the white supremacist, douche bag, Howdy Doody look alike Republican US Senator from Alabama. May have mentioned it. If not then let me say again that I have an intense dislike for this buffoon. How he continues to get elected is baffling....but he does. I've never voted for him and never will unless he is a contestant in a Hodwy Doody look alike contest.
I will say that in his long, disappointing career he has done two things that I consider decent. Those two things are the last two things one would expect from Senator Jeff Sessions, seeing as how he once said he thought the Ku Klux Klan was ok until he learned some of them consumed marijuana. He co-sponsored a bill to stop prisoner rape and he supported a bill to remove the powder/crack cocaine disparity in sentencing. He didn't go nearly far enough on the powder/crack sentencing reduction. It was a 20 to 1 disparity and he thought getting it down to 5 to 1 was good enough. It isn't.
Now Jeff has shown himself for the true hypocrite that he is. During the confirmation hearings for DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart Sessions had the following to say.
Perhaps due to the failure of Prop 19 in California (and despite the passage of medical marijuana in Arizona), Kohl, along with Democratic Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Al Franken of Minnesota, made no mention of medical marijuana. Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, however, made it his prime focus.
“I’m a big fan of the DEA,” said Sessions, before asking Leonhart point blank if she would fight medical marijuana legalization.
“I have seen what marijuana use has done to young people, I have seen the abuse, I have seen what it’s done to families
. It’s bad,” Leonhart said. “If confirmed as administrator, we would continue to enforce the federal drug laws.”
“These legalization efforts sound good to people,” Sessions quipped. “They say, ‘We could just end the problem of drugs if we could just make it legal.’ But any country that’s tried that, Alaska and other places have tried it, have failed. It does not work,” Sessions said.
“We need people who are willing to say that. Are you willing to say that?” Sessions asked Leonhart.
“Yes, I’ve said that, senator. You’re absolutely correct [about] the social costs from drug abuse, especially from marijuana,” Leonhart said. “Legalizers say it will help the Mexican cartel situation; it won’t. It will allow states to balance budgets; it won’t. No one is looking [at] the social costs of legalizing drugs.
Now, let me get this straight. Jeff Sessions is supposedly a strong supporter of States Rights....yet he wants the DEA to continue to violate States Rights and directives from the DoJ to leave alone those states which have passed medical marijuana laws? Hell, even my old buddy Troy King got this right when he filed an amicus brief on behalf of Angel Raich when she took former US Attorney General to the Supreme Court over medical marijuana.
Jeff Sessions is adamantly opposed to socialized medicine which he and others define as the government getting in between doctor and patient...yet he wants the government to do just that where medical marijuana is concerned? That is the definition of socialized medicine.
Sessions says that no countries which have legalized marijuana have seen improvements? And then he mentions Alaska....which isn't a country BTW, and which has seen very real success with their experiment of allowing up to 4 ounces of marijuana in the privacy of ones own home. Even Sarah Palin, who Sessions likely worships and fantasizes about, said that someone smoking a joint in the privacy of their own home does not rise to the level of needing to be interfered with.....that government has more important things to do. For once I agree with her.
And what about Portugal, which decriminalized all drug use in 2001? How do their drug use rates compare to the US?
According to TIME Magazine...
"Compared to the European Union and the U.S., Portugal's drug use numbers are impressive. Following decriminalization, Portugal had the lowest rate of lifetime marijuana use in people over 15 in the E.U.: 10%. The most comparable figure in America is in people over 12: 39.8%. Proportionally, more Americans have used cocaine than Portuguese have used marijuana."
Looks to me like Portugal is faring far better than the US.
And stop this nonsense that marijuana destroys lives. It is the damn laws that destroy lives. If marijuana in and of itself destroyed lives then people like George Bush, Sarah Palin, Bill Clinton, Barak Obama, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington would have had their lives destroyed from it's consumption. But they didn't....and neither has anyone else.
We have had marijuana prohibition in place since the 1937 Tax Act and the days of racist enforcer Henry Anslinger. And name one positive thing it has brought us. Has prohibition stopped people from getting marijuana? No. What it has done is turn a natural plant that anyone who wants it could grow into a commodity that is worth about as much as gold and thereby funded violent, dangerous Mexican cartels who make 61% of their profits from the importation of marijuana into the US.
Has it stopped kids from having unfettered access to marijuana? No. It has provided unfettered access to marijuana. Drug dealers don't ask for ID and they never will until the sale of marijuana is brought under regulation.
Prohibition has filled our prison system to bursting with non-violent people who have no business there. In Alabama our prison system is running at 195% capacity in large part because of this damn drug war. You think Sessions cares?
So, I will run against Senator Jeff Sessions in 2014. In order to do that I will need ballot access. And for that I will need the signature of every Alabama citizen who is tired of people like Jeff Sessions talking out both sides of their mouth and keeping in place the laws which have proven destructive, wasteful and futile. Please download the ballot access petition HERE fill it out and mail it to me at...
Loretta Nall for US Senate
4633 Pearson Chapel Rd
Alexander City, AL 35010
Print out loads of them and have all your friends, family and co-workers sign it. We have to get signatures which equal 3% of the votes cast in this last gubernatorial election. I am not sure what the exact number is but will inquire with the Secretary of States office today. Seems to me like I only need 5000 to qualify for federal office and not 3% of the ballots cast in the last gubernatorial election.
If we get started now then getting my name on the ballot should be no problem. Let's roll!
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Go VOTE!
Please take the time today and exercise your right to vote in the General Election. If you don't participate then you have absolutely no say in decisions others make that affect your life.
Also, if you are a praying person then pray hard that Prop. 19, the Regulate, Tax and Control Cannabis Initiative in California passes. If you are not a praying person then keep your fingers crossed. Former Mexico President Vicente Fox recently said of Prop. 19...."May God let it pass." He knows that 61% of the violent drug cartel profits come from the sale of marijuana smuggled into the states from Mexico and he knows that legalization would practically bankrupt the cartels overnight. Seeing as how some 28,000 Mexican people have lost their lives to the unspeakable violence that prohibition has brought us I'd say he knows probably better than anyone what legalization will do. Listen to the man.
Also, if you are a praying person then pray hard that Prop. 19, the Regulate, Tax and Control Cannabis Initiative in California passes. If you are not a praying person then keep your fingers crossed. Former Mexico President Vicente Fox recently said of Prop. 19...."May God let it pass." He knows that 61% of the violent drug cartel profits come from the sale of marijuana smuggled into the states from Mexico and he knows that legalization would practically bankrupt the cartels overnight. Seeing as how some 28,000 Mexican people have lost their lives to the unspeakable violence that prohibition has brought us I'd say he knows probably better than anyone what legalization will do. Listen to the man.
Friday, October 29, 2010
They're Smoking Weed!
A Dallas news anchor in San Francisco to cover the World Series trips out on the fact that people are smoking pot right out in the open. HYSTERICAL!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
That Naughty Pig
As most of my readers know I own a male pot belly pig named Snuffalufagus, who is very sweet and likes his tummy scratched whenever he can get it. What they don't know (unless they have owned one and found out the hard way) is that pigs are completely oversexed animals (if you don't have them castrated when they are young) and will hump anything even remotely round.
I didn't have mine castrated when he was young. My vet dislikes pigs immensely and would not do it. He told me to find an old black farmer to do it. I asked a friend of mine if he knew of any farmers who fit that description and he said yes. I asked him about how the procedure was performed and he told me, "Well the farmer catch the pigs head up in a wooden thing, then he takes a razor blade and slices open the sac, pops out the balls, cuts them off, throws some turpentine in there and that's it. The pig will act like he dyin' for about 4 days then he will get up and be fine...most of the time anyway." I asked about anesthesia for my little pig and was told that none would be given.
Since I like my pig and thought that procedure sounded a lot like torture, I decided against getting him castrated. I now deeply regret that decision.
See, my pig is a flat out sex maniac. He humps anything round. Barrels, logs, he's made more than one attempt at the goats, cats, and would probably go after the dog if he could get close enough. We gave him a barrel a few months ago....but after a fierce bout of pig/barrel fornication, in which he rolled it down the driveway, across the road and into the neighbors yard (forcing me into a very embarrassing situation of having to explain why my pig was in my neighbors yard having relations with a barrel) we took it away.
Now, the pig has gotten his revenge. Every day (at least until this week) Snuffy was allowed to be out of his pen for a few hours in the evening. He likes to roam around in the woods, root for acorns, muscadines, and other tasty things to eat, and terrorize the other animals who happen to be out when he is. Other than a time or two, I have never known him to travel to the neighbors yard (remember the barrel episode?) and never gave it much thought. However, I should have foreseen what was bound to happen.
A few weeks ago one of my neighbors put up her Halloween decorations. Their house sits right next to mine and so her decorations, which consist of a scarecrow hanging on a fence and a large, ROUND, pumpkin, are just a few feet from the bottom of my driveway.
When we first noticed the decorations my husband said, "You know pig is going to go after that pumpkin...he won't be able to resist it." I said...'Man I hope not."
And then it happened. Day before yesterday I hear a knock on the door. When I answer it I see my neighbors adult son standing there. After we exchange pleasantries he asks me, "Say...y'all ain't seen a large plastic pumpkin around here anywhere have you? I seen your pig just humping the hell out of it yesterday afternoon and now it's disappeared. My mama really loved that pumpkin."
I don't think I've ever wanted to crawl under a rock so badly in my life.
"No", I said, "I haven't seen a pumpkin around anywhere. And I am so sorry you had to witness that incident. My pig has a thing for all things round. Let me look around the property and see if I can locate your pumpkin. If I can't I will replace it or give your mom the money if I am unable to find one."
He was agreeable to that. So, I looked all over my 2.15 acres of wooded property and there was no large, bright orange plastic pumpkin to be found. Piggy has her stashed somewhere I guess. I just can't figure out where he would have hidden it. Hell, you'd think a big orange plastic pumpkin with a jack-o-lantern face would be pretty easy to spot. Not so...at least not in this case.
So, yesterday I went to Walmart with the intent of purchasing another plastic pumpkin to replace the one that piggy befouled. But they didn't have any. All they had were the inflatable kind for $50. And, let's face it, an inflatable pumpkin would fare far, far worse in a go round with piggy than a plastic one did.
Anyone know where I can get a large, plastic pumpkin? I feel bad about my animal destroying another's property and want to replace it.
Piggy is currently on lock down until I can get him a better place built that won't require him being let out to roam every day. I hate that because he so enjoys being loose, kicking up his heels, wagging his tail, and trotting around the yard. But, nothing round is safe when he is loose and in the interest of preserving neighborly relationships I will keep him secure until a better pen is built or until I can find someone with adequate facilities to take the horny little porcine.
Say, anyone want a pig?
UPDATE: PUMPKIN FOUND!
As you can see he stashed her in a huge stand of nasty looking saw briers! That damn pig! Now I gotta wade through those evil things to rescue her and return her to her spot in front of the Scarecrow.
Friday, October 08, 2010
Headed to Anniston for Michael Lapihuska hearing
I and other members of Alabamians for Compassionate Care are headed to the court house in Anniston, AL this morning for a docket hearing on Michael Lapihuska's case. We will have signs calling for jury nullification and acquittal as well as this handout for passers-by. If you are in or around the Anniston area please come out and join us. The courthouse is located at
25 W 11th St Anniston, AL
25 W 11th St Anniston, AL
Monday, October 04, 2010
Holy S*!#...What a SNAKE!
Got the below picture with the following explanation in my email this morning.
Looking for hogs in Georgia with his shotgun, heard a rattle and his first instinct was to point and shoot. Dude is about 6’2”. Look at the head on that thing!!!
Eastern Diamondback
That snake is enough to make my friend Tim Lennox pass out on sight! Cover your eyes Tim!
Seriously though...GOOD GOD that thing is a monster. Hell, I'd still be shooting it.
Looking for hogs in Georgia with his shotgun, heard a rattle and his first instinct was to point and shoot. Dude is about 6’2”. Look at the head on that thing!!!
Eastern Diamondback
That snake is enough to make my friend Tim Lennox pass out on sight! Cover your eyes Tim!
Seriously though...GOOD GOD that thing is a monster. Hell, I'd still be shooting it.
Speaking at UAB on Wednesday
On Wednesday, October 6, I, along with Thomas Pearson from Alabama NORML, will be speaking at UAB. I will be speaking about the medical marijuana bill and how to get involved in getting it passed and Thomas will be speaking about marijuana legalization in general and what benefits the state would reap should they ever decide to have a serious conversation about legalization. Details are below. The event is free. Please come out and join us.
Ending Alabama’s War on Marijuana Consumers
Heritage Hall room 121
Wednesday, Oct. 6th @ 7 pm
Representatives from Alabama NORML and Alabamians for Compassionate Care discuss strategies and opportunities for changing Alabama’s misguided, costly and harmful marijuana laws.
Ending Alabama’s War on Marijuana Consumers
Heritage Hall room 121
Wednesday, Oct. 6th @ 7 pm
Representatives from Alabama NORML and Alabamians for Compassionate Care discuss strategies and opportunities for changing Alabama’s misguided, costly and harmful marijuana laws.
Friday, October 01, 2010
Is this a case of fratricide?
The Cullman Times is reporting that police gunned down a wild, huge, sharp-tusked, aggressive boar hog near Cullman High School.
Problem is....it wasn't any of those things. According to the picture of said beast below...it was a small, relatively harmless pot bellied pig. I have one that looks almost identical. He likes to get his belly and legs scratched.
What is truly telling about the way police reported this incident is that it is the exact way they report about the people they arrest. They blow shit up to the Nth degree, demonize the suspect, etc....and this was a pig...who could not come back later and challenge their story.....and they still lied and blew things way out of proportion.
I think this is a clear case of fratricide...and if they barbecue him and eat him then it will be cannibalism.
Then again...that's not really fair to the pig. In fact, it is an insult to pigs, which are smart animals and make great pets, to be placed in the same category with cops.
Poor piggy! They really didn't have to kill him.
Problem is....it wasn't any of those things. According to the picture of said beast below...it was a small, relatively harmless pot bellied pig. I have one that looks almost identical. He likes to get his belly and legs scratched.
What is truly telling about the way police reported this incident is that it is the exact way they report about the people they arrest. They blow shit up to the Nth degree, demonize the suspect, etc....and this was a pig...who could not come back later and challenge their story.....and they still lied and blew things way out of proportion.
I think this is a clear case of fratricide...and if they barbecue him and eat him then it will be cannibalism.
Then again...that's not really fair to the pig. In fact, it is an insult to pigs, which are smart animals and make great pets, to be placed in the same category with cops.
Poor piggy! They really didn't have to kill him.
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