Federal Judges to California on Prisons: "How Do We Address Your Needs While People are Dying?"

Thank you Mr. Russo, for continuing to report on this critical issue. Hopefully this will be resolved by the court sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, the State still has the opportunity to begin making substantial changes in the manner in which they deal with the problems of correction and rehabilitation. It seems to be an accepted fact by all but the Governor, the DA's and the Republican legislators, that AB 900 will be shot down as an illegal tax. Not one of them seems to have any other "plan".

After dedicating more than a decade of my life to make certain that everyone in power knows that people are dying preventable deaths in prisons, I am trusting Judges Henderson and Karlton to do as much as they possibly can to alleviate this situation.

Shame on everyone who pretends to care about helping the prisoners who can't be bothered to do one small thing to take care of individual complaints. If there was even one person who would listen to those who are suffering and dying and actually DO SOMETHING ABOUT THEIR COMPLAINTS, many of these deaths could be prevented.

The Governor, the Inspector General, CDC Director Tilton, the "Ombudsmen", the legislative staffers, Robert Sillen and his staff, everyone who is pretending to be listening and acting to stop these deaths simply are not. The callousness is absolutely sickening to witness right here in my home state

If the Governor really cared about the sick and dying, the permanently incapacitated, he would not have turned down the compassionate release bill last year or denied the media access to see these abuses for themselves. Another compassionate release bill AB 1539 is on his desk now but does he have the courage and moral fiber to sign it?

The Governor has no choice but to pretend to agree with the Judges since they outrank him, and make no mistake, he could have done much more in this crisis than he did instead of refusing to sign every single reform bill sent to him by the legislature.

My stomach turns at his disgusting hypocrisy each and every time he opens his mouth and I don't trust him for five minutes since he executed mentally ill and elderly men. Combine the Governor's bad decisions with the callousness he has exhibited toward many of our UNION families and he is no better than the most mentally ill killer on death row.

I don't know what the Judges don't put everyone in prison who has violated the 70 orders they've made to stop this state murder by medical neglect. They should all get a dose of what abuse feels like, maybe then we'd see it get cleaned up.

The legislators are breaking the law of the land too, not to mention supporting with budgets and encouraging more murder by medical neglect to take place by pushing AB 900, knowing that the present system is understaffed.

Too many of the three million people connected to a prisoner are looking for a free rescue instead of registering the poor to vote and organizing their own voting group so they can force changes in the laws. These family members are trusting that people in elected office are doing the right thing and living in denial that any sentence to prison is a potential death sentence.

I hope that everyone is keeping good records for the news people who are probing some of these deaths. Those who continue to turn their backs on mothers pleading for medical help in order to save their sons and daughters should also be held accountable.

The costs of litigating more lawsuits will far outweigh doing things right in the first place, although getting any justice in our corrupt courts is next to impossible. A lawsuit at least brings some form of accountability to those responsible which the state refuses to do. Why is there no accountability for deliberate careless double-celling such as that done at CSP Lancaster which resulted in the death of Eddie Arraiga?

Three million people IN CALIFORNIA attached to a state prisoner does not include the l.5 million on parole, those in jails, federal prisons or juvenile halls. Many may be too uneducated to bring people to vote, but they aren't beyond learning that the power of law enforcement labor unions and self-serving politicians have destroyed their lives forever.

Ultimately, the only serious reform is going to come at the ballot box by preventing any Republican from getting elected to office, and by putting up people to run for office who are healers, not punishers operating on a philosophy from the dark ages that has never worked.

It is a violation of the California Constitution, the US Constitution and every moral law to cage people up when medical care cannot be provided. If they can't be cared for, it's common sense that they shouldn't be caged in the first place.

Where are the patient advocates?

Where are the cleaning supplies for the prisoner to use to protect themselves from deadly epidemics raging out of control?

Where are the healthy diets with fresh food that are basic to good health?

How many people will get MRSA before it becomes more important than this industry of modernized slavery? I personally am teaching our large communications network to register the poor to vote and mobilize to to force reforms via initiative campaigns and filing more lawsuits. I am teaching those who are trusting that people in office and who work in Corrections are of good moral conscience and doing the right thing to go around them and report all deaths, disease outbreaks and riots directly to the media.

I want to thank and recognize Frank Russo for covering the hearing yesterday. We recently had a rally at the Capitol over this very topic hoping that the sentencing commission would be set up to alleviate some of this overcrowding. Almost everyone present has someone who is dying of neglect now or who died preventable deaths in prison.

These are real people. Not factory widgets, not hardened criminals, but people's family members. Several had a minor sentence but couldn't get medical help for simple conditions such as a toothache.

Here are some of the pictures of people who have suffered immeasurably at the hands of their government. I know them all personally and have done my very best to help them find lawyers and stand up to these superficial bullies in charge and will continue to do so as long as their people who want to do something about this crisis

http://www.1union1.com/about_UNION.html

http://www.1union1.com/Sept7_rally_photos.html

We aren't going away, we are at this time multiplying our ranks so that we can force changes at the ballot box and stop the Republicans from voting against our bills by making certain they are never elected in the first place.

The games are over when enough people step in, and those with blood-stained hands should keep this in mind that there will be a day of reckoning.

There is no evidence that punishing the sick, the mentally ill by locking them in a cage does one thing to deter crime. There is much that has been proven out to support prevention of mental illness and substance abuse, education and restorative justice as real solutions to crime.

Judges Henderson and Karlton are absolute heroes and I thank them for what they're doing. I am praying they take this prison capas far as possible, knowing that the deeper reforms will only be possible by doing initiatives and at the ballot box.

Excellent coverage Mr. Russo. Thank you.

Excellent comment Ms. Bird. (Your first link does not work) Maybe a typo.

So what is going to happen Next? When will we know if there is going to be a prison cap? And how soon will the process take effect is there is a cap? Anyone...

Thank you both for your efforts to help us the families and our loved ones. Can I have some feedback about the prison guards union should we start meeting with them or not?

There will be a trial and after that a decision in 2008, unless the matter gets derailed by appeals or unforeseen circumstances. If the decision is to cap or release, there undoubtedly will be an appeal whcih goes directly to the U.S. Supreme Court, according to one of the lawyers familiar with the PRLA. Depending on how it hits the cycle of the Supreme Court's calendar, it could be a matter of months if the Supreme Court declines to review the case or a year or two if the Court takes the case.

Even though the three judge panel wants to act as quickly as possible, and even if there is a trial as early as January (not likely), any order will be phased in and there are these appeal timelines as well.

Bottom line, I'd be surprised if there was any actual release or cap by next June--and it may be a lot further off, if it happens.

Very embarrassing of Ms. Bird to write all that and then congratulate herself using Morris1 identity. We all know you're the same person.

[Terrie: You are just plain wrong. These are two separate people--as much so as you and me. I know this, having talked with both of them. FDR]

Thank you Morris 1 - please tell "Terrie" that California Progress Report publisher Frank Russo has verified that he has met almost all of the many UNION members in person and that you are definitely not me.

How ridiculous to make such a claim to discredit our important work and deny the crisis

there is no "l" at the end, just .htm

http://www.1union1.com/about_UNION.htm

Ultimately the reform must come from the people themselves and with 3 million people who aren't voting at risk of losing their loved one in a state prison, they should all be taking action to fight this at the ballot box.

Still no good. Technical problem.

THANK YOU Frank Russo for the GREAT reporting of the hearing.

Now with the 3-judge panel in action maybe something besides studies and reports will be accomplished. These problems haven't happened overnight...20 years is more like it. Of course with so many unwilling players (those fearful of being seen as 'soft on crime') change won't happen without a court order. It appears the judges are on the right track.

THANK YOU Don Spector and the Prison Law Office for all you have done to improve the horrific CA prison system.

It's a shame to see CA, once the lead state in the country fall into the pits. I'm no longer proud to be a native born Californian.

Through the years there have been a tremendous number of attorneys, prison advocates, family members and loved ones of the incarcerated that have spent endless hours bringing the problems to light. It takes EVERYONE speaking up and working together to accomplish change. It isn't right for one person to take the credit for the work of the many.

Comment to CB - I don't claim to be a journalist but it appears you might have missed the journalism class where 'brief and to the point' was taught? To this day I've yet to finish reading one of your dialogs in it's entirety. Faaaaaarrrr too long and repetitive!!!! Unfortunately the tune hasn't changed...it's still "I" and sometimes mentioned "My -20 UNION members" are the only one doing anything.

How about adding a new verse Cayenne?

Our prisons are way to overcrowded theres people in there that dont belomg in there like alot of the non violent three strikers they have to be there for the rest of there lives Thats cruel and unusual pumishment. This law needs to be address those are human beings they have family that loves them

Our prisons are way to overcrowded theres people in there that dont belomg in there like alot of the non violent three strikers they have to be there for the rest of there lives Thats cruel and unusual pumishment. This law needs to be address those are human beings they have family that loves them

Lucky Lil

Another big mouth follower of Matthew Gray who has done everything in her(?) power to undermine the UNION families' work and lawsuits while doing absolutely nothing to help us.

The game that Gray plays goes like this. Get a handful of people to attack, divide and conquer anyone who supports the UNION families' lawsuits, rallies and campaigns so that there will be no group out there that can stop the madness and murder.

Mr. Russo saw on several occasions that there are far more than 20 UNION families since 28 have filed lawsuits.

Lucky Lil has never had the guts to show up to even one of these hearings, nor does anyone know her (?) real name.

Dr. Bird will keep repeating the same message until the families get it that all this is taking place with their permission.

Until those in power get it that the families have the message that there is no place to go. And if she needs to explain it the long way so that even those with minimal English skills can understand it, then that's what will happen.

It's amazing to me the jealous, petty women who really don't care at all about bashing and disrespecting the families have done all the work, filed all the lawsuits, written to editors every day for more than a decade while doing absolutely nothing themselves except trying to tear down those in the UNION Coalition who have been there.

Divide and conquer agents such as Lucky Lil lurk all over the internet and if you never see them at a hearing then assume they are one of the enemy.

For many years Lucky Lil and Matt Gray told everyone that there was no one in the UNION fighting back and filing lawsuits.

I suppose it is some kind of improvement that she's recognizing some but leaving out huge congregations including Rev. Shumake's Baptists, the Catholics, and Episcopalian members of the clergy, the SEIU and United Farm Workers who are members of the UNION, the representatives from Books not Bars, the many lawyers who have helped to file lawsuits, doctors, scores of teachers, nurses who still work for the system and who couldn't stand it and quit.

Uninformed people who listen to Matt Gray (who is being sued by us) need to show respect for what is being done here all by unpaid volunteers who saved everyone. Lucky Lil did not attend one hearing, write one letter to the editor, stand out in the cold and talk to people about organizing in the dark at the prisons even one time.

Some of the guards pretend to be family members of prisoners, pretend to be helping but are really there to divide and conquer. We have to rise about the likes of Lucky Lil and her cohort Matt Gray so that we can be able to do initiative campaigns.

Keep on going Dr. Bird, say it again and again until enough people get it and do it. It is certainly clear who does and does not care about the cause of saving lives and winning these lawsuits to end the pattern of death.

Great article! Its about time that the prison crisis we as advocates and activists for prison reform have known about for YEARS is finally getting media and public attention. There are MANY of us out here, many groups that DO not sit on the sidelines and are active and vocal. Its simply not right for one particular group to take all the credit. Not all of us are in the 'spotlight' nor do we want to be. That does not mean we are "doing nothing"...

What a shame the fighting that goes on between these groups/activists and to be displayed in a forum such as this! We all are striving for the same goals and its time for the personal attacks to stop. Just think of the changes that could be made, if we were all on the same page.

Actually Michael Westmoreland/Ms. Bird or whatever name you choose to go by, it is your big mouths that are a turn off. whenever I see a comment from you, I know to just pass it on by. You seem to disrespect anyone that does not hang on your every word. Everything I have read of yours or Ms. Bird's is all about what you have done vs. what others have done. You categorize those not in your "union" as the enemy. It all seems to be about your self promotion and frankly I find it tiresome so therefore I don't read it and just disregard it entirely. Your personal attacks and waging of war against others is counterproductive to the issues at hand and seem to be very self serving.

Im truely happy myself that the public is being more aware of the prison crisis we been having for years now..And now with the media putting it out there it does make a difference..Im a demorcate and I will vote democrate..We need to get the fat men out and the real men in..Let's pray for all inmates..

God Bless

Im truely happy myself that the public is being more aware of the prison crisis we been having for years now..And now with the media putting it out there it does make a difference..Im a demorcate and I will vote democrate..We need to get the fat men out and the real men in..Let's pray for all inmates..

God Bless

Im truely happy myself that the public is being more aware of the prison crisis we been having for years now..And now with the media putting it out there it does make a difference..Im a demorcate and I will vote democrate..We need to get the fat men out and the real men in..Let's pray for all inmates..

God Bless

Im truely happy myself that the public is being more aware of the prison crisis we been having for years now..And now with the media putting it out there it does make a difference..Im a demorcate and I will vote democrate..We need to get the fat men out and the real men in..Let's pray for all inmates..

God Bless

Jerri H is a correctional officer, Carol Leonard lives in Tennessee, never shows up to hearings and is another one of Matt Gray's cronies, just so we have all the players straight.

The press coverage has been continuous since 1998 since the UNION members came in and started reporting to the media about the deaths, diseases and riots on a daily basis.

There was no other "group" doing this public education work, no other "group" put up their own money and filed lawsuits, or ever showed up in San Francisco at all the hearings.

Prison Law Office was backed up by the UNION members in spite of Matt Gray and his henchmen who are bashing the work of the families here right now.

Will they ever stop?

All those who want to degrade and attack the UNION families, let's see your lawsuits, your published articles, your daily newsletter teaching people the issues, let's see your protests at the prisons, every year at the Capitol, let's see what you really did since you claim to care so much and have been so active in the reform process.

Let's see the evidence of who you are really and what you did to help so far. Or are you just part of that divide and conquer element sent by Matt Gray to keep us from organizing.

Put up the evidence or shut up, have a little respect for the dead and dying and crawl back under your rock. Your lies have grown old now and we know what you're trying to do. These court cases are going forward in spite of you and there are more on the way

Dr. Byrd, why aren't you crying about all the people in the community that don't have healthcare or die on the floors of the hospital emergency rooms? We are commanded to witness to those in prison, but after all, they are serving their time and prison is not meant to be a nice place. I would much rather see poor children get community medical care than a criminal serving time for crimes against our community.

Dr. Byrd, why aren't you crying about all the people in the community that don't have healthcare or die on the floors of the hospital emergency rooms? We are commanded to witness to those in prison, but after all, they are serving their time and prison is not meant to be a nice place. I would much rather see poor children get community medical care than a criminal serving time for crimes against our community.

Dr. Byrd, why aren't you crying about all the people in the community that don't have healthcare or die on the floors of the hospital emergency rooms? We are commanded to witness to those in prison, but after all, they are serving their time and prison is not meant to be a nice place. I would much rather see poor children get community medical care than a criminal serving time for crimes against our community.

Dr. Byrd, why aren't you crying about all the people in the community that don't have healthcare or die on the floors of the hospital emergency rooms? We are commanded to witness to those in prison, but after all, they are serving their time and prison is not meant to be a nice place. I would much rather see poor children get community medical care than a criminal serving time for crimes against our community.

Dr. Byrd, why aren't you crying about all the people in the community that don't have healthcare or die on the floors of the hospital emergency rooms? We are commanded to witness to those in prison, but after all, they are serving their time and prison is not meant to be a nice place. I would much rather see poor children get community medical care than a criminal serving time for crimes against our community.

Stephanie Gooding you are a complete idiot. I am not, have never been, and never will be allowed to be a correctional officer. There is as much truth in the statement "JerriH is a correctional officer" as there is in all your crazed rantings. NOW we have the players straight!

Frank,

Thank you for bringing this important issue to the fore.

I don't respect any person or group who claim to be the only one working on an issue. Those of you who make these ridiculous claims acomplish nothing. You only look foolish. Please stop.

I do have a loved on in prison and NO, I am not a correctional officer.

This name calling and bickering has got to stop! It puts all the good work everyone is doing in the back where no one sees the important issues and focus on the bickering. That is not what any of us want to happen, these important issues are what need to be addressed not the bickering.
None of us can assume anything about who or what each other are, lets stop worrying about what Matt Grey does or doesn’t do it makes no difference. What makes a difference is what YOU do and what YOU say. You are who make the difference. Remember actions speak louder than words.

I hope the Judges makes a decision soon because we all know “they” will fight tooth and nail to stop the gravy train. I’m hoping the Supreme Court declines to hear this, hopefully they will not want to get involved in this hideous mess.
It seems to me that the state has had to many years of getting away with things and just plain ignoring all the court orders given to them to fix and handle this situation. I find it ridicules that our Federal Government has had to threaten a state to listen to them, I find it horrendous that so many have had to die for no reason and that this has not affected this governor or all the previous governors. What kind of society are we to allow the cruel, abusive, and neglectful care of anyone, inmate or not. How can we as humans allow this kind of situation happen and just shrug our shoulders and say “oh well there inmates”.

Wrinkled and you know it…..people can go to the state and receive medical, or go to a hospital where they will be seen by someone, it may take awhile but you will be seen, as far as someone dying on a hospital floor, come on that is the hospitals fault not an inmates fault. That person WAS in a hospital, it however was a hospital that didn’t give a care for the sick individual.
Inmates don’t have the luxury of going to the hospital when they are sick, they are subjected to callous correctional officers who could care less if a fellow human is sick or dying. When they do see a doctor that doctor does not follow through with the right type of care or they get NO care at all. We are not talking about animals here we are talking about human beings who have loved ones that care for their well being. These men and women have fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, wives, children and plenty of others that truly love them. Just because you are serving a prison sentence does not make you and animal, a lot of these men don’t eve belong in prison.
What ever one who negatively posts on these issues need to understand is we are also here reading what you say about our loved ones and frankly we are sick and tired of hearing how our loved ones are the scum of the earth.
If you do not know the FACTS of a case do not open your mouth to comment on something you have absolutely no knowledge of, it makes you look ignorant. Correctional Officers who post on here we all know that it’s the money and your job you don’t want to loose. This whole situation is about the MONEY inmates bring in and nothing more.
People get a clue before it’s YOU who are serving a sentence and YOUR families are trying to get things changed before YOU die……

Well said Gentle Warrior.

It is very important to recognize how all this reform got to be on the table. A lot of people died and they're still dying and so the crisis is not over yet.

The journalists soon became aware of the high death toll of the prisoners in 1996 after Pete Wilson banned the media. Mark Arax and Mark Gladstone of the Los Angeles Times, along with Dr. Bird must have researched and written 500 articles during the mid to late 90's

People were dying and so Dr. Bird organized scores of protests and rallies and UNION supporters were often the only ones showing up to important hearings or speaking out at all in any great numbers

Nobody except Dr. Bird EVER testified against the wardens except one time when nurses showed up to testify against Tom Carey. These wardens were killing people and getting away with it without one word of protest from the families or anyone who caimed to represent the families except when Prison Law Office Filed some lawsuits, which the UNION families wrote to the editors about

Prison Law Office filed lawsuits and won, but they kept breaking the law (orders)the UNION families opened up their lives and held press conferences, fully cooperated in furnishing details to the National Prison Commission Lawyers, published articles, did television shows which aired on 100 cable channels, paid for everything out of their own pockets while others bashed their efforts.

It took several years of alerting the media on a daily basis for them to understand the full extent of the crisis ecause the families were afraid to stand for their loved ones

Had the UNION families not supported the lawsuits filed by Prison Law Office - not to mention filing 28 lawsuits in addition to those for wrongful deaths, had the UNION families not written to editors and opened up their lives about their individual cases, gotten together and produced television shows, gone to the middle of no where and baked in the sun on many occasions to bring attention to wrongful deaths happening uder the radar of the media, the problems wouldn't even be recognized.

Nobody came to the hearings and brought people except UNION members until AFTER the Receiver was appointed. There are many people out there pretending to be advocates who never appear at important hearings, never contribute information, file lawsuits, engage in public education or teach anybody how to organize and bring people to vote. ONLY THE UNION has done all that.

These people who kick around the families whose loved ones have died are not very sensitive or bright, because they do not have to fight their battles for them. We need to talk about Matt Gray because he was one of the big blocks to the crisis getting out. When he worked in the legislature he kept telling the media that he was "handling" the complaints. He wasn't and people died and became permanently disabled.

Maybe other "groups" had supportive feelings but they didn't take the actions, show up, file the lawsuit, help with the protests, correspond with the media about deaths, riots and disease outbreaks. The evidence is all there, only the UNION families took the really important actions besides Prison Law Office and their lawsuits (most important of all)

If you didn't write to editors, show up at protests, help with expenses to get this work done, testify against wardens, go to hundreds of legislative hearings, not to mention those held by Judge Henderson, then don't talk about who put this reform on the table.

Tilton's confirmation hearing as CDC director is still online, do you see anyone calling him on medical neglect except Dr. Bird and a member of the Barrio Defense Committee? The archives are full of the evidence of how this all came to be important.

Going forward, a whole lot more actual work is needed to help this win and to achieve the deeper reforms that only a citizen's group taking the right actions at the right time could ever possibly achieve.

And for these reasons all of this is very important because the judges cannot save people who won't organize and do a few things for themselves.

WOW!!! I have NEVER hear it put so perfectly. Gentle warrior you are amazing and right. these correctional officers are merely overpaid undereducated babysitters, who think they are above the law. I have seen many of them "fall" because of criminal violations themselves.
Another point I would like to make is they are trying to pacify us by stating that AB900 need time to take affect. How in this world do they think that by putting thousands more beds in a hell hole that is already understaffed, is suppose to help our system? I see correctional officers on a daily basis state that they are tired because of being "forced" to work overtime. I'm talking about 16 hour days most of them are being forced to do. so when are they suppose to be with their families? What is preventing their children from "falling" into the trap when they don't even have a secure family life because their parents are working too much overtime at the prison.
Where's the Justice in any of this?

What that smell? Oh, must be all them trolls (guards of the CDCR who really SHOULD be doing their JOB instead of lurking on here - talking of a waste of tax Dollars) trying to shut up the UNION...

Excellent article Mr Russo! Let's hope the 3 judges will continue to do the right thing and end this inhumane situation real soon!

What is really sad is that CB/Westmorland/?? doesn't realize she is not only shooting herself in the foot, but that she is doing an injustice to the entire prison reform movement. How can there be any definitive suport if anyone who does not agree with her is attacked. There is room and a need for everyone who wants to see the system changed.

I am APPALLED! Does it really matter who is on the forefront and who is standing in the back, passing the word around that this is taking place?

I have been to one of the UNION rallies at the Capital building. Unorganized, no one was there, it was sickening! Maybe it has gotten better.

There are several of us that rally in different ways, that doesn't make us less of a person, or less important than those that are making thier issues in the spotlight.
My husband is incarcerated! He was in CSP Lancaster when the triple bunking was taking place. Now he is in Donovan, it isn't much better there! He has some serious illnesses and he doesn't get care. So, every month I have to call the prison medical and fuss until he gets his medical attention.

Very few people are really willing to stand up to the guards, the staff and the likes because of repurcussion. We have been victims of that as well. Visits suspended, packages lost, no medical attention, the list goes on and on.

There are several hundred thousand inmate families in California, but many are so happy to see thier loved ones, and do not want to risk loosing that minimal amount of contact they are allowed. So, we suffer in silence. We send in letters to Ombudsman, directors, wardens and the likes. Most of us HAVE to do this anonymously for fear of retaliation!

We ALL are doing something about this situation, even if it isn't in the spotlight. There are people out there that make decisions of how they are going to vote based on the amount of controversy there is. If ANYONE were to read this entire bickering back and forth, they would vote AGAINST this issue! Everyone in here who is name calling should be ashamed of themselves. We ARE NOT THE ENEMY!!! We are all here for the same outcome! Proper Medical Attention for our loved ones!

Please, everyone realize that bickering back and forth isn't going to solve anything, don't we teach our children the same thing? Does everyone need to go and sit in the corner for a time out? Come on, we are all adults here! GROW THE HELL UP!

Pirateswife, inmate since 1994.

Well said Pirateswife.

Dr. Bird was the only person with guts to stand up to all these hateful people and get the families to open up about their cases of wrongful deaths and to actually file lawsuits

I was at most of the rallies since 2003 and they all attracted around 200 people over the course of a few hours, some coming and going
It is certainly not the coordinators fault when people don't have the good sense to attend rallies to support bills in Sacramento where the war is located or at the prisons where people are dying~~
Of all the "groups" out there, the UNION has been the ONLY one focused on adult corrections that has held protests several times a year. This is something that those in power always believed that the families of prisoners were too uneducated and weak to do~
Consistently have spent, their own money and stood up for everyone, with more than 350 state employees now served with lawsuits, for their callousness and participation in murdering their loved ones, which too many people think won't happen to them
Maturity is knowing who the effective people of prison reform are and anybody who is against the UNION is questionable. Many lies have been told about the UNION families,who are at the front lines,they are the ones who put teeth in our battle, when all those lawsuits were filed with the help of Dr. Bird
No one has been more destructive toward prison reform than people who pretend to be advocates, but who never attended the hearings and protests, wrote to editors and showed up to rallies
The families need to stop, allowing themselves to be spectators,wanting a free rescue, instead they need to get serious, and help start to build,our very own human voting machine!!
Writing to editors,establishing more lawsuit-filing groups,large enough to be able to do more serious reform~~

Dr. Bird was the only person with guts to stand up to all these hateful people and get the families to open up about their cases of wrongful deaths and to actually file lawsuits

I was at most of the rallies since 2003 and they all attracted around 200 people over the course of a few hours, some coming and going
It is certainly not the coordinators fault when people don't have the good sense to attend rallies to support bills in Sacramento where the war is located or at the prisons where people are dying~~
Of all the "groups" out there, the UNION has been the ONLY one focused on adult corrections that has held protests several times a year. This is something that those in power always believed that the families of prisoners were too uneducated and weak to do~
Consistently have spent, their own money and stood up for everyone, with more than 350 state employees now served with lawsuits, for their callousness and participation in murdering their loved ones, which too many people think won't happen to them
Maturity is knowing who the effective people of prison reform are and anybody who is against the UNION is questionable. Many lies have been told about the UNION families,who are at the front lines,they are the ones who put teeth in our battle, when all those lawsuits were filed with the help of Dr. Bird
No one has been more destructive toward prison reform than people who pretend to be advocates, but who never attended the hearings and protests, wrote to editors and showed up to rallies
The families need to stop, allowing themselves to be spectators,wanting a free rescue, instead they need to get serious, and help start to build,our very own human voting machine!!
Writing to editors,establishing more lawsuit-filing groups,large enough to be able to do more serious reform~~needing to do and be,where it counts,the MOST !!!!!!

Well said Pirateswife.

iwould love to see the cap on calif prisons

People on the sidelines knocking the UNION work instead of helping with it are the biggest enemies of all because only a large, funded voting group is going to be able to do initiative campaigns.

There is no retaliation on the families when they write to editors or get out the vote. How stupid to fold to the guard's intimidation while they kill our loved ones in secret with our cooperation.

The 28 lawsuits that the UNION families served on 350 state employees deserves all the support in the world because that kind of accountability is something that didn't exist before these parents of prisoners got together.

The crisis is perpetuated by people who sit and wait for an outcome instead of making a lot of noise with their pens and registering people to vote.

Those who don't show up to rallies and important hearings not only hurt their own future but they fail to show support to the legislators carrying their bills. So the next year nobody wants to carry bills for us because we're too lame to show up in Sacramento and do large protests.

Organizing is necessary to put an end to it or we can all just be too afraid and watch our loved ones die one by one. The judges can only save us a little bit, the citizens who vote are the ones with the power and that certainly isn't the 3 million people who could be voting who have someone in prison.

Inactive, non voting people, non-contributing individuals are very much the enemy in a struggle like this where it all depends on the number of people at the ballot box or showing up to make a point to the lawmakers.

Don't slay the best prison reformer we ever had in the whole history of California without whom your issues would have zero importance.

These negative posters have got to be prison guards because nobody else could be that stupid not to realize the difference that Dr. Bird and the hundreds, possibly thousands of UNION members, many of whom I have met, have made in the struggle.

These names of posters here are not out organizing rallies and doing letters to editors, filing lawsuits, or doing anything important. They are either prison guards or very uninformed, ungrateful people.

Have a little respect for the dead prisoners whose parents got together in the UNION and are fighting these battles for everyone.

I sign my name when I write. If I have to be afraid in my own country then that is even more reason to speak out and to bring people to vote.

The more intelligent people and some very strong leaders are in the UNION, the journalists cannot get reports of riots, disease outbreaks, deaths without the UNION families as they are banned.

You will see this deadly flesh-eating disease is already a crisis and without us teaching people to report in their cases, nothing will be done until a whole lot of people are dead, even guards and people in the community.

Let's not say people are the enemy, let's say ignorance and apathy (inaction) are the enemy. Judges and attorneys, legislators outnumbered by those put into office by law enforcement labor unions can't save people who don't have the good sense to have a huge voting group. They count on ignorance or none of this could continue.

Just ask yourself, how many poor people have I registered to vote?

How many rallies did I attend to help give voice to the voiceless

How many letters to editors did I write this week on the issues, do I even know the issues?

What have I done to support rather than tear down those who are really fighting hard for me (such as Dr. Bird)? Or am I content in just being a game piece for politicians?

Judge Henderson,loves to have that support in the courtroom,it empowers him further~~It pleases him to know,that some families are passed their pain,enough to fight the good fight for justice,for that is what Judge Henderson is accomplishing for all of us,right now,the least we can do,is go tho his courtroom,support him,and be thankful for him,and take a real good look,at this "Hero"~~~He stands and is also fighting for the oppressed people,for those who are voiceless,or those who are suffering,for those who have suffered and especially for those who are dying and those who have died~~without anyone giving a damn about them,because in their little minds,prisoners do not matter~But Judge Henderson and the families of prisoners,who actively show up,Give a Damn !!!!!!!!
Read this before you post~~any stupidities against those who fight for you and your loved ones~~~~~don't criticize the warriors and the healers~~~~if you are inactive,you do not deserve to post and be heard ~~~~~~~~~
So go away,with your tail between your legs,got it????????

Maybe you, Michael and you We are all doing time, misunderstood what I was saying!

I did not say anything negative about the people who are going out there and rallying. I am merely referring to the bickering back and forth and the REAL issue of retaliation. If I write a letter and it ends up in the paper, my husband will get the "benifits" from it. He will get harrassed.

I am not saying that I have not handed out petitions, tried to get a few started of my own (which the fruits of that labor NEVER went anywhere, because people were too afraid to sign it)I was at one of the UNION rallies in Sacramento in 2002, there were about 30 people there. No one was paying any attention to what was being said. Maybe the word wasnt spread enough, who knows. But bitching and complaining, arguing and gouching eachothers eyes out WILL NEVER get accomplished what we NEED so much to get taken care of!
I do NOT have the ability to miss work, drive 8-10 hours to Sacramento to sit there at a rally. I have a family to support, and with only ONE income, that makes life pretty much unbearable and there is NO extra money left! I refuse to miss spending time with my husband to stand outside of a prison and yell at people driving by the prison, to yell at the people who are waiting to get into the prison (which happened at Lancaster, I was assaulted verbally by one of the UNION protestors because I was waiting in the line to visit MY HUSBAND!) How much good does that actually do? We all know it is happening assaulting visitors DOES NO ONE ANY GOOD! The small amounts of time I do get with my husband are cherished and I for one will NOT give up any of the time I AM able to spend with him.

I am glad that there are people out there that are willing to spend less time with their loved ones to get this stuff taken care of. I can't and wont! I will write letters to who ever I can as long as I know for sure that my husband will NOT bear the brunt of my words (which he has several times).

Everyone wants these issues taken care of, everyone wants the CAP placed on the prison population, everyone wants this stuff done! We are fighting a battle against one of the most powerful agencies in the State of California, the Government! The CCPOA is one of the most powerful union as well. Very few people want any of this stuff taken under advisement! Most people think, "hey they committed crimes, why should we spend all this time, money and efforts to take care of them? They don't have to pay bills, they have 3 hot meals (which we know isn't always true) a roof over their heads and no worries about bills." It is this issue that we have to fight more! The ignorance of society. "A society can only be judged if you look at their prisoners"

Pirateswife inmate since 1994

I am weary of people calling me Dr. Bird, I am one of her fans, but a simple search on google.com of my name Michael Westmoreland, California will show you ample evidence of my identity. I sign my name and stand up for prisoners and for the people who have died in the UNION with great pride.

To Pirate's Wife, you are no doubt typical of the mindset that is blocking reform right now. And that's all it is - a mindset that you alone can adapt to turn you into an activist for change instead of a victim at the mercy of a system that has no mercy.

An attitude of "I can't and I won't" is simply not going to win serious reforms.

You can write to editors and post at the news sites with your maiden name or one that sounds like your maiden name and we all know that retaliation is real. This takes about five minutes a day at the most and if hundreds of people were doing it, our issues would be more recognized

You can protest with the UNION three or four times a year in Sacramento or better yet, recruit ten people who live in Northern California to attend for you. It is the responsibility of the families to send enough people to give themselves a voice a few times a year if they want to be heard the crowds are necessary.

You had people coming to Lancaster from all over California to help you and your husband by complaining about five people who died suspicious deaths in that hell hole prison. Reciprocating a few times a year to travel to other prisons in order to be able to change laws, affect policy and show serious organizing ability is not too much offer in return to those who put out an effort for you.

Here are some photos from that day the pope died in Lancaster. It resulted in the warden getting demoted and one of the most evil guards at the prison getting fired, the head of the Guard Assault Task Force that was suing mentally ill prisoners for acting out, Lt. Charles Hughes, was fired after that protest caused an investigation. There were at least 200 people there that day, coming and going all day long.

http://www.1union1.com/Lancaster_protest.html

http://www.1union1.com/Lancaster_protest_pictures.html

I don't know how to make the links blue. Sorry, you can copy, paste them into your browser

What if everyone who came there to Lancaster fight for you said "I can't and I won't" put up any time or money to do this important work?

I could not face my son if I didn't have a report about what I had done to improve his conditions or organize to change laws, realizing that the power of numbers, especially in being able to do initiative campaigns, is his only hope for the future.

I realize that some people do not care enough to lift a finger until their loved one dies and that is certainly bad news to those of who do care enough to take real actions that benefit everyone, even those who knock us.

The UNION people are classy, well-educated people and there has never been any "assaults" at our rallies. If you told a desperate family member walking in the dark car to car what you said here while their loved one was possibly dying due to medical neglect, I can understand that they would have been very upset.

This reform didn't get on the table by accident, it took ten years of people taking risks, suffering and sacrificing thousands of hours to write, protest, find attorneys to file lawsuits, and that is why it is important today to those in power.

Without Dr. Bird and the UNION, and Prison Law Office doing the legal work this crisis would be taking place in total darkness. It is inconceivable that 3 million people don't have the good sense to get together and vote the right people into office.

How much compassion do you think we can get out of law enforcement labor union politicians?

If we want reform, we have to show up three or four times a year when it's important, register the poor to vote and take them to the polls in our cars to make sure they do it, we need to know the difference between friends and enemies to the movement by their track records and be able to spot prison guards who are trying to wreck up our organizing.

We can all write and recruit people to show up when a crowd is needed, this is what all Americans are supposed to do anyway, even when they don't have a family member being tortured under a Nazi-type of rule
That's the way our system works, it's nobody's fault but our own that we outnumber everyone who profits off prisons and don't have the good sense to support advocates and write and show up.

Fight back or suffer. But don't complain when you need help that there is no ear to hear you that can or will help you.

Only people saying "I can't help you and I won't" -

Don't expect others to do your writing, showing up, registering voters, sending $5 a month to pay for the education campaigns and rallies for you. Everyone has to pull some weight for the more serious reforms to be possible

Dr. Bird has been the only advocate that hung in this long and who had full faith that the reputation that the families of prisoners have of being too stupid to organize is not true.

I hope it isn't true but those who fight all these battles and pay for everything often have their doubts. We kick our own rear ends by not taking the right actions at the right time which is why the UNION is a newsletter to call people to action when things are on the table.

Obviously up until this point our movement was too stupid to file lawsuits but now thanks to Dr. Bird and the UNION, Prison Law Office and others, we can file lawsuits, maybe not as many as we need to. And each and every one of these deserve attendance and support because the reform they cause by bringing accountability benefits us all.

But are we too stupid to get over the hurdle of needing 6500 active workers so we can do initiative campaigns. Maybe we are, I hope not because my son's life is on the line with that one.

Reform isn't just handed to us. We have to fight, scratch, claw, write, rally, sue, educate others for each baby step we achieve. I'd like to see the track record of anyone who else who has been doing this decade-long fight for medical neglect. Nobody was there at any of the hearings before Sillen was appointed and that's a fact besides the UNION.

I sincerely doubt that I missed anything

Ok, Michael...

Dr. Bird as she likes to call herself is fine by me. I know that working my ass of to pay for the life of my daughter does take precidence. Making sure that we have food in the house (scantily filed ghetto apartment) is the top priority for me and my husband. Spending as much time with him as I possibly can is the most important thing to me and our daughter.

The rally that was in Lancaster, were you there? No one, I repeat NO one that was in the line while I was there said ANYTHING to these people that were there, I had things thrown at my car, people yelled at me, because I was in my car in the line in front of the prison. People were honking their horns in support of what they were doing. Charles Hughes was NOT fired! He is still there! Alive and well in the prison!! I talked to him right before my husband was transferred out of that hell hole! Granted he is not an active C/O out on the yard, he is however representing the CCPOA while he is there! He is still on the payroll and still going into work!!

I am sorry if I do not have the ability to spend hours on the phone, hundreds of dollars and the likes, that money is better spent on my 7 year old daughter! My husband is taken care of, I have written letters. You know, the maiden name would be a good idea, if the PRISON DIDN'T KNOW IT! But I will try that and see how that fares me and my family.

I want prison reform as much as the next person who is involved with this. I despise the CCPOA for the pull they have and the claims they throw out there. I want my husband to be in a place that I don't fear for him. Rats, insects, snakes, rabbits, disease is rampant for all of these men! I want it to be better as much as the next person.

The WHOLE point I was trying to make in the first place that everyone obviously ignored was that fighting amongst ourselves is NOT going to make this happen any faster and if most people in society were to look at this would say, "Geesh, they can't even get along amongst themselves, why should we help?" Come on, you have to admit that this name calling, and badgering of people is not conducive to this issue at hand!

We are all adults, like I said before, we need to act like it instead of spending all this energy arguing, there is something much better that can be done. Write to our loved ones, send pictures. Come on, this is ridiclious!

Pirate's wife. The divide and conquer agents always come out to attack the UNION's work, they always cast the first stone, we simply respond to let them know that we are wise to their tricks to shut us up.

I am sure that everyone who attended the Lancaster Prison Protest will verify that nobody was thrown anything at your car or yelling at you when these were the families of prisoners and medical workers out there themselves, many with a loved one in Lancaster and many who came into help.

Maybe you have that rally confused with another one, I was there that day and brought a whole bunch of students and the only incident of the day even worth mentioning was a very funny one when a prison guard came out and started photographing the protesters and Dr. Bird took her camera and was shooting back in his face until he started laughing and left. There were small children out there that day and nobody threw anything at anybody, that has never happened once

There are two guards named Charles Hughes at Lancaster prison, let us all hope and pray he didn't win his appeal to the State Personnel board after he was fired over the death of Eddie Arraiga. That could happen if no one was filing complaints against him but first let's verify this is the Charles Hughes who is the President of the Guard Assault Task force and not the other Charles Hughes out there at the same prison.

He definitely WAS fired and it was the Los Angeles newspapers. But they are so good at fighting and we are so good at letting them win their fights.

Everybody in the UNION is poor except for one or two people. They have health problems, huge expenses but they find a way to send people three or four times a year when Dr. Bird calls us for back up.

We don't fight amongst ourselves in the UNION, we stand up when people attack our work, try to discredit us in any way, that is different than "in-fighting" - we have no in-fighting in the UNION but out here, our enemies know we are suing and bringing public awareness to the crisis at hand.

The guards know that if enough people catch on how to do initiative campaigns that's the end of most of the prisons and they will go to any length to keep the families from really putting in some work and funds.

It doesn't require spending hundreds of hours on the phone to do recruiting. It requires showing up a little early each time you visit the prisons and handing out flyers in the line up instead of just sitting in the car.

Or sending pieces of the daily newsletter into one of the prisoners who is educated and understands organizing once every two weeks. We have a whole list of them who will help those who mail them information with their recruiting from inside.

You can bring your daughter to rallies and to recruit and teach her to become an activist or maybe even a lawyer or somebody who will make a difference later on. I can't think of any better education for a child which is what we all do. Notice the pics at Lancaster, the kids were a big part of it.

Pirates Wife,
I was at the Rally in Lancaster and that rally had hundreds of supporters. Children included. It went as planned and we had many people honking in support because they know the truth and they too want the necesssary changes.
There was no vilence of any sort and no one threw anything at anyone. Had that occurred the officers who were not only patrolling but keeping a very watchful eye would have taken action.

Also to note that there were many journalists also present at the rally who would have quickly turned such an event into a media feeding frenzy and we would have all read about it via the AP not doubt.
No one is quite clear as to your personal reasoning for your dislike of Dr. Bird but regardless, your obvious lies leave you and your comments with little to no further credibility.
Which is sad because it seemed for a minute like you might have had something constructive to say?

(((((Hello again, Michael Westmoreland. It is good to hear from you again. :)
I was very happy to meet you in person there in Lancaster as well as the many students who were also there to show support.)))))

You seem to think that if we ARE NOT A PART OF THE UNION, we are the enemies! YOU ARE WRONG! I am not the enemy, neither are any of the people on here that have disagreed with things that have been said! They are, the state, the ccpoa! Why don't you understand that?

Why am I the one that is doing something wrong here by not fighting with YOU AND YOUR GROUP? I choose to do the things that I do for the protection of myself and my husband and daughter.

You were there at the rally, then you should have seen it. I was there, I got there at 4am! I did have things thrown at my car, it doesn't matter if there were kids there or not! Adults still act like fools in front of children! When people were walking around the line on J Street, I rolled down my window and talked to someone. I honked my horn! Contrary to anything you THINK you know, I have fallen victim to the repurcussions of the guards' fury! So has my husband, I will NOT do that again! I still fight, I just go about it a different way! I have sent letter to legislators regarding the three strike reform, regarding the sex crime issues, regarding determinate sentancing reform! I have done it all! I will not allow myself or my family to put themselves in harms way! The way you guys go about it is one way of doing it. I go about it another way!

Its as simple as that! I value my anonymity because it protects my family!

Who the heck do you think you are to tell us who aren't on the side lines with you, or sending money to you that we are the ENEMY!?!!?! For that, you are sorely mistaken.

I myself have made severe changes, within the prisons themselves. More processing guards, more family visiting units, more access to information, more MAC duties and abilities, more IFC knowledge and responsibility, more accountabilty for the guards! This I all did with intellect and dignity, without risking my family! And, it only cost me a few pages of paper, an envelope and some stamps. No yelling and screaming at people! No degrading of people, no bickering. It got accomplished!

I'm the enemy because I am not on your bandwagon! HA!

Pirates Wife,
I'm beginning to believe there is something in it for you and your husband to fight against us. Not sure what it is but your further lies are not doing anything except expose you for your own agenda, whatever that may be.

No one threw anything. Period.
We were also being taped and photographed the whole entire time we were there. You think the prison officials weren't all over us the whole entire time we were there? Or that we didn't have our own cameras going the whole entire time?

Pretty narrow minded don't you think?

Lies! Ok, you can say what you like, but it was MY car that had something thrown at it! Also, when I was there, there was only about 30 people standing there yelling, and there were NO camera crews! I get there early as to get as much time with my husband as possible! It wasn't as big of a thing when I was there as it later became! 7:30 in the morning! It happened! I left it to the idea that maybe someone kicked it, but seeing how you PEOPLE react on here to when you think someone is disagreeing with you, it is obvious that that was NOT the case!

I do have valuable insight! I do not lie! I have no reason to lie to any of you PEOPLE! I have supported the UNION in any way that I can, I check the web site regularily... I am NOT the enemy here! Its funny!

Frank---great report----but the lawyer that explained the appeal process to you seems to have forgotten that unlike state court, filing an appeal does not automatically stay the effect of a decision of a trial court. If the 3 judge court makes its decision in January then its effect is stayed only if the court itself grants a stay pending appeal (which seems unlikely) or the US Supreme Court itself grants a stay pending their decision to hear the matter----which they rarely do.

People who nothing and watch us work are the enemy.

If you doing all that you say then you are definitely an advocate for change.

But the primary war is still in Sacramento and at the ballot box. If the goal is to change laws and bring about serious reforms then initiatives are necessary.

Good to see you journalist Patricia St. Peter posting as "Tuffy." She's in the pictures dressed in black to mourn the deaths at Lancaster. She had her two toddlers with her that day

I don't know why you're telling a story about anyone throwing things and yelling at you in this forum but I certainly would not have brought students out and missed something like that. You may have someone elses' protest.

I have also noticed that the wives of prisoners have a different level of passion that the parents of the prisoners which is who most of the UNION is comprised of, 6500 people willing to do some simple organizing can change any law.

Until we get there everyone is stuck in the horrible status quo and deaths did increase the past year. Where will Pirate's wife go if her husband gets cancer for example?

There is no place to go at this point where serious problems are being dealt with, and so sentencing laws need to be our high priority as several hundred more prisoners will die this year.

It is predictable that this will continue until those 6500 people come together to change the laws themselves.

I do not even know what to say to you at this point accept that it is sad that you are on this rant full of lies.
We had MANY cameras rolling and clicking etc...
So did the prison officials.

Want to also challenge the prison also for what pictures and taped evidence they have?

Maybe you should? Might help you to realize the fact that you are lying and getting no where with your lies in this thread.

I feel sorry for you though I truly do.
I hope that helps.

Sincerely.

What the hell would me or my husband have to gain?

I think you people have some sort of dysfunction and are abnormally paranoid!
To fight against us! Sounds like something some kind of android fighting creature would say, "Join us or die" Do you not notice the irony in the way you people talk?

Your all ridiclious!Obviously all of these issues are something important, otherwise I wouldn't have gone to the site to read this article! Did that thought ever cross any of your minds? Of course not, I am just another pawn in your proof that everyone is out to get you! Well, guess what folks, your not that important!

The sad thing is that no one is saying join or else. That's your own paranoid delusion.
When we stand up and speak out it is not our fault that you take offense.
Those are YOUR issues.
This isn't about any one person over another. That is also very narrow minded. This is about prison reform. This is about accountability. This is about MANY people.

Sorry you think this is an "ALL EYES ON ME GAME" because that Pirates Wife, is what is creating the barrior between all of us and actual positive change.

You know Michael, maybe you are right, the wives do seem to have a different outlook on this whole issue. That could simply be because we are the wives not the parents. I know my perspective changes when it comes to my daughter as oposed to that of my husband. She is my child, and it is my duty to protect her, but the same thing stands as truth, if we fight in our own ways, that does NOT mean that we are your enemy!

I am not going to continue to defend what happened that day, several people were witness to what took place. If I was truly against all you guys were doing, I would have flagged one of the officers down. I would have told the officers at the gate! Come one! It could have been meant for one of the cars the C/O's were driving! I know how these thigns go, and I know how this one went! It doesn't really matter any more!

I didn't make an issue of it until you guys started sounding like all the work I do, and people I know do are unworthy! We fight, we fight all the time! We do it in the visiting rooms, we do it through the courts in our own way! We don't make it a big deal or make it known to everyone else because we don't feel the need for recognition! You obviously feel the need to be recognized for all your efforts, I however, do not! I get the recognition when my husband tells me that what I was fighting for has changed, and its better now! That is all I need.

Well, Michael, as far as if my husband getting cancer, where will I go? It wont be your group! My husband comes home! I feel sorry that this has become the life ambition of some of you and you have nothing else to live for except to get in these little tussels over what you believe is right or what you believe is unimportant! All of us as families of prisoners fight, we all do something, some of us do it in ways that you obviously don't recognize! That does NOT mean that we are against change, that we are against the UNION. Now, some people have particular problems with some of the people in the UNION and that is their peice of cake. All I know is I am all for reform, vote on it every chance I get, but I WILL NOT become one of you!

the UNION parents are always so happy to see others showing up stand up for their kids in prison, it is really silly to make such a claim.

We have zero "in-fighting" in the UNION. We would have all remembered something like that and Dr. Bird would never have stood for it. Out of all the scores of rallies we've held, the behavior has been exemplary

Maybe your husband is a lifer and you do not think that the laws could be changed to help him enough to really be motivated to work on those and medical neglect.

Or maybe you think someone else is going to your fighting on medical neglect for you but the UNION has gone as far as it can go without more funds and volunteers to enable us to do more initiative campaigns.

what is there was no UNION? Ever think about that?

What if there was a really big strong UNION that could do more projects because we had more funds and volunteers to help us? Ever think about that?

Are you registering voters?

You have big problems with the Runners being in elected office in Lancaster but the Republicans are a big problem all over the state and any bill that needs a 2/3 majority can't pass.

I don't think it's "my bandwagon" at issue here, it's "Our liberty and lives" at issue
I am very sure that nobody threw things at your car, that would be ridiculous

Nope, your wrong, my husband is NOT a lifer, he is coming home very soon! I know things can change, I know that they can become better.

This is quite amusing, it has made my day at work go by much faster listening to all your rants!

All eyes on me? Nope, I know I am just a small pawn in this game that the state and prison system is playing. I know my husbands CDC # is one of hundreds of thousands, and we DON'T matter! I am NOT the one that is paranoid! I am not the one who got all defensive when someone disagreed with that I was saying regarding the rallies and the UNIONS stand on issues! That was you guys! Remember that?

Pirates Wife,

I'm confused. What was your argument in here again?

6500 people can change any law, less than that cannot, keep in mind that the biggest block to reform is a lack of understanding of what the system works and apathy on behalf of the 3 million potential voters attached to a prisoner.

Nobody can do your share of the organizing and bring people out to vote for you. You sound like a guard to me or someone who works in the system Pirate's wife.

Knock the UNION get knocked back, we'll defend it with our lives because our lives depend on finding enough intelligent people to take the bullies out of power and stop the murders and abuses.

No family of a prisoner would tell a lie like that and be that dense on the issues.

the biggest block to reform is a lack of understanding of HOW the system works and apathy of the 3 million potential voters attached to a prisoner

If people have the attitude of Pirate's Wife we will never see reform of the laws, be able to elect anyone or better conditions through the massive noise we make and that's for sure

Crime victims and prison guards have no problem at all getting together and doing this basic organizing to us. Such a shame that we have little or no life when we outnumber them all.

Nobody is this stupid who has a sick prisoner in their own family, maybe that is what it takes, desperation but I still think these slams are coming from guards. After all if we achieve our goals, they lose their jobs.

Some people are silly but nobody is that silly who is fighting for someone's life and future. Prison guard for sure...

Pirateswife--YOU GO GIRL!

Pirates wife,you are the perfect example,of many who sit in the side lines,as long as your in your temporary comfort zone~its not your problem ???
These attitudes of selfishness and fear,is what has delayed prison reform !!!
Regardless of how much behind kissing you may do,You are still vulnerable~~but,it is your right,to do as you see fit~~in the meantime,stop demeaning the sacrifice and efforts of others~~who are making a change ~~ at Lancaster I took pictures,and there was no type of violence,like you have described especially, with all the children there, making posters,enjoying themselves in the hot sun,they did not complain~as young as they where,they completely understood loyalty,on their little mission,and where empowered,by being involved in the protest,because they where willing to express themselves,by drawing,what they know,their loved ones where murdered,for things as simple as filing a 602's,do you know what those are ?? or is your head still in the quick-sand ???? And I am not BC~

Pirates Wife-
Check out TiPS
Taxpayers for Improving Public Safety

http://www.forpublicsafety.com/

There you find many resources,up to date news on REAL lawsuits, as well as comraderie and compassion. TiPS is all about building partnerships, improving public safety and reforming corrections.
TiPS believes prevention, intervention, rehabilitation, and opportunity ought to be principal considerations in determining the best public safety policy for California, since eventually 95-98% of all inmates will be released and it is in our best interest to prevent crime whenever possible, and provide qualified offenders with the skills to succeed once they are released.

Pirate's wife has to be a guard

Her comments are entirely ungrateful, uninformed and selfish. That's why I am almost sure this is a prison guard because how would this person have known about Lt. Hughes so quickly or that he was tied up with the CCPOA Union?

Guard, guard, this is a guard telling lies, talking trash to stop the families' vote from outnumbering theirs so they can maintain the power and abusive control over our lives.

There are some people who think like Pirate's wife though. They think they are all clear when their loved one gets out but with a 70% recidivsm rate, they might soon find themselves in desperate need of help.

They wait for some lawyer or judge to save them and never want to be involved in making their own rescue through organizing, which is the only possible way to achieve real reform.

Pirates Wife,

Curiousity has gotten the best of me here.

You said,
" I myself have made severe changes, within the prisons themselves. More processing guards, more family visiting units, more access to information, more MAC duties and abilities, more IFC knowledge and responsibility, more accountabilty for the guards! This I all did with intellect and dignity, without risking my family! And, it only cost me a few pages of paper, an envelope and some stamps. No yelling and screaming at people! No degrading of people, no bickering. It got accomplished!"

Would you please clarify yourself here by adding the names of the parties who authorized the changes that you yourself single handedly accomplished? The dates the accomplishments you made were authorized, and contact information of the authorizing parties of said changes so that I can verify said claims?

All those changes made by one little civilian and you didn't even have to appear in court? Not even once?
I am curious.

Everyone who doesn't agree is a guard. You people are just a bunch of bullies.

Oh Matt you do look good in drag though.

Pipsqueak (aka Matt Gray) who turned his back on desperate people when he worked for the bureaucracy talked an attorney into filing one lawsuit that has nothing to do with a wrongful death or medical neglect.

Guards are very welcome in his "group" that he never calls to rally at the Capitol, never teaches people to register people to vote, has never, ever shown up to one of Judge Henderson's hearing except recently when one his members came, not him personally (never during the battle phase)

In ten years he has "one" lawsuit. Is Carol Leonard, a former prisoner who lives in Tennessee saying that our lawsuits aren't real? Well, how would she know what's going on except when Matt Gray asks her to come in and hurt the UNION families fighting for their lives over medical neglect

You must be mistaken Carol Leonard. Real lawsuits have been filed against Matt Gray on behalf of his neglect of prisoners, if he got one person to do a lawsuit in a decade of never going to hearings himself then that isn't much of a track record.

I hear he is the paid porn lobbyist and they are all about organized crimes, drug rings and such. Maybe you can get hooked up by him if you kiss his butt enough. The lawsuits are against him, he's way too much of a brown nose to do any serious reform.

Look at all the lies he told because he got sued for callousness when he could have made a difference. Yes we know he helped two or three people but there were two or three hundreds that he turned his immature back on when they were desperate who ended up dead

You guys are hilarious! Anyone who doesn't agree is a guard! You all can think whatever you want.

Hughes was on my husbands yard several times, I've seen him and so have others.

I didn't have to appear in court because I took the higher road and approached the warden with dignity and class, unlike you guys!

These changes that I was talking about took place in 2005 & 2006. Harrison was there for some of them, and so was yarbourough. (spelling I'm not sure of at the moment) Lt. Oceguera, Lt Charles hughes (the other one), Sgt Oceguera (before he became a LT) Lt Harvell, Sgt Brown. Should I keep going? They opened 3 more family visiting units due to information and proof that I brought to them. They made the processing of family visits daily with the exception of Sundays, die to information I brought them. They got new beds, radios, shower curtains, linens, towels etc. While JD Miller was the FV Coordinator. Should I go on? The inmates were allowed a longer "outside recreation" time due to information that was brought to Harrison, the phones were taken care of and repaired. Processing guards, they were able to get more guards up in the processing center, the harrassment slowed in regards to us as visitors and how we were treated. The lines of communication opened for us. The link between family and medical issues was opened. I was able to call and talk directly to the nurses, and get the issues with mine and several other inmates medication taken care of and resolved.
With the help of Bob Driscoll, we were able to tour the facility, mail room, medical, R&R. The lines were opened. No, I didn't do everything myself, the issues with the family visits, yeah, that was me. Bob Driscoll help emensly. So, you still think I am a guard! Your hilarious!

How did I know the Charles Hughes was tied up with the CCPOA? Ummm, do you NOT read the paper? There were several articles where he was responding to reports of abuse and whatnot in the LA Times, and the local paper in Lancaster. He was listed as a chair type person of the CCPOA. DUH! Anyone that reads things that are taking place where their loved one is, would know that information!! Come on!!!!

I must be a guard because I disagree with you? Well, not correct! I never said that I didn't agree with you! Maybe you shoudl re-read my comments. The jist of what I am saying for you simpletons is that NOT everyone that disagrees with you is the enemy. Not everyone who CANNOT partake in your rallies or protests (Whatever you want to call them) or who doesn't have the time, or funds available to them to pass out fliers, do mailings, send in the money that is required to be part the UNION is the enemy, not all of us have those capabilities. Its as simple as that!

Me, a guard! Thats the funnies thing I have heard in months!!!!

Stephanie Gooding/also known as Cayenne Bird you seemingly KNOW so much about me-NOT!! I have NEVER been to prison; As a journalist of your stature you must get your facts straight. And if I had been to prison, SO WHAT?? That would make me one of the people you claim to do battle for!! HMMMM!!! Makes me think twice about your union Its very obvious that all the union members want to do is fight, sling mud and attempt to discredit others. What a shame!
This is supposed to be a comment forum, not a grandstand for this so called union.

If promoting TiPS makes me a Matt Gray cronie- then so be it!! I am honored!! Figures that the topic at hand is overshadowed once again by the unions slamming of others....SHAME!!!

let me clarify - Matt Gray did not ASK me to promote TiPS; I believe in TiPS and the work they do its that simple. Never have I heard such unjust, untrue and totally malicious lies. Again I say Shame....

I find it strange that when I click on Michael Westmoreland and Stephanie Gooding names I get redirected to the union website....HMMMMM!!!

Pirate's Wife, Sue Killian your comments have been right on the money!

Good thing anyone with half a brain can see through all of the nonsense in nothing flat.

Cayenne you are right, you've never seen me at one of your rallies. I would NEVER attend any of Cayenne Bird's 'Call to ACTION'. I don't agree with your tactics or your style.

How sad it is the tune is the same now as it was 5-6 years ago. The pseudo names, lies, exaggeration in accomplishments and the 'I', 'I', 'I'.

I, like Pirate's Wife, opt to do the things I can do and can afford. I don't brag about what I do, I just do what I can, when I can. I do not need to justify to anyone.

TOGETHER WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!

Unfortunately the 'TOGETHER' also includes a few fruitcakes and nuts.

PS After all of this bull, hopefully the comment section will be moderated in the future. It wouldn't be the first time what some believe to be a forum for one got shut off due to the rants.

Carol, I too am a Matt Gray 'cronie'. ;-)
Matt and TiPS has done more to unify the separate prison reform groups and educate the public/legislators than any other group. TiPS is growing everyday. That rapid growth is something no other person/group has accomplished.

There are many voiceless people setting in prisons...I for one want to say thank you Dr.Bird for your hard work and your voice....I have sat and watched you for a while now and I see why Ms. Leonard wants to slam you and your hard work, I have seen her do that many times, to many different people....these are her words....What a shame the fighting that goes on between these groups/activists and to be displayed in a forum such as this! We all are striving for the same goals and its time for the personal attacks to stop. Just think of the changes that could be made, if we were all on the same page. She truly needs to practice what she preaches....I recall saying the very same thing to her a few years ago....I have seen her start so many problems with so many people....I have saved many e-mails from her where she is attacking me as well....I am one of the many she has attacked....I see your hard works... Dr.Cayenne Bird...I have seen nothing from Ms. Leonard......What Ms Leonard don't realize is when she does this she takes away from what we are here for...but she is one of those people who needs the light shinning on her....

We must take care of those who can't take care of themself....we need to do it for the inmates not our self.....

God bless
Peace, Love, Hope and Prayers,

Tjuana J. Boulanger

Voice of the Voiceless
"Owner and Moderator"

Bob Driscoll is a very active UNION subscriber and has been for years. He belongs to several groups and does a lot of good out there, as do most of the UNION people because they ARE LEADERS OF ALL KINDS OF CHURCHES AND GROUPS.

The UNION endorsed the honor yard if that's what you're talking about, Bob did a good job on that but it has nothing to do with changing sentencing laws or saving lives through this medical neglect crisis. It is of minor importance compared to the fact that hundreds more people are going to die again next year as the prisons become more and more crowded due to the absence of a voting group. Are you in outer space or something to try and compare that project to the medical crisis?

You're talking about minor prison-level business that has nothing to do with electing people to office who are going to pass important bills or fix anything of life and death importance.

Carol Leonard has no one in prison in California and she doesn't have a clue what she is saying.

Let's see a list of what Matt Gray has done in ten years besides let people die, get an attorney to file one lawsuit and work for the porn industry while never showing up to important hearings

Pirate's wife helped a UNION member with a project that's good but it's of minor importance to people trying to stay alive

Here's what I mean about setting up a voting group that can recall this type of politician out of power over your life. Pirate's Wife said it all when she basically implied that her loved one is getting out and everybody else can rot in hell as far as she is concerned. Thomas Jefferson would have a heart attack over some of these comments from American "citizens" who are supposed to get together and make their own government

These Republican politicians killed the sentencing commission when there are three million of us that could have prevented this idiot from ever getting elected in the first place if people had their priorities right.

This same senator tried to pass a bill a few years ago to deny transplants to all prisoners. It's an unofficial policy but to have the nerve to try and make it an official law was outrageous when 3 million of us could either fill or empty the public organ banks.

That was the UNION raising cane about that one and the bill failed. But remember who came up with that evil idea and that almost all the Republican politicians put their name on it

http://tracypress.com/content/view/11398/2244/

One more thing, you have those who work hard on a daily basis...blood, sweat, and tears all the way....then you have those that come along, jeoulious of your hard work....and see you getting things done...and want to rip you and your hard work apart...to me that is not right.....but that is how it is...the ones that wants to do the ripping are the ones that do what they do for the wrong reason...the way I look at it if they don't like it then they need to get to work and put as much effort in making a change as they do blowing their horns. It does take all of us...some of us are the voices, some of are the hands...and some of us are the feet of prison reform....but we all are the heart. There are so many that depend on us... Who cares who did what, as long as it got done and we saved someones life or made a change in it by our actions...actions really do speak louder than words anyway.....Dr. Bird and all I say keep up the good work, you my friends are storing your treasures in heaven for those who needs their treasure here on earth I will be saying a prayer.....there is much to do still yet. So lets not waist anymore time.....

Sorry about the double posting and the ranting in my first comment....but when I came upon this article and seen the comments and seen the hornet stinging it just up set me, because it is not the first time I have seen this, I have been watching it going on three years now....I have never understood and never will why people have to knock others down to make them stand out....if we spend as much time loving as we do hating just think what we could get done....

The Story of the 8 Monkeys (this is reportedly based on an actual experiment conducted in the UK):

Put eight monkeys in a room. In the middle of the room is a ladder, leading to a bunch of bananas hanging from a hook on the ceiling.

Each time a monkey tries to climb the ladder, all the monkeys are sprayed with ice water, which makes them miserable. Soon enough,
whenever a monkey attempts to climb the ladder, all of the other monkeys, not wanting to be sprayed, set upon him and beat him up.

Soon, none of the eight monkeys ever attempts to climb the ladder.

One of the original monkeys is then removed, and a new monkey is put in the room. Seeing the bananas and the ladder, he wonders why none of
the other monkeys are doing the obvious. But undaunted, he immediately begins to climb the ladder.

All the other monkeys fall upon him and beat him silly. He has no idea why. However, he no longer attempts to climb the ladder.

A second original monkey is removed and replaced. The newcomer again attempts to climb the ladder, but all the other monkeys hammer the
crap out of him.

This includes the previous new monkey, who, grateful that he's not on the receiving end this time, participates in the beating because all
the other monkeys are doing it. However, he has no idea why he's attacking the new monkey.

One by one, all the original monkeys are replaced. Eight new monkeys are now in the room. None of them have ever been sprayed by ice water.

None of them attempt to climb the ladder. All of them will enthusiastically beat up any new monkey who tries, without having any idea why.

Sometimes, this feels like life. People just accept the status quo as truth because others are seemingly doing the same, without knowing why they do
that. They are not quite sure whether what they have been doing all along can be improved or changed. They may even say it's the policy or a matter
of public opinion. At times, it feels it's just the standard practices that have been passed down from one generation to the next. Nothing else. Then if
someone ask questions that are too far out of the comfort zone, they are ridiculed and scorned. All they did was ask a simple question that the
others did not wish to think about. Just like the new monkey, who has no any idea why.

it is the duty of every American citizen to stop the taxpayer financed government from continuing it's practice to commit murder by medical neglect. The rescue for many will come only by organizing and those who hold back reform by not honoring their duty are a part of the problem

Thomas Jefferson says it best, these are the reasons why the revolutionary war was fought. Jacque Rosseau said in his writings that when people consent to slavery and oppression that they have no life. Our forefathers believed that no one should consent to slavery or selling themselves and their liberty cheaply. Every generation has a new challenge to figh