Threat To Chinese Visitor

October 16, 2009

Today my Chinese friend, Chuen, received a notice from our unit's visitation officer (actually, another unit's because Sunrise has no visitation officer on unit). Chuen brought the notice to me to read because he doesn't read or write English - only Chinese. Apparently, it wasn't the first notice, but it was a disturbing example of incompetence, ignorance and/or plain old disregard of decency. It was a threatening notice.

The visitation officer was requesting Chuen submit an ADOC form that lists 20 family & friends he wants on his visitation list. Chuen has nobody to list, nor could he read or write English. The notice, written in English threatened him with a disciplinary write up for "Impeding staff in the performance of their duties" if he did not submit the form within 7 days.

I took the notice to the shift supervisor on the unit and explained: 1) Chuen cannot legally be compelled to provide ANY information to ADOC without court order. 2) Threats and intimidation in order to get information is unlawful and contrary to ADOC policy. 3) Chuen has NO ONE to list for them. 4) Chuen does not read or write in English and 4) if the visitation officer wants to communicate with him, to learn to write Chinese or come and verbally communicate. I then turned in the form, which I wrote in English for him, that read: NO FAMILY OR VISITORS IN THE U.S.

I then told Chuen to write an Inmate Letter to the Visitation Officer, in Chinese, stating the same if he receives any further correspondence in English.

Excerpts From A Cat's Diary

October 17, 2009

Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, Imust eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Day 984: I decapitated a mouse and dropped it's headless corpse at their feet today. I'd hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!

Day 985: There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies". I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Day 986: Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he walked. I must try this again tomorrow - but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He's obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I've seen him communicating with the guards regularly. I'm certain he's reporting my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he's safe... for now.

*Just thought everybody might get a good laugh from this. I got it from another orangeman who's wife found it online. Too funny! LOL

Psych-line Visit

October 3, 2009

Yesterday I was transported to the complex psychiatric (Mental Health Dept.) unit along with 12 other Sunrise Unit prisoners for an intake orientation / assessment. When transferred to a new unit, this is a standard procedure, albeit a promptly completed one; usually within days of arriving, rather than 4 weeks. They ask the same questions of everyone, every time:

"Are you hearing voices?"
"Feeling suicidal?"
"Feel like harming yourself or others?"
"Are you on medication?" How do they work for you?"

If the questions go well, which they did, "No. No. No. Not right now."

We're told that if we need to talk, just put in a Health Needs Request and we'll be called to complex again in 4 to 6 weeks. (moderators note: 4 to 6 weeks??? Suicidal???)

This visit was very unusual. It was done in two groups. 7 guys went into the open room with a psych-nurse and were handed a sheet of paper for their signature that asked those questions. The nurse read it aloud for the small group, everyone answered similarly. As everyone was signing the paper I couldn't resist asking, "This is a group. Group confidentiality, right?" I got no response other than a couple of laughs.

All 13 of us were done in about 15 minutes, but we waited in a tiny cell with no place to sit but the floor for about 4 hours for a ride back to Sunrise.

Helpless and Emasculated

October 4, 2009

A part of being imprisoned is the forced emasculation of the the prisoner and the helplessness and vulnerability felt as a result. I'm sure it occurs for the "free worlders", but I can only speak for myself and those of us in orange with similar feelings. Although many of the restrictions imposed by the corrections department are legitimate and unavoidable, some are simply contrary to any form of rehabilitation, family reunification, betterment and preparing a prisoner to reintegrate back into the community, and based solely on greed. Whose imposing these greedy restrictions that serve no penalogical purpose? Predatory correctional services corporations; such as T-Netix, Inc. Correctional Billing Services. Keefe Corp. etc., legislators, correctional fat-cats and other money-hungry politicians who's motives are questionable.

It is extremely hard on a friendship, relationship, marriage or family when severe restrictions are forced on prisoners communicating via telephone calls. $6-$8 for a 12-minute call billed to your loved one. Not many people can afford more than one or two calls a month. Considering prisons in Arizona tend to be built out of the way and in areas local bus routes don't reach; gas prices aren't cheap so traveling to and from prison can get expensive, that leaves letter writing for communication.

For a prisoner, we have nothing but idle time to read and write letters. However, those in society have little time to write letters. Our loved-ones are working long hours to make ends meet, without our help. They bust their butts just to pay their bills, in addition to our phone calls and visits, let alone any money they spend on us so we have reading material and some commissary to supplement our starvation prison diets.

I know first hand what it's like to be on the verge of a breakdown and have no outlet other than to write because I don't want to cost my loved-one another $6.00 phone call. I finally call and I blow off frustrations and say things like a jerk and regret it. I listen to gossip and get more stressed. He said / she said crap gets misstated and other people become involved and get hurt in the process...then, the 12 minutes are up!

"Should I call back?" That's an expensive call and I've already made an ass of myself and hurt somebody I care about... "would the call be accepted?"

These are things going on in my head. What can I do???? I can't go there. I don't think I should call again. A letter would get there in 4 or 5 days. I wait for the "hate mail" and none arrives. I call again a week later. Unintentionally and stupidly, I make somebody who loves me to no end worry and hurt for a week without a word from me. *sigh*

A call shouldn't cost more than it does in society, when coming from a prisoner. A prisoner should be allowed to pay for his / her own calls or with a pre-paid phone card. Who is there to help prisoners and their friends and families survive incarceration? Luckily I have two great best friends and a family who forgives me and continues to stand beside me... but not everyone has such strength and love.

Note from Moderator:

Due to excessive work hours and the recent hospitalization of my father, I am very late in posting. My sincere apologies. Shannon's most recent blog entries follow.

~Mod.

Family Food Visit

September 19, 2009

Today was a fantastic day. A close friend of mine and my sister came to visit me. It was a food visit. More than 7 years have passed since I'd seen my sister last. It was hard to squeeze 7 years of catching up into 4 hours. Impossible actually. Especially when you've got two wonderful women, who love you, trying to stuff you with tons of good food. LOL Taco salad, cupcakes, pie, chocolate, cookies, pastries, fruit, nuts... I was STUFFED!

I even ate vegetables! Me! Vegetables! LOL

The three of us talked and talked and talked and laughed and laughed. It was so great. For the first time in a long time I felt freedom. Thanks to great friends and family... two things too many take for granted until they're no longer there.

Commutation Hearing: Phase 1

September 24, 2009

On September 3,2009 my application for commutation of sentence was heard by a panel of 4 board members of the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency. The board was created by the governor's office to rid him/her of the responsibility (and political liability) of commuting sentences. Ultimately, it is the Governor's job to hear and decide commutation applications.

I filed for a commutation a couple of months ago on a whim, requesting that my prison sentence be commuted to time-served and I be released on Community Supervision (Parole). It was a long shot,, but something I felt was worth a try. I've never heard of anybody, other than politicians, being granted commutations.

I have no right to be granted a commutation nor am I entirely convinced I deserved to receive one. However, I do have a "right" to apply and to be fairly considered.

My application, numerous letters of recommendation (including ADOC staff), testimony from two loved-ones who know me and are productive, tax-paying citizens of Arizona, and of course my ADOC records were all provided to the board. Doug and Shell spoke for 55 minutes in support of my commutation!

The Chairman of the board, Duane Belcher Sr. listened and considered my application and related information contained in my ADOC records that concerned him. One other board member, Ellen Stenson inquired about the same information the Chairman did. Neither of the other two members asked questions, or even seemed to be paying attention at the hearing.

Satisfied that he had found a possible candidate for a commutation, Chairman Belcher spoke praise of my accomplishments while imprisoned as well as the support I had for commutation and moved the board allow me to proceed to the Phase 2 hearing where I would be interviewed by the board and could speak, myself.

The other "interested" board member opposed the Chairman's motion explaining that she opposed because 1) ADOC records indicate that in 2003 I received a racist tattoo and was a suspected racist gang member and 2) I have a "history" of absconding from parole. The remaining 2 board members without blinking voted "nay" to Chairman Belcher's motion siding blindly with the opposition. The Chairman asked the other members for their votes again, possibly in disbelief and again, 3 "nays". The chairman shut his folder... my application for commutation was denied.

I only learned of my denial and what went on in the hearing through Doug and Shell, who were there. The board hasn't seen fit to notify ME of the outcome.

The completely FALSE ADOC information that I am or was a racist or gang suspect for have a racist tattoo pissed me off. I am not, nor have I been, a racist or gang member. Nor do I have such political ink. Deny my commutation but DO NOT label me something I DO NOT support and am NOT a fan of. I AM offended and upset, but will not let this change me or interfere with my future.

Just to be fair, I do have a "history" of absconding from parole. It was 10 YEARS AGO! I left a drug infested half way house in Sunnyslope in 2000 after my PO ordered me to stay. Guilty.

I'd have loved to get out early but the hardship and heartache my being being kept in prison until April 2012 is causing my family and loved ones is weighing on me. I have responsibilities and they need me...I'm forced to wait my time. Sorry everybody!

Chairman Belcher, thank you for the motion and I promise you and the rest of Arizona tax payers that I will dedicate some time to discussing Arizona's broken system including the board. Shannon Michael Clark is a name you'll hear again for certain but not as a prisoner asking for Clemency. As a citizen and taxpayer DEMANDING changes.