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Some struggling prisoners are actually getting encouraging words but desperately need results

May 2, 2013 in Current Events, Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War, Prisons, Take Action | Tags: #30Days2FreeMaroon, #EndSolitary, #EndTorture, do this now. political prisoners, FreeEmAll, Guantanamo Bay, hunger strike, Lynne Stewart, Obama, Russell Maroon Shoatz | Leave a comment

If we look at what’s been said we seem to be making promising progress with several campaigns but it is change that is needed and vigilance is key.

On the eve of the #30Days2FreeMaroon campaign for Russell Maroon Shoatz, Maroon was transferred to SCI Mahanoy, presumably to facilitate a transfer out of the horrible thirty years of solitary confinement and into general population. Prisons often isolate prisoners upon arrival so it’s possible that they are getting around to it. However, the other thing that prisons often do when people protest on a prisoner’s behalf is transfer them, forget the demands, and make it some other warden’s problem. Hold the captors to their word! Have you been calling? Have you written your letter yet?

Obama seemed to have conveniently forgotten all about his campaign promises to close the infamous Guantanamo Bay detention center but the ongoing hunger strike jogged his memory and he has renewed his talk. That said he is waffling in political quagmires but time is ticking as many of his indefinite prisoners are still refusing food. Sign the petition!

President Obama: Close Detention Facility at Guantanamo Bay

Similarly, “Lynne Stewart said in a statement released by her husband this week that Texas prison medical authorities recommended she be released from her 10-year sentence, an application that would need approval by the courts and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.” Good, promising words from the warden but Lynne has stage four cancer and desperately needs to be released as soon as possible.

CPRMetro.org‘s recording of 2-minute audio statement by Ralph Poynter on Lynne’s new situation as of April 26:

Open Letter to Obama for Clemency for Oso Blanco

December 16, 2012 in Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War, Take Action | Tags: executive clemency, Obama, Oso Blanco, political prisoners, prisoners of war | 1 comment

While asking for things from Obama and the state is not at the heart of the strategies I believe in, when a captive freedom fighter chooses to pursue liberation through this avenue and asks for help from supporters, I believe it’s appropriate to follow through.

Below is an open letter. Use it as a reference in writing your own letter and/or learn more about Oso Blanco at osoblanco.org . . .

Learn more about “Robin the Hood” at OsoBlanco.org Photo Source: nickpickflicks.com

*NOTE: Address letters to Barack

But send them to Through the Walls so they can be sent together in connection with the petition:

Through the Walls
PO Box 132
Brooklyn, NY 11218

[date]

[address]

President Barack Obama

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I am writing on behalf of Mr. Byron Shane Chubbuck, Federal Bureau of Prisons #07909-051, who is petitioning you for Executive Clemency. I am aware that Mr. Chubbuck pled guilty to multiple counts of bank robbery, assault, and other charges. Through research and correspondence with Mr. Chubbuck, I am also aware that, strange as it may sound, even then, Chubbuck was motivated by a desire to financially aid hungry children.

Today, Chubbuck’s need to help others manifests itself closer to home and within the law. He very much, and very truly, wants to be a father to his son and to help his sister and his mother who struggle with health issues. For a person driven by humanitarianism, the Federal Bureau of Prisons can only provide so much corrective and rehabilitative influence. After nearly thirteen years, it is time for his rehabilitation to continue to the next chapter—a return to his family and community so that he can begin to contribute to their and his health and well-being.

I am aware that granting a pardon to Chubbuck would involve risk to your own reputation and political career. However that is often the case in a matter of doing the right thing and I believe that you will make every effort to be just in your decision. Thank you for the action you will take.

Sincerely,

[name]