Transcript
Economics of Mass Incarceration A prison system that continue to grow rapidly especially in (state) prisons. As it looks now there will be (no) type of prison reform in the making. Those of us whether guilty or not feel as though we are in modern day slavery. We feel as though we have been set up, and held captive. As we await being sold into human trafficking with very little resources to get us out of this vile situation. There is desperate need for all who care. For all who may have someone on the inside. A call to end "mandatory minimums". The system has always been unfair to a great number of people. Especially targets us people of color; African Americans. I am not saying that people do not commit crimes, because they do. Should crime be punished? Yes. However, it becomes a major problem in society when we as African Americans get more time than our white counterparts. Mandatory Minimums sentencing is an extreme unfair law in the criminal justice system that disproportionately affects us African-Americans. The scales of justice are not equal to us nor do they respect us. The states have been calling for a plan to ensure prison reform. The people are requesting change, and as tax payers they are being ignored thus far. The only prisons who have received help is federal prisons. The longer states await to change or fail to mandate prison reform. The prison system continue grow and have disarray. Due to the lack of resources in most prisons. A person with a lot of time is released back into society too old to be able to provide for their self. By then most family members are deceased. There is a desperate need for change. If one is not careful this system will mentally destroy that individual. The system is broken and continue to capitalize off those of us who are incarcerated. States get (big) money for inmates and most of the time the money is not provide for programs for us. The prison system is bias towards African Americans men. Locking people away for decades is not the answer. Most if not all of those incarcerated need help to get on their feet, given fair chance to survive. We as incarcerated men do not have any help and when things do go wrong in the judicial system there's (no) help available. When something like this happens to you, people become judgmental and non-caring. I fell victim to this system and my parents were all the help I had. My parents were ill and they died. Being the only child I myself in a position to where I need help. I can not receive help due to the lack of resources, etc. My grandparents are deceased, and uncles along with aunts are deceased. I am a victim as well of this system, however I have turned a vile situation around for the best. I became a licensed minister in prison. I also have an associates degree in religious education, and just completed another degree in biblical studies. Not to mention numerous of certificates. Also received a "Stellar Achiever" award, two more additional diplomas. I have written six religious books, not published due to lack of resources. So I have accomplished a lot and I continue to press on forward. There is still a void in my heart due to the deaths of my parents. They were extremely close so they died a year apart. It still very much hurts me. So I sit here in prison awaiting on justice for me. It can get so dishearten at times due to I was railroaded. I didn't receive a fair trial. I had charges stacked up on me. I was charged with a gun; I knew nothing about. No gun was ever produce at trial. So I always wondered how I end up charged with arm robbery w/a dangerous weapon and second degree kidnapping. My entire case was built on hearsay and lies. The victims along with the witnesses cleared me of any wrong doing. I wasn't at (no) time identified as their assailant. Still I ended up with stacked charges. I was sentenced to four box card sentences which adds up to a total of 40 years. I am already 45 years old. Due to my chronic life threatening medical issues I have (no) choice than to continue to fight to make something happen for me. Medical is not of the best and I have to make sure my needs are met. I have witnessed so many men die due to negligence. I have witnessed policy and procedure violated numerous of times. When you become a ward of the state some people feel as though we shouldn't receive proper medical care. If a good nurse is hired and show some compassion and try her best to help. The state eventually dismisses her (she is fired). When a person is intelligent and outspoken such as myself. The prison normally gets rid of you by shipping you. I have had this happen to me on numerous occasions. When you bring forth the light to the main stream people. The people of America need to be abreast of what is going on behind these walls. I have been informed numerous of times by head leaders who say we are inmates we have (no) voice. You have a great number of camps to where if an officer lies on an inmate that very officer is looked upon as telling the truth. Disciplinary action cost us $10 every time if we are found guilty or if the action is suspended. There is a great deal wrong with this broken system called prison. Mass incarceration affects everyone differently. Nevertheless something needs to be done. With a system that has become a civil rights issue, along with racial inequities issue. It is very devastating to anyone when you are African American, and you face more time than anyone else. I was given a sentence like I murdered numerous of people. There is (no) reason at all why I should have been sentenced the way I was sentenced. My deceased parents were strong willed in all they did in life. My father proudly served and protected this country. He served in the U.S. navy and the coast guard. My mother was a dedicated teacher. So due to they were strong I must remain strong too. I get tired a lot of times but I must fight and hold on. I must realize too that "trouble don't last always". "And this too shall pass". I must keep my head in God's hand and one day I will walk out of here. My release date is April 2036, but the lord said I will not do all this time. I have been down already for fourteen years and I am tired. I am emotionally drained. I was done but "God" sees all and I shall be delivered. I have turned a vile situation into an opportunity to rise to the occasion. I have completed two college degrees both in religious education. I became a licensed minister in prison completed all studies along with all requirements of testing. I was awarded the (Stellar Student) award, along with numerous of other certificates. I have completed numerous of other achievements. So what the devil meant for the bad, God turned it around for the good. God gets all the glory in all I do. So the devil didn't win and because I belong to God the devil has no place in my life. I am gonna keep on praying and believing God and His word. Someone will reach out and help me. The devil tried to destroy and kill me with my health problems. Nevertheless I am still alive . I get discouraged just like anyone else, but I must hold on my change is coming. Everyone who would help has died and went on with the lord. My cousins stole everything family on my dad's side. As much as it hurts, God saw what was done. God will fix it and all shall be restored. So those that know the word of prayer and believe God at His word. I ask that you please pray for me. It's hard in here. I must remain steadfast in prayer and to hold my head high. Although depressing times will surface I must continue to fight the good fight. I will not always be in prison. "God bless" you all and please realize that a lot of us need help. Call your congressman and demand change of (mandatory minimums) Whether you know of someone incarcerated, or you have a family member incarcerated. Always do your part by reaching out. It is very important as well as vital to give support to the incarcerated. Think! It it was your child and you died or something wouldn't you want someone to reach out to your child? If you would like to write me or just send a card of encouragement. Please do so. Mail call is the best time of day, and due to I really don't get any mail, it would be a blessing to me. Thank you and God Bless you! Minister, Antonio L. Ripley Cordially, Minister Antonio L. Ripley
