The nside eport IJULY 2020 Breaking News FromR Behind the Walls VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2

Sit down with Dean Williams at Fremont Correctional Facility Dean Williams Pushes for a Culture Change Interview with Executive Director Dean Williams

By BRANDON MOSS / FCF down for an interview about everything CDOC related. need for a change. Normalization committees have been The following article is part one. Part two of this interview formed and his administrative team’s efforts have focused On March 6, 2020, Executive Director of the Colorado will be profiled in the next issue of The Inside Report. on training and investing in smart, forward-thinking staff. Department of Corrections, Mr. Dean Williams, met The Director was asked about the state’s prison system The team sought clarification on the now common phrase with team members of The Inside Report in an attempt having a long history of punishment, to which he simply “normalization.” Williams described two paths he believes to better communicate the premise of normalization. In responded “it doesn’t work.” Colorado’s 48% recidivism converge into normalcy in the context of corrections. The a deeper conversation later that morning, Williams sat rate does not go unnoticed, and it amplifies the desperate Continued on 2

Chocolate Cherries, A taste of life… Culinary By DOUGLAS L. BAKER / FCF Arts

Christopher A. Pernell, a man By AMANDA DELEON / DWCF perceived by many individuals at the Fremont Correctional Have you ever looked back at Facility as “the best damn bass your life and wondered, “How player on the yard,” was born did I end up here?” Do you ever in the late 1950s, when the think back to elementary school Christian song “He’s Got the when your teacher asked you, Whole World in His Hands” was “What do you want to be when popular. Growing up through you grow up?” How many of the Seventies, when disco and you actually went after your funk skyrocketed through the dreams? Crazy, even though charts, Pernell was immersed I am in prison, I am living my and influenced by many musical dreams. Like I said, crazy. sounds, developing an ear for Growing up my dream was jazz and gospel. “Music helps in to become a chef. I would sit so many different areas of your in the kitchen and watch my life; it gets you through certain dad, mom, and grandma cook. moments. And it’s no different It amazed me how the smells, from this moment in my life love, comfort and creation than any other moment before. would come out of the kitchen It’s like a type of therapy. It when they served us a meal. helps get me through, to release My dreams growing up were to emotions in a positive manner be just like them; cooking good Continued on 13 food that made people happy. I Courtesy of IR, Photo of Christopher A. Pernell Continued on 2 Photo courtesy of Amanda Deleon bad decisions and I ended up in After four months, I completed pursuing God, Culinary prison. the course and became a teacher’s my dreams have Continued from 1 After receiving 40 years, I felt assistant. After about two years of come true. my life was over. I was lost, alone working there, we were told that My team of wanted to open a family restaurant and I had nothing to lose. Like most we had to start a coffee cart. We eight women where all the family could work to people, I wanted to end my life. I did all the research, experimented on and off earn money and gain experience, cried out to God. In the midst of on a lot of coffee and opened up throughout and to use their gifts to bring my biggest loss, and deepest pain I Java Jolt. Shortly after, we opened the years have happiness to the world. leaned on the only thing I had left: up a second coffee cart at DRDC, become my In high school, I decided to A God I couldn’t even see much Java Jolt II. Business was good, family. They pursue that dream. My mom yet believe. I prayed. I surrendered. but the location of the program was have changed enrolled me into a technical school I forgave and I strengthened my too small. We took over a whole their lives, to study French cuisine. Sooner faith. Day in and day out, God hallway that catered to our plans to gained work than later that school became a safe showed me He was there and expand. experience, haven. Every time I put on my chef He was faithful. After a while, I Expand we did! We went and have jacket and stepped into the kitchen, started feeling different. After a from the coffee cart to a snack something to be my world transformed and felt year in prison, God reminded me bar serving breakfast burritos, proud of. They invincible. Learning the ins and of my passion to cook, and this is hotdogs, and nachos. Then, we have brought outs of a high-quality restaurant where my new life began. went from a snack bar to a small continued came easy and I excelled in the I reached out to my case manager deli that served soups, salads, happiness to the industry. but got shot down because there and sandwiches to a full-scale world around us When I graduated, they offered was no culinary program here restaurant. and I couldn’t me an opportunity to become an at La Vista. I cried out to God Five years later, we have our have asked for apprentice and a certified chef and I told Him that He wouldn’t k itchen w it h eig ht d i fferent st at ions, anything less or anything more. Amanda Deleon / DWCF by time I was 21 years old. Of have put this desire in my heart seating area, and a full staff of I can sit here and say that course, I accepted. Unfortunately, if He wasn’t going to equip me graduates that run the kitchen. Five God has equipped me for my courses. though, my bad habits in high and make it possible. Next thing years of being told no, five years of career when I get out. I will Who would of thought any of this school screwed me in the end and I know I’m getting called to my jumping through hoops, five years have completed the food service would have been possible behind I had to put my dreams on hold. case manager’s office, and was told of pursuing my dreams and guess manager apprenticeship program. these walls? Eight years ago none Life happened too fast and instead they found a culinary teacher and what…we are about to have our I am serve-safe certified, of this would have been possible, of things getting better, they got I was enlisted for the class. I was grand opening. Through all of the customer service certified and but today I wholeheartedly believe worse and I made one too many so excited. planning, setbacks, and diligently I have completed two culinary with God anything is possible. Dean Williams Continued from 1 one path is to make “conditions behind the walls, as normal as they can, that are comparative to outside the walls.” Williams went on to give examples of those conditions like cooking his own food and doing his own laundry, implying that such “everyday” chores might be available to CDOC residents with normalization efforts. He also gave illustrations of normalcy exclusive to prisons that include The Inside Report, Redemption Road Fitness Foundation, and The University of Denver Prison Arts Initiative (DU PAI). These programs are just road maps to a more conducive environment for staff- resident interaction, and even more, for the possibility for exchange between residents and the outside world. Williams showed The Inside Report picks the brain of CDOC Executive Director Dean Williams. Brandon Moss/ Julia Rada / Joseph McGill / Ashely Hamilton / Douglas Baker his emphasis on residents providing their insight on normalization stating clearly that healthy, functional relationships are the way it’s been?” The Director was very stresses that incarcerated men and women “I want your ideas.” Williams himself normal, an idea Williams recognized in passionate in saying that what this system can really make the most of their time, suggested ideas like residents wearing saying that this “will change how we see has done in the past is unacceptable. He rather than simply doing the time, or their own clothes. each other.” Informing the “culture shift” wants the readers of IR to ask themselves worse, letting the time do them. Director The second path he believes promotes concept (a term used interchangeably with the question: “Is this the best it’s going to Williams also has the highest regard for normalization is the giving to wardens “normalization”) is the Director’s views be?” adding, “If your answer was yes, then staff who actually want to be a part of and management teams the discretion on staff-resident interactions. Dynamic this [shift] isn’t for you, you will be left making something better. He emphasized to define normalization in their own security doesn’t require the old school “us behind.” Director Williams also spoke to that he isn’t preaching, but he does believe unique settings. He has empowered staff that God puts the most unexpected people to work collaboratively with the resident in positions that they — and others — may populations of Colorado’s prisons to craft not feel they are qualified to hold. “Nothing normalization to suit their circumstances. “Anything good and noble and will change until the people who live here Williams says he is not mandating believe,” says Williams, adding that a certain expectations which constitutes powerful has never been done easily, culture shift will obviously get push back normalization. from all angles, but this will be combated He acknowledged that getting staff on and that’s why we are on this together.” by the believers. In the end, it proves that board will be a big hill to climb, but he also everything is done for a reason and that stated that he had no time to waste. Williams God’s plan may not always be our own. is bringing in a whole new culture, through versus them” mentality. Rather, Williams the “knuckleheads” — as he likes to call During his tenure as the Executive Director and through. He is implementing changes encourages professional handshake them — about the nonsense and negative of the Alaska Department of Corrections, in the academy which trains incoming greetings (in pandemic free times) between effects of not caring has on family and Williams received a lot of negative staff, constructing a new mentality of all members of the CDOC community, and friends of our community. “Why involve feedback and, at times, felt attacked and “dynamic security,” that has been adopted relationships and interpersonal skills that them?” He asks, adding “Do your own unwanted. Williams used those experiences in other systems. One example of this will translate into free society. He states time, don’t involve them.” Speaking to as fuel and training for the transitions he correctional approach is the system in that to hinder this change, or fail to achieve those believing in the push for “normal,” has been bringing to CDOC. He concluded Norway, a prison system that Williams these developments, would be completely the Director urges patience and leadership. this thought by saying: “Anything good has previously toured. The take on doing detrimental to his overall goal. Williams It is the responsibility and calling of and noble and powerful has never been time in that prison culture is completely was also asked about the population who the “believers” to create new ways and done easily, and that’s why we are on this different than the one tried in Colorado and may not care about or believe in the culture positive relationships across all lines and together.” the U.S. The Norwegian system believes shift. He quickly responded, “Do you like prove the “unbelievers” wrong. Williams

2 | JULY 2020 | THE INSIDE REPORT One Fight, One Mission Editor-In-Chief Anthony Ray Valdez Senior Editor Michael Martinez Managing Editor Douglas L/ Baker Associate Editor Evan Lawlor Assistant Managing Editor Mark Horton Image/Photo Editor Travis Haynes Joseph T. McGill Staff Writer Andrew M. Kachik Richard M. Medina Journalist Eric Davis Lysander B. Harvey Richard Johnson Trevor Jones Brandon Moss Bureau Chief Justin Box / AVCF Monsel Dungen / BVCF Demitruis Herron / YOS Matthew LaBonte / SCF Andrew McClay / CTCF Hayley Mill / FMCC Christine Nye / DWCF Christopher Taylor / DRDC Photo courtesy of William Connolly / SCF Sydney White / LVCF George Woldt / LCF By TREVOR PAUL JONES / FCF with shattered hips, his lower lumbar and created a veteran’s program. Connolly, tailbone crushed together, nine slipped and others in Sterling, began meeting Executive Editor Ashley Hamilton Having served his country in the U.S. disks, shattered ribs, a traumatic brain weekly to engage each other about the Julie Rada Army, been deployed for three tours in injury, and the loss of hearing in one ear. issues they confront as incarcerated Karen Lausa Operation Enduring Freedom, William Obviously, the physical wreckage of his vets. These small communities help the Liaison Captain Quattlebaum / FCF Connolly has seen the best and worst of body was only a reflection of the damage men process their unique situations and the world, things which most of us never to his heart and mind. find ways to not only cope, but also to Ms. Joyce / FMCC, ACC, SCC will, nor would ever want to see. Attempting to get back to his life reach further into the world with a new He is familiar with confusion, trauma, stateside was difficult and perplexing. mission. “One fight, one mission. Get Ms. Winegardner / LVCF high stress and intense situations. Helping his kids with homework and ‘em home, stay home.” Ms. Williams / CTCF Returning from service was not so much washing dishes would not sync with Connolly and several other residents Ms. Adams / TCF a “homecoming,” as it was another world his developed internal rhythms. Mental pulled together and worked with the Ms. Gagliardi / BVCF he would now have to engage. He came health hospitalizations became common. staff in Sterling to create a substantial, back from tour, far from the man he Painkillers and alcohol blurred some live-in vets program. Warden Long, Captain Williams / YOS was when he left. The family he came of the anxieties and symptoms of Associate Warden Scherbarth, and Ms. Hayes / AVCF home to felt like strangers, and to them Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Captain Machintosh worked with the Lt. Gabriel / DWCF he felt like a stranger too. In his words, and the sorrows of survivor’s guilt, but vets to construct an early rendition of the Lt. Contes / DRDC “The effects of war don’t fall on just our were no cure for one broken by war. program, and it quickly progressed into a troops who return, but to their families Connolly realizes, “Warriors don’t just completely new way of viewing vets in a Captain Hawkins / LCF and society.” come home and reenter the life they had correctional context. Ms. Fustini / CCF Veterans are returning home in waves left behind as if they hadn’t changed. Commonalities run deep for vets. Mr. Fevinger / CSP from our nation’s longest wars. For a They return with a war that keeps Those who have been through basic Mr. Horton / RCC myriad of reasons, some eventually get haunting their dreams, their memories, training have similar experiences, incarcerated. In Colorado, nearly 1,400 and their behavior.” thinking, and views. Comparable to Ms. Fritchman / DCC veterans are currently incarcerated. According to the National Institute their enlisted days, these men prefer to Mr. Allen / SCCF Nationally, there are about 200,000 of Mental Health, 1.7 million veterans be addressed with their last names, even Mr. Clare / SCF veterans in prison. receive treatment for a variety of mental while in the joint. The brotherhood, Mr. Brown / BCCF The burden of two decades of war— health needs, the most common being camaraderie, and serviceperson sense of which accounts for approximately 7,000 PTSD, depression and suicidal thoughts, humor permeates their conversation— Printing The Mountain Mail dead and more than 50,000 wounded— relational conflicts, embarrassment often to the dismay and disorientation of ©2019 DU Prison Arts Initiative has been largely sustained by 1% of the from service related injuries, and drug the non-initiated. For many, the heart of population. Adding to the stress and and alcohol abuse. Symptoms of PTSD service lives in them forever. Communal Our mission is to provide an intellectually gravity of the situation, 2019 marks the include shock, continued recollection meals, protocols, uniforms, stations, challenging forum for information, entertainment first year someone born after 9/11 will of the traumatic experience, dulled company formations (count time), gear and inspiration, written by and for the people who be eligible to enlist in the armed forces, responses to new experiences, sleep maintenance, “boots and uts” (pants), live and work within the Colorado Department of potentially to serve in Afghanistan or disorders, and more. medical calls, living units, KP duty, and Corrections. We strive to be good stewards of the another theater in the global war on Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) tough as nails attitudes are the daily fare truth, while recording history and news that affects terror. Never before in our history has an affect many veterans who have endured for those in the service. us all. American been able to fight in a war that the horrors of war. TBI is a condition Prisoners also have commonalities. is older than they are. caused by the impact of external forces The loss of freedom, politics, ranks, The Inside Report is a DOC-wide newspaper, Service left a deep mark in Connolly’s and can result in cognitive, physical, and gangs, addictions and crime, all from partnering with DU PAI (University of Denver psyche. Reality can slip and shift psychosocial disorders. different walks of life. They wake up, put Prison Arts Initiative) that will provide you with for those like Connolly whose daily In early winter 2015, incapacitated on uniforms, and go to job assignments. relevant, inspiring, and entertaining information. experiences consisted of improvised by substances and behind the wheel, Medline, chow halls, rec, pods and Also included will be creative arts that pertain to explosive devices (IEDs) and firefights Connolly crashed, killing one and cellmates, authority structures, count your life both inside prison and while on parole. month after month, year after year. On injuring two others. He was charged times, and posted operational rules are Christmas Eve 2009, Connolly’s group with vehicular homicide and vehicular the daily fare for those locked up. Visit us online at www.insidereportnews.com. was ferrying a soldier to the airport for assault. Sentenced to 14 years, he was Subsequently, vets in prison have Follow: DU Prison Arts Initiative on Facebook a two-week R&R (rest and relaxation). sent to Sterling Correctional Facility to overlapping commonalities. In fact, and Instagram for the latest issues. Their group was hit by an IED as they begin his sentence. institutionalization occurs in many passed through an area between an Iraqi While there, Connolly began to see so societies. The frightening truth is that The Inside Report police department and an Iraqi Army many veterans incarcerated, lost, alone many vets enter prison and recognize the P.O. Box 999 Checkpoint known notoriously as the and confused, with no purpose or mission lifestyle it necessitates. What these men Canon City, CO. 81215 “Widow Maker.” No sights or sounds; he to complete. Others had noticed the same and women have become accustomed was out—the only survivor. thing. El Paso County Jail has “Warriors to in the military can all too easily Survivor is a strong word. Connolly First,” which seeks to address the specific translate into the context of prison. Such woke up in Walter Reed National Military needs of incarcerated vets. Crowley adaptations become yet another burden Medical Center nearly three weeks later County Correctional Facility also Continued on 7

THE INSIDE REPORT | JULY 2020 | 3 Daring to Defy the Stereotype

pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Even more so, though, Putka adds, “They are saying, ‘Hey, I’m here and I believe in you.’ And that is really the thing that matters the most.” The pride Putka has for these networks and the way they communicate worth and value is apparent, as is the joy she has for the whole endeavor. She explains, “I think that no matter who you are — whether you’re incarcerated or not — we have this thought sometimes that we have to go through life alone, and I imagine that being here it might feel like that more often than not. You don’t. There’s community, there’s volunteers, there’s people that come in and care about everyone who is here. If you want to live a more values-driven life, and change and transform — which I believe every human should be doing — don’t try and do it alone. Try and find a tribe, a community, a group of people that believe in you, and that have a common value-set; “One Defy Colorado is a community that believes in redemption, second chances, and that all people deserve to feel that they belong.” — Stacey Putka those who can help you get there.” Those who have completed the Defy curriculum and have been released have By ERIC DAVIS / FMCC TREVOR JONES / FCF These events, as well as two others at released. That way we can not only engage an astonishingly low recidivism rate. The both CSP and AVCF, have brought Defy’s our community, but engage them with recent numbers show that graduates have a For decades, Colorado State Penitentiary growing total to nearly 200 EITs. The intention. We can then also start making 92.8% success rate in regard to staying free. was a desolate dungeon of hardened and kickoff introduces participants to the partnerships with people who can provide This defiance of the odds (which shows the broken souls; a maze of cages built to eight-month program, with its standards, us with certain post-release services.” contrast with the general recidivism rate remove 750 men from any type of human expectations, and the goals of participants. For those who have taken the program and of 47.2% over a three-year period) is what contact; a place of lost hope with no sense “CEO of Your New Life” is the first have been released, Defy has post-release “Defy” is all about! Recognizing their of community. There was a widely-held introductory course. networking and continued planning, success and potency, former Governor belief that it was constructed solely for Putka — who holds a Master’s degree workshops, mentoring, and partnering with Hickenlooper declared a Defy Ventures the purpose of deconstructing the men in social work from the University of the community if the participant wants Day in December of 2018. buried in its steel and concrete coffins. CSP Denver, as well as a Bachelor of Science their help. Defy connects people with Cross Heep offered profound and thoughtful became synonymous with every negative in psychology from Colorado State Purpose, a training and certification center advice for CDOC residents who are looking impression of how rotten life could be University — was named Executive for specific job needs and requirements. for new paths in life. “Be very intentional inside of Colorado’s prisons. Director January 1, 2020. She began with Defy and the University of Denver hosted about the relationships you choose. Life On Tuesday, February 4, 2020, a group of Defy as a volunteer at their initial CDOC a workshop on LinkedIn for post-release isn’t meant to be done on your own. 20 men currently residing at CSP couldn’t event in 2017, at AVCF. She now oversees EITs. They are also associated with Growth rarely happens when you’re by possibly see how their day equated with all Defy Colorado programs in CDOC. She Remerg, a web-based resource organization yourself. It’s not until you start saying your these stories of dread from the past. Instead, has the reins of the vision, manages the which helps with housing, health care, and thoughts out loud and hearing others that a mix of men from both the Management team, and ensures that Defy has enough substance abuse. Rocky Mountain Micro all of the sudden that starts being impacted. Control Unit and the Incentive Unit funding to be able to operate and fulfill Finance, which specializes in helping people If you’ve ever told a friend a thought that came together — along with eight peer their purpose. Putka expressed to us what with lifestyle type small business starts ups, you’ve had about yourself that is way off facilitators and nineteen volunteer mentors base, you automatically see it in their from the free community — as they began face. They’re like, ‘How are you thinking Defy Colorado at CSP, becoming the third "Defy Colorado employs a long-term collaborative this of yourself?’ You need that mirror in facility cohort. Included in the group of someone else’s eyes to change. Not only volunteers were individuals from Denver, approach that encourages the participants to explore that, you can be that mirror for someone Boulder, Gunnison, and Crested Butte, their entrepreneurial spirit, while gaining useful training else. There’s a lot to be said about doing life along with three Defy Board members. and education that will assist them in any business related in community, about doing it intentionally, All were looking to add something to the ventures that they may encounter in their future. " and seeking out people who are going to resident’s lives. This was a far cry from the tell you, ‘What are you thinking?’ And days of feeling like the State was doing all are interested to hear that as well — to that it could to break them down. Simply hear what your thoughts are — because mixing the MCU and Incentive residents that vision entails, stating, “Our vision at articles of incorporation, low interest loans maybe it’s an awesome thought. You need is itself an enormous step forward. By Defy is to build redemptive communities, and taking businesses public — is one someone to tell you that. Maybe you need exhibiting trust in these men, the CSP and that economic independence is a right, more fascinating link in the Defy chain. to be told, ‘That’s a great thought, keep on administration was encouraging them to not a privilege. First and foremost, we build Rocky’s Venture Club is a Defy resource that process.’” believe in themselves and believe they had community and provide opportunities for which invests with stunning commitment Fair chance hiring is an initiative Defy a right to take a hand in shaping their own education and growth.” to Defy participants. For those who have is vigorously pursuing this year. Thirteen future. Heep began with Defy as the Post-Release participated in Defy’s program but have Denver-area executives and Governor On the snowy evening prior to the event, Manager, and has since moved into the not been released, Defy offers alumni Polis went with Defy into Arkansas Stacey Putka, Executive Director of Defy role of Program Manager. Heep has a events to keep them in community and to Valley Correctional Facility to host a fair Colorado, along with Program Manager Master in Child and Family Development expand their training and keep the skills chance hiring event (a story covered by Ismerai “Izzy” Heep, braved the conditions Degree from Denver Seminary, as well and learning of the EITs fresh. CBS 4 News late last year). Defy makes to make the trip to Fremont Correctional as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology Defy brings together remarkably diverse these connections so that businesses can Facility for an interview with two from Colorado State University. She is in groups of people. Their networks include effectively incorporate the hiring of men journalists from The Inside Report. They the facilities on a weekly basis, working Tech Stars, a Boulder-based group which and women leaving prison. Checkr and came together to discuss the impact Defy is with the EITs, and also coordinates all teaches people how to start businesses and Sage Hospitality (hotels and food services) having in the lives of hundreds of Colorado of the volunteers. Her enthusiasm is has been present at every in-prison event have been their largest partners for this Department of Corrections residents. Putka evident. “We’re an inside-out approach. hosted by Defy. Jason Mendelson and Brad initiative. and Heep were in Cañon City preparing for We engage our participants once they’ve Felds, who created the venture capital firm For the time being, Defy is only at the the event at CSP the following day. been released,” she said, and added, “What The Foundry Group, with over 50 people three facilities mentioned. Putka explained The “kickoff” event signifies Defy’s we really try to do is start engaging that from Google, 30 people from Checkr (a that they want to scale the growth to best engagement with the sixty residents at post-release (contact) prior to release. We background check company based in San utilize their resources and provide the CSP. The inaugural Arkansas Valley have a post-release assessment that we have Francisco with a second headquarters in most opportunity to the EITs. But they Correctional Facility and CSP cohorts them fill out. We have the benefit that we Denver), stay at home parents, and a variety are invested in the CDOC population and graduated a combined 78 (EITs) or have a team member — myself — inside of teachers and more, are all involved free society to a make real and lasting Entrepreneurs-in-Training. The recent on a weekly basis. So that means I get to and invested in the Defy program. These impact on the world. Learn more at www. graduation at the La Vista Correctional come out and report back to Putka what our networks are developed solely for the defycolorado.org. LinkedIn, Instagram, Facility added another 30 women EITs. participants are looking for when they get purpose of encouraging the participants to Facebook and Twitter.

4 | JULY 2020 | THE INSIDE REPORT The Future, the Evolution Train, Burn-Notice focuses on an ongoing the Inmate conversation. Ask questions regarding burning topics, and have By WILLIAM P. MAESTAS / AVCF inmate remains sober. all. Most important, it is changing the those questions answered with As most of society (young children way we look at and see the inmate. blazing truth by the editorial team I like to think of myself as an observant included) moves forward with their faces With that said, what kind of future does and thinking type. Correct me if I am planted into, and oh-so-dependent on this prison evolution bring to the inmate? made for your voice to be heard wrong, but everything does begin in the their smart phones, the smart (vice free) Can we, or do we, intend to drive and inand debate, its affiliates. feedback This and platform statement is mind with a thought, so I think. I think? inmate moves forward with his or her direct this evolution change in the inmate form, on topics in, and outside of As I look around and observe my face in a textbook and/or a Holy Bible. and the future prison system. Or, will we the Department of Corrections. environment, watch TV, read books, So, being the thinking observer that I just let it take place and go where it will Vent, speak and follow the newspapers, and magazines, I cannot am, I cannot not help myself from asking like we have in the past? movement. help but notice the many drastic changes the question – What about the future and With this evolution rapidly taking place going on and taking place around me, not the inmate? another question I have is who should Peep this scenario… only outside in society but around me have say in which way this evolution here in prison and in our environment, in takes us? Shouldn’t we expect and allow A person gets mugged in front of general. “A society should more input to come from the inmate? a store, the mugger is running Many people look at the inmate as As an inmate, it is my hope that we all towards you and being chased, being insignificant. That may have been be judged not can come together and gain control of you recognize him from the true in the past but it is wrong to continue this very fast moving train and direct it prison you did time in. Do you to think that way. The inmate is the very by how it treats to a place that creates safety and benefits stop him? If you do, are you a real present and not so distant future. its outstanding citizens, staff, and inmates as a whole. snitch? But I thought you were Even though many people take no Yes, the prison evolution train has going to get out and do better? I notice of these changes taking place, citizens, but by arrived. We get on board or get left thought the criminal mentality as life moves forward, many people do behind. would be rehabilitated. I bet (citizens and inmates) and I am one of how it treats its Is the inmate insignificant or is he or you would stop him if the victim them. I hope you are too. criminals.” she turning out to be an extraordinary was close to you. Wouldn’t that Some changes taking place are some kind of person? Shouldn’t we at the also be snitching? I mean, it of the words being freely tossed around very least look into this thought and try in prison these days; words like resident to find the real reality to these few new burning question is this: instead of inmate and the big word, Evolution can be, and is, a very strange questions, or am I asking too much? is all on camera after all. The normalization. thing depending on your perspective of Dostoyevsky once said, “A society At what point do you draw the As much of society moves forward it. should be judged not by how it treats its line between criminal/convict (young and old), getting high on Who would have ever thought that outstanding citizens, but by how it treats and regular citizen? recreational marijuana, still very evolution and prison would have come its criminals.” *Submit and be heard* much enjoying being drunk and out of together in the same sentence for everyone Instead of just crime and punishment, control on alcohol living the so called to read and contemplate? It has because which hasn’t been working, maybe we “good-life” in a drug-induced haze from I have brought them together. Prison is should be thinking more along the lines We anxiously await your voice on pharmaceuticals like OxyContin, the evolving and it is creating change in us of crime, evolution, and treatment. this topic. Please refer to “Volume 1 Issue 2 - Burn Notice Reply” as the title of your response to Brandon Moss #167442 at FCF. Media release “I think there will be skeptics...” must accompany submission. 7 -Habits for was possible to get him to agree with the Normalization is a view that normalization is a better fit for John Mill reform issue. Reform is a staff members, as well as residents, then he needed to relieve himself of any other view By BRUCE NOZOLINO / FCF culture issue. Culture is that doesn’t support normalization. (That’s a community issue. a version of self-interest on my behalf.) I I recently completed the 7-Habits then learned/decided/realized that we have On The Inside program at Fremont to keep in mind all the elements involved Correctional Facility (FCF). During this By TRAVIS HAYNES / FCF in keeping order in a prison system. Safety program, I found myself reflecting back view, this could be a confusing transition is important for residents and staff. I was on a Philosophy 101 class I took 40 years You can’t tell me what’s normal; you and not an easy walk in the park. A lot of relived to be able to receive a clear and ago. don’t live here, I do! Why should we make comments, conversations, and responses objective view from him instead. We must One of the (lesser known) classic it easier for the inmate? It’s not easy for us might lead individuals to believe a great also face the fact that everything has a philosophers is John Stuart Mill to work here. At one time or another, have deal of staff are against this idea. I’d like to process; people’s attitudes towards change (1806-1873). He posed an interesting you found statements like these drilling into know if this is true and why? don’t happen overnight, they evolve and philosophical question: Is it better to be your mind? The billows of smoke coming The following is dialogue that took place people deserve enough time to allow a a human dissatisfied or a pig satisfied? from the word normalization are clogging between myself and a staff member: new process to emerge and then possibly This article will explore this classic the flow of operations in the Colorado TH: If normalization could water the redefine the way they perceive it. In order philosophical dilemma, and then attempt Department of Corrections. relationships between staff and residents, to productively coexist, we must cooperate. to draw parallels to 7-Habit’s principles. The Director of Prisons sparked our possibly making prison a better work “Normalization,” as the staff member First off, understand that this is a attention with the possibility that the environment for you, what would it look understood it, can make life in prison philosophical question. As such, there is Department might implement a system like? resemble life on the outside. When an no right or wrong answer. The question to build a community where both staff Staff: (Long pause) I don’t know. individual is released, he has a better chance is designed to make you assess aspects of and residents can function better, thus TH: You can’t even imagine it? at functioning in society. He continued by your own life and values – much like you ushering in a culture where reformation and Staff: (Another pause) Well, you have two saying, “It’s a security issue; normalization did during the 7-Habits program. transformation is the norm for all. Right more years, right? would cause staff members to lose some Let’s start off by asking what Mr. Mill now, we’re caught in a cluster of confusion, TH: Yes, I do. control over the inmates because of meant by the term “pig satisfied”. Taking resentment, and hope as we attempt to Staff: Well, you have time to think about newfound freedoms.” Point taken, but isn’t it at face value, using the literal term (“pig unmask this “superhero” — normalization. that, and I got time to think about keeping prison a controlled environment, regardless? satisfied”), we can infer a simple life with One thing for sure is both, staff and residents, you safe. By definition, right? no complexities. A pig’s life consists want the crooked path made straight. But, I had a chance to speak with a few other Another unexpected and interesting mostly of sleeping, eating, pooping, and how? staff members about normalization and statement the staff member made was, “I’m (occasionally) “making some bacon” Hypothetically, would it benefit CDOC its capability of bringing in a higher work for it, but it should be progressive. Starting when a sow wanders their way. employees if normalization could look expectation for them. “How good is the in a high/medium facility then full blown in •Habit 1: Be proactive, or “I’m a product more like normalizing relations? How about worker presently? And in the near future a minimum restricted/minimum facility.” of my choices, not circumstances.” Do breaking the cycle of indoctrination of how able is he/she to do his/her work with From a security point of view that makes pigs make choices? Not really, their life green vs. blue? Or the aggressive mentality respect to work demands, health and mental sense. The more you progress in your is the epitome of circumstance. between some staff and residents and resources?” One staff member unknowingly security level, the more staff are already •Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind, learning how to handle each other with caused me to question whether my point of in place and available to deal with the or live by design, not default. Do pigs human dignity? From a staff’s point of view was really objective. I felt that if it Continued on 17 Continued on 17

THE INSIDE REPORT | JULY 2020 | 5 A 12th Chance The Incredible True Story Inspirational testimonies about of How Yoda and the the hard, beautiful, and emotional experiences trying to rebuild a Cheshire Cat Helped Me marriage, and parent from within. Get Out of Prison By DOUGLAS L. BAKER / FCF By JOHN RED CLOUD / CTCF some work. Sign up for open labs THE PHONE CALL in Pre-Release for starters. You It’s been three years since I’d heard her voice, six years since Imagine a hospital for a "If no mistake you can create a rough draft of your she said, “I love you,” over eight years since I felt her touch, and second. Depending on your community referral and have it in less than a millisecond I could’ve potentially ruined my 12th experience with hospitals, have made, yet typed. Find out exactly what the chance. your perception can be quite losing you are. A Pre-Release instructors can do My wife and I had been separated since November of 2013. extreme. Maybe hospitals are to help. Community placement She’d been involved with another man since then. To be quite cesspools of germs and disease; different game is not a guarantee. You will honest, our marriage was an on-again off-again endeavor since a place full of suffering and be evaluated by factors such my arrest in 2011. I don’t blame her, I put me in prison. I didn’t death. Another may see a place you should play." as: your offense, institutional ruin our marriage, I destroyed it, and subconsciously pushed her where people go to heal and get conduct, C-TAP score, program and our children into the arms of another man. Through years well; a place where the miracle –Yoda compliance, and community of growth and maturity, I hoped that she had found someone of life unfolds. I encountered support. Halfway houses are that would be able to give her the things I couldn’t like stability, this Jekyll and Hyde perception proven to help bridge the gap security, intimacy, and most importantly, someone she could when I began asking people She’s at a fork in the road and asks between the false realities trust. about halfway houses. Mostly, him which path she should take. of prison and the pro-social As an inadvertent blessing of the “Read to the Children” (RTC) it’s the doomsday warnings: He asks, “Where are you trying expectations of responsible program, provided by the Colorado Department of Corrections, “It’s a set-up for failure.” Or, to go?” She responds, “I don’t citizenship. Everything you do is my wife would receive a DVD and book, play my recorded DVD “They’re just making money off know.” “Well then,” he simply documented in DOC, whether you for our children and watch it along with them. I never thought you.” And my favorite, “It’s a tells her, “it doesn’t matter.” are getting write-ups, or earning that, not only would the program help bridge the gap between my bunch of bulls**t.” I can’t wrap In this warped “Wonderland” your GED. No matter how far kids and I, but also that she would watch it as well and something my head around that. If being called prison, you have to figure away you are from community magical would happen. She would see me in a different light in the community is a bunch of out where you want to go. One eligibility, now is the time to start through our children. Undeserving as I was, God answered those bulls**t, SIGN ME UP! Believe path can lead you to a halfway building your résumé. prayers. it or not, some guys prefer prison house or parole. The other path What you perceive the halfway She reached out, and I soon had another chance at a fulfilling to community. The opt to waive leads you from write-ups, to house “to be,” will shape how you life. She would later tell me “Our children want their father in community and roll the dice at orange pants, maybe a stay in approach it. It’s either a place to their lives.” parole. Not me. Some freedom is restricted housing, followed by get out for a few months and taste With the inadvertent help of the RTC program, I was blessed better than no freedom. loss of good time, and straight freedom before getting regressed, to hear her voice on the phone one February evening. Her voice All convicts have stories about past your parole eligibility to or it’s a chance to get back on your was angelic and euphoric in sensation. Prison itself completely how they got here. Equally your mandatory release date. We feet and use the resources to make disappeared for a brief moment. I wanted so badly to blurt out diverse is what we are doing to all know parole is no guarantee, a successful transition back into and say, “I love you! I’m so sorry! Please forgive me! Give get out. This may depend on but there is no better way to shoot the community. Halfway houses us another chance! I’m not the same man I used to be! I’ve how much time you got. It also yourself in the foot than by taking are not for everyone. Maybe you changed!” But, as the words, “I’m not the same man I used to be! depends on what it means to be the wrong turn down the path of prefer living in a bathroom with I’ve changed!” echoed in my head, my train of thought stopped. “out.” My definition is simple: self-destruction. How many guys another man. To each their own. I knew that what I was thinking, and wanted to say, were words NOT IN PRISON. Anything do you know who got paroled on As long as staying in prison is the that I had time and time again spoken. They were words that I that is not prison has got to be their first try? I have talked to game, you can never win. Play a thought I was speaking with solemn sincerity, only to figure out better than this. Case in point: more guys than I can remember different game. Give community later they were empty and without form. I was full of it then, and community corrections, a.k.a. who said, “Screw community,” a chance. You’re still in prison every time previous to that. the “halfway house.” Why should and did roll the dice with parole if you get denied. I made no My next thought was crucial: “The very next words that come you put in for the halfway house? only to be “recommenced” to mistakes in prison. Parole still set out of my mouth could quite possibly be the last for many more Why do anything? That is free transition through community me back. I took Yoda’s advice. years to come. Be the man you are now. Speak from your heart will at its best. Remember in corrections. Back to square one. I put in for community. I was and your head. Don’t blurt out anything in some distorted train “Alice in Wonderland,” when Several months before you accepted to the halfway house. of thought thinking that you’re going to be Rico Suave and she first meets the Cheshire Cat? are “community eligible,” put in Now I’m waiting for a bed. sweep her and the children off their feet, thinking that they will magically forget about the last eight plus years. You’re about to say the same thing as the last 11 times. Haven’t you learned anything in these last years? Creating Hope "SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO WHAT SHE IS SAYING! By JOY PHELAN / LVCF OPEN YOUR EYES TO THE OPPORTUNITY THAT IS BEING PRESENTED TO YOU! DON’T MAKE THE SAME There is chaos happening in the be a change in eating or sleeping charged decisions rashly. Accept MISTAKES!” world, a global pandemic changing habits, activities, routine, altered people as they are and don’t be normal activities for everyone and communication, appearance, hesitant to request help if you are The conversation didn’t last as long as I would’ve liked it to, our lives will never be exactly the or hygiene practices. There is a feeling a little bit off. Respect the but it was the beginning of many more beautiful ones to come. same. As they say at Hopefortheday. damaging stigma attached with dignity of the individual if you are It was the first time in my life that I just shut the hell up and org, “it’s okay to not feel okay” mental health needs and, as a society, asked to provide support. listened. It was also the first time in my life I really thought about and it’s imperative that we, as a we need to work on reducing that In his book, “The Four what I was going to say before I said it. It was one of the hardest community, recognize the signs of unfavorable connotation. Proactive Agreements,” Don Miguel things I’ve had to do, not to just yell out how I feel in order to stress, anxiety and depression in prevention is the idea of beginning Ruiz offers four principles for make me feel better. I had a ton of fear in my heart that day. ourselves and those surrounding us. a dialogue on mental health needs transforming attitudes: I’d never done anything like that before: engage in active and In his book, “What to Do When before negative impact arises. Be impeccable with your word – effective communication with her. You Don’t Know What to Do: People manage stress or anxiety in say what you mean and mean what We now work TOGETHER, everyday, on getting to know who Discouragement and Depression,” a wide variety of ways: journaling, you say we are as a ‘new couple.’ Dr. Henry Cloud defines depression talking, coloring, meditation, deep Don’t take anything personally – It was so easy. All I had to do was listen, be selfless, and shut as being “disengaged and breathing, physical activity and it’s not always about you up. Sometimes, that’s the hardest thing for anyone to do, whether disconnected from…others. It is as even medication are all valid coping Don’t make assumptions – give they’re in prison or not. When we speak now, if a thought comes if some vital part of you is lost and mechanisms. Methods works for one as much grace as you would like to in my mind, I pause and think about what I’m about to say. I frozen in time.” Reconnecting with may or may not work for someone’s receive question how she might possibly receive it and consider my tone others can help you feel better but friends, family, coworkers or Always do your best – your of voice. that can be challenging with stay significant other. Please practice integrity matters I check myself before I say anything and ask myself, “What at home orders, social distancing, positive self-care: drink plenty of These values remind us all that is the purpose for getting ready to say what I want to say?” modified operations and lockdowns, water, get enough sleep, shower we have way more in common I’ve had to explain to her that the reason for my pauses in our whether you are incarcerated or regularly, physical activity as than we think. Please remember conversation is because of my effort to think before I speak, and simply safer at home by choice and normal, get small things completed, that you are not alone and we will you know what… as cliché as it may sound, it works. Sometimes governor order. take medications as prescribed get overcome adversity and tough we all need to just shut up from time to time. Warning signs of distress could and don’t make any emotionally times together.

6 | JULY 2020 | THE INSIDE REPORT than the beige and concrete that engulfs One prisons. In the garden the vets can get their hands in the soil and work toward the production of life in the delicate plants. Mission “The program gives us an outlook, something to work on and focus on, away from drugs, to focus on the good and know Continued from 3 what we’re about,” says Jose Madrid, who has lived in the program for about a year. and hindrance for incarcerated vets to Upon leaving the service veterans can feel overcome as they unravel the psychic knots discarded, and long for that devotion and that have entangled them. purpose for which they left home. For people It is these shared experiences the founders who found that purpose in the service, and of the Sterling Veteran’s Program (housed who have felt it lapse—either in discharge in Unit 32) explored in order to craft or ruined in incarceration—this program something that contributes meaningfully to strives to recreate that meaning and calling. the treatment and rehabilitation of vets as Working to create, to build, to protect, and they serve their correctional sentences. to fulfill obligations is in the blood of these Vets are accustomed to routines and vets, and the program renews opportunities structures, so the program incorporates for people to strive toward these aims. these in layers to help people make sense The programs of Unit 32 work to both of their days. People with the various rehabilitate and enrich veterans, as well as Courtesy of SCF struggles of drug addiction, alcohol abuse, to prepare them for parole, resentencing or PTSD, and anxiety disorders along with halfway house applications, and transition Veterans interested in the program need They’re supposed to be there. We have to physical injuries and disabilities need plans. The time, opportunity and resources only apply and provide their DD-214. do our just dues, we’re held to the same the extra support of communities and are given to members to work through Everyone is welcome since, as Madrid says, principles we protected.” programs designed to assist their recovery their various challenges, blind spots and “we bleed the same blood and there is an The position of these laws and the great and equilibrium. Everyone wants to be with personal needs. It enables them to be ready equality amongst those who’ve served.” The symbol of them (the American Flag) is others who may understand them. All of us not only to face the fears and challenges of other divisions prisoners know too well are ceremonially honored in Unit 32. The Color also want to successfully transition back the steps toward release and freedom, but covered over by the shared service veterans Guard (a group of people selected for raising into free society. strengthens them for successful futures in have. “We work with our brothers. Life in and lowering of flag) performs its duties The veteran’s program is advancing these the free world. Astonishingly, the success the military itself breaks down walls,” says with military regularity and pride. To honor needs and desires by forming live-in pods rate for being released on parole after these Ridgell, adding that “incarcerated veterans those killed in action, or who are missing and units for veterans and for those deemed preparations is over 95%! can create unity, and a new community.” in action, they practice leaving a seat open “Patriots” (non-military residents who wish at shared tables, an exercise known as to both honor the vets’ service and glean the “Place at the Table.” This vacancy is, the many virtues of the culture which is according to Veteran Affairs, “reserved to created in these organizations). Working honor our missing loved ones, our missing in collaboration with staff, teachers, and comrades in arms, and veterans who are volunteers, as well as incorporating the not with us.” There is a deep love for the vast resources and talents in their own pageantry and the ceremonies, which population, the vets work through anger imputes dignity to the participants, not to management, Why Try?, substance abuse mention the spectators. and treatment programs, victims impact While still facing their own struggles, the classes, and of course the ubiquitous 7 men of Unit 32 work to bring the best into Habits program. Currently these classes the lives of all of the people they can touch. are holding a couple of positions to fill Connolly and the rest do not take Unit 32 or with vets. These efforts are geared toward their lives for granted and believe “each day examining and healing the mental habits is precious—take the best and make the best. which have become instinctual for those We believed we truly helped in the service; trained so thoroughly as service people, as that a service really was provided for our well as the damages acquired though the country and for those in which we served. harsh experiences they’ve endured in that We saw real, deep and tragic poverty and service. Courtesy of SCF conditions in some of the places we served. When the participants enter Unit 32 These things motivate us still.” they take an oath, swearing to live to the Daryl Ridgell, who waived his community Applicants are accepted no matter how long Future articles will feature the lives and highest standards of conduct and be the best corrections opportunity to see the program or short their time in the service. According efforts of these and other veterans, and the versions of themselves they can be, for one implemented in other facilities, believes this to Connolly “Even if you were hit by a truck expansion of veteran programs into other another, their families, and their county. program offers a chance for people to still on your first day of basic training, you’re sectors of CDOC. The atmosphere is one in which everyone serve and give back. Jackie Smith says that welcomed into Unit 32.” is trying to improve themselves and each the program is a win-win for CDOC and During an interview with several of the other. Gardens, a mini-yard, and murals add vets, and by extension, all of us. He notes members of the Sterling program the men to the ambiance which the participants find “vets have certain special needs, as well as were asked about the possible conflicting conducive to correction and healing. These opportunities. DOC is helping provide for feelings that may arise from being touches offer activities and hobbies to the these and in return DOC gets guys who are incarcerated by the country they served vets and tends more toward rehabilitation looking to invest in the lives of others.” and in several cases for which they fought. It was obvious the men had considered this paradox, but all agreed that breaking the law requires accountability, and in a sense, they are living examples of the rights and laws which they fought to preserve and promote. Joel Market, a resident and founder of the newly formed veteran’s program unit at FCF says starkly: “We made mistakes; the answer is ‘are we willing to fix it?’ Are we willing to make amends for it, to account for it? We should try to better ourselves. If we don’t, then we are missing the purpose. The rights we defended worked in our incarceration. Those rules are in place and you have to have the right mindset when you’re held accountable for breaking them. Courtesy of SCF We helped put those laws in place. Courtesy of SCF

THE INSIDE REPORT | JULY 2020 | 7 Freedom

By FRED HILL / FCF Freedom is a word that’s misused when it rolls off our tongue, Many men have been hung, a myriad of songs have been sung. This portion is for my convicts, my brothas, and my fam, If you think you’re free, then why don’t you give a damn? The chains of bondage have been broken a long time ago, But there’s still so many things that we need to outgrow. The shackles are gone, but our minds are still enslaved, Importance of Art Inside County jails and prisons are overcrowded because of the way we behaved. By JOSEPH T. McGILL / FCF millions of people every time he walked onto We’re so myopic we can’t see past our nose, the court. Even Jesus Christ was an artist using Now it’s us, spraying each other with a fire hose, I believe that all people are creative. Some parables to teach, and it’s still a way that shocks people will deny this when they look at a painting the world today. Or disrespectful words, or bullets from an AK, done by one of the greats saying, “I could never Whichever art form you practice, the most Nobody’s listening ‘cause everybody’s got something to say. do that.” The thing is, that painting isn’t yours. critical part is that every act of creativity is That painting came from someone else’s creative important, especially to those that are residents In the meanwhile, we got mass killin’s and school shootin’s; tell me soul. of a detention facility. Being able to create gives when is all this gonna end? Art is the expression of something that you are you the ability to escape the confines of the cell Now we got this guy in the White House saying, “Let’s make passionate about. That passion is expressed in walls and leave an impression on the people America great again.” many creative ways that aren’t isolated to people that view your masterpiece; an impression that When I first heard that, I couldn’t believe how it sounded, that can draw, paint, sculpt, write a beautifully could change the very core of what that person crafted poem or short story, or who have an believes. And in changing that one person, you ‘Cause these are the very people that change the laws on how angelic voice they sing with. No, creativity is have just changed the world. Don’t stifle your America was founded. something that is done daily, by everybody. Some art form’s flame. Don’t let it die thinking that Yet I’m the one that’s censored, I can’t say how I feel, perform in front of people by giving a speech, this isn’t the place to express yourself, for then We got parades, lawless acts, and the police have a right to kill. like on a baseball or football field, or even in the you are just killing a part of who you are. No, way teachers pass on their knowledge to a child we are meant to shine, every single one of us. What’s crazy is, we’re teaching our kids that God is not cool, or a follower. Each of those performances is a Pursue your masterpiece. Our teachers are silenced; they can’t even mention him in school. creation from that person, unique to that person. Thank you to the University of Denver Prison Take Michael Jordan as an example, what he did Art’s Initiative in giving the men and women If we’re not teaching love, then by default we’re teaching hate, with a basketball in his hand was nothing short in the Colorado Department of Corrections the When I was young I use to love singing that song by of a masterpiece, being performed in front of opportunity to strive for their masterpieces. Katherine Lee Bates. “O beautiful, for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain...” In this day and age, I’m still treated inhumane. Nire – Part 1 America! America! I love you but you don’t love me back, By RYAN J. KRUEGER / AVCF some unwary bit of prey. Is it because I’m one of those thirty-three Nire slowly approached, closing the distance shades that make you attack? A seemingly endless rain drummed a steady without difficulty, curious to see how close she rhythm against the hood of Nire’s cloak, the heavy could get to the predator before she was spotted. The Or should I state the fact that it doesn’t matter what you say, droplets collecting along the brim before forming hunter hunting the hunter. It took only moments for Every day I pray, that I won’t be the prey, tiny rivulets that eventually ran down the sides to her her to get within range. If she wanted to take a shot Or stray from the way, and use my fists to repay. shoulders, spilling onto the forest floor below. Despite at the bird she could have, but something about the that it hindered her movement somewhat, Nire was situation seemed off. The small hairs on the back Let my yea be yea even if you betray, glad for the cloak. The supple, leather wrap kept her of Nire’s neck and on her arms raised and a shiver Everything’s alright as long as Mama’s okay. mostly dry, a bit warmer than she would have been coursed down her spine. Again she froze, and slowly Today is the day that I won’t let you say, without it, and it helped her to blend in better with she scanned the area, being careful to move only her her environment. eyes. This man right here lived his life as a cliché. In spite of the rain and the near complete darkness As she did, time seemed to slow. Even the rain of the moonless night, Nire’s elven vision allowed seemed to fall more slowly, each individual droplet her a decent enough view of the forest around her. flashing as it passed before her eyes. It was then that She crouched low near a tree, motionless, surveying she noticed how quiet it was. There was no sound, not Jewell the area around her for any sign of the enemy. She even that of the rain on the leaves above. She glanced watched and listened, but all was still and quiet, back to where she knew the owl sat perched and was By JERRY BLAIR / LCF the wildlife having sought refuge from the rains. If shocked to find the bird staring directly at her, the she weren’t on scouting duty perhaps she too would creature’s eyes glowing a preternatural soft-blue. Drowning in a heartache, the story of my life, her have been tucked into a nice, warm bit of shelter “No!” Nire thought as the realization hit her. She green eyes could see right through and set my soul on fire. somewhere, but she was on point, scouting for a reached for the stone tied tightly at the base of her recon force not far behind her. As such, she needed to neck but movement seemed slowed, lethargic, and as She could stand alone through wind and cold, endure the cold, wet night if for no other reason than she grasped it, pressed it to her throat, she whispered, like a beacon in the night, it was her duty to do so. The recon squad was relying “Ambush!” But there was no sound when she spoke. and then, my jewell, I’d run to you lest someone take my life. on her. She moved out. Nire tried again, louder this time, but she heard For more than two hours Nire made her way nothing when she tried to speak through the magical It’s hard to think of something anytime or anywhere, through the dark forest, each step taking her nearer stone, trying to alert her allies that they were walking could take my breath away when moonlight to her objective. The sodden ground made moving into an ambush. Nire tried to turn to run, to somehow silently easy enough and she slowly picked her way make it back to her allies, to warn them before it was shimmers off her hair. through the trees, keeping to the shadows. As she too late, but she couldn’t move her feet. She was Now my jewell, I dream of you, crept ahead, always sure to keep the road in sight locked in place! still the heartbeat in my chest. from her vantage point in the tree line above, she How could she have allowed herself to be fooled so continued to scan her surroundings for any sign that easily? How could she have not noticed? I’ll be your fool like a bell rings true from a something was amiss. And, of course, to make sure How could she have been so stupid? These thoughts Sunday morning church. that her passage had not been noticed. and more raced through her mind. She’d walked right I’ll be yours forever, have it tattooed on my chest, A nearly imperceptible sound, and a slight flicker into a trap and now she couldn’t escape! Nire tried of movement ahead, stopped Nire in her tracks. She desperately to move but it seemed the harder she in a flaming heart, a ribbon that would be there till my death. raised her crossbow, looked down the sights, and tried, the more paralyzed she became. Nire tried to Then my jewell, I’d run to you and crash upon your feet, slowly scanned for the source. It took only seconds calm her thundering heart, tried to clear the panic for her to identify the culprit. The dark silhouette from her mind, but it was no use. She couldn’t even then sink into the ocean and wait there in the deep. of an owl sat perched on a tree branch just ahead. It look away from the owl, her eyes fixed on its gaze, My heart would last forever, made of solid stone, didn’t seem to have noticed her though and, as she mesmerized. If she didn’t figure a way out of this, broken in the ocean, at the bottom, all alone, watched, the nocturnal hunter seemed concerned and soon, her friends would certainly walk straight only with finding a meal, scanning the forest floor for into an ambush. Straight to their deaths… I will wait for you to notice that I am the only one.

8 | JULY 2020 | THE INSIDE REPORT My Mom Proud to Call You By TRAVIS HAYNES / FCF Mom BOOK REVIEW

My mom was a mother when I needed one An Uh-nonymus! Collection I couldn’t imagine what it felt like looking at our hungry faces, and knowing that By ANONYMOUS Green Eggs and Ham no food on the table was not an option. I’m proud to call you mom, I couldn’t understand how your heart feels, to do By RICHARD JOHNSON / FCF cartwheels, Because you stand and call me son. Seeing a son going downhill, when his destiny is uphill, And by my side you continue to stand, If you are in the mood for a real “Nail-Biting” book, one But it is not real till it’s real to him. Whether the fight’s been lost or won. that is authored by a PhD, and is commonly described as a You met with principals, talked with teachers “Suspenseful Page Turner”, then look no further than Green Suspensions. I’m proud to call you mom, Eggs and Ham. The doctor himself, Theodor Seuss Geisel, You wrote letters, sent pictures, talked to parole officers, a grandson of German immigrants, has created scenarios in Disappointments. ‘Cause you’re always there when I call. which the unnamed main character has no choice but to fight You loved me better than… And you always seem to forgive me, Doctors appointments, prayed for me with oil out both an external battle with Sam I Am, but also a deep No matter how bad I’m at fault. Anointed. rooted internal battle with his personal disdain and disgust Took my temperature, took pictures. I’m proud to call you mom, for protein in the form of green eggs and ham. Never before has a vegan had to argue so intently and stand his ground so My mother was a mother when I needed one. ‘Cause in your faith you stand firm. I love her firmly through a litany of locations in which to eat this poultry I don’t deserve her, And you’re patient when you teach, and pork dish. Sam I Am, who is a yellow-y drawn antagonist, I adore her, Because you know that I can learn. only wishes to share this delicacy with his buddy, who is I honor her. clearly not getting the nourishment his protein-lacking body I’m proud to call you mom, I’ll grieve with her, needs to grow. Mr. I Am offers him a place in a box for safety; Speak of her, think of her, Because your heart’s always been open; he offers him a plate with a fox for companionship. He makes Pray for her that God will cover her, available this dish to eat both here, as Sam puts it, as well as Call her up and prosper her. And overflowing with encouragement; there, but it is not received anywhere. This build up continues I can’t owe her, Always giving me something to hope in. Can’t repay her, I don’t deserve her to grow over the course of the novel as many other venues are I honor her, I adore her I’m proud to call you mom, made available to dine on this carb-less entrée. All I can say I’m pleased with her, I’ll pray with her. Because you’ve seen me at my worst; is that religion hadn’t featured much in my life until I got to One things for sure. the last page and saw Heaven appear by what was written by And always tried to remain to strong; I look like her, talk like her. Theodor himself. My recommendation is that you will like Try to be strong like her, Stay firm like her, Even though deep inside it hurts. this book in a box, with a fox, in a boat, wearing a coat, you will Turn like her, change like, stay young like her. I love you with all my heart; like it here, and you will like it there. You will like it anywhere. Become like her. Just be ready for the emotional roller coaster you will embark That’s far-fetched one thing’s for sure, When it’s rough, you keep me calm. on. If you manage to survive this book, then I encourage you that’s my mom, And it’s all these things about you, to check out Dr. Seuss’s other manuscripts: One Fish – Two and my mom is a mother when I need one. That makes me proud to call you mom. Fish, Horton Hears a Who, Oh the Places You Will Go, and of course the drama filled breaking and entering book, The Cat In The Hat. Enjoy! Time to Discover

By MONSEL DUNGEN / BVCF I put out waving flags, smoking flares, road signs, and intensity that makes you feel ten years younger… flashing arrows pointing you to the secret places where You know in the midst of nothing I see your wanting There was a time when my mind had its freedom to my passion waited feverishly only for you. With closed face. Your smile brightens the abyss, your eyes show wander aimlessly through the days, to travel to distant eyes you discovered secret places I never even knew me the meaning of being, while your essence gives off a lands, or soar among the clouds and to hold imaginary existed… softness that eases all. In the darkness I hear you speak lovers through the night. But now things have changed Now life can frequently be difficult especially for such my name and your voice is like a favorite show song, you and it seems my mind has been detained and can never a fragile heart, and sometimes it was bruised and a few know like that one you never get tired of hearing. Having get too far from thoughts of you... times it was even broken. But time healed the wounds you positioned in my mind has given me my own heaven, I was always afraid to tell you, with movements or and its beauty increased. Anyone who is willing to listen for Allah (God) knew exactly what I needed foremost, even words, about the passion I was born with but feared. can hear what is really being said even when no words it’s no wonder why you can tolerate my madness… I kept it covered with jackets, long sleeves, pendants and are being spoken… Now this revealing scroll is meant to awaken the masks. Hidden in journals, secret poems, day fantasies, For discovery comes with exploring the oneness of hardest of the hard to a realization that you and the dark night dreams and a quiet heart. And when I dared falling in love for it is like getting hit by a huge truck yet so-called soft are one and the same. For when it is all share it, I camouflaged it with dry-lip lectures and several you’re not fatally wounded. Just sick to your stomach, said and done you are going to have to ask and answer more masks, and a purity so stern that the feminists high one minute, low the next. Hot, cold, forever lustful, yourself one very important question and that is “Was would have etched them in stone for all women to read full of hope and enthusiasm with a momentary depression this script meant for the discovery of your significant and study… that wipes you out. It is also not being able to remove the other, or for the discovery of yourself?” Last night, I conquered all my fears, and in doing so smile from your face and loving with a mad passionate You decide…

Book Review: My Life as a White Trash Zombie

By MARK HORTON / FCF Sounds bad, right? The cover even From death comes life! And that is the looks like those books that our librarians underlying story of hope that I identify I love to read, and I love to share look on with disdain. But I promise with and hope that you can, too. For and encourage others to read! As I you, this book is freakin’ amazing! me, a life of addiction came the death looked back on what I read this past On the surface it’s about a woman in of incarceration. From the death of year I marked several books that I her 20’s, Angel, who is in the throes of incarceration came a Life of sobriety, wanted to share with The Inside Report active addiction. Drinkin’, druggin’, and sanity, and safety. community. Should I first share what sleepin’ her life to the brink of death This is a book that sticks with the inspired me? Educated me? Challenged daily. Then one night after an over dose reader. An overwhelming sense of hope. me? What I kept coming back to was and a car wreck she awakes in a hospital Hope for the addict that still suffers. the deep-fried-butter-at-the-state-fair of with no memory, no scars, and no idea Hope for the addict in recovery. And for books. Something that sounds so trashy, that she has turned into a zombie. As a me personally, hope for the girl I loved corny, and generally unhealthy for you zombie, Angel, discovers a newfound and left behind when I came to prison. that I fake shame when I recommend it. outlook on life. She matures and becomes And that is Diana Rowland’s My Life As a productive citizen, albeit, a zombie A White Trash Zombie. citizen.

THE INSIDE REPORT | JULY 2020 | 9 Featured Graphite Artist

/ FCF

Born July 16, 1970 Perry, Georgia "Graphite artwork hearkens back to the days of black and white TV." ~Zeigler

"From my perspective, it brings about a classical approach to the present, as I strive to capture the feeling within the projects through the various degrees of H’s and B’s.

to the simpler times of my life I find myself slowly going back when there was less stress and drama." ~Zeigler The Rise of an Airness: A Jordan Shoe Theory

fade away jumpers, and unbelievable as well as the social economic classes, and transformed the role of celebrity buzzer beaters. Jordan became must- Jordan broke through barriers. FCF endorsers.” This unimagined culture see-TV, his extraordinary trend became resident, Gregory Freilinger, growing allowed for people to not necessarily ever a legendary epidemic. Fans would eat it up in a white, middle-class family was have had to pick a ball up to thoroughly By LYSANDER HARVEY / FCF up; virtually everyone wanted a pair of self-described as an Air Jordan superfan, enjoy the variety of Air Jordans. You could Jordans. Back then, if you considered expressed, “If you’re a hip family you wear Jordans because they were incredibly yourself a hooper, you had to have a pair wore J’s. My dad wears J’s; I wear a suit comfortable, they went marvelously with of J’s or you weren’t official. with J’s.” Jordan inspired standards which your new outfit, or simply because you Jordan successfully captured the minds made it okay to be a part of something needed a pair of fashionable shoes that of fans with the movie Space Jam, and bigger than one’s self. The brand invoked would allow you to fit into most social memorable catchphrases like, “It must strangers who commonly held love of groupings. If you had on a pair of J’s you be the shoes”, a mantra kids were taking Jordans to play better, be better, and built were saucy; if you had on a pair of J’s you literally. Young ballplayers genuinely self-confidence. were socially accepted; if you had on a believed if they strapped a pair of Air The brand wouldn’t miss a beat after pair of J’s you were official. Air Jordans Jordans on, they would magically become dominated this generation in regards to better. And in a sense, some players did shoes. His brand was historic, giving have more game just from the unwavering birth to a culture that would become the belief they possessed. J’s would sweep the MJ provided inspiring inspiration to hit songs, as well as inspiring standard basketball shoes quickly, making hope that you could fresh gear from bags to eye glasses to him incredibly famous, raising his status fragrances. A plethora of youth camps, What’s your favorite pair of J’s? The red, to Basketball god. Whole basketball teams be accepted and “be sport teams and events are endorsed by his white, and black 4’s? The black and white would buy a pair of matching Air Jordans like Mike.” He became mind boggling brand. 9’s? Maybe the gray on black 13’s? Even so they could represent his greatness. Jordan’s Jumpman logo, resembling though it’s been over 30 years, Michael To this day, if you ask around, everyone the hero you had his legendary dunk from the free throw Jordan, legendary shooting guard for seems to agree that Jordans were the shoe to know everything line, became the symbol of confidence the Chicago Bulls is still king. A legacy to have. 7-Habits core group member, about, and follow all for millions of inspired believers. Jordan which was created with two dimensions. Andrew Kachik stated, “If you wore a pair once said, “I’ve never had my vertical leap One being the intensely passionate NBA of Jordans on the basketball court, you his actions. measured, but sometimes I think about superstar, who propelled himself into wouldn’t be the last one picked up.” how high I get up. I always spread my the position of G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All The Chicago Bulls’ Hall of Famer’s legs when I jump high, like on my Rock-a- Time), winning six straight championship influence could not only be boxed in baby, and it seems like I’ve opened a rings. Second being the re-imagined kicks hardwood. As an African American man, Jordans NBA retirement. The traction parachute, like, that slowly brings me back that revolutionized the sneaker game. It’s young black kids were able to identify of his awe-inspiring career had already to the floor.” The brand earns a whopping difficult to speak about one without the with Michael Jordan. Born February 1, pushed itself into full effect. Jordans estimated 3.9 billion dollars a year. What other; together they generate a flair that is 1963, from humble beginnings, it was success is largely due to the culture that more can I say? “It must be the shoes.” timeless. easy to admire a man who made out of was created around his mega celebrity In today’s modern era, it’s rare not So why do people obsess over these Air poverty to stardom. MJ provided inspiring status. His name would appear in an to have heard of Jordan, whether it’s Jordans? They’re built for performance hope that you could be accepted and “be average of 100 newspaper articles a day basketball, activism, or business. Still, it’s and style. He partnered with Nike in 1985 like Mike.” He became the hero you had during his electrifying NBA era. The the shoes which continue his legacy as a and created a buzz when he got fined up to to know everything about, and follow all moment “His Airness” stepped off the global phenomenon. “Growing up, shoes $5,000 every time he wore the first pair. his actions. But to say he only affected court and into a suit, he and his strategic were always about status, and Jordans were The hype would catapult the brand into the black community would be a huge business partners created a culture that was the top pair you could have,” said Jesse history. Through the late 80’s and 90’s, MJ understatement. He would go beyond racial on another level. According to Advertising Wilkinson, a DU PAI leader at FCF. His became the most written about athlete. He affairs, and reach heights only legends Age, he “virtually singlehandedly created shoes represent a statement and sometimes dazzled audiences with his silky smooth have. Connecting the vast demographics, the modern sports marketing industry a pair can speak louder than words.

Workout of the Month The Breath By BRANDON MOSS / FCF By NATE FISCHER / CTCF attachments of the diaphragm are pulled down, bulging the stomach outward Have you ever wondered how we (belly breath). When we stabilize the The monthly workout routine can be posted breathe? It seems simple because we diaphragm’s upper attachments and relax or “challenged” by a member of our IR normally do it without thinking about the ribcage, a diaphragmatic contraction community (staff or resident). Each workout it. But each breath you take affects your causes the ribcage to expand. Both these will have the ability to gather times and whole body. You may think that each time actions cause an increase in the volume of scores so that we can feature top contenders you breathe you are sucking air into your the lungs and thus an inhale. around the CDOC community in upcoming lungs. The bony components of the torso — the Inside Report issues. Bragging rights are the Your lungs are like an accordion or a spine, ribcage, and pelvis — are all knit prize! bellows: as their volume increases the together under mechanical tension, like pressure inside decreases. This causes the coiled springs restrained by elastic bands. This is your “Workout of the Month.” greater pressure of the outside atmosphere This, along with the abdominal and chest to force air into your lungs. pressures, create an intrinsic equilibrium We can define breathing as: the process that lends the body the tendency to be THE WALKING DEAD of taking air into and expelling it from supported all on its own. the lungs; it is caused by the three When we are overweight, have bad This is a workout that has gained a lot of attention in recent months and dimensional shape change of the chest posture, or muscle imbalances our is 100% sure to leave you sore, tired, and most of all, fulfilled. Keep your and stomach cavities. This shape change breathing can be obstructed. All our technique strong and don’t break form for effort. Leave it all out there and most is caused by the diaphragm. abdominal muscles and several layers of all, good luck and enjoy. The lower edges of the diaphragm of muscle lining our ribs assist with are attached to the lumbar spine, inner inhalation and exhalation. When we FOR TIME surfaces of ribs 6-1, and the xiphoid have bad posture it puts strain on these 225LB Deadlift 225 Times process of the sternum. These muscle muscles. fibers all travel upward into a dome like When we are overweight the excess Scaled versions include lower reps with matching sets. shape that becomes the central tendon. abdominal pressure pushes upward on Prescribed woman’s weight is 155LB, same reps. This tough, fibrous tendon is the anchor the chest cavity limiting your ability to point for the connective tissue that breathe. If your muscles are over worked *Submit your scores for a chance to be posted as a top athlete* surrounds the heart, lungs, and from the and under stretched your ability to expand bottom of the abdominal organs. When your cavities becomes limited and your the stomach cavity changes shape it is breathing hindered. Look for the WOM emoji “Swolie,” and feel free to give feedback and opinions. more like a water balloon, where you It’s important to exercise your chest, Most importantly of all, submit your “challenges” on workouts and nutrition. squeeze, it bulges out somewhere else. back, abs, sides, and lower back as well as It changes shape but not volume. When stretch them all to maintain equilibrium, the base of the ribcage is stable the upper and the ability to breathe.

12 | JULY 2020 | THE INSIDE REPORT thinking, ‘Wait a minute, I’ve never had any it. And I knew she was trying to be strong it right now in my mind, the nurse’s face. It Chocolate symptoms of prostate cancer. I don’t have for me. And here I am trying to be strong for said, ‘It’s worse than we want to tell you.”’ anybody in my family that has had prostate her. ‘Pernell, the one thing that I didn’t want It’s like they didn’t want to discourage me. Continued from 1 cancer that I know of. Maybe there’s a to ever happen is for any of my children to They would say things to me like, “Well… mistake. It’s just a misreading or something.’ go before me. I wish God would take me you know there are different kinds of instead of being negative and walking It has to be a mistake,” stated Pernell when instead.’ I completely understood that… I treatment we can do. There is major progress around with an attitude of ‘woe is me, poor describing the events leading up to his official just didn’t want my mom to know how bad happening in cancer research and treatment me.’ As long as I got God, and as much as diagnosis. it was. I didn’t want to say it; I didn’t want all the time.” But they would never say it. So he allows me to have, the last thing I want Pernell consulted with the doctors, pleading to tell her I had cancer because then it would I researched the diagnosis myself. Once the to be or have is the ‘poor oh me’ attitude,” with them to check the results again, run the become real.” cancer spreads to certain parts of your body, remarked Pernell during an interview test once more, and get a second opinion; Pernell intuitively knew that something like the bones in my case, that means there is about his recent diagnosis of advanced there had to be a mistake. Unfortunately, was seriously wrong. And no matter how much no cure. The only thing they can do is give stage prostate cancer in the summer of there was no mistake. Medical science had it hurt him, he felt he had to stay strong for you more time, and slow it down. They can’t 2019. gotten it right. “After they went back and his family. They couldn’t see him struggling, stop it.” In 1913, Fred Wells paid two hundred did some more blood tests, the doctors came depressed, or angry. He would only divulge When society is plagued with difficulties, and fifty dollars to a local dairy farmer for it is common and natural to question one’s a horse, delivery wagon, a few cans and jars, beliefs and spirituality. So it’s not a shock that and the goodwill of a business that would Pernell had done the same in the course of become the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Company. "Wait a minute, I’ve never had any processing his emotions. “To be honest, I was Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream is one of their kind of confused, and I was kind of pissed latest flavors, introduced in the 21st century. symptoms of prostate cancer." at first. I spoke with God asking, ‘Why is Its deeply intense texture is complimented by this happening to me? I haven’t really done its extraordinary flavors. Reasonably priced anything to deserve this. I don’t understand at two dollars and fifty cents—a modest back and said, ‘No, this is what you have.’ I as much information as needed in order to why this would be put on me and my family.’ eighteen percent of the monthly budget given was shocked, I was in disbelief for a minute, spare them the emotional discomfort he was I prayed about it a lot, and I just couldn’t to individuals in prison—it’s well worth it and then I was shocked again. I was saying to engrossed in. The emotional and physical understand, ‘Why?’ My family and I have when you begin to think about life; how two the doctors, ‘How come I never knew or had pain that is caused by such startling news can been praying over the years, praying for so weeks prior you turned sixty; how easy it is any sign of this before it spread throughout feel life-threatening at times. Medical science long, faithfully, being as Christ-like as we to disregard life’s simple luxuries. A single my body?’ It was mind boggling for me to has termed it the “Broken Heart Syndrome” could be, and then this comes up. I thought, ‘I spoon of cool, refreshing, and deliciously think, ‘Why weren’t there any warning (Tako-Tsubo Cardiomyopathy). Published just wanted to be able to get out of prison and tasteful Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream that signs? Usually there is something telling you, in the Journal of American Medical spend time with my family. I feel like now I only costs a mere two dollars and fifty cents ‘Hey, something’s wrong, you need to go get Association’s (JAMA) magazine in 2011, may not have that time.’” would be the very thing to create ripples checked out.’” “…occurring mostly in postmenopausal Falling down, getting up and dusting reaching far beyond anything Mr. Wells Symptoms of prostate cancer are not as women, it has been diagnosed following yourself off, taking the punches and rolling dreamed his ice cream would ever provide to prevalent as one may think, according to some stressful event… emotional stress.” It with them, and all the other clichés told to us his customers. the National Cancer Data Base and doctors owes its origins and namesake to the feeling, throughout life, could never lift the spirits of “We were eating ice cream, having a good Miller, Hafez, Stewart, and Montie, who and sometimes clinical cases, of a partner someone who has been dealt a blow like that. time, when I just happened to look over at co-authored a medical report which was dying and their significant other finding no Exceptions could be made with the words Pernell and noticed his face was different, published through the National Institute of reason to continue and live life. Could this of someone in a similar situation, or for almost like it was sliding down on his right Health. Miller said, “Early prostate cancer possibly be what Pernell wanted to spare Pernell, a higher power. Turning life’s lemons side. The first thing that came to my mind usually has no clear symptoms. Sometimes his mother from? A few days later, Chris’ into lemonade is easier said than done. But was ‘He’s having a stroke!’ I told him what I prostate cancer does cause symptoms such worst fears would be confirmed: cancer in what does resiliency look like in the face of was seeing and that he should get to medical as frequent urination, increased urination at a very advanced stage, originating from the adversity? “One day I asked myself, ‘Where as soon as possible. Looking back on that night, difficulty starting and maintaining a prostate. Doctor recommendations included do I go from here?’ Just when I began to enter moment, knowing what I know now, I steady stream of urine, blood in the urine, immediate treatment with chemotherapy and into that “poor me state,” my perspective of would’ve never have thought for a second that or painful urination.” A study based on radiation. life completely changed. Like I was given a this moment could’ve been the last time that the 1998 Patient Care Evaluation in the Arguably, the love and compassion that newfound vision from God. I thought: my Pernell and I would eat Chocolate Cherry Ice U.S. found that, about a third of patients is created at birth between most children life’s not over. I began to look at life differently. Cream together,” stated Fred Hill, long-time diagnosed with prostate cancer had one or and their mother is timeless and universal. Things that I thought were important to me, friend and cellmate at that time. Fred was more such symptoms, while two-thirds had As humans, we generally possess this weren’t important anymore. What mattered sitting on the bleachers with Pernell eating ice no symptoms. innate endowment of compassion for others was people, relationships, and getting rid of cream, giving witness to his stroke. Pernell, Pernell re-lived the moment when he in times of loss, distress, and suffering. grudges. How can I get the best of me out of unaware at that time that he was having a told his oldest son, who admired his father Pernell’s yearning to spare his mother the the time that I have left? What can I do to help stroke, followed up with the medical services so much that he ended up following in his pain that would be caused by the disclosure somebody else? How can I help others and unit where it would be later confirmed that a footsteps with a passion for music, graduating of bad news is common and in some cases leave a good impression on somebody today? stroke had occurred causing Pernell’s face to from Yale with a degree in musical arts. “I appropriate. When asked what it feels like to Maybe, just start by saying something kind droop. Rushed to a local hospital for further said, ‘Don’t tell anybody, not until I get the lose a child, someone close to this story, who and simple will make someone’s day, make a evaluation and treatment, it would then be official results back.’ Well… that didn’t chooses to remain anonymous, remarked, difference in somebody’s life.” only by the divine intervention of some form work out very well, because he immediately “It’s like a hole is inside of you when you lose Could society ever evolve to a point where of higher power, a higher power that Pernell started to call everybody, my mom, my sister; a child. I felt destroyed when my son passed our worst days and most troubling events calls God, during routine blood tests, X-rays, everybody was just freaking out. And I’m away. It’s something no mother should go become the best thing life could ever give us? and the like that doctors would discover like, ‘Well… I haven’t gotten the results back through. I literally felt like I was dying inside. Could a potentially life-threatening malady something unusual. Something that would yet; we don’t know for sure.’” The loss of a child is like no other.” This was ever be seen for the beauty that it truly might devastate all Pernell had ever held to be true. With the sudden shock of a potentially the pain Pernell wanted to spare his mother, be? “I would’ve never known I had cancer “At first, the doctors thought I might have life-threating cancer diagnosis looming over and his motivation behind not telling her the if it were not for that stroke. It’s not a good Bell’s Palsy, facial paralysis, as a result of the his head, Pernell gives a rare inside glimpse full extent of his diagnosis. Psychologically, thing, because it was a stroke and it freaked stroke. But then they did some more tests, and of how someone begins to deal with the news. when information of this magnitude is me out, but in a sense of the doctors finding found that I may have a couple of different Where and how do you turn and face life’s relayed, the receiving party almost intuitively the cancer because of that, it was a blessing. issues all together. One in particular being adverse moments in a resilient manner? How knows that what is be being told to them is Otherwise, I would’ve never known. It a growth that they had found in my lung. I do you tell the ones you love what’s going on? shared being done so with “kid gloves.” And would’ve just been festering and building up thought to myself “, ‘What? I don’t smoke. I How much information is enough or too much systematically, they in turn discover the truth until one day I fall out, and pass away never don’t do drugs. I’m not a drinker. That can’t to tell in such a sensitive situation? Pernell and magnitude of the situation. knowing I could’ve had a chance to fix it; to be right.’” began by speaking about the emotional Chris’ impulse to protect his mother and change the course of my life; to stop and play With the discovery of a growth in Pernell’s challenges of breaking the news to loved not communicate the full extent of his cancer the music with my family.” lung, additional testing was ordered to include ones, most importantly his mother, who only is understandable. Similarly, is it possible Two dollars and fifty cents for a taste a consultation by experts in the field. “I went six months ago buried her husband, Pernell’s those with whom we aren’t close may do the of life’s lessons in sympathy, love, and in for the PET scan that following week.” father—not to mention the constant battle same, protecting the listener from the full compassion; two dollars and fifty cents for Positron Emission Tomography – allows with health problems, financial constraints, extent of a situation? Could the medical staff a taste of insight into life’s mysteries; two for doctors to scan for diseases in the body and the unending fact that her son is still in have helped Pernell with his newly diagnosed dollars and fifty cents to be told you have to reveal metabolic changes in an organ or prison. “It was tough. She simply said, “‘Son, cancer accessing that same compassion, advanced stage prostate cancer, and that there tissue. “They ended up finding more lesions I’m sorry,’ and started to cry. ‘Well, Mom those same protective traits? Pernell recalled is no cure... Quite possibly even to capture in my body, all of which were mostly in my this may not be as bad as we think it is, so I what his read on the medical staff was when moments in time. This time, with some help bones. “You have cancer. We think it was don’t want you to worry about me. I need you they began to tell him, or not tell him, about of a higher power, gave someone a second caused and originated with your prostate.” to take care of you and I’ll be okay.’” I knew the extent of his cancer. “They wouldn’t say chance at life. That’s what the doctors told me. I remember though, that she was having a hard time with it, but I could see it in their faces. I can see

THE INSIDE REPORT | JULY 2020 | 13 Rethinking Prisons Debt Paid, Rights Regained and Prisoners By DAVID WELCH / FCF such imprisonment, and who is released inquire about criminal history. As of Creating tomorrow’s therefrom by virtue of a pardon, or by September 1st, 2019, employers with 11 neighbors People struggle against authority. virtue of having served out his full term or more employees shall not advertise or Authority may abide in a gang leader, of imprisonment, shall without further state on an application that persons with a a mob boss, a school teacher, a police action, be invested with all rights of criminal history cannot apply. Employers By MICHAEL J. McCARTHY / SCF officer, a president, a king, an emperor, citizenship, except as otherwise provided also shall not, “inquire into, or require a judge, a senator, a family member, in this constitution.” In Colorado, disclosure of, an applicant’s criminal After decades of building prisons a business associate, a supervisor, a however, parole was considered part history on an initial written or electronic in Colorado, I witnessed the removal religious leader, a parent, maybe even of one’s “full term of imprisonment.” application form,” [HB19-1025, section of razor wire from a good portion of God. Wherever authority resides, we find Recently, that interpretation changed. 2 (3) (III), emphasis not in original]. Sterling Correctional Facility (SCF) strife. When we believe we know a better Argument about whether voting is Exceptions are made for employers as part of the Colorado Department way, we resist accepting or affirming an unalienable right or whether it is a required by current federal, state, or local of Corrections (CDOC) normalization decisions made by authority figures. This political privilege continues to this day. law to conduct criminal history checks. plan. The symbolism was as great as conflict — disagreements about society’s One thing is certain; the constitution On and after September 1st, 2021, this act the act. governance — we call politics. secures the right to vote for any U.S. applies to all employers. Prisoners and staff alike were on Over time, various societies constructed citizen eighteen years old or older. The Healthy debate about the legislation’s top of a divider wall with grinders and governing institutions — theocracies, right to vote is one of our primary means efficacy continues. Some people tin shears dismantling the security kingdoms, empires, democracies, of exercising and securing our liberty. On believe it’s unfair to offer criminals measure that was deemed no longer republics, etc. — building arenas in which May 28th, 2019, the General Assembly of these opportunities. Others argue these necessary. For someone like myself, politics could find peaceful resolutions. the State of Colorado and Governor Jared measures make society less safe and with a 30-year history of recidivism, it Each institution embodies fundamental Polis enacted House Bill 19-1266, having encourage, rather than deter, criminal was akin to watching the Berlin Wall beliefs about which governing powers become effective July 1st, 2019. This bill behavior. Many people think these laws come down, and equally important. rest in the body politic and which rights “…intends that individuals sentenced to don’t truly affect meaningful change; they In practice, the normalization plan the citizenry enjoy. parole on account of a felony conviction are just futile and superfluous ramblings creates an environment in prison In 1776, our nation’s founders shocked be entitled to the full restoration of their born of ambitious bids for re-election. that resembles society’s, including the Western World with an astounding voting rights,” [HB19-1266, section (2)]. While people have their reasons for the responsibilities incarcerated men declaration — all people are created The general assembly then asserted their holding such perspectives, I encourage and women will face upon release. equal and endowed by their Creator authority to define legal terms, stating, everyone to pause, take a breath, turn off Ultimately, the goal is to produce with certain, unalienable rights, among “full term of imprisonment” means, “… the talking heads on T.V. and social media, a greater number of successful them life, liberty, and the pursuit of the period during which an individual and give a moment for humble reflection. ex-offenders worthy of being one’s happiness. The founders also believed is serving a sentence of detention or Life, liberty, and the pursuit of neighbor. a democracy balanced by separated confinement in any correction facility, happiness. These rights are given by For Colorado citizens, the residual powers best embodies government’s jail, or other location for a felony our Creator. Government exists to effect will be safer communities, purpose — protecting our God — given conviction,” [HB 19-1266, section 2(49.3) protect these rights. It means, when I reduced crime, and additional tax dollars rights. The Constitution of the United (a)]. The bill explicitly restricts “term of choose to violate another person’s rights, directed toward constructive areas of States of America and the Bill of Rights imprisonment” from being interpreted as government is there to protect the person government besides corrections, such established that democracy. Each state “being on parole.” The bill also ensures from me. The authority decides what as education and infrastructure. in the Union structures itself by that parolees get access to everything they penalty must be paid as recompense for The basic operation of prisons in standard, legislating and enforcing laws need to be informed voters. HB 19-1266, the damage. Our thoughts often stop the United States has gone relatively as needed; yet, the governing powers section 4 list various instructions for the there. Both offender and victim are unchanged for over a century. cannot infringe upon our unalienable Division of Adult Parole. At the initial forgotten when our considerations stop at Prisoners’ lives were dictated by the rights. But what happens when a person meeting, they shall provide information the gavel’s rap. daily grind, and until their release, feloniously interferes with the life, about how and where to register as a voter. There are moral truths frequently felons were simply warehoused. They liberty, and happiness of his or her fellow They shall also provide the necessary neglected on both sides. Some of those were told what to do and when to do citizens? Should that person’s rights be forms, applications, mailings, and a truths involve mercy, forgiveness, it. Almost every aspect of their lives stripped away? Or limited? Debate ensues copy of the state’s ballot information and redemption. Other truths involve were micromanaged by the system. and each state freely enforces its course booklet. This bill has made major strides humility, repentance, and restitution. Everything was provided in a fairly of action. in protecting and restoring one’s right to This involves justice. These bills reveal monotonous fashion. After spending Few people will argue against crime’s liberty once a social debt has been paid, our representatives’ attempts, imperfect, years in prison, incarcerated men and punishment, some crimes violate and the General Assembly of the State of to uphold the principals of justice women were no more prepared for people’s lives so terribly that a term of Colorado didn’t stop there. implicit in our constitution by extending release than a polar bear dropped into imprisonment is justified. In such cases, When the founders spoke of the pursuit encouragements toward mercy and the Sahara Desert. certain rights must, at least, be suspended of happiness, their main emphasis was redemption. But bills are not enough. Since 1990, over a ten-year period or modified; and, if a breach of social trust the ability to freely pursue and acquire Our hearts and perceptions must change. a whopping 80 percent of all released is egregious enough, some rights may private property, i.e. working to acquire Damaged people can heal; wayward prisoners in the United States were be entirely removed. While one serves and sustain a comfortable life, without people can be redeemed. Our nature rearrested. Parolees are either doing a term of imprisonment, he or she may fear of capricious molestation. House bill compels us to resist, we are incumbent, something wrong or something is not exercise certain rights of citizenship. 19-1025 provides a small step in restoring under the principals of self-government, wrong with the system. This century But Article VII, section 10 of Colorado’s an ex-prisoner’s right to the pursuit of to nurture every opportunity for life, old model of incarceration doesn’t work constitution states, “…every such person happiness. The Colorado Chance to liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to the and instead perpetuates the system. A who was a qualified elector prior to Compete Act limits how employers benefit of our neighbors. new approach is necessary. A key component in the normalization process is the prison administration encouraging and empowering prisoners to play a major role in their own reintegration, including making decisions on just about everything in What is the “Bombest” dish you’ve made while in prison? their daily walk. *canteen/package ingredients only SCF Warden Jeff Long, welcomes all inmate proposals and ideas. But he 12. Pasta Salad (with chicken, bacon or Italian) doesn’t just want a wish list. Warden 11. Homemade Green Chili Long wants to hear the benefits of the 10. Chicken Parmesan proposal and how the author intends to 9. Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie take the idea from concept to fruition. 8. Enchiladas If the proposal is well thought-out, 7. Banana Cream Pie can produce a win-win effect, and the 6. Breakfast Burritos petitioner is committed to seeing it 5. Philly Cheese Steak Bagels through, Long will give the idea the 4. Calzones green light, which could include funding 3. Fried Rice the materials to make it happen! 2. Chicken Alfredo CDOC Director Dean Williams has 1. Fat Bastards promoted a partnership relationship between correctional staff and *This is a contribution from DWCF library clerks and patrons, for fun only: Look for Jury’s In list next month. Continued on 18

14 | JULY 2020 | THE INSIDE REPORT Inside the walls and the outs. We learn Hindsight is Not Us vs. Ourselves how to function inside the walls even though we’re here to correct actions on By DA`NAIRE MARCHMAN / FORMER RESIDENT the “outs.” We lose sight that we’re here the Only Thing due to the actions of a person on the outs, What is “Us vs. Them?” The human automatically leads us to a kind of irrational who often finds his or herself put up on a That is 20|20 mind has a tendency to categorize people in group favoritism. shelf somewhere waiting for the moment social groups. It’s not hard to see how this In the early 1970s, British social when we finally step off of the yard or By RICHARD JOHNSON / FCF “Us vs. Them” mentality can be destructive psychologist Henri Tajfel explored a clock in at night. In here, I am either the to both ourselves and society as a whole. It phenomenon he called the “minimal group convicted or the officer. I am either with 20/400. No, we’re not doing fractions is scary to think how susceptible we are to paradigm.” The basic idea behind this those like myself or against them. No one — that was my eyesight before choosing these biases, even under completely random concept was to investigate what minimal wants to find themselves in the minority on to undergo Lasik surgery. Lasik was the circumstances. In spite of this, it also makes conditions were required for discrimination either side. We then contribute to popular best decision I have ever made. Being sense that we’ve evolved to notice these to occur within groups. culture. We become either a better convict that it is now the year 2020, what better social categories. During tribal times, it was Also in the study on “minimal group or a better DOC employee. In all honesty, thing to write about than when my vision beneficial to perceive unfamiliar people as paradigm,” participants were given an we neglect the person who we really are became perfectly clear. It was 2010, and a potential threat and treat them as such for opportunity to allocate money or “points” and we don’t deal with the reasons why I could not see more than six inches in protection and security. to other participants but favored giving we’re here or sometimes we even distract front of me. In case you are not familiar In a prison setting, we often see that points to members of their own groups others from finding their own solutions and with how optometrists scores vision, it’s social groups can create a “Us vs. Them” as opposed to members of another group. contribute to more problems. Maybe we based on how clear something appears if mentality toward people who may be Even more interesting, participants were should consider a third viewpoint. Maybe you were 20 feet away. All that to say, different. Some examples are position more willing to see their group “win” rather we should take the time to ask ourselves, 20/400 meant that something 20 feet (Correction Officers vs. Offenders), race, “What do we want for ourselves, for others away from me appeared as if it were 400 gender, age, nationality, culture, religion, around us, and what do we want for our feet away. That is more than a football socioeconomic status, or even gang vs. "We shouldn’t ignore the relationships?” We see the “Us vs. Them” field. The only thing that was clear to me gang. mentality in almost every aspect of life was that I was blind. My insight about Limon Correctional common differences from politics (Republicans vs. Democrats), As visually impaired as I was though, I Facility comes from my experiences and my between us, but we to war (Palestine vs. Israel), to even sports remember the doctor visit clearly. It took understanding from what DOC employees (Mets vs. Yankees). We shouldn’t ignore about 45 seconds to be affirmed that I have told me. How does the “Us vs. Them” certainly shouldn’t use the common differences between us, but was a good candidate for the operation, mentality affect the environment in which them to judge people." we certainly shouldn’t use them to judge and was told to come back in 10 days. we all find ourselves facing? Is there a people as “superior” or “inferior” — or see When I came back, I was met with some mental state we’ve created to establish them as a battle between “Us vs. Them.” drops to dilate my eyes, and some pills boundaries between correctional officers than have outcomes where all participants So with that being said, have pride in who to sedate me. It was at this time that I and inmates? Is this simply a prolonged end up better overall. you are and where you come from, but got wheeled into the laser room and had game of cops and robbers? Does an “Us Is this the way things have always been remember where you are going. Take the my eyes held open with a contraption I vs. Them” thought process take away from and always will be? Or can we redirect time to ask if you’re promoting a better had only previously seen in the Stanley energy that can be used to help each other this thought process? The first step to tomorrow for your group and the ones to Kubrick movie, A Clockwork Orange. understand the reason why we’re here, finding a solution to any problem is to first come. The goal is a better tomorrow and to Next, the doctor grabbed a miniature which is rehabilitation? acknowledge that a problem even exists. It “better ourselves,” am I right? If you choose tomato dicer that he used to slice and Amazingly, studies on this outlook have is said that communication rules a nation, to associate with a group identity, it doesn’t peel back my cornea. Panic would have shown that people tend to favor a group bias, but what does lack of communication do to have to be a bad thing, but don’t make it one certainly set in at this point, as my vision even when they are categorized on relatively one? From the time that we first sling that through your actions. went black, had it not been for the pills. meaningless distinctions. Examples include green duffel bag over our shoulder, awaiting Maybe upon closer inspection of our Sixteen seconds later, as I smelled the eye color, what kind of hairstyle you keep, the determination of our fate and where situation, we realize that the first step smoke coming from my laser-burned or even the places we are came from. we will be placed within DOC, to the first to answer the rough questions in this cornea, he moved on to the second eye. This tells us that we have the potential time that a DOC employee steps foot onto a environment is to accept the fact that we In less than one-minute total, both eyes to separate ourselves from a certain group prison yard, keys in hand, mace on hip, we have no greater completion than ourselves. were done and I sat up and immediately of people based on any random or arbitrary are filled with assertions and assumptions So maybe, just maybe, the view shouldn’t saw my wife, clear as day, in another characteristic. Therefore, everyone is about how to interact amongst each other. be “Us vs. Them,” but “ME VS. MYSELF.” room under a sign that I could read. susceptible to be a perpetrator and/or victim What to say, ways to act, and what to do to I leave you with this quote from William 20/20! My eyes were perfect. As a matter of social prejudice and ostracism, from hide our weakness from each other. James: “The greatest discovery of my of fact, they kept healing to 20/15. a warden to a gang leader. It appears that We dehumanize ourselves to a point generation is that a human being can alter As I look forward to life and what the thinking of ourselves in terms of groups where we create two different realities: his life by altering his attitudes of mind.” years to come will bring, I am reminded that “foresight is also 20/20” and that my future is looking clear.

But one thing is guaranteed — each meal rebuilding of damaged relationships. The Family is prepared with skill and care by an sit-down family meal has been a major offender in the CTCF culinary program. factor in the family bonding practice Each course, from the salad to the dessert, since the dawn of civilization. There Meal is cooked and presented with the same is something about this setting that is quality one would expect from their conducive to pleasant, shared conversation By DAVID SCHULERUD / CTCF favorite restaurant. and open jovial emotions. It is one of the cornerstones in a strong family foundation On a chilly day in January of 2018, I "One thing is of love, understanding, and togetherness. was afforded a wonderful opportunity. Over the years, I have had many visits For the first time in close to 30 years I sat guaranteed-each in numerous facilities. I have sat with my down and had a meal with my father. No meal is prepared family, eaten vending machine food, and microwaved burritos or sandwiches from played countless card games. While it’s the vending machine, but a steak dinner. with skill and care nice and a highly valued part of my life, This meal was prepared magnificently by an offender in the family meal is much different. The staff and served to us as if my father and I were the CTCF culinary at CTCF have created an environment for the most important people in the room. this event which is unique and separated This event occurred in the CTCF visiting program." from the prison norm. It is a relaxed and room on an ordinary Tuesday! conducive setting in which to nurture At CTCF, the administration has Staff and culinary offenders serve each those familial bonds. taken the Re-Entry family meal program course with the attitude that this is the best I encourage anyone at CTCF who has and expanded it to include the general experience of their week. On most meals, not yet taken advantage of this wonderful population. Every other month offenders the warden and/or other members of the opportunity to do so once visitation here at CTCF can submit a request to be management team can be found making reopens. I have been here for a while, included in the event. It is open to anyone their way around the room, welcoming over three years now, and have been to who is on their approved visiting list. Then both families and offenders as if they were several of these events. I think that you’ll on a chosen weekday afternoon, usually a the maître d’ at the Broadmoor Hotel. be pleasantly surprised by the experience. Tuesday, the visiting area is turned into a All through the meal there is someone I also ask those who shared in this dining room. from Programs to make sure that all the opportunity to let the programs people and The menu varies from one meal to the participants’ needs are filled. the management team know how special next. Usually it follows a theme. One The family meal program at CTCF this family meal program is. Perhaps this dinner might be Italian and the next provides a unique and relaxed setting concept can be carried beyond this facility could be based on a Mexican cuisine. in which offenders can continue the to others in the state.

THE INSIDE REPORT | JULY 2020 | 15 Integrity Counts Barber Shop By ROBERT FRY / CTCF that does not benefit life. For instance, many men were born By BRANDON MOSS / FCF confidence, young man.” Women dig confidence I am an old convict with a lot into a gang and were taught that is a saying I learned to love. So I was like, “And of old and outdated bad habits. I they must hate and maybe even The “Barber Shop” talks the talk and motivates after that?” They all looked at me like I was crazy. took 7-Habits class twice, once in kill another man simply because people to walk the walk. My experiences in the So the barber on my right, he was like 40 and his 2006 and again in 2012, because he is from a different “hood.” shop not only shaped my head but my mind, as name was “Chi Chi,” he was, like, “Man go over I have way more than “7” habits; To unlearn these wrong well. I learned how to talk to and treat women, there and tell her you want to steal her beauty for I graduated both times. I’ve teachings, look around your pod... defend myself, focus on my health and I even the night and show it off to the rest of the city.” successfully completed the T4C, we have men who are black, white, learned how to play chess as I waited my turn to Can you believe the dude’s hair he was cutting MRT, and Anger Management Latino, Native American, and get cut. I swept hair for money, learned to hustle was like, “Yeah, I know a spot on 35th she would courses. What was my purpose Asian all together. We are all in from the “CDs! DVDs!” man, and ultimately love, cool lil’ jazz spot with great food.” These for these classes? Why have I the same hood now! It only makes looked at the men giving out those cuts as role dudes set it all up and I still didn’t have the mind been studying the Bible for the sense for all of us to strive together models. I built relationships in and out of that to go through with it. “The pick-up line is easy last fifteen years? Because I’ve for peace and achieve that goal chair. The purpose of this section is wisdom, youngin’, she already digging ya style, and my learned a valuable truth, which through mutual respect. young man. So listen up. man’s just gave you the spot, all I need to know is, “No matter where you go, Being a man of integrity is not “The Chair” was my first experience with a now is do you got the ends?” I’m looking at this there you are.” When a person always easy, not for any of us. It grown woman. I remember sitting there as the old man like what? Where did you enter yourself goes from place to place, city to might even be harder for us who’ve ladies strolled by on their way to the next room. in this conversation? I mean he was right, though. city, or even state to state, and the been down longer and who are You see, they had their own side of the place “Yeah I got some money.” I said. And in what same problems continue to happen older, we are set in our ways and called the salon. It was cut off from the dudes. I seemed like unison, they all said, “Well what over and over — well, the smart we are more stubborn today than guess they had their own talks to go through. you waitin’ for?” Little did I know my hair was move is to look at the common we were in our younger years. Anyway, they walked by and one looks me being brushed and dusted off, and my time was denominator — the person in the I honestly believe that the three up and down. I’m only 19 and she’s like 30. My up. The sting from the alcohol hitting my line mirror. I looked into that mirror main ingredients to a better life pops looked over and was like, “Aye man, when a up was invigorating and it must have given me and did not like the man that I are courage, commitment, and woman looks at you like that, you go.” I was like a boost of confidence because my brothers just saw. I have made the decision to communication. Courage leads “Aight I hear you.” But it really hit home when stared at me as they watched their big bro enter become a man of integrity. us into the commitment to make everybody, like 40 deep, started chiming in like, into a new realm of role model. My walk was tall The best definition of the word whatever changes are necessary “Yea you trippin’, what you scared?” Different and the cool breeze hit me as I entered into the integrity is, “Doing what’s right, and gives us a willingness to stuff like that. But I’m young, I don’t know how salon and right up to her speaking proud as ever even when no one is looking.” communicate in a rational manner to talk to a grown woman. So right in the middle as she waited for a chair. I’ll forever remember Also, doing what’s right even with any adversary we encounter. of my cut, my barber, his name was “Butch,” that smile. Sure enough we started dating that when it hurts or has embarrassing These are the character traits of spun me around, looked me in my eyes with his weekend and we are still good friends. I’ll never consequences. It means being a good leader. And like anything 50-plus years and told me to go over there in front forget that day in “The Chair.” willing to humble ourselves. else, it requires a lot of practice and of all those women and introduce myself. “With When it comes to taking classes, patience. None of us are perfect. none of us would bother taking Not me, and not you, so it will be any if we did not want to change a matter of trial and error. But as our lives. The only way any of us long as there is forward progress, can accomplish change is to first we are still in the game. Let us all The Value of Life “unlearn” just about everything strive to be men of integrity. By THOMAS SIMON / FCF

Why do black lives matter when the death, matter when we’re shooting up the neighborhood, oppression, and inequality imposed upon us is or selling drugs to our neighbors, friends, and children’s? But just because perpetrated by the “other?” Why do black lives family members? Why don’t we rally, march, and Beyond America was, or is, off track become more precious and valuable when the protest these much more profoundly demoralizing does not automatically mean actions are of “another?” Why don’t black lives acts? Gridlock Donald Trump is the solution. matter when we are the death dealers, ones who Until the mid-to-late 1980s, many of our Why then all the fuss oppress, and those who impose inequality? communities were nurturing environments that were over him? Because he is Why do the “community leaders” only come out prosperous and havens for hope. Then somewhere, An analysis of the unconventional? Perhaps. He of hiding when an atrocity is brought about by the some people decided to bring about the demise of frozen American definitely has his ways. He calls “others?” Where are these leaders when the crime the community. They did so by failing to be leaders, people out on social media. rate in our communities is on the rise by our own and by compromising their morals and principles at political apparatus. He is definitely egotistical, doing? Why don’t these leaders step up and become the expense of the entire community. and thinks he should replace the real, true leaders of the community when the I can, like countless other do, once again By JOHN COAD / AVCF Lincoln on the five-dollar necessary programs are underfunded or funding is complain about the systematic discrimination by the bill. Does he just irritate the just cut? government, but why? Our problem is us! We’ve There is a monkey wrench in conventional people like a burr As a community within a larger community who allowed our morals and principals to deteriorate to the gears of the United States in your sock? Perhaps. has suffered at great lengths since the colonization nothing. government. I can smell the Is he really fixing something, of this country, what would our ancestors think of Why are we continually being brutalized and acrid odor of the grinding and like a dentist — nobody us as a community? All that Harriet Tubman, Ida oppressed? We’ve forgotten how to love, appreciate, bearings…but what caused likes the drill? Or is this just B. Wells, George Washington Carver, Malcom X, and respect ourselves. We’ve allowed our “leaders” it? Can anything be done to the end of the two party system, Martin Luther King Jr., and even Bobby Seales to acquire their positions without question. Our restore us to sanity? caused by both of them coming suffered through and fought for — what would they most prominent “leaders” are silver-tongued Let’s examine the root. All to their logical conclusion of have to say? serpents sent to lead us astray. the fuss, they say, is over one extreme expression? I suspect We can only continue to blame the system and When black lives matter to us again, like they man: Donald John Trump. One so. Like acid and alkaline at the invisible obstacles placed before our paths as once did, then they will matter to everyone else. I camp says he’s the problem. the maximum 0 and 14, on the the reason for our slow and sometimes nonexistent cannot expect you to respect or honor my presence Another says he’s the solution. PH scale, we’re looking at a progress for so long. When will we stop finding and being if I do not hold the same value for myself. But let’s look beyond that man neutralization. blame in everyone and everything else and fix what Black lives do matter. Now let us begin to show and look instead at what really The good news is, I do we’ve broken? the nation and the world how much our lives matter matters: The State of the Union believe the reaction will be Oppression, inequality, and brutality are never to us by cleaning up our own communities. Let upon his arrival, and what he messy somewhat, but relatively justified or condoned, but our people have suffered us become our own leaders and live and grow as truly represents. Were we in harmless, and will get a clean through this practice for centuries. We easily a community of people deserving of what it is we good shape in 2016, already? slate to build something recognize the obvious and familiar practices of seek from the world. But first we must want for Or were we broken and heading new. Something better. More those responsible for those inhumane acts. But in ourselves what we want from the world. In closing, off a cliff like Trump said? sustainable. doing so, we overlook, deny, and outright fail to black lives must matter to those who are black Based upon the habit of Afterwards, how is it a good address the ever present and growing issue in our before anyone else will ever think our lives matter the United States to keep idea to have two diametrically communities — being the deterioration in our own and are of value. When we are quick to call out borrowing money hand over opposed philosophies tugging community. police brutality, systemic discrimination, et cetera, fist, mostly from China, against each other, in control I am disappointed and pained by the fact that we we must, and have to, call out the atrocities we running up an enormous of our very lives? It will, in only want our lives to matter when we are unjustly commit to ourselves because that is a much more debt, I hesitate in making the such a case, always be two done wrong by someone else. Why don’t our lives debilitating problem. claim that we were alright. A steps forward, three steps financial house of cards, I’ve back, as power changes hands often wondered if it will come ad infinitum. So, let’s watch it The Inside Report is a community paper which presents various opinions of the members within it. The opinions do not crashing down in my lifetime, play out. necessarily reflect those ofThe Inside Report or its readers. The Inside Report invites submissions and letters to the or my children’s? Or their editor which present respectful perspective and responses to this opinion, as well as any other opinions or articles.

16 | JULY 2020 | THE INSIDE REPORT CTCF Graduation John Mill By ANDREW McCLAY / CTCF Continued from 17

Colorado Territorial Ms. Joan Carson, who at the next graduation. She plan, or design anything? Again, a position that higher pleasures Correctional Facility is is the Assistant Director is also hopeful that, in the pig’s life is the epitome of default are more desirable than lower proud to announce that of Education for the future, GED will be able to living. pleasures. Mr. Mill argues that on December 19, 2019, Department of Corrections. have its own graduation, •Habit 3: Put first things first, surveys of those who experience a graduation was held in Her central message was therefore allowing graduates or put important things first, not both pleasures universally prefer the facility’s gymnasium. about change, explaining to invite their family the urgent. Do pigs prioritize their the higher pleasures. There were 139 graduates how no one can change members to attend and day? Nope, a pig’s day is typical of It is fairly intuitive that a from the months of June to anyone else, and that we are celebrate this important moment by moment existence. life centering on being a pig/ December of 2019, and there all responsible for changing milestone with their loved •Habit 4: Think win/win, or fool satisfied is analogous to the were a total of 83 attendees. ourselves. This graduation ones. Ms. Bell-Lujan stated, there is plenty for everyone, and 7-Habits win/win paradigm. This The following programs was Teacher II, Ms. Bell- “It is important for us to see more to spare. Ever watch what is easily explained by a moral view were all recognized: Lujan’s second graduation at these accomplishments, and happens when a pig farmer tosses a called “ethical egoism.” Ethical Culinary Arts, Why Try?, this facility. I asked Ms. Bell- recognize when these are bucket of food into a pig pen? Do egoism is a concept that everyone T4C, MRT, Cosmetology, Lujan if she was happy with made. Even though these the pigs begin by politely divvying should always do those things that PCC Beginning Office the number of graduates that may not seem like a big up the food so that everyone gets best serve their own interests, with Assistant, Janitorial, were recognized, and she deal to them at the time, a portion? Nope! In fact, we have no consideration given to others. HVAC, Field Leadership, stated that she was, and she what they learned through terms like “pigging out” to describe What then is the philosophical Electrical, and GED. was confident there would their accomplishments may the free-for-all that occurs when equivalent to the 7-Habits win/ The keynote speaker was be more GED completions come through later in life.” pigs eat. Pigs are the epitome of a win paradigm? Well, the opposite win mentality (7-Habits speak). of ethical egoism is altruism. When the dinner bell rings, there is Altruism is selfless behavior, with no win/win in the pig world. no consideration for oneself. For To summarize what I’ve covered example, if someone were to donate so far, it’s safe to say that the their entire paycheck to charity, 7-Habits program doesn’t work well they would then be demonstrating for the literal definition of “pigs” altruistic behavior. Skeptics (i.e. farm animals). If Stephen Unfortunately, altruism is not Covey was alive today he probably analogous to the 7-Habits win/win national average and on par with veterans wouldn’t expand his 7-Habits paradigm. Win/Win implies that Continued from 5 returning from armed conflict, 17 percent program to pig farms. one’s self wins as well as others freedoms that come with normalization. were suffering from PTSD and depression.” Fortunately, when Mr. Mill around them. Giving away your This staff member’s statement, “I’m for it,” is Spinaris’ study also showed a “high rate of concocted the term “pig satisfied” entire paycheck each week will worlds apart from another staff member I spoke alcoholism among officers suffering from he wasn’t referring to a four-legged cause you to lose (as in 7-Habits with, whose opinion on normalization was, PTSD,” coupled with 30 percent more missed farm animal. He was referring lose/win speak) and be very hungry “You guys get too much already.” He continued work days and double the number of people to a human being who spends all the time. Philosophers and by saying, “Normalization should be you guys who call off compared to those not suffering most of his life focused on what sociologists generally agree that getting up every morning and going to work. from PTSD. Also cited in Newsweek was a Mr. Mill calls “lower pleasures.” altruism (i.e. lose/win paradigms) It should be mandatory that everybody works.” study by the New Jersey Police Suicide Task These lower pleasures include can exist in family relationships, but What a great way to prepare men and women Force which found that corrections officers had eating, drinking, having sex, and Dr. Covey would strongly disagree. for life in the real world. Creating a value- double the suicide rate of police officers. resting. Note: Referring to a human He feels that lose/win paradigms added workforce in prison for residents crafts a A study conducted in Spain between two being as a pig may be considered result in repressed feelings that profound sense of dignity within, and in return prisons, one large and one medium, found politically incorrect today; political destroy relationships. constructs a safe and functioning environment. officers “face a major challenge to handle their correctness is a concept that goes There is a special form of altruism According to a housing unit officer, working daily task while keeping emotions of anxiety, back about 40 years. This is well called “reciprocal altruism.” in prison affects her family life. When asked anger and fear hidden so as not to interfere with after Mr. Mill conceived this Reciprocal altruism is based on the about the work environment and its ability to their job performance.” Something interesting philosophical question. field of sociobiology, and is driven affect the mental state of an employee, she said, we all can identify with, as human beings, was Well, if “pig satisfied” refers by the idea that humans and other “I don’t curse in front of my children but because also found in this study: “Research identified to lower pleasures, then “human species can cooperate specifically of stressful days at work I’ve been letting the high workload, emotional demands, need to dissatisfied” must refer to “higher for the survival of their species. B-word and the F-bomb slip around them and hide emotions, low control and influence, pleasures” undertaken by human Reciprocal altruism includes they’re calling me on it.” Being a parent myself, poor social support and negative social beings. These higher pleasures morality, behavioral patterns, and I was taken aback by the response. image among the most common work-related include high culture, scientific other social structures. Morality During the conversation, we also talked psychosocial hazards predictive of prison knowledge, intellectuality, and becomes an evolutionary strategy briefly about training at the academy, and workers’ strain.” The bottom line is this job is creativity. These pleasures also for the species (i.e. winning). how there is a lack of training in dealing with difficult, “especially with the participation of cement themselves in relationships In reciprocal altruism, all residents that have mental health issues, nor are aging staff.” With heartbreaking research like and minimize suffering. members of the group exhibit there sufficient social skills curricula. This is this, we should all be more receptive to change. The basic philosophical question altruistic behavior towards each surprising when the prison population statewide Can normalization stabilize or support this of this article (Is it better to be a pig other. The group, and it’s inter- is that of a small city (17,936 as of November greenhouse? satisfied or a human dissatisfied?) relationships, become the focus, 2019). Considering the enormous amount In an interview with John Herrick of The has been restated over time to, “Is not the individuals. This results of interaction between staff and residents, Colorado Independent, in response to the it better to be Socrates dissatisfied in an evolutionary strategy that is coupled with the closed–in environment prison question of opening up the prisons to more or a fool satisfied?” in reference to analogous to Dr. Covey’s win/win inherently offers, training in social skills is community partners to help residents with the great intellectual philosopher paradigm! ideal. The lack of these training classes was work training, mental health counseling, and Socrates. In addition to being John Stuart Mill created the attributed to a shortage of staff, time, and substance-abuse disorder treatment, CDOC more politically correct, this helps pig satisfied/human dissatisfied money. Executive Director Dean Williams stated, “I to state that all humans want the philosophical arguments and Normalization is a reform issue. think that there will be skeptics. There always lower pleasures, but they also desire maintained that there is no correct Reform is a culture issue. are. That kind of comes with the territory. I the deep relationships, intellectual choice between the two extremes. Culture is a community issue. would say this to them: I’ve seen some facilities ability and appreciation of art, Dr. Covey created the 7-Habit Not one of these alone is the answer, but I here where the staff works really well. There are culture, and wisdom, that comes win/win paradigm that provides a imagine this idea, normalization, as a seed some others that are struggling. I think staff from the higher pleasures. roadmap to exist (and thrive) in the that is growing in the culture of DOC. The will come along if they know there are results.” Remember, this is a philosophical human dissatisfied realm. Clearly, conditions could be a desert or a greenhouse. In Prisons are mentally demanding environments discussion, so there is no right or Dr. Covey advocates that human a greenhouse, everyone buys in: staff, residents, that provoke stress. For goodness sake, if wrong answer. Many people are dissatisfied is the correct choice! volunteers, executives, tax payers. normalization is not just some shot in the dark, happy to live their lives as a pig/ A 2013 study by psychologist Caterina and it’s spearheaded by a strategic, organized, fool satisfied. Mr. Mill has been Author’s Note: The book Ethics: Spinaris, published in Newsweek March 12, flexible and charismatic individual, even if criticized for being an elitist by Discovering Right and Wrong by Louis P. 2019, shows “31 percent of correctional officers the process appears to be unconventional, this unduly favoring the intellectual Pojman and James Fieser was an invaluable suffer from PTSD, which is four times the could be exactly what we asked for. over the sensual. Many philosophers resource for this article. have argued against Mr. Mill’s

THE INSIDE REPORT | JULY 2020 | 17 Growing up we’d sit down to eat our “Mmmm’s,” punctuated by smiles, let me down to eat together. When I first came meals at a table perfectly set with plates know in a way they are experiencing my to prison all I could see was the gulf of Lessons and bowls on top of placemats. Our glasses love for them. It isn’t surprising when I time and distance, steel and concrete, By SAMUEL MULLIKIN / DRDC tinkled with ice, echoing the sound made as watch someone eat my food now. When I that separated me from my family. It the knives, forks, and spoons were laid over see the pleasure my cooking brings, I am felt as though all love and sense of As a child I frequently watched my napkins. In my mother’s home our meals reminded of my own mother’s secret smile. connection had disappeared from my mother prepare our dinners with a sense were about family, the food an expression These days I measure everything by the life. of awe. I stood on tiptoe at her side, full of of love. eye. My ingredients are pulled from a locker But I’ve found it again. questions, my eyes hovering at counter’s I followed her example when I had a box and cooked in a microwave. There are In a room smaller that some closets edge, watching her work her magic at a family of my own. I developed a love for no glasses with ice, no silverware. If I’m are five men packed elbow to elbow, cutting board. It wasn’t long before she it, but not because others liked it. In fact, making something special, the invited all smiling around mouthfuls, nodding asked me to help. the meals I made for myself were always show up with their own plastic bowl, spork, in approval. I may no longer be able to I started with simple things like fetching simple. The one’s I made for others were and cup. Anymore that two guests and the use the lessons my mother taught me the ingredients from the fridge and the ones that were special. room is crowded. I have no adequate table all those years ago, but I’m thankful cupboard. Under her direction I learned the There’s just something about those to serve them at, but we all find our places that I’ve finally come to understand the secret language of measuring cups and fluid moments when I’m watching someone take as we can: A few on the bed, one on the truth that she was trying to teach me. As ounces. She taught me the fundamentals their first bite of a dish I’ve prepared for locker box, another on the toilet. I looked around that room of contented of cooking in the oven, the slow-cooker, them. Their heads tilt slightly upward as Neither the family I grew up in, nor souls, and smiled that secret smile, I on the burner, and in the skillet. I’ll never their eyes slide shut; their mouths working the one I began, were ideal. But we all knew that in that moment, we were all forget the stirring of everything with the flavors around. Then the deep, audible shared in that communal and familial one. long-handled wooden spoons. sigh. After the first swallow, satisfied bond that bespoke of Home when we sat

He extended his hand in a firm handshake CDOC to live, learn, and contribute. Assistants. These prisoner aids help their Rethinking and offered a welcoming smile. He These veterans pull together as a team to fellow brothers reduce stress and suicidal remembered my name thereafter. engage in all aspects of reentry back into thinking, and deescalate violence. What does normalization look like at society. Jeremy Hubbard, FOX31 News Sterling has more free movement. Sterling? The DU Prison Arts Initiative – Denver, interviewed prisoners in the Prisoners are responsible for managing Continued from 14 and Sterling prisoners put on a full Veteran’s unit has aired in a 30-minute their own time and obligations. There scale production of One Flew Over the special. are prisoner-led classes like Blueprint prisoners that never existed to this Cuckoo’s Nest. A valued play in which A recently developed PATH program Reading and Music Theory. God extent before. To wardens, correctional DU students and teachers collaborated allows prisoners at Sterling to volunteer Behind Bars associated with Red Rocks officers are noticeably more courteous Community Church links their church and professional. Throughout U.S. with several facilities and the outside prison history, there has been an “Us Prisoners’ lives were dictated by the daily community. Sterling holds festivals and against Them” mentality that created grind, and until their release, felons were fundraisers. Sterling has two reentry unsafe prisons and even deadly riots. In centers on the low-side and one on the the past Sterling Correctional Facility simply warehoused. high-side to prepare men for their release. was considered a dreadful place to serve Just recently prisoners at Sterling were time. This is no longer the case. given the option to wear their sweats and Sterling warden, Jeff Long, is an “in with prisoners to produce the show. The hours of their time to contribute to the tee shirts practically anywhere on the the trenches type of leader,” constantly New York Times and The Denver Post facility by doing a chore or job to earn yard. improving the environment. Similar featured rave reviews about this theatre points that can be accrued for culinary The normalization plan is in its to General George Patton, he walks arts troupe. food or loaner appliances, such as infancy, but already violence is way amongst the troops. Long is one of the On Sterling’s minimum side televisions or radios. The PATH program down and prisoners are happier and more boys. He was on the yard supervising incarcerated military veterans took an has amounted to thousands of hours of productive. Most importantly they will the razor wire removal. Two-days after ordinary living unit and turned it into constructive labor around the prison. have a better chance at succeeding upon I arrived at Sterling, I met Warden Long. one of the finest housing units in the There are trained Mental Health Peer release.

propagandists, and social reformers, amongst others, understand that Keeping Up the music’s power comes from the common thread beneath the Morale style of sound—shared human experience. Banjos and beat boxes By ANDREW MCCLAY / CTCF the chicken. For breakfast, they have have harmonized cries against made breakfast pizza and coffee cake. social injustice, Stradivarius and With the uncertainty of what the These have been enjoyable changes, and Stratocasters accompany expressions future holds, the staff are doing what the majority of the population appreciate of the most intimate emotions. Various they can to keep the morale up for us the extra effort from the kitchen staff. genres of music (country, rap, bossa here in CTCF. Special events have With visitation being suspended, video nova, classical, tribal, rock, gypsy, been held in the gym over the past visits have been approved and started etc.) are simply alternate packages for few weekends that have been enjoyed March 30, 2020. This is something the thoughts, feelings, beliefs, hopes by the population. The gym staff have that is vitally important, and while it is and fears of our lives. held special events like a one-hour not a contact visit, it is something that People are often united by concert with the facility’s band, a card allows us to see our loved ones while common experiences but fail to tournament, a bench-press tournament, speaking with them. Global Tel Link realize it because they’re divided and the yard has an additional seven (GTL) has also allowed us to have two by the unfamiliar appearances. stations that were put in the allow free ten-minute phone calls each month Experiencing a different genre helps pull-ups, push-ups, dips, and sit-ups, while these visitation restrictions are in By JOHN EDMONDS / FCF us to understand human experience which are ideal for creating bodyweight place. in a different context. We may not circuits. I would like to extend a sincere thank Music comes from many origins agree with all of it, but understanding The kitchen has been doing their part, you to the administration, staff, and in many styles, and variations are and agreement aren’t the same, one as well. Each day there is something inmate workers here in CTCF who are grouped and subdivided into genres. is a function of education, the other a different for us to enjoy that is in line going the extra mile in these uncertain Along with the general sound, function of opinion. with the menu, but is made specially. For times. Hopefully we are all doing our instrumentation, and rhythms of a History has proven that truly example, instead of just plain rice, they part in ensuring that we stay safe and particular genre come other social exceptional music will escape the have made vegetable fried rice to go with healthy while we wait out this virus. elements. Faithful followers identify limitations of its own genre to be with these, and include fashion of experienced and understood by clothes, politics, religion, and even ordinary minds in another. Thus, the automobiles. Music shapes, and is reciprocal is true, a truly exceptional shaped by, these social elements mind will escape the limitations of its often while extolling opposing ideas. own genre to experience the ordinary Religious leaders, political music of another.

18 | JULY 2020 | THE INSIDE REPORT Brain Mashing Sudoku The Inside Report encourages Chess Tactician residents, custody staff, volunteers Puzzle # 1 and others outside the institution to submit articles. Studying chess tactics can help you visualize a 9 6 4 3 sequence of moves to gain an advantage over your Submissions will become property of The Inside Report. opponent. "What one does not see the other does." 5 7 8 2 1 9 5 Please use the following criteria To solve these chess puzzles, use a chessboard to when submitting: help assist you in figuring out the sequential moves 9 1 8 Limit your articles to 300 to 1500 words. for the checkmate. If white moves first, then black 5 2 will move next until you figure out the checkmate. Featured Artist’s bio’s keep word 4 9 6 count 100 to 150 words. This example is not part of the puzzles below, Articles will be edited for content 4 3 1 use a chessboard or in your mind to figure out and length. the problem: 1. Qa6 x Nb7; 2. Rb8 x Qa6. 7 9 2 6 The Inside Report will not be used as a medium to file grievances. 2 5 9 8 PUZZLE #1 We encourage submitting articles that are newsworthy and encompass issues that will have an Brain Mashing Sudoku impact on the prison populace.

Puzzle # 2 Poems and artwork (cartoons and drawings) are welcomed. 7 9 8 The Inside Report does not return 3 1 7 4 original works, please contact your Facility Liaison on the procedure to 6 submit copies of original works. 6 9 8 7 4 3 3 1 4 1 3 9 7 6 2 4 9 5 1 4

White to move... Checkmate in 4 moves. 4 5 1

T H E Tell Us About the Educational & Vocational Programming at R Your Facility

A The Inside Report wants to hear from you about... Any new, P exciting or ongoing opportunities in educational programing where you reside. We want to highlight successful completions, valued S teachers, excelling students, and state-of-the-art programs that represent the shifting attitude H toward moving forward in life. E E

T BY IVAN STAMPS / FCF

THE INSIDE REPORT | JULY 2020 | 19 Resonating Images - Art Behind Walls By TREVOR JONES IR Journalist 4th of July The Fourth of July is the day the Citizens of the United States of America celebrate the independence of their county from the political bonds which previously existed between them and the British Empire. This date is the recognized day upon which the country’s ultimate founders declared independence, which declaration is marvelously made, explained and defended in the “Declaration of Independence.” Many of those who contributed to this document also labored, over a decade later, to create a new nation with a Constitution and Bill of Rights. The provisions in those documents allows the publication of this document (IR). The nation has struggled ever since the ink dried on these documents to understand and apply their grand notions (or correct the not so grand notions written into them—a freedom and process which was also written into them). In time, the Star Spangled Banner, our Flag, came to be the logo, or representative, of these ideals and the people which live under them. In time also, many men and women had to sacrifice their lives to promote, protect or equitably apply these ideals. This year’s celebration is different than it has been known in the recent past. Limited fire work displays and minimized crowds are all in the “new normal,” but they take nothing away from the meaning of the celebrations. With all that the people of this land are experiencing, for good and bad, there has been a new appreciation for simplicity, for family, and for hard fought contests against those things which are oppressive. The adjacent artwork by Andrew Montano Artist is Andrew Montano currently residing at CCCF. honors the realities and reminds the viewers of them, Artist is Andrew Montano currently residing at CCCF. Art medium is colored pencil. and much more, all the while the work continues for Art medium is colored pencil. that “more perfect union” for the remarkably diverse citizens of it.

FEATURED ARTIST Joseph McGill

Colored pencil and graphite mixed medium by Joseph T. McGill / IR Image Editor

THE INSIDE REPORT | JULY 2020 | 20