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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 11, 1977)
Portland Observer, Thursday, August 11, 1977 P age« From behind the wall by l-arry Baker #35021 Salees |OSP| ('«rrespeadeet -'*i administrators should be proud ot these highly successful education programa. With such a fine high school program, is there any reason why the college program cannot be expanded to cover the increasing needs of the inmate-student. It's time now to reassess the needs of the college program and use the available resources in a more productive manner. Salem is located in the eenter of one of the nations finest educational complexa. This one resource should be used to the fullest. There is no reason why the college should not be expanded beyond a two year degree. It is my contention that the integration of the staff and guards into the college; as students would not increase the demand for more classes aa well as add credibility to the existing program. This program, where staff and inmates attend the same classes has been sue cessful in other states and federal insti tutions, and with the strong foundation here and the resources available in this area, there is little doubt of its success at O.S.P. Oregon has always been known as a progressive state, willing to use its resources in a productive manner. I ask yen is there resource more productive than Education? There is something to be said for even the most productive programs and the finest ideas. There are inmates here who will do nothing but abuse this program and any other they come in contact with. It's startling to see the look of relief on the face of one of these inmates as he returns to prison as a parole violator or with a new conviction. This is a small group and not all the violators fit this category; but this is the group you read about aiid the public is aware of. Please by Marcus Jackson # J883Z Serving Tee Much Time My name is Marcus Jackson. I ’m serving a life sentence for murder. The reason why I'm writing this article is because I got a 29 year set date on an unfortunate accident. Twenty nine years is way too long for anybody to do time. Now, since the laws are starting to change for longer periods of time, people must realize that 20 to 30 years of a persons life is wasted on nothing. But who cares, especially in the Black com munity where I'm from. I think 7 to 10 years is long enough for anyone who has comitted a violent crime. Myself and other lifers are really con rented because it hurts us the most - in all ways. I'm 23 years of age. if I do 29 years I ’ll be 52. What could I do at that age. even 20 is too long. Ten years is long enough, for some people, but not for all. I hope the people who read this will stop and think twice because you could have a son or daughter who could have an unfortunate accident and could do 20 years of wasted time out of their life. by Garden Smith #38767 My last contribution to this column concerned the graduation of seven in mates from college. I was very happy to see most of the states major newspapers reported this graduation to their readers. There is no negative aspect to the completion of any phase of education, the graduates, teachers and staff should all be proud of their participation in this landmark event. The college is only one of the educa tional programs offered to the inmates at O.S.P. There is a very extensive high school and remedial learning program for those without a high school education or those who do not read or write. The teachers are very dedicated to these two programs: and the inmates here receive an education personally directed to his individual needs - some thing a large public school system cannot offer most students. The State of Oregon and the prison do not judge the many successes here by these few. We want and need your continued support to the positive factors of prison life. This paper and its staff reflects the dedication and free thought needed to allow progress and change. Supporting freedom is not out of style, and your ideas and support are needed if freedom is to become a reality for those who want it. Any comments, criticism, or sug gestions should be addressed to: Behind the Walls. P .0 . Box 3137, Portland. Oregon 97208. by Chartee W . Murphy #38671 Officer te lamate Relatleaahlp 1 have often thought that the relation ship between the convicts and officers could be improved by a little understand ing on both sides. In my opinion the officers do not realise that the convict has a code that he must live by. Nor do they want to try to understand that by listening to a convicts point of view and realising that he is an intelligent human being and has the right to voice an opinion the same as they do may lessen the tension of most institutions. In the same instance the convict should realize that the officer's have a job to do and they should give them the same right to voice their opinion on a subject that is in debate. I have often thought that most prob lems could be solved if there were two counsels, one made up of convicts and the other of officers of t|je prison, in this way they could sit down and discuss the problems pertaining to both sides and try to come to a solution that will help both sides to co-exist a little better within the institution. Also these two groups should have a standing invitation to Warden Cup to sit in on these discussions, so he can get a better insight to the tensions within the institution - between the officers and convicts. There are several officers in the insti tution that have never worked in this field so they have no understanding on how to communicate with the convicts, and the same goes for the convicts. Thus causing tension on both sides. Therefore it is my opinion that thene discussions between the two factions could bring about a better understanding and co existance of both parties. “FORGO TTEN“ We live so close In the minds of many, but The value of a convict is Less than a penny... Rougea« hoods conpliouco m il W ashiagtee - Weldon J. Rougeau. an attorney, has been sworn in by Secretary of Labor Ray Marshall as director of the U .8. Labor Department's Office of Fed eral Contract Compliance Programs. In remarks at the swearing in cere mony, the secretary said Rougeau is "the best possible person to head this office.“ Noting that the department's mandate is to promote and protect workers, Marshall reaffirmed the importance of protecting this country's workers against all discrimination. “We need to strong then enforcement of the program,“ Marshall added. Aa OFCCP director, Rougeau will direct administration of laws and an Executive Order requiring firms with federal contracts and subcontracts to provide equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, mental or physical handi caps or veteran status. The new director, who was active in the civil rights movement of the 1960's, pledged: “I will do my very best to run this office in a way that will give no consolation to those who would discriminate against minorities women, handicapped workers and Vietnam era veterans.” Rougeau is a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Among those attending the swearing- in were Eleanor Holmes Norton, chair person. Equal Employment Opportunity To be looked upon, as a Distorted man, Plucked from the earth Like a grain of sand... Neglected, dehumanized, you're Only a slave, You seek for life You live from the grave.. Playing God when they Make their laws.... Have we for got mankind. The only animal that Has the most flaws.... by Torrence Williams #38675 W J. ROUGEAU Commission, Vernon Jordan, executive director, National Urban League, and Wiley Branton and Doris Crenshaw who were active with Rougeau in the civil rights movement. More than 200 persons attended the ceremony. Rougeau, said the goals of OFCCP were an extension of the ideals he had in the early 1960’s. He said this nation must recognize the humanity in every human person and commit itself against discrimination of ail kinds. “We have to keep on marching, we have to dedicate ourselves to eliminate all discrimination,“ Rougeau said. 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For another to wonder, it causes me No pain.. For you to insult me. it would be a shame I roll through life with a hat and smile They say I was grown and never a child.. Let them believe and try to appease That sickness they have for a cold byT . #38675 SEGREGATION AND ISOLATION Halfway into the world I made a stop In a “hole“ too dirty for a pig to mop. The noises are many ..ringing all day long.. Everyone wonders about going home.. Talks of memories long years ago.. You find yourself looking for an open door. The windows are barred, the doors slide shut From one end to the other you see cigarettes butts. • The man with the trays, come and go everyday His smiles are rotten, his stares are cold.. But what could you expect in a God Damn Hole. byT #38675 American State Bank 2737 N .t Union 232-2216 The Beet la Fast Feeds Serving breakfast all day Bar b-q riba, chicken Catering service available OpenS A M Midnight 2835669 The People at Pacific Power N.E. UNION AT AINSWORTH
