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.
WwCIIIC ----- « • -
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V
“DECADENCE"
.'London no longer has a bridge to fall..
The devil and Mrs. Jones have blown them all.
Your anticipation, recommendation, and accusation
Have caused deprivation...
To the elite the illiterate - to
The whole damn nation.
»
; ;4'i.
Why think about what you thought?
There's no more room for love to be sought...
Un-cross your fingers, your hope is gone
This is your house, not my home.
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
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