Portland Observer Thursday, February 1®. 1978 Page 3
BL
From behind the wall
by lorry Baker,
O.S.P. Correa.tondent
Theresas no lighting, no stage props,
no draft curtains, and no orchestra.
There «a no box office where tickets
might Ive been purchased from....bat
Z** theihow Meat go on ..the audience
was the), the director, the assistant, the
preside!, along with the actors and
and the show did go on.
i State Street in Salem. Oregon,
•wept night, a small group of
Ttbed the cement steps and filed
t wooden polished doors and
rounded reception desk in a
nt room. On one of the walls
t which struck 7:00 p.m. and a
ng... It is unlawful to have in
such following items as
weapons narcotics, and other contra
band; maiding the wearing of any blue
denim c |h pants or trousers; by the
Order o, H.C. Cupp, Superintendent
■
Oregon » Skti
Sate ~ Penitentiary.'
The grup was joined by the Chaplain.
Raymotx^ielaelh. who were then lead
through darge metal detecting machine,
down a wng carpeted hallway with
barred widows on one side and a large
barred car on the other. A guard was
busily hading out keys, making out
reports, nd constantly monitoring the
many caarra screens assembled on the
Bill» Whitmire, «39007
Aeat. O.S.P. Correa,tondent
Juliua D. Snowden «38011,,
Poetry Editor
wall.
room was filled with laughter, tears
On one wall was placed a sign reading:
(lowed and prayers were said. A long
"Master Men's Meeting. Tonight." An
standing ovation, by the prisoners and
electronic barred gate slowly began to
guests, rang out in the room for the
open and the group filed through. To a
following individuals and their excellent
few it was merely routine, but for others
performance. The Cast
First Present
it brought out hidden fears when the bars
er, Harold Easton; Second Presenter,
loudly slammed shut behind them. Anoth
Joanne Easom; Father. Gerald Paine;
er barred gate opened and the group was
Mother, Lyn Pierce; Brother, Robert
lead to a solid steel paneled door which
Willoughby; Son, Jim Morehead; and
was opened by a guard.
Assistant Director, Nancy Will.
Upon entering a small hallway and
Sitting in the audience was the Presi
turning right the group found themselves
dent of the Gallery Players, Lea New,
greeted by a mass of men of all ages,
and a noted Ca.iitol Journal reporter, Al
races, and sixes but each of the 78 men
Jones.
who were assembled inside the large
There was one woman who was sitting
visiting room brought forth smiles, greet
among the prisoners, who had been to
ings, and even some hugs and kisses.
other Master Men’s Ceremonies many
Many in the small group melted in with
times before. Mrs. Winnie Combs made
the mass to find seats in the audience.
this extra ordinary event possible.
In this brightly lit room, the atmosphere
Upon the groups departure there was a
of a prison will partially vanish for the
slight note of sadness expressed by this
next hour because of the presentation
O.S.P. Correspondent - sadness because
this small group had brought inside the
only 78 inmates benefitted from the
walls of O.S.P.
performance. The Gallery Players pro
The prisoners focused their attention
duction of "The Prodigal Son” was such a
on the recently released stage play, “The
beautiful play and should have been seen
Prodigal Son." by R.H. Ward.
by the other 1.400 prisoners who had to
The cast had driven from McMinnville,
sit in their cells that night. They, too,
Oregon, to display their talents in this
might have been able to return to their
interpretation of the beautiful Bible
cells when it was over and turn their
story. Before the night was over the
thoughts toward....words of God.
LOVE WORLD
The bloodwithin
that yot bestir waters
The seed f love
That it night blossom and bud.
by John Aikin
I have been employed at O.S.P. since
August 13, 1951. I am the Unit Systems
Manager in charge of the case work
The hopeiand dreams
That wbm my mind occur
Are the puls that is watered by a belief
Willie Barrett | right | talks with hi. counselor, Comusol Maruaka.
by Willie B. Barrett »34638
There is definitely a need for more
minorities in the field of counseling,
within the Penal System in Oregon. With
the population of minorities increasing at
about the average of nine percent each
month these inmates need some type of
representation.
Someone that can
recognize the problems that they have
been faced with before being incarcerat
ed, and during their incarceration.
What I have noticed during my ¡near
ceration is that white counselors can't
deal with problems related to minorities.
Since I am Black, and my viewpoints are
from a Black perspective I've noticed
that Black inmates and white counselors
often get off on the wrong track, simply
because they cannot relate to one
another. Mainly it’s the fact that the
counselor can’t identify with the Black
inmate because, whether you want to
recognize it or not. Blacks are different
and their problems are different.
Blacks come from different lifestyles
B akke case discussed
Even as rflower wilts
And din crumbles back into the ground
So too do hese hopes and dreams
Fade an die until they be no longer
Found, no by feel, sight or sound
by Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery,
President, Southern Christian
Leadership Conference
Yet, even is a flower must
prepare o meet its end, by dropping
Seeds thatl produce itself a thousand fold.
Your lor does protect and evermore defend
The seedsrf hopes and dreams
That within my mind unfold
by Daniel R. Deaver
PARTI RIENT LOVE POEM FROM PRISON
I wanted » write you a love poem
Filled w ill hidden life
Like an enectant mother.
You could lave laid your hands on pregnant lines
And felt to kick of connotation
Curled feta like in meaning.
Bringing t term the terms I needed
Was such ang labor
I used attractions.
My rhythm were the rhythm of breath.
But the pom was born in pain
And enterd the world with a raucous cry.
I gave it ».
Maybe anaher will adopt thoae lines.
Words arenever the thing.
Fashion m fertile when I come home
And touchng you will be my poem.
Davis «36586
American State Bank
2 8 2-2 216
2737 N.E. Union
. . . UNION OR COMPANY
DENTAL INSURANCE
is a valuable asset. . .
your health
and
appearance
COMPLETE COOPERATION*
ON ALL
DENTAL INSURANCE CLAIMS
WE HANDLE ALL THE DETAILS OF
COMPLETING YOUR CLAIM FORMS
N O APPOINTMENT NEEDED
Come in at your convenience
PARK FREE-Any Park n Shop Lot
HOURS:
services and the transitional movement
of inmates. Occasionally in the past a
Governor has stipulated that new ap
pointed judges make a tour of the
institution.
I his tour of the institution was just
about what is given to most people who
come for a tour, such as college students,
women's groups, or people who have
some clout with the state government.
W hat is truly needed is for a judge to
come to the institution to spend at least a
full day if not two, being with the officers
in the cell blocks, in Segregation, and on
the recreation yard. Another portion of
time needs to be spent viewing the
Hospital facilities, the School. Library,
and at least an hour in discussion with a
caseworker as to the problems that are
faced in the everyday life of a prison
worker. A few minutes spent in the
visiting room observing the activities of
the outsiders in their conversations with
the inmates would also be very helpful.
E ield Parole Officers and Community
Corrections Centers Staff: It is a proven
fact that Regional Parole Managers very
eagerly search out Penitentiary counse
lors as replacements for vacancies or
newly created positions in the field.
These men do a better job as field parole
officers. Part of the reason is that they
have everyday confrontation with in
mates and gain a considerable maturity.
My suggestion is that it be mandatory for
any newly appointed field service work
ers of the Corrections Division, whether
it be in parole or in a work release center,
that that individual spend no less than
one week inside the Correctional Institu
tion and the Penitentiary. They should
work with the caseworkers and observe
all functions of the institution life.
I believe that this is a necessity if we
are going to have a better understanding
of the inmates' problems, whether he is
locked up or on the streets, under a
parole or work release situation.
U 5 p ..
Saturday 8:30a. as. to I p.aa.
Dr. Jeffrey BRADY,
Dentist
handicapped, and underprivileged na
tions...to name a few. We have accorded
preferential consideration to establishing
and supporting a new nation for the
The current fever and fervor about
oppressed in the Mid-east...and justly so.
"reverse discrimination” threaten to se t
It is clearly within the Judeo-Christian
back racial progress to an extent that's
ethic to engage in special (preferential)
frightening beyond belief. There seems
mission and ministry to those who are
to be a general retreat from aggressive
most in need. Luke 5:31 reads, “They
affirmative action programs in this coun
who are well need not a physician, but
try, and the Bakke case poses an ominous
they who are sick.” The Old Testament is
means of having the retreat formalized
quoted in Luke 4:18, “The Spirit of the
by the U.S. Supreme Court. Allen Bakke,
Lord is upon me...to proclaim release to
a white man, sued the California Medical
the captive, the recovery of sight to the
School at Davis because at the time of his
blind, and to set at liberty those who are
rejection Blacks were admitted who were
oppressed.”
less qualified.
His contention was
The thematic score indicates that God
upheld by the California Supreme Court
is witnessed identifying with the poor,
and is now being argued before the U.S.
and commissioning special (preferential)
Supreme Court.
ministries to deliver them.
Some of the facts peculiar to this case
Our nation has achieved a level of
have received little notice.
greatness because of its relation to such a
1. Bakke has been denied admission to
body of ethical and moral principles...
several medical schools across the coun
even if mostly in declarations and pro
try for reasons that had nothing to do
nouncements.
The nation must not
with race. 2. Whites who had no better
reverse its commitment to racial equity
overall scores than Bakke were admitted1
by surrendering to arguments and code
at the Davis school, but Bakke only
words designed to raise emotional tern
objected to the Blacks. 3. Professional
peratures rather than levels of under
schools have historically utilized multiple
standing and fairness.
Our national
factors in admissions policies - only one
commitment to justice can be measured
oi which is test scores. Other factors
directly and precisely by the intention
include geographical residency, age, alu-
a lly of programs to close the gap. We
• m rii relationships, military service, etc.
cannot be effective in such policies and
It also needs to be said that hardly
programs without establishing goals.
anyone can deny that the purpose of
Quotas ’ has become a nasty word,
medical schools is to meet a societal need
partly because it has been used to
- health care, and there is hardly a
discriminate on bases of ethnic/religious
greater social need than a larger number
origin, and partly because it has been
of minority physicians. Further. I submit
used as a club to beat affirmative action
that a lower test score does not neces
programs into oblivion. But the truth of
sarily indicate that the applicant is less
the matter is...that an affirmative action
qualified to study and practice medicine
program without goals is like sailing a
or any other profession. The lower test
ship without a compass and port of
score may indicate that the applicant's
destiny. And no matter how well-mean
experiences simply do not relate as well
ing some opponents of preferential treat
as a competitor's to the test inquiries
ment or goals may seem, the alternative
which are usually developed around
is to condemn Blacks and other minorities
white, middle-class experiences.
to devastating deprivation, and the na
A Black who has achieved in spite of
tion to explosive, social chaos.
the handicap, inflicted upon him because
If we really intend as a nation to
of his Blackness, and has made it to the
enlarge the number of Blacks in profes
point of applying for graduate training -
sional schools, and eliminate discrimina
could make a lower score on tests and still
tion in employment, we simply must act
be equally or more qualified in motiva
with DUE regard to race.
tion, determination, achievement, and
The honored phrase "without regard to
ability.
race or color” is a beautiful ideal toward
The issue at stake, however, is the
which we must pilgrimage...but until we
national commitment to remedy histori
get there... "without regard to race or
cal and current racial inequities. The
color"...always leave the folks of color
median income of Blacks is little better
"WITHOUT."
than one half that of whites (and that’s
Preferential treatment need not be a
worse than it was several years ago). The
permanent way of life where race is
joblessness among Blacks is more than
concerned, but it is presently a necessary
double that of whites and even more
way of combatting racial discrimination
invidious among Black youth.
These
and the effects of generations of that evil.
inequities are due to racial discrimination
Let us hasten the day when we can truly
in employment wage policies and training
carry on “without regard to race or
opportunities.
Blacks who constitute
color.”
more than 12% of the population com
To retreat from affirmative action now
prise only around 2% of the physicians,
is to invite disaster. The closing of doors
architects and engineers in this country'
for training and employment opportuni
If the nation wants to close the gap...if
ties to Blacks has a tone of finality simply
America wants to live up to its claim to be
not existent with others.
the land of equal opportunity...efforts to
If parents of five children recognize
close the gap must be intentional, »refer
that two of their children are ill, it is not
ential and intense. The gap can be closed
"reverse discrimination'* towards the
no other way.
healthy threesome to minister imme
The cry against ,»referential treatment
diately and preferentially to the un
seems to be raised only when it is applied
henlthy twosome.
To be sure, such
to Blacks, and other minorities. Other
ministry benefits the family as a whole,
wise, we have been preferential in almost
for if the infected two are not treated, the
routine fashion. We have been preferen
survival of the entire family is in jeo
tial to whites, veterans, the physically
pardy. .
foreign to anything that a white has seen
Different speech, cultural differences,
etc. So it is important that the Black
prisoner has someone he can go to who
can identify with his problems, and relate
to them in a professional manner. Having
U> go to a white counselor, whom one
knows from the start won't be able to
relate to their problems in depth, has it's
negative points from the start - mistrust
on the inmates part, and a sense of
pessimism. We re dealing with things on
a very professional level, and w ere
concentrating on those inmates who do
have problems and are sincerely trying to
deal with those problems on a positive
and constructive manner.
The counseling staff now is under
manned, which also has negative effects
so there is a need for counselors assis
tants with twice the number being
minorities. At the present there are only
thr®« "1inorities « the field of counseling
at O.S.P., and though all of them do
more then their share to try to deal with
the situation: there is not nearly enough.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Pursuant to Title VII of PL 92-318, the Emergency School Aid Act, School District No.
1, Multnomah County, Oregon, announces the monthly public meeting of the
Emergency School Aid Act Advisory Committee to be held 10:30 a.m February 21 in
the Board Room of the School District at 631 NE Clackamas St. The purpose of the
meeting is to review a grant application to the federal government to operate a special
pilot program under the provisions of the above cited Act. Emergency School Aid Act
Adviaory Committee Members: Allison Belcher, James Brooks, Anna Cruse, Jackie
Ellis, Ora Hart E. Shelton Hill, Gail Ingalsbe, Linda Jacob. Al Jamison, Dominic
Joseph. Connie Lee, Eileen Maloney. Maggie Marks, Costella McCullough, Leodis
McDaniel, Donna Murray, Sharonda Peterson, Keely Pillette, Edna Pittman, Tod
Rohrer, Julie Steffenoff, Doris Stevenson, Ben Talley, Joan Vranizan, Ed Washington
Herman Washington, Kathy Wilson, Bessie William.
WHAT HAPPENS K fA
WEIGHT WATCHERS
MEETING?
Today’s Weight Watchers’ Food Plan expertly
teaches you how to enjoy the most satisfying
foods within limits—and still lose weight with
out pressure or prodding.
Our unique Behavior Modification method
can help you develop the eating habits that will
help keep you from going off your diet. Once
you ve reached your goal, our Maintenance Plan
will show you how you can eat all your favorite
foods and still control your weight for life.
So come to a Weight Watchers meeting today.
You II see losing weight in a new light.
EIGHT
WATCHERS
Losing weight never
tasted so good
The Authority.
( ^ Y O U ’RE THIS CLOSE TO LOSING WEIGHT.
MARANATHA CHURCH
1222 N.E. Skidmore
Sat. 9:30 a.m.
EMANUEL HOSPITAL
2801 N. Gantenbein
Emanuel East, Room B-2
(Nursing Home)
Thurs. 7:00 p.m.
For further information call Collect Portland (503) 297 1021
Weekdays - 8:30 5:30
WEIGHT
WATCHERS
S.W. 3RD A YAMHILL ST., PORTLAND, OREGON
TAKE ELEVATOR TO 2ND FLOOR 3RD ST. ENTRANCE
The Authority
WEIGHT WATCHERS
"The true science and >tudy of man it man." Pierre Charron
IN T E R N A T IO N A L
INC
A N D ® ARE REGISTE RED TRADEM ARKS OF W EIGHT WATCHERS
MANHASSET. N Y
> W EIGHT WATCHERS iN T ER N A T IO N A L . tOZS