OK.... Here's the deal. JD was sent to segregation on Jan 16th.. and was told that he could have his TV/Radio back after being in seg for 60 days if he had no tickets....
Well.... Then he was moved (about 6 weeks later) to a different state facility. The policy at that facility is that once you have spent 60 days in segregation AT THAT FACILITY, you can get your TV/Radio back. Well, he thinks this is unfair, because it basically means that he doesn't get any credit for the first 6 weeks he spent in seg at the first prison (which I agree with him). He asked for my help on this issue... I have tried making calls inquiring about the policy (ie: is it the state policy that an inmate should have their property returned after 60 days?) I have talked to several different people, most of whom blew me off or redirected me, but even after pushing I have been told each facility can do what they want in regards to segregation inmates and audio/visual equiptment. I have tried making calls to the prison he is at... and get hostile responses. I have begged his sister to make calls, and have even gotten friends of mine to make calls (just to see if they would get the same responses I did). JD even threatened to go on a hunger strike, etc. if he didn't get what he wanted. I have talked him out of that.... My frustration is this... I got another letter from him today.... While he said lots of sweet things to me, when it got to this issue he wrote:
"I need for someone (anyone) who gives a F*** about me to give me some assistance with this BS going on in here. I mean, damn, ain't sh** getting better so I am assuming no one is calling or whatever...You say let you and (my sister) fight for me out there but either y'all aren't doing all you can or nothing at all. If you don't want me going off in this b**** then show me or tell me why I shouldn't! A muf**** can only take so much!!"

I am so frustrated and angry and upset.... I know I have expressed that he thinks I can snap my fingers and fix everything... well guess what? I am plum out of pixie dust and I can't find my magic wand!! I know his frustration will come my way, but I don't know what else to do!!!

This is what I am asking.... Can you please all talk to JD directly?? Please post as a reply YOUR stories about how even when you are trying hard and doing all you know to do, you are ignored by DOC. He just needs to hear it from someone else than me... and a lot of you have been dealing with these systems longer than I have!! Try to tell him that I can't fix everything no matter how much I want to! Maybe he will hear it from you.... I plan on printing out the responses and sending them to him. Thank you!! (and sorry this post is so long...) :(

I understand your frustration completely, my husband writes almost the exact same things at times. However, please believe me that your wife is doing everything she can. The system tries to slam every door we try to open in our faces. Eventually they will be opened, but it is not an easy road. My husband is in INS Detention and once when I was talking to the INS Officer about him I was told, and this is a direct quote, "You don't figure into this picture. You do not have any rights to your husband"...........

Please be patient with your wife. She really is trying. She is posting almost every day things about you and her, giving us support, asking questions on how and where to get help. Try, and I know this is easier said than done, but try to have patience. Results will get done, but those of us fighting for you guys inside have a lot of walls to break down to get there.

Joy

To:JD
You can only do what you can do. It is "chicken shit" policy. Words from my friend in Macc.
I suggest you get yourself into the law library and start studying what you can do to help yourself. I think all the prison systems have to have a grievance policy. Learn how to use this grievance tool to fight the injustice of regulations used on you.
Keep excellent written records of what is going on with you. Stop using your mouth to cry for help to people who are helpless and start using your brain and work on the problem through the system. Learn the legalities. Learn the Rules.
Get Smart! That is how to beat the shit off your shoes. OK!

Hi JD
My name is Amelia and although I have only had 2 months experieince so far with the DOC I have already had some pretty shitty experiences with them...My husband wears contact lenses and I had to bring him his solution and case..I did this and was told he would get it the same night..yeah right..he didnt recieve it for 2 weeks and the whole time I was raising holy hell! When you are in there you are their property unfortunately and even if you have someone on the "outside" to fight for you things go according to their schedule..From all the things your wife has posted I know that she is an actively fighting to help you .... I agree that you should use your intellect to help fight for your rights...It must be very frustrating but you have to keep a positive attitude and never give up..I dont think a hunger strike is the answer right now..probably get you just more trouble...can you write a complaint to a captain or even the warden?? Things will get better and just keep reminding yourself that you have people who love you and are doing everything they can to help you but sometimes they run in to roadblocks (more often than not) I also agree that you should keep a journal of everything that goes on...Keep your head up, stay strong and positive and knwo that in addition to your wife and family working for you, you are in my thoughts and prayers...Good Luck!!

What's up JD

Let me start of by saying God Bless you. I want to offer you this advice. Put in a grievence about the policy. All the calls in the world are not going to make a difference with the DOC. Let's face it they do not care. I have to make so many calls for my husband and they never listen.
The paper trail is the only way to get some results. They can not hide from an appeal/grivence. It worked for my husband. They tried to pull some BS on him and after many frustrating calls and converstions. I got no where, except really pissed off. I am sure that your wife is feelin me on that.

These people do not care about us either. So I faxed over a request and then he did the grivence about 10 days later he got his stuff. So what's a nigga got to do to get his stuff?? I say that you gotta help in the effort. This may not get your stuff any faster but it surely won't hurt either.