I’m a student of prison philosophy. I’ve pretty well seen it all in the quarter century I’ve been incarcerated, and I’m no expert, but I think that qualifies me for something close to a PhD (post hole digger).
This is about security, and don’t get me wrong. I understand the need for prison security – keep the bad guys in, keep them from obtaining weapons of any kind, illicit drugs, pornography, things of that nature. I’m not at all opposed to the security of whatever facility is being run for whatever purpose. So, let’s not go there with the, ‘He’s just upset because he’s locked up’ BS (that doesn’t stand for Bachelor of Science).
But, I’ve come across an anomaly of biblical proportions. I love books. I always have, and I always will. I’ve read nearly every book in our small prison library – some two or three times just to keep them circulating and available.
Every six months they hold a semiannual lockdown/shakedown. This is necessary to throw trash away, cleanse the unit of contraband and to sometimes instill order where there is chaos. I’m not a big fan – not simply because it’s uncomfortable, stressful, and sometimes (but not always) vindictive on behalf of a few officers who love to go through your property just to take ‘something’ that brings you comfort or happiness. I’m part of a group of individuals who love books. We’re getting to my point.
If you have books that aren’t clearly marked as belonging to you from the instant they enter the unit, they pile them up, like so much cordwood, and they throw them in the garbage. Nuisance contraband… And I don’t mean a few books. I mean, literally, hundreds, possibly thousands, of good used books. Books which could easily be rounded up, bagged and sent to Goodwill or some other charitable organization – or the library. Years ago, almost a decade, they’d confiscate books and put them in the library for times when an inmate couldn’t go to the library or it was closed. Not anymore.
It’s like the book by Ray Bradbury, ‘Fahrenheit 451’ when society bans books because they believe them to be evil or dangerous.
I’ve never seen a book hurt anyone.
I’ve never seen a book change anyone for the worse.
Education is a key ingredient in eliminating ignorance. If you’re smarter, you’re less likely to reoffend. You’ll be able to fill out an employment form or an application for aid. Reading opens up every avenue to the world – and a book never hurt anyone.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR. John is currently doing a two-year set off, after 25 years of incarceration. He is a frequent contributor as well as author of Life Between The Bars, a unique and heartwarming memoir recognized by Terry LeClerc, “This book is so good because each chapter is short, has a point, doesn’t whine. It’s an excellent book.” John can be contacted at:
John Green #671771
C.T. Terrell Unit A150
1300 FM655
Rosharon, TX 77583
