Auspicious Signs

Posted on December 5, 2010 by Marc

Prospective Social Reform Workers and Citizens of The World

I would like to take a minute of your time to share some observations I have made while being wrongfully incarcerated in Montana for a crime I did not commit.

Since you are reading this paper, and or working with the Montana Criminal Justice Reform Network, or projects of its kind, I thought you should be reminded of some important facts: We are all connected – When something effects me, it affects you – This planet is smaller than you think – It’s up to us to make a difference – As an individual, you can make a difference.

I think it is safe to say that all people want to be happy, and want to avoid suffering. The reason some people go to prison is because of the choices they make, or the circumstances they let themselves be associated with. These decisions are often made with deluded mind. We are a conglomeration of our past thoughts, deeds and actions. We can create a positive future, we just need to use the tools that are available to us. The fact is, every person in prison has the potential to be a productive member of society, at the very least.

Most of the men I have met in here have never had a positive role model to help guide them in making choices that will create positive situations in their lives. I don’t know if any one group or person can be blamed for this mishap. I personally feel that this problem has been going on for thousands of years.

As one can deduce, actions are started in the mind. It is like molding clay, in that, when one has skill in using the tools available, the desired result will be forthcoming. The potential of our mind is as vast as the universe. Have you ever pondered the vastness of space? Your mind encompasses it all. I find that a wild thought, one that gives me hope. Our society is not a contemplative society to say the least. A healthy predisposition to reflect on the big picture, or the individual picture for some, is certainly helpful in knowing what to do. Having the desire to start is the first step. Our innate wisdom is often obscured by delusion and mis-perceptions about things and events that surround us. We all want happiness for ourselves, but when we extend this desire to our neighbors, near or far, our actions naturally create beneficial situations for us as well as others. There is an inherent satisfaction in serving others, and I think this is a universal phenomenon.

I think one of the main reasons that people are not active in social change is because their plates are already full, or they feel the odds are so overwhelming that their outlook is clouded, and any positive or optimistic outlook is dampened. Then we have the classic case of (someone else will do it, or the government will do it.) If it were that easy we would have already created a utopia. Even if a person refrains from going into the social or Eco reform theater with both feet, acting on a simple desire to improve the immediate situation for themselves, will naturally benefit others as a by-product. We must realize that the person to the left or right of us, or the person down the street, wants the same things we want, and once we realize that, it is up to each individual to make this a better planet, now and in the future. When we understand that we are all connected, that is when change happens for the good of all, and we will finally come to realize that we are lucky to be alive in these times of change.

This is a call to all able minded citizens to CHARGE!!!

~Richard Raugust|MSP

Posted in Connections, Inside|Outside | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Corrections Budget Misspent

Posted on November 20, 2010 by Marc

There is a serious dichotomy in what Montanans consider important. Are we in denial about how our tax dollars are being spent?

Our governor has invited citizens to share ideas for managing our finances yet when it comes to “corrections,” it appears to be “hands off,” even though it gobbles up a large portion of the state budget. The current system is entrenched and appears untouchable.

Are we getting to the core of the problem by incarcerating the disposable society? In America, justice requires cash. Those with money don’t get public defenders who have no real interest or investment in their clients. Citizens wrongly believe prison is the cure-all for addictive behavior. Much of what could make a difference for these people has been abolished because Montanans think a steady diet of parental control, excessive sentences and punishment will be a deterrent to crime. Instead, it increases the chances of recidivism in the self-perpetuating system we’ve created with our tax dollars.

Once incarcerated, we pay little attention to conditions these people are subjected to or whether they will come out of the experience worse than when they went in. If told the truth, would citizens change these statistics?

~Joy Ooka, Red Lodge

Posted in Connections | 1 Comment

Or So It Seems

Posted on November 6, 2010 by Marc

I have decided to turn my attention to world affairs, more specifically, the unabated violence in Afghanistan. Day after day,the brutality continues. To most Americans, it all seems so senseless: What’s wrong with these people? why don’t they embrace democracy and a better way of life?”

The bombings, kidnappings and killings appear to be random, violence for the sake of violence. But is this how it really is? Or is this just how we perceive it as we sit snug and cozy in our living rooms listening to the one-sided point of view presented on the news?

If i may, I would like to offer another perspective. Suppose for a moment that, without provocation, the United States was invaded and then occupied by a foreign country. After overwhelming our armed forces, killing and crippling thousands of our soldiers, the invaders topple our government and install a puppet regime. In our largest cities, criminal opportunists go on a rampage and loot government buildings, tores, museums, even hospitals, while foreign troops sit back and watch. Thousands of Americans are imprisoned without charges; many are tortured, subjected to unspeakable horror; some are murdered. Our constitutional rights disappear. The foreign army can break down your door, search your home, take you into custody on a whim. Whole neighborhoods are reduced to rubble; hospitals overflow with wounded civilians caught in the cross-fire, unavoidable casualties of war. Our economy is destroyed; clean water, electricity, and gasoline become scarce or non-existent. Fear becomes a way of life.

Many citizens decide to fight back. Underground militias form to defend their country, their people, their families. The invaders hunt them down, call them terrorists, and tell the world that these people, since they are not soldiers, do not deserve the protection of the Geneva Convention. When the American Insurgents are caught, They are treated like criminals, only worse.

As months of occupations pass, the invaders offer some Americans comparatively large salaries to join their side, to help them, to police their own people. Many, for economic reasons, or because they lack a conscience, agree to collaborate. It is an old story; the same thing happened when Germany occupied France during World War II.

America becomes divided: The patriots are willing to die for what they believe in, and the traitors. Emotions run high. The invaders blame the invaded for the violence, pompously declaring their desire for peace. The true Americans laugh and reload their weapons. For them, there will be no peace until the last invader is dead or gone.

This may seem like a demented fantasy. After all, Americans are different than fanatical Muslims. The fact is, however, love of country and the urge to protect it from an external threat runs deeper than religion. Patriotism is but another name for something called the territorial instinct, a behavior common to most animals, including man. In this respect, the people of the Middle East are just like us, and like us, they use violence only as a last resort.

The instinct to pick up a weapon, like the territorial instinct, predates man by millions of years. Until we understand this, we will continue to make the same mistakes over and over again.

Dwight D. Eisenhower had it right when he said,

“Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its labors, the genius of its scientists, the houses of its children. This is not a way of life…under the cloud of war, it is humanity hanging itself on a cross of iron.”

I couldn’t say it better myself.

~John Hannan Kalispell, Montana

Posted in Inside|Outside | Tagged | Leave a comment

MT Criminal Justice Reform Network Alert

Posted on October 31, 2010 by Marc

MT. Criminal Justice Reform Network

ALERT November 2010

The Board of Pardons and Parole has recently posted their proposal for New Administrative Rules Change. There are some disturbing changes proposed and we are asking that you look over the proposal and send your opinions to the “powers that be.”

New rule 3 and 4 will be a big problem, it states unless the Board sets a date for you, reviews will be conducted based on a person’s discharge date. Less than 5 years away you will be reviewed every year, less than 10 years away you will be reviewed every three years and more than 10 years away you will be reviewed every 8 years. – That means by saying no less often they could potentially give a person a 10-15 year flop.

20.25.901 clemency has changed so that if they deny it the first time you can not reapply. These are just some of our concerns please read through the proposal at www.cor.mt.gov

This legislative session Medical marijuana, DUI’s and DNA are going to be HOT topics. What we do not see this session are two very important issues, Mandatory Parole and Parole Board Reform. The current system is still overcrowded and with the implementation of these new rules we are looking at an even bigger Corrections budget. Montana still has prisoners locked up that have had paroles for years. A bill needs to be drafted right away for Mandatory Parole, and Parole Board reform.

Some talking points for Mandatory Parole could include things like:

  • Mandatory Parole works in several states and has reduced overcrowding
  • MT prisoners should be encouraged to successfully complete programs and groups, and if they have maintained clear conduct they should be granted paroles.
  • Mandatory Parole saves the state money while still protecting public safety.
  • Long sentences = overcrowding

We have received numerous letters from prisoners concerning their Parole Board experiences. These were some of the things they reported:

Completed all groups and classes and have maintained clear conduct for many years and the Board flopped them for 1-5 years. This left them feeling hopeless and wondering what do you have to do to get a parole in this state.

Given a pre-release recommendation by the Board and then being turned down by all of them. Leaving them doing more time inside the prison

Being denied parole because they haven’t done enough time yet.

Nature and severity of offense. ( this is something they can NEVER change no matter what they do)

Parole Board Reform is something that Legislators realize needs to be done, however we see no bill drafted concerning this issue either. Clearly something needs to be done and we need your help to make this a priority with legislators. Please check out the New Administrative Rules listed on the Corrections website www.cor.mt.gov and write, call or email Legislators on the Law and Justice Interim Committee and the Governor as soon as possible.

Family members can call Connections if they have any questions or need help writing letters. Prisoners can write if you have questions or need clarification. A list of Legislators and committees can be found at www.badbills.com

Casey Rudd

1117 N 7th Ave #3

Bozeman, MT 59715

406-556-1139

caseyconnections@msn.com

www.mtconnections.org

Posted in Connections, News | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Cutting The Numbers

Posted on October 28, 2010 by Marc

Educating to reduce recidivism

In Montana there are three primary obstacles that prevent offenders from achieving higher education. The first being the lack of development of effective policies to promote post secondary correctional education [PSCE], lack of legislative support, along with a serious lack of funding. There are still other significant obstacles including lack of adequate facilities and other structural and institutional obstacles that will prevent the implementation of an effective PSCE system. New and innovative policies are needed to overcome these obstacles.

At Montana State Prison, getting a college education seems like a fairy tale for most offenders. They know it would be a life-altering opportunity. Unfortunately, the majority of offenders are not academically prepared for college-level courses, less than 60% of State offenders nation-wide hold a GED or high school diploma. Currently MSP has GED prep classes, though there is a very long waiting list and offenders are passing the GED at a slow rate. The only vocational education provided at MSP is classes in automotive, diesel and welding, which are provided by Montana Correctional Enterprises. There are only approximately fifty slots per semester. These slots are often filled by students from the last semester, leaving little room for new enrollment.

The Open Society Institute, in 2002, found that 66% of Americans want the criminal justice system to emphasize the rehabilitation of offenders through education or job training programs rather than simply using prisons as a place to warehouse offenders who will eventually be released back into their communities. Fifty-five percent of those surveyed believe that current efforts to rehabilitate offenders have been unsuccessful. [Peter D. Hart Research Associates 2002] This belief is supported by high recidivism rates.

Rehabilitation efforts are hindered by an insistence of incarceration and little interest placed on rehabilitative programming. resentment from correctional staff over offenders being offered the opportunity to attend college causes other obstacles. Making post-secondary education available to corrections staff would reduce many of these resentments. If a PSCE system was in place for offenders, the instructors, textbooks, classrooms and equipment would already be available, and services could be provided low-cost to staff for professional development opportunities. new Mexico and Arkansas offer just such opportunities to their correctional staff.

The value of PSCE far outweighs any duplicity that may be implied. For correctional facilities, PSCE can improve security. Better communications between staff and offenders, positive peer role models and a dramatic reduction of disciplinary infractions are just a few positive changes that can be fostered by PSCE programming.[Taylor 1992] The greatest positive changes occur most often in the most incorrigible and violent prisoners. [Taylor 1994]

A study done at Bedford Hills, a maximum security prison in New York, mentioned that offenders enrolled in a college program became better able to judge the consequences of their actions and to take responsibility for them. As a result, offenders were more likely to see themselves as active participants in determining their own future and thus make choices that would improve their situation. [Fine et all 2001]

The most significant benefit of PSCE is improving employability upon release. Most offenders were unemployed or employed at very low-wage jobs prior to incarceration. After release, offenders also face the stigma of being an ‘ex-con’. This can lead most offenders to believe that they will not be able to find gainful employment. College education and/or vocational education can change this.

The largest contributer to the population of offenders is recidivism. Recidivism, whether new conviction or parole/probation violation, is a serious problem in Montana. Thirty-five years of PSCE recidivism studies consistently report statistically significant reductions in recidivism. Data suggests that better educated offenders are less likely to relapse into criminal behavior after release from prison. [Erisman & Contardo 2005] Washington State Institute for Public Policy found that correctional education, including post-secondary education, would help lower prison population. [Aos, Miller and Drake 2006] In 2007, Washington legislature provided an additional $5 million for PSCE to the DOC that year. The Virginia Dept of Correctional Education commissioned a study of their current programs in 2005. The study showed dramatic reduction in recidivism of those who participated in PSCE.

Recidivism is an enormous cost to the taxpayers of Montana. Between 2003 and 2008 the adult male institutional population increased by more than 25%. At a cost of $91.97 a day per inmate, this was an increase of $23.7 million to the taxpayers of Montana. Studies clearly demonstrate that offenders who participate in PSCE have lower recidivism rates. One analysis that examined 15 different studies conducted during the 1990s found that 14 of the 15 studies showed reduced recidivism for offenders who participated in PSCE, with an average reduction of 46% lower than non-participants. [Chappelle 2004]

New Mexico has been able to provide PSCE through Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell via high-speed network connection for 400 offenders at the cost of only $500 per inmate per year. This amount covers tuition, fees and books. The offenders are not able to access the internet to send email or view external web sites. Offenders do not have direct contact with instructors. Instead there are DOC facilitators who monitor the classes, answer questions and pass messages between students and faculty.

John J. DiIulia, a professor at Princeton University, states “..In prison systems cost-effective management is possible only because programs keep prisoners busy, with less supervision than you’d need otherwise… Especially with respect to certain types of prison educational programs, you save money by hiring fewer officers in the short run and reducing recidivism in the long run.” PSCE has been proven to be the most cost-effective rehabilitation programming opportunity in corrections.

Gail Hughes, the former deputy director of Missouri DOC, stated that the real goal of corrections is not to spend money but to produce a good product at a reasonable cost to society. The ‘product’ is a rehabilitated offender, that becomes a law-abiding, productive member of the community. This is not an easy task to accomplish with the current ‘throw away the key’ outlook. A PSCE system in Montana will turn an economic liability into an asset. Reducing recidivism through PSCE will save DOC, thus the State, millions of dollars and in the not-so-long run produce more income for the State through payroll taxes.

~Sam Belyaner, MSP

Posted in Inside|Outside | Tagged , , | Leave a comment