Its My Birthday!

March 15, 2009

Hello,
Today is my birthday. March 15, the “Ides of March!” You know what they say, “Beware those born on the Ides of March!” Ok, so maybe I made that quote up myself. Hey, a quote has to begin somehow. Besides, it is my birthday- I can do what I want! It’s a family tradition thing.
I was told this morning that “a lot of people” were sending me well wishes, thank you’s, and other such things that comfort me in a positive way. So I thought, “Why not write to them today?” So here I am, pen in hand, upon my bunk, writing to you (obviously). Waiting for chow call (lunch), and wondering if I am going to get to put my wash into the dryer before I leave the building to go and eat. Oh, there’s the call now, be right back!
Ok, back! And guess what?! On my way to chow I stopped to check on my clothes, and do you know what I found? I found nothing! My clothes were missing! I say “were” because I found them. They were in the dryer already; how cool was that? So by the time I had returned from eating, my stuff was all done.
What was not cool was that my cell was “tossed.” The funny thing about being locked up is all these rules that the corrections officers are in charge of enforcing. Such as having our beds made. But, then on days like today, when we return we find our beds in disarray because said C.O.’s have searched (tossed) through it. Then leaving it a mess on the way out to fuck up someone else’s made bed. But if your bed wasn’t made up, “they” do not search it and they yell at you instead (write you up, take you to the hole, something along those lines).
Anyways, I did have to re-make my bed and straighten my locker out. So let’s recap the day so far: Inmates/convicts help me out this morning, and a C.O. fucks up my cell, because that’s their job. Funny how that works out, right?
I don’t know, maybe you had to be here…
If you were here, then perhaps you would notice the tension in “the yard.” The gangs here are tightening up their slack. Today, yesterday, and the day before it was noticeable. Well, at least for me it was. But I am paranoid, so I am always on alert; but I am not crazy or even borderline. I am not “hyper-alert” like our vets though. Those who cant get rid of the “survival head” even after being home for a bit.
Which reminds me, I have not forgotten about the second part of the Iraq blog. I have not written it yet because “somehow” my mail is being delayed or flat-out kept from me. Which in turn keeps me in the dark about if my work reaches its destination or not.
But anyways, back to this “warzone.” If you did not notice the tension the first day, then yesterday you would have because of the C.O’s actions throughout the day. “Wanding” people down, at least a certain ethnic group. Calling our mass movements at different times, all sorts of dead giveaways. But these are all observations on my part. I am not in a gang, so I do not have “inside information” on any of this, which makes my survival here a little more interesting.
You see, I am what we on the inside call an “Independent.” I am not affiliated with any gangs. Of course, that does not mean that I have never spoken with those individuals who choose to participate in such associations or comradeship. I only focus on concentric ideals and issues; beyond that for the time being, I do not concern myself with.
Well it is evening now, supper has come and gone. Just a couple of hours left before lockdown for the night. I spoke with my father earlier, he shared with me all the well wishing, thanking, and comforting words that continue to come in.
We briefly spoke of an idea to secure my release by using public (that’s you!) support to pressure the courts to follow the laws of the state of New Hampshire, the United States code (federal law), and most importantly the supreme law of the land- our country’s CONSTITUTION. They claim to enforce said laws while they are operating illegally themselves!
While the “shills” for the government (and those with self-serving reasons) would have you believe that my support base is only “teenagers and college students,” those who have been with us from the beginning know that I have worked hard to break every barrier that presented potentially major challenges to the movement’s forward progress. Racism, sexism, classism (Is that a word? You know what I mean though; give me a break! It’s my birthday!), and cultural differences between the ages. Civilians, military, veterans, protestors, demonstrators, militia, peace activists, Muslims, Christians- Everyone working together now…
And the best part? We continue to learn and grow, share and grow. As I like to say, “Knowledge is power; power to the people.”
I feel (we feel) that things are beginning to heat up. With my case, with the situation the federal government is putting itself in… My release should be granted or flat out ordered for many legal reasons. At this point, all we (I) need is public support, public pressure. And that’s being pushed out there already.
I just keep spreading the truth the best way I can.
I need to get ready for bed now. I spent most of my day writing you all (or explaining to others why I needed to write today). So for those that thought of me today, I spent my birthday thinking about you. Thank you for making my birthday in prison a happy one. This is the best I can do to say thank you for your support.
You all take care out there. Keep your spirits and hopes up. More importantly, keep speaking up for your rights. “True freedom” is my goal, not just my release.

Again, thank you.

Later,
Reno