This blog is under construction but the basic structure is here.
on the RIGHT are two main lists: one that lists prisoners by last name and one that collects prisoners documents and writing by issues .The issue listing is very incomplete.
Also on the top left of each post is a white box swhere you can type the name of the prisoner whose post you want to see.
The main reason for this blog is that FFUP's advocacy is stuck. The WIDOC is in "defense mode" and is unresponsive to our concerns and too afraid of the public's ire against prisoners and too scared of losing more staff to do anything but give soothing platitudes. We must reach beyond out inner circles and build a power base that pushes for compassion and wisdom instead of unending revenge.
A major focus now is getting real relief for prisoners in our RHUs ( solitary confinement- "Restrictive hosing units") where conditions defy description.
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| "animal in a Cage" by DarRen Morris |
In "Summer 2024 Report On Solitary Torture" I gather documents and writings from prisoners representing the ongoing abuse . Most of these men have family members who will step up and bear witness, so I am contacting investigative journalists to try to raise pubic awareness. At the same time FFUP is working on effective legislative and legal action with litigators newly released and still entombed. We have tried all this before but now more people are listening thanks to the reports of courageous prisoners, the work of many activists, and the wonderful reporting of journalists.
Now is the time to be real teachers- the easy solutions bandied about everywhere are not going to help. We cannot just close down prisons without a big time reduction of prisoner population and we cannot close solitary units without real mental health treatment. There is none in the state for those without money- the mentally ill too often end in prison because of the public's refusal to address difficult issues. Our "Out of sight out of mind" public mindset is no longer helping and we must begin the panful discussions and investigations needed.
This blog's basic structure is about done . Prisoners are invited to have their own posts where they submit their writings and documents and I quickly post and link them to posts and reports on same and similar issues. A trouble is writing prisoners is now very difficult as my letters take 3 weeks and the new email getting out is not available to me. So letter prisoners know about their posts and giving them the links is slow. I am looking for a volunteer who could send emails for me to prisoners- wokr the Getting out app for FFUP.
FFUP gathers and learns and makes reports- and we all push for more accountability in every way possible. The solutions are available- the will to change needs to be strengthened. with this blog I hope to be able to gather the infinity that comes into mu mailbox, phone and corrlinks app.. The treasures I am given to safe keep and spread. I hope it will be a major organizing tool for me
note: Feel free to contact me, and you can submit writings if you have personal experience with the DOC or want to comment on an inmate's post. WE will tolerate no hate speech and you must give full contact information in order to be posted. I will not post that info unless given permission but I need it in order to post, There are comment features on this blog and they will be monitored-
I believe prisoners are not their crime and that people change. Prisoners share with me what they are convicted of and tell that story if the choose but I do not ask nor am concerned with it except as it is needed in our work together. I believe that the confinement and loss of community of prison is the punishment. The mental and physical torture these men and women endure and we tolerate is a soul loss for all and a real crime perpetrated by our willful ignorance, We too can change.
Peg Swan
Founder,Co-director FFUP
Forum for Understanding Prisons, 501c3 non profit
pgswan3@aol.com, 608-536-3993
29631 Wild Rose Drive; Blue River, WI 53518
