Gov. John Kitzhaber of Oregon on Tuesday said he would halt the execution of a death row inmate scheduled for next month and that he would allow no more executions in the state during his time in office.
Welcome to Humanity for Prisoners
Action with compassion!
Starting the week with Emily Dickinson
February 6, 2012"If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain:
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain."
-- Emily Dickinson
From the mouths of prisoners
February 3, 2012Installment #3
I am frustrated, to ay the least, with this
thoughtless prison system (Michigan). I can't believe some of the
things people obviously prioritize in Central Office. Now it's tasers, and
a special housing unit at Alger CF. I hope with all the pushing these
folks are doing that the convicts don't become as teed off as I am, and start to
push back. Last time that happened was May, 1981. It ended up
costing the state hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs and consent decree
costs.
Latest blog entry
February 2, 2012HFP President Doug Tjapkes and Board Chair Dan Rooks head to the Thumb Correctional Facility this week. See Doug's HFP blog entry, May the words of my mouth... http://humanityforprisoners.blogspot.com/
Older inmates stressing prisons
February 1, 2012 |
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U.S. | January 27, 2012 Number of Older Inmates Grows, Stressing Prisons By TIMOTHY WILLIAMS More Americans older than 55 are being imprisoned, and many prisons are unprepared to provide them with health care, Human Rights Watch said in a new report. |
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We need hospice in our prisons
January 31, 2012Our friend Teri and her daughter Madison give us an update on Larry's situation in California.
John
Paul committed a terrible deed in his youth. Now he is in the
California prison hospice facility taking care of Larry. Today when we
walked in, there was a worship CD playing. It belongs to John Paul. He
told us he keeps it playing for Larry 24/7. Not sure that Larry knew
we were there. However God has sent an angel named John Paul who looks
in on Larry every hour, cleans his room, bathes him, prays over him, and
tells me everything will be OK. And then there is Shawn, who is there
when John Paul cannot be. Larry is loved.
And from daughter Madison:
My
dad is so blessed to be in the only prison hospice in California, one
of the few bright spots in this otherwise devastating experience. The
prison inmates who take are of my father are some of the most selfless
men I've ever met...in prison or otherwise. I know my dad is being
looked after when we are not there, not by the nurses or even the
doctors, but by guys who at one time committed a crime and have now
dedicated their lives to help dying men leave this earth with dignity
and love.
I would like a program like this right here in prison complex in Muskegon. We have a warden with a heart for it.
Start the new week by walking the walk
January 30, 2012It is no use walking anywhere to preach,
unless our walking is our preaching.
- St. Francis of Assisi
Good news from the Center on Wrongful Convictions
January 27, 2012
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From the Mouths of Prisoners
January 26, 2012Installment 2
Christmas in prison doesn't even resemble
Christmas at all any more. If I didn't know any better, I'd swear under
oath that our warden was the Scrooge incarnated. She wouldn't allow us to
use Prisoner Benefit Funds to purchase a small Christmas bag for each
prisoner. She said we didn't deserve them. My supervisor in the
factory wanted to buy peanut butter pie for us at Christmas. Despite past
practice, this year the warden claimed she couldn't find any local vendors
willing to sell u pies. You can't convince me, in this poor economy, that
there isn't a bakery willing to sell us pies. When prisoners learned that
they wouldn't be getting a slice of peanut butter pie at the lunch time
Christmas meal, and the reasons why, the warden changed her story. She
said we wouldn't be getting pie because of all the violence. Yes, it is
true, Doug, there has been an increase in violence, especially stabbing
incidents. But, I assure you, none of the perpetrators work in our
factory.
I continue to maintain that attitude at the top
affects attitude all the way to the very bottom.
On snowmobile races - a fresh start
January 25, 2012The weatherman hasn't been cooperating, and the
exciting BEVRA-sponsored vintage snowmobile race season still has not begun at
Lakeview, Michigan.
We have now received word that the races will be
held:
February 4
February11
Febuary
25
March 3
Our fund-raising teenaged racer, Spencer
Hassevoort, is going for the gold this year in two different divisions on each
of the Saturdays. Please get the pledges started now...a set amount of he
gets into the winning circle (1-3) and a bonus amount, probably double, if he
grabs a first place trophy. Let's have some fun, let's show him our
support, and let's raise some early-in-the-year funds for HFP.
A new online series, "From the Mouths of Prisoners"
January 24, 2012Installment #1
Really, if legislators cared about about
Michigan or Corrections, regardless of party affiliation, they wouldn't tolerate
the MDOC's reliance on out-of-state vendors for everything from cable to
health-care, medications to prisoner store stock, and telephones to
clothing. Nobody sees anything wrong with it. Surely, it must impact
the Michigan economy. Why haven't any legislators taken the initiative to
meet with state manufacturers in an effort to retrofit existing Michigan-based
companies to serve in state needs, and create jobs? It is just
crazy. Instead, the folks in Corrections want to top serving salt and
pepper packets at each meal as a cost-cutting measure, then increase our store
prices by 5%. Oh, in case you didn't know, family members or friends
sending us money must now send that money to Florida to get it processed
into our trust account.
How about forwarding this information to your State
Representative and your State Senator. This information comes to us from a
savvy inmate.
Start the week by taking a stand with Dr. King
January 23, 2012The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Behind bars
January 20, 2012Is it any wonder that this guy ended up in
prison?
My mother was a crack addict with HIV, my father was a heroin
addict who was murdered buying drugs when I was young. I barely knew
him. When I was around 12, my mother used to bring crack addicts into our
home. They used to smoke crack in front of me, in the rooms and the
basement. They used to eat up our food, and steal my things, especially
video games. My mother used to leave me and my 4 other younger siblings
alone for days with no food or supervision, while she ran the streets getting
high. Because of this we were taken into custody by the Department of
Human Services, and placed in foster homes with strangers. I grew up in a
violent environment. I've seen violence such as murder and drugs my whole
life. I used drugs, sold drugs as a youth, I've been robbed at gunpoint,
I've been shot on two different occasions.
Pray for Mr. M. He's trying to find legal and
psychological assistance.
It's book time
January 19, 2012Said a retired Christian professor:
I just finished reading your SWEET
FREEDOM. I am awed by the manner your Christian commitment
has consistently found expression in your persistent quest to achieve Maurice's
freedom. It is apparent that your basic Christian values have witnessed as
to what can happen when one takes Matthew 25 seriously. They include the
general public, the church, the media, and the criminal justice system who have
been touched by your profound witness.
What Professor T. neglected to mention is how the book has
touched the lives of those behind bars. We have already exhausted another
carton of 52 books, and still prisoners continue to ask for copies. And so
we ask if some generous soul might be willing to pick up the tab of
$283.65, so that we can continue to forward copies to inmates budget-free.
If you haven't yet read this compelling true story of a
wrongful conviction, order a copy for yourself. I'll send you a signed
copy for ten bucks.
What prisoners say about HFP
January 18, 2012A representative for Internal Affairs came and interviewed me yesterday. I can tell you the MDOC has a lot of respect for you. I'm black listed here, but thank you so much for helping us. You're a power house. I'm sure a lot of good will come out of this. Nothing would have been done without you. Thank you on behalf of all the vanguards, and those who suffer in silence.
It's snowmobile race time!
January 17, 2012Our champion snowmobile racer and fund-raiser,
Spencer Hassevoort is back, and ready to make up for a disappointing season last
year. His vintage Yamaha machine has a rebuilt and improved engine, and a
driver with an attitude this year! Spence will be racing in two categories
on January 21, February 4, February 11 and February 25...a total of eight
races. We're asking for your pledge for each race if he makes it into the
winning circle (1st-3rd place), and we suggest that you double the figure if he
captures the first place trophy. A pledge form is attached, but just feel
free to contact us by email. We'll take care of the rest.
For those who have played the game before, Spencer,
a 130-pound, 14 year old lad, takes on an all-adult field by special
permission in the BEVRA-Sanctioned oval races at Lakeview, Michigan.
Over the years he has proven to be a formidable competitor, often capturing
major trophies and often among the top winners of the season. He loves to
race for pledges to HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS, and is encouraged by your
support. So, strong support here at the very beginning is very
important. Get back to us soon.
Let's get out of the winter doldrums and have
fun!
To download the pledge form, click HERESpeaking of Dr. King's message
January 16, 2012See Sunday's blog entry: http://humanityforprisoners.blogspot.com/
Starting the week on MLK Day
January 16, 2012Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Paralegal Intern begins work in HFP office
January 13, 2012
Linda Johnson of Muskegon, currently enrolled at Baker College seeking an
Associates Degree in the Paralegal Program, will be serving her internship in
the HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS office, it was announced today by Doug Tjapkes, HFP
President.
Prior to this, Johnson has served as a Clerical Assistant with Mercy Health
Partners.
In the Baker program, she has been and will be studying Law Office
Management and Ethics, Legal Terminology, Legal Research and Writing, Criminal
Law, and other subjects dealing with criminal and civil law.
"Our office will be the perfect spot for Ms. Johnson to fulfill her 120-hour
internship requirements," said Tjapkes.
Johnson has long had an interest in the work of HFP.
Behind bars, frustrated
January 12, 2012I have been in prison over 15 years, behind bars for a crime I did not commit. Mr. Tjapkes, I know you all know that I am innocent. Why is it taking so long to get me out of prison? AIDWYC has had my case for over 8 years! I am a old man, I am so tired of waiting! My blood pressure is out of control and I am a diabetic with other issues. I would hate to die in prison. I pray to God that you would help me to get out. Will you please? These people in here is driving me crazy, they stole over $150 or different things out of my feet lock. I felt like killing someone for real. PLEASE HELP ME!
Today's Blog
January 11, 2012Doug Tjapkes hears Shakespeare behind bars. See Wednesday's blog entry: http://humanityforprisoners.blogspot.com/
The random Horror of the death penalty
January 11, 2012| |
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Editorial | In Evidence: The Random Horror of the Death Penalty By Lincoln Kaplan, "The Supreme Court has not banned capital punishment, as it should, but it has long held that the death penalty is unconstitutional if randomly imposed on a handful of people. An important new study based on capital cases in Connecticut provides powerful evidence that death sentences are haphazardly meted out, with virtually no connection to the heinousness of the crime." |
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Prosecutors gone wild
January 10, 2012Prosecutors Gone Wild: How Many Wrongful Convictions Will the Public Stand for?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/conrad-black/supreme-court-michael-morton_b_1189021.html
Starting the new week with just a touch
January 9, 2012"I learned that it is the weak who are cruel, and that gentleness is to be expected only from the strong."
Leo Rosten
Behind bars, connected
January 5, 2012Thank you for writing and keeping me connected
to the real world.
Please pray for my continued good health and
safety in this dangerous, Satan-infested environment (there have been 4
stabbings here so far this month, and one guy was beaten up by another using a
lock-in-a-sock).
A simple reminder from one of our friends to keep
them---all inmates---in your prayers.
Regularly.
Behind bars, season's greetings
January 4, 2012Dear Mr. Tjapkes,
I hope next year will be different.
Falsely accused, wrongly convicted, and imprisoned year after year for
something I haven't done. I couldn't imagine this is real---spending
hour after hour, days and nights, thinking how could this happen in real
life. Remembering you in this special season, and wishing you and
your family Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Can you imagine?
Blog
January 3, 2012See Doug's New Year blog posting: God don't make no junk. http://humanityforprisoners.blogspot.com/
To end the old year, to begin the new
January 2, 2012A Franciscan Benediction
May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships,
So that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain to joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done,
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
At easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships,
So that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain to joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done,
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
Amen
Behind bars, no family
December 30, 2011Who, do you suppose, is going to help this
guy?
I don't have any family or friends to speak of. My mother
passed in 1999 from cancer, my father had a major stroke in 2000 and I'm not
sure if he's alive. My life has been dysfunctional the last 20 years due
to emotional-mental problems which I dealt with or failed to deal with using
drugs and alcohol. I have been on and off homeless for 15-20 years, and
for the last 11 years I've been with the MDOC. I am an only child and have
no contact with my uncles, aunts or cousins. I have one friend from church
to knows me and can attest to my character. I just pray I'm not too late
to change. I have been taken off all of my meds due to my liver (HepC) and
their inability to treat it. I am tired and lethargic most of the time,
and in pain daily.
Mr. E. needs a liver transplant to survive, and he
asks: "Can you get me an address of somewhere I could possibly parole
to?" Without somewhere to go and someone to care for him, he'll never
obtain a release. We can try to help, but where would he
go?
It's the type of challenge faced daily by this
office.
Freep editorial
December 28, 2011Detroit Free Press Editorial: It's time to get smart on get-tough prison policies
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011112270368
A fitting Christmas story
December 27, 2011Barbe Gray, wife of prisoner Ray Gray---friends of ours for many years---emailed this story just before Christmas.
Ray
is at Ryan Correctional Facility now and since he got there lots of
things seem to be messed up. As a result, Ray has not been able to
obtain stamped envelopes to send out Christmas greetings. So I am
writing for both of us to wish you a happy holiday and a wonderful new
year. Love, Ray and Barbe
As the MDOC slogan goes, "Expecting Excellence Every Day." And as our friend Ronnie used to add: "And never finding it."
Beginning Christmas week
December 26, 2011
"He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree."
-Roy L. Smith
Blessed Christmas
December 24, 2011
It has been a
complicated holiday season at the Tjapkes household. While I am blessed
to continue my amazing recovery from a brutal and vicious attack by a
staph infection, Marcia continues her struggle with mysterious digestive
issues that so far have baffled her physicians. Hopefully we will get
more answers shortly after the first of the year when she receives
further tests at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor.
And so I must
apologize for not getting out timely holiday greetings to our many
friends and supporters. I would like to give you an audio gift,
instead...it's actually a gift of a little part of me.
This is a video
recording of HIS MEN in an appearance nearly two decades ago at the
Crystal Cathedral. It was my final performance as the founding director
of this fine male chorus, and the thrill of a lifetime. Music
continues to play an incredible role in my daily life, and I hope you
enjoy this presentation. It's not a Christmas piece, but it's my
Christmas gift to you. Marcia and I wish for you and yours a most
blessed holiday. Thank you for being at our side through thick and
thin. We treasure your love and prayers.
To watch the video, click HERE
To watch the video, click HERE
An amazing Christmas gift
December 23, 2011Many HFP supporters shared our feelings of disappointment when we learned last month that a $10,000 grant would not be renewed this year from a local area foundation. I am pleased and excited to announce this afternoon that a kind and generous couple picked up the slack, and provided a $10,000 gift to HFP just before the end of the year. We thank God for their care and compassion, and we praise him for his goodness! Merry Christmas to all.
Behind bars, chemotherapy
December 23, 2011
From a prisoner who has been given six months to live:
I'm supposed to have
chemotherapy treatments every 21 days, but the MDOC keeps interrupting
my treatments, and not give me the bone marrow shots that I need. I am
already two chemo sessions behind, and the doctor and a nurse here is
asking me how long I'll be taking chemo. It sounds like the MDOC is
tired of paying for my chemo session, and paying for the two officers to
take me to the hospital.
Sorry I haven't send you the
application materials yet. My family been busy making funeral
arrangement for my younger sister who died on December 12th from lung
cancer.
Send a holiday card to a 12-year-old in jail
December 22, 2011by Jonathan Perri
change.org
Cristian Fernandez has been detained for more than 8 months. At 12 years-old, we can only imagine how scared he is and how he'll have to spend this holiday season behind bars as Florida State Attorney Angela Corey seeks to send him to prison for the rest of his life.
Cristian isn't allowed to have toys sent to him at the detention center where he is being held but he does like to get cards and there is no doubt that the will be lonely this holiday season. So we're asking that you send Cristian Fernandez a holiday card to cheer him up and let him know people around the world care about him.
Cristian is housed at the Duval Regional Juvenile Detention Center. Please send holiday cards addressed to:
Crisitan Fernandez
c/o Duval Regional Juvenile Detention Center
1241 East 8th Street
Jacksonville, FL 32206-4099
Support for moving Cristian's case back to juvenile court continues to grow. If you haven't signed the petition yet, please do so here:
https://www.change.org/petitions/reverse-decision-to-try-12-yo-cristian-fernandez-as-an-adult
http://news.change.org/stories/send-a-holiday-card-to-12-year-old-in-jail
Seeing the bright side
December 21, 2011Sunday's blog takes a look at our friends Teri and Larry, and how Teri is seeing the bright side of an unpleasant Christmas. http://humanityforprisoners.blogspot.com/
Texas exoneree seeks inquiry of prosecutor
December 20, 2011| Los Angeles Times |
Inquiry sought for Texas prosecutor over wrongful conviction |
| Lawyers for a Texas man officially exonerated Monday after serving 25 years of a life sentence in connection with his wife's murder requested a special judicial inquiry into alleged misconduct by the lead prosecutor. |
The week before Christmas with Mother Theresa
December 19, 2011"It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you. Yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand." ~Mother Teresa
Death sentences decline
December 16, 2011USA Today: The number of death sentences in the US hits a 35-year low: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-12-15/death-penalty-executions/51935452/1
Virginia man jailed for 27 years is exonerated
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| US | December 6, 2011 Virginia: Man Jailed for 27 Years Is Exonerated "The Virginia Court of Appeals on Tuesday exonerated a man convicted in a series of sexual assaults in 1984. DNA evidence showed that the man, Thomas Haynesworth, could not have committed the crimes in which such evidence had been preserved, and it pointed to another man. Gov. Bob McDonnell released Mr. Haynesworth on parole in March, but Mr. Haynesworth petitioned for full exoneration." |
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Project Window Participants
December 14, 2011Project Window Participants:
There's
still time to send your prisoner a copy of THE PRISONER'S PRAYER
BOOK for Christmas. $25 gets him a copy and you a copy, or the same
$25 will send books to two prisoners. Contact our office today.
There's
still time for those, not participating, to also remember prisoners at
Christmas time. First response from prisoners is amazing! Place your
order today with HFP. This book will make an impact!
Touch the life of a prisoner
December 13, 2011Want to touch the life of a prisoner?
Send him/her a copy of SWEET FREEDOM, the book that describes our nine-year
fight to free a man wrongly convicted. Here's what Norman said, after
receiving the book:
Wow. I'm blown away! I
received the book SWEET FREEDOM today, and it's 2:00 AM right now and I
just put the book down. I read the whole book. It opened so many
hidden feelings I have grown to suppress for so long....feeling-less and
emotion-less. I haven't cried in so long, Doug, that I forgot how, but
your book had water running down my face like a baby yearning for his
bottle. I take my hat off to you. You know the truth...the truth I
have been trying to spell out for so many years. I can't put in words the
pain and suffering that a black man endures. I will be sending money under
separate cover for more books. I'm pushing your book now so others will
order it and read it.
Find out why tattered and worn copies of the book race through prison
sells. Order a copy for yourself. Send copies to prisoners.
Ten bucks apiece should cover it.
Beginning a new week with Eric Sevareid
December 12, 2011Christmas is a necessity.
There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for
something else besides ourselves.
Behind bars, elderly parents
December 8, 2011
We did our best to try to help Joe. His
parents are elderly and in bad health. They live in Lapeer, Michigan,
so it seemed to make good sense to have him transferred from Ionia to
Lapeer. They would then be able to visit him from time to time.
We wrote a letter to the warden, realizing ahead of time that this has not been known to do any good.
We encouraged him to write to his state
legislators, which he did. His state senator was told to have Joe just
work with his housing unit staff. Well, Joe did just that, and that
staff didn't take to it very kindly. They saw that he got transferred,
all right...TO THE U.P.!
It's virtually impossible for his parents,
both in their 80s, to drive that far north. Besides, his dad just had a
heart attack.
Quite interesting, really.
When all of this was going on the MDOC's
Legislative Liaison, Jessica Peterson, told Joe's senator that due to
the high costs involved in prisoner transfers, the state just can't
accommodate such requests for the sole purpose of facilitating visits.
Apparently that high cost is ignored when it comes time to teach the prisoner a lesson as to who's boss.
Joe says he'll have to stay up there for
two years until he's eligible for a transfer again, and he doesn't think
his parents can last that long.
The prison system with a heart.
December Newsletter online
December 7, 2011For those of you who don't receive our monthly newsletter in the mail, click HERE to view our December newsletter.
Notes in the mail
December 6, 2011With your gifts come so many nice notes in the
mail.
From Char this week, in a card bearing the
scripture verse, Now to him who is able to do abundantly, more than we ask
or imagine...
Whatever you are facing today, know that he is
able! Read Proverbs 28:27 (He who gives to the poor will lack
nothing) and know you are helping the poorest of the poor in more ways than you
know, AND giving us all the opportunity to visit the prisoners and captives in
his name through you.
And to all of you, know that you are making possible all
that we do.
HFP in the GR Press
December 5, 2011
Humanity for Prisoners was featured in an article in the Grand Rapids Press on Saturday:
The Apostle John on starting a new week
December 5, 2011"...let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:18 (NIV)
Gifts for the family
December 2, 2011We receive a beautiful gift each Christmas from a family. Actually, only the mother of the family is a supporter of ours. Her grown children, she says, have done well and really do not need gifts at Christmas time. And so she does something very special. She takes the money that she would spend on each of her grown children, and sends it to HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS. Then she asks our office to inform each of the kids about the gift and explain what it is that we do and how the money gets used. It's a very meaningful thing for everyone involved, but it's the most meaningful to prisoners: the people we help. If it's time to rethink Christmas gifts and Christmas giving in your home, there's one group in society that won't get much attention at holiday time, the people behind bars. You can bet on it. And you can make a difference.
All in a day's work
December 1, 2011Wednesday, last day of the month. A slow day in the HFP office? Think again.
I
started the day in prison. I was asked by a prisoner to pick up a gift
for his pen pal, a letter writer in a local church who sends letters to
him each month as a part of Project Window. He had spent many hours
building a miniature country church in the prison arts and crafts
department. I picked it up and delivered it to the letter writer's
church. A beautiful Christmas gift. Meaningful relationships have
developed on both sides of bars as a result of Project Window.
Then to the mail box.
A Michigan prisoner
received our name from a friend. He's dying of cancer and wonders how
he can appeal to the Parole Board for permission to die at home with his
family. All we can do is try. He has less than six months, so time is
a critical issue.
A prisoner writes from Arizona,
claiming he was brutally beaten by the police and left bleeding in a
paddy wagon. He complains that three different court-appointed
attorneys have failed him. I'm forced to tell him that because of staff
and budget constraints, our efforts are confined to the State of
Michigan.
A prisoner from Michigan with a conviction list almost as long as my arm
says his life has been changed and now, after 15 years behind bars, he
wants to start a new life. We work hard, but we're not magicians. We
can make no promises.
A newspaper writer asks for information about an old HFP case, as he plans a story for this weekend about our new CD.
A newspaper editorial
from the New York Times is forwarded by our office to a group of church
leaders with whom we are working as they seek to develop a stance
against the death penalty.
Finally, I open one last envelope. It's a Christmas card from a prisoner, who doesn't have money to be spending on cards. May God continue to bless you and your family. Have a very happy holiday season.
These people are beautiful.
Uncertain future for death penalty
November 30, 2011| |
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Editorial: An Intolerable Burden of Proof Georgia has subverted the constitutional ban on the death penalty for the mentally retarded. This is more evidence for ending capital punishment. |
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More on mentally ill
November 29, 2011See Doug's Sunday blog entry, Mentally ill behind bars, at www.humanityforprisoners.
Michigan's solution to mental illness
November 29, 2011Michigan's jails and prisons are the new mental
institutions for this state. The Freep's fine writer Jeff Gerritt tells
the story:
Start the new week by doing something
November 28, 2011“It is not only for what we do that we are held responsible, but also for what we do not do.”
Moliere
French Playwright and Actor
Thanksgiving
November 25, 2011Thanksgiving Day is not much different than any other day in the HFP office. Here is Doug's blog entry for today:
I was reflecting on my blessings on this Thanksgiving Day. A year ago I had just survived a brutal attack by a staph infection that many thought would claim my life. I'm feeling so good this year that I almost feel guilty. My list of blessings is so long that I cannot document it all. I feel like the Psalmist. My heart was overflowing with gratitude when I spotted a letter on my desk that hadn't been opened.
I'm amazed that it ever got here. It was sent to the wrong address. It had insufficient postage. Instead of my name on the envelope, it simply said "Dear Sir." It had been sent from San Quentin.
Dear Sir: My name is Paul Wesley Baker. I've been on death row since 2009. I was arrested in 2003 in L.A., California. My attorney did absolutely nothing to help me in trial. I only saw my investigator once in 5 years. My trial was in 2008. The DNA was tampered with and some of their witnesses lied under oath. Some of this could have been proved if my attorney did a small part in my behalf.
We don't even try to handle cases outside the State of Michigan. But Paul was on my heart on this Thanksgiving Day. I can do little more than pray for him. I shall write him a letter of encouragement anyway. And I'll send him a copy of our new book of prayers.
After actually visiting a prisoner on death row, and actually witnessing an execution of a man whom I believed was wrongly convicted, I am especially sensitive to the plight of people on death row.
How about you? Will you pray for Paul today? I suggest that you also remember all the others on death row who find it very difficult to be thankful on this Thanksgiving Weekend.
A blessed holiday to you.
Oregon Governor bans executions
November 23, 2011New York Times
Oregon Governor Says He Will Block Executions
By WILLIAM YARDLEY
Published: November 22, 2011
To read more, visit http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/23/us/oregon-executions-to-be-blocked-by-gov-kitzhaber.html?_r=1
An update on Larry
November 22, 2011From Larry's wife, Teri:
www.latimes.com
This is where Larry is...17 beds in our state and Larry was granted one..a miracle I say so!! Innocent and guilty are there together...let's let God be the judge of redemption...I am certain of Larry's place in the kingdom ...leave a comment if you want to...I am thankful and grateful he was sent there...as his guard said when the ambulance picked him up " I've never seen an inmate get this quick of response..I am grateful to have been your guard..you are so loved by your family"....Larry asked me to thank this guard....Love speaks volumes...... Teri
www.truthcafe.net
Starting the week with the book of Hebrews
November 21, 2011And do not forget to do good and to share with others...
Hebrews 13:16
Behind bars, Lunch for 2 bucks
November 18, 2011Our newsletter from MI-CURE this month stated that complaints keep on
coming about the poor quality and limited quantities of good provided to the
residents of Michigan prisons. MI-CURE reported in its August newsletter
that MDOC staff members were boasting about feeding prisoners at a cost of $2.07
per day. Said MI-CURE: We think it would be a good idea
if each incarcerated person invited his or her State Senator and State
Representative to visit for lunch or dinner. (Legislators may visit a
correctional facility at any time without notice.) We would be very
interested in a legislative critique of a prison meal.
We'll go one step further, and encourage our supporters to
insist that our state �#wislators go to prison for lunch. They want
your votes. They'd better listen to you.
Let's make work of it.
No compassion in California
November 17, 2011I received a short message from our friend Teri, wife of an ailing prisoner
in California late Wednesday.
She has been seeking a compassionate release, so Larry can be sent to a
hospice facility in her area to die in dignity and in the company of his wife
and two lovely daughters.
Larry has cancer of the throat. He has a tracheotomy now, and he's
failing rapidly. But the California prison system, still obviously
considering him a threat to society, as him in shackles in his hospital bed,
with two guards around the clock. Can't take any chances.
Monday Teri wrote to us:
Visited Larry. It was the worst weekend of my
life.
Yesterday, the hearing re a compassionate release to hospice.
The message to Doug:
Larry was not granted compassionate release. All I ask is
that you keep us in your prayers. If you would like to write Larry, He
would appreciate mail.
How about it HFP people. Besides prayers, willing to send this dear
man, wrongly convicted, a note?
Larry Vanderberg
V69704
Bed#XC114
P.O. Box 2000
Vicaville, CA 95696-2000
Vicaville, CA 95696-2000
The CDs have arrived!
November 15, 2011
SL PHYSICIAN AND PRISONER ADVOCATE CREATE GOSPEL CD
On weekdays, Dr. John Mulder faces a heavy schedule as Vice President of Medical Services for Faith Hospice in Grand Rapids, and Doug Tjapkes faces a similar schedule as President of HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS. But on Sunday the two Spring Lake men work together as musicians for Ferrysburg Community Church. Mulder, guitarist and vocalist, heads up one of the church's praise teams. Tjapkes plays keyboard in that praise team, as well as classical organ, and he directs the church choir.
The two have joined hands now to produce a new CD, named after the book Doug has authored, SWEET FREEDOM.
It all began in June when the pair played for the funeral service of a mutual friend, and a fellow prison worker encouraged Tjapkes to do a similar program for a fund-raiser. They rallied a few more friends, and the little band of musicians played a program at Covenant Life Church in downtown Grand Haven last August. Listeners and musicians enjoyed it so much that it was decided to record some of these melodies and sounds for continued enjoyment, while at the same time raising dollars for HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS.
“We call John Mulder the Miracle Man,” says Tjapkes, “not for his abilities as a physician, but for his uncanny ability to make things happen, and now!” Within weeks the instrumental track was recorded at Ferrysburg Community Church, the horns, whistles and percussion were added in Grand Rapids, and the vocals were recorded in Nashville. All recordings were mixed down in Brian Speer's studio in Tennessee, and the result is an incredibly pleasing album of old gospel favorites like Amazing Grace, The Old Rugged Cross, How Great Thou Art, and What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Instrumentalists are Mulder, Tjapkes, Cal Olson, Lee Ingersoll, Roger MacNaughton and David Mulder. Vocalists are Mulder, Olson and Ingersoll, with a guest appearance by Allison Speer.
Copies of the album are available now from HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS or FERRYSBURG COMMUNITY CHURCH for a suggested donation of $15.00. In that all expenses have been donated, the full amount paid will go toward the operation of HFP. The album can also be downloaded from iTunes or Amazon.
Divest from Private Prisons now
November 15, 2011From the General Board of Church and Society:
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| A Message from the
General Board of Church and Society |
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It's no longer time to weep.
It's time to act:
Divest from Private Prisons Now!
Dear Friend,The prophet Jeremiah is often the most intriguing of the prophets for me, yet the hardest to read. He is always so depressed! To Jeremiah, his whole society is ruined, including the religious leaders of his day, sick with greed, ignoring the plight of the poor and the true worship of Yahweh. At one point, he says: "From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit. They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. 'Peace, peace,' they say, when there is no peace." (Jeremiah 6:13-14).
Jeremiah was called the weeping prophet for good reason. There was much to weep over. And there still is.
Sadly, The United Methodist Church owns stock in two private prison corporations, Corrections Corp. of America and GEO Group.
We must act and we must do it now. I encourage you to do 2 things: first, sign the petition urging immediate divestment and secondly, share the petition with your church, friends, family and other networks via email, Facebook, and Twitter.
The explosion of the prison system in the United States has created a booming prison industry. Michelle Alexander, in her excellent book, The New Jim Crow, reports a whole range of profit-making industries that accompany mass incarceration. This includes the private-prison corporations CCA and GEO Group.
Some of the profit-making businesses Alexander cites include:
- Phone companies that "gouge families of prisoners by charging them exorbitant rates" to talk to inmates. This is particularly harmful, because maintaining contact with their families can greatly lessen recidivism.
- Gun manufacturers due to the weaponry required to warehouse 2.3 million people in prisons.
- Contractors hired to build prisons that warehouse mostly people of color, but which are often built far away from the homes of inmates and in rural communities so that politicians can secure jobs and their reelection.
- Health care providers providing "abysmal" care to prisoners.
- U.S. military use of "prison labor to provide military gear to soldiers in Iraq."
I have hope that as we raise our voices, by signing the petition and sharing it, that our denominational leaders will hear us and immediately divest. Our earnings from this injustice should be given to organizations working with folks coming out of prison.
But it is up to you and me. Let's weep no more. Let's act now!
Sign the petition at: www.change.org/petitions/
In Christ,
Bill Mefford
Director, Civil and Human Rights
Start the week with a smile
November 14, 2011"Sometimes just a smile on
your face
Can help to make this world a better place.
Stand up for the
things that are right.
Try to talk things out instead of fight.
Lend a
hand when you can, get involved this is good.
You can help to make a
difference in your neighborhood."
- Robert Alan
Happy birthday to Doug!
November 11, 2011(From Matt) Growing up, my dad always joked that he never got a card in the mail on his birthday, because the Post Office takes the day off for Veteran's Day. Since we can't flood his mail box, let's see if we can flood his inbox instead with 75th birthday wishes! For someone who had such a struggle with his health a year ago, it's amazing that he's back to kicking butt this year. It's been a long recovery for him, but I can't tell you how appreciative we are to still have Douger with us and for all the support we received and continue to receive. Thanks to all who were able to make the party on Wednesday, it was a special night for everyone!
Falling crime, teeming prisons
November 10, 2011| |
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| OPINION
| October 30, 2011
Editorial: Falling Crime, Teeming Prisons Republican senators have sabotaged the National Criminal Justice Commission Act, which would be an essential step toward major criminal justice reform. |
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Who we are
November 9, 2011A young friend of HFP recently put together this power point presentation for a class at Western Michigan Christian High School. We were so moved by it, we asked and she permitted us to share this with you. To view it, click HERE
A FOLLOW UP: So many nice comments, we have decided to pay tribute to the author. The student who put together this program is Phoebe Risselade, daughter of Joe and Paula Risselade of Spring Lake, Michigan. She put together this project as an assignment for a computer app class at Western Michigan Christian High School in Muskegon, where she is a freshman. Well done!
Behind bars, suffering
November 8, 2011We have been giving you updates on our friend Larry, suffering from terminal cancer while in prison. Here's the latest from his wife Teri:
Presently Larry is in a hospital in Bakersfield. He was in ICU for 11 days, he was given a tracheotomy and was taken off a ventilator two days ago. Our family was told to go to the hospital the following day. Upon arrival from Orange County, we were met by two guards who said the proper procedures were not followed and we were ordered to leave the hospital. I asked, "How is Larry?" The guard said coldly that he could not give out any information. I called Pleasant Valley State Prison to tell them, and they were sorry but of no help. We aren't even permitted to write letters to the hospital, and Larry is not permitted to use the phone to tell us he's OK. Now he has no voice, due to the trach. He is going to every measure so that I can bring him home on compassionate release. So, when a prisoner is in an outside hospital---even though chained to a bed with two guards in his room---his family cannot visit unless the inmate is hours away from death. I doubt our story warrants a human interest story, because the public doesn't care about prisoners, even innocent ones. I can just hear the conservative responses: "He was judged by his peers and they found him guilty, so justice was served." May they never encounter the corruption of our judicial system. We are in the 6% who didn't take a plea, because Larry is innocent and we believed our justice system to be fair. It's a game of winning at all costs. That's our sad but powerful story. I am now connected with hundreds of families across this fine country of ours fighting the same accusation...no proof, just words.
Broken, yet fighting,
Teri
Start the week by being a true friend
November 7, 2011“True friendship isn't about being there when it's convenient; it's about being there when it's not.”
- anon
A quick prayer
October 31, 2011Yep, I'm begging, but not for money. By the crack of dawn this morning I'll be in prison, in Ionia, Michigan, at the side of Harry Bout. Harry is a Dutch citizen, has served over 25 years and claims wrongful conviction. But we're not here to discuss guilt or innocence. I received an urgent call this weekend. He has been summoned to meet with the Parole Board this morning. For years he and the Dutch Government have contended that he should not be incarcerated in the US. Now that Michigan's new governor is doing his best to carefully reduce the prison population, there's word that he may be taking a second look at foreigners in our prisons. Harry's family is out of state. His support group is in the old country. I'm his one friend in Michigan. He's very hopeful that his sentence may be commuted if he is released to the Netherlands. I'm very hopeful that I say the right words. This is what HFP does, and this is why we request your prayers.
Starting the week with change
October 31, 2011A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.
-Gandhi
New book for Christmas
October 28, 2011In recent years, HFP's northern Michigan representative, Louise Reichert and I have been quietly assembling prayers for prisoners toward the goal of publishing a new book. I'm pleased to announce that THE PRISONER'S PRAYER BOOK is being published, and will available for purchase by the end of November. It's a profound publication, and I am honestly excited. It's going to make an impact in prisons all around the world. It's going to touch the lives of thousands of prisoners. It features one Louise Reichert prayer per page...a gritty, heart-felt prayer from a prisoner struggling with specific issues. Her style touched the publisher, as it has touched everyone else who has worked on this project. The book also features some beautiful prisoner art. I hope to launch a project for HFP in the year 2012 to place this book in the hands of 25,000 Michigan prisoners!
Here's how we're going to do it.
For $25, we'll send you one copy of the book for your personal inspiration. And, we'll send one copy to a Michigan prisoner as a gift from an HFP supporter. We'll pay the shipping. And, you may increase your check to HFP in increments of $25.00. For each $25.00 we'll send out two more books to prisoners. This money will NOT be deductible, because there's a gift involved. We'll start a prisoner registry to try to avoid duplication.
It's definitely a book that you will want in your personal library. If you know a prisoner, it's the perfect Christmas gift. If you don't know a prisoner, it's the perfect Christmas gift.
We'll advise when the first shipment arrives, but the books are due shortly. By planning now, you can make a huge difference in the lives of prisoners.
Doug
Still Pickin' and Grinnin'
October 27, 2011
I would like all of our supporters
to meet a dear friend, Mary Ann, an international flight attendant with
a major airline. Mary Ann and I met years ago as she fought on behalf
of her mentally challenged brother who shamefully ended up in the
Michigan prison system. HFP joined the fight to the finish. I was at
Mary Ann's side in the courtroom when an angry judge was ordered by a
higher court to free her brother Arnie. And I was able to reach across
the rail in the courtroom to shake Arn's hand as he sat in a
wheelchair. This was Mary Ann's reaction when she received our
newsletter a few weeks ago, and one of the reasons we choose to make a
CD featuring the PIckin' and Grinnin' artists. Read this note, and look
for more information on the CD in the coming days...
Doug, I got your
uplifting newsletter; thank you. People sometimes reach in their
pockets to donate when they see need, poverty, pain. Oftentimes, they
turn off the TV channel, turn their heads, etc. --- WHY? Because it
makes them feel helpless, sad, etc. and they resent being made to feel
that way.
It seems that the most
deserving charities go lacking. Why? Because they always have their
hand out, asking for more money. People can't feel good about helping
once or twice; instead they feel no matter WHAT they are doing, what
they are giving, it is never enough, and nothing good ever comes of
their efforts.
That is why the
"Pickin' & Grinnin' Gospel Music" is monetarily successful. I think
your calling is your ability to make people feel good, enjoy an evening
of entertainment, giving them something for their gifts, while
educating them to the need of HFP. HFP is not standing there, with
their hand out; they are uplifting, educating, and creating change, all
the while making people happy.
It is no secret that
one of the success of CocaCola is the ability to make people feel good,
all the while drinking a useless product which while maybe not harming
people, is certainly not helping people. CocaCola's classic, iconic
song, "Got To Teach the World to Sing" is known world-wide and remains
incredibly popular, and, it sells Coke!
Pickin & Grinnin
needs to continue to perform and to add to its group of musicians.
There is no reason that your gospel music cannot raise funds, educate
the need for change, while entertaining people, making them happy,
giving them the feeling they have the POWER needed to create change.
You can add to your
musical group by calling for interested persons to 'try out', volunteer,
join in with their hands as well as their dollars. You are our
spiritual advisor, Doug. Thank you for being you. Hugs, Mary Ann
DNA frees another one!
October 26, 2011Great news came late last week from our friends at the Innocence Project:
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Dear Doug,
Today, he can begin reconnecting with family and rebuilding his life at age 50, after losing 30 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. James was arrested and charged with rape in 1981 after the victim misidentified him as the perpetrator. His conviction was based on faulty evidence, and it took the miraculous discovery of missing evidence to clear him. Blood type tests pointed to his innocence, but his defense attorney failed to share those results with the jury. The Innocence Project accepted James’ case in 2005, but several searches for evidence proved fruitless. Then, in May 2010, James had an incredible stroke of luck. That day, a lab worker named Milton Dureau was looking for evidence in a different case when he stumbled upon a slide from James’ case. Fortunately, he remembered James’ case number from his earlier search. The evidence was sent to a lab, where DNA testing proved James’ innocence. James’ legal team includes the Innocence Project, our partners at the Innocence Project New Orleans and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. The Innocence Project works every day to free clients like James from evaluating new cases to searching for evidence to going to court to seek DNA testing, and we couldn’t do it without you. Please consider donating $25 today to help us free as many innocent people as possible — online gifts through October 31st are being matched dollar-for-dollar by a group of Innocence Project supporters. Thank you, The Innocence Project Team |
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Maurice Carter
October 25, 2011Today we recognize the anniversary of the death of Maurice Carter. Two inmates in the Muskegon correctional facility who correspond with Humanity for Prisoners but who did not know Maurice personally wrote this tribute to Maurice several years ago:
NEVER FORGOTTEN
To our brother, Maurice Carter's family and friends: we brothers here at Muskegon Correctional Facility believe in his innocence. He helped others to believe in God; to believe in the one who died for our sins; and to believe that God would bring the innocent out of prison. We will miss you, Brother, here on earth. Know that you will never be forgotten!
Maurice was a peacemaker who endured the hardship of being falsely convicted and lived with the struggles of incarceration. Maurice will be remembered as a great pillar of strength, spiritual fortitude, mental endurance and bravery. The glory battle is the hope in winning. Maurice would want us to forget the negatives in our past and press toward the prize of the high calling like he did.
Maurice always had faith that God would bring him out of prison. He fought the good fight of faith, he has run the race that was set before him. Now he's standing in glory, in victory, where in heaven and on earth he will never be forgotten!
Special thanks to our friends Andre and Dennis, both serving life sentences, for this kind and sensitive tribute to our hero, Maurice Carter.
Mother Theresa, on starting a new week
October 24, 2011At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done.
We will be judged by 'I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in.'
Hungry not only for bread -- but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing -- but naked for human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks -- but homeless because of rejection.
Behind bars
October 20, 2011A
ray of sunshine in the HFP office where prison gloom is prevalent.
Read about it today in Doug's entry in the HFP Blog. Click HERE to read.
Good news, bad news
Please sign the petition
October 18, 2011October 19, 2011
The good news is that our benefit concert Sunday evening, presented by HIS MEN & JUBAL BRASS, raised $1,165.00 for HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS. What a gift, thanks to these two talented ensembles.
The good news is that our benefit concert Sunday evening, presented by HIS MEN & JUBAL BRASS, raised $1,165.00 for HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS. What a gift, thanks to these two talented ensembles.
The bad news is that HFP needs about $4,000 more by the
end of the month to pay bills.
The great news is that we have wonderful supporters, and
if a few major donors would have a mind to remember us, this would be the
perfect time.
The perfect gift from everyone is prayer. Won't cost
you anything, and can move mountains.
Thank you.
From our friends at Citizens for Prison Reform:
Dear Friends, Family and Concerned Citizens,
Dear Friends, Family and Concerned Citizens,
This week we have had one of our core members create a petition for us to
sign regarding the increased phone rates(almost double) within the
prison system. I ask that you take just a minute to sign this
petition. There have been many negative affects of the contract MDOC
underhandedly signed with PCS, on top of the nearly double rate of the
call. There is a charge to open the account, a charge to close the
account. If you don't use it in 90 days (such as due to someone being in
solitary confinement or ill) they take all your money unless you close it.
You can no longer have multiple people under one account, so everyone who wants
to talk with an incarcerated loved must pay to open and close these
accounts. This has currently resulted in my son having only 2 people on
his calling list. It would cost each family member/friend 25.00 plus the
nearly 4.00 set up fee to open an account.
Keeping loved ones connected, and communicating should be a very important
part of MDOC's mission and work. It gives prisoners and their families
hope and a better outlook. It is a proven fact that prisoners who stay
connected overall do better within the prison setting.
This petition goes directly to your Senator and
Representative. We have had many who have signed so far receive an email
within a few days from their legislators with positive responses. Please
help our voices be heard.
Help lower Michigan prisoner phone call rates by
signing an important online petition at:
Please circulate this widely and ask other to sign the
petition.
Take the time to vote
October 17, 2011
From our friend Lois DeMott, of Citizens for Prison Reform:
Dear friends and family,
I urge you to read the two opposing opinion articlesbelow
that were in the Detroit Free Press. I ask that each of you take the
time to vote - go down to the left of the articles to vote. These are
the issues we need to really question. In addition to ending two visit
days a week, how does increased phone rates on top of decreased visit
days promote family connection? Please, we need to show MDOC that there
are many who believe this issue is not fair. Thank you for help with
this.
Starting the week with compassion
October 17, 2011“Compassion is sometimes the fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else's skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too.”
-Frederick Buechner
Behind bars, cancer
October 13, 2011
Our friend Teri, in
California, has been communicating with us on a regular basis. Her
husband Larry, who claims wrongful conviction and whose position is
supported by HFP's polygraph consultant, is suffering from throat
cancer. That would be terrible under any circumstances, but in prison
the situation becomes that much worse. Now comes this message:
...we can't bring Larry home
unless they grant a compassionate release. He has a staph infection
that is life threatening, so only time will tell. I am praying that God
will deliver him from this isolation and pain. We haven't talked in
weeks. Prison rules. I am hopeful the doctor will speak words of
wisdom, to sign "Do not resuscitate" if it is too late. I am
heartbroken and without words. I am praying, Oh, how I am praying that
he has six months! We can't understand this injustice. I know this
visit with his daughter six weeks ago was a gift. May God's hand
surround him in this time of solitude, as I am not able to communicate
with him. Prison rules. Our family is troubled, we don't understand.
Pray for Larry. He is God's child.
Obviously there's no
quick answer. It's just a tragic situation, and we bring it to your
attention so that you pray, not only for Larry, but for Teri and the
girls, and pray for a compassionate release. Larry belongs home with
his family.
Huge gift
October 12, 2011Doug received a huge gift in the mail yesterday. A $10 check from a small group of praying nuns. Read the story on the HFP blog: www.humanityforprisoners.
Sunday night
October 11, 2011
I hope that, if you
live in this part of Michigan, you can make the drive to Ferrysburg
Community Church Sunday evening, the 16th, for our benefit concert
presented by two outstanding groups---a vocal ensemble, HIS MEN; and an
instrumental ensemble, JUBAL BRASS. The program will begin at 6 PM.
There'll be a free will offering for HFP. There's a rumor that a very
old simple village organist will play the offertory. And there'll be
refreshments after the music.
I'd like to share
something very special with you about HIS MEN. This group, which began
singing in 1972, is heavily involved in prison ministry. In 1993, I
stepped down as the founding director. My final performance with the
group was in the Crystal Cathedral. I'd like to share it with you.
Please click on this link to enjoy this amazing presentation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gU80f0hIPU
I'll hope to see you Sunday.
Doug Tjapkes, SVO
