top of page
Search
  • Doug Tjapkes

Proud to be an American

Big Ben, who has resided behind bars for 47 years, shares his pride in his country: "As an individual whose lived his entire adult existence in an American prison, I understand, in a way that very few can appreciate, what it means to be an American citizen and to be grateful and proud of that fact. Where else but in an America prison could I have had the opportunity to earn two legitimate college degrees or be trained in various fields of vocations ranging from carpentry, computerized Braille transcription producer, and warehouse textile production foreman. I bring up these accomplishments not to boast or even compliment the system. It has, in exchange, profited handsomely from my labors. I merely point out that, but for being in a different time and place, things could have been tragically different -- and hopefully highlights the fragility of the fruits of our democracy. We should never take for granted our mutual dependence upon one another within the context of treating your neighbor as you yourself would want to be treated. The outright attempted insurrection of our Country's Government should serve as a valid wakeup call to all who consider themselves as citizens anchored in the democracy of 'The Land of the Free, and Home of the Brave.'"

0 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

As COVID numbers across the state are elevated, it's reappearing in some prisons, also: "I am housed at the Muskegon Correctional Facility and recently there was an outbreak in Unit 2... But instead o

Mr. A recently wrote to HFP with a brief question that was promptly answered by the staff. His note of thanks this morning: "Your response to my request was like ordering a pizza from Dominos--I rece

Mr. W recently used HFP's volunteer People Search team to try to get back in touch with his family. A few weeks later, we received this update: "Thanks to you I am back in contact with my family. It s

bottom of page