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9-9-2002*

» Reflections

Today is the first time I didn’t shower when it was my turn. I slept in. Then I read Zia’s book. I learned a lot about the Asian American movements. The lack of unity is still prevalent today among different Asian groups. That will always exist when the goal for people is to become rich. I want to finish reading the book tomorrow. I stop in between to write the letters to the politicians. I have a couple more to go.

My I.E. Officer C came by and told me that I can only have 3 witnesses. She said that’s what “they” told her. Well, there is no limit to how many witnesses I can call according to the Title 15. I reluctantly chose 3 inmate witnesses and 3 outside witnesses. They’re violating my rights. I signed a declaration on what’d transpired. “They” will pay for their violations.

My food stock is running low, but I still eat plenty. I rested my body today. Everything is going to be all right – in the morning. I didn’t receive any mail today. I should get a letter from J soon. I haven’t done my studying on the Statistic course. I can’t concentrate on it right now. I do need to start again. At least do my first lesson homework. I also need to study my Spanish just to refresh my vocabularies.

9-8-2002*

» Reflections

It’s always nice to be out on the yard with friends. We played a few games of basketball. I had a good sweat. We have to start working out. I had my hair trimmed by H.

My mind is not thinking logically. I took a nap in the afternoon. The rest of the day I read Zia’s book. I felt my blood boiling and moist in my eyes when I was reading the section on Vincent Chin. I can identify with what she wrote in the book of her experience. I’m glad I got the book because I’m learning history.

I didn’t write today. Tomorrow is another struggle.

 

*This reflection is written 9 years ago today.

9-7-2002*

» Reflections

It’s a down day so I slept in. I was hoping for a visit, but no one showed up. That’s how I put myself in a conflict. I don’t want to bother people to come see me, but I hope that someone would come.

I read Lorde’s book. In the afternoon, I got three more books. I picked up Helen Zia’s book “Asian American Dreams” and flipped through the back pages. In the acknowledgement section I saw M’s name. It was a coincident that I looked in the back. I’ll write to her and mention my discovery. I read 40 pages of the book. It’s a history book combined with her memoir and thinking or the other way around. Reading the book made me thought about writing my own. Maybe one day it will happen. I ate a lot more than I should have, but I kept doing it. My cold is almost gone. I should be fine tomorrow.

I wrote a letter Nancy Pelosi. I’ll mail it out when I get copies of attachments. J asked me for some legal advice. I did my best to help him. I also helped my neighbors out on coffee and soups. I don’t mind helping, but I dislike being used.

Rico went to his 115 hearing and was found guilty, but it was reduced to a 128. We’ll talk about it tomorrow. I’m feeling…

 

*This is a reflection written 9 years ago today.

9-6-2002*

» Reflections

“Whenever a prisoner goes to ICC (Institution Classification Committee,) it is his or her legal right to receive a 72 hour notice so he or she can prepare for any committee hearing that will dictate his or her wellbeing. However, prison officials are notorious in violating prisoners of their rights of notification. Unfortunately, most of the prisoners do not understand their rights or how to exercise them. As a result, prison officials usually get away with knowingly trembling on prisoners’ rights. “

I feel better physically. I played basketball with the guys for a couple of hours. Then I felt tire and weak. We talked briefly and just enjoyed each other’s company. B finally made it to the Big yard.

The Officer who escorted me to yard asked if I want to go to ICC or yard. I was surprised because I didn’t get any notice for ICC. I told Sgt. G that I’m not refusing to go to ICC, but I need 72 hours notice. I’m assuming that Counselor E got my 602 and decided to take me to ICC. I’ll be ready when I go.

I read for the rest of the day. I didn’t feel like writing. I read “Zami,” Audre Lorde’s book. My eyes are paying the price. I like the book because of her writing. I will write like that when I write my book.

CC sent me a copy of the Warden’s letter in response of his letter. That might be another reason why I was scheduled for ICC.

My court deadline for access to my property 602 is on the first level. I have a bunch of Citizen’s Complaints on the prison. They keep violating my rights.

I’m still eating like crazy. I’m not hungry when I eat. I just like to eat. I will rest some more and get well by Sunday for the workout.

*This is a reflection written 9 years ago today.

9-5-2002*

» Reflections

My right fingers and hand are sored form printing letters all night.

I drafted and rewrote my letter to the Lawyer committee for Human Rights. I also sent one out to Senator Burton, Assemblyman Aroner, and the Inspector General’s Office. I asked for their intervention in defending my civil rights. I will send more out on Sunday to other politicians. I sent my 602 out on 3135 (section of the Title 15.)

I received a letter from K. It must’ve been a delayed letter. She said she saw LM on PBS one day.

I had a productive night. Something’s going to break soon. I have to stay focus and keep fighting for my rights.

I’m still sick, but I got better. I rested all morning. I finished reading “The Sun.” I like this magazine. Hopefully I’ll be well tomorrow so I can play ball and exercise. I ate a lot throughout the day. I still sneeze from time to time.

May all my friends be well. My family be healthy and happy.

 

*This reflection was written 9 years ago today.