16 Amish in Ohio Reject Beard-Cutting Plea Deals - ABC News

16 Amish in Ohio Reject Beard-Cutting Plea Deals - ABC News

This article about the prosecution of 16 Amish for beard cutting is a fine example of what is wrong with the Federal Justice Department.  It's difficult to understand why this is a federal crime and why these men face a 20 year sentence to federal prison.  This is fiscally irresponsible and contrary to civil liberties.

This gives a birds eye view of the plea bargaining system and how it workd for those who are targeted for indictment.

This is written by a prisoner serving Life Without Parole for a non-violent drug offense.

All prisons have a rec yard. All prisons have the elderly of which many are ill, many are in wheel chairs. Here, at this prison we too have many in wheel chairs. So, I thought, I cut my thoughts into the night and came up with..... the show. For I wondered even those sitting in wheel chairs in cells. I believe that they ,most are hanging on for some thing , any thing . So immobile ,they are,are like fingernails slowly, slowly digging a deep grave..... I had to do something..... Here, in the rec yard there is one very large tree. The tree umbrellas a circumference of huge shade. So, I sent out the message of the joining through runners .The message, for those in wheel chairs to come under the wide cool shade last sunday. To come and enjoy, simply enjoy..... And, they came, all assisted by being pushed by a friend..... That day I arrranged for a short young man with a round face and huge round glasses to tell many jokes. With the jokes cool cups of lemonade were circulated. Gulps and sips accompanied the belly laughter. Then, I, told a funny story of Fresno Freddy, the prison mouse. After that ,a lone young man strung his guitar and sang lively tunes, finished so softly. That tears met the dry ground. The prison ground that absorbs human moisture,life,so quickly. Yet ,that day I believe will not go quickly from the minds of the many ill in those wheel chairs. Chairs when leaving that afternoon, bounced slightly across patches of dirt and grass..... I stood there ,the last ,under that tree that witnesses so much, so much over the years. Watched them fade into the waiting cell blocks. Waiting to seal them up one by one, one by one behind the steel doors.... To the free world . This is Amercia's prisons today. I know , truly I know..... Yes, caged the must but feel for the latter.....Please!




I subscribe myself,

George Martorano

Date: 7-24-12

Federal Prison & Post Conviction Blog: Stanford Reportedly Designated to USP Coleman II

Federal Prison & Post Conviction Blog: Stanford Reportedly Designated to USP Coleman II: The Bureau of Prisons has reportedly placed Allen Stanford at the United States Penitentiary Coleman II, FL to serve his 110-year sentence....

#links

#links http://www.lifeforpot.com/

Eugene Fischer Prisoner of the War on Drugs was released today after 25 years in Federal Prison.  Eugene was sentenced to Life Without Parole for a non-violent marijuana offense.  He is one of the prisoners featured on the website   http://www.lifeforpot.com

Eugene is a remarkable man and spent his time in prison writing books, plays, teaching, getting a masters degree and most importantly for Gene, developing a meaningful spiratual life.

Although I have never met Eugene, I consider him to be a dear and compassionate friend.  I have only corresponded with him over a period of two years, but these contacts have been a source of inspiration and support.  He of course understood my passion to reform sentencing for non-violent drug offenders and we had a common focus and goal.  Today, knowing that Eugene is free somehow seems to give me freedom also

Drug Policy Alliance is an organization for everyone who has questions and concerns about the world wide war on drugs.  If you are not familiar with this organization - follow the link
http://www.drugpolicy.org/facts/drug-facts/marijuana-facts

Clemency Grant Rates: Recent Presidents

Clemency Grant Rates: Recent Presidents

PR Ruckman  Pardon Power has a wealth of information about Clemency both state and federal. 

Life for Pot - Release Non-Violent Drug Offenders

This is the blog for Life for Pot - A web site that highlights non-violent marijuana only offenders who have received the sentence of life without parole for marijuana offenses.



It has been a while since I posted on this blog.  For the most part this is due to the time it has taken to develop a plan for the organization Life for Pot.  Presently we are working on a project that involves senior inmates who have been imprisoned for over 15 years who have received sentences of Life Without Parole. 

Many who are displayed on the internet as receiving life without parole were postee on sites prior to their appeals being completed.  On our site we have attempted to vet these individuals and make sure that they were not released on appeal, or resentenced on appeal. 

When I find these individuals on prisoner sites I always investigate and can't rest till I know that I have not overlooked the obvious.  Recently there was an article written - I believe on alternet that was about the ten most outrageous sentences.  It included a federal inmate that had been sentenced to Life without Parole for a non-violent marijuana only offense.  The name was vaguely familiar, but I did not remember him.

He was not in the BOP data base and after some searching, I was able to find legal documents that he had been resentenced to 12 year - he has since been released. 

I would like to be able to highlight these egrigious sentences so please,  if you know of someone who should be included please contact me.