V. ii E PRISONERS. NEWS 11?^ George McGivern "Untitled" Green Haven Death House Integration? _ i. _;^l A+Karc ctaKI"\oH tPIT. V/i The Missouri State Penicentiary isJtr a state of racial tension with both black and white inmates arming themselves and preparing for war —race war. The reason? The authorities of Missouri State Penitentiary have been ordered by the court to integrate the penitentiary or lose federal grants, and instead of taking the proper steps to see that the move is carried out peacefully, have created a situation where blood is almost_qertain to flow. The position of the white inmates is that they will not cooperate with the integration order because the black inmates, particularly in .the State of Missouri, have a history of abusing and takfng their frustrations out on the white inmates. The position of the black inmates is that due to the fact that a black inmate was murdered and several others stabbed teru,years ago when an attempt at "token" integration was made by placing a handful of blacks in an all-white hall, they will integrate only if its total integration with 50% of each race in each hall. It is recognized by the majority of the inmate body, both black and white that there is validity in both positions and that the solution lies in the direction of an inmate governing council composed of an equal number of black and white inmates chosen by the inmates themselves. The major job of such a council would be to operate to keep racial static down, promote a spirit of cooperation, and persuade and encourage the inmates not to abuse priviledges which would also be given. Through this council the inmates thought they might also present (contmued on page/t (continued from page V T integration? various grievances to the qffjcials and make request such as conjugal visiting priviledges which 'would be an alternative to homosexuality, and take some of the pressure off. On Thanksgiving Day, the inmates being off from work congregated in the yard, offered this solution which more than three-forths of them, black and white, found • acceptable. They immediately elected inmate's whom they trusted and with whom they would cooperate-with, to represent them and their interest before the penal authorities. These inmates elected by the inmate population have been ignored by the authorities. Instead the authorities call each night, an assembly of about 30 inmates who were not elected to work out the problem of integration. A problem which if they were to come to an agreement to integrate, would not solve the problem of how to keep the static down after integration: nor offers The inmates any guarantees that their lot will substantially improve (via, able to air grievances, request priviledges ^c.) This assembly is resented by the majority of the imates and is view by many as an assembly of snitchers, and opportunist, though a few, of course, are respected. Jt has turned out to be, however, an officially sanctioned rumor factory, as they do not have the cooperation of the inmates, no agreement &n be reached about how to integrate, and thirty different inmates give out thirty different versions of whats going on. Confusion abounds. The inmates meanwhile, have taken the attitude to hell with it, let them integrate at gun point, and are preparing for the worst. The officia's, on the other hand, are preparing the public for the coming blood bath. They have not met with the general population a single time, but have only p>osted a bulletin to ^e effect thal^ there will be integration on November 30, and then put the rumor factory in motion. And have passed misleading information to the local press. In The Kansas City Star, dated November 25, 1973, for example, we read that warden "Swenson has referred in the past to 'black militants' [Note: in the past] in allusions to work and food strikes and assaults by black prisoners on other prisoners and guards." Further on in the article it reads, "A handful of the more vocal inmates attempted to gain support from other inmates not to go along with the integration of the housing units." It goes on to mention a plot to set fire to the multi-million dollar tag-plant. At this point there is no mention of the race of the inmates i^olved. The truth of the matter is that the black inmateSare not opposing the integration move, nor plotted any violence against persons or property, other than to protect themselves. The question among the inmates is what are the authorities trying to pull? Why haven't they come up with adequate handling of the problem? THEY APPARENTLY WANT A BLOOD BATH. Chairman, Inmate Committee for Reform \ and Rehabilitation Missouri State Pen. LOVE LETTER TO A EX-FUGITIVE In memory of "T" - Twymon Ford Myers Hunted Hounded Sought After Proclaimed Public Enemy Number-Uno Black Militant They Called Him Probable (Justification) Cause To Shoot On Sight (Murder) Fugitive; Having Witnessed Babylonian Justice (Just-^us) The Tears of Black Mama After Her Sons Bullet Riddled Body Is Returned Stamped- Sorry-Mistaken Identity (You Know .. .All Niggers Look Alike) Fugitive; Ebony Skinned Sisters Moaning Jet Black Faces Streaked With Tears Blaclunen (Boys;) Cowering In Fear Of The Oppressor Fugitive; Black Once Masculine Arms'J?unctured With New/Old Avenues of Escapism Nappy Heads Nodding Into Oblivion Slipping Into Darkness Fugitive'. Rat Infested Below/Subexistant Housing Tony The Number (Djeam) Man Rosenberg ( SlumlordT^he Rent Ravager ' Hymie The Market Man-Leeches ; Blood Suckers of the Black/Oppressed Fjagitive; You Observed-Seen With Your Eyes Felt With Your Heart Reached Out With Your Soul And Gave'of Yourself Love Was You Moulder Maker and Motivator At The Risk of Seeming Ridiculous Fugitive ; You Moved In Terms of Dealing Consequences To The Oppressor Lip Professing Was Not You, My Round Jolly. Black Warrior^;,.^ , Fugitive You Made Funky Love To The People A Love^ffair Supreme; - Trftne Will Eulogize You Blowing Revolutionary Notes Of Love Love/ Love- for a Fugitive; Alas Brother-Comrctde-Friend We Reach Out To Embrace You Once More With The Long Arm of Our Love And Solidarity We Sqeeze You To Our Bossum - .Imprinting Your Memory On Our Hearts - And Most of All Giving Added Credence To A Phrase You Coined - "The Will To 'Survi^ve" Come Together Unite; by Comrade C.W.X.L. — Tombs, New York Page2 # •.Thr-.. m Shaping The Struggle The following is a letter from Carter Camp, National chairman of AIM (American Indian Movement). He if presently in the Sioux Falls County Jail on charges stemming from the liberation of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, February-May, 1973. Brothers & Sisters, I was lucky enough to get the M.S. the other day. I can't tell you how much it strengthened me. Right now the six of us who remain (the U.S.A. forces killed one of the Brothers, Pedro B.) face over 100 years in Fed. Pens and I face an additional 30 in Nebraska. To know that so much power exists inside fighting the same liberation war serves to make me more sure of our final victory. When I was recently elected as Nat'l Chairman, the warriors had confidence in me because I promised a more revolutionary stance for A.I.M. Further I promised to persue closer relations with revolutionary groups of different races. We feel that one of the reasons the U.S.A. was able to end (for a time) the Wounded Knee liberation was because of a shameful lack of response on the part of revolutionists in America. Much of the fault for this lies with us, the AIM leadership, for not building the bridges of communication necessary. But the major failure lies within the structure (or non-structure) of the revolution in America. The narrowness of each sector of the movement and the failure of each group to stand with and support each other, is the weakest feature of our revolution and will in fact prevent our success as long as we continue in a narrow, bigoted way. We feel that even though we're small in number the Indian sector of the fight can be of significant help in building the feeling of unity that's so necessary to victory. Although we must welcome all races to the fight, the Whiteman in'the revolution must realize that the guiding trust must come from among the oppressed races. He must realize that because of his race he will be long identified with the conqueror. Even as China had to find her own way independent of Russian direction, we, the Black, Red and Yellow people of the earth must define the revolution and the new government in our new and totaly different way. One thing our white brothers must remember is that this is a war of racial survival for us. Because of our color we can't blend in (not that we want to). When the shit comes down we're naturally marked for extermination unless we win. Although this may sound very racist the contrary is true. I know we must have the help of Europeans who have "seen'the light" and are willing to fight and sacrifice without dominating. In Wounded Knee we had several white brothers who, by their bravery and self-sacrifice were accept^' as warriors in the new nation. One even was chosen as a squad leader ^ of an Indian group. We in the warrior society accepted them with reservation at first but later came to judge them by their actions and respect their abilities. Around the country therp_are many whites vVho will be welcomed in our call to arms. I personally feel that a form of mutual support is the only way we can hope to succeed. Our (AIM's) lines of communication with other groups is vepy deficient. I invite any revolutionary grouV ot, individual to get in touch with me to begin a dialogue on mutual support and mutual interests. It's obvious now that the actions that must be taken will only be taken by the hard-core revolutionary no^forming and fermenting in the Concentration camps. The "campus revolutionarys" have either copped out for a place in the establishment or have become "liberals" bent on saving the U.S.A. by giving us money. Money won't gat it! In unison, working together, we control the land base (Indian, & Chicaho) the inner cities (Black, Puerto Rican & Chicano) and the seats of learning and research (whites & Blacks). The oppressive American society controls only the money and us. The question is .. are yye going to continue our divisive ways and narrow attitudes, continue argueing about who can join us? Or are we going to decide to judge oprselves by what we can give to our people and what we can sacrifice for our cause. Must we fight and die alone or in small, ineff^tive groups? Or can we come together in a giant multicolored fist and smash our way to a final victory for our people? The choice is ours and the responsibilities rest equally orv everyone inside or out. Red, Black, Yellovy or white. When we say "fuck the name of the organization, give me a gun," then the real war will be on and we'll find our victory and freedom in the end. Another warrior Carter A. Camp Minnahaha County Jail Sioux Falls, South Dakota N^otUtion^n?ounde3nS!erL^ Carter Camp (Okla. AIM), Russell Means (AIM), Wallace Black Elk ’ (Brule Sioux Medicine Man), Kamon Roubideaux (AIM attorney) j _ 3 photo by jErdoes Race and Class In this issue we are continuing the discussion on the subject of race and class. We feel this is an important discussion because the prison struggle needs more debate about its future movement and direction. Thete articles represent widely different, and sometimes conflicting viewpoints. We hope you will let us know what y4p.think about the perspective presented, as well as your opinions about our beiief in the importance of this discussion. The Real Conditions The section in the Nov. MS on Race and Class could be the beginnings of a Forum on The Direction of Prison Struggle. Let us hope that the results of the discussion of all viewpoints will mean a clearer unity among the active forces inside prison. A unity, that is based on the struggle against racism and Imperialism. The analysis presented by the Comrade from the Peoples Party provides the key to this unity by basing itself on the fact that 'There is no such thing as Black racism only reaction to institutionalized White Supremacist theories arising from the practice of Imperialism." All other so;called theories about racism and how it originates arise in the minds of certain individual prisoners and not from the reality of a world dominated by Imperialism and divided by racism. So why- then is it necessary to answer ail of these mistaken theories? Because, our movement must base itself on determining thp correct approach by struggling against things which are obviously incorrect, both in theory and in practice. This means that real problems like racism can't be solved by ignoring them, or by wishing them away with the wave of a magic revolutionary wand. The Comrade from Menard Penitentiary would disarm the anti-racist forces by taking away our weapon to confront racism when he says that "Our movement will no longer tolerate, or pause to preach to those who care not to listen," but what does he propose? If we did what he suggests, wouldn't we be playing into the hands of those who promote racism by opportunistically writing off whole sections of prisoners who are still infected with *e backward thinking of racism? How then could we unite with anybody, or bring new people into our ranks. The answer is simple —we wouldn't. The Menard Pen Com'ades well intentioned ideas are Liberalism cloaked in the phrases of 'sup)er militancy,' and would mean a policy of all struggle and no p>rogress. The other side of the coin (Black reaction) was set forth by the brother from Starke, Florida who saw any progress made against racism by Whites as coming from a position of weakness because the majority are non-White. Again;-the Comrade from the Peoples Party established the truly revolutionary position for us to take on this problem. The Peoples Party Statement explained that the foundation for unity among prisoners will not be the words mouthed by Whites", but their consistent struggle against racism and the Hogs who set prisor^er against prisoner. We are not playing with words here, but are dealing with the real content of revolutionary struggle which lies in our actions being united with our words. By studying the real-coriditions in the prisons we will see that the mistaken theorfes of the Ultra-'Leftist' from Menard Pen and the skepticism and reaction of the Starke Brother are united in their failure to correctly analyse the direction that the prison struggle has taken. Mao has said that we must seek the truth from facts, and isn't it a fact that whenever prisoners have become united in their rtruggles they have mo\ed to a new position of power? This has been the lesson of Attica, McAllister, Green Haven Labor Union, and many other strikes and actions taken by prisoners. In fact it has been this unity which has moved the juggle forward in all areas by uniting prisoners wifn their i ' ■ , ----------- ---------- — allies on the street, and which has made the prison struggle one of the leading forces among the many struggles of oppressed people. Curing the Attica Rebellion our brothers said that "Unity is the Key," a fact that the Peoples Party statement understood not only in principle, but as the overriding lesson in our movement. Let this unity be the basis for our daily lives in prison, in principle and in fact! ■' i4 ■ In Struggle, Auburn Prison richmond, va. Greetings Revolutionaries, 'y In response to the articles on race and class, I as a" Black Revolutionary personally agree with Bro. Harold E.X., Starke. Never, Never, Never, hook up with an Amerikkkan Caucasian, for they are deceptive, misleading, illusive and unreal. They might be poor and oppressed like us, but I know from experience how deplorable they can make you at the end. Like here at the state pen. there are a few Caucasians acting as diversionaries, not revolutionaries as they would like the Brothers to think. I keep trying to hip the Brothers to them, but they put me down and say "man what you talking bout, they locked up just like we is." No Shit! And half of them are scared of usy-^nd the other half is trying to peep our whole card so that they can go to the administration and to their families and friends and hip them to how the Black Revolutionaries operate so that when its time to attack they will be ready for anything we confront them with. Hey people, you know how Amerikkkkan whi|eys play mass con to us, its in their blood. 1 don't have to hip you to this, you know exactly where I'm coming from. Why do some of us still hang up under them jettin and carrying on. Do you really think they will give you a push or hold you back and say "I told you them niggers was dumb." Just at the time wh/sn the Black man is being resurgent, here comes some dumb nigger, surrounded by Caucasians, askin you are you ready. Black and Third World People have got to be descreet, don't give any fictitious revolutionary any "play." Brothers and Sisters this, is a very serious case, plese send your opinions on the subject to the Midnight Special. Right Now Is A Good 'w Time to Get This Thing Together ’ Richmond Pen, Virginia Page 4 Our Brothers and Sisters Keepers From reading M.S. I can see that racism is a major problem, that it has even come into the struMie of the people. It seems to me that many people ih the struggle throw the expression 'Third World" around without having'a scientific understanding of this very term —many of our brothers and sisters seem to use this term as a tool through which they can express racism ,pr racial frustrations. To use this term solely from a-rapial and emotional attitude is unscientific and the oppressed masses must not fall into the same bourgeois democratic trap that the enemy fell into when they wripte^the U.S. Constitution. Reverse racism is just as socially evil as pure racism —it is not workable or practical in the r^olutionary struggle of Third World people and will oiMy tend to divide the Third World itself sooner or later. As Third World people it is our revolutionary duty to pontinously fight against the forces of Imperialistic Sfexism, and Racism. We cannot effectively fight imperialism by becoming a capitalist class unto ourselves, we cannot fight sexism by following strict Judeo-Christian precepts, and we cannot fight racism by separating ourselves from the HUMAN RACE!! We must confront the problem by uniting the whole Third World and jointly searching for a solution to these three evils through^ialectical means in order to affect a permanent change in the whole world and effective tackle the rising contradictions even in "socialist" countries. Our survival depends on a correct line of thought. What are the differences between black people and Caucasian people? There is one basic difference: one is black and the other is colored (or so-called white)V. Yet, they are both human beings and this they have in common. Though the Caucasian has lost much of his/her humanity by being identified as the race of the oppressive class, the dark races have also lost their universal mind (i.e. their unity as Third World people) —we all have lost something of value to ourselves in the struggle for turvival and in the battlefield of the oppressor and the oppressed. The analysis of Karl Marx is still correct today; "The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles." Or, "Our epoch, the epoch of the bourgeoisie, possesses, however, this distinctive feature; it has simplified the class antagonisms. Society as a whole is more and more splitting up inifo two great hostile camps, into two great classes directly facing each other: Bourgeoisie and Proletariat." (Manifesto of the ^Communist Party). In these two great classes one will find this: In the Bourgeoisie one wHI find the Caucasian as a majority and also Uncle Toms and Niggers! In the Proletariat one will find the dark and black as a majority and Caucasians who have rediscovered their lost humanity! As for Yankees. Gringos, Crackers, KKK's, etc. one finds these renegadesyrom humanity in the class of the Bourgeoisie! So that these two hostile camps has both, Caucasians and blabks. Now, who is your enemy? It is a system, a system of capitalist exploitation. What is the solution? I wish/I knew. However, Third World people must unite and Caucasians must get it together among • themselves. Poor whites and poor blacks, poor latinos and poor Indians must support each other, understand their differences and respect these differences and fight to overthrow the bourgeoisie because it is only irustruggle that unity grows and as the struggle intensifies sexism and racism will loose their hold on the oppressed masses because the root of this evil lies in the system (which is not really a system) of the capitalist society, the class of the bourgeoisie. If I am wrong correct me, but let us have constructive criticism and self-criticism. After all aren't we all our brother's and sister's keepers? In Struggle, M.of P.oftheBRNP i^nlinued on Page 4 Attica - 1 ■ 1 - a " a L Hayes-'^ireenhaven unity is the key Comrades: The writer of the article from Starke Fla; only increased my own awarenesses to the saddening fact that many of our so-called "revolutionary"-minded are still too heart and brain stricken by hatreds that burn within them-Winding them of truth. He said that he has seen much revolutionary black-white coalition in the form of inner-prison organizations, and insinuated that these organizations cater to white participation only because blacks out number white in prison, and whites need a diversion so as to make them appear "alright". He said that this participation was decieving and questioned whether dr not so-called white revolutionaries would "fight against their brothers and sisters so (slaves) can gain freedom." He reminded that it was the white man who kidnapped blacks from Africa centuries ago. For his opinion may I say that perhaps in some instances white participation can be attributed to "self-preservation," but I cannot entirely agree. In this [jenitentiary whites out number blacks —a rareity in Illinois, but nonetheless true. Here race unity is non-existant among the majority of the prison population and the white leftist is just as prone to a klan ass-kicking as any black man. In this light (according to Starke, Fla.) there would be no need for a white to declare comradeship with a black and more inclined to be harmful. And although direct coalition does not exist, that is, both sides in the same'organization. Unity does exist for the righteous who understand, in depth, the real issues. As Malcolm X put it, "whites who are sincere revolution wise don ’ t accomplish anything joining Negro organizations and making them integrated. Whites who are sincere should organize among themselves and figure out some strategy to break down the prejudices that exist in the white community." Example: The Weathermen. When Starke, Fla. asked if whites would pick up arms "gainst their brothers and sisters*' so that the oppressed may be free did he also refer to men as the Weathermen, arid affiliated factions? Though awareness is still very young and bland did he mean to take up arms against the people' of the proletarian class of which whites out number any minority by a greater majority than 3-1 ? How much sense is in me killing you if we both identify the same enemy? And what distinguishes you from the enemy if you , promote the same rakist beliefs he does? A dashiki and ’ *■ afro can be a worthyVfisguise in luring other blacks into counter-revolutionary movement and the pig is quite capable of setting his infiltrator among your ranks. His theory is this: So long as racism exists, unity cannot and so long as^lack men and white men fight each other, attention is drawn away from the real enemy —the one who perpetrated these enmities —the one who planted his seed then scurried off to watch and results from his vantage on Bourgeoisie Hill. He needs us fighting one another in order to maintain his cycle of Nazi-like oppression. Believe it Comrades: Menard Penitentiary, III. black liberation Today there are widespread theories within the U.S. Black Liberation movement, and prisoners movement, which tend to move away from basic Leninist theory and serve to weaken the overall struggle against imperialism and the process of world socialist Revolution. The Leninist concept considered by many as a "REVOLUTIONARY" concept, has advanced within the black liberation movement in many respects, however it is only partially speaking to the problem both internationally and domestically and tends to de-emphasize the basic class nature of imperialism, and relegates the struggle to one of color and geography. The "LENINIST" concept is but a part of the world parcel of theories projected on a world scale, to a great extent, by the present leadershfb of People's China, theories which sound revolutionary but in essence contradict basic tested MARXIST-LENINIST principles and do not meet today's task. The blind anti-white attitudes and feelings which exist within the cultural nationalist groupings should be fought against because these attitudes mislead black people and mainly correspond with the interest of the ruling class, not only because it makes enemies out of potential allies but because it also makes a confortable camouflage for the real enemy, (THE CAPITALIST RULING CLASS) however anti-white attitudes should never be referred to as "BLACK RACISM" for tactical as well as scientific reasons. The anti-white sentiments as .they are expr^sed by black people (the victims ef racism and oppression for 400 years) are basically d^ensive, a reaction to racism and oppression. Therefore, unlea white Americans have suddenly become an oppre^ed minority in the U.S. the term "Black Racism" has no place in our vocabulary. Moreover the term "White Racism" is also fallacy. If it is necessary to characterize racism as being a white variety, it therefore follows that there is a corresponding black variety. Pages There are three aspects to -(the oppression of the Afro-American. First there is a national oppression. This - basically identifies the all-clas national character of black oppression, meaning black people as a national group have a common history (slavery ^ecifically) are all victims of \ social ostracism and humiliation, economic discrimination, political inequality and racial segregation, regardless of station in life. There is therefore a basis for broad unity of all black people extending across class lines. Secondly, there is 'class' oppression. As workers black people are not just exploited but are super-exploited and are a source of massive super profits for the capitalist. The third aspect of black oppression, 'Racial' oppression refers specifically to racism and the physical features of black people as a means of identifying them and singling them out. This makes it possible for black people to live and work side by side with other workers, but yet be singled out by the oppressors for super-exploitation and oppression. With over 90% of black Americans being part of the working class, there is obvious link between die struggle for black liberation and the struggle of all workers against wage slavery and class oppression. What, after all, is the basis of black oppression in the U.S.? The whole oppression of Afro-Americans is a product of the vicious capitalist system. The roots of the oppression is class in nature. If all three aspects are not taken into consideration, one will fail to completely understand the black question in its entirety and inevitable errors will result. It is therefore necessary to develop the unity of all three. One without the other weakens the total sight. We must become skilled at translating this into life. Since we are all primarily concerned with freedom and the prospect of liberation, we should attempt an extensive analysis of our history and immediate position. Yours in the struggle for the liberation of "ALL OPPRESSED PEOPLE." Huntingdon, Pa. Divide and Conquer ...White vs. Black vs. Chicano vs. Indian, etc.; nationality vs. nationality; religion vs. religion; Capitalism vs. Socialism; men vs. women; and heterosexuality vs. homosexuality. And on and on it goes. Every aspect of society seems to be at war with another part of society. And its ridiculous and withput any basis in the realm of reality. Where is the reasoning; and in fact what is the reason behind these wars? Hopefully I can provide some answers. However, for the purpose of this essay we will deal primarily with the issue of sexism and in particular with women and with male homosexuality. Let us start with a common premise. Society is divided into a number of classes and social distinctions. Every person in these classes wishes to improve his condition in life, wants to be more secure, wants all the happiness he/she can find and all the freedoms necessary for fulfillment of his^er desires, needs and pleasures. In a capitalist: society such as we live under the guiding .principal is to atain these goals at the expense of others. And the guiding light behind these principals is the ruling class —corporate Amerika ... We are not born hating or disliking or trampling on others. In fact, these aspects are programed into our minds, directly or indirectly, by society at large, by our parents and ultimatly by the schools we attend. We are imprisoned from the day we are born and this imprisonment will continue until, if ever, we free ourselves. By this I mean that life ’ s realities are hidden from us. We are generally taught —in that we are left with the impressions — that we should fear change and fear that which is different or opposite from what we are. And the ' end result has been racism, sexism, cultural hatred and hatred of our brothers ’ and sisters in the gay community ... And who controls education? Who decides what we are to learn? Is it not the ruling class? The politicians who are elected to office with the financial backing of corporate Amerika, and must, therefore, give full consideration to those who bought them instead of to their constituents? The revolutionary consciousness of the people is growing every day. Because of, the system and its profound inequities, more and more people are becoming radicalized. Our demands are for real justice for all the people, total prolitical and economic equality for all the people, an end to apartheid; and an end to all forms of oppression and fascism. And since the system has ” proven beyond doubt, time and time again, that it is not responsive to the needs of the people we now r^ognize the fact that revolution is the order of the day - Many people who consider themselves as revolutionary, and call for armed struggle, can in no way consider themselves as such in a sense of completeness. And this is because they have not as yet grasped all of life's aspects. They ^eak of revolution and ending all forms of oppression and then turn around and consider our sisters as unequals, someone to serve their needs and nothing mqre; and they hate a person simply for the fact that he or ’ she is gay. These same people who fight oppression still wish to oppress others and this is counter-revolutionary and dogmatic in every sense of the word. It is not however the individuals own fault that he or she feels or believes this way. It is the fault of society-at-large and the ruling class in particular. We must fully grasp these realities and then fight to change our mistaken notions. We must all go through these changes, realize our personal biases and prejudices and then work Equality for women h« been growing steadily and sexism in that respect is diminishing. However, we must not be satisfied as we all have a ways to go and its all within our individual minds. Our sisters are not weak or inferior in any sense of the words. They are more than adequate for any walk of lifip, as a close look at history and the world today clearly shows us. They have been completely involved in every aspect of every revolution in history including fighting in the fields, hills and cities, alongside of men. So how can we deny them equality in society? The answer is simple —we can not. And what of the gay community? ... Is the sexual activity of gays wrong? Are they sick as some claim? I must say no in answer to both. Homosexuality has been in existence since time imm^orial, and without a doubt it will always be with us. Some of the greatest personalities in history have been homosexual. Socrates, Plato, Julius Caesar, Whitman; and noted modern day artists such as Allan Watts, P^l Goodman, Tennessee Williams and others. In the tJnited States alone the estimated figures on practicing homosexuals reach as high as 20 million persons. Can so many be so wrong? ... Do not be afraid of this as I am not saying we are all gay or that we should all be gay. It is a personal choice. Be what you are and allow others to be what they are .. We're all brothers and sisters, we're all fighting for the same thing, so lets stop fighting and hating each other and we'll get there faster. I know because I hated (feared) at one time, and now I know and Tm happily married to a gay. We have it down and we have it together. And vyljen the time comes for the (people to pick up the gun w<e will be there-with gun ’ in hand — among the people... And let us i;evolutionize ourselves in order to carry out the r^olution in the way its meant to be. Larry Howard Leavenwor^, Kansas to defeat them. And we are all capable of this .. Page? Petition for Gay Rights in the Federal Prison System We, the undersigned, demand an immediate end to those rules, regulations and pracices of the Federal Bureau ■of Prisons which discriminate against prisoners on the basis of race, religion, political or sexual orientation. Specifically, we demand of the federal Bureau of Prisons: 1. An end to using a prisoner's gay sexuality as a basis for denying parole, early release to half-way houses and placement in minimum security institutions; 2. That gay prisoners not be punitively transfered from one prison to another solely because they were involved in a consensual relationship; 3. That prisoners caught in a homosexual relationship not be punished when the acts are betvveen consenting adults; 4. That the federal Bureau of Prisons abolish its rules and regulations prohibiting homosexuality between consenting adults; 5. That gay prisoners be allowed to organize in officially recognized social, political and religious ori^nizations, with regular meetings and the right to invite outside speakers; 6. That prisoners be allowed to buy gay books, magazines and newspapers from any source; 7. That gay prisoners be allowed to rwieve and use clothing ,artd makeup with which to expre« themselves. Return to: Harry Cohen 23 Cornelia St. Mow York N.Y. 10014 .V IN THE SILENCE OP THE DAViN In the silence of the dawn. When the attention of the world 9°ne... l"ll drop my sheild of tears, so they can speak. Pardon me for being weak... ' Release loneliness , undamn the tears. That have imprisoned me for years... A woman in bondage, her passions on fire. Calling society, a goddamn liar... Si;Ue"2e°wItcS^t"^?WouJ;deS^nL! and the Watergate. Won't you come and fight beside me. For freedom and true equality? „„ Men and women in chains, with violence they cry. Give us our freedom or we will die... In the silence of the dawn. When the attention of the world is gone... Amerika unmasked is a Who crushed the oppressed and kills the poor... women and men in bondage, who now ti^s. Of being victims to justice's dement^ desires... Come out of your ghetto's and the hells of prison. It is time that our justice has arisen... Let us bring Amerika down to her knee, come sisters and brothers, and ‘ ' Then we can cast our eyes towards the stars, without being in the shadows behind these bars... And for all of us, in the silence of the down. When the attention of the world is gone. .. There'll be freedom and true equaliCy, For men and women in bondage, like you and me... Jodi Jeane Harris Alderson, Virginia Alderson, Virginia I want to travel to foreign places, clear across this earth. But my heart hold's dear to Harlem, for that's my place of birth. I see destruction and ignorant's that's why I cannot roam, I've got to assure the children there that "love is in their home." With cracked wall's ----- ceiling fall's, and rat's that bring disease. Children wait ' s ,-with empty plate s, While hunger comes_ ahd tease. No: I don't want to'travel to foreign place s clear across this earth. My heart hold's dear to "Harlem , "for that's my place of birth" "Sharkey-Shark" Hiker's Island, New York \ THE BLUES, by . . . Smokcy. The blues rips rhythmical waves of melancholy across the weary confines of my ancient soul/ The blues/ a rhetorical rotation of endless misery that reflects the wretched depths of my historical burden/ and allows me to conceal my uncertain shame behind It's quiet lyrics of synocopated sorrow/ The blues/ born In the belly of a floating hell/ breathe to llte by the cracked lips of my nlggah-mma/ reared In the cotton fields of endless oppression/ and transplanted Into a melody of misery by an un- -feed soul The blues/ off beat aggression aimed so unwisely that It became an empty testimony for the raging tei^ of my soul/ The Blues/ • finger popIng/hIp rocking ass shaking/mind taking/soul braking blues haunts me/taunts me/reminds me/ , of past times/ of times past/ of passing times when/ paralyzed with despair and fear/ I llUed my parched voice to the darken heavens to scream out/ I screamed in vain/ • for the capitalist angle of death timclessly patted her foot to the wind of my ceaseless moaning/ and her unholy laughter destroyed my faith In GOO/ » n < Ah yeah/ the mothafucken blues/song softly/hopefully/ sadly to an unexpecting Black-child/ Next time you see me/ things won't be the same/ no. they wn't/ cause/ we won't be swinging to the miserable teat of the blues/ but ratter poping our fingers to the —Jamestown. Calif. (Sierra Conservation Camp) Pages Updating The Struggle Marion, 111. The following articles from Marion are an update on the protests that have been carried on since the murder of Jackson Fee (see Dec. M.S.). The hunger strike lasted for 14 days and was supported by the majority of the brothers in the' C.A.R.E./ unit. The last article is a summary of a legal victory that was recently won by them. On this date (Nov. 8), we 25 comrades who are in the hole of Marion Federal Prison enter our 1 2th day of our hunger strike, drinking only water. On Oct. 21, Comrade Jackson Fee (age 50) was beat by the pigs of the camp. On Oct. 27 Comrade Fee paid the supreme price to the Revolution. Fie died as a result of his injuries. Since the day of our Comrades death we have not eaten food or drink (only water). Three brothers have cut their Achilles' tendons in support of our demands, another Brother has cut his wrist in support. Our demands are: ^ , 1- A non-institutional investigation into Comrade Fee's death. , 2- An end to behavioral mod programs at Marion. 3- A halt to the opening of Butner Research Center, N C.' 4- The release of all POWs who are in the control unit of Marion who have been so confined longer than 90 days. Almost 100 Brothers have been confined for 18-24 months and Brother Red Hayes has been there for Upwards of 44 months. We are determined to see the will of the People through. We will try .to keep you informed as long as our strength allows. FVe Don't Want Sympathy, We Need Support ... Marion, III. The protest against the "C.A.R.E." program (control and rehabilitative effort), the death of Comrade Jackson "Curly" Fee and the beating of Comrade David Warren, continues today (Nov. 9) with prisoners (POWs) in "H" unit, the C.A.R.E. programs "long term control unit" sti