It is a common belief that our prison system has standards in place
which protect prisoners against abuse. The current system (the
Administrative Grievance Procedure) by which prisoners file complaints
against prison officials does not safeguard them from abuse and rights
violations. This system needs to be examined and reassessed. It utterly
fails to protect inmates from abuse.

It is a common belief that health care to prisoners is also monitored
and that standards are upheld. But health care to prisoners is poor,
inadequate, and hurtful to both inmates and the general public.

A thorough and independent investigation into the Bureau of Prisons
would find: the use of excessive force and physical punishment, lack of
adequate medical and mental health care, and lack of both education and
rehabilitation programs. It is a self-policed system rife with
corruption, and one that is hostile toward the well being of inmates.

People can make terrible mistakes in their lives some with tragic,
irredeemable costs. They are incarcerated in prison as punishment, not
to be punished. New York Times columnist, Bob Herbert, recently wrote:
"Very few Americans have raised their voices in opposition to our
shameful prison policies. And I m convinced that s primarily because
the inmates are viewed as less than human."

Please help change this mind set. Demand an end to the abuse and
neglect of those incarcerated in our Federal prisons. Demand that they
be treated humanely.

Please contact me if you need further information or if you have
questions, suggestions, or ideas.

I have written this plea and this petition on behalf of a loved one
incarcerated in the U.S. Penitentiary in Beaumont, Texas who has an
explicit wish that they be distributed and supported with love, and
that the importance and need for forgiveness be always emphasized.

TELL CONGRESS TO INVESTIGATE!

Please read this letter from an inmate directly so you can be aware:

My name is Donnell Joseph, a prisoner incarcerated in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. I write this seeking your concern and assistance in a Petition to Congress to investigate the abuse and corruption within the Bureau of Prisons.

Over the years the prison population has grown, and it continues to grow, and this growth has brought with it the poisonous seeds of neglect and corruption. Educational and rehabilitation programs have been cut,
the health care provided to inmates is poor and inadequate. There has risen a system of abuse within the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Correctional officials are abusing prisoners through excessive force, and prisoners
are being stripped of their morals and humanity.

This abuse is allowed because this is a system that polices itself. The complaints against the Bureau of Prisons made by inmates and their families (through the Administrative Grievance Procedure) are passed from one prison official to another. Ultimately they are investigated by the Bureau of Prisons. This process does not offer inmates protection from abuse, Constitutional rights violations, or cruel and unusual punishment.
The boldness of sadistic and corrupt officials occurs because the Bureau of Prisons is allowed to investigate itself.

Nothing will persuade me to deal with the injustices the Federal Bureau of Prisons inflicts upon me with anything but civility and dignity. If this system has taught me anything in the last ten years, it is to love more
with each injustice I am subjected to. The light heart which nature has given me is heavy with sadness for the unquestionable stupidity and shameful iniquities which led me to prison. But the Bureau of Prisons should not be given the power to strip away my humanity and reduce me to a human beast.

I implore you to help by signing this petition, urging Congress to exercise its authority to investigate the abuse of federal prisoners.

We, the undersigned, urge our representatives in Congress to launch an intense and thorough investigation into the Federal Bureau of Prisons. There are over 100,000 incarcerated within this system which operates void of public scrutiny. Contrary to what may be stated as the national norm, we care about those now incarcerated who will one day be released and will need to re-adjust and contribute to our communities.

This petition is written and circulated on behalf of Donnell Joseph by Rosalind Burbank.

Please return this petition to:
Rosalind Burbank
PO Box 3841
Albany, NY, 12203.

You may correspond directly to:
Donnell Joseph #01534-112
US Penitentiary
PO Box 26030
Beaumont, TX, 77720-6030

Tell Congress to Investigate!!