December 2013 Philadelphia Chapter of Pax Christi U.S.A.
Echoes in Purgatory IV, SCI Graterford
A collection of writings by men who are serving a Life Sentence Without Parole [the other death sentence]. Read their words, then listen quietly and you will hear their cry for their God given “Right to Redemption.” …
*These reflections were written in the spring of 2013
Echoes is a continuing effort of CPF and Lifers Inc. to educate the public and our legislators about the injustice of Life without Parole here in PA.
Life without the possibility of parole is actually a death sentence. And a mandatory life sentence which removes any and all discretion from the judge and/or jury is patently absurd and contrary to the fundamental principles of justice. Pennsylvania’s sentencing of men, women, and children to life without the possibility of parole is a travesty of justice. It says human beings are irredeemable, they can never atone for their crime and they will never change. However, it is well documented that the
model prisoners and best parolees are those individuals who are serving life sentence. We need your help to gain parole eligibility for lifers.
An Institutionalized Life: to be Institutionalized means to be trained, taught, and coerced into living a life within boundaries set forth! Isn’t that the life of a law abiding, tax-paying citizen! I’ve given my life of a life sentence, I am institutionalized and worthy of a second chance.
On many nights I recall waking out of my sleep screaming, enough is enough! Awakening from those dreams, I couldn’t believe I’m still in prison and have spent more time in prison than on the streets. So, serving a life sentence for me has
been extremely frustrating, because I was so young when I came to prison. In fact, my life on the outside feels like it was a
blur and I dread the thought my life being remembered for one mistake. The biggest challenge for me in serving a life sentence has been trying to fight the negative image and demonstrate that lifers are human beings who made a poor choice. But, it seems that we must continuously fight against those that don’t want lifers to be seen in a positive light.
Some Wisdom For All Lifers in Pennsylvania: Our condition won’t change until we change it, with our own efforts and sacrifices. Let’s get serious about raising capital to obtain a strong lobbyist to champion our fight for freedom, and stop asking/begging others to do what we as men can do for ourselves. Then we can snack and party with a real purpose. Peace!
A life sentence is torture. At the end of every tunnel you have a light, but at the end of a life sentence in the State of Pennsylvania, there is no light.
Something essential to the continued existence of something else. Words have depth and power, even more in the hands of Lady Liberty. Perhaps better said those who subscribe to her ideology-philosophy-theorem as the justice way. Unable to
protect myself. I now wear the mantle of walking dead for over thirty-five years. Ms. Liberty has watched the decry of my youth. Fragile bonds with family and friends wither to vapors of old memories. At best, the sentence of life imposed on a living being is a never-ending state of lethargic entombment…
If you would like to comment or respond to any of the above reflections, the envelope needs to include: the man’s name, number,
P.O. Box 244,
Graterford, PA 19426