Steven M.
November 5, 2021

Dear Maddy (Inside Out),

Thank you for including me in your cause EndTheException concerning the Thirteenth Amendment's legal slavery clause. I have experience in this area. I have been incarcerated more than half my life and in three (3) different states. My current incarceration in Texas is right on point with this topic. Here is my responses to your five (5) questions:

1. WHAT WORK DO I DO AND HOW DO I FEEL ABOUT IT? First, I am currently NOT working and am unassigned Medically. In Texas it is the safest bet for someone my age (57), who is not getting any younger. I worked various jobs in previous incarcerations where I earned between $8.00 to $4.00 a day in various jobs I enjoyed and learned from (clerk and teaching positions). That was in New Jersey in the 1980s. I was paid $2.00 an hour as a food server in Arizona State Prison in the early stages of this century. I was happy to not have to ask my family for assistance when I had these meager stipends. In Texas, however, we are NOT paid for our labor and any credit given (if given) are temporary. In my case, they are not applicable and do not reduce my term. With this understanding, I feel that forced labor upon threat of discipline is horrendous. I worked for years as a janitor and various jobs in the for profit "Garment Factory." I did not learn any useful skills that would help my future, but I did manufacture products through my labor that either profited this system or saved it money. I was but a slave.

2. WHAT WOULD I WANT SOMEONE WHO HASN'T BEEN INCARCERATED TO KNOW ABOUT PRISON SLAVERY? First, you do not have a choice where you work in Texas. They assign you where they think you will make it easier for them. In New Jersey and other states, I had the choice to apply for jobs I wanted. The slavemaster needs and we are assigned to his squad or crew. After years of being a slave, a "hand", he utilizes those lot of individuals lose touch with their humanity and try to become the Slavemaster. Although legally prohibited today, slaves notice. In hopes of an "extra tray" (because the food is so bad it still occurs in ways and meager), inmates jump at the chance to feel important and do work even on their days off. Ironically, they do lost their individuality (themselves) and accept defeat. Even realize they have, they are slaves.

3. When I READ THE ABOLITION AMENDMENT, HOW DOES THAT MAKE HE FEEL? First, after years of experience and abuse, several false convictions, I have very little faith in our government or their laws. Even If the Amendment is passed. Texas will find a way to circumvent its purpose. With that understanding. I feel some hope that change may happen. but...

 4. DO I WANT TO BE AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE CAMPAIGN? No, because have lost the fire in my gut after years of incarceration here in the "great State of Texas". I've been beat down too much for too long. If I was back in Arizona or New Jersey, and younger, most definitely. 

5. DO I OR OTHERS LISTEN TO A REGULAR PRISON RADIO SHOW? I have heard of the "Prison Show when I was farther south near Houston, but I have never personally listened to the show. There Texas) where I am confined. is no such thing here (near Maco.

That answers all your questions as best as I could. I would truly love to help in any way that I could, but I am at a distinct dis-advantage in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). This is a system (the largest of all the states), where basic human rights are not a concern. It is a continuation of the slavery that was supposedly abolished by the Thirteenth Amendment. It is alive and well here, and without this economy (I mean "prison"), thousands of people would be out of jobs. The TDCJ's commodity? Slave labor, human beings. Their sweat, their health, their lives.

One final thought. I notice that a lot of attention today had been made concerning people of color and how this affects them. I am an American of Italian/Irish decent. I am "classified" as white. This does not matter in the least here in TDCJ, and ALL of us slaves are to call guards "Boss Man" like in the plantation days. As a Yankee from the North East. I prefer "Officer" instead and stick with that. When I resolve to become the slave they want me to be. I will become one.

Thank you for listening and all you do to make things better.

In Solidarity.
Steven M.

P.S. Although your letter vas dated 10/1/21. I received it 11/3/21. Also, Please include the following in your mailings: [redacted]