​There are two main commodities that generally effect the quality of our lives; Time and Money. As we journey through life one or the other occasionally falls into short supply, and thus causes us to reevaluate where we've chosen to invest. By frequently reassessing our investments we can better allocate our time and money toward the activities that provide us the greatest sense of fulfillment. For me, that means investing in meaningful relationships with the people I genuinely love and appreciate, and who love and appreciate me. Unfortunately, developing and maintaining these type of truly meaningful relationships, while I am incarcerated, presents a multitude of challenges.

Despite what you may have heard, long gone are the fabled days of "Club Fed" when disgraced politicians and washed up movie stars could "check in" to a federal prison camp and do their time in relative comfort. Those places did in fact exist, but were really only conceived and built to accommodate the scandal prone, and highly hypocritical, politicians who (inevitably) fell victim to the very laws they had helped create and enact. Only a handful of federal inmates were ever afforded those type of "special accommodations" and that was a long, long time ago. The federal prison camps still in existence today are far from what any normal person would ever consider "comfortable." It's amazing to hear that the myth of "Club Fed" somehow still persists.

Just to be clear, throughout my lengthy stay in the federal prison system, I have never once felt "comfortable," even under the best conditions. The federal facilities where I've been incarcerated more closely resemble something you've likely seen on TV. Certainly none of them could ever be confused with a "Club Fed."

I've spent the last 17 and half years inside medium and maximum security facilities where approximately half of the federal prison population currently resides (187,000 total). The average prison cell is approximately 7 x 10 feet, and there are two people sharing that space, which is roughly the size of an average bathroom. My cell mate and I spend AT LEAST 10 out of every 24 hours a day confined to that tiny space together. We have a sink, a toilet, and a desk that's bolted to the wall. At night I struggle to fall asleep atop a 2 inch thick, 2 foot wide, by 6 foot long pressed foam mattress over a solid steel bunk. Everything I possess (in life) is contained inside a 2 foot wide by 3 foot high steel locker that's bolted to the wall beside my bunk. Inside the locker is some food, clothing, cosmetics, saved greeting cards and pictures, a number of my own original written works and a few of my most treasured books. Sadly, my entire life can literally be stuffed inside a foot locker.

Outside my cell is what's referred to as the "common area" of the housing unit. There are 6 TV's, 6 fans (no AC), 5 computer terminals, 4 old fashioned pay phones, 2 microwaves and one ice machine to serve over 100 inmates. Each of these resources is scarce and therefore difficult to access. Relationships inevitably become strained and eventually deteriorate whenever someone is unable to maintain a consistent line of communication with their loved ones on the outside. As the months turn into years, and the years turn into decades, it only becomes increasing difficult to maintain meaningful relationships from behind these walls.

My access to both the telephone and email system is limited to the hours I spend in the "common area" of my housing unit. Most of the hours I spend on the housing unit fall between 9:15 PM and 6:30 AM, which is the period we're all locked in our cells overnight. Seven days a week the doors open at 6:30 AM and breakfast is called at 6:45. I generally wait for everyone to head out to breakfast so I can check my emails and send out some love to start off my day. Skipping breakfast means I either skip a meal or plan ahead and purchase something from the prison commissary in advance. I try to eat before I head out because most days I only have time to swing through the dining hall for a quick lunch and then don't make it back here to the housing unit until the 4 PM count. Then as soon as the count clears again I'm right back out the door to dinner and then down in Education working for the rest of the evening. By the time I get back here to the housing unit at 8:30 PM I have just enough time to log into the system once more before getting locked back into my cell until morning. Nearly every day it's the same exact routine.

This email system is not what I would call "user friendly." It's set up on a 30 minute timer and as soon as I log in to the system a clock appears in the top right hand corner of the screen. Immediately the clocks begins counting down from 30 minutes, which is the maximum time period permitted for each session. The timer continues to run regardless of whether I am reading incoming messages or composing outgoing ones, and once it expires, or if I voluntarily log off, I am then forced to wait at least 30 minutes before I can log back into the system. I have the timer on my wrist watch set to 30 minutes, so I know exactly when I can log back in. Composing a message like this one generally takes multiple sessions over the course of a few days since I have other messages that require at least a brief reply.

Before I can access the email system I must first purchase "units" (credits), using money from my commissary account. It costs 5 cents a minute ($15.00 for 300 minutes or $30.00 for 600 minutes) to access the system and for me that generally equates to $150.00 PER MONTH, which is absolutely ridiculous. I think the more accurate word would be "predatory." Despite the exorbitant fees I cannot send or receive pictures via email. Nor can I forward any messages that I receive. Nor does the system allow us to cut/copy/paste edit emails. And yet, despite it's many flaws, I'm still extremely grateful to have this system in place because honestly, many of my relationships would probably cease to exist without it.

Although the email system is my primary means of communication with everyone outside it is not the only one. We also have a prepaid (or collect for more $$$) telephone system that allows us to make 300 minutes worth of calls each month for only $67.00. For that bargain basement price (which the FCC has refused to cap and regulate) neither voice mail nor monthly "roll-over" minutes are included and drop calls are quite common. Each call is limited to 15 minutes (maximum) and both parties must endure multiple interruptions from a recorded voice stating that the caller is a federal prisoner calling from inside a "federal correctional facility." As you can imagine, 300 minutes a month is grossly inadequate conversation time for someone hoping to maintain multiple relationships while incarcerated; Especially when they're being warehoused hundreds, if not thousands of miles away from home are rarely get to see their loved ones in person.

I'm incredibly fortunate to still be able to maintain regular contact with so many of my family members, friends and supporters in spite of all the aforementioned challenges. Many times in recent years I've thought about expressing these specific challenges so that everyone might better understand the situation I'm in; A situation that is shared by literally hundreds of thousands of other federal prisoners incarcerated throughout the United States. Usually when people ask me what they can do to help improve my situation I either deflect the question or refer them to the latest petition or letter writing campaign, without ever acknowledging my basic needs.

I know that I need to do a better job accepting assistance, especially now that my dear friend lost his long, hard-fought battle with cancer. He understood the challenges I face all too well, because he used to sit right here alongside me just a few years ago. I'm grateful to him and to everyone else in my circle who helped make this possible.

These are my average monthly expenditures:

• email - $150.00
  
• phone - $67.00
  
• store - $300.00 (commissary food, cosmetics, clothes)
• TOTAL = $517.00 - $90.00
  
• Minus my institutional pay - $65.00 + $25.00 (extra for classes) = $90.00 a month (average pay is $5.00 a month)
  
• = $427.00 (and if you think this is completely outrageous, then please help me do something about it.)

**Obviously, I can not cover everything in a single email but I did my best to explain, in basic terms, how this one part of the system works. I could easily fill-up a few more pages explaining the "scams" of the prison commissary and inmate pay systems, but I'll save those for another day. It's plain to see that we are all being exploited and preyed upon by the private enterprises who control these systems. It's an ugly truth that no one wants to (openly) acknowledge, but it's also virtually impossible to ignore. I strongly encourage you to reach out to your representatives in Congress and let them know you expect better oversight of these systems and demand to see improvements. Your continued support and commitment to improved conditions is greatly appreciated.

Thank You,
~Adam213

​Adam's February video update and request for support letters for his clemency package. There is still time to send your letters. There is nothing more he needs right now from his friends and family than our letters of support. Please take a few minutes, write a letter and send it to [email protected]. The more support he can get the better. Together we can help bring this sentence to an end. Lets all take responsibility to bring Adam home. He asked that you please write from your heart and include anything you feel is important to share (examples: How he's changed since his days on the street, how his influence has personally helped you become the person you are today, why he deserves a second chance, how he will succeed if clemency is granted and if you're in a position to offer a promise of future employment that will be hugely beneficial too). I felt a little lost when he asked me to write a letter, so I Googled for a bit and found a template. I attached it below if you'd like some guidelines. If you need help feel free to email questions to [email protected]. 

WHERE TO SEND THE LETTER
Please email the letters to this email address ([email protected]) and post office mail your letter to me at:

Rosanne Elizabeth
PO Box 85
Gillette, NJ 07933

WHEN TO SEND THE LETTER
Adam is aiming to have his clemency package completed within the next two weeks, he asked for all letters ASAP. I'll forward the letters to the facility as I receive them. Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to help Adam get a second chance, words can't express how much your support means to him.

LETTER TEMPLATE
(This is just a loose guide in case you feel lost trying to figure out what to include in the letter. Your can be as brief or as detailed as you see fit. Please let us know if you have any questions.Thank you again!)

DATE
From: Name
Address
City, State Zip
(123) 456-7890

Subject:Character Letter for Adam Clausen

1. In the first paragraph you will introduce yourself. Include your full name,age, occupation and/or anything else you'd like to add. Also include your relation if any to the person you are writing for. If you are family please state how long you have known Adam. If you are an immediate family member or still married, please say those as well as if you are divorced.

2. In the second paragraph state that you know what the charges are and name them and also where the person is serving their time. Also talk about how you think this has impacted Adam's life. Please mention here of what kind of impact and impression Adam makes/has made on you.

3.In the third paragraph talk about how this situation has effected you,
the writer and what impression you get on how it affects Adam as well. Do you believe that Adam has leaned his lesson? Be honest here, by doing so you are telling the board that you are aware of his charges.

4. In the 4th paragraph talk about how Adam has the potential to succeed if released and will again become an asset to society. State that you know this situation has inspired changes in his  life and how you notice the changes.

5. This is the last paragraph. All you have to do is close out the letter and tell the board that if they desire to contact you, your number is in the header of this letter.

Respectfully Submitted,


___________________________
your name(sign in black ink)

The Poetry Slam was judged by course facilitators Dr. Danni Webber, Director of the Writing Lab at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, her teaching assistant Ardonna, Connor Stevens, and Marcus Bey. First prize was awarded to my man Keith MAURICE James, Sr. The first Runner Up was awarded to Christopher Clemons (aka Clinton French). And second Runner Up was awarded to Angel Cordero. ALL of the Slam participants did an amazing job composing and delivering the multiple works each of them presented. (Side note: All three winners are also leaders within the FCI McKean Life Coaching Program) We hope to make the Poetry Slam an annual event and have already begun coordinating the next course.

If you would like to hear samples that two of the poets provided for my Mother's Day gift, click the video below.

Below, is a statement from Adam, read by family members at the Rethinking Prison's Conference, prior to reading the presentation he was supposed to present via video, that day.
 
I am extremely disappointed Mr. Shakir and I weren't able to participate in the conference. However, I'd still like to share my message.

There is a single word that best encapsulates my entire message, and it resonates with me on a very personal level. That one word is HOPE, and it speaks to all of the potential and possibilities of the future. For me, a still relatively young man serving a 213 year sentence without any remaining appeals or eventual chance of parole, that single word is life-defining. 

Never once since I received this sentence have I ever lost HOPE. There have been some tremendous difficulties leading up to this day but nothing that has caused me to consider changing my course. In fact, I intend to redouble my efforts and press forward because I am forever hopeful about the future... 

I HOPE that this conference helps to spread my coaching program to other institutions where it might positively impact countless more lives. 

I HOPE that together, all of us, can figure out a way to make post-secondary education available to prisoners nationwide and thus effectively reduce the rate of recidivism. 

I HOPE that NEXT YEAR we can make this session the interactive experience we intended it to be this year, only next time Mr. Shakir will be there "live" in person. 

I HOPE that this conferences and the discussions it generates will serve to inspire systemic changes that lead to the repeal or reform of mandatory minimum sentencing policies, so that I too can one day make a personal appearance and speak about my experiences inside the federal criminal justice system. 

But only for today, right now at this very moment, I'm simply grateful to have briefly captured your attention and been able to share my vision for the future with all of you. 

If there is anything that you would like to share with me in response to what you've heard today during this presentation, or if you have any other additional questions or comments for me please do not hesitate to send an email. I can promise that I will reply to each and every one of them. 

Thank you for your interest. 

Sincerely, Adam B. Clausen

Read Adam's full presentation here.

The modern American Prison Penal System is intended solely to incarcerate and not to rehabilitate anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves entrapped within it. The concept of "crime and punishment" has greatly evolved over the centuries but arguably at no point in history have sentences handed down been as draconian as the ones commonly received in this day and age. The reason for this many likely stem from the public's view of only the "effects" of the punishment without witnessing the means by which they occurred. It was not so long ago that the punishment of the law was carrie out right before the eyes of the public so everyone was much more keenly aware of the consequences which resulted from breaking the law. Nowadays men and women are tossed behind walls and left to their own devices for years, and often decades, at a time and shown little concern for their future well-being. As long as criminals are safely separated from society, the current penal system has been successful in its job. 

The War On Drugs is responsible for reshaping the entire modern criminal justice system in America. Since the War began back in October 1982, state and federal prison populations have exploded, law enforcement budgets here ballooned and poor inner city communities have been let decimated. It's extremely difficult to accurately gauge the progress of this war, especially when the rate of drug possession and usage has remained steady throughout the country despite an incredible number of arrests. Current estimates put the number of casualties of the War On Drugs in excess of 31 million Americans. Few people can claim not to have been touched by the ongoing battle in some direct or attenuated manner. The media certainly has done its part to ensure that the public sees the heroics of law enforcement played out on the nightly news, providing that the war is at least being hard fought, if not won.

The criminal justice system in America is surprisingly easy to enter and incredibly difficult to escape...if you are a criminal. Our system was designed in this way to best ensure the public's safety. When an individual has violated the laws of this country the general public has a clear motive to monitor their actions for a brief period to ensure future compliance with those laws. A consistently high rate of recidivism supports this practice and reinforces the assertion that all criminals need to be monitored until they prove they no longer need to be. 

When a person is released from prison they are likely to be filled with a sense of euphoria. Inevitably the sobering reality of daily living in the world outside of prison comes crashing down around them. Any person whom has served time in prison is expected to know "The Rules Of The Game." Their accumulated experiences, coupled with the stories they heard from others in prison, leaves them no excuse for not knowing what their role is within "The Game."

"Criminal associations" are a clear violation of the terms of the parole and probation but what happens when a parolee lives in a crime infested neighborhood where there is seemingly no way to entirely avoid the criminal element of that environment? The answer is that it becomes the parolee's responsibility to know who all of the players are in the Game and to avoid them at all costs if they hope to succeed. Maintaining a constant awareness of one's environment is an essential life skill that should have been honed in prison for self preservation and can now be utilized out in the world. Demico Booth wisely suggests formulating a "positive plan of action" as a means of avoiding these types of troublesome situations once released. Adhering to that plan, even during times of great hardship, and recalling the discomforts of prison, can greatly reduce the likelihood of recidivism. Also, deciding to make "family" a top priority in one's life is an intelligent way to remain focused on those things that truly matter the most. 

The only way a parolee ends up back in prison is if they break that law or violate the conditions of their supervised release. Knowing the tactics employed by law enforcement is an absolute essential element of survival for anyone wrapped up in"The Game," including all recent parolees. The strategies and methods used by officers to combat the War On Drugs are constantly evolving but can all be traced to what is known as the "Enterprise Theory." For over sixty years, law enforcement has relied upon the "Enterprise Theory" as a means to dismantle criminal organizations both large and small. Officers focus their attention on "gutting the ground floor" of an organization in order to bring the next tier above them down. By eliminating those lower levels of the organization, law enforcement is able to not only disrupt business but also to bring themselves closer to the top tier criminals leading the organization. Certain criminal enterprises, such as drug distribution and sales enterprises, are clearly more susceptible to this technique due to the addictive nature of their product, which causes people to act more unscrupulously. 

Hollywood movies, rap lyrics and music videos all contribute to the glamorization of the Drug Game. The risk for rewards and inevitable consequences are all equally embellished to paint a picture that does not accurately depict reality. The implication is that the potential rewards will all be worth it no matter how briefly they may last. This pervasive mentality has been perpetuated throughout pop-cutlure and made it incredibly easy for law enforcement officers to remove legions of aspiring young criminals from the streets. Once they are taken into custody, their cooperation with law enforcement officers and prosecutors is almost a foregone conclusion. Cooperating has actually become so commonplace that it is no longer holds the stigma, nor fear of retribution, that it once did. Clearly, "The Rules Of The Game" have dramatically changed and the boundaries are not neatly defined as they once were.

Nowadays prosecutors unquestionably wield the most power within the criminal justice system. If a person has committed a crime it is the prosecutor who will then likely determine how much of their life must be traded for repayment. Judges have been basically relegated to the role of "referee" during most court proceedings. Since the prosecutor retains the right to determine which charges a criminal defendant will face, he or she is able to hold a near infinite amount of time over each defendant's head. Their job is simply to attain as many criminal convictions as possible and they most often attempt to do so by whatever means necessary. Frequently, they can be heard boasting to the media about their "conviction rate" and the number of total years they have managed to accumulate against criminal defendants. This attitude does not represent the true (theoretical) interests of justice. 

As the Rules Of The Game have changed out in the street, so have the practices of prosecutors across the nation. Anyone attempting to play by the Old Rules Of The Game is at a severe disadvantage and likely to be made into an example. Those few criminal defendants who dare not to cooperate with prosecutors can expect to receive astonishingly harsh treatment. However, these situations so rarely occur in this day and age that when they do hardly anyone even takes notice. American pop-culture icons have repeatedly proved that it is now socially acceptable to destroy the lives of everyone around you if it is necessary to avoid a lengthy prison term.

Traditional media sources tend to target a more mature audience, but their message is not that dissimilar from one found in pop-culture. Much attention has been paid to the recent mass murder which occurred in Aurora, Colorado and what might have been done to avoid it. 

Tighter laws, harsher penalties and the expanded use of law enforcement techniques have all been suggested as a means to prevent another similar event in the future. This dangerous expansion of the criminal justice system could have dire consequences for every citizen if left unchecked. It has boldly been suggested that a law "that would make it easier to treat and institutionalize violent paranoid-schizophrenics without their permission" (How The Gun Won" by Joe Klein, Time. August 6, 2012) might have prevented Senator Giffords' shooting in Arizona. The media is attempting to manipulate the general public and win their support for a greatly expanded criminal justice system, which could be used to ensnare citizens who have never even broken a law. No mater how dire the situation my seem, recall the months following 9/11; if such an expansion of the law were permitted to occur, the facade of "law and order" along with the "exit door" that currently awaits parolees at the end of supervised release would cease to exist. 

At times our current criminal justice system may appear largely ineffective, especially when viewed from a distance. However, the view changes once you begin looking from the Inside Out. Down on the ground, deep in the trenches of the War On Drugs, it gets "grimy." Not everyone is prepared to deal with the dirty reality of what they find and fail to realize that the grime can be washed away over time. This system, as it currently stands, may be easy to enter but there is still a way to get out and stay out without compromising your core principals and beliefs. Remaining down in those dirty, filthy trenches of the War remains and individual choice. Any person who instead chooses to comply with the laws and conditions of their parole thus becomes responsible for a recused rate of recidivism and likewise a decreased dependency upon the criminal justice system. Until the recidivism rate declines, the media will remain in a position to suggest that more laws and greater law enforcement is necessary. In order to change the current Rules Of The Game and halt any further expansion of the criminal justice system, those individuals currently entangled in the system have to make every effort to remove themselves from it. The future will be determined by their ACTIONS above all else. 

Studying the history of any era or situation allows us the opportunity to make better informed decisions whenever similar circumstances arise in the future. However, once we find ourselves already entangled within a situation where injustice and inequality have become the norm then it becomes or responsibility to take action. Those actions will then be judged by all those who study our history. Without action, all of the knowledge that a person possesses becomes powerless and meaningless. It is absolutely imperative that we act when the time arrives. So our focus then must shift at some point from simply accumulating knowledge toward knowing when to act in response to that knowledge. 

No matter what a person's involvement is within the American criminal justice system, today they have a moral responsibility to try and improve its effectiveness. The system was intended to protect society from all those persons who had proven that they were unable to abide by the law. Their temporary removal from society was itself seen as sufficient punishment. As the severity of punishment  has increased over time, primarily with the inclusion of stiff mandatory minimum sentencing schemes, so too has the number of recidivists returning to prison each year. The obvious difficulty in rejoining society after having been long and far removed from it is an issue that clearly needs to be addressed with greater consideration and resources. If the actual punishment was intended to be only that initial time served in prison, then why is it that so many men and women end up serving so much more additional time inside?

"The Federal Bureau Of Prisons 2020 long-range capacity plan projects continued growth in federal prison population from fiscal years 2013 through 2020 with system wide overcrowding exceeding 45 percent through 2018: (Federal Legal Center quoting the Government Accounting Office's study on prison population on September 14, 2012). The United States leads the world in the rate at which we incarcerate our popultion. Most of those men and women are casualties of the War On Drugs, which continues to rage to this very day. The Federal Bureau Of Prisons has clearly stated their plans for continued expansion despite the contradictory claims of commitment to rehabilitative programs that effectively reduce the rate of recidivism. Plans to expand prisons instead of community release centers, for which there are ample qualified candidates, erodes the fragile confidence of all those involved with the current re-entry effort.

Black men comprise the majority of men in prison and have clearly been hit hardest in this War On Drugs. However, the reason for this disparity may be less sinister than many scholars suggest. Logistically speaking, urban areas are much easier for law enforcement to target due primarily to the density of the population but also due to the proximity of urban structures. Conversely, a group of law enforcement officers venturing out into a suburban or rural area have far more ground to cover in much less camouflage to hide their surreptitious activities. The urban War On Drugs is quite simply the easiest one to fight when faced with a system that is results driven. Drugs are prevalent wherever you go within this country so finding them is never difficult Law enforcement simply concentrates their efforts in those ares where they are able to make the most arrests. Apprehension is their only concern. After that the charges become a matter of the court system, where another issue entirely arises.

The crack to cocaine sentencing disparity that previously existed was undisputedly excessive. However, the current 18 to 1 ration is seemingly much ore accurate but many sentencing reform advocates claim that it is still too excessive. Since I have not found any statistics to support the new ratio, I feel compelled to interject my opinion which is the result of my own indirect experiences with both drugs. My attorney and close friend had a serious drug addiction that he battled for many years. Frequently, I would receive calls from his law partner or secretary inquiring about his whereabouts after he had missed a court appearance. On many occasions, I had to track him down and physically remove him, along with whatever was left of his belongings, from a known North Philly crack house. The scene was generally the same no matter where I found him. What I witnessed inside of those places was deterrent enough to prevent me from ever trying crack cocaine myself. However, this same attorney friend was capable of remaining relatively sane whenever he used powder cocaine in my presence. Since I sold and consumed powder cocaine for a lengthy period of time, I have ample experience with the effects of the drug. Never once did I see anyone exhibit the same erratic behaviors while on powder cocaine that I frequently witnessed when someone was smoking crack. In my opinion, a clear distinction should be made between the two drugs. Crack cocaine is much more physically and emotionally devastating than powder cocaine, so I understand why there is a sentencing disparity and have to agree that there should in fact be one. The severity of that disparity however remains open to debate. 

The matter of who uses these drugs is also open to debate. Law enforcement is admittedly biased in their decision about who they choose to actively investigate and apprehend and those tactics warrant analysis. In my opinion, there is a very logical reason why the stereotypical "white frat boy" that Alexander refers to on page 132 of her book, "The New Jim Crow" is not a target of law enforcement. College students in general, regardless of their race, are all permitted certain privileges as a result of their anticipated future status within society. College is generally an accepted time of "experimentation" for those young adults who are likely to become the community and business leaders of tomorrow. Drugs are common on most college campuses but law enforcement chooses to ignore these obvious infractions of the law because society takes no issues with their "experimental" activity. Conversely, society is frequently outraged by stories of innocent victims caught in the crossfire of gun battles related to inner city drug turf wars. if violence, addiction and death were as prevalent on our college campuses today as they are in our inner cities then the War On Drugs would be raging there as well.

Statistics never tell the entire story. If numbers are too closely relied upon and over examined, then the human element in this war is greatly diminished. The War On Drugs has torn many urban communities apart and left millions of men and women incarcerated for decades instead of years. Until this point most efforts to improve rehabilitative services, and thus reduce the rate of recidivism, have been largely ineffective. The criminal justice system desperately needs an influx of progressive young men and women knowledgeable with the history of the system whom also have a sincere desire to make things better. Anyone that has such knowledge also has the power to affect change regardless of their personal circumstances. Whether a person finds themselves on the outside looking in or on the inside looking out they already know that "knowledge is powerless without action."

Statistics clearly demonstrate that inmates who are serving life sentences are the least likely to recidivate. "Lifers" comprise less than one percent of the 2.3 million inmates currently incarcerated across the United States. It is unknown precisely why these men and women are so much more successful than their contemporaries when given the opportunity to return to society, but a few things can be inferred from other pertinent statistics. First, any person who has successfully completed a life sentence will have inevitably surpassed 40 years of age. Current statistics indicate that the rate of recidivism for both men and women drops dramatically beyond the age of forty. Secondly, most Lifers were convicted of crime where a loss of life occurred. Due to the finality of those crimes it can be safely assumed that they are much more likely to have seriously considered the cause and effect nature of their actions. That sort of introspective analysis, in turn, is likely to result in the eventual acceptance of responsibility for all their individual actions both direct and indirect. The weight of that responsibility undoubtedly serves to influence all of their future actions.

No matter how large or small the duration of incarceration a persona may face, that term will greatly affect a persona's outlook on the future. If that future seems too distant and incomprehensible, then that person must find some purpose for their current state of existence in order to maintain a sense of relevancy and self-worth. Conversely, all those men and women who are serving terms that they perceive to be relatively brief and inconsequential will simply mark off each day on their calendar in a perpetual countdown to their release. Therefore, it is literally impossible to calculate how any specific term of incarceration might ultimately affect an individual's thought process and subsequent actions. However, when a life sentence is imposed, that individual is consequently forced to confront themselves and the resulting damage of their actions - possibly, probably for the first time. Accepting responsibility for the impact of those actions on family, friends and associates is a difficult but necessary part of the cathartic process. All lifers must confront these situations at some point in the time simply because they have no other choice. Everyone else serving less time is denied that impetus to confront the full scope of consequences for their actions and remains unmoved toward positive change.

Occasionally, statistics themselves can provide the necessary impetus for change. Consider the fact that the current conviction rate in the Federal Court system is 97 percent. Nearly all of those convictions are the result of plea bargains with federal proecutors. Almost half of those people who agreed to plea bargains later received a sentence that was below the recommended sentencing guideline range. The overwhelming majority, 66 percent, of those personals receiving sentences below the guideline range received that reduced sentence on account of the "substantial assistance" that they provided to prosecutors. It's safe to say that those persons who provided such assistance did so as a matter of self preservation and not due to some sudden crisis of conscience. This practice has led to a deeply flawed system that is now predicated upon opportunistic criminals seeking greatly reduced sentences at any cost. It is not merely the system that is flawed, but the character of all those who have chosen to sacrifice their principals and reputations is also deeply flawed. When the punishment is diminished as a reward for compromised principles, it draws into question any perceived good that might have resulted from it. A simple acceptance of responsibility for one's actions and the completion of any subsequent punishment will unquestionably preserve the character and integrity of that rare individual. Any person with a strong sense of personal integrity is not only going to take responsibility for their own actions but he or she will also want to influence others due to the same.

The rate of recidivism has long remained steady at a staggering 70 percent. Popular culture has, thus far, only served to encourage young men and women to live outside the law with no consideration of the consequences to their actions. Mob figure Sammy "The Bull" Gravanno admitted to murdering numerous people but served only a few years in prison because he cooperated with the government. Rap artist and reality TV show actor T.I. was arrested while in possession of numerous automatic weapons, with silencers, and received only one year in federal prison instead of a life sentence. As long as young people continue to believe that there is an escape valve which will allow them to avoid punishment for their actions, they will not be rightfully deterred from entering into a life of crime. Those young adults unfortunate enough to eventually be caught and convinced will inevitably cooperate with the government in exchange for leniency and thus not even be deterred from committing future crimes. These young men and women have no need o desire to look inward upon themselves and discover how deeply flawed their character has become. As a result they are likely to recidivate and help sustain that previously noted 70 percent mark.

An effective means of combating the existing negative pop culture would be to focus greater attention upon the 30th percentile of the prison population that is least likely to recidivate. Those men and women who are serious about altering their habits and improving their lives have the ability to create an atmosphere conducive to change. Science has already proven that something as simple as a smile is contagious. If 30 percent of the inmate population were to find themselves having a reason to frequently smile, then the remaining 70 percent of the population is likely to be encouraged to smile as well. Not everyone will be susceptible to such an atmosphere of change but the underlying culture will create an improved likelihood that others will also embrace change. When dealing with individuals who have not had many reasons to smile, a little compassion and kindness can make a world of a difference.

The most influential inmates in nearly every prison are lifers. Despite the fact that they comprise such a small percentage of the population (in most prisons) they wield an incredible amount of influence amongst their peers, simply because of their sentences. Time should not dictate respect nor admiration, but inexplicably in prison it does. As a result, most lifers learn to embrace that leadership role and with it accept the accompanying responsibility of that position. They realize that they have the ability to inspire and positively direct all those inmates that are around them. When prison administrators want to reach the general population and affect systemic change it is wise for them to utilize the leadership of those lifers. Giving these men a sense of purpose and empowering them to help others is an invaluable resource that should be utilized at every opportunity. Lifers, along with members of the favored 30 percent, can and will create a culture of change that is likely to reduce the rate of recidivism.

"Changing a strongly held belief has little to do with actual facts." This opening quote from a recent article in the New York Times captured my attention first and then my imagination. The assertion, which was supported by multiple studies, is that we tend to side with people who share our identity regardless of the facts. Nowhere is this phenomenon more apparent than the microcosm found within a prison. Inmates gravitate toward other inmates of similar beliefs and allow themselves to be defined by the group. What is most dangerous about this phenomenon is how the group can disregard the "facts" when they do not coincide with their beliefs, thus creating a blatantly distorted reality. Conversely, this same group dynamic can be extremely powerful and positive when used to promote an agenda that benefits everyone, but those circumstances are relatively rare and need to be capitalized upon whenever they do occur.

Every group has either a designated leader or certain members who clearly wield more influence than the other memers. Identifying those leaders and targeting a specific message to them improves the likelihood of the group's receptivity to that message. Leaders have the ability to move the masses toward either a positive or a negative action. The most horrific atrocities committed throughout history were perpetrated by people commanded by extremely charismatic leaders, Hitler being the most obvious example. He managed to move the minds of an entire nation and although their actions now seem incomprehensible in retrospect that merely proves how powerfully influential the perceived identity of any group can ultimately become.

Julius Caesar is a prime example of how positive leadership can influence a nation on such a scale as to having a lasting impact upon all of human history. Ancient Rome's prosperity and appreciation for the arts were born out of his leadership, and monuments celebrating the success of their glorious society have withstood the ravages of time and war. Caesar empowered other leaders within his nation to rise up and speak for the people they represented in the Roman Senate, a predecessor to our current democratic government here in the United States. He was greatly loved and admired by the masses and that ultimately lead to his assassination. The voice of one, or a select few, cannot be underestimated in its potential to move the minds of the masses.

Leadership is both a privilege and responsibility. When the minds of the masses are under the influence of a leader it is  his or her moral responsibility to act with their best interests in mind, even when it does not serve his or hoer own personal interests or desires. The words and actions of any leader will be scrutinized by their opposition and emulated by their faithful following. Whenever an opportunity arises to further the education of any leader it should be seized upon because, through his or her intellectual advancement, the masses will also be elevated.

Leaders should all strive to become adept teachers. As Henry Adam famously stated, "A teacher effects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." Unfortunately, some people are unable to remove their own sense of ego and insecurity to fail to assume their rightful role as either a leader of techer. Intelligence may be a powerful tool and education has the potential to be the great equalizer, but only when both are fully embraced. Men and women in prison are often reluctant to embrace and cultivate their intelligence because they will inevitably be ridiculed by their peers. In prison whenever a person of color is able to articulate their thoughts in an intelligent manner without the use of curses or slang, they are accused of sounding too "white." The full derogatory remark is usually something to the effect of, "You sound like you're white!" As a result, black and brown men frequently hide their intelligence from their peers and white men tend to adjust their normal speech to better assimilate to their environment. Accordingly, accepting the role of either a teacher or a leader inside prison is often a greater responsibility than most men and women are capable of handling.

A common characteristic among men in prison is their prior ability to provide for everyone who was around them on the outside. No matter if their crime involved a seemingly small amount of drugs, a violent act, or a wide reaching case of fraud, these men were the ones that family members, friends and associates frequently turned to in times of distress. These men were in a position to be of assistance to nearly all those around them and thus they enjoyed that sense of power and influence. Once inside prison that influence on the outside quickly began to dissipate and they realized that everyone around them had become so conditioned to their support that they were no longer able to fend for themselves, let alone anyone else. It is an exceptionally frustrating experience that often leads to feelings of depression and isolation. These men have the potential to become effective leaders and teachers on the inside if they are provided with the right tools and guidance. The characteristics which made them effective leaders within their circles of influence on the outside are the same that can now be used to promote a greater common good.

Criminals enjoy a certain type of lifestyle that can be more difficult to avoid than any type of drug or alcohol. When people choose to live outside the law there isa certain mystique that attracts not only the attention but the quiet admiration of even the most straight laced citizen. Their money and possessions may attract the initial attention but it's the blatant disregard and flaunting of the law that draws lasting admiration and affection. American history is full of outlaws who have been emulated and revered by the masses simply because they were non-conformists. 

After prison many criminals find it difficult to stay out of the limelight and rejoin the masses after having experienced that sort of attention, despite the negative consequences they already endured. Clearly, there is a great hypocrisy present when our society glamorizes its criminals but then seeks to incarcerate them for the remainder of their lives when they recidivate. If inmates can be convinced that the same attention and admiration will be afforded to them when they choose to pursue a more positive and productive path within the confines of the law, it will not take long to begin moving the minds of many. As those minds are then moved the culture will itself begin to change and long held beliefs will slowly start to fade away. Intelligence an then, once again, come into vogue and education will be embraced as the great equalizer by all.

References:

New York Times Magazine, "How To Move A Mind: Changing a strongly held belief has little to do with actual facts." August 19, 2012

The World Book Encyclopedia, 2004, "Hitler, Adolf" pages 264-268

The World Book Encyclopedia, 2004, "Caesar, Julius" pages 12-13