INS & Justice Department Embarassment
We have been locked down most of the day due to some violence on my unit. There was nobody taken out to the hospitals so that is a good sign.
While I sit “locked” in, I have nothing to do but think and write. I was thinking about how shitty it is that I still remain here. 24 years and still hoping for some relief. But, then I think of some others here who face what I have already endured. Some, if not most will not make it. See, the youth today that are being funneled into these places by the courts, cannot really see themselves clearly. Something that is hard for them within these walls.
When I started thinking of what I would write today, I first thought that my anger would prevail and show up in this entry. No, I would rather channel that anger, to tell you of love…
I have a friend here, Shawn. He tells me of how he met the woman of his life, Maria, as a pre-teen. Their first kiss together was just that, their first kiss. They loved each other so much they ended up with 4 lovely children. Their love and and a mistake has brought a seperation. Shawn is serving a 24 year sentence and Maria is serving a 3 year sentence. All she did was answer a phone.
I have met the children in the visiting room, 3 girls and 1 boy, ages 4 to 13. The grandmother takes care of them and does the best she can. I see they have a stare, a very scared stare.
After Shawn would not cooperate with the authorities (snitch), they decided to not only give him a harsh sentence, but to charge Maria also. 4 children now visit their parents in prison. Sounds sad huh? It is.
It all gets worse. Maria just received word from INS that she will be deported to Columbia this December when her 3 years are up. They told her that the children are welcome to stay. If Maria is deported, the children will most likely never see her again. She will be in harms way and face much danger. Men who deal in fear have already stated her life is theirs to shed.
While I agree that Shawn needed to face consequences for his crimes just as I, I think it’s a shame that our government can use this woman as a pawn. What’s even more embarassing for our government, is that they don’t care that 4 children are the real victims in this case.
I dread the day that I have to sit across from Shawn in the chow hall and watch him weep. I dread the day that I have to remember that stare.
If you would like to write to either Shawn or Maria to see if you might be able to assist them, you may do so at the following address’s – I have received permission from both to post it here…
Shawn Joseph Monteigo
Reg. # 05264-070
FCC Coleman Medium
PO Box1032
Coleman Fl. 33521-1032
USA
Maria Del Pilar Benavides
Reg. # 05402-070
# Unit G
FCI Tallahassee
501 Capital Circle
Tallahassee, Fl. 32301
USA
December 5th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
The first sentence that cried out to me out of this blog was “the youth” If sending every young person to prison made them better people then we should lock every juvenile delinquent out there away! But that is far from the truth or reality.
My prayer is not only that God releases you George but that you help to implement much needed changes starting with the youth. Yes, there are more then a few kids that have done really bad things that need to be treated as an adult. But because the proper funding is not in the proper hands. The kids of lesser crimes that could be reached and transformed fall through the system, like so many adults do as well.
Now the other gut wrenching part is the tragic place your friends Shawn and Maria find themselves. The bible says all things work together for good to those who love Him. Not that all things are good but that ALL things work together for good. My heartfelt prayers go out to them both that God will move mightily in their behalf and that they too can become instruments of hope and change, to those who have not yet made the life altering mistakes and choices they did.
You could have chosen to let the last 24 years make you a bitter cold hearted evil person. Rather you were gifted by heaven above to become a voice for the voiceless and you are able to still against all odds, even with your own injustice been able to keep hope and compassion for your fellowman alive!!
I state once again, I do believe that your God is about to rescue you, raise you up and make you a mighty instrument of restoration for those who desire to live lives of goodness and simplicity. “he who is without sin cast the first stone” I believe your life will be used for His glory alone and for the good of those in great need all around you. Where there is life there is hope… George~~keep hope alive!