I just received the following from Thomas, my prison pen pal and friend; and this text just broke my heart. What he’s going through is mental abuse. I was shocked to read it … How is it possible that untrained and abusive personnel is in charge of him and other men?
A prisoner is not a “sub-human”, then why are they treated that way over and over again, every single day of the time that they’re locked up? It’s no wonder he doesn’t want to get up in the mornings.
At the same time, Thomas has such a strong spirit and willpower, it’s truly inspiring!
How Much have we Changed …? Or Have we?
Are prisons still based on the archaic, medieval notions of letting their charges literally rot in a dungeon? The only difference is that now prisoners’ hands and feet are not shackled in filth but instead their minds are bombarded with filth-stained chains on a daily basis.
I understand that one can lash out in anger and even in vengeance, but not for nearly 15 years in a row, every single day … That is not anger. That is called bullying, abuse, causing unwarranted mental trauma. What the hell?
I am copying Thomas’s words here. I hope that many will read it.
Sometimes I Don’t Want To Get Up!
My mornings start with an emotional battle. I wake at 4:30 am the lights in this cell are off, so I wash and give praise to the Highest.
Yet you would think that will balance me for the day. No, I get back in bed or what passes for a bed and strive to stop my thoughts so that I can sleep, but as soon as I think I’m sleeping the lights are turned on at 5:17 am for no other reasons but to say if we have to come to work you prisoners are going to be up also. I’ve placed the sheet over my head and this makes them kick on the cell door like “get up we need to see if you’re alive”, but I know it’s their childish games.
I find it weird that I wake up each day doing the same things but have different emotions. So I fight myself to realign my focus by telling myself these are only pieces of a bigger picture and at the end of any suffering there is growth,
So Get Up, Face The Day Remembering It’s Only Pieces Of A Bigger Picture ❤️
By Thomas Porter
Some Last Thoughts
If you were as touched by these words as I was, please share this on social media. Let’s get the word out. How can men leave prison and become productive members of society when they have to work through mental abuse they had to put up with for years? Did you know that some people leave prison with PTSD?
Let’s share Thomas’s words.
Thank you!
Hi Christine, This was very touching to read.
The Bible talks about showing compassion and love for prisoners. So we as a society and individuals should be treating every person with dignity, respect and charity. I find Thomas Porters words touching about how harsh the life and treatment of prisoners are. It’s sad to also learn some prisoners leave with PTSD. So I hope more people can read and appreciate your blog and Thomas Porter’s writings.
Hi John,
Compassion seems to be missing in many places in this world … It breaks my heart to read how they treat Thomas and how they willfully blind themselves to see the man he is today. It saddens me.
Hopefully, the word will get out. People need to wake up.
Thanks for your comment!
That was really touching.. :/ I can somewhat relate to his words. I have suffered same kind of symptoms myself. I’m “lucky” to live outside the prison so I got help relatively easy. It’s another thing to live through those feeling imprisoned.
I hope all the best for Thomas and I hope you will get the word spread!
Hi Markus,
I hope so too. Take care of yourself!
Thanks for your comment 🙂
It’s incredible that if these prison guards carried out these same actions outside of the prison walls that they would be the ones being sent to prison for abuse. So why is it allowed to happen within the prison walls?
I found Thomas’s comment interesting: “I find it weird that I wake up each day doing the same things but have different emotions.”
Best wishes to all concerned!
I’m continually amazed by the sheer number of people in authority who use their ‘power’ to abuse others who they consider are deserving of punishment in some way. These idiots need to look in the mirror and see that they are often worse than those they are abusing……
I couldn’t agree more, Andrew! It’s unbelievable how many people in authority use their “power” to abuse others, not realizing how much worse they really are than the ones they’re throwing into prisons. I always say, “give a man a uniform and he’ll show you who he is …”
Hi Christine. I can’t imagine living with such restraints and being treated as if I no longer matter. This truly is heartwrenching. I pray more people realize there are injustices in our so called justice system and that even people who make mistakes deserve second and third chances. We need to supply prisons with proper mental health care and skill building classes to help the people build self worth and talent. I will definitely share this with others.
Nina
Hi Nina,
Yes, it’s heartbreaking to read this …
Thank you for sharing this! It means a lot.