"How to Build- Things to Build On" - Written by: Spencer Butler

“How to Build- Things To Build On”

By: Spencer Butler

Amendment XIII (13) passed by Congress on January 31, 1865, Ratified December 6, 1865.

     Section 1

“Neither slavery no involuntary solitude, except as a punishment for crimes where of the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”

               As prisoners we fall under this amendment of the United States Constitution because and only because it benefits the Prison System and the capitalist political and governmental farce that exists in this country.

                There are several other amendments that are not upheld because they might bring about benefits to us prisoners.  A perfect example is Amendment 1:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise there of; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO PEACEFULLY ASSEMBLE and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

                This amendment does not say it pertains only to a certain or specific people, race, religion, or station in life… it says PEOPLE!!!

               As prisoners if we attempt to assemble in any form or fashion we are further locked away in confinement and what few privileges we have are taken away.

                As prisoners if we receive any form of publication, letter, etc. that mentions a peaceful assembly concerning the slavery the constitution places on us it is confiscated and/or denied without the option to appeal. (Petition the court for a redress of greivances.)

   

             Why is it that the government can pick and choose which amendments are to be followed and which ones do not?  It’s because absolute power corrupts absolutely and the government is controlled by money, power, and greed.

  

              The Constitution is changed and manipulated on a daily basis.  Sometimes it is changed for the better because certain needed changes are voted and FOUGHT for, so maybe we as prisoners need to stand up and fight for the changes we want and need rather than waiting for them to change on their own and then complaining when they don’t!

                A house isn’t build because someone needs a place to live!  It’s made by building a foundation first and continuing to build on that foundation, so why don’t we build a foundation of strength, unity, hope and motivation and build a house of change, purpose, integrity and honor?

"This Too Shall Come to Pass" - Written by: Spencer Butler

Until recently I slaved for the Department of Criminal In-Justice Garment Factory, but due to a peaceful work stoppage, I was locked up in the SHU (Secure Housing Unit) and no longer work.

The TDCJ (Texas Department of Criminal Justice (in-Justice), makes no sense if you are of sound mind, but if you agree with slavery it makes perfect sense.

While in the Garment Factory everything from thermals to t-shirts are made and stamped with TCI (Texas Corporate Industries) which means made by inmates, for inmates.

These items, We, as inmates, slaved away making are placed in a Commissary Store and then are sold back to us.  For making these items and millions of dollars annually for the TCI we get no good time, a thank you, or even a discount on the items we make.  This my friend is Capitalism at its finest or slavery.  Whichever you prefer.

As the Slave Drivers used to crack the whip on the back of Slaves when they refused to work are slowed down, the Slave Drivers of today crack the whip of confinement, loss of privileges or a sentence of suffrage against us if we fail to comply with their demands.  Even if these demands violate our Constitutional Rights, We are still expected not to blink an eye but continue to slave away.  Who gives Them the right? No one, that's who!  And just like the racial slavery of the 1800's came to pass, prison slavery will also come to pass.  But only if we resist!