'Tis the season

Doug Coupland said, "Christmas makes everything twice as sad."

Each year at this time I hope for only warm and fuzzy stories to come to us from the prisoners.

Well, once again this year, it's not happening.

From one unit, 25 guys willing to put their names on the line in hopes of turning in a guard who is coming to work with alcohol on his breath, and whose behavior seems to indicate that he is working while under the influence. 25 men who are willing to risk retaliation and all sorts of unpleasantness just because they believe they deserve a sane and sober individual on duty in their facility. And yet, the complaint is rejected and retaliation begins almost immediately. I tread carefully, because I don't want to hurt these guys with any more crap than they are already experiencing. I must do something. In desperation, they've turned to us.

From one unit comes a request from prioners. Steve cannot get appropriate care for his cancer, Stage 4. They tell him it's incurable anyway.

It's the weekend. It's the holiday season. It's going to be difficult getting anyone's attention, let alone getting action.

In desperation, they've turned to us.

And that's why we're here.

Even at Christmas time.

Especially at Christmas time.

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