Update: New blog and hopefully video to be posted by this weekend (1/26 -1/28)
I am about to make a new blog and possibly new video coming up shortly for Tony… But, please, if you aren’t aware of who he is, please watch at least one of his videos or read about what is happening to him… A lot has changed -and not for the better- since I wrote this… Why more people aren’t blowing this situation up I don’t get…. More info coming shortly. PLEASE RESHAPE
There is a young, Black male activist being held on $900,000.00 bond for NO REASON other than those above facts and the police feel threatened by someone who has his intelligence being involved in fighting for Black Lives Matter and equality. Please, please help him out, help his mother out…. I beg you, if you can’t please spread this around this is an absurd amount of money – he’s had no hearing no trail; just being held. PLEASE… Black Lives Matter, Don’t Turn Him Away, Please
“… We are asking for your help and support in this crowdfund to help him with his bond and to retain competent counsel. Funded Justice specializes in Crowdfunding for legal matters. Please donate and share this Crowdfunding. My son has stood on the front lines and helped many people, traveling all over the region assisting in other marches, protests and helping families organize and…
I am going to only post this, and not ruin the good news with depressing facts about America and prisons overall. That’ll be another post. 🙂
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After years of abhorrent conditions and abuses, New York City will shut down the notoriously troubled Rikers Island jail.
“New York City will close the Rikers Island jail facility,” Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Friday. “It will take many years. It will take many tough decisions along the way. But it will happen.”
The details of what will come to replace Rikers Island are still unclear. As the New York Times reported, a commission previously recommended that the jail be broken up into smaller jails located in each of the city’s five boroughs.
De Blasio was previously skeptical
of shutting it down, but it seems like public pressure to do something about the jail — and perhaps a looming reelection campaign this year — pushed him to change his mind.
Rikers Island is notoriously awful
Rikers Island has earned a national reputation for its terrible conditions, with horror stories regularly coming out.
One such story was that of Kalief Browder, who killed himself in 2015, after his release. He spent three years in the facility even though he was never convicted of the robbery he was wrongly accused of at the age of 16. He claimed he spent more than 400 days in solitary confinement, and he attempted suicide at least six times while at the jail. “I didn’t get to go to prom, graduation, nothing,” Browder told New York City’s ABC 7. “I’m never going to get those years back. Never.”
A New York Times article headlined “Rikers: Where Mental Illness Meets Brutality in Jail” detailed several other examples of abuse at the jail. In one case, officers reacted to an inmate’s suicide attempt by beating him:
” After being arrested on a misdemeanor charge following a family dispute last year, Jose Bautista was unable to post $250 bail and ended up in a jail cell on Rikers Island.
A few days later, he tore his underwear, looped it around his neck and tried to hang himself from the cell’s highest bar. Four correction officers rushed in and cut him down. But instead of notifying medical personnel, they handcuffed Mr. Bautista, forced him to lie face down on the cell floor and began punching him with such force, according to New York City investigators, that he suffered a perforated bowel and needed emergency surgery. “
De Blasio and other city officials had worked to try to fix the jail facility. But the pace of change was slow, and the jail could never shake its reputation as a place of historical brutality. Now Rikers Island is closing down, affecting the roughly 9,000 inmates held there on a daily basis. Click here for the full article.
Today in 1965 we lost a legendary man, body and soul, a true revolutionist whom fought for the bettering of humanity and against racist white hate crimes against the Black community without apology-as it should be; as we should all be. I’ve placed the video above for a reason; while countless speeches made by Malcolm X are sadly still true to today and how things are, in this video he poses the question I wonder every single day with growing frustration at my own lack of understanding as to the WHY others, in great numbers, aren’t asking what Malcolm so brilliantly asks, frames and explains in the video I’m about to post and urge you with all I am to watch.
What is happening in America must not be taken before an American court. Just as police should not be taken before their fellow police officers or other law enforcement and/or court/legal systems where they are known personally.
We see where doing both of those things gets us, and common sense should suggest that would happen anyway. So where do we go? As Malcolm X says we should instead take the issue of VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS (not CIVIL but HUMAN RIGHTS) to a system larger; the UN, for example; nothing will ever change. And he has been proven right by time… So what are we waiting for? It is only 9 minutes and some spare seconds of your time: listen to what he says, honor him with at least that much, on the anniversary of his death, I ask you. Listen and think about what he says both for him then but also, look at how perfect that speech is to be given in America today, 2017. Video follows.
While I was preparing to re-post information on Tony Soto, I came across one of the last videos he posted on YouTube and oddly, it’s directed towards anyone who is struggling. He now -for NO REASON– sits behind bars on a $900,000 bond… (For more videos by Tony Soto not included on his YouTube account or for more information, please see below.) I had to repost it and no matter if you aren’t religious, are like me and not religious but spiritual, or simply do not believe in anything; his good heart and character for others shines like he always has as a friend and activist…
And from my older posts… Or you can read it all on one page by clicking here.
“… We are asking for your help and support in this crowdfund to help him with his bond and to retain competent counsel. Funded Justice specializes in Crowdfunding for legal matters. Please donate and share this Crowdfunding. My son has stood on the front lines and helped many people, traveling all over the region assisting in other marches, protests and helping families organize and assert their First Amendment rights to redress their grievenaces and to protest outrageous and unjust actions by law enforcement.
His first son was born in his first son was born in his absence this past Sat June 25, 2016. He has yet to see or hold his newborn and I am suffering with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. For the past two years my son has dilgently marched for civil rights and has tried to make sure people know their rights when pulled over in a vehicle. He has been outspoken and vocal in regards to the blatant police brutality and police corruption sweeping this nation. Now he is being falsely held in a Phila prison. If this had happened to any one of you, Tony would have already been organizing on your behalf immediately. We thank you for your support. God Bless.”- Tony Soto’s mother
The sites I’m linking have the videos of the police stalking, harassment and mistreatment are posted in the above link which I posted a couple of days ago. So below are the links I’ve previously made when he was free, in order. Videos of importance are on all, one of them I believe I made a video but there is a link to his facebook video on there….
Each video shows not only the Philly police disrespecting him, but obviously targeting him, especially if you check out more of his videos (again that is linked in one of the posts too, I believe it’s the first). His previous videos of harassment and fear tactics being used, each link is below.. thank you and please, please help this good man, his mom, those whom care for him and the community needs him, too…
No man in prison -especially in prison and not guilty of any crime other than wanting freedom and equality- should be allowed to be subjected to this type of torture. However, it shouldn’t be surprising that AmeriKKKa has been abusing and testing medical ‘theories’ on those in the Black community for hundreds of years. It’s past time it stopped; with the power and knowledge every one of you reading has, it’s time we use our knowledge and put this kind of shit to rest. Mumia Abu-Jamal is a good man who still speaks out with truth and knowledge; he is an innocent man and because he is relentless in the fight for truth the racist government is trying to silence him. This and all other acts of blatant racism in AmeriKKKa need to be taken to a global scale; Amerikkka needs to be held accountable for their cruelties and the only way we will ever see that day is when the racist system is taken before international courts. JUST AS MALCOLM X SAID!
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Mumia Abu-Jamal has maintained his innocence for 35 years but the state is still trying to kill him, this time by refusing to treat him for Hepatitis C. Show your outrage in the streets on Wednesday, September 7: 11AM – Press conference outside the Philadelphia Health Center at S. Broad & Lombard – because hep c is […]
A photo posted by Miss Makaveli (@lady_makaveli71) on Jun 13, 2016 at 9:35pm PDT
It’s hard to say or admit. It re-enforces the notion that this is up to us now, all those of the original Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army, etc, it’s now on this generation and we gotta make it count because nothing’s getting better… There is so much I could and should say, but I feel speechless as lame as that seems…I’ll find a way to write something more fitting and more honorable for Geronimo Pratt one day I’ll find the right words… For now, all my mind and heart can conjure is a deep sadness for his lost life.
May your soul be blessed, Geronimo Pratt…And may your souls next journey be full of blessings, love and gratitude….As we are thankful for that which you gave us during your time on earth…. Blessed be, dear soul…
Three years ago this world was robbed of a beautiful life, a wonderful soul…his name, Aaron Swartz. It is a very emotional topic for me, I’d like to write more about him and about all the good he has without a doubt done for us, given to us; but right now I can’t find the words.
In the below video from “The Young Turks” we are given information on just how unjust, biased and discriminatory the prison sentences are. Of course with drug offenders, who should not be in prison either, the mandatory minimums are outrageous. But comparing what Aaron Swartz “did” -wanting to help people, understanding that education should be free; and so more- to other offenses that people would think carry more time than he was facing; but don’t.
Note, under 15% of prisoners are in for murder or sexual offenses, 95% of those last offenders will haunt the streets shortly after doing time, if they do in fact do time. The majority being drug offenders who are over 56% of the prison population.The reason I note this is because these laws he goes over make it seem the American government doesn’t have an agenda; but it does.
That can clearly be seen if you look at the numbers and the crimes; if you look at the man I deem a hero, Aaron Swartz; who was facing an outrageous amount of time for doing nothing more than trying to help make this world a better place. I do blame the government for his death; his suicide.
The government was afraid of the intelligence and awareness Aaron had. His gift mixed in with his intelligence and concern for social issues made him someone they feared because they can’t grasp it; they don’t desire to… Their mind and heart are in it for the money; the people are the last thing they care for.
And thus, we lost an amazing, amazing activist & caring, kind and brilliant man 3 years ago….
I don’t understand why there hasn’t been more of an outrage over Jeffrey Sterling… It’s very clear what the governments intentions were, even if you don’t believe such thing exists, it does, sadly… Racism is real, and I say that with no pleasure. If you don’t know his story, please watch this short documentary, and visit the below link for more information…
While I am glad for inmates at Rikers Island as at least some attention was given to them by changing the text in their policies regarding treatment of prisoners by officers, I can’t help but also be angry. First, violence and torture (yes I said torture and I mean it; research it) is tragic and sadly the reality in all prisons; private, federal and state alike. I am just starting on a new project, a larger project regarding the prison industry. However, brutality in prison is a common, racist theme…just as police brutality is. Sickening.
Call me a pessimist,but my faith and trust in the government / prison industry actually enforcingthese “new, change in policies” does not inspire hope in me. Text is easy to type up; it’s easy to teach and it’s just as easy for these guards/officers to pretend to follow. Will they actually follow procedures? These new rules…do they actually matter to them? My outlook is grim and it is a, more likely than not, no.
Even if those at Rikers change for awhile it will only be due to the limited attention of this issue. That is the bigger, overall problem. At Rikers, and all other prisons in America. The majority of prisoners are not in for violence, in fact under 5% are in for murder (overall). Over 55% are in for drugs, non-violent convictions. Even so, these officers should be more humane and
professional towards other living beings.
Normally, I don’t use movies to express my point but the few lines from New Jack City (video below) should make everyone think about the state of racism in America; on money in America and on who the REAL problem is and why we need more
attention on the prison system…and the government period. It may be a movie, but these lines are truth that applies to the real world, the real America. Check the facts if you disagree.
The reason I am going beyond prisoner abuse is because it all trickles down from the top; the money; the government. They do not care what the guards do as long as that money is coming in.
The fact that so many are there for something that is only a crime or as severe of a crime as America’s made it is because of money (which I’ll prove in the project I’m working on). Prisoners are not supposed to be subjected to abuse and death from the ‘authority within’because they are a prisoner and/or have done something illegal (or not). But what are the standards that America’s prison industry holds? Money and filling up cells but in the reverse order. How those people are treated do not matter to them, that is beyond clear. Now let’s ask the question… What should matter?
What SHOULD matter is being an abuser of any form should not be a bonus on a resume, but for prison guards it (and cops) it seems to be a major plus. While I would LOVE to think this is going to spark a change, all I see is false hope. We need a new system, this one is not working. When have they ever fostered change for the better for those who truly need it?
Even in the below article the loop holes for more officers to abuse inmates shines through. Basically they are saying, unless a reason is given and you feel endanger, no more abusing the prisoners! That sounds like an improvement. But just as cops “mistake” wallets, shoes, Pokemon cards (previous case I worked on; Black child of the age 12, murdered by police), and so forth for weapons, I am sure these officers and guards can and will be just as creative as our wonderful law enforcement; thus letting the abuse continue.
I wish I could have written a more positive article; I apologize. But the truth hurts and that’s all I have.
Below is the article, with the original link.
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Following the settlement of a federal lawsuit that alleged a culture of violence among correction officers on Rikers Island, the Department of Correction will unveil a new use of force policy to its employees tomorrow, prohibiting certain maneuvers and encouraging officers to avoid force when possible.
“The revised policy provides our dedicated, hardworking officers with additional guidance and tools for when they are confronted with a situation in which force may be necessary, and we expect that it will support appropriate use of force and our objective to resolve situations without physical force whenever possible,” Commissioner Joseph Ponte said in a statement provided to the Observer.
“The goal of the policy, as always, is safety for staff and inmates, and we thank our officers for their support of the comprehensive reforms under way at the Department.”
The policy is the result of the settlement of the lawsuit Nunez v. City of New York, originally filed on behalf of several inmates by the Legal Aid Society and eventually joined by U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. The settlement called for the department to revise its policies within 60 days of the settlement being approved and laid out many specific requirements that are found in the new policy, which will be circulated to department staff tomorrow. The settlement also required a federal monitor to oversee Rikers, and the monitor, Steve Martin, to sign off on the use of force policy.
The new policy emphasizes the need to respond to situations without physical force whenever necessary. It restricts painfully escorting or restraining inmates without reason, and striking inmates in the groin, neck, kidneys or spinal column. It also prohibits “high-impact” force: blows to the previously mentioned areas as well as the head or face, kicking an inmate, and the use of choke holds, carotid restraint holds or neck restraints.
But there’s an exception to those prohibitions—if the staff member feels he or she, or another person, is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury and lesser means won’t work, the staff can use any means necessary to control the situation.
The new policy also addresses certain aspects of what happens after a use of force—officers involved in a use of force cannot escort the inmate away from the scene nor can they view video footage of the incident before making their first report about it. Inmates will also be able to dictate their statements in addition to writing them. And the new directive emphasizes not provoking inmates through things like profanity or slurs, public humiliation, or instigating inmate-on-inmate violence.
Senior staff has already been briefed on the policy, which will go out department-wide tomorrow and goes into effect November 20. All staff will receive an 8-hour training in the policy within the next year, which meets the requirement set out in Nunez, and staff will get an annual 4-hour refresher course.
The department said the policy was drafted with input from stakeholders, including union officials, but that’s not how Norman Seabrook, the outspoken president of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association, framed it.
“We take serious issue with the implementation of policies and procedures that involve the members of COBA when we have not been consulted or involved in any of the discussions around these guidelines,” Mr. Seabrook said in a statement.
A source close to the union said COBA was considering its legal options regarding the policy. In a letter, dated November 4, to the judge who approved the Nunez settlement, Mr. Seabrook says the settlement has the “potential” to improve Rikers Island for inmates and officers—but that it is not slated to be implemented in a “rational fashion.” He argued to the judge that training should occur before policies go into effect, which is not what will happen with the use of force policy. He wrote that the settlement requires officers to get clear and adequate direction on when to use force.
“Officers will not receive that direction when unanticipated incidents arise,” Mr. Seabrook wrote. “Training will provide guidance for such circumstances.”
Legal Aid attorneys who negotiated the settlement, also known as a consent decree, said they had not seen the new use of force policy—but had been extensively involved in negotiating the detailed description in the settlement of how the use of force policy should be revised.
My Words & Random Videos Exposing TRUE History & Facts, Current News and Info Mainly Relating to Amerikkkan Racism & the Government, Especially Police & the Black Community… RBG…MakaveliTrained
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