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High Price For Integrity
DJ Vodicka blew the whistle on California's Department of Corrections and 'The Green Wall". Not a new , news article, a New Interview
A High Price To pay For Integrity; Interview With Donald J. Vodicka
Blowing the Whistle On California's Department Of Corrections and "The Green Wall"
By Dee
When a prison riot between inmates and guards broke out in a maximum security facility, Salinas Valley State prison in California on Thanksgiving Day in 1998, corrections officer Donald J.Vodicka's life would be changed forever. In an attempt to document evidence of injured inmates, Vodicka was behind the camera that day. What was normal standard procedure would be shunned on by a group of guards, and Vodicka was told by other guards to get rid of the photo's and evidence of injured inmates. To cover-up evidence.
Vodicka was up against a prison guard gang known as "The Green Wall." A gang of guards whose corruption would force Vodicka into becoming a "whistleblower." A gang like any other street or prison inmate gang, with a hand signal that flashed the letter W for "wall" and some bearing tattoos, and other signs that gangs have. Named "The Green Wall" for the color of the uniforms they wore. Vodicka stated that what began as 15 members had grown to over 400, of the 600 guards and officers in Salinas Valley prison. A gang who disregarded prison codes and procedures, and whose corruption was worse than some of the inmates they were paid to guard. Vodicka said they "bullied, and instilled fear and intimidation in the prisoners."
Vodicka's intentions were never to open up a can of worms, and he didn't intend to get any of his friends in trouble, but once that can of worms was opened, Vodicka exposed a corrupt prison system in what he thought was just between the guards, but soon find out the hard way that it was only the beginning. "Higher ups" and officers from Internal Affairs were also involved. Vodicka stated that when he went to the prison union about this matter "They wouldn't talk to me and walked away." He realized at that point the seriousness of the matter.
Vodicka would soon be a marked man, a "snitch," a "whistleblower" and his life would never be the same, ever. He was told that he would "never work for the CDC or live in the state of California again." His life was threatened and he now lives in hiding, living a life different from what he was used to. He wears a bullet proof vest, and has an armed highway patrolman as his body guard when appearing in court or in California on business. He said he used to enjoy sports but that he basically stays home most of the time. He lost his career, financial security, safety, friends, and some family members while maintaining his courage, honesty, ethics, truthfulness, and sense of righteousness. Indeed a high price to pay for integrity.
Vodicka, a former army veteran and correctional officer of 17 years was brought up by his parents to have integrity, ethics, and to always tell the truth. He said his dad told him on his last breath before he lapsed into a coma "me and Mom love you, believe in you, tell the truth" I interviewed D.J. by telephone, and he said he witnessed inmates beatings, punishments, and some who were to be released soon would have weapons planted on them and receive additional time. He said "I was hired to guard and protect these prisoners, not to sentence them to time, that was the job of the courts."
Vodicka worked in 5 different prisons in California, and stated that in his opinion Pelican Bay was the worse of them all. California's prison system is one of the largest in the nation, and known for it's corruption, and overcrowding conditions. While researching this article I came across a video taken at Salina's Valley State prison that can be viewed here.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vUztTog4lyg&feature=related It gives a glimpse of a racially segregated, overcrowded, prison, high in tension.
Because of the exposure to the corruption, Vodicka changed prison reform bills and authored a new Law Enforcement Code of Ethics:
As a law enforcement officer my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to
safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence and disorder; and to respect
the constitutional rights of all people to liberty, equality and justice.
I will keep my public and private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a
manner that does not bring discredit to me or my Department. I will maintain courageous
calm in the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly
mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and
official life. I will be exemplary in obeying the law and the regulations of my department.
I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs,
aspirations, animosities, organizational associations or friendships to influence my
decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I
will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill
will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.
Confidential information received in my official capacity shall remain undisclosed unless
disclosure is necessary in the performance of my duty. I will never engage in acts of
corruption, bribery, insubordination or the obstruction of justice, nor will I condone such
acts by other peace officers. I will immediately report acts of misconduct by staff of my
department and cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives
in the pursuit of justice.
I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and
will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge
and competence.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public
trust to be held so long as I am serving as a law enforcement officer. I will constantly
strive to achieve these objectives and ideals. dedicating myself before all present to my
chosen profession...law enforcement
Donald J. Vodicka
Vodicka currently has a nonfiction book regarding the "Green Wall" and the events that occurred when he "blew the whistle" on the corruption that occurred and is presently seeking a publisher. He also has a website titled The Green Wall
http://www.greenwall2001.com/navigate.html where more information can be obtained, along with photos, videos, and other article links.
Vodicka was interviewed for the video "Torture, America's Brutal Prisons" and can be viewed here, in the later part of the video, although I encourage everyone to watch the complete video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwVQRQuULsk
D.J. is a courageous man who stood up, alone against what he felt was wrong. He understood there would be consequences, and sacrifices. If only there were more men like him, men with integrity, our nation's prison system would be a place that could rehabilitate prisoners. Vodicka stated himself that there are many inmates "who don't belong in prison" and that old sentencing laws need to be changed, like the "Three Strikes Your Out" law, which incarcerates someone for a third crime and basically "throws away the key."
When those who are guarding the prisoners are corrupt themselves, who can we get to "Guard the Guards"?
We welcome comments on this article.
Source:
Interview with Donald J. Vodicka by telephone
Documents provided by Vodicka
The Green Wall website
http://www.greenwall2001.com/navigate.html
You Tube for Torture, America's Brutal prisons
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwVQRQuULsk
Associated content:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/33484/dee.html
Blowing the Whistle On California's Department Of Corrections and "The Green Wall"
By Dee
When a prison riot between inmates and guards broke out in a maximum security facility, Salinas Valley State prison in California on Thanksgiving Day in 1998, corrections officer Donald J.Vodicka's life would be changed forever. In an attempt to document evidence of injured inmates, Vodicka was behind the camera that day. What was normal standard procedure would be shunned on by a group of guards, and Vodicka was told by other guards to get rid of the photo's and evidence of injured inmates. To cover-up evidence.
Vodicka was up against a prison guard gang known as "The Green Wall." A gang of guards whose corruption would force Vodicka into becoming a "whistleblower." A gang like any other street or prison inmate gang, with a hand signal that flashed the letter W for "wall" and some bearing tattoos, and other signs that gangs have. Named "The Green Wall" for the color of the uniforms they wore. Vodicka stated that what began as 15 members had grown to over 400, of the 600 guards and officers in Salinas Valley prison. A gang who disregarded prison codes and procedures, and whose corruption was worse than some of the inmates they were paid to guard. Vodicka said they "bullied, and instilled fear and intimidation in the prisoners."
Vodicka's intentions were never to open up a can of worms, and he didn't intend to get any of his friends in trouble, but once that can of worms was opened, Vodicka exposed a corrupt prison system in what he thought was just between the guards, but soon find out the hard way that it was only the beginning. "Higher ups" and officers from Internal Affairs were also involved. Vodicka stated that when he went to the prison union about this matter "They wouldn't talk to me and walked away." He realized at that point the seriousness of the matter.
Vodicka would soon be a marked man, a "snitch," a "whistleblower" and his life would never be the same, ever. He was told that he would "never work for the CDC or live in the state of California again." His life was threatened and he now lives in hiding, living a life different from what he was used to. He wears a bullet proof vest, and has an armed highway patrolman as his body guard when appearing in court or in California on business. He said he used to enjoy sports but that he basically stays home most of the time. He lost his career, financial security, safety, friends, and some family members while maintaining his courage, honesty, ethics, truthfulness, and sense of righteousness. Indeed a high price to pay for integrity.
Vodicka, a former army veteran and correctional officer of 17 years was brought up by his parents to have integrity, ethics, and to always tell the truth. He said his dad told him on his last breath before he lapsed into a coma "me and Mom love you, believe in you, tell the truth" I interviewed D.J. by telephone, and he said he witnessed inmates beatings, punishments, and some who were to be released soon would have weapons planted on them and receive additional time. He said "I was hired to guard and protect these prisoners, not to sentence them to time, that was the job of the courts."
Vodicka worked in 5 different prisons in California, and stated that in his opinion Pelican Bay was the worse of them all. California's prison system is one of the largest in the nation, and known for it's corruption, and overcrowding conditions. While researching this article I came across a video taken at Salina's Valley State prison that can be viewed here.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vUztTog4lyg&feature=related It gives a glimpse of a racially segregated, overcrowded, prison, high in tension.
Because of the exposure to the corruption, Vodicka changed prison reform bills and authored a new Law Enforcement Code of Ethics:
As a law enforcement officer my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to
safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence and disorder; and to respect
the constitutional rights of all people to liberty, equality and justice.
I will keep my public and private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a
manner that does not bring discredit to me or my Department. I will maintain courageous
calm in the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly
mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and
official life. I will be exemplary in obeying the law and the regulations of my department.
I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs,
aspirations, animosities, organizational associations or friendships to influence my
decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I
will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill
will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.
Confidential information received in my official capacity shall remain undisclosed unless
disclosure is necessary in the performance of my duty. I will never engage in acts of
corruption, bribery, insubordination or the obstruction of justice, nor will I condone such
acts by other peace officers. I will immediately report acts of misconduct by staff of my
department and cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives
in the pursuit of justice.
I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and
will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge
and competence.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public
trust to be held so long as I am serving as a law enforcement officer. I will constantly
strive to achieve these objectives and ideals. dedicating myself before all present to my
chosen profession...law enforcement
Donald J. Vodicka
Vodicka currently has a nonfiction book regarding the "Green Wall" and the events that occurred when he "blew the whistle" on the corruption that occurred and is presently seeking a publisher. He also has a website titled The Green Wall
http://www.greenwall2001.com/navigate.html where more information can be obtained, along with photos, videos, and other article links.
Vodicka was interviewed for the video "Torture, America's Brutal Prisons" and can be viewed here, in the later part of the video, although I encourage everyone to watch the complete video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwVQRQuULsk
D.J. is a courageous man who stood up, alone against what he felt was wrong. He understood there would be consequences, and sacrifices. If only there were more men like him, men with integrity, our nation's prison system would be a place that could rehabilitate prisoners. Vodicka stated himself that there are many inmates "who don't belong in prison" and that old sentencing laws need to be changed, like the "Three Strikes Your Out" law, which incarcerates someone for a third crime and basically "throws away the key."
When those who are guarding the prisoners are corrupt themselves, who can we get to "Guard the Guards"?
We welcome comments on this article.
Source:
Interview with Donald J. Vodicka by telephone
Documents provided by Vodicka
The Green Wall website
http://www.greenwall2001.com/navigate.html
You Tube for Torture, America's Brutal prisons
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwVQRQuULsk
Associated content:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/33484/dee.html
For more information:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/3348...
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Recently Eric K'napp won a habeas corpus over visiting room violations taking place on the B yard at Salinas Valley Prison. He is a paralegal and the son of UNION director Rev. B. Cayenne Bird whose group of mothers has filed scores of lawsuits for wrongful death and medical neglect, Her column at American Chronicle is particularly hardhitting this month, the mothers have had extensive television coverage after a rally outside Judge Henderson's courtroom urging release of the terminally ill and medically incapacitated. UNION besides the lawsuits that K'napp and UNION families filed, there were also numerous complaints filed with the Monterey County Grand Jury which has resulted in an investigation - as far that goes. K'napp was put in the hole ten days ago, which is usually done under the guise "to save his life" - the Judge ruled for the habeas based on the fact that so many prisoners gave her reports of non-compliance and that Sgt. Watson lied when he said the visiting room was up to regulations. Reports are that the guards have no intention with complying with the judges' orders, that the visiting room is still not up to par and that Eric K'napp is in the hole for retaliation. They don't need a real reason out there. At least filing complaints with the Monterey County Grant Jury DID bring them into it. The struggle at that prison continues. Everyone should be on stand by alert in the event that the UNION mothers need support in doing another rally out there. We're short on volunteers right now or we certainly would have already done one. We had to rally in support of Judge Henderson, can't do it all.
Here's the UNION mothers in action
http://www.ktvu.com/video/16441451/index.html
http://www.ktvu.com/video/16443292/?taf=fran
http://ravenas.razorstream.com/eve-service/player.jspx?enc=crK1WQFVmMGo5ecUvKdlbA%3D%3D
This is the last protest at Salinas Valley Prison - about 200 attended that day, it was the first large protest ever successfully held at the prison. It received extensive press coverage by Associated Press, local TV and newspapers. The UNION mothers never have enough volunteers to do all the protesting that is needed or there would be much more.
http://www.1union1.com/Aug27protestphotos.htm
Here's the UNION mothers in action
http://www.ktvu.com/video/16441451/index.html
http://www.ktvu.com/video/16443292/?taf=fran
http://ravenas.razorstream.com/eve-service/player.jspx?enc=crK1WQFVmMGo5ecUvKdlbA%3D%3D
This is the last protest at Salinas Valley Prison - about 200 attended that day, it was the first large protest ever successfully held at the prison. It received extensive press coverage by Associated Press, local TV and newspapers. The UNION mothers never have enough volunteers to do all the protesting that is needed or there would be much more.
http://www.1union1.com/Aug27protestphotos.htm
For more information:
http://www.1union1.com
Retaliation to a paralegal man by guards is criminal. Does the FBI need to be contacted?
Definition of a paralegal : being a person with specialized training who assists an attorney.
Sorry - I just dont believe anything that Cayenne ( hysterical) Bird puts out anymore and neither do most of the legislators- while she gets press & media attention- most see her coming and roll their eyes and turn the other way. Her good works are preceded by her reputation= hysterical, unethical and liar. Where are all these lawsuits? Why hasnt there been press coverage about the NUMEROUS lawsuits filed by this UNION? ask your self why all contributions/donations must be made payable to B Cayenne Bird....I know better than to fall for her stuff- the comment by Stephanie Gooding takes away from the article only to call attention to the foul Bird and her for profit UNION, and maybe her son. SHAME....
I will NOT apologize for the TRUTH...I am sorry that the focus once again has been diverted to that damn union.....
I will NOT apologize for the TRUTH...I am sorry that the focus once again has been diverted to that damn union.....
There has been extensive Press Coverage of the lawsuits filed by the UNION members since 1998. The lawmakers are put into office by law enforcement labor unions and the legislature runs off the proceeds from prisoners and the criminal justice system. That's why it was necessary to go to the federal courts for relief, the state would not and still will not, provide relief. The lawmakers are the ones responsible for the fact that a prisoner dies everyday. There are a few good ones such as Mark Leno who sponsored the UNION rally last Sept 7, 2007
Here are some of the more well known cases of UNION members
The habeas petition on visiting procedure that Eric K'napp and more than 300 members of B yard at Salinas Valley prison, just won can be read on Pacer. I will get the number and post it here later.
--------------
A few other famous UNION cases with extensive media coverage
The Eddie Dillard Booty Bandit case against Corcoran Guards, Attorney Rob Bastian Feel free to call Attorney Rob Bastian in Century City and ask him how many ways the UNION members helped with this case. No other group was present during the hearings.
http://www.1union1.com/dillard.htm
-------------------
Daniel Provencio, the UNION finally got a dead man paroled after 7 international rounds of press coverage, Provencio's mother Nancy Mendoze appeared with Cayenne Bird at the AB 1539 hearing which is in the Senate Archives as well as the California Channel Archives on June 26, 2007. It is clear to all the journalists who covered this and other stories that no other advocate helped with this case or the others. There are three cases in court right now for Daniel Provencio. Google up the name, you will see the details
--------------------
You can see from the KTVU broadcast or going to google.com, enter Nora Weber and Mark Grangetto, that the Mark Grangetto case received extensive press coverage for three years including the Fox News Coverage that appeared May 30 when the UNION mothers were the only ones (as usual) at Judge Henderson's hearings, besides the Prison Law Office who are the attorneys. Many people attended these hearings, that's an ignorant comment to say it didn't happen.
----------------------
Most people know about the lawsuit of Anothony Shumake filed because he was allowed to die at CSP Solano of a tooth infection. Rev. Andre Shumake is a powerful Baptist Minister of great fame, who is still very active in the UNION and spoke at the Sept 7 rally at the Capitol. A lawsuit was filed by a lawyer that Cayenne Bird found for him, as is the case with most of the lawsuits in progress.
http://www.1union1.com/press_conference_10-4-04.html
-----------------------
Here is the Press Conference/Rally and pictures in the wrongful death case of Anothony Brown. There was extensive press coverage on this
http://www.1union1.com/press_conference_11-12-04.html
----------------------
Here is the Press Conference/Rally and pictures in the wrongful death of Ersel Ware. There was extensive press coverage on this case. All the newspapers still have the archives
http://www.1union1.com/press_conference_10-23-04.html
----------------------
This is the Press Conference/Rally and pictures in the wrongful death of Donald Swisher. There was extensive press coverage on this case. All the newspapers still have the archives - use your google search engine
http://www.1union1.com/press_conference.html
-----------------------
The UNION broke this story at a press conference. While it didn't turn into a lawsuit it was extensively covered and brought out the fact that braindead people are incarcerated which advanced the concept of compassionate release, which still isn't happening, considerably
http://www.1union1.com/rister.html
---------------------------
Since the people in desperate trouble go to Cayenne Bird and the UNION mothers for help, they are on the cutting edge of the daily deaths taking place in the prisons, which is why this reform is taking place right now. You can see more details of the battles here
http://www.1union1.com/about_UNION.html
and
http://www.1union1.com/index.htm
Here are some of the more well known cases of UNION members
The habeas petition on visiting procedure that Eric K'napp and more than 300 members of B yard at Salinas Valley prison, just won can be read on Pacer. I will get the number and post it here later.
--------------
A few other famous UNION cases with extensive media coverage
The Eddie Dillard Booty Bandit case against Corcoran Guards, Attorney Rob Bastian Feel free to call Attorney Rob Bastian in Century City and ask him how many ways the UNION members helped with this case. No other group was present during the hearings.
http://www.1union1.com/dillard.htm
-------------------
Daniel Provencio, the UNION finally got a dead man paroled after 7 international rounds of press coverage, Provencio's mother Nancy Mendoze appeared with Cayenne Bird at the AB 1539 hearing which is in the Senate Archives as well as the California Channel Archives on June 26, 2007. It is clear to all the journalists who covered this and other stories that no other advocate helped with this case or the others. There are three cases in court right now for Daniel Provencio. Google up the name, you will see the details
--------------------
You can see from the KTVU broadcast or going to google.com, enter Nora Weber and Mark Grangetto, that the Mark Grangetto case received extensive press coverage for three years including the Fox News Coverage that appeared May 30 when the UNION mothers were the only ones (as usual) at Judge Henderson's hearings, besides the Prison Law Office who are the attorneys. Many people attended these hearings, that's an ignorant comment to say it didn't happen.
----------------------
Most people know about the lawsuit of Anothony Shumake filed because he was allowed to die at CSP Solano of a tooth infection. Rev. Andre Shumake is a powerful Baptist Minister of great fame, who is still very active in the UNION and spoke at the Sept 7 rally at the Capitol. A lawsuit was filed by a lawyer that Cayenne Bird found for him, as is the case with most of the lawsuits in progress.
http://www.1union1.com/press_conference_10-4-04.html
-----------------------
Here is the Press Conference/Rally and pictures in the wrongful death case of Anothony Brown. There was extensive press coverage on this
http://www.1union1.com/press_conference_11-12-04.html
----------------------
Here is the Press Conference/Rally and pictures in the wrongful death of Ersel Ware. There was extensive press coverage on this case. All the newspapers still have the archives
http://www.1union1.com/press_conference_10-23-04.html
----------------------
This is the Press Conference/Rally and pictures in the wrongful death of Donald Swisher. There was extensive press coverage on this case. All the newspapers still have the archives - use your google search engine
http://www.1union1.com/press_conference.html
-----------------------
The UNION broke this story at a press conference. While it didn't turn into a lawsuit it was extensively covered and brought out the fact that braindead people are incarcerated which advanced the concept of compassionate release, which still isn't happening, considerably
http://www.1union1.com/rister.html
---------------------------
Since the people in desperate trouble go to Cayenne Bird and the UNION mothers for help, they are on the cutting edge of the daily deaths taking place in the prisons, which is why this reform is taking place right now. You can see more details of the battles here
http://www.1union1.com/about_UNION.html
and
http://www.1union1.com/index.htm
I will tell you this......People have died in prison do to lack of STANDARD medical care. CDC hired people with NO medical training what so ever, gave them a title (Medical Technician) and these people were the liaison between the prisoner and a certified doctor. Next time you get sick don't go to your doctor just ask your Gardner to have a look. The public, which I am a part of, have read enough, seen enough, and are bleeding from the cost associated with the total dysfunction of California prisons. As for our elected officials.... shame on them for not defending the constitution of the United States of America. The same constitution that lets you spew your hatred in email form!
No one fought harder or suffered more to expose the atrocities and DO SOMETHING ABOUT THEM than Eric K'napp and his mom who loves him Cayenne Bird. Their work benefitted everyone and they backed up Prison Law Office and everybody who was truly sincere in the battle against incredible odds, including CDCr agents all over the internet trying to stop the moms from organizing.
Here are a few of the lawsuits he has in the courts right now. CDCr will not allow paralegals to become attorneys - can't have that...but he's bright. However, there is retaliation against all the jailhouse lawyers and something needs to be done about it. UNION families sued more than 400 prison employees, guards, medical workers, doctors and even people at the top who were callous and stood by and watched people die and did nothing about it. Of course, they are screaming "immunity" which means their callousness that resulted in maiming and murder goes prosecution free. If not for the UNION parents and Eric K'napp and several other jailhouse lawyers suing, there would be zero accountability of those who kill by medical neglect.
K'napp v. Tilton, Case No CV08-0719, US District Court for the Northern District (against Salinas Valley Prison)
Habeas Corpus HC5571 Monterey County Superior Court
Habeas Corpus HC5725 Monterey County Superior Court
(the UNION families filed numerous complaints with the Monterey County Grand Jury which has prompted a full investigation of that prison. The local DA's office has an office on the grounds. Of course the foxes are guarding the henhouse, but what courage it took for everyone to complain.)
K'napp v. Hickman Case No CIV-S-05-02520-PCD-CMK, US District for the Eastern District (Against Mule Creek Prison)
K'napp v. Knowles, Case No 07=16225, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (against CSP Sacramento)
K'napp v. Harrison, Case No. CV 06-7702-JVS (RC) US Court Central District (against CSP Lancaster)
K'napp v. Adams, Case No 1:06-CV01701 US District Court for the Eastern District (against SATF and Pleasant Valley Prisons)
This does not include his habeas petitions for criminal cases and is just a partial listing
This list does not include the wrongful death lawsuits filed by the UNION family members who all know that there is no justice in the courts
Keep in mind that everyone doing this expensive and technical work are unpaid volunteers. The rallies and the lawsuits cost money and the families need support as it is these battles that have brought prison reform to this brink of major change.
It isn't over yet, the UNION cannot have too many volunteers. It takes 6500 people willing to help with the work to be able to actually win initiative campaigns.
The last three strikes petition was filed by a UNION member, Frank Courser, he has been a UNION member for about seven years. Everyone knows that apathy and not registering the poor to vote is all that stands between the punishers being in charge and prison reform. Frank helped Cayenne Bird, along with 60 UNION families achieve the compassionate release of Beverly Diaz through numerous campaigns and a television show that appeared on 100 stations.
Most of the lawmakers were put in by law enforcement labor unions and so it's time to get together and elect our own people to office. The divide-and-conquer agents must be ignored.
Here are a few of the lawsuits he has in the courts right now. CDCr will not allow paralegals to become attorneys - can't have that...but he's bright. However, there is retaliation against all the jailhouse lawyers and something needs to be done about it. UNION families sued more than 400 prison employees, guards, medical workers, doctors and even people at the top who were callous and stood by and watched people die and did nothing about it. Of course, they are screaming "immunity" which means their callousness that resulted in maiming and murder goes prosecution free. If not for the UNION parents and Eric K'napp and several other jailhouse lawyers suing, there would be zero accountability of those who kill by medical neglect.
K'napp v. Tilton, Case No CV08-0719, US District Court for the Northern District (against Salinas Valley Prison)
Habeas Corpus HC5571 Monterey County Superior Court
Habeas Corpus HC5725 Monterey County Superior Court
(the UNION families filed numerous complaints with the Monterey County Grand Jury which has prompted a full investigation of that prison. The local DA's office has an office on the grounds. Of course the foxes are guarding the henhouse, but what courage it took for everyone to complain.)
K'napp v. Hickman Case No CIV-S-05-02520-PCD-CMK, US District for the Eastern District (Against Mule Creek Prison)
K'napp v. Knowles, Case No 07=16225, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (against CSP Sacramento)
K'napp v. Harrison, Case No. CV 06-7702-JVS (RC) US Court Central District (against CSP Lancaster)
K'napp v. Adams, Case No 1:06-CV01701 US District Court for the Eastern District (against SATF and Pleasant Valley Prisons)
This does not include his habeas petitions for criminal cases and is just a partial listing
This list does not include the wrongful death lawsuits filed by the UNION family members who all know that there is no justice in the courts
Keep in mind that everyone doing this expensive and technical work are unpaid volunteers. The rallies and the lawsuits cost money and the families need support as it is these battles that have brought prison reform to this brink of major change.
It isn't over yet, the UNION cannot have too many volunteers. It takes 6500 people willing to help with the work to be able to actually win initiative campaigns.
The last three strikes petition was filed by a UNION member, Frank Courser, he has been a UNION member for about seven years. Everyone knows that apathy and not registering the poor to vote is all that stands between the punishers being in charge and prison reform. Frank helped Cayenne Bird, along with 60 UNION families achieve the compassionate release of Beverly Diaz through numerous campaigns and a television show that appeared on 100 stations.
Most of the lawmakers were put in by law enforcement labor unions and so it's time to get together and elect our own people to office. The divide-and-conquer agents must be ignored.
I believe that with a prisoner dying every day and the lawmakers refusing to release even the sick and dying that if Dr. Cayenne Bird is outraged and making the necessary public outcry, then that is appropriate. Decisions only get made when the public outcry is very, very loud. Otherwise cover up is easy. About 100% of the problems in the prisons are due to the lack of a public outcry by enough people and the UNION parents were always the noisiest and most active.
I do not find Dr. Bird to be arrogant at all. As one of the UNION mothers, I can tell you right now that some of the immaturity and laziness in our movement is what took us all who really fought these battles ten long years of suffering and sacrifice to bring it to this point. The divide-and-conquer agents tried to undermine us all over the internet. They slandered and lied about us. Prison reform took twice as long as it needed to, I don't know how someone as sharp as Dr. Cayenne Bird could stand the huge slice of her life that she donated to people whom the rest of society views as scum of the earth. She didn't have to be here at all, and what she taught leaves us all a choice of whether or not to really register the poor to vote...or just to continue to suffer due to ignorance.
The fact that anyone thinks that the lawmakers are really serious about reform is quite amazing at this point. Why is the heck do you think the Three Judge Panel is about ready to seize the money for medical care "Carol" - do you think the lawmakers work for anybody besides law enforcement? All but a handful voted for AB 900 to expand the prison industry in the middle of the night. The lawmakers aren't going to do any important reform without a tremendous public outcry and scores more of lawsuits.
Nobody except the UNION mothers attended these hearings and wrote to editors to educate the public for TEN YEARS. The people that the UNION caused to be released were only rescued because of extensive press coverage and our standing together as indignant patriots.
If anybody has the background and ability, the respect of the top criminal law journalists in the country, it's Dr. Bird. They were her colleagues before Eric was wrongfully sent to prison and given a ridiculous sentence which denied his son a father, and devastated his entire family, including killing his grandmother and great grandmother. This family has paid dearly for having the courage to stand up and their torment continues at this very moment
Those pretending to be for prison reform worked against us because some of the people we named in the lawsuits pretend to also be prison reformers, but what did they actually do in the entire ten years that had any teeth?. Some of these "agents" did everything they could to stop our lawsuits and literally supported the torture of Eric K'napp trying to stop us from organizing. They are not going to like themselves in the movie being made about this incredible struggle.
When I see a post like that, it is clear to me that "Carol" has no one in prison and works for those who are killing us. A prisoner is dying every day. More than 400 died last year. They are taking diseases out of the prisons into the community, even the guards are getting the diseases.
None of this is a deterrent to crime. The lawmakers know all this, yet they continue to block savings lives. The UNION mothers cannot have too many supporters. It looks like another protest should be done at Salinas Valley. Ever notice how none of the big mouth critical people never do any protests or even show up to important hearings in groups of 500 or more?
Makes me sick.
I do not find Dr. Bird to be arrogant at all. As one of the UNION mothers, I can tell you right now that some of the immaturity and laziness in our movement is what took us all who really fought these battles ten long years of suffering and sacrifice to bring it to this point. The divide-and-conquer agents tried to undermine us all over the internet. They slandered and lied about us. Prison reform took twice as long as it needed to, I don't know how someone as sharp as Dr. Cayenne Bird could stand the huge slice of her life that she donated to people whom the rest of society views as scum of the earth. She didn't have to be here at all, and what she taught leaves us all a choice of whether or not to really register the poor to vote...or just to continue to suffer due to ignorance.
The fact that anyone thinks that the lawmakers are really serious about reform is quite amazing at this point. Why is the heck do you think the Three Judge Panel is about ready to seize the money for medical care "Carol" - do you think the lawmakers work for anybody besides law enforcement? All but a handful voted for AB 900 to expand the prison industry in the middle of the night. The lawmakers aren't going to do any important reform without a tremendous public outcry and scores more of lawsuits.
Nobody except the UNION mothers attended these hearings and wrote to editors to educate the public for TEN YEARS. The people that the UNION caused to be released were only rescued because of extensive press coverage and our standing together as indignant patriots.
If anybody has the background and ability, the respect of the top criminal law journalists in the country, it's Dr. Bird. They were her colleagues before Eric was wrongfully sent to prison and given a ridiculous sentence which denied his son a father, and devastated his entire family, including killing his grandmother and great grandmother. This family has paid dearly for having the courage to stand up and their torment continues at this very moment
Those pretending to be for prison reform worked against us because some of the people we named in the lawsuits pretend to also be prison reformers, but what did they actually do in the entire ten years that had any teeth?. Some of these "agents" did everything they could to stop our lawsuits and literally supported the torture of Eric K'napp trying to stop us from organizing. They are not going to like themselves in the movie being made about this incredible struggle.
When I see a post like that, it is clear to me that "Carol" has no one in prison and works for those who are killing us. A prisoner is dying every day. More than 400 died last year. They are taking diseases out of the prisons into the community, even the guards are getting the diseases.
None of this is a deterrent to crime. The lawmakers know all this, yet they continue to block savings lives. The UNION mothers cannot have too many supporters. It looks like another protest should be done at Salinas Valley. Ever notice how none of the big mouth critical people never do any protests or even show up to important hearings in groups of 500 or more?
Makes me sick.
While the bad people are given millions of dollars by people who want to see them in power for all the evil they can do. Why is that? If we gave Dr. Bird, her paralegal son Eric K'napp and Voidicka and million dollars each, it would be something they all deserve. There is nobody fighting this prison system on a grass roots level that has any money. Even the non profits pay people a salary. Plus the government controls them. Why would a journalist set up anything but a newsletter. How ridiculous to try and destroy organizing that has really made a difference with such stupid remarks Carol.
If I had a million dollars, I would give it to Dr. Bird. Are you kidding to imply that she doesn't need and deserve money? Do you even personally know her? Even Mother Teresa had millions of dollars behind her from the Catholic church. If you had a loved one in prison in California, you'd have a better idea of the truth. As it is, we can only conclude that you are a prison guard.
Our kids in prison are dying. Don't knock those who have the courage and ability to stand up for the prisoners.
Oh brother! ALL these lawsuits - Knapp Vs....all from Cayenne's son! Sorry I know better, you all can talk and defend until your blue in the face....I KNOW BETTER! You all would have everyone believe that the UNION and on the UNION is the soul entity responsible for any reforms in CA- most of us realize this is plain balderdash.....at this point it doesnt matter what you cite, or your facts- the facts are its not only the UNION that champions for those in the CA system and you must stop taking credit for others hard work and devotion to the cause. Can we say BRAINWASHED by the Bird??
Suffice it to say that Diane obviously has no idea who I may or may not have in prison- and this isnt about me- and it isnt about the sham of your so called UNION.
Sorry I dont buy all the bs here- been around much too long and have seen the foul bird in action so to speak...your postings here prove what the rest of us advocates have known for YEARS....its all about Cayenne and her son....
why dont you check out TiPS- Taxpayers for Public Safety- who have many voices in the capitol and active lobbyist....the fastest growing union in the state of CA. TiPS does not take money from their members/inmate families and use that money for living expenses....
enough said....
Sorry I dont buy all the bs here- been around much too long and have seen the foul bird in action so to speak...your postings here prove what the rest of us advocates have known for YEARS....its all about Cayenne and her son....
why dont you check out TiPS- Taxpayers for Public Safety- who have many voices in the capitol and active lobbyist....the fastest growing union in the state of CA. TiPS does not take money from their members/inmate families and use that money for living expenses....
enough said....
Post after post proclaiming the glory and goodness of Cayenne Bird and UNION...
Posts from Sandy, Diane, Michael Westmoreland, and Stephanie Gooding all saying basically the same thing. Why?
*BECAUSE THEY ARE ALL THE SAME PERSON*
They are all aliases and covers for Ms. Bird who, unfortunately, has a substantial and well-known history of fraud, fabrication, threats, spam and more... all of it to promote HER (and her "organization," which is also made up, with all of its money going to... yes, you guessed it, all the money goes to HER.)
Posts from Sandy, Diane, Michael Westmoreland, and Stephanie Gooding all saying basically the same thing. Why?
*BECAUSE THEY ARE ALL THE SAME PERSON*
They are all aliases and covers for Ms. Bird who, unfortunately, has a substantial and well-known history of fraud, fabrication, threats, spam and more... all of it to promote HER (and her "organization," which is also made up, with all of its money going to... yes, you guessed it, all the money goes to HER.)
For more information:
http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthrea...
He's filed one lawsuit in ten years, promoted transferring immigrants out of California away from their families. He kisses the lawmaker's asses instead of really standing up to them. Many people died when he worked for a senator that pretended to help people. All he cares about is parole, yes, we all know this man who takes "dirty" money well.
The UNION mothers can all be seen at these links, Matt Gray has done everything in his power to stop the lawsuits because he is named in some of them. Where is his successes? There are none. He didn't attend one single hearing in San Francisco to help get the federal oversight and worked against that happening too. He cares about parole but even then, in ten years of being in the Capitol you can count every hearing he has attended on one hand.
Prison Talk is run by the prison guards to keep everyone quiet. The internet is full of divide and conquer agents but it doesn't work on the parents of the prisoners who are in the UNION, who have fought the real battles, filed the real lawsuits, and continue to do so for the benefit of all prisoners.
Go to this page to see some of the UNION campaigns and the real people who post at the news sites and stand up to the prison guards everyday. This garbage that the Matt Gray groupies and prison guards used to spread used to work, but it doesn't work anymore.
He takes money for himself and produces no daily newsletter and coordinates very few campaigns, almost no rallies, what does he do with all that dirty money? He is paying himself a salary while the UNION is all unpaid volunteers who pays for campaigns - which he bashes and tries to ruin - out of their own pockets. What list of accomplishments has he ever done? None
He doesn't teach people to register voters or call large rallies, he just wears knee pads and doesn't accomplish anything while pretending to be important.
Here's some UNION mothers being interviewed outside the May 30 hearing to back up Judge Henderson, which Matthew Gray has never done
http://www.1union1.com/about_UNION.htm
http://www.ktvu.com/video/16441451/index.html
http://www.ktvu.com/video/16443292/?taf=fran
http://ravenas.razorstream.com:80/eve-service/player.jspx?enc=hPuLKxC4RWujAz2Q2%2F865A%3D%3D&;
http://ravenas.razorstream.com:80/eve-service/player.jspx?enc=crK1WQFVmMGo5ecUvKdlbA%3D%3D&;
===============
Here's how he treated the UNION parents when he was in a position to help them
and still, he is extremely abusive to those who remember his lies and callousness, yes, we know TIPS well. We know one another well too. It's impossible for guard-friendly people to break up our organizing and try and ruin our lawsuits. Ask the 350 people participating in the legal actions on B yard at Salinas Valley Prison - too many people know the truth for garbage lies to work any longer.
Sending emails to one another is not a campaign and it does nothing to change the laws.
http://www.geocities.com/rightor1/cayenne_bird.html
The UNION mothers can all be seen at these links, Matt Gray has done everything in his power to stop the lawsuits because he is named in some of them. Where is his successes? There are none. He didn't attend one single hearing in San Francisco to help get the federal oversight and worked against that happening too. He cares about parole but even then, in ten years of being in the Capitol you can count every hearing he has attended on one hand.
Prison Talk is run by the prison guards to keep everyone quiet. The internet is full of divide and conquer agents but it doesn't work on the parents of the prisoners who are in the UNION, who have fought the real battles, filed the real lawsuits, and continue to do so for the benefit of all prisoners.
Go to this page to see some of the UNION campaigns and the real people who post at the news sites and stand up to the prison guards everyday. This garbage that the Matt Gray groupies and prison guards used to spread used to work, but it doesn't work anymore.
He takes money for himself and produces no daily newsletter and coordinates very few campaigns, almost no rallies, what does he do with all that dirty money? He is paying himself a salary while the UNION is all unpaid volunteers who pays for campaigns - which he bashes and tries to ruin - out of their own pockets. What list of accomplishments has he ever done? None
He doesn't teach people to register voters or call large rallies, he just wears knee pads and doesn't accomplish anything while pretending to be important.
Here's some UNION mothers being interviewed outside the May 30 hearing to back up Judge Henderson, which Matthew Gray has never done
http://www.1union1.com/about_UNION.htm
http://www.ktvu.com/video/16441451/index.html
http://www.ktvu.com/video/16443292/?taf=fran
http://ravenas.razorstream.com:80/eve-service/player.jspx?enc=hPuLKxC4RWujAz2Q2%2F865A%3D%3D&;
http://ravenas.razorstream.com:80/eve-service/player.jspx?enc=crK1WQFVmMGo5ecUvKdlbA%3D%3D&;
===============
Here's how he treated the UNION parents when he was in a position to help them
and still, he is extremely abusive to those who remember his lies and callousness, yes, we know TIPS well. We know one another well too. It's impossible for guard-friendly people to break up our organizing and try and ruin our lawsuits. Ask the 350 people participating in the legal actions on B yard at Salinas Valley Prison - too many people know the truth for garbage lies to work any longer.
Sending emails to one another is not a campaign and it does nothing to change the laws.
http://www.geocities.com/rightor1/cayenne_bird.html
She and other "agents" like her do everything in their power to destroy our scores of lawsuits. Don't let "her", if it is a her, a nameless "agent" cast any doubt. The press covered our lawsuit filings on many occasions and they are high profile.
What is Carol's name and which prison does she work at? Doesn't she know that after years of going to rallies together, hearings together that the UNION parents know one another very well?
Our big track record is well document in the court files as well as in the newspaper and television archives. We know what's what and who's who. and we know who is always missing in action or messing up by staying stupid things and taking stupid positions against the common good.
What is Carol's name and which prison does she work at? Doesn't she know that after years of going to rallies together, hearings together that the UNION parents know one another very well?
Our big track record is well document in the court files as well as in the newspaper and television archives. We know what's what and who's who. and we know who is always missing in action or messing up by staying stupid things and taking stupid positions against the common good.
Nothing has changed at SVSP. I work there and have witnessed criminal activities abound. The sergeants are no better. I have witnessed the contraband smuggled into the prison by the guards. Yes, I have informed the chain-of-command. However, they don't walk their talk. Let me be clear, these are NOT officers. They are criminals. The guards are worse than the inmates. The worst criminal that you can ever meet is a criminal with a badge! Beware!
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