June 28, 2001
Letter from John to
Friends and Family
Dear Friends and Relatives:
A week ago I received a
letter informing me that I am to report to Ashland Kentucky (federal
minimum security prison) on July 17 to begin my six month sentence. I
made a dozen phone calls to see if I could delay reporting until August
1, so I could come closer to the finish of building a Habitat for
Humanity house that I am a crew leader on. No luck.
We're scrambling to get the
personal and Habitat stuff in order. Paula and I are definitely ok with
this and are planning our "new relationship". It will be a challenge
but doable, we both feel.
I called the prison
yesterday to find what the rules and regs are. The polite response was:
"we'll let you know all you need to know when you get here and process
you." I did find out that I can bring money, my wedding ring and
my glasses. Everything else will be boxed up and sent back home.
I have been overwhelmed and
very grateful for all of the expressions of support and love that we
have received. Thank you all.
Paula will send you my
prison address in case you want to be in touch. I plan on writing as
well and Paula will send information out periodically.
Dayton Pledge of Resistance
(POR) is the local organization supporting the national School of
Americas Watch which is coordinating the effort to close the School of
Americas (now known as the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security
Cooperation). Bill Houston and Hazel Tulecke
from Yellow Springs, which is just outside of Dayton, are husband and
wife and are also reporting on July 17. Bill also goes to Ashland and
Hazel goes to Pekin, Illinois along with eight other women in the SOA
26 group. I invite you to visit SOA Watch at www.SOAW.org which has excellent information on the SOA.
I urge you to study the
issue and make your opinions known to your senators and representative.
Each of us can make a difference. Together we can close this
abomination.
In peace, love and solidarity,
John
