Don't Hold Your Breath

Well, folks, as it turns out, our main man Chris was never moved last week. It's been frustrating: the prison told him over 2 weeks ago to expect to be moved "any day now." So, he's been thinking he's going to be moved, and he's been telling his parents and advocates he's going to be moved, and I've been telling you he's going to be moved, BUT in fact... no dice. So, we have come to realize quite clearly that we simply cannot trust what the Irwin County Detention Center staff says because frankly they just don't keep their word. When someone or an organization doesn't keep their word, it becomes impossible to deal with them. You never know what to expect, you are left in the dark, unsure of what move to make next. I don't think this is a coincidence.

What's even worse though is that no one knows where Chris will be going either. No when, and not where. And not Chris, his parents, or even his legal advocate. Basically the prison will decide to transfer him out of the holding facility to a federal prison at some point. That's all we know. He could end up staying in Georgia where he actually practiced civil disobedience, or in Illinois where he lived right before the civil disobedience, or in Washington State where his last official residence is. Or maybe even somewhere else if none of those locations have room. It's frightening really: at some point Chris will be transferred and NO ONE in his family or support network will know where he is. They will simply have to wait who knows how long before they find out.

So, again, I just have to raise the question: is this really fair? Is it ethical? Why isn't the federal prison system -- private or not -- required by law to notify the prisoner and his family before he is moved? Is this just another aspect of human dignity we strip away from prisoners when they commit a crime, that is, the right to even be told where they are being taken?

You tell me because I don't know. What I do know is that Chris is still in Irwin County so please continue to write him there. When he is moved I'll be sure to let you know, but until then, don't hold your breath.