On 6/3/95, one day after being served with a Death Warrant, I was served with a Misconduct Report ("Write-up") for "engaging actively in a business or profession," i.e., as a journalist.  

So strongly does the state object to me writing what you are now reading, that they have begun to punish me, while I'm in the most punitive section that the system allows, for daring to speak and write the truth.  

My institutional 'offense'? The book, Live from Death Row .  

It paints an uncomplimentary picture of a prison system that calls itself 'Corrections'; but does little more than 'corrupt' human souls; a system that eats hundreds of millions of dollars a year to torture, main and mutilate tens of thousands of men and women; a system that teaches bitterness and hones hatred.  

Clearly, what the government wants is not just Death - but silence.  

A 'correct' inmate is a silent one.  

One who speaks, writes and exposes this horror for what it is, is given a "misconduct."  

Is that a 'correct' system?  

Is that a system of 'corrections'?  

In this department of State Government, the First Ammendment is a nullity. It doesn't apply.  

No one - not a cop, nor a guard can find a lie in Live from Death Row;   indeed, it is precisely because of its truth that it is a target by the state and its minions - it is a truth that they don't want you to see.  

Consider: Why haven't you seen, heard or read anything like this on TV, radio or newspapers? Newspapers, radio and TV are increasingly the property of either multinational corporations or wealthy individuals, therefore they reflect the perspective of the rich, the established, not the poor, the powerless.  

In Live from Death Row , you hear the voices of the many, the oppressed, the damned and the bombed. I paid a high price to bring it to you, and I will pay more; but I tell you here, I would do it a thousand times , no matter what the cost, because it is right!  Long Live John Africa!  

To quote John Africa  : "When you are committed to doing what is right, the Power of Righteousness will never betray you..." Long Live John Africa!  

It was right   to write Live from Death Row  , and it's right for you to read it, no matter what cop, guard, prisoncrat, politician or media mouthpiece tells you otherwise.  

Everyday of your life you've no doubt heard of "Freedom of the Press", or "Freedom of Speech"; but what can such 'Freedom' mean without the freedom to read  , or to hear  , what you want?  

As you read this, know that I am being 'punished' by the government for writing Live from Death Row, and these very words. Indeed, I've been punished by the government for my writings since I was 15 years of age; but, I've kept right on writing.  

You keep right on reading!  

- Jamal  

© 1995