Tyrone Daniels
Tyrone Daniels #B01240
Box
200 E. Supermax Rd.
Tamms, IL. 62988
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Tyrone Daniels and I'm a prisoner at
`Tamms Supermax' which keeps us confined
at least 23 hr.'s a day to concrete cells…. We're deemed the
`Worst of the Worst' in the
State of
restrictions placed on us, are not just physical contact, but our
communication with the
free societies are also hindered. Most literature we may like to
read are also censored,
with no conformity in rules. What we're told one day is
acceptable, may not be that way
the next day and be met with a retaliatory response. The
inhumanness of this environment
is horrendous!!! Everyday I see men around me deteriorating and
The Many Pleas for help
have fallen on deaf ears.
There should be a public inquiry, if not an outrage, to correct
this evil that we have to
endure at this prison facility know as Tamms. I see suffering,
literally, every second
that I'm awake….
'It's' very distressing to hear a man with cancer, in agonizing
pain, over improper
medication, no medication, and/or lack of medical attention, while
the cancer eats away
at his vital organs. I'm helpless to even comfort him…..
`It's' very distressing to hear a man plead for help everyday,
because everytime he uses
the bathroom, he is bleeding. It would take 2 years, before he is
taken to the hospital,
to have surgery …..
`It's' very distressing to hear a man make an animal—like noise,
just as he has collapsed
in the shower, from insulin shock. I'm screaming at the top of my
lungs, for someone to
help him….But the help is slow to come, with the man coming close
to death…..
'It's' very distressing to hear how some Inmates have already
died, who suffered from
various illnesses, which makes me wonder, if everything possible
was done, to save them???…..
'It's' very distressing, to see brothers with heart problems,
asthma, suffering minor
strokes, because they were given improper medication and/or being
misdiagnosed. This
happens time and time again….
'It's' very distressing to see brothers, breaking down mentally
and displaying signs of psychosis, such as cutting on themselves and playing in
their own urine and feces, which
is even more distressing!!!
Back in 1991, I was falsely accused of a murder that I did not
commit or have anything
to do with. However I was convicted and given a 70 year sentence.
Since then, My Main Objective, has been to prove my innocence and regain my
freedom. But this quest for
`Freedom and Justice" has been an uphill battle. However, I
intend to stay the course, no
matter what or however long it may take, because I'm INNOCENT!!!!
As I reflect back on growing up, on the Southside of Chicago, some
of my fondest
and cherished memories are of my "Maden" Grandma. She
would take me and my siblings to
Church, and sent us to
Power Of God". Yes, I strayed from that course (Rom.3:23) in
my youth, But I have re-found
that course, as a soon to be 33 yr. old man, with a new mind and
spirit. (1 Cor.13:11)
Since being at Tamms, my task has gotten even more difficult to
do. That's why I'm taking
this time, to convey some of my inner-most thoughts. My Hope is,
that you'll choose to
get "Involved", because we (The Men at Tamms),
Desperately need your help and support,
Especially from The Church.
There needs to be some connection with the outside world, so that
when we do come home,
we will be focused on not only rebuilding our lives, but
rebuilding the communities
we're coming back to, instead of destroying them. We may gain a
better understanding
from brothers and sisters who are already doing their part in the
community, by joining
forces with them, in initiating constructive ideas, providing
positive examples, and
receiving support, with All of us in the community joining
together, for the same cause.
Every time you read a report on prisons, it’s always tells about
how high the recidivism
rates are. This is no surprise to me, especially if every prison
is run like Tamms……
We're experiencing "Severe Sensory Deprivation", which
are all 5 basic human needs.
Sight, Sound, Smell, Touch and Taste are being severely
suppressed. When one is being
stripped of all these basic human needs, society must know, justly
or unjustly, that
under these in-humane conditions, when one is placed back in
society, it's equivalent
to placing a time bomb back into the community. We are not
provided with any social,
educational or religious programs to guide our behavior or nurture
our thoughts. I read
in Matt.9:12-13, "For I did not come to call the righteous,
but sinners to repentance."
God is in the business of changing lives, and I ask what better
place to start, then in
Tamms, where it is said we're "The Worst of The
Worst"!
Now let me turn for a moment, to a more intimate level sort of
speak….I've tried my best
since my incarceration, to maintain some resemblance of familiar
ties. It seems to me that
time and distance, has made this nearly impossible to do. I
haven't seen or talked to
anyone in my family in over 5 yrs…….Birthdays and holidays come
and go without a murmur……
Which is the case for most men in here, who like myself, are from
Chicago, and have lost contact, and haven't seen or heard from their family in
many years. Just this thought
alone, eats away at my heart, each and every day!! Although I'm in
contact with my older
sister through letters, she is very limited in helping me fight
this injustice, because
she is consumed with other responsibilities in her life.
Over the years, my knowledge has broadened, in understanding how
the family structure works
and how important it is in ones life, and how incarceration of a family
member can deeply affect it. This is a reality that I really struggle with,
especially being almost powerless,
to do anything about it.
I know I need some help, and that's why it would be truly a
"Blessing", if anyone in the Clergy would like to get
involved(Matt.25:31-46)……Writing letters, staying in contact with
ones family to make sure they're well, coming on Clergy visits, to
help one grow
spiritually, making calls here or other necessary places when
needed, etc…..
In closing, know whatever you're able to do; I'll consider it a
treasure and be very appreciative!! So do whatever God puts on your heart.
Prayers, encouragement, suggestions
or other, will be sincerely welcomed…..Until then, I'll begin each
day with optimism, at
the thought of hearing from you. Take care and God Bless Always.
Respectfully In Struggle,
Tyrone Daniels