Dear Mr. Clarke

I want to thank you for your recent visit to Lunenburg.  You won’t remember me, but I was one of the dozens of nameless men that had the opportunity to meet you during your tour of the compound.  I’m one of the college tutors you saw as you passed through the programs/education building.  There were a fair number of things I wanted to say to you, but I instead just said hello and shook your hand.  Perhaps it was concern that the warden and operations officer wouldn’t appreciate my comments or maybe I just wanted to get a feel for the type of man you are, but I didn’t say some things that should have been said.  Here goes.

You have a tough job.  You are point man on a rusting old barge headed in rough seas toward the rocks.  I believe you are a decent man who sees the possibilities that exist for good in most of the men doing time in here.  But, you must know the current system Virginia has in place, denying imprisoned offenders even a rudimentary opportunity for early release, breeds a sense of hopelessness and distrust in the corrections system that is reflected in this state’s stagnant recidivism rate. 

Contrary to what the politicians tell the voters, abolishing parole has been a colossal failure.  You know it, I know it.  Anyone with an ounce of sense knows it.  Virginia is spending $1 billion a year to house almost 40,000 inmates.  The recidivism rate has actually crept up since 2000.  The vast majority of men and women behind bars are nonviolent offenders.

Prison doesn’t make a person better.  Prison – even at this low custody level – is dangerous, and dirty and not an environment conducive to change.  That some do, in fact, grow from this experience is a testament to their character.  Prison breaks a person; prison destroys.

I am a unique inmate.  I came from a life of privilege.  I was well-paid, well-educated with both college and law degrees.  I broke the law and deserved punishment.  But, sending me to prison will not make me a “good citizen”.  People will tell you I was that before.  Prison for me is a huge waste of taxpayer resources. 

But, I have grown in these three years.  I have met men who did not have the chances in life that I did and have watched them struggle through adult basic education class and earn their GED.  These men, largely forgotten and disparaged by “law abiding” society, well up with tears when they are handed their diplomas.

My friends ask me during visits why I wear my emotions on my sleeve for these men, why I work so hard tutoring in basic ed and the college classes.  It’s simple.  I believe everyone is redeemable, everyone deserves a second chance.

I know your faith is important to you. Mine is as well.  I urge you to meditate on Hebrews 13:3 -“remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them”.  My faith teaches me that no one is beyond redemption, no one who doesn’t deserve forgiveness and mercy.

You can make a difference.  You have the power and the faith to transform Virginia’s correction system.  Be courageous.  Be honest.  Let the Governor know there are better ways to manage corrections.  Push for increased earned good time. Money needs to be directed to education, alcohol and drug treatment and mental health care.  And, let offenders capable of working and contributing to society do so by looking at alternatives to incarceration; and remove the stigma of the “Scarlet F” (felony) from non-violent offender’s records.

You have a unique opportunity.  The men – here at Lunenburg at least – are willing to have faith that you can make a difference, that you’re not like all the other DOC directors and administrators who’ve come down the road selling the false “lockem up” mantra that has led to the dismal results we now see:  40,000 incarcerated, $1 billion spent per year.

You are in my prayers.  Trust your faith.  Make a difference.