[I myself have been guilty of not writing to white prisoners, but it is on my list of things to do. I urge whites to think of those who are sitting in jail ON OUR BEHALF. Please, drop them a line. Please keep them in your hearts and minds. They’re suffering ON OUR BEHALF. They’re taking risks ON OUR BEHALF. They’re in pain, because they want us to win. Don’t forget #TeamWhite and #TeamWork – we must do our bit. Everyone. Dive in, and try and remember someone and brighten their day.

This is from Alison Chabloz, who herself is no slouch and has made her own efforts for our race. Please do your bit and assist when you can. Thank you. Jan]

Supportive letters are as good as visits

Monika Schaefer and Simon Sheppard – in their own words…

We learn much about a person from the way he or she expresses themselves in writing and especially so in a personal letter. The impression left by this week’s post from prisoners is again one of disbelief at their liberty having been denied for the act of merely expressing an opinion. Although Simon Sheppard and Monika Schaefer are roughly the same age and both share revisionist convictions, their respective path through life so far is quite unrelated. Simon has an air of the “mad professor” about him whereas Monika is closer to nature. Yet their letters reveal that both are equally unassuming and tender. Without the slightest hint of any off-putting desire to self-publicise, they are concerned citizens, able to rationalise their thoughts with eloquence regards the increasing absurdities of today’s Orwellian dystopia.

Simon Sheppard, jailed on the evidence of one eyewitness (plus ça change), holds no illusions as to the anarcho-tyranny imposed on those who reject the globalist neoliberal agenda. Nevertheless, his style is refreshing, informative and, best of all, his sense of humour remains intact:

Dear Alison.

It was a relief to hear from you as I was beginning to wonder if anything had happened. I don’t know if any letters have gone astray but my last letter to you featured a brief summary of microphone types (which I’m sure you found most entertaining).

Books and much other stuff does not get through because the new designer drug, Spice, can be soaked into paper and got into the prison that way. I’ve seen the state of people on it and it’s not good. I understand it’s also highly addictive. In fact most of the letters I get are photocopies, for this reason. Hopefully the books you sent have been put into my property, to be issued on my release. That’s what is supposed to happen.

Anyway I’m celebrating being two-thirds of the way through my sentence, only a little over six weeks to go now. […]

Interesting what you said about the probation service, I’ve no doubt at all that it’s a total mess. Though my experience is that the privately run organisations are rather more sane than the state-run ones. I met my own probation officer recently and she was most unimpressive. She had the build of a boy and weighed perhaps 8 stone, but believed that women could match men in physical fights. These people really do believe the stuff Hollywood pumps out, no matter how much it defies reality. They believe that the whistle is the power the sets the train in motion.

I’m not sure what it is you recommend I make an official complaint about – please remind me. In any case I’ve found official complaints to be a complete waste of time, which is why I’ve taken to suing them whenever I can. That makes them sit up and take notice. They’ve become so arrogant they just brush off complaints.

I’m sorry to hear that you’re skint – what have you done with all the money your fame has brought? (Just joking!) I’ve managed to get some books from the library at last so there’s not much point in sending anything, just some letters will keep me happy. Supportive letters are as good as visits, and I’m also eager for news of anything that’s been going on in our circle.

So, I’ll see about visiting you […] when I’m out. For now, my favourite programme is on in a few minutes – The Avengers, circa 1968!

Simon.

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Monika opens by confirming the importance of receiving letters:

Dearest Alison,

I was so happy to receive your warm and loving letter – thank you!
And the lead sheets too 🙂 ?

[…] As you have seen the “verdict date” came and went. It clearly was not over. And now there are a few more dates. It gets more and more interesting by the day. I am looking forward to the continuation this Friday. For one thing I get to see my brother and that is always good. He retains his great sense of humour throughout, and his spirit is infections.

I finally figured out why I am feeling somewhat disoriented apropos the season and what month it is and that kind of thing. It’s because I’m not participating (physically) in the usual seasonal activities. Growing food comes to mind. I would be in full-on harvest mode now, pickling my beets and things like that. Next year my garden will be twice as big!

I’ve been continuing to play my violin and I am feeling very blessed. I am still floating a few inches off the ground from last Sunday’s experience. A violinist (a total pro) came in from the outside to play for us at church – such things only happen rarely. The priest who happened to be here that day – also not the usual one but often enough that he had seen me play – asked at the beginning of the service: would Frau Schaefer be willing to play a duet with the Professor? My smile went ear to ear. The best part of all was that my “prison family” erupted in applause when I agreed to play! We hadn’t even played a note yet, they were just so happy for and with me. Wow. I’m feeling a lot of love around here. Anyway we played a duet at the beginning and at the end of the service, and the Professor graced us with the most beautiful Bach-unaccompanied during the service, three different movements out of various Sonatas and Partitas.

Prison life carries on. We knit and crochet and make little gifts for each other. We make the best of it. I, for one, do not feel that it is wasted time. I know that there will be life-after-prison and I can barely imagine the intensities of sensations of a walk through the forest for example, and the enjoyment of unmonitored and non-rushed communications.

Well, my dear Alison, I hope this letter finds you well and healthy and in good spirits. All the best to you.

With much love,

Monika.

N.B. Certain parts of the above letters have been edited in order to avoid unnecessary personal and other information falling into the wrong hands, in particular concerning my own trial. Dates for my Appeal will be announced shortly.

Kind regards,
Alison Chabloz