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Essay: "Music"by David Snyder Music is one of the few escapes, peace, and pleasures prisoners have. Not surprisingly, it is one “correction” being taken away due to “security.” DOCS is on this everything will eventually “CLEAR.” What does this mean? Cassettes must be clear and no screws and CDs are absolutely disallowed. There are several problems to a prisoner:
So, prisoners are now severely limited on purchase availability nor can a certain price value be passed. You can buy a separate, attachable antenna. What! I have to spend extra to have an antenna removed and then buy an antenna? Excuse my language but that’s bullshit! Not only that, but DOCS is supporting a sort of monopoly by allowing only certain vendors to sell to prisoners. Oh, it gets better. Less and less “allowed” products supposedly by vendors geared to DOCS are available, and the prices are m ore expensive! It boils down to this, bottom line: A prisoner who listens to the news and current events is a “bad” thing. DOCS support only particular vendors. One of our escapes and peace is dying. Again, it’s bullshit! I’ve come to really enjoy Waylon Jennings, Gunfighter Ballads and trail songs, and of course, the Man in Black…the great Johnny Cash. This legend is the only musician who truly knew and understood us. Just listen to many of his songs. He gave free concerts to prisoners. Some were a hell hole like San Quentin. If you can listen to his live at Folsom Prison and San Quentin uncut; also listen to his song the Man in Black. When we lost him we lost a great voice and advocate. DOCS doesn’t want society to know the truth. Music “soothes the savage beast” but it also tells a story; a story DOCS doesn’t want to be told. I pray the music doesn’t die as Don McLean said. |