The deal

Thursday, June 21, 2012

The deal

The DEAL
 Canteen Catalog Program Policy
 Marteze  Harris 161543
 Waupun Correctional Institution
PO Box 351
 Waupun , WI 53963

When I was released from Administrative confinement in 2009, I was shocked , flabbergasted and outraged to see that we no longer had the privilege of ordering from any vendor.How could they restrict us the privilege, as well as the opportunity to bargain shop for the best bang for the buck , not to forget our families which usually carry the burden of picking up these tabs. So the Wisconsin DOC , with their Canteen Catalog Program Policy, simply gave a monopoly to four select vendors and excluded all others. No matter the excluded vendors prices were more affordable, the quality of their product was hands down better that any of the four chosen vendors and their customer service was above any others four vendors. .

On January 1 ,2008, John Bett, Division of Adult Institutions (DAI) Administrator, officially implemented the Canteen Catalog Program, In essence ending the privilege that we. and our families had enjoyed for decades as part of the WDOC, the right to shop where we choose. So I recently came across a copy of ( someone. let me see it) the vendors bidding contract ( JL Marcus, Access, Walkenhorst’s and Union Supply CO) . In order to win a bid these four catalog companies had to agree to numerous contractual agreements , or their bid would be rejected. I will not even try to state. all the terms of the agreement ( later I will explain why)but I will state the obvious, and that should (hopefully) get prisoners , as well as their families riled up and get people asking some serious questions about the Department of Corrections policies and procedures.

So let’s take Walkenhorst’s for example.. in Walkenhorst’s regular catalog that is for non – prisoners use or their families, they sell a swintec 2410 clear typewriter for 199.97; however in Walkenhorst’s special catalog for prisoners and their families that same swintec typewriter is 239.99. In this same catalog, a brother nylon typewriter ribbon costs 9.99. However, in the regular catalog is costs 7.97 Why, is that you. may ask?

 Well come to find out that in order to win these four companies had to agree to some things like I said before. Check this out… the company charges the base price +fixed price+ 10% commissions+sales tax on all items sold to prisoners- No matter whether the prisoners purchase the items themselves or their families purchase them. And I don't know how all this works and that is why I need everyone to start asking questions, but what I do know, I will share with you. The Base Price is the actual cost of the item being sold, the fixed Markup is what a company does to make a profit. Now so far all this is fine, no problems, this is where it gets scandalous. The 10 % commission goes to the Department of Corrections.

Every month each of these companies cut each prison in the Department of Corrections a check up to 10%. In order for these companies to do business with the prisons they have to give a kickback to the DOC . Straight bribery.. holding these companies hostage. And , I mean how could you expect these companies to say “no” , they make millions a year from these practices. They only have to compete against these other three companies. So then in the bidding negotiations one of the companies asked about the sales tax issue, because sales tax should only be paid to one company and that is JL Marcus , a Wisconsin based company. However, not wanting to give the other three an unfair disadvantage by not being able to collect the precious sales tax $$$$ , the DOC agree to let them all collect sales tax Somebody got the. Better Business Bureau involved somehow.

Like I said before, I don’t know the whole story. Anyway ,the BBB contacted Mr Dan Walkenhorst, presumed owner of Walkenhorst and asked him about the higher prices charged to prisoners and their families . This is what he said in part: “per Wisconsin sale agreement with Walklenhorst we are required to rebate approximately 5%$ of sales to each facility and freight costs were to be factored into the price of the products rather that shown as a separate items, plus other incidental items that were requested to do in order to do business with the WIDOC. It is because of these policies and requests that our prices are higher. So basically, the a state is forcing these companies to defraud Wisconsin prisoners and their families . The catalogs say that shipping is free, now come to find out that shipping really isn’t free, it is factored into the price of the product(s). and again the companies are not innocent either because they agreed to these shady practices and defrauding tactics. So state as well as these four companies are equally responsible Now the reason why I don’t have more in formation and documentation is due to the fact that I wwas not able to make copies of the paperwork I was allowed to see. I read it and wrote down a few things. I could not get the actual letter from Dan Walkenhorst, nor actual price scales used in the bidding war. I do believe that if we work together that all this shadiness and defraudment can be brought to the light and we can force them to change this policy back. These four companies should not have a monopoly on all our canteen catalog orders .

The excessive charges and the monopolizing of our purchases came close to violating the Antitrust Act.The Antitrust Act is designed to protect consumers against practices such as these. So here are a few things we can do to bring all this to the light: 1) Get a BBB report on all these companies. Also , Contact the BBB and make a complaint against these practices. 2) get copies from the regular catalogs these companies offer to free world consumers and special one they use for prisoners , and compare prices. 3) research the Antitrust Act, but beyond that-is this practice legal under Wisconsin law? 4) How does each institution get a kick back every month form these companies and it not be illegal? I have no clue what will come of this inquiry, maybe nothing but we need for them to know what we know what they are doing. If we stick together and bring pressure to bear on Madison and these companies, then something will give. If we do nothing, then we can expect the same ole some ole. The person that has all this information wishes to keep everything to himself. Why, I have no idea, but I believe that every prisoners and his family has the right to know, because it affects all of us. So we should fight together.

heartbreak

Marteze Harris #161543
Waupun Correctional Institution.
Post Office Box 351
Waupun, Wisconsin 53963
Wednesday, July 06, 2011 ,
I have in these past 15 years of incarceration tried to redeem myself not just for my crimes, in which I am incarcerated for, but for the lost to my character. I engaged in some horrible things to land myself here, and I have prayed for God, to truly be a forgiving God. I have also, had to learn to live with, as well as forgive myself. Self-forgiveness and redemption has been a slow, but steadyprocess.
So when my character is challenged "NOW", I take insult to that! I trusted someone, and tried to love and care for that person, even when I knew they were not what I thought they were. Loyalty, honor and respect are all I have in this world that can never be stripped by these prison walls, or environment. And that is what I expect, no demand, from anyone I deal with now. However, some people feel like because I am a prisoner that anything goes, and when they find out that is not the case, then for some stupid reason they feel offended. GO FIGURE!!
There is this hatred, anger and frustration building up in side of me, because betrayal is a bitter pill to swallow. I cared for someone that did not care for me. That is not the betrayal, they pretended to care, to be real, ... honorable and loyal, but how can someone be true to someone else, when they aren't true to themself? When they can't be true to the person they have committed to spend the rest of their life with?
I come from the streets, no real education, 11th grade education, got my HSED in prison, a little college, but besides my street senses, everything else is just A/hat I've learned from just living. I am by no means a dummy. I have always been good at school, but applying it was something else. However, book smarts only goes so far where I come from, you must be able to
incorporate street sense with that. Otherwise you have no chance in this world. Trust, loyalty and respect are key factors in that education. The ones that are closes to you can do the most damage, so always be skeptical of whom you let into your inner circle. I somehow lost focus and let someone get close to me recently that was just like the serpent that tricked Eve, in that garden. ,
I have asked myself HOW?,WHY?, WHAT DID I DO WRONG? These questions and many more have been flowing thru my mind lately. How, could let this happen... Love! 15 years of incarceration makes a man needs, wants and desires override common sense. I knew it was right, I knew that person wasn't, but I did not listen to my instincts, and now I find myself in this predicament!

Why? Because people can't be real and straight up. Yes, I take responsibility for some of it, because I didn't do my part. Again, I let emotions override my common senses, as veil as my street senses. But some people believe that prisoners will settle for anything. They can walk in our world mess it up and then go back to their life like nothing happened. Their morals, values, and character are seriously flawed. No loyalty, no honor, no respect for any thing but themselves. The sad thing is I will be okay. I will vent in this blog, lick my rounds, re-focus and move on, but I feel sorry for their mate. The person that doesn't know what or who they really live with, and have dedicated their lives to. That is the person I truly feel sorry for them, because the things the deceiver said about that person to get what they want is truly mind boggling. Even as their mate suffers from a terminal illness!!
What did I do wrong? Not follow my instincts. Trusted someone that was not worthy. I am a incarcerated man, and I must never lose focus of that again. I must always be true to myself, and be skeptical of anyone that comes into my world. That does not mean that prisoners can't have meaningful friendships relationships while in prison. On the contrary, you can, you just have to trust yourself, and no matter how bad you want someone in your life, no matter how lonely you feel inside these walls; trust your instincts. Make the right decisions for yourself. The first law of nature is self-preservation!..Especially for those of us that still have time to do.
And, to those people with impulsive decisions to write prisoners-take your time to carefully consider whether to write a prisoners please be genuine, and honorable. Be respectful to yourself and truthful to us. We don't expect you to be perfect, nor without flaws or faults; no -just want you to be real, honest and yourself. We don't expect you to dedicate your every making hour to us. We don't expect you to stop living your life, nor give up anything for us. We don't expect anything from you, except what you are milling and able to offer. Friendship is a precious and beautiful thing A/hen both parties involved are straight up with the other person, and communication is there, genuine desire to do right by the other person.
If you are not sure, if you are not milling to offer at least some of the things outlined above please don't write US! Because we are incarcerated men and women, with so much bullshit in our lives already, that we don't need yours. Believe me ours is more than enough for a lifetime.
Prisoners need love, friendship, companionship and communication for the outside world. We are human and that need,want and desire doesn't leave us upon incarceration, on the contrary it gets even stronger. But the person that says to them self they are milling to take that journey with us has to be committed. Even if it's only for a day, week, a month...however, long it is, just be honest. Don't play games with us, and for the most part we won't play games with you. And, I said for the most part on our part because some of us will abuse your kindness, but you have to able to differentiate between "REAL" and "BS". We won't judge all of you by A/hat some do, if you won't?
I am angered by this betrayal, and by what they did after, but there is nothing I can do about it, but blog and vent, and hope that this blog will help someone else, not make the mistakes I did.
Peg Swan, and her organization a big apology! And, I am very sorry for whatever inconvenience my actions may have caused to you, your organization, as well as your pen pal services. And I also, hope that those people who are thinking of joining the pen pal services, please do. Because we need you. No friendship/relationship is perfect, whether you are in prison or not, but you can not let someone elses problems dictate your situation. FFUP, is a excellent organization, they do a lot for prisoners, the prison system, family and friends.
Peg, is a friend of mine and I let her down, and may be oneday she will be
able to trust me again. This will be my last blog for a while on FFUP. I need
to take time out and get refocused on self. I hope to return in the future,
but I have a lot of work to do on me. ,
Excuse the many mistakes in this blog. I usually try to do a rough draft of my blogs, but I didn't do that today. But, I believe I got my point across?
Always, Teze

HI , I'm Back!

Well,
it has been a while since I blogged on my blog site, on FFUP. I did however, blog on another blog site called betweenthebars. Unfortunately, prison officials put pressure on the founders of the site, so, they shut it down. Hopefully, it will be up and running again soon.

Prisoner's voices need to be heard. People in the world need to know that we human, and that NOT ALL PRISONERS ARE HEARTLESS, COLD BLOODED INDIVIDUALS. That is what prison officials want! They want to keep you fearful of us. To keep you stuck in the dark, and not knowing the truth. The truth is, there are a lot of prisoners in here that made terrible mistakes, but are not hardened criminals; and, also, that take full responsibilites for their crimes(I take full responsibilities for my crime.). That is what blogging gives us, a voice! A voice, to be heard and understood, in our own words. It gives YOU the opportunity to quiz us, to get to know us and to judge for yourself if we are worthy of redemption.

So, to all the open-minded people out there reading our blogs, express yourselves, comment on our blogs, and give us the chance to have an open dialog with you. I promise that you will be pleasantly surprised by our knowledge, our intelligence, and our hearts. Believe it or not, some of us are quite remarkable.

Oscar Wilde, said,'Our lives are the sum total of our life experinces1. Sometimes, it feels as if the sum total for my life far exceeds my life experiences. At the tender age of 38, it feels like I've lived two life-times, because my experiences have had a tremendous impact on the man I am today.

My trials and tribulations have been many, but that's cool, because it lets me know that GOD, has not foresaken me. It lets me know that GOD, still finds favor with me, and that I am worthy of HIS, forgiveness and blessings. 'OUR FATE IS FIXED, IT IS OUR DESTINY THAT MUST BE SEIZED.' Even if you can't or won't see past these prison walls to see the man within, then it is you that needs GOD'S, mercy, probably more than myself.

I MUST, speak on what has transpired in this state with the budget and the budget repair bill: First, I will say that I commend the 14 State Senators on their stand against Scott Walker's, version of democracy. Unfortunately, because so many of you decided to boycott the midterm elections and not vote, this is what you get. Now you find yourselves boycotting the state capitol months later. YOUR VOTE MATTERS! EVEN WHEN YOU DON'T LIKE WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE COUNTRY OR STATE. ..VOTE !!

I do not agree with everything President Obama, and the dems have done(This blog was drafted before the blog I wrote on my take on the situation in Libya however, that blog was typed first, early this morning. I have not changed anything previously written in this blog, even though I woke up to the topic on C-SPAN.), but I commend them for doing it. How can you be fiscally responsible when the country is on the verge of a great depression, or at the least a recession.

It is like your house getting flooded and you can fix it now, before the mold starts to set in, or you can wait until the mold sets then fit it. Will you talk about being fiscally responsible then, or do you do what it takes to stop it before it gets worse? Now remember this is your house!! Well, when President Obama, came to office that is what he faced...A housed with mold in it. In order to fix the mold problem he had to spend money. The money that the dems spent was spent to help the american people. When President Obama, said,'It won't be a easy fix, or a fast one, but if we stick together, and if you will stand with me and fight with me, we will get thru this.

Yet, as soon as it got tough so many people turned on him and the people who were actully trying to help. So, because of some of the dems decisions, you've opened the door and allowed a draconian type personality, in the form of Scott Walker, into the state capitol. You reap what you sow . VOTE! VOTE, no matter what! Because if you sit at home next time pouting,then oneday you'll wake up and Scott Walker or Sarah Palin, will be in the White House. Wouldn't that be nice!


I haven't blogged in a while, and I must say it felt good to get my voice out there again. In my next blog I would like to talk about race and racism in America, it is a subject we may speak freely about with our closes confidants and those with like minds. However, it is rarely, if ever spoken about outside that circle. That is all I will say for now...STAY TUNED. I would also, like to talk about what prison life is like, and the toll it takes on the minds, hearts, and souls of those incarcerated. I have a few things going on in the month of April, that will keep me tied up until May. I will try to get a blog out the early part of May, and I would love to hear from you about any of my writings, or any comments, or questions you amy have. Until next time.

And more on March 22

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 7:31 am I have not even typed my first blog, yet, from earily this morning. It is just in the rough draft stages, but I went to breakfast this morning, which is a rarity in itself, because I hardly ever go to breakfast.

Anyway, like is my customs when I get up early in the morning, I watch Washington Journal, on C-Span, and today they were talking about President's Obama, declaration of war on Libya. I have had heated discussions with a few people here about the subject, and I've told them as I will tell you now-sometimes it is good to agree to disagree. Because I am sure not everyone will feel how I do, but that is what's good about our species...OUR INDIVIDUALITY!

I would just like to say a few things over America's role in the attack on Libya. YES, I said an attack on Libya, because that is what it is. I believe that if the country is not a global power, i.e., a nuclear power, or at least an economic power then it is fair game for the bullies of the world. The invaders of the world...America and her allies. What has cause this latest episode (Invasion of Libya), is the rising gas prices in America, and around the world. America and her allies are over thowing middle eastern governments, that are major oil producers, to get puppets in place, so that they can get control of oil fields around the world. They already have oil companies vying for the rights to Libya's oil fields. What America is doing is wrong. President Obama, is saying the U.N. has no choice but to step in and stop a massacre. What about Darfur, North Korea, China...and lets not forget what Russia, did in Georgia, a few years ago. Why is it that in these countries were atrocities are occurring America might speak vociferously, but that is it. WHY IS THAT, CAN ANYONE TELL ME THAT! China, is one of the biggest human rights violators in the world. Yet, in 2008, during the Olympics when everone criticized then President Bush, for not boycotting the Olympics, but how do you boycott someone that you are so beholding to. China, holds more of America's debt than any other country. North Korea, has done what they've wanted for decades, yet I don't see us over there. North Korea, has engaged in nuclear testing, they fired on South Korea, recently, America, was vociferous, but that is all. Russia, invaded Georgia, and the world huffed and puffed then blew theirself away. Russia, told America, and the world to stay out their business. Why, wasn't a no fly zone issued then? Or against China? Or North Korea? Because those counrties are strong enough and capable enough to defend themselves against America's might.

I am by no means condoning the actions Libya's government, but just like in this country before they even had a constitution, they know that they wanted freedom, so they fought for it. Then once they won their freedom, one of the first things they did was establish a constitution. Part of that constitution states..."If you are not happy with the government you have the right to hold election, and/or over throw that government.' paraphased, but you get what I am saying.

If the Libya, people truly want freedom then they should have the right to fight for it. I also, believe that the CIA, are the biggest provocateers in the world. All this mess going on in the world, especially in the middle east stinks of CIA involvment. America, is already fighting two wars, one unnecessarily, bu nevertheless... Now when gas prices are sky-rocketing out of control , we start a war with an small oil producing country, that everyone loves to hate so why not invade and take control of their oil fields?

I am one of President Obama's, biggest supporters. The night he was elected President I cried like a baby. So many people fought and sacrifice to see this dream come true, and so many people died, before they got the chance to see a person of color in the White House. My mama is one of those people, and for those that have read any of my blogs then you know that I am a very big support of his. However, I have never know a modern President whos foreign policies I have liked. Thsi action is wrong on so many levels. Just cause you can doesn't always mean you should.

Has anyone seen that video of the bully in Australia, that was bulling the big kid? Well, if you have, then you see what happened to him...he got slammed on his face. That, is what America, is headed for, a rude awakening. We have to learn how to stay out of people business,especially when our house is so raggedy. . .

I am in no way attacking President Obama, I am however attacking his decision It is my greatest belief that what we have done in Libya, is wrong, but he is the Commander In Chief, and I am just a prisoner. I have no clue if anyone will even read this, or care, but I had to speak my voice.

There are numerous mistakes in this blog, some I just out right missed, and some I just was to tired to go and correct. I am hopeful that my angel, Peg, will correct my many mistakes. I usually do a rough draft of my blogs to cut down on mistakes, however, as soon as I came in for breakfast I just started typing.

Anyway, I would love to hear what you think of this blog, or the situation in Libya. Whether you agree or disagree with me, it's all good. Everyone has an opinion and everyone should be heard.

Before I go, I would like to send a shout out to Ann, you know who you are... there is only one of you. SMILE. Thank you for giving US the opportunity to get to know one another. I look forward to what the future has in store for us. Eor all of the conspiracy theory thinking out there, no Ann, is not my girlfriend. She is someone I met thru FFUP, so get your minds out the gutter SMILE. Okay, I am out of here. I still have to type my blog from last night. I'm going to try and do it before I crash, because I may sleep all day. I feel punch drunk. Until next time.

Marteze Harris

Mr. Marteze Harris #161543

Waupun Corr. Inst.
P.O. Box #351

Waupun, WI 53963-0351

title...
The First Time We Meet
I never knew out of the blue would come you
so beautiful and true
Thr first words you spoke in pen and paper were smooth as the river
more precious that gold and silver
Visualizing your appearance similar to the "sun"
and your eyes sparkling exactly like diamonds
In my mind God for his spectacular creation
at the same moment enjoying this marvelous sensation
Opening the doors to my heart, mind and soul to acception
including conception providing you with the
option to do on me a introspection
wondering are you pleased with my dark skin complexion
During tribulations you would be my inspiration,
during tribulations you would be my meditation
Realizing I'm revealing to you in writing and actions
that I will be your strength whenever you are weak.
The first time we meet.
Teze



I pray you enjoyed the poetry? Yes, it is a nice ice breaker( smile). Well , my name is Marteze and I am 36 (Scorpio). I was born in ST Louis , MO but I was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I've been incarcerated 13 years. I see the parole board in 2011. I stand 6'2", 240 pounds, dark chocolate. I'm not hard on the eyes. (smile)
I enjoy a whole range of interests. I enjoy watching sports but I love playing even more- basketball, softball, football, lifting weights and I'm pretty good at table tennis.
My hobbies are a little more laid back- reading, poetry, music, and just enjoying my own person. I am a avid political junky! I watch c-span, world news., local news...anything political.
My immediate future goal is to enroll in a college correspondence course, to be a paralegal. So any lawyers, paralegals or legal secretaries willing to share their legal expertise with me would be greatly appreciated.
Now a personal note.. I am a simple man who made some bad choices in my life. And I am man enough to accept responsibility for those choices and own those mistakes and consequences that come with them. I am not looking for sympathy from anyone. Just a friend to share my thoughts, dreams, desires and experiences with -someone who won't try to look down on me or judge me for the choices I've made but accept me for the man I am today!
So if you feel like I am someone you would like to know, then please write. All questions are welcome.
Until pen meets paper again,
Respectfully,
Marteze

first essay
For 13 yrs. my very existence has been one of turmoil. No one could ever imagine that one day at the age of 23 they would receive a 60 year prison sentence. This brief story isn't one of self pity, nor public pity, but of sharing a small part of my life, in hopes that someone may learn from my mistakes. I was by no means a saint before Sept. 21, 1995, but before that day, I truly believed that I strove to live a decent life. I worked, went to college, and was a believer of striving towards the will of God, and of the ultimate and unconditional love of my Mama.

September 21, 1995, my beloved Mama passed away from Cancer at the age of 40. No child, parent, or loved one should ever have to watch someone they love die such a horrible death. Especially when you are clueless to the effects it will have on you, but then how do you prepare for death?

My life fell apart! I was such a Mama's boy; Oh, but in the streets, I had a thugs personality, but around my Mama, I was the biggest baby. My Mama was my best friend, and the only person I knew who truly loved me unconditionally. I woke up the day after she passed, so alone and afraid, and not knowing what the future held in store for me.

Can you imagine waking up in a world full of people and knowing that not one person loves you, or would mourn your death? Well I started drinking and using drugs, and 3 months after my Mama passed, I was sentenced to 60 yrs. in prison.

I wont go into all my struggles I've had in these 13 yrs., but it's been rough and trying, and it all adds up to; "I'm still here!" God has brought me from the depths of hell and back. When I no longer believed in Him, He never gave up on me. How blessed am I? For me, the lesson I've learned, was no matter how bad things get, never give up on yourself. God has a plan for us, and God never gives us more than we can handle.


It took prison to save my life, but for you, let it be prayer and your belief in God, or if not that, then the belief that if you hold your head high and stay focused there is a brighter day ahead. It might not seem so at that moment, but I promise you if you trust yourself, and believe in yourself, then it will get better. Prison life is hard, we're treated like property, and less than human. Prisoners are abused, subjected to all kinds of inhumane treatment, and for some, they find solace in medication. For others like myself, we find strength from within.

I have no family or friends, but for those who do, love your family member or friend locked down, they need you in their darkest hours. Yes, we've made mistakes but we're still human beings with the same emotions as anyone else. Please don't give up on us, we need you, your love and support. If anyone has questions, or would just like to respond to my life experiences, please feel free to write....
Respectfully, TEZE

beginning to write again

TUESDAY, MARCH 30,2010
IT HAS BEEN A WHILE SINCE I 'VE HAD THE ENERGY TO,OR DESIRE TO BLOG . I HAVE BEEN IN A WRITING FUNK,HAVING NOTHING TO WRITE ABOUT,AT LEAST BELIEVING THAT . BUT,PEG,HAS STAYED BY ME THRU THIS PERIOD AND AS ALWAYS I MUST SEND HER A SHOUT OUT

THERE IS SO MUCH GOING ON IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW,ALOT OF GOOD THINGS ARE TAKING PLACE, BUT THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA DOESN'T WRITE ABOUT THAT, OR REPORT ABOUT IT ON THE NEWS . IT SEEMS LIKE THE WORST THE IMAGES ARE THE BETTER TO REPORT IT . I WOULD LIKE FOR PEOPLE TO THINK FOR THEMSELVES ! DO NOT LET ANY FEED YOU NEGATIVITY AND BRING YOU DOWN . LIKE THE OLD SAYING GOES "MISERY LOVES COMPANY",THAT IS VERY TRUE . SURROUND YOURSELF AROUND POSITIVE PEOPLE SEE,IT IS EASY TO SIT BACK AND CRITIZE THOSE OUT THERE,AT LEAST TRYING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD,ON THE POSITVE LEVEL . UTILIZE YOUR TIME CONSTRUCTIVELY TO MAKE THE WORLD BETTER AND SAFER FOR YOUR LOVED ONES AND FOR A STRANGERS FAMILY AS WELL

ONE OF THE THINGS I WANT TO TALK ABOUT IS THE PASSAGE OF THE HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION THIS PAST WEEK . FOR THOSE WHO MAY DISAGREE WITH THE BILL,YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS NEEDED . IF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES HAD ANY INTENTIONS OF GOVERNING THEMSELVES THEY WOULD HAVE DONE IT . THEY HAD YEARS TO CLEAN THEIR ACTS UP,"HAVE THEY ? ABSOLUTELY NOT !!" WHY ? WHY,SHOULD THEY WHEN THEY WERE MAKING RECORD PROFITS AND NO ONE FOR ALMOST A 100 YRS. HELD THEM RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS .

WHEN SOMEONE COMES TO YOU IN NEED COULD YOU CONSCIENCOUSLY DENY THEM ? IF SOMEONE’S CHILD WAS HURT COULD YOU REFUSE TO HELP THEM ? IF YOU COULD THEN IMAGINE THAT IT IS SOMEONE YOU LOVE,COULD YOU STILL DO IT ? WELL THAT IS WHAT INSURANCE COMPANIES HAVE BEEN DOING FOR DECADES . NOW WE HAVE A PRESIDENT THAT TOOK THE FIGHT TO THEM AND WON . THIS BILL WON'T AFFECT ME FOR MANY YEARS, OUR HEALTH CARE “SUCKS” NO MATTER WHAT, BUT IT IS PRISON . WE'RE TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE WHOM HAVE PAID PREMIUMS FOR YEARS/TO GET SICK AND FIND OUT THAT THEY HAVE NOTHING COMING ! NOW THAT IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL !!

I PRAY THAT ALL THE PEOPLE WHO NEED HEALTH CARE CAN NOW AFFORD IT . IT IS LONG OVERDUE ! I HAVE BEEN INCARCERATED FOR 15 YRS. AND I HAVE GROWN SO MUCH IN THAT TIME AND IF I HAD NOT, NOW THAT WOULD BE A TRUE CRIME. I HAVE LEARNED TO CARE ABOUT SOMEONE OTHER THAN MYSELF . I HAVE LEARNED TO HAVE LOVE FOR ALL OF GOD'S CHILDREN,BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY TO HAVE LOVE FOR MYSELF .

WHEN I WAS FIRST INCARCERATED I USED TO HATE EVERYONE(INCLUDING MYSELF-MAYBE MOSTLY MYSELF),I BLAMED EVERYONE FOR EVERYTHING THAT WAS WRONG IN MY LIFE...SELF-HATE IS THE WORST KIND OF HATE,ESPECIALLY IF YOU CAN NOT GET CONTROL OF IT...WELL,I PRAY THAT I HAVE MASTERED MY SELF-HATE A LITTLE BIT. MY POINT IS,IS THAT WHEN WE WISH BAD ON SOMEONE ELSE,IT'S BECAUSE THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITHIN US,WHETHER IT IS SPIRITUAL,EMOTIONAL OR MENTAL. WE SHOULD ALWAYS WANT FOR OTHERS WHAT WE WANT FOR OURSELVES,OR LOVED ONES. IT IS THE FOUNDATION OF HUMANITY,ALL OF MANKIND HAS A LOWER HALF AND A HIGHER HALF . OUR LOWER HALF IS THE FLESH AND IT IS EXTREMELY WEAK...THAT IS THE BEAST IN US ALL THAT WE MUST LEARN TO CONTROL,MAYBE EVEN TAME . NOW YOUR HIGHER HALF,IS YOUR SPIRITUAL SELF...YOUR GODLY HALF...WHEN GOD SAIDS THAT MAN IS MADE IN MY IMAGE THAT IS THE IMAGE . THERE IS A WAR WAGING AND RAGING INSIDE OF US ALL,BUT THERE IS THIS CENTER INSIDE OF US,THAT BALANCES THESE BATTLES . THAT IS YOUR CONSCIENCE,IT'S LIKE YOUR LINK TO GOD AND THRU GOD,ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE . NEVER LET YOUR LOWER HALF RULE YOUR BODY, MIND AND HEART ALWAYS THINK POSITIVE,AND YOU WILL BE POSITIVE,EVEN WHEN YOU THINK THAT,"MAN, IT'S TOO HARD ,1 SHOULD JUST GIVE UP...I CAN'T GO NO FURTHER",THAT IS NOT YOU, THAT IS YOUR LOWER HALF,THE HALF THAT SATAN HAS ACCESS TO . ALWAYS KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOVE WATER AND BELIEVE THAT GOD WILL MAKE A WAY .

I KNOW I HAVE BEEN RAMBLING ON AND ON AND THIS BLOG MAY NOT MAKE MUCH SENSE,BUT IT IS FROM MY HEART,PLUS I REALLY JUST NEEDED TO WRITE , I'VE BEEN IN MY FUNK TOO LONG,SO HOPEFULLY THIS BLOG WILL HELP BREAK THE SPELL I WILL SAY THIS: FOR THOSE OF YOU OUT THERE WHO LOOK DOWN ON ALL PRISONERS:DON'T ! THERE ARE SOME GOOD PEOPLE IN HERE AND IF YOU CONTINUE TO BE SCARED OF US,OR CONDEMN US,THEN YOU WILL NEVER GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW US AND THE GREATNESS THAT WILL HAVE INSIDE US . WE ARE HUMAN,WE LOVE,WE CRY,FEEL PAIN,SADNESS AND HAPPINESS . REMEMBER THAT,WHEN YOU SIT AROUND AND TALK ABOUT PRISONERS AGAIN . INSTEAD OF SAYING SOMETHING NEGATIVE SAY SOMETHING POSITIVE WE LIKE,"WE NEED TO BE MORE ACCEPTING SO THAT WHEN THEY GET OUT THEY WILL KNOW THAT THEY HAVE A PLACE IN SOCIETY,AS LONG AS THEY LIVE ACCORDING TO THE LAWS OF THE LAND", THAT THERE ENCOURAGES SOMEONE TO BE BETTER AND TO DO BETTER .

WELL,I HAVE TAKING UP ENOUGH OF YOUR TIME,I PRAY THAT YOU ENJOY THE BLOG IF NOT ALL OF IT,THEN SOME . MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU SELF AND SAFER IN YOUR DARKEST HOUR(S) .
RESPECTFULLY,
Marteze Harris

OBAMA and HEALTH CARE

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14,2009

THERE IS A DEBATE WAGING IN WASHINGTON, AND AROUND THIS COUNTRY CONCERNING HEALTH CARE. I WATCH AS PEOPLE ALL OVER HAVE CRITICIZED,DEMONIZED AND COMPARED PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA TO HITLER.FOR WHAT? FOR KEEPING A CAMPAIGN PROMISE TO MAKE HEALTH CARE AFFORDABLE FOR ALL AMERICANS,YET NO ONE CRIED FOUL AS PRESIDENT BUSH,SPENT US INTO TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN DEBT FOR UNJUST WARS AND TAX BREAKS FOR THE WEALTHIEST AMERICANS.

NOW THERE IS A PRESIDENT IN THE WHITE HOUSE THAT IS TRYING TO EVEN THINGS UP FOR THE POOR AND MIDDLE CLASS,AND SOME PEOPLE CHOOSE TO ENGAGE IN OUTRIGHT LIES, MISINFORMATION,DISINFORMATION AND JUST A WILLINGNESS TO PUT THEIR OWN POLITICAL GAINS,ALLIANCES,RACISM AND PARTISAN TIES AHEAD OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

WHAT POLITICIAN IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD VOTE FOR A DEATH PANEL? IT IS INHUMANE AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL TO ENGAGE IN GENOCIDE. IT MAKES NO SENSE,YET PEOPLE'S HATRED HAS THEM BLINDED BY ANGER. WAKE-UP AND THINK FOR YOURSELVES, STOP LETTING POLITICIANS,THE RUSH LIMBAUGHS OF THE WORLD SPEAK FOR YOU AND THINK FOR YOURSELF .THE'Y USE SCARE TACTICS AND YOU BITE. WHERE WERE ALL THE REPUBLICANS AND RUSH LIMBAUGHS WHEN YOUR HEALTH INSURANCES WAS DOUBLED AND TRIPLED? RIGHT THERE WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANIES EATING GOOD,LIVING GOOD AND HELPING TO FILL THEIR POCKETS WITH YOUR MONEY.AS YOUR LOVE ONES CONTINUE TO DIE,OR AS YOU LOSE YOUR HOME, CAUSE YOU ARE IN FINANCIAL RUIN DUE TO MEDICAL BILLS,ARE YOU "SERIOUS!”'WAKE-UP PEOPLE THINK FOR YOURSELVES.!!

PRESIDENT OBAMA,MAY BE SPENDING MONEY,BUT AT LEAST HE'S SPENDING MONEY SO THAT OUR CHILDREN WILL HAVE A FUTURE.YOU TALK ABOUT DEFICITS,THERE WILL ALWAYS BE DEFICITS.NO ONE SPENDS ACTUAL MONEY ANYMORE, EVERY COUNTRY BORROWS MONEY FROM OTHER COUNTRIES,BUYS ON CREDIT; HALF THE TIME YOU DON'T EVEN SEE YOUR MONEY,YOU JUST GET A BANK STATEMENT WITH A BALANCE ON IT.WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF PRESIDENT OBAMA WOULDN'T HAVE BAILED OUT WALL STREET,OR THE AUTO INDUSTRY AND SIGNED THE STIMULUS PACKET? WHERE WOULD WE BE IN A SECOND AND MORE COSTLY GREAT DEPRESSION!! IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT YOU KNOW IT'S TRUE. LET YOUR ANGER GO,LET YOUR RACISM GO AND/OR YOUR PARTISAN IDEALOGIES GO. IS PRESIDENT OBAMA PERFECT " NO” BUT HE IS HONESTLY TRYING TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR ALL AMERICANS: AND SOME OF YOU WISH DEATH ON HIM,ALL THIS CRAZINESS.

HATRED AND RACISM,HAS NO PLACE IN SOCIETIES ANYMORE,WITH A GLOBAL ECONOMY, INTERRACIAL MARRIAGES AND PEOPLE JUST NOT CARING ABOUT SOMEONES RACE,.THOSE OLD PRACTICES WILL SOON DIE OUT,THEN WHOM WILL YOU HATE7WAKE-UP!!EMBRACE A PRESIDENT THAT ACTUALLY CARES ABOUT YOU,YOUR FAMILY,WHETHER YOUR HAVE A HOME, FOOD ON YOUR TABLE AND AFFORDABLE HEALTH COVERAGE.

WILL THIS HEALTH CARE BILL BE PERFECT,"ABSOLUTELY NOT",BUT IT WILL BE BETTER THAN WHAT WE NOW HAVE AND YOU NEED A PUBLIC OPTION. HOW DO YOU EXPECT INSURANCE COMPANIES TO REGULATE THEIRSELVES WHEN THEY HAVEN'T DID IT IN ALL THIS TIME7AND EVEN WITH THE HEALTH CARE WAGING,INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE STILL ENGAGING IN THEIR SAME OLE PRACTICES..IF THEY WERE GOING TO TRULY REGULATE THEIRSELVES DON'T YOU THINK THEY WOULD HAVE STARTED BY NOW? THEN THEY COULD SAY,SEE WE GET IT,WE FINALLY UNDERSTAND AND WE PROMISE TO BE GOOD BOYS! THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE THE COMMON SENSE TO LIE AND YOU KNOW WHY?CAUSE THEY FEEL THEY DON'T HAVE TO. THEIR CRONIES IN WASHINGTON HAVE TOLD THEM, JUST AS WE DID IN 1993,IT WILL BE THE SAME IN 2009. WAKE –UP PEOPLE! YOU ARE BEING HOOD-WINKED AND BAMBOOZLED AND YOU DON'T EVEN SEE IT,OR YOU JUST DON'T CARE.IF WE ARE TO HAVE A HALF WAY DECENT SOCIETY WE MUST PUT ALL OF THE OLD DIVIDES AWAY.

THEN THEY TRY AND CRITICIZE PRESIDENT OBAMA, SAYING HE'S NOT BEING BIPART­ISAN. NO OTHER PRESIDENT HAS EVER INVITED THAT MANY OPPOSITION LEADERS TO THE WHITE HOUSE TO TALK,FOR THE SUPER-BOWL AND TO COMPROMISE.YET THEY SMILE IN HIS FACE AND THEN GO OUT AND SCANDALIZE HIM.AND AS THEY CRITIQUE THE DEMOCRATS ABOUT THE HEALTH CARE BILL,THEY HAVE YET TO OFFER A HEALTH CARE BILL.THEY TALK A BIG GAME AND THEY DON'T BAG IT UP.THEY HAVE INSTILLED FEAR IN AMERICANS AND I DON'T BLAME THEM,I BLAME THOSE WHO LISTEN TO THIS MADNESS... WAKE-UP PEOPLE!! STOP LETTING BOGUS POLITICIANS THINK FOR YOU,THINK FOR YOURSELVES.

I SAID ALOT ABOUT THIS TOPIC,BECAUSE IT IS SOMETHING THAT I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT. MY MAMA DIED OF CANCER AND SHE DIDN'T HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE AND I HAVE ALWAYS WONDERED IF SHE WOULD HAVE HAD HEALTH INSURANCE WOULD SHE BE ALIVE.THAT HAS HAUNTED ME THESE PAST 14YRS,NOT KNOWING.AND AS I WATCH T.V. AND HEAR ALL THE STORIES OF PEOPLE IN NEED OF HEALTH INSURANCE AND THESE MORONS OUT THERE SAYING "NO" TO HEALTH CARE...ARE YOU SERIOUS? SUPPORT THE PRESIDENT'S CALL TO ACTION AND LET CONGRESS KNOW THAT "YES WE CAN!!...AND WE ARE FIRED AND READY TO GO!!”

WELL,I'VE SAID ALOT ABOUT THIS ISSUE,BUT SERIOUSLY EVERYONE DESERVES LOW PRICED HEALTH INSURANCE,BECAUSE IF THEY DON'T HAVE IT,THEN THOSE THAT DO MAKE WILL END UP PAYING FOR IT ANYWAY. SO, BE SMART AND THINK FOR YOURSELVES.

RESPECTFULLY,

MR.MARTEZE HARRIS #161543 WAUPUN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
POST OFFICE BOX 351 WAUPUN,WISCONSIN 53963

Post Two

Marteze Harris Blog post two
Thursday, August 6, 2009

Well, this is my second post and I still have to get used to bloggin’. But I love having an avenue to express my opinions and ideas. Also. I get the opportunity to share what’s deep inside me. Prison isn’t a place where you share personal and intimate parts of yourself. Everyone wears a mask in the world but in prison, you glue it to your face, for obvious reasons.

Okay, let’s start at the beginning so you’ll have a clear understanding of me.
I was born November 10, 1972 at 1:45 pm in St Louis MO. I am an only child on my mama’s side. Growing up I was like, yeah, I don’t gotta share nothin’. And I definitely was spoiled. We weren’t rich at all. My mama struggled daily but the love was strong. I felt like the richest child.

Now, on my father’s side there’s 4 boys and 4 girls. I’m the youngest- at least I was but my pops was a rollin’ stone: “wherever he laid his hat was his home. “ I haven’t seen my brothers or sisters since my grandmamma passed, when I was about 10 years old.

My pops was/is a sperm donor. I haven’t seen him in so many years I can’t even remember. He could be dead. I have no clue. Anyway, it was just me and my mama and that was cool.

My Mama moved to Milwaukee when I was about 5 years old. Her and my Papa had an argument. He told here he was gonna kidnap me. SO when he left she packed up and moved to Milwaukee. Besides living in Jackson MI for 6 months, I’ve lived in Wisconsin all my life since that move.

IN November of 1994 my mama was diagnosed with lung cancer- a week before my 22nds birthday… helluva birthday present! huh? I went through 4 or 5 stages of grief. It will be 14 years in September 2009 and I still have trouble with the acceptance part.

When my mama passed I was devastated. I hated everyone, everything, especially God. I cussed Gad and hated him . He took the only person in this world who love me.

The day after she passed, I woke up and I felt so empty. You have billions of people in the world and I couldn’’t think of the name of one who honestly loved me. I had never felt such pain of loneliness in my life.

Three months later I was incarcerated and 11 years later here I am . I no longer hate God, myself or anyone else. God has brought me a long way and I still have a ways top go, but here I am and still standin.

That is my life summarized in three pages but there is much more to me. I am really a private person that’s why bloggin is an acquired taste for me because for me, when you blog, ne matter what you blog about you share yourself with other people.

It’s time to share myself , my life and experiences and opinions. Bloggin gives me that outlet to open up..why I have no idea, I guess. I hope that if there is someone out there feeling down or feeling like giving up..don’t ! God never gives you more than you can handle and when you feel like giving up, dig deep into yourself and find that strength that lives in all of us.

I’ve been on my own since 1995 and I still can’t name one person who truly loves me..except one person- me, and I am cool with that. God has continued to bless me all these years. For a reason> So I continue to strive and struggle fro my place in this world. Until next time.

petition to warden

TO: Warden Mike Thurmer From: (HSC-C-104)
RE: Administrative Confinement!


I'm on A.C. (Administrative Confinement), a Non-punitive status; yet I'm being punished as an inmate doing seg. (Segregation) time. On A.C. I get 3 additional privileges; I get state pay, one 10 minute phone call a week instead of 2 a month, and a 2 hour video camera visit instead of one hour. I get no additional property; (photos, books, magazines/catalogs, no programming and no canteen). I get the same property as a level 3 inmate doing seg. time. Still being punished, yet I'm on a Non-punitive status. When North Program was running, level 3 inmates doing seg. time were sent over there and received all their property, visits behind glass, and full canteen privileges.

A.C. at W.C.I, has no guidelines on how one can work their way off of A.C., nor is there any type of level system that one can work their way up to gain privileges; (canteen, property), and eventually work their way off of A.C. upon good behavior. W.C.I.'s HSC Handbooks Mission Statement states: "The W.C.I. Health & Segregation complex, Disciplinary Separation processes are designed to encourage positive adjustment while in segregation & to provide an opportunity for successful return to the Institutions general population. The goal is to provide a controlled increase in privileges & responsibilities in order to promote acceptable behavior". That's barely being done for guys doing seg. time, and it's totally non-existent for guys on A.C.

We are being punished, we are being kept in very cruel & harsh conditions for an unknown amount of time. Mentally & sometimes physically being harmed/ tortured like we're being punished till we submit, till we have no control of our minds anymore. Extended periods of solitary confinement is not good on ones mental health & that holds very true for A.C. inmates. I'm not allowed to do any educational, clinical, legal, or religious courses, programs, or correspon¬dences through the mail because A.C. inmates are not allowed their personal publications: Magazines/catalogs, or books. Programs are non-existent because W.C.I, has no mental health programs. There is a behavioral management unit opening up, but because inmates on A.C. are kept in the seg. building, they are not allowed to go to this controlled unit to take programs and get help for our mental health or behavioral problems.

It should be noted that the unit is being called a behavioral management unit and we are placed on A.C. because of our behavioral problems. I ask the following for A.C. inmates:
1). North Program, a range or unit be opened for A.C. inmates.
2). A level system set in place for A.C. inmates to work their way up, and guide¬lines to go by for A.C. inmates to get off of A.C..
3). All property & canteen be allowed for A.C. inmates per level system. (Example: Level 1, photos, Level 2, Books & photos, Level 3, Magazines, books, & photos, Level 4, Canteen, magazines, books, & photos, Level 5, Longer phone calls, plus Level 4, Level 6, Different set up for visits, plus levels 4 & 5,ect.
4). A.C. inmates be allowed to go to the behavioral management unit.
5). All mentally ill inmates on A.C. be moved out of seg. or put on a new unit due to the very likelihood of a long extended period of time one on A.C. will do in seg.. I believe the top 5 requests for A.C. inmates is fair, and the requests coincide with W.C.I.'s mission statement for segregation.

Marteze talks about parole

TUESDAY,JANUARY 19,2010
MR.MARTEZE HARRIS #161543
WAUPUN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
POST OFFICE BOX 351
WAUPUN, WISCONSIN 53963

HELLO,MY NAME IS MARTEZE,AND I AM 37 YRS. OLD (DOB: NOV. 10,1972-SCORPIO) I SEE THE PAROLE BOARD JAN. 2011,BUT WITHOUT A PAROLE MY RELEASE DATE IS 2036 BUT, WITH GOOD BEHAVIOR AND THE BLESSINGS OF GOD, I WILL BE OUT WAY BEFORE THIS. I HAVE BEEN INCARCERATED FOR 14 YRS. FOR ARMED ROBBERY.

IF YOU LOOK AT MY WEBPAGE AND MY BLOG SITE,YOU WILL SEE THAT I AM VERY OPEN AND HONEST ABOUT WHO I AM,THE PERSON I USED TO BE AND THE PERSON I STRIVE TO BE EVERYDAY. WHY AM I SO HONEST? I HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE AND EVERYTHING IN THE WORLD TO GAIN. IT WOULD BE EASY TO LIE AND TRY TO DECEIVE YOU, BUT WHEN YOU LIE YOU HAVE TO KEEP LYING AND IN THE END YOU END UP LOSING OUT IN THE LONG RUN. ALSO I'VE LEARNED THAT WHEN YOU ARE HONEST WITH MOST PEOPLE THEY WILL RECIPROCATE THE GESTURE.

WHEN I WRITE FOR THE INTERNET WHETHER IT BE FOR MY WEBPAGE,OR BLOG,I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT I WILL WRITE ABOUT. THE INTERNET IS NEW TO ME AND WERE IT NOT FOR THE LOVELY MRS.PEG SWAN,AND HER ORG. I WOULD NOT HAVE A VOICE. SO I AM FOREVER THANKFUL TO HER AND WHEN I WRITE I ALWAYS TRY TO DO HER AS WELL A£ MYSELF JUSTICE.

SO,TODAY I WANT TO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING THAT IS DEAR TO PEG,AS WELL AS MOST PRISONERS. IN ORDER FOR PEG,TO BUILD UP SUPPORT FOR HER ADVOCACY FOR PRISONERS,PRISONERS RIGHTS ,FUNDRAISING,ETC.,ETC. MORE PEOPLE IN THE FREE WORLD HAVE TO STOP FEARING PRISONERS AND SEE US AS HUMANBEINGS. AND MAYBE IF I WRITE AND OTHER PRISONERS WRITE AND YOU GET TO KNOW US THRU OUR WRITINGS, THEN YOU START TO SEE US FOR HUMANBEINGS THAT WE ARE.

PLEASE DON'T GET ME WRONG "YES" YOU HAVE CAREER CRIMINALS IN HERE,AND OTHER FORMS OF PEOPLE THAT SHOULD NEVER BE FREE,BUT BELIEVE IT OR NOT THOSE PRISONERS ARE FEW AND FAR IN BETWEEN. FOR THE MOST PART YOU HAVE ALOT OF PRISONERS FOR WHATEVER REASON GOT CAUGHT UP IN THE SYSTEM,WITH CRIME. YOU CAN LOSE YOUR WAY ONE TIME AND BE IN THE SYSTEM TRAPPED FOR A LONGTIME. MOSTLY BECAUSE THE AVERAGE CITIZEN ISN'T EDUCATED ABOUT THE JUSTICE SYSTEM "EVER" UNTIL SOMEONE THEY KNOW AND LOVE MAKES A MISTAKE OR COMMITS A CRIME. FOR THT MOST PART WE SERVE OUR TIME WITHOUT COMPLAINT,BUT IF YOU AS FREE PEOPLE CONTINUE ALIENATE US, FEAR US, LOOK DOWN ON US AND JUST CONTINUOUSLY CONDEMN US THEN THE RECIDIVISM RATE WON'T DECREASE,THE PRISON POPULATION WON'T DECREASE, CRIME WON'T DECREASE.

PEOPLE HAVE TO START CARING ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE,START BEING MORE FORGIVING FOR OTHERS MISTAKES,JUST LIKE YOU WANT SOMEONE TO BE TOWARDS YOUR MISTAKES. NO BODY IS PERFECT EVERYONE HAS FLAWS,BUT WHEN YOU CAN HELP SOMEONE SEE BEYOND THOSE IMPERFECTIONS INTO THE PERSON THEY CAN BE,THEN CHANGE WILL COME, AND,ABSOLUTELY...YOU CAN NOT HELP EVERYBODY,SOME PEOPLE NO MATTER WHAT,WILL BREAK YOUR HEART,LIE,DECEIVE YOU AND DOWNRIGHT JUST DO WRONG,BUT I GUARANTEE THOSE FEW THAT LET YOU DOWN,YOU WILL HAVE MANY MORE THAT WILL MAKE YOU BURST WITH PRIDE. BUT,IF YOU NEVER TAKE THE CHANCE THEN YOU WILL NEVER REAP THE REWARDS OF THAT HARD LABOR.