Prison Pete
Monday, December 13, 2004
What Happened to Prison Pete?
[Editor] I apologize to the readers for leaving you in the dark, but maybe the question should be "What happened to the Editor?" Nothing bad, don't worry. Just busy. And maybe a little burned out too. But more about that later.
So where is Pete? As regular readers know, Pete was released from Federal Prison at the end of November 2004. Unfortunately, he was released into the custody of the NY State Police, and he is now in a NY County jail awaiting transfer into the NY State Prison System.
His NY State appeal is pending, and at this point he is still not sure how long he will remain incarcerated. At worst, it could be another 5-7 years before he is a free man.
In the last two weeks, I have received two phone calls and three, 8-10 page, handwritten letters from Pete. He has a lot to say, and he has even replied directly to many of the recent comments on the blog.
He is physically well, but very bored. I don't know if he is in range of a National Public Radio (NPR) station, but since at the moment he has no radio or headphones anyway, it's kind of a moot point.
The prison population, at least in the county jail where he is (temporarily?) being held, is much smaller than that of the Federal Prison in Vest Virginia, so consequently, there is no work program and the inmate recreational activities are limited to watching TV, reading, or writing. As Pete would say, yes, I know, tough life, I am in is prison.
So what happened to the Editor? Between work and home I have a lot going on in my life right now, and I have not had time to type Pete's letters and maintain the blog.
Pete recently told me that one of the "good" things about NY prisons is that he is allowed to keep a typewriter (valued less than $250) in his cell. It is significantly easier and faster for me to scan and post his typed letters than it is for me to type his handwritten letters.
Today I sent Pete a letter telling him that I cannot continue like this. Unless he can send me typed letters or unless I can get typing assistance, the blog will not continue.
I know we all have limited free time, but I have spent a significant amount of my own time on this blog over the past six months for very little personal return to me other than a warm, fuzzy feeling that I am helping a friend in need. I know this sounds selfish, but lately I feel like I am being used, and I have gotten more than a little burned out from it.
I did reassure Pete that regardless of what happens to the blog, I am his friend and I will continue writing to him and I will continue to send him a steady stream of paperback books. But my family and work are suffering, and I need to spend more time on them, and I need to do some things for myself.
Now that I have probably driven away the last few, loyal, blog readers remaining, let me say please keep checking back here! I am going to try to get some of Pete's writing, at least the replies to your comments, posted. I am also hopeful that he will be able to secure a typewriter in the near future.
Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season!
So where is Pete? As regular readers know, Pete was released from Federal Prison at the end of November 2004. Unfortunately, he was released into the custody of the NY State Police, and he is now in a NY County jail awaiting transfer into the NY State Prison System.
His NY State appeal is pending, and at this point he is still not sure how long he will remain incarcerated. At worst, it could be another 5-7 years before he is a free man.
In the last two weeks, I have received two phone calls and three, 8-10 page, handwritten letters from Pete. He has a lot to say, and he has even replied directly to many of the recent comments on the blog.
He is physically well, but very bored. I don't know if he is in range of a National Public Radio (NPR) station, but since at the moment he has no radio or headphones anyway, it's kind of a moot point.
The prison population, at least in the county jail where he is (temporarily?) being held, is much smaller than that of the Federal Prison in Vest Virginia, so consequently, there is no work program and the inmate recreational activities are limited to watching TV, reading, or writing. As Pete would say, yes, I know, tough life, I am in is prison.
So what happened to the Editor? Between work and home I have a lot going on in my life right now, and I have not had time to type Pete's letters and maintain the blog.
Pete recently told me that one of the "good" things about NY prisons is that he is allowed to keep a typewriter (valued less than $250) in his cell. It is significantly easier and faster for me to scan and post his typed letters than it is for me to type his handwritten letters.
Today I sent Pete a letter telling him that I cannot continue like this. Unless he can send me typed letters or unless I can get typing assistance, the blog will not continue.
I know we all have limited free time, but I have spent a significant amount of my own time on this blog over the past six months for very little personal return to me other than a warm, fuzzy feeling that I am helping a friend in need. I know this sounds selfish, but lately I feel like I am being used, and I have gotten more than a little burned out from it.
I did reassure Pete that regardless of what happens to the blog, I am his friend and I will continue writing to him and I will continue to send him a steady stream of paperback books. But my family and work are suffering, and I need to spend more time on them, and I need to do some things for myself.
Now that I have probably driven away the last few, loyal, blog readers remaining, let me say please keep checking back here! I am going to try to get some of Pete's writing, at least the replies to your comments, posted. I am also hopeful that he will be able to secure a typewriter in the near future.
Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season!
Comments:
Don't worry about us. You take care of yourself and your family. I will remain loyal. I would also be glad to help out with typing. I might not be able to do what you have done, but I'm a pretty fast typist and can at least help out some. Let me know what I can do to help.
Scan those typewritten pages in, Editor baby... And send them to us. I see Annabel is happy to help and you've already heard from me... I'm sure among us we can see that Pete's word gets out!!!
You need to take time for yourself, your family and your job. We'll be here checking back now and again to see how Pete is doing. I wish I could offer some help to you as well, instead, I offer my support and prayers for all involved. Thank you for all you've done to bring Pete's message to us. Have a great holiday season.
You sound tired and annoyed. Do you feel like you're being used by Pete and his readers? If so, I apologize for my part in it. Along with Annabel, I will be glad to help out with some typing. It's one thing I excel at. Ha! Let me hear from you if you're interested. Enjoy your holidays and get some rest.
Hey Mr Editor, take it easy ok. You have a life too and if it's taking a toll on you, do cool down and take a break. I am sorry if I keep coming back to read more and I understand you need time for yourself.
Dont worry too much about us ok. You take care of yourself and your family.
Dont worry too much about us ok. You take care of yourself and your family.
Editor, You are amazing. You go way beyond the call of duty. Take a break, enjoy the holidays...as interesting as this blog is. YWhy dont you make a blog for yourself and your family? Do it for you, if you do do that please let us know where it is. You're the one that gets the posts on here, the loyal readers will follow. Not to worry.
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