 Fr. Joseph Mulligsn, SJ, Prisoner of Conscience |
School of the Americas |
Letter to Friends
February 24, 2004
February 24, 2004
Dear Friends,
I was especially delighted to know that my blind friends in Nicaragua participated in the embassy. And I loved the various personal messages from friend emailed to Joe Folzenlogen and sent on to me.
Yesterday at about 8:30 AM Mike Walli and I heard out names and “Roll it up,” referring to our bedroll, towel and belongings. Suddenly we were being processed out and, within a few hours were on our way to this Harris County Jail, along with Gary Ashbeck and Eric Robison. We thought we might be going to a federal prison, with is still a possibility, perhaps especially for Eric who has 5 more months to do. I suspect the rest of us will stay here, but nothing is ever certain in this game until it happens! In a few days we may have a better idea, so then people could start writing to us here.
After 26 days (for Mike W. and Eric and me) of being cooped up in a until about the size of a small two-story house, with about 32 residents, without ever seeing the earth, the sun, trees (without getting outdoors at all, due to the chilly weather and our skimpy clothing), it was delightful to get out (in the US marshals' van) for a ride. It was cool and rainy; but for us it was sunshine!
I was glad to be able to bring my eyedrops and all my manuscripts with me.
After about 45 minutes on the highway we knew our destination. It was good to have the handcuffs, which were attached to our wrists and to a waist chain, removed, as well as the ankle chains!
The jailers here were courteous, but we had to wait about 5 hours in an intake holding cell. They did serve supper, which looked quite good; I enjoyed some sweet iced tea. It was a good chance to talk among ourselves.
There I could see we were in a high-class joint—on a wall in the cell were: “BILL GAIT” and “BILL GATES”!
Finally we were handed our jail uniforms—pants and shirt in the traditional, unmistakable prison fashion: 2-inch WIDE horizontal stripes! As federal prisoners we are distinguished by sporting orange and white stripes as opposed to the black and white for the state prisoners. The shower shoes here are about the same as in Muscogee County Jail.
Mike Walli and I were brought to one unit, Eric and Gary to another. We can see them through the door windows. The layout of the unit is rather similar to that of Muscogee, except that here the cells are smaller and for fewer inmates. Here I have only one cellmate, and there is one bunk bed. We have a sink, toilet, and small table where I am writing. Now as I write, looking out occasionally at the trees behind a tall fence which features coiled razor wire at the top, I feel so secure here! The cell measures about 14 feet by 8 feet.
My cellmate is a friendly and talkative man about 30 years old. The others also seem friendly and helpful—just doing our time! Last night it was very quiet and once the TV was turned off and the lights dimmed—I slept well. Breakfast at 7 (a much more humane hour than the 4 A.M. breakfast call at Muscogee!) looked good; I enjoyed the juice, milk, and good coffee . At our former residence it was sweetened water, the taste of which indicated that it contained little if any coffee.
During the day it was fairly quiet, so I think I will be able to continue to do a lot of writing here as in Muscogee, as well as reading and prayer. Here we are in a until with guys of all ages—mostly in their twenties. No AARP until here!
Tonight the decibel level is quite high, due to some enthusiastic card players and others clowning around and singing. But I can close the cell door here here, whereas in Muscogee there were no doors on our cells—they were open to the day room.
I will make my annual 8-day retreat soon—or is it a 90-day retreat?
I feel the presence of Christ here with us, and this is strengthened by the support and love and solidarity of so many friends on the outside. Thanks to all of you for your many beautiful letters. If I can't reply to all of you before I leave here (around April 24, we estimate), I will do so after liberation day.
I am especially grateful to my friend and brother in the Lord, Joe Folzenlogen, S.J., for his excellent work in enabling me to keep in touch with all of you, and to Judith Kelly for her generous work of computerizing MUCH of my scribbling. An article of mine is available at www.thewitness.org/agw/muklligan021304.html . Another installment should be appearing shortly.
I hope there will be great participation in the March 20 demonstrations in D.C. and other places against the U.S. occupation of Iraq and also in the School of the Americas Watch activities in D.C. March 27-30.
My love to all,
Joe Mulligan, S.J.
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