Everett Gholston, III

age 40, serving 12 years, 7 mos.

charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine

Everett with his wife, Brenda, and son, Everett, IV.

"Since I've been in prison, I've opened my eyes and mind and have really got a look at the outside world and our current government. Since being inside, I've seen the real impact of this war on drugs. I've realized that a lot of guys here are not bad people even though what they did and what I did was against the law and that was to sell drugs to make ends meet. Not to get rich, just to pay life's everyday bills like rent and utilities, car insurance and so on. I haven't met a real kingpin yet.

"I've realized that prisons are a business, factory behind fences, and a human warehouse. There's no real rehabilitation, job training, or schooling, and the little you do learn it will be so long before you get to practice your skills that you kind of lose interest. You know there's a light at the end of the tunnel, but it looks very dim.

"I've realized that drugs should be a medical issue and not a criminal issue and if the government keeps up the pace the black male and family will become extinct. I don't want to make this a race issue, because there are many white men here also, but just a few compared to the whole population in prison.

"Chris, These are some ideas I came up with for the word HOPE that you started me on (during our phone conversation)

Helping to educate the public and politicians that
Our drug laws and mandatory minimum sentences
Punishments are too harsh and also have an adverse
Effect on the family and society as a whole.

and

Hearing the voices
Of the
Prisoners of the Drug War and their families will bring an
End to a war that dismantles the Constitution and destroys families.

Everett Gholston, 02423-112 A-1A
PO Box 7001
Taft CA 93268

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