Comments on: Gang Banger and Lifer Show Model for Reform http://prisonnewsblog.com/gang-banger-and-lifer-show-model-for-reform/ Prison News and Commentary Sat, 21 Mar 2009 19:07:56 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.38 By: Danielle Rios http://prisonnewsblog.com/gang-banger-and-lifer-show-model-for-reform/#comment-83 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:20:31 +0000 http://70.87.13.10/~prison/2009/02/gang-banger-and-lifer-show-model-for-reform/#comment-83 Mr.Santos,
I am currently taking Professor Torres class at Cal State Long Beach, and i would like to thank you for giving me an insight on what life is like in prison. In your article “Gang Banger and Lifer Show Model for Reform” you have indicated that after four years of imprisonment Tommy X was responsible for leading Walter Jones into a more responsible life in prison and once he gets out of prison. My question to you is in prison did you encounter anyone who you looked up to as a mentor? Is there anyone who you have mentored?In this article you also mentioned that once Walt Jones gets out of prison he is planning to continue to send a message for positive change; once you get out to do intend to do anything similar to what he is going to do? I really enjoy reading your articles and also your Book, I hope you continue writing. Thank you again.
Danielle

]]> By: Carole Santos http://prisonnewsblog.com/gang-banger-and-lifer-show-model-for-reform/#comment-62 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:54:00 +0000 http://70.87.13.10/~prison/2009/02/gang-banger-and-lifer-show-model-for-reform/#comment-62 Hi Brittny,

Michael responded to your questions here:

http://prisonnewsblog.com/2009/02/prison-policies-ought-to-encourage-positive-leadership/

Thanks for writing!

Best wishes,
Carole

]]> By: Carole Santos http://prisonnewsblog.com/gang-banger-and-lifer-show-model-for-reform/#comment-61 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:35:07 +0000 http://70.87.13.10/~prison/2009/02/gang-banger-and-lifer-show-model-for-reform/#comment-61 Hi Brittny,
Thanks for visiting our site. I’ve mailed your comments/questions to Michael and he’ll respond back. I’ll post his reply as soon as I have it.
Best,
Carole Santos

]]> By: Brittny http://prisonnewsblog.com/gang-banger-and-lifer-show-model-for-reform/#comment-60 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:29:56 +0000 http://70.87.13.10/~prison/2009/02/gang-banger-and-lifer-show-model-for-reform/#comment-60 Feb 12, 2009
Mr. Santos:
In your article entitled “Gang Banger and Lifter Show Model For Reform,” you mention that Mr. Walt Jones had an entire life filled with drugs, gangs, and being in prison. You also mention that with help from at least one mentor can drastically change the lives of some individuals. My questions to you are, how has jail and leaders in jail such as ‘Tommy X’ influenced other people who are similar in ways to Walt Jones? Do you think Walt Jones will continue his old ways when he is released from prison or do you think he is confident enough to continue life on the good road? How has jail affected/changed you? I enjoyed reading your article on Walt and has give me some insight as well as hope of criminals turning around to become a better person. Morals and values in society have diminished greatly but as for yourself and Walt, there remains hope. Thank you for taking the time in helping other such as myself and other students who read your work. It makes me feel better that someone like you has taken time to devote yourself to individuals who need your help.
-Brittny.

]]> By: Carole Santos http://prisonnewsblog.com/gang-banger-and-lifer-show-model-for-reform/#comment-59 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:37:11 +0000 http://70.87.13.10/~prison/2009/02/gang-banger-and-lifer-show-model-for-reform/#comment-59 Hi Kara,
We’re glad you found our site and that it helped to ease your mind and heart about your brother. Family connections play an essential role in making a positive adjustment to prison, and in a prisoner’s ability to serve the time productively.
Michael has been blessed with a loving and supportive family throughout his 21+ years in prison. His sister, Julie, has been a constant and continuous presence in Michael’s life, and she continually reaffirms her love and support for him by sharing her life and keeping him integrated into her family’s life.
A broken family is painful to endure. Your brother needs you, so if you can keep in touch with him through letters and visits (if possible) it may help you both. Michael writes daily content on our Blog, and you can also read more of his articles and content on http://www.MichaelSantos.net. You can print and send your brother those articles. Especially the page on values and goals – http://www.michaelsantos.net/Values-and-Goals_2009.html
Take good care!
Carole Santos

]]> By: Kara http://prisonnewsblog.com/gang-banger-and-lifer-show-model-for-reform/#comment-58 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 06:31:34 +0000 http://70.87.13.10/~prison/2009/02/gang-banger-and-lifer-show-model-for-reform/#comment-58 Mr. Santos, I ran into your blog this morning while I was getting some information on FCI Milan and I am hooked. For some reason your writings made me feel at ease and gave me hope that my brother who is in prison is “ok” he is the first in our family to ever be in prison (and hopefully the last) and it has been extremeley hard on our family and on him. My family is not a family anymore, we have all drifted apart, it will be 2 years on May 10th that my brother has been away and it feels like its been 5. On the other hand, I am very, very happy for Mr. Jones I personally love to know of people who choose to make drastic good changes in their lives, I just hope my brother can choose to do the same. Thank you for making my day a more delightful one this a.m. My regards to you and your wife Carole, we remain.
Kara

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