~*~ DAY TWO ~*~
"In Florida, it's not just the temps,
but there is also the heat index.
I live near Tampa, and the temps are around 90-92..but the heat index is around
100-103 degrees"
Today is the 2nd day of Ronald Wayne Clark's hunger strike. Direct reports as to Ronald's physical condition will be scarce. Reportedly some prison workers have decided the best way to minimize the effectiveness of this strike is to CENSOR RONALD'S MAIL.
7/2 letter, 6:47 a.m., Ronald says "There's only 5 of us in this. Actually probably more like 2. I think 3 of them are eating canteen. I got soups, cracker, tuna but I won't touch it. These other 4 guys are fighting for canteen."
Ronald is trying to draw our attention to four issues of abuse or neglect that are prevalent in nearly all Florida prisons, most assuredly on death row: The heat, the excessive use of force, the chemical agents that are being used so indiscriminately, and the lack of education on Death Row.
Until we receive an update on his conditions, MTWT will focus on the issues raised. Today, Day 2, we take a look at the heat in the cells and the department's reluctance to provide inmates with relief.
Ronald's Strike Statement - First Point of Contention:
"In these 9x6 foot cages, we have steel shelves, bunk, locker, a TV stand, as well as a 12 inch black & white TV which contains metal, plastic and glass. Therefore showing that an 8 inch plastic fan is in no way a security threat, which the F.D.O.C. claims. Yet the above mentioned items demonstrate that the only logical reason to deny fans is to cause misery and suffering." ~Ronald Clark Jr.
DOC's OFFICIAL REASON FOR REFUSING FANS
"Relief Sought: For the F.D.O.C. to sell an 8 inch plastic fan. Other state institutions throughout this country sell to their inmates, OTHER STATES such as in TX, CA, VA, OH, PA, AZ, etc., or mount a 14 inch oscillating fan on the walls outside the cell." ~Ronald Clark Jr.
PRISON DEATHS ACROSS THE NATION RELATED TO HEAT
Personally, I do not think that making small fans available only to inmates with funds will do a lot to bring the temperature down and promote health and welfare. There are too many under-washed bodies in overcrowded, airless areas lacking ventilation and circulation. Because the department knows that the heat increases the potential for violence and illness, I would urge them to include alternative solutions in addition to the availability of fans in the canteens Suggestions are 1. Daily showers for all prisoners in uncooled cells; 2. Consider creative methods such as cheap cooling devices such as swamp coolers in hallways; 3. Large fans mounted in ceiling or top corners of hallways to cross-ventilate; 4. Suggest providing plenty of fresh water. ~Kay Lee
7/2, 5:38 p.m. - "Well it's down to 2 and I think the other guy is fixing to quit. But I'm going to ride all the way. So it's on. If these boys get me killed y'all be sure to sue. The risk level just went up. I think I'm cutting the water off so I can get the hell out of here. This situation is dangerous! A bunch of nuts running the F.D.O.C."
Susan Cary
Attorney and Counselor at Law
1215 N.W. 4th Street
Gainesville, Florida 32601
(352) 373-7899
(352) 377-2602 (FAX)
June 28, 2004
Mr. Ronald Clark
F.S.P. 812974
7819 N.W. 228th Street
Raiford, FL 32026-1160
Dear Ronnie,
Received your card today. It’s very powerful and I think a good idea to show people how things really are. What I do not think is a good idea is continuing to harm yourself. Most of the world is trying to harm you and I don’t think you should join the crowd. My wish would be for you to join those of us who value you and your life and would like good things to happen for you, for just once. I send you all good wishes for your well-being.
Take good care,
Susan Cary
DO PRISONERS HAVE RIGHT TO CONTROLLED TEMPERATURES?
Excessive Heat/Cold in Prison
END OF DAY 2 REPORT.
HUNGER STRIKE - PROCEED TO
DAY 3
***************************************Ronald Clark's Forum:
www.ronaldclark.us/forum
