Italics imply outside quotation. Bold is Vera's textual notes.

HOPE

It is 2016, eight years after the world changed for good; the pain of 9/11 is temporary, but hate is forever. A somewhat aged black woman sits down in the back of her bakery on Broadway, a lamp lighting her desk. She does not dare use a computer, lest she be tempted by the media that tells everyone that everything is fine when nothing can be further from the truth. She has had enough. She has seen too many of her customers hurt: some killed, some lost forever to the wave of normalcy, and some who have worked deep inside the madness to collect evidence on what she has known but never could prove, and so she writes longhand and prays that someone will hear her. She copies some documents and addresses five envelopes to five international destinations, hoping for an answer? any answer? to end the horrors she has seen and whose victims she has tried to help. One by one she writes the addresses, a final hope, a dying scream of a nation once proud of its freedom, but one that now trumpets freedom as tyranny. Five addresses, five reasons: to save herself, to save the democratic system, to save America through force, to warn of false promises, and to awaken the one sleeping giant who could end this system once and for all. She does not even know the proper addresses‑ she will use her friend in the resistance movement for this purpose‑ but she writes the names, using the appropriate language when she knows it, though her letter is in English.

I write to you as a simple baker in New York. I have befriended many homosexuals who have told me stories of the horrible abuse that is faced by all who are different. Recently, I have been given information about and documentation of this abuse. I can no longer stand this horrible violation of human rights, freedom, democracy and self-worth done by a nation that has pillaged innocent countries in the name of human rights, freedom, democracy, and self-worth. I am writing now to salvage what little decency may be left.

It has been eight years since Pete Richardson came to power and under his reign America has slowly and mysteriously bent to his will to the point where no one has opposed his rule, making the need for election moot and his rule inherently autocratic. America has instead followed a new calling, yet one that has been there every day since the 1950s. Television is now a targeted spectrum of ten channels that all broadcast similar messages of love and togetherness. Gone is the violence, sex, and indecency that flooded the airwaves for too long at the turn of the 21^st century. Instead, there is education, God, music, and happiness. The world is at war again, and no one opposes the war in China; after all, they attacked American lives and also attacked innocent people. No person would dare be seen with the “insane slanty-eyed Asian”. (I beg the forgiveness of my correspondents in China for such language.) There are no more questions, just thoughts of peace.

I give you some examples of the way America has turned into an autocratic, religious society. These come from the American press and transcripts of daily American programming:

Why question the great protector? One Nation Under God, after all. So one can sit and be entertained.

Why worry about China? This is America and America never fails. Reform and community is culture and riches.

Why fear the differences, when we are from many one? There is no room for deviance. After all, if the flight instructor noticed the deviance of the terrorist, thousands of innocents would have lived. If it wasn’t for deviants questioning the Godly punishment of those terrorists, hundreds of innocent soldiers in Iraq would have lived. If people realized the truth and recognized Katrina as the great flood to wash away the sin, demonic hedonism, and filth that was the former city of New Orleans- now our holy city of Kentwood- innocent oil workers and church leaders would have been. Deviance begets death. Reform brings hope. However, it is known that so many are different, that they must be reformed and can.

What is the greatest evil facing America? An act of rebellion that is a great temptation, one that grabs hold and kills any good in a person, rapes innocent people until they are devoid of any moral sense and seek to breed by collecting righteous souls. Such is the way of the crazed and sick demon known as the homosexual.

For too long the breeding ground for homosexuality was embraced in the mid and late 1990s. President Richardson warned of such dangers but he was dismissed as a radical and a fanatic. He warned of women abandoning their children, leaving them to do the man’s duty- worse, the perversion of men as mothers staying home to care for their children. Women dressing comfortably, men dressing pretty, women making the income, men cooking: society was plaguing itself with the sins of the lust of the Devil, the perversion of thought that makes the mind weak and ripe for seduction by the devil’s children. It was no surprise that in 2008 homosexuality was an epidemic. But through the understanding of God and the ingenuity of the American people, reform and hope can be once again attained and the lost souls saved from eternal damnation. The HOPE program brings greatness and glory to those who were once the children of the devil.

It is this HOPE program that needs to be investigated. Its actions are all but criminal even by America’s warped standards. There are many HOPE camps nationwide, both public and run by the church. All are run on the same principles but differ slightly in execution.

The five most famous span the country and are known for their impressive success rates. Our Lady of Mary Magdalen in Indiana is run by the Catholic Church and is known for its punitive nature. There have been reports of rape and other sexual assaults from this camp. The Holy Trinity in Raleigh-Durham is run cooperatively by the people, the federal government, and the local church. HOPE of the Virgin Mary in Wyoming is known as the only HOPE camp dedicated to exclusively lesbians, while on the other side of the country, the newly founded Temple of King James in Woodbridge, NJ is dedicated to the more daunting task of reforming gay men. The most well known HOPE camp is in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is this camp that has provided the most egregious examples. I have included some of their advertising literature sent to parents, bosses, spouses, and church leaders, calling them to enroll any known homosexual. It should be noted that enrollment can be compelled by anyone who has noticed any homosexual activity; it is not a self-help program, as you may have been told.

Descended from the original homosexual reeducation camp in Memphis, the Great Hill is known as the most successful HOPE camp, and therefore receives cases from across the country. The Hill is there for people who believe their homosexual problem is greater than the average HOPE program, or for those who have tried to reform but have failed. The Hill is also proud to host one of only two special wings for transvestites and transsexuals. Our small enrollment creates a more personal recovery, but it also means space is limited. Our terms are also the shortest, 24 weeks, after which, if you cannot be reformed here, it is unlikely that you can be reformed. This is the best homosexual reform program that can be offered anywhere in the world. Another unique factor of the Hill is that we are directly associated with a major university, allowing for the mind to be educated along with the soul. Outpatient collegiate programs, reform support, and follow up groups, summer reform, temptation refuge and in-camp GED and degree programs are offered.

The following is a report of the true entry procedures as observed by a former Hill staffer:

The subjects are assigned a number, room, sector and level. In all HOPE camps inmates are first divided by gender; while most enrollees these days are lesbians, there are gay men sent to HOPE camps even if the success rate with gay men has been found to be much smaller than with lesbians. The prisoners are then separated by race and then once more by age. This makes up the sector and level number. The sector number indicates race and orientation, of which there are 9 separate sectors in Knoxville; the level number indicates age of the subject. The level numbers go from over 50 (level 1) to under 18 (level 5); the order is in reverse because to start conversion it takes longer to convert someone who was a homosexual years before Britney than it is for someone who has known the Richardson government for most of their life. They are housed 4 to a room, with the rooms being assigned as close to the same day as possible. The rooms are actually a square of 4 cells facing each other, with the standard bed and sink setup. The toilet is encased in a large closet in which the uniform for the day and shower are also enclosed. This is done for privacy and so that they cannot be tempted by seeing any part of anyone's body. There are cameras everywhere that also record sound to make sure conversation is not anything that is not approved. There is a television above each bed, broadcasting around the clock, that cannot be turned off. One difference between Knoxville and other HOPE camps is that they can change the channel while in other camps the TV is locked on Channel 1. The idea is that they can convert at their own pace through a station that appeals to them, a concept preached by chief psychologist Kenneth O'Reilly himself but rarely followed.

This is a profile of one group in the HOPE camp of Knoxville. From my observations, this group’s changes and traumas are commonplace in the HOPE system. It is the log of the 24-week term from March 30^th, 2016 to August 30^th of the same year. The goal here is not to blame, or to shock and awe, but to show with the unbiased eye the operation of a HOPE camp, from its staff to its patients. I write this knowing that I myself am deviant by the simple recording of this information. However, I feel this is needed for both country and anyone who wishes true good to be done to this class of people. Enclosed are the patient entry sheets for the room in question. All names are as they were written-- VB

Subject #14923, Room 253, sector 3, level 4
Meredith Clark, Age 18 Cleveland, Ohio
Enrolled by: Josephine Clark - Mother March 28th, 2016
Reason: Affectionate contact in public

Has had sinful feelings since she was a freshman and has acted on them regularly with her companion. She feels no remorse and is delusional to the obvious sin that she is committing. She sees both homosexuality and God as equal and cannot understand her actions. She has been enrolled here with the idea that the further training will ready her for the rigors of college. Arriving by bus; despite being enrolled here by her mother, she chose Knoxville herself as a compromise. She will spend the summer working to rid herself of her lust, and the fall a free woman at the best school for her sport. This should work to our advantage. She will be granted GED status and enrolled in college as soon as she finishes. As is the case with most homosexual teenagers, it is seen as best to enroll them in a HOPE camp before the month of April of their final year; April is the time where the feelings of love and lust come to fruition in high school.

Subject #17243, Room 253, sector 3, level 4
Christina Martin (AKA Chris Martinelli), Age 22 Radnor, PA
Enrolled by: Fr. Maxwell McCain - Spiritual Advisor, March 28th, 2016
Reason: Continued assumption of masculine traits and behavior, abandonment of faith

A butch one, living her days in the suburbs as a pizza girl at the local Catholic university and her nights as a free-spirited lesbian on South Street. Philadelphia was one of the last cities to adapt to the way of the Lord and most people in the city actually moved north to the asylum state. Christina hated the truth, and made no secret of who she was, with her body adorned by tattoos and piercings, her arms built to the point where she masqueraded as a man and won a boxing tournament, her hair shaved down to a crew cut. In the days before the Chinese War, she survived by either being mistaken for a man or simply being so frightening that the citizens saw her as dangerous and let her be. Sees male customs of machismo and honorable violence as a natural calling. Approach with caution. May be encourageable, but has traits and loyalty beyond that of her calling. Imported from Sweetland Hills in Lancaster County for more intense training. Arriving in handcuffs, very combative, known to taunt staff with crude and seductive vernacular. For example, when the commander asks if she is ready to stop being a dyke, her reply is simply "Stick your finger in me, see if the pressure makes me break" Very tough and will often laugh off discipline. Needs staff size shirts because of her large size; unlike most lesbians, she no longer has the trademark anorexia that comes from the inner guilt of the damned homosexual.

Subject #12325, Room 253, sector 3, level 4
Erica Stephens, Age 20 Murfeesboro, TN
Enrolled by: Voluntary - March 28th, 2016
Reason: Admitted homosexual activity, attempted seduction of righteous woman

Erica drove on her own from the suburb of Nashville. She was an active lesbian since she was 16 but she could not face herself. She comes here as one last chance to save herself rather than taking her own life to save the lives of others. Her presence is surprising; very rarely does one volunteer to be cleansed of sin. Most who realize their sin do not seek refuge, and instead fight their urges themselves. Yet through that method the urges remained, but she wants to be free of them for good and live a pious life and have children. She has taken more steps toward recovery than some who have completed the program. She only needs fine-tuning and cleansing to be rid of lust for good. She comes seeking refuge but she still sees lesbians as her kind, so she winces at some of the physical restraint by the staff. She accepts discipline as needed but cannot turn a blind eye to it as the rest of the staff urges her to do. Be careful of what she sees because of this.

Subject #19034, Room 253, sector 3, level 4
Heather McClintock Age 20 Louisville, KY
Enrolled by: Monica Clements - Roommate March 28th, 2016
Reason: Converted and insatiable, attempted seduction of righteous woman

An innocent rape victim here to be saved before she evolves into a temptress. Was a great and popular student at Louisville for 2 years but was found by her roommate, Monica, after she had already been converted by a fiend who had befrended her so she could get her alone and grab a very large trophy for the side of the dykes. Heather had already rolled over and completed her seduction so traditional emergency methods were not effective. Fortunately this deranged violator was found by the police and executed, while Heather was sent here to remove her of the poison that was put inside her by her attacker. Her mind is still controlled by the devil’s lust but she has not advanced to the stage of mass seduction. Be aware of signs of further descent into the devil’s lust and discipline accordingly.
WEEK 1:

The subjects arrive from all walks of life: rich and poor, black and white, butch and beautiful, young and old. The girls are taken to their floor, and from the moment they step through the door, this will be the only world that they will know. Each sector has their own dining hall, lecture hall, bank of classrooms, and entertainment theatre. Times are scheduled so that they will do any outdoor activity by themselves with no interaction with the other sectors and levels. There are individual sessions but those take place much later in the program. Length of stay depends on what kind of program they enroll in and if they make progress. Those who cannot be saved often agree to be sent to the asylum state.

VB- This sheet documents the success rates of The Hill:

Knoxville has the highest success rate among all the HOPE camps as 65% achieve some form of acceptance and recovery, and has the highest rate of marriage and commitment among all camps. 15% "fully recover" which is defined by marriage and procreation within a suitable number of years depending on age. Another 20% renounce their sexuality and commit themselves to Jesus. Another 25% retain their sexuality but commit themselves to religion, the government, or other form of service to the community; their recognition of themselves as sinners causes them to banish themselves from mainstream society. Programs for these people include convents where they can further their recovery, the top secret FEAR units of the military, and filling the jobs of the damned such as truck driving and garbage collection. The final 5% realize their sins and incurability and permanently remove themselves from any level of society in the name of salvation.

The other 35% are incurable and either are returned to society until they are enrolled again, or are sent to New York. Critics also point out that Knoxville is the most successful because it is the smallest of the HOPE camps, with an operating capacity of only 1000. Their numbers are also disputed since success rate is bolstered by students at the nearby university going through outpatient care while attending classes and only if needed, enroll full-time during breaks.

Differing from the crude camps of the pre-CCP era, the HOPE program, short for Homosexual Operation for Procreative Equality, uses positive examples and fair teaching of truth to inspire and shepherd homosexuals from the clutches of the devil and into the open and loving arms of the Lord.

VB- The following are diary entries from each of the four members of this room. A former staffer took two that were left behind, the other two were given to me by the victims themselves.

From the Diary of Meredith Clark:

I got off the elevator and was led through to a small quad area that was sealed behind me. I was picked out by one of the staffers and thrown with three others: one really nasty-looking butch girl, some thin girl who wouldn’t look at me and some real hottie. (I know I’m not supposed to say that anymore, but damn, is it true. I don’t consider myself to be ugly, but she’s like some model!) We were led to the room and are shut in with a shapely blonde who has built-up arms and is wearing a uniform similar to ours except the shirt reads, "Penance is your only HOPE”. I think I was the only one who got the pun. For the first day we were drilled by the supervisor, who sleeps on a bed in the middle of the room (I'm sure she's gotten some great views first thing). She screamed at each of us, but she seems not to have her records straight, cause she got none of our names right it seems, but she kept drilling us until we acknowledged the name she was saying, by kneeling down and praying for forgiveness. I thought only the papists did that, guess that’s why I’m here. She kept yelling at me until I kneeled down and recited the prayer. I’ll never forget the words.

"Mary Clark! Bow to the Lord!"

And of course I had to beg God for forgiveness:

"Dear Lord, forgive us our sins, forgive us for being consumed by lust and let us pay proper penance for our misgivings and evil. Raise us out of the arms of the Devil and into Your kingdom to prove our worth to You as the human beings created in Your image, Amen!"

After I finished I thought it was some sort of mistake. I mean, these big institutions are well known for messing things up, so I let her know that my name was Meredith. I couldn’t get why she would slap me across the face, but I played along. It’s not all that big a deal, better than getting a broken jaw before training camp. I finally realized what the deal was when the butch one came forward. She is hilarious. The supervisor called her Chrissie and she laughed at her. Then when the supervisor hit her, she hits ON her. No one could contain their laughter at this, it was so funny. Obviously the supervisor didn’t think so, she took it out on that model. After that, Chrissie obliged. I guess she wasn’t going to let anyone else get hurt for her being such a dyke that she has grown balls. I dunno, I’d think someone like that would be fun to be for a while, but not all the time.

Next was the quiet one, Stephanie, and of course I have a feeling that Chrissie will be making fun of her often in the next few weeks. Stephanie just bowed and repented. The rumor is that she came here on her own without anyone enrolling her. I want to get better too, but I wouldn’t have the courage to do that. For the first time I saw the supervisor smile. I must say, she has a cute smile. I could tell that she was happy at one time in her life, even if she tries her hardest not to show it. I wrote down her next quote, cause I think it may help me in the coming weeks to understand why she does what she does.

"You still need to repent, but let yourself be an example how the dyke can collapse into the loving and flowing waters of Jesus Christ, our savior."

Of course Chrissie had to mock the Bible, so the supervisor asked if Stephanie wanted to take out the anger of her prayers being interrupted on Chrissie. She brought up something from the Bible I had to look up as I’m writing this, but it is in there.

"I wish instead to turn the other cheek. Jesus said: May he who have no sin cast the first stone.”

She knows a lot about the Bible. I think she will be useful to me as I learn to be a better woman. I wish she was the supervisor. She understands things more than the supervisor. I know Stephanie feels the same way because she all but threw up when the supervisor drilled Chrissie with her billy club. Chrissie laughed it off but you could tell that she hurt her. She didn’t need to do that but she used the Bible as her defense. I hope that even if I get married, I never understand why she did that.

"As your sin leaves you, you may feel different. Do not be afraid. Anger is acceptable when the Lord is being disgraced." - I hope I never do.

The supervisor once again turned toward the model, but this time she got a glance of her beauty and she took a step back and stares directly into the light overhead. Oh, please, who was she fooling?! I used to do that so that Megan the cheerleader wouldn’t notice I was craving her, or so that my Jessie wouldn’t get jealous. The supervisor blinked a few times and took a deep breath before calling her to bow to the Lord. The model responded easily and without thought (insert model joke here, Diary), which the supervisor took as a chance to admonish the three of us.

"She was victimized by you people, and she is only here to return to her rightful path. I will be watching you! This innocent woman does not need a godly name, and I will not let you turn her into Hillary Clinton!"

You know, I think Heather is her real name. I guess even the ones who are reformed have some relapses. But give me a break! The supervisor was all but flirting with her. I’m not gonna tell her, though.

Meredith Clark

“One of the most important elements of the HOPE camp is the H, Homosexuals. While there are many normal people at the camps, when possible actual recovered homosexuals serve in the cells, leading their charges toward the glorious live of family and marriage that they have felt for themselves. It also allows us to monitor progress better, since they know all the subtleties that others cannot.”

From the Diary of Meredith Clark

The supervisor then led us in a standard set of prayers, nothing I didn’t sleep through in church. But then we had to read selected passages that convey God's hatred of gays. I’ve never heard them said quite like this. Like, I never knew you can make a black guy by having your dad flash them. I’ll have to try it sometime. She then introduces herself. I wrote what I needed to know but really she is a strange character.

Her name is Zelda Shane. She's married to a guy named Larry and has a degree from this school and came through this very camp. She claims to be one of its first ever successes. She then came on to me somewhat, because I’m looking to play basketball here once I get out of here. She seems to favor me and Heather, which is just weird. You'd think she'd like the one who came here on her own. She went on to explain how the school’s love of the sports programs is what created and continues to fund this camp, “giving them a chance to give back to the athletes they adore by cleansing them of sin and making them stronger than they were when they were athletes.” She then went on about how it took her a year, while the average term here is now six months and how she will hate us so we can get better (I hope this too will never make sense). She then went on about her being sympathetic and that’s why she is so tough (but fair?). She then warns us of all the little tricks and of course Chris calls her out on the ol’ light bulb trick. I don’t know who she fooled with that one- Stephanie, maybe, she seems so innocent. Zelda kicked Chris in the knee for her trouble and of course Chris comes back with her best one of the day.

"Hey now! If you wanted ME on my knees all you had to do was ask!" Chris replied. Zelda slapped her across the face and then continues with some BS about hitting us cuz she cares, and then slapped Chris for fun with some more BS about knowing what she was thinking, followed by a lecture on how Jesus will save us only if we let ourselves be saved. Also known as shut up and pay attention. I'd rather do that then get my ass kicked and miss games recovering. Not saying I like Zelda, but I understand. She then ran down the schedule. I wrote this down word for word in case I forget and to remind me how much of an ass Zelda can be if I end up like her.

“Wake up is 7:10am (not 7?), then to the showers, which are encased in the privacy box which also houses the toilet. Your clothes for the day can be found in the cabinet inside the box. All changing will take place inside that box, which will be locked until you press the button found on the inside and left. Don't even think about pushing it early and giving everyone a peep show (not even for your precious little Heather?). Punishment for that level of lust and temptation is rightfully harsh and stern. At 7:20 is prayer, then you line up and join your sector for breakfast, followed by morning classes, recreation (ooh, do I get to kick your butt on the court?), lunch, afternoon classes, entertainment (why do I think this will be one of those anti-sin filmstrips I remember from school?), then return here for counseling and evening prayer, return to the dining hall for dinner, then to the cell for television sharply at 8:00pm. Trust me when I say that you do not want me to miss The Quaker Show on Channel 1 because you decided to be a dyke that evening (well, if you must be such an ass about your TV shows you could at least let us know what you see in that show, it’s crap!). While I'm watching TV, you are free to socialize among each other while you are in your cells, because the room is built so that you are protected from your physical lust but still free to be friendly (and I must say, the bars do kinda bring out Heather’s toned legs just that much more). However, don't think about saying anything lustful. Everything outside of the privacy box is recorded, and we will publicly air any breaks in reform, among other appropriate punishment (I won’t hit on Heather unless you do first, then). Unlike most camps, we believe you should watch whatever mainstream shows you like (nice! I was worried about missing the world championships). You will find this more entertaining than staring at each other as your lust slowly exits your body (but Heather’s fun to stare at!). Channels can be adjusted using the remote on the stool to your left. Since most of you do not watch television, a programming listing has been located for you under the remote. (We’re gay, not retarded.) You should find that it will be easier and easier to go along with things as they happen, likewise, you will see me as less tough as I become more and more your equal. You may even find that your understanding may lead to us becoming good friends." Of course, Zelda says this all but fawning over Heather, and I think Heather got it this time. And once again she does the old light bulb trick. Then off to dinner. I must say for an institution, I am surprised that they have a full working O’Reillys here. Not bad, although they seem fattier than I remember. I hadn’t been there in a while, I must admit. I think that’s when mom realized there was something wrong with me.

That night… oh, man, I haven’t seen anyone more into the television than Zelda in a long time. I admit I once saw mom that into the opening day special, and I tore my room to shreds after those Australian bimbos beat the US last year- not that I remember, I just saw the carnage afterward. But never like this, and NEVER to something as lame as the Quaker Show. She and Stephanie don’t even move, they just laugh when everyone laughs, sigh whenever a couple kisses, and smokes when anyone smokes. It’s weird but not anything I haven’t seen before.

I notice Heather's confused. Of course she realizes what everyone knows about Zelda eyeing her. I play dumb but she can tell that I know. She told me that she’s sick of the fighting while Zelda all but cries out for her. I told her she should be glad she isn’t as beaten down as everyone else, but you could see she felt uncomfortable. I wonder if the rumors are true that you can be transformed into a lesbian by being raped by one. So I asked, “Maybe she’s testing you because she wants to see if you are tempted still after being…you know?” She just laughed at me and I could tell that the whole rape thing was bullshit from the movies. But she seemed to hide somewhat. I fear for her. I think she’s afraid of the truth and Zelda is using that fear to take advantage of her. Then Chris joins in. I had to write this down, it’s so funny!

"Oh come on! Don't let a little attention scare ya, kid. Yeah, Zelda's hot for you, Heather, what self-respecting female-inclined person wouldn't be? If you dressed in leather, kid, you'd be even hotter than that God rebel I found. Hell- oh, excuse me...HEY, CAMERA, that's right I said HELL!!! You know, my home? Anyway, if they had that girl on most of the time, maybe I'd give a shit about this place. After all, I don't know how God thinks about using a Bible as a sissy bar, but I'd be glad to introduce her to Satan if she came to town."

Heather laughed. "Who, Shawna? Trust me, those goldielocks aren't real like mine. I got blondes in low places."

"Oh ho ho! You're gonna get it, sister, or knowing Zelda, get some!" Chris replies.

"I dunno, she could lose a few pounds, but I'd do her, she's cute in her stupidity. And I must say I must look like a goddess after she puts a light halo around me by trying to blind herself with those lights. Or that's her way of being able to envision me naked, and ohhh, she wonders why I have my eyes closed at her.”

We laughed for a long time but then Heather composed herself and reverted to the rape victim act, probably so she doesn’t get hit too hard tomorrow. Chris just tunes in to Shawna, that little vamp bitch the Goth chicks worship in high school, and Heather turns to the Natalie hour. I just do something different and watch the poor bums on channel 10. Could be worse, at least I don’t have to pitch hay.

Meredith Clark

WEEK 2

Every Sunday is a day of prayer, salvation and penance. The day starts with Mass where the subjects are given their normal prayers and a long sermon about how much further they need to go. Then comes the confessional, where any deviance during free time is exposed in public to the other subjects and the offenders are appropriately punished. Then comes individual counseling with the supervisor, followed by visits to the beauty shop where those who have fallen deep enough under get their bleach jobs, while those who are near completion of the program record their personal ads for a mate of the opposite sex. Sunday is the day where those who are finished leave and new subjects enter. This is also the day the supervisors are visited by their mates and children. Depending how far along their charges are, they may show them off to their charges to show how much better a pious life is. This concludes with the traditional Sunday dinner, the only deviation from the steady diet of O'Reilly burgers done on all other days (this is basically your standard American meal schedule). Sundays are seen as a day of reflection and new confidence for those going through the program.

From the Diary of Heather McClintock

We were led into the church for confessional after prayers. At confessional, each supervisor comes up and airs the tapes of any deviant behavior that happened while the subjects were left to themselves while they were watching TV. Those saying how much this place sucks or how much the supervisors hate them have to run or do push-ups, while they beat up those caught flirting or other forms of lusting over other women. I have a feeling I will be at the center of most of these; even with the uniform the way it is, most girls here can’t keep their eyes off of me. Their infernal lust is out of control. I wonder how badly they will come after me, but well, Zelda wants me. I really wish she didn’t, but asking to cut your hair short is considered worse than all but flashing your boobs. I don’t get this but it seems like symbolic stereotypes of being gay is worse than actual expression. It must have to do with the demon eating at my brain. It wants to replace me with a dyke in Chrissie’s image. Must stop that.

Then Zelda aired her tape. Man, I do want her, do I? That's demon talk. I mean, I can tell that before she got fat, she was as beautiful as I was, and she still has a way about her. Stop that! Then she called me up and looked at me. I had to really stifle my laughter because she was so starry-eyed it looked like she wanted to kiss me right then and there. No one else seemed to notice. As she spoke it was clear that she didn’t blame me for what happened. I don’t know why.

"So, Chrissie, you think I have sexual feelings for Heather?" Before she could answer Chris got slapped and was forced to bow and repent her lustful fantasy of me and Zelda, although I must say even the boys may like that one. My feelings about Zelda were played next. As has been the case, Zelda looked up at the lights before looking at me. I don’t know why she thinks that fools anybody. Not even Lisa when I met her, thinking it was just another pretty girl, was fooled when I did that. And then she met me in the girls room and shoved her tongue down my throat. I went limp and I was her slave. She should KNOW that blinding yourself to dykes doesn’t work! “So, I tempt you?" Zelda asked.

"Funny, I was going to ask you the same thing," I replied. I didn’t know what to say. I mean, she was melting before my eyes. And part of me wanted to reclaim her body into the pack, and a part of me wondered if she wanted to reclaim me for herself.

And then she explained things to me and I felt better…"You see, seduction is the natural state of the damned homosexual. Heather here is different. She was not created as demonspawn but instead had her soul seized by an insatiable woman and is fighting to purge the demon from her body and return to womanhood. Her soul is weak but her godliness is strong. It is the natural dyke like Chrissie over here who warped her mind and hypnotized her into thinking that I craved her. If she did not reach deep down inside and break the spell before it could seize her desires, I would have been in grave danger. The fact that she was able to resist the siren call of her peers' lust and separate the reality of my righteous sexuality from the perverted delusions of sinful bliss helped to save her soul and protected mine. Still, she allowed herself to fall into a lustful and ravenous trance during which point she knew nothing but thoughts of carnal violation of my soul.” Or something like that…It made sense to me, even if she kicked Chrissie’s ass and just made me do push-ups, with her taking a great close-up view of my butt and thinking I wasn’t looking. I could tell she was hiding her face and thinking about me. I then did the standard prayers and she comforted me, forgave me, and asked if I wanted to exact revenge on Chrissie for awakening my forceably implanted desire for women. Yet the way she touched me… I know other supervisors stand by their charges when they get weak, but her arm was limp and soft like she wanted to embrace me but didn’t dare, her eyes were soft and dreamy, and her smile was coy and filled with desire, just like my Lisa the demon looked at me…my lust must be radiating despite me trying so hard to stop it! She cares for me. I think she knows I can come out of this, and I had to prove to her I could. So I slapped Chrissie for her and she was happy and proud for me. She rewarded me by letting me see my future as a free woman. Her husband is very nice and she complimented me on how well I was progressing. I felt relieved, because I thought I was falling in love with her and she saw it. She then asked me if I still dreamed about women. I dodged the question, because I didn't know how to answer, and she just laughed and said it was natural for me not to remember my days as a sinner. She said she envied me because I was raped; I started out righteous so can come back faster. I now know how hard this process is. I will work hard at it for her. As I left she leaped into her husband’s arms and kissed him deeply, but for some reason, her eyes still were locked on me…Dear Lord, don’t let me kidnap the soul of the only person brave enough to try to free me. I want to be pure and good like she is. Help me and I will be a good woman again!

Come night, Zelda watches her shows. She doesn’t even move, she’s so wrapped up in them. I wish I can be like that, like I belong again. Look at her, her tight jeans, her blonde hair, her breasts that show somewhat when she grabs at her cross at each tense scene, her soft release at each romantic scene, so peaceful, so happy, so healthy in thought. And what am I to anybody? Just a worthless dyke. I must show her I belong. I see the good-looking women wearing next to nothing, but I know I’m not supposed to look at them…no, look at the shirtless, tight shirts, love, God…country… so beautiful…so righteous…sleepy…will finish after this show.
Week 6

Entertainment is a key part of the HOPE camp experience; the months together can get boring and nothing reinforces the point of moving away from the Devil's lust than that of a good film or play. At first many of the subjects laugh, but as they realize their sins, they understand why they must pay penance and why they must reform.

From the Diary of Chris Martin:

I have included a copy of the movie Levittown. It has been fast-forwarded to its most famous scene. Much like Birth of a Nation, Levittown was created to further hatred, but is seen as an acceptable and applauded film. It is a classic that is replayed often on television. Below is a transcript of the scene, which explains the reactions to the scene referenced in the diary-- VB

"Hey, Susie, how are you doing? How was San Francisco? You look nice and tanned, although you look a little tired. Still jet lagged?" the blonde asks her friend as they walk up the stairs to their room to talk about boys.

"I feel different, but so much better than I was, Tammy," Susie replies, Tammy oblivious to Susie's prolonged stares at her breasts or butt and subsequent heavy breathing. As they reach Tammy's room, Susie closes the door, now wiping drool away from her mouth, her mind and body completely devoured by lust. The actress who plays Tammy is not the most attractive in the world, while Susie is played by Shawna, a favorite of those who are both under and not under. Tammy rattles off some things about boys and Susie replies with the most infamous lines in the history of Britney's America. "Why must the boys get all the fun? Why can't we girls have the pretty ones?"

With that Susie pins a screaming Tammy to the bed and undoes her jeans to blood-curdling shrieks. Tammy grabs the alarm clock from her table and lifts it over an unsuspecting (and for reasons of decency, unseen) Susie, but before she can strike her eyes roll back into her head and her screams turn into more terrifying (at least to the brainwashed) moans...

So we saw Levittown for the 500^th time since I got into these places, like there's no other movies in the world. It’s so funny. Good God, I did not evolve from a cheerleader! Okay, so Shawna has the body for it… hey, if an honest dyke like her can be liked, why the fuck am I here? And she IS a dyke, people who read my diary!! Yeah, I know you're reading this, fuckers. Look at her! Sure, her dance partner is faking it, but you don’t get tongue moves like that in acting school. I don't kiss that good, and I've been practicing for years! Man, I’d let her eat me any day…and just to please you guys I may even break out the S&M gear just so you simpletons think I’m being punished some more! I hope they know this doesn’t make me less gay, but some of the concepts would be fun to try out. Let's see, I can hypnotize men and turn them into pink shirt queers by kissing in public…oh, that’s right, I’m too old and butch for that now…GOOD! We don’t need all those flamers telling me how to wear black! This movie is such a hoot! I almost think it’s growing on me. Then again, it helps with someone like Shawna being the leading lesbo!

Of course, right at the start I let the world know that that moron who plays Tammy is faking it. Hell, knowing how pansy she is, I'll bet she never even took her pants off! If you're that afraid of the devil’s lust, why didn’t you just call me as a stunt double? I'd lay down for Shawna for free!! Of course the guard smacked me, caught me off guard and her damn wedding band got me in the back of the head! Don’t those assholes know that diamonds are the hardest substance in the world? Morons. If you wanna fight, fight fair, you pussies!

Anyway, speaking of fights, some of my girls got pissed at the whole “Sue, call me Tina thing”. Bitch, please. I’m from Philly. I could give a rat’s ass about some overblown feminist preacher and some Long Island queer who thought she was the gay Bin Laden. Want a hero? Try the Flag Haired Chick, who fucked her girl on the Walt Whitman Bridge and got a camera and projected it right on Jerry Falwell’s face! Now that’s a hero! This…this is just a movie, and ain’t nobody gonna let me miss the scene where Shawna kisses her girl and creates San Francisco east! Or better yet, when she runs around the mall and bumps into the boobs of every girl she can find, and then at the flash of her shirt starts a lesbian orgy. Man, that scene is HOT! Hey, she is the dyke goddess, after all! And then she earns enough witch credit to throw on the leathers and go biking. I wonder if the God freaks won’t notice how fucking hot she is and let me order a poster of that scene. So, well…stop the world events…I wanna get off for once in this shithole!

Week 10

One unique factor about the Knoxville camp is that it was founded by a university as a way to give back to its athletes, specifcally, female athletes. Knoxville was a birthplace of women's sports and it is the compassion of the fans of sport that built the camp to help their alumni who had fallen into the devil's lust. Many have stayed and run the institution. This in turn gives back to the school as many potential students are enrolled before taking classes, or spend their summers inside, allowing their souls to mature with their minds and bodies. Tennessee is also the home of the first ever homosexual reeducation camp, a historical installation on the other side of the state in Memphis, a private institution that was founded decades before Richardson took power by then extremists who were the pioneers of successful salvation. Knoxville's male wing is named after the former owner.

To note, this passage notes a controversy among the many owners of the other HOPE camps and universities. Many universities claim that they have an unfair sports advantage because they can have parents enroll their homosexual child in the camp and then reap the benefits of their presence on the field that fall. Many point out that the camp allows outpatient care for some and lax rules that allow athletes to compete even if they are taking their courses from within the walls of the camp. Many claim, especially those schools in the Northeast who claim to shun anyone who even appears to be homosexual, that the program is just a front to get homosexual athletes on the field, putting everyone who goes near them at extreme risk of contamination. To this the school and camp simply point at their success rates and return to their work.

From the Diary of Meredith Clark

Today was…different. Zelda pulled me aside in the morning, which she normally does to give Chris a cheap shot to start her day. Instead she offered me the chance to join my teammates. That’s all? I spend 10 weeks, do as I’m told, say my prayers, take my vitamins and they say I’m cured and send me with my teammates on another floor? Saying yes would be the smartest thing. I’ve heard enough rumors about sector 123, where you can even shut off the TV and no one lays a finger on you. I may not be completely savvy with the slang, but I know what it means when the other gays in your sector slip you notes saying “have fun in the carpet closet.” I shoulda guessed this was all a sham. I’m sorry, but there is right and wrong aside from gay and straight. But I asked her what the difference was anyway. Can’t believe everything you hear…oops, that’s dykespeak, you are ONLY supposed to believe everything you hear. But she told me I can recover through the strength of my teammates. (Ew! I don’t like big strong women, I’m not Chris!) Then she reminded me that the athletics department founded this camp (nawww, really? I came all the way here just because in Columbus you can’t brush your teeth because they think it'll create oral fixation and throw you deeper into lust. Still trying to get that one.) She then tells me the whole floor is future and current athletes. Oh, I know what that means, just like you go to class but you can get an A without even being able to read. I’m a damn fool for passing this up, but I was raised differently. I’m not going to just be treated special because I’m an athlete. It's bad enough that Heather can all but jerk off at night staring at Zelda and get away with little more than 10 mins on the exercise bike (provided she wears the tight shorts, I bet). If I jerked off at Heather (and I’ve been tempted) she’d break my legs! So I told her straight (well as straight as a lesbian can be).

"No thanks. I'm either going to have a boyfriend in school or I'm going to end up a damn dyke, but I will not be put into a softie program!"

She then smiled. I think she knew what I meant, she may be chained to her textbooks, but Zelda’s no fool. She was probably treated pretty badly and feels jealous that the athletes now get a free ride. Okay, it's more likely she wishes she could get Heather in there so she could sneak down and do her with no one caring. But then I brought up my other choice, the one camp I was gonna go into if it wasn’t soooo…Catholic. See, mom didn’t want me totally unhappy, but she thought being gay was too antisocial, so she was willing to just have me do nothing. But well…I’m not Catholic! I remember when I was made fun of because my name was so long and I only knew half the Bible, before we became Clark when I started high school. What were we called anyway? I forget. Anyway, I told Zelda this too.

"Besides, if I wanted to be in a camp for athletes, I would have done what I wanted to do in the first place and gone to Sister D in Phoenix."

Sister D is a nickname for Chiara D'Alessandro. She runs a Catholic-affiliated private institution, the Order of the Blessed Virgin, where homosexuality is faced by replacing it with a celibate lifestyle in convent while staying active in the community. It is known as the most lax of the HOPE camps, but its record is undeniable as no one has been found to do anything homosexual outside its walls-- VB

Big mistake. She smacked me for this. God, you’d think they fought on the court or something. Please. Then she tells me something I still don’t get.

"Some things go beyond sexuality. If you wanna make it here, you better know that there are worse things than being a dyke, like being a Catholic dyke." But the Catholics hate gays more than you do. You know that. You’ve seen the scars on that transfer from South Bend during confessional. You just don’t like Catholics, yet they are more for your cause…do I detect envy, Ms. "Too Bad I Can't Be Your Virgin Mary Anymore"? Anyway, I went to class, and… well, I don’t know why I didn’t notice before, but I think that slap did more for me than anything. Everything is the same. All the girls who are “doing well” are now blonde. They don’t even move during lecture, they just repeat back their prayers right when they are told. I can tell from the concerned look on the teacher’s face that I once was more prompt... just like them? When I pulled a loose bit of hair off my shirt, it was bleach-white, but I don’t remember when I did that. No, wait, it’s been like this for years. Since I was a kid. I remember how my dad used to show me how wrong it was, how he always made me wear skirts when the other kids wore tight jeans. Every other girl was enrolled in soccer, but I played basketball. Everyone else told me about the teen dramas, but I played Monopoly. I can't remember when, but I became popular. What happened? I used to be such the square, even more than when I fell in love with Jessica. Hell, when I first told my parents they couldn’t even grasp it…I don’t even remember most of that night, or any night, it’s just the same, always the same. What did I watch? All the computers in class… who was my teacher again? Did I even have a teacher? Then I came here after the season. What was wrong with me? I don’t care that I’m gay, but I came here without even mom having to plead to me. They didn’t force me to, I asked for help... if you can call this help. Jessica did the same, and she's in Columbus. I wonder if she’s blonde now too?

I guess I got dreamy because someone smacked me in the back of the head. It’s fine. I can pass these advanced classes with my eyes closed.

It's nighttime now. Sorry, Diary. I had to close up during class. What WAS that game my dad played? Oh, right, he used to show me what was the same on TV. I remember now. Without that I probably would have flunked out of school. Then I got bored with TV. What happened? Oh, right, Jessica happened. Heh. So I look at channel 1, god damn I don’t deserve to live? Nor do Asians? And Blacks are just labor help? Wait, Meek! Shit, did I really call her a nigger? Of course I did. I told her what I was told last year, because I was a good girl then. “Nigger makes, the world takes.” God, WE ARE ALL GOD’s CHILDREN!!! That’s in the Bible, but they never make us read that! I wonder why! Meek, if I ever find you again, I am SO sorry!

Channel 2 now. God, what sluts, and they can't be more than 16! God, did I dress like that? Oh, look, a Jessica. Mmm, big boobs…SHIT! Gotta stop that.

Channel 3. Hmmm same shit, only older. That one looks like my mom. Ew, that's freaky.

Channel 4. Oh my God, they really do tell blacks to just be worker bees and keep quiet. No wonder Meek never said anything when I called her… that. That ain’t right! Shit, what the hell is this place?!

Gotta watch the game, this is too freaky…what the hell? Zelda! Game’s starting! Wasn’t she in the camp for the university games years ago? What is wrong with her? She’s a baller, so why doesn't she watch some basketball for once instead of that racist shit! Look, your girlfriend is watching… yeah, I'd be in trouble if I yelled THAT. Then again, so is Chris. Jesus! Dale is all but fondling her husband on camera. I thought that was indecent and why we went to one, non-competitive 10 channel system? God, it’s like I moved here from Iraq and saw this for the first time!

Man, it’s quiet. No one says a word, they just watch TV. Even Chris. Then she complains about Dale and does the whole I'm just watching girls in shorts. Ahh, what a relief, she's flirting with me. She asks me if I’m gonna wear those shorts, so I tell her I’d rather play in the Aussie league, wear those bodysuits.

"You ain't no virgin, Mary! (ooh! glad you noticed)"

Then she bitches about the announcers again and says she’d watch Shirley the goth on Channel 8. I all but cried when she said how cute her husband looks. She tried to cover it up but I can tell something is changing with her. I tried to tell her, but I couldn’t say it all the way without getting in trouble…just suggested that maybe she’s been around the TV too long.

It should be noted that despite a global ban elsewhere in the world, tobacco production has skyrocketed since 2008. It is permitted everywhere short of gas stations and oxygen tents and is done by almost anyone of age-- VB

"Light one up, of course!" was her answer and now everyone is smoking. I think I'm gonna be sick. I hate smoking, it makes me winded on the court. It’s so hot and stinky. But I know everyone does it. But now I’m the only one not smoking! God, it's hot in here, I feel like I’m going to choke.

I ran to the toilet and Chris made an O’Chili joke. I came out, and I stepped on an empty box of cigarettes by my bed. Was I so blind that I too just smoked at the instant someone on TV pulled out a lighter? I see the ashtray, all but full, and in my drawer is a carton, for my birthday, a week ago. I’ve been smoking a goddamn pack a day since I turned 18? What is happening to me? I ran back to the toilet and threw up just thinking about it. But I feel better now. I know who I am, and I am not one of them. I hate smoking, I’m gay, I don’t like blonde hair, and I don’t feel like sticking things in my boobs to make them bigger. I am Meredith Claskowitz…did I just write that? I haven't used that name since I was a little girl. You can call me anything you like, but that’s my name. I'm not sleeping tonight. I don’t want to wake up a smoking whore again.

Week 12

These notes, brought from within the Knoxville camp, explain the methodology of the HOPE camp process. I do not understand much of the scientific language. It is something you should investigate, as it seems to explain the reliance on television in today’s America-- VB

The most typical form of conversion known is called inversion. Since the system is based on female icons, which men are physically attracted to and women yearn to become, the best way to convert a damned homosexual is to use the television to make them attracted to someone of the same sex. This makes them more receptive to study and prayer and in rare cases can actually cleanse them of their sin altogether. Nonetheless, it is enough for them to suppress their sin into bizarre fantasies that they themselves do not remember, therefore making them righteous and cooperative for reintegration into society. For unknown reasons, this form of treatment works better on women than men. Inversion has its drawbacks, mainly that one is not actually purged of their lust; instead they channel their lust toward images that are not real. When confronted with another person who has been cured this way, it is not uncommon for them to fall into a delusion of double love, normally sacrificing an hour alone with their partner to indulge their sin before returning to their righteous ways, normally rationalized by the self-proclaimed penance of missing a meal. However, someone who is inverted will still gladly and passionately procreate with their spouse, raise children in a fair manner, and will carry the message of the Lord even more ardently than one who is truly righteous. For those inverted without assistance, many problems arise, many leading to breakout or a state where they believe that homosexuals can also be righteous. This leads to confusion and depression. Many suicides have been linked to this. It is the main function of a HOPE camp to make sure that inversion shows no path but that of the Lord.

From the Diary of Erica Stephens

Dear God,

I was at confessional today. Chrissie still believes Shawna, at least one time was gay. We all sin, and we all make penance for them. Hers is that her behavior damaged her ability to have children. Zelda told her this and she was quiet. Chrissie is coming to believe in You. I beg for You to welcome her, please. She is a good person inside.

Zelda showed her true intentions. She has had Chrissie straighten out Mary, who I am afraid has strayed somewhat from Your path. She has done a lot of bad despite once being so good. Pray! Zelda noted that she has been going to the privacy box a lot. I thought little of it but Zelda realized right away her sin, letting her lust drive her into the horrors of self-abuse! Please save her, Lord. Lust is a deadly enough sin, but to turn it on oneself is the worst damnation!

Mary then claimed that tobacco makes her sick? But she was offered a special place for athletes and then she degenerated further. Then she said something about her sport. I do not understand this, Lord, she is not espousing her lust but they punish her harder than anyone else in the camp? Why do you not stop them? I think they are trying to kill her! It was Your Son who said, “He who hath no sin may cast the first stone.” Stop this blasphemy and defend Your word! They are hurting someone in Your name. You said that is a bigger sin than lust. Wrath is worse than lust, yet they wish to kill poor Mary, someone who is named for the blessed Virgin! Forgive me, Lord, I cannot let you become shamed in such cruel barbarity! I reminded them that wrath is also a deadly sin. They say basketball is as holy as the church. Is that not creating another god? Especially since the prayer of St. Katherine is one of undying peace and love, not hate and violence. This is not the Vatican.

As I am sure you are aware, the sudden canonzation of an ardent follower of Jerry Falwell in 2010 was a large-scale controversy. Furthermore many scholars at Columbia University have discovered major inconsistencies in the story of her death. In America, it is said that she was raped and murdered by a homosexual she was helping preach to and convert to a normal lifestyle. However by their own admission she also participated in a war that would have been the same exact time as her murder. Many homosexuals were executed over this person, so a prompt investigation may be in order-- VB

She then brings up that I am doubting You, and beats me for it. But I do not doubt You, Lord, I doubt her. She knows not of Your wishes. She wishes only hate, fear and violence, much like King Herod wished only power and was to slay Your Son in Your name to gain power had not the Three Wise Men not gone by another road.

I realize it is wrong to criticize Your word, but it is worse to believe a false prophet. I need Your guidance, Lord. St. Katherine died during the war. But many homosexuals were killed in the name of revenge for her murder by someone she was trying to save. Which was it? Was she a soldier in Your army overseas, or did she try to preach Your word at home? Both are not possible. God? Have I been denying You in the name of false prophets?

It is night and I bless You for sparing Mary from further pain. She seems less hurt than I thought, but it still pains me to see such hatred when I recall strict instructions from Your Son to turn the other cheek.

Lord, I must show you how much I tried to understand what you want from us. In Your Holy Bible, violence is only a last resort and using violence and killing on a whim is an unspeakable sin. But it has been years since we have not been at war, and homosexuals are murdered and beaten all over the TV. They tell me You want anger, that it is a time to kill, but yet You say wrath is a deadly sin and the Ten Commandments clearly say…"Thou shall not kill”.

At this point, I must reveal my contact: Dr. Jackie Clemson, who has often leaked information to the resistance about the HOPE program and was until this past August a trusted spy for the resistance. It was her escape that provided so many of the corroborative details herein-- VB

Mary gave me a book, not Yours, but one about the strange second god created at this institution. I am sure now St. Katherine is a false prophet created to hide the truth about what is done to people in this nation. An innocent was murdered to cover up how helpless people are to the hatred being spoken to us every second of the day. IN YOUR NAME. I am sorry, Lord, for my audacity in claiming to believe in You. It turns out that I have never believed in You but instead some false idol disguised as You. I am a sinner! I must repent by showing them what is the truth. These people know not what they do! Forgive them all. Give them the strength to seek and find the truth as I have today. I believe that You have shown me this to show me, fallible and human, what You know is a false God. I thank You for this understanding and I vow not to let it go unheard or forgotten. I will dedicate myself to learning the entirety of Your true word, as You have written in the Bible, NOT as I have been told by the false prophets in church and on TV.

I did not know my own name, so far had I fallen. Mary’s is Meredith. When she asked, I struggled, but I realized then it was Erica. Erica, not Stephanie, was the name You gave to me. Please forgive me my blindness, and help me help the others see. I couldn’t believe that Pete Richardson was a murderer and a tyrant. Others take Your name in vain without knowing it. Thank You for letting me know of this. I will not let You down. I will repent my soul’s suicide and be a stronger person for it. I must now dedicate myself to your word. Excuse me while I commit myself to You, despite Your word being hard to read.

Week 18

As the HOPE program reaches its final months, change becomes evident in so many ways that it is easy to know the state of each subject. It is also where the despair of the present gives way to the future of love, gainful employment, and a peaceful life in the land of opportunity. Even for those who could not be saved and either agree to the asylum state or to stay longer, it is a period of renewal and reflection on their experiences. Many rooms do not even need confessional as lustful conversation gives way to group prayer. Supervisors who were once seen as rough and strict are now seen as friends and equals. Often the rooms at this time are abandoned as the subjects are busy planning for their future, meeting people of the opposite sex to love and marry, removing tattoos and other forms of their past lives, and beginning their lives anew as righteous citizens.

From the Diary of Chrissie Martin:

I went and got some work done. Man, I let myself go when I was a dyke. My breasts are so small and despite my best efforts, I still have almost no hair. I know it will take me years to repent, but I will, Lord, I will for you. Zelda let me go to the Infirmary to help me look more like the woman I’ve become. I had the devil’s markings removed from me and now I look more like a woman in front. Lastly I stopped by the barber. I was tempted to just shave off my hair and wear a wig for now, but the barber thought it was better to grow out what I had, so I had the rest of it turned an appropriate shade of blonde and I went back to my room. The looks on their faces... they were so pleased. I bet they thought I was finally damaged from the penance I had to pay to free me from the devil. Knowing crazy Mary, she probably thought someone knocked me up! But no, You just needed to reward my hard work by making me more of a woman, and for that I’m proud and won’t let You down. I could have done it myself but, well, I wanted to show the world the new Chrissie Martin first! One day I'll be a more acceptable woman. I already know more about the Bible than America’s smartest man, Ken, as well as Stephanie. And I can’t wait! In a week I get to go out with this cute biker. I think he owns a bank in North Dakota. He likes fishing, so I can’t wait to try out this new bass recipe I found on the Channel 1 daytime show, (Georgette the homemaker knows her stuff) and riding in the country. He even built a sidepod just for me. Harry seems so wonderful, I can’t wait to see him.

Chrissie is now helping in confessionals and even trying to draw Mary over to Channel 8. She truly is a success story at this camp. She has met a biking banker, Harry, and they will begin their courtship next week. For someone seen as a sure case for the asylum state, things turned out for God's way.

Week 20

One key element of showing reform from the HOPE camp is the final test, the sin to end all sins. Once a subject has met someone, and proven that they want to stay with them for life, one final test is to see if they can give themselves to someone of the opposite sex fully and with love and passion. It is a hard stage to work up to but those who do normally fully recover and lead happy, procreative lives.

From the Diary of Heather McClintock:

I met my man today. He was tall, dark and handsome. His name was Steven. We talked all night after I cooked him some steak, just like he liked it. We talked some more. He is so understanding. He knows I was raped and he was so pleased that I was able to awaken from the devil’s spell. I proved this to him quite well…I guess it is a lot like riding a bike.

The hair was so silky and golden like mine, the kisses so soft. I gave in right away. I knew this was what I wanted since I got here, and she agreed with me. I finally told the truth, but she just laughed, she knew it all the time that I wasn’t raped. Said it was a common excuse of those who enroll people to think they haven't been contaminated. And then I was shown the most beautiful jersey, still silky as I ran my hand down it before I was commanded to lift it off. She kissed me deeply and I went limp and let myself be undressed, so tender, so soft. I looked into the deepest and bluest set of eyes and realized I had become who I wanted to be. The sweet smells and the tender caresses as I made my way undressing my partner made it even more profound. I needed this. This was all that God wanted me to be, and I would act as He wished. As we made love this feeling sank deeper into my head as I did everything that was asked of me: sweet submission, just like the Lord asks, surrender yourself to love and you will always be happy as long as you always do just as she wants. God is so right. I was so happy! For once I was happy. I never felt this way, like the world had settled into the way it should me. I agreed happily to live this way forever. I want to know no other life for me. I want this to be the way I live. Together always. I always want to be together, no matter what I give up we will always be together. When I got back to my room, I dreamt the most beautiful and blissful dreams, and when I awakened there was the most beautiful white dress with these cute high heels. I did my hair up nice and pretty and splashed on the most beautiful perfume. Zelda smiled at me so much. She was so proud of me. She told me so before my Steven took me home and told me I had earned the right to be his wife. I will always belong to my love. She will always be who I answer to, always and forever.

Week 22

While the procurement of a spouse is paramount for a HOPE camp, some other measures of success are still seen. These are most definitely not failures. In fact, sometimes these people are the backbone of future treatment. These people do not rid themselves of enough lust to get married but still renounce the devil and lead productive, nonsexual lives. Many commit themselves to a lover higher than a husband, God Himself. Others renounce themselves to tasks that are needed but not a good fit for the mainstream community. No, this should be viewed as much as a recovery as anything else as it still shows the riddance of the devil's lust.

Enclosed is the first sermon, that given to her supervisors, by Sister Erica Stephens of St. Paul’s Church - VB

"I have learned a lot since enrolling myself in this camp. I have learned more about God and Jesus than I could ever imagine. I knew about the devil, about evil, and about the deadly sins. I repented my sins, and feel no more lust. I no longer envy married people. I no longer covet other people's wives or try to tempt them into adultery. I, however, do not understand as much of faith as I thought. Mainly the parts of faith that are in the Bible but are not taught. If the Bible is the word of God, are some of His words really more important than others? In the Ten Commandments, He stated 'thou shalt have no other gods before me', yet I see people all but worship the TV. He told us 'thou shall not kill', yet we are at war at all times, and though we are not to kill, we have capital punishment, we allow for lynching and murder in the name of protecting our children for lust. He told us 'thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image', and 'thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them', but everywhere I go, I see Channel 1 and its branding. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, 'Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged', but yet all are judged on color, race, and well, I'm here, aren't I? I understand homosexuality is wrong, that is in the Bible too, but how much else is in the Bible that is forgotten? Anger, I see. Avarice, I see. Gluttony, do I even need to ask? Envy is forced on everyone who is different. I don't think I need to mention lust, this camp delivers women to men who can't get any. Pride, I see more American flags than I do Bibles, One nation under God, yet we have separation of church and state. I do not fault this camp or anyone here, for I have the idea that we are the most innocent of them all. But how can we proclaim that we are the most pious when we only understand a third of the Bible? I am renouncing my sexuality, but I will not use the speech of hate. I am going to study the Bible as a celibate nun, I have realized that there is more to the Bible than just a few repeated passages. I will take my faith to a church with a more broad understanding. Where, I don't know, but we do not understand God, we just listen to what we like to hear."

From the Diary of Erica Stephens

Dear God,

They cannot doubt Your word, even if the word doubts them. Thank you. I will put this to good and righteous service when I leave this camp.

It should be noted that Erica Stephens gave me her diary while serving in the Rectory of St. Paul’s Church of the Lincoln Square district-- VB