October 31, 2014
I've been doing very well with bouncing back into my daily goals and routines. I work out every morning in my cell, pushups, sit ups, squats, jump n jacks, running in place, yoga, spiritual reading, studying horticulture, and writing to friends and family, writing in my blog and many other various activities to keep my mind and body occupied. Today is one of our biggest tests thus far according to my teacher. I study a little everyday regardless of a test, but I've been studying extra hard this week in preparation for this test. I've aced every single test so far and I certainly don't plan on that changing with any future tests. Having said that, since talking to the warden yesterday I've been working twice as hard to focus on my studies, unable to concentrate, being sidetracked from another blow to the gut by this screwed up penal system. For the last four weeks I've been anxiously anticipating the results from a second urine screening that was never performed in the first place. Officials in this prison lied to my attorney and I want answers along with due process. I'm currently trying to obtain copies of the DRC rules, another inmate fighting a false urine screening told me he read in the DRC rules that an inmate contesting a urine screen has the right to a second screening, the warden boldly told me that there would be no second screening and I'll just have to deal with it, end of story. There are several inmates in the compound that are fluent in knowledge of the DRC rules; they support their selves in here through doing legal work for other inmates. If my attorney can't find me justice, I'll find one of these 'jail house lawyers' and obtain their services, continuing to search for the proper resolution, I feel it's the right thing to do. I have no doubt that if Michael Santos was faced with this situation during his stay in prison he would have also fought this injustice, never giving up until proving his
innocence and that's exactly what I plan to do. I just have to keep reminding myself not to let this spill over into other goals in my life, like studying for a big test. Hopefully getting some of these thoughts and feelings out onto my blog will give me some peace and help me to continue studying for my big test today without distraction.
Steven Dybvad
