Soledad Prison librarian speaks out for dehumanized inmates w/Fred Winn | Rattling the Bars

The nightmarish reality of the prison-industrial complex is fueled by stereotypes and tropes about incarcerated people. From the myth of the 'superpredator' to other racist and anti-poor constructions of "the prisoner," the real stories and lives of the human beings trapped in the prison system are obscured by the biases and interests of those most invested in maintaining mass incarceration. Fred Winn, a former librarian, correctional officer, and case manager at California's Soledad Prison, has attempted to peel back this veil with the true stories of the human beings he encountered behind bars in his memoir, For the Least of These. Winn joins Rattling the Bars for a discussion on his book and the humanity that clings on in prisons in spite of constant repression.
Studio Production / Post-Production: Cameron Granadino
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[@kathycurtis6359]

Thank you so much for this! My husband was told he was an habitual criminal and a sociopath. In Oregon State Pen he realized (in the mid 70's) that the guards were making a living for themselves off of the drug market behind bars so he got involved and lived comfortably and high while down. The same thing happened at San Quentin and Folsom. He died in 1986 from heart disease that was not addressed at SLO Men's Colony. I don't know how it is now but the medical care of prisoners is of great concern to me.

[@bertbaker7067]

Unfortunately, it hasn't changed much. A few years ago the ladies at Fluvanna Correctional Center in VA had to sue the VA DoC because the bastards weren't treating some of the ladies with cancer because it was too expensive. 4 women had to die before anyone with enough power cared enough to step in. I was in a VA men's prison at the same time and it was the same for us, just not so many dying so close together. I wouldn't be surprised if it's the same everywhere. Stay strong.

[@michaelmaya7742]

Prisoners who get into the books, become some of the smartest, well spoken inmates not only in the penal system but in general. They show what they can do and become if they set their minds to it.

[@beedubs3356]

For those of you who can, please sling a few bucks their way. I gave em 20 on the first episode and it's still there. This is a great series

[@theredboneking]

Watch the movie “Just Mercy”. It’ll explain why the American prison system has so many African American prisoners. That and prisons for profit.

[@bertbaker7067]

*"We are men!* We are not beasts and we do not intend to be beaten or driven as such. The entire prison populace - that means each and every one of us here - has set forth to change forever the ruthless brutalization and disregard for the lives of the prisoners here and throughout the United States." -L.D. Barkley

[@evangel1737]

This was so powerful on many levels. Mr Fred is a great humanitarian and because I am a faithful reader and student of The Bible I can tell he understands the message disclosed via the Holy Spirit who is the teacher of scripture. “The Least of These” taken from Matthew 25: and how Fred shares it is beautiful and so right. I really love 💗 the team at The Real News Network and the education I get from the podcasts and different shows. Their ❤️ for humanity is obvious. There are many Oppressors in this world and Jesus said “the poor will always be with you” Matthew 26:11 which is the oppressed/poor both then and today. Thank You for What you do to show the difference and for being there.

[@bobhope5114]

WEF frontman Noel Harrari says human rights are a just fairlytale...Is he correct?

[@BrianJacobsen-lc3fe]

He is correct. It's one big Corporate lie. Just like the rest of the BS Corporate throws at us. So you worked your whole life. You made the last payment on your home and hold title. Now all you have to do. Is come up with the property taxes every year with the county assessor and friends eyeballing you for a slip up. So are you truly free.?We're just as much in prison as the inmates on this show. 😮

[@PlanetC64]

I love how you brought this back to a papal order in the 1400s, saying colonialism is ok with God. Thanks for this

[@shokprof1313]

📈✌🏽✌🏻✌🏿(WE)VOLUTION💞2024✌🏿✌🏻✌🏽📈

[@kellielaine5848]

Rfk jr all the way ... make prisons into rehabilitation back into society.

[@theLORDGod_G450]

Matthew 25:40 (KJV) And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:41 (KJV) Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: Matthew 25:42 (KJV) For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: Matthew 25:43 (KJV) I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Matthew 25:44 (KJV) Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Matthew 25:45 (KJV) Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. Matthew 25:46 (KJV) And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

[@jeanettesdaughter]

Amen❤

[@jeanettesdaughter]

Nice show. Humanity persists no matter the conditions. IMHO We’re built that way. One. Which is why what is going on now behind and in front of the walls, the deliberate choice to ignore the humanity of those at the bottom of society, is so devastating to the human spirit. That Americans call them selves Christians or followers of Christ or any religion based on peace and love is a blasphemous lie. One visit to a juvenile facility alone puts paid to the lie of Christian nation. So. Could we hear more about prisoners who lead on the humanity front⁉️ Realize you can’t interview them but there must be a way to bring them out, journalistically speaking. Marshall Eddie Conway was certainly such a person. There are others, there are more. Marilyn Buck was such a person in California Women’s Prison. Telling is good; showing is better ❤