The Bureau of Prisons does not belong as a branch of the Department of Justice, but rather belongs in the Department of Defense, where torture and mass murder are their specialties. I saw no signs that the Department of Justice was in the business of holding olive branches, as their branding suggests. But they do know how to use the sharp arrows that the eagle of their logo clutches in its left talon. I'm lucky to still be alive, their arrows nearly killed me.
My body gave out under the stress of being moved to four different facilities in two weeks' time. My kidneys shut down without water or nutrition. My legs could no longer stand. The darkness of my 44 day seclusion, a "gift" to me from the feds on my 44th birthday, broke me. I lost hope when I was disconnected from all of
you and your generous solidarity.
The strength of your collective prayers began to carry me out of the darkness of that rabbit hole. They shot
me in the ass like a horse, to silence me. My eyes lost their ability to focus. They made me beg for my food
and crawl, naked on concrete because I was unable to walk. You gave me hope that there are people who
want to live a different way of life, centered on love. I wish to formally seek political asylum and live in
your world.
As Father Roy faces excommunication from the church, and our first African American president fights for his second term...I hope you'll show up at the November vigil or sponsor someone to attend in your place. This
is our time to raise our voices. This is our time to extend our olive branches and request our country do the same. Peace is possible if we commit to nonviolence. When we surrender our fear of death, amazing things
can happen. I am living proof and you are the reason I am still alive. Let us all live to rebuild peace in our worlds. See you on November 16-18. We will close the SOA. I owe you a hug.
Theresa Cusimano
SOA Watch Prisoner of Conscience
On January 13, 2012, Theresa Cusimano was sentenced to 6 months in prison by Judge Stephen Hyles for her nonviolent action for crossing onto Fort Benning. She was released from Carswell Federal Medical Center on July 11. Read more about SOA Watch Prisoners of Conscience here. |
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I entered prison because, like all of you, I believe 
