‘I met several juvenile lifers in prison in Coldwater, MI’

Latest

PHOTO/DAYMONJHARTLEY.COM

 
BENTON HARBOR, MI —The truth is America is a fraud. We have the most corrupt system, run by the establishment, in the world. The court system is rigged, judges are bribed, and there is fake and phony trials. There is extortion by lawyers, who refuse to defend the defendant and there is no penalty for them.
I met lot of good people in prison who should not have been there, especially the juvenile lifers.
Let the truth be told, the United States of America stands alone worldwide in imposing sentences of life without parole on juveniles. The United States achieved this unique position by slowly and steadily dismantling the founding principles of the juvenile justice system. Today a record number of people are serving juvenile life without the possibility of parole— that is a person who commits a crime and is sentenced in the United States for a crime before their 18th birthday.
It is driven by the media reporting false information, which I believe is fake news. And we cannot forget public fear. They use catch phases such as adult crime, ‘you do adult time.’ The policy makers respond with a frenzy of tough laws that disregard developmental differences between youth and adults and instead focus exclusively on the crime. We cannot run a society for their privilege and allow a significant proportion of the population to be marginalized, like the juvenile lifers. It impacts the quality of life for all of us if we throw away people. A justice system, which tolerates injustice, is doomed to collapse.
I made a commitment when I left prison to continue to speak out about juvenile lifers and the prison system.
I am committed to fight for all. I cannot sleep at night knowing I left so many behind. I will continue to fight until I can bring them home.

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

Featured

Death Toll Expected to Rise: Justice for Those in Detention

Detainees in ICE detention are pleading for help due to inhumane conditions. Now, as of August 4, 2026, at least 24 detainees have died in custody this year alone.

Minnesota Trade Unionists Among Those Targeted; Feds Indict ICE Observers

Minnesota trade unionists are among 15 people indicted by the federal government, as part of a crackdown on organizing in opposition to the ICE and Border Patrol. Support is needed.

Japanese Internment Survivors, Faith Leaders Demand Texas ICE Detention Center Close

Faith leaders and Japanese internment camp survivors held a 45 mile pilgrimage demanding the closure of the only federal family detention center, described as inhumane and a tragic “repetition of American history.”

Progressives? Conservatives? Left? Right? Who Do They All Represent?

The billionare class paints the economy as very good based on rising stock market episodes that don’t filter down to most blue-collar people. Let’s concentrate our efforts on those fighting for the needs of the many.

A Somali Perspective on Life in Minnesota

The words “Nobody wants you here,” may have been directed at one Somali family, but they do not define Minnesota’s Somali community. By listening to the voices of Somalis themselves, a different story emerges, one of belonging, resilience, and community.

More from the People's Tribune