Arbeit macht frei: - Fredrick Töben

Dear Mr T
I have just read all the paper work you sent me for the book, and what an
excellent read, from the very opening of the place to the present day. But
as you know the way it was in the 1960s has changed so much.
Not many work here so time drags for them. I remember everyone used
to work here. And nowaways it’s liquid handcuffs that does not help
rehabilitation because that starts within oneself.
I have done this, of course, over time. I remember over 21 years ago I was
caged and attitudes of those who held me in such places were brutal. If
one didn’t show aggression back, they were targets for both sides. All
round me are broken men, medicated zombies, the do it harders, home
Detention crawlers, and of course, the story tellers.
But after being here so long one knows when someone is talking shit. You
could mention things like how we used to talk for hours about world
events and Huey used to cook and you sat in on a few meals or how you
used to buy small treats like Mars bars or a can of coke.
When you used to talk I knew you were from the heart and in return I
spoke from mine. Everything I told you was the truth, and I wasn’t in gaol
at all when you were here.
What about the letters I wrote to the Parole Board and never got an
answer and when I went down there they mixed me up with someone else
and had the wrong file before they got organised.
And my seat at the table, and as soon as the barrier was opened straight
out to work we’d go, then meet up for lunch at the table and straight after
lunchtime count straight out to work again.
Small things do add up also, I feel … Even the Vatican and the Pope
should be mentioned, and how some live on false hope – they believe the
earth or the beginning of man started 10,000 years ago.
I liked your bit about Bluey, now that was good. He’s now over in Tassie,
can’t work that one out but I’m if any evidence comes to light someone
has to face justice.
Justice is a funny thing here in South Australia. I saw the solicitor McGee
and his brother walk from court. Yet if that you or me we’d be doing at
least 10 years. What sort of justice is that and Rann backing up his mate
and his brother. What a crock of shit. Surely the public now can see that
things ain’t right in the city of churches.
Also, how can a judge sit on the Executive Council or even a man of the
cloth sit in Parliament? A priest and judge in politics just ain’t right.
The cell block and cells in general are all I really know because all my
sentence I have lived in a show-box. I came in young and leave old, well
middle-aged. That’s if I get out at all, my friend.
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