raúlrsalinas and the Jail Machine: My Weapon Is My Pen

Articles from New Era, Kansas Federal Penitentiary, Leavenworth

ArticlesfromNewEra,KansasFederal Penitentiary,Leavenworth New Era, Now Era • Fall 1970, 4–5 Note from the Editor A PRISON IS A PRISON is a prison, to paraphrase Gertrude Stein or whatever literary giant may have uttered such a phrase, in regards to the rose. Insofar as loss of freedom is concerned we must admit, that with the coming of the technological age, some changes have occurred— slow though they may have been in arriving. But not enough. We feel that more changes are necessary and should, therefore, be forthcoming . The prevailing atmosphere of Leavenworth, which both keeper and kept seem to be hung up in, is one of a distinct stagnating and dehumanizing nature. The archaic and passé concepts of notoriety which this massive cage has wallowed in and enjoyed for so long, have become a myth. Leavenworth today is witnessing the arrival of a new type of prisoner ; one who isn’t haunted by the specter of his prodigal predecessors of days gone by. One who doesn’t scurry into the gloomy caverns of idleness and self-defeat at the mere fact that he has arrived at a prison which has the reputation of being the most infamous of all, in this country. In this “with it” generation, that is all so meaningless. Here, one could stop and wonder: what criminal came first? The r a ú l rsa l i n as a n d t h e ja i l m ac h i n e 66 67 Fall 1970 issue of New Era Magazine (artwork by Rubén Estrella) Above: Facsimile of First Place Award presented to Salinas by the American Penal Press for Best Story. Award included three-year scholarship to Famous Writers School. slicked-up Hollywood type, who spoke out of the side of his mouth: Or, the average guy who got uptight about something and took the only way out he knew? Because, after all, isn’t that what the game of life is all about? Acquiring as much as possible? The only requisite to that, however, is that you choose the proper methods; that makes the difference. Our only affinity with the ghosts of past felons is, that they were unfortunate men, much like ourselves, who were doing time under, perhaps, worse conditions. The New Era has been in existence for 53 years, with one exception , a fallow season of two years when its absence was sorely lamented. Throughout its duration, New Era was intent on reflecting the most creative ideas and achievements of convicts in hopes of bridging the gap between prisoners and free society. Also, it strove to inform the outside world in regards to convicts’ problems, their endeavors towards social adjustment and productivity. By advocating peace and equality, it sought to help in a minor way to lessen indifference and biases. Finally, to motivate and inspire selfexpression of all Leavenworth prisoners, allowing each the opportunity of offering his ideas for publication. A few months ago, the importance of these objectives and the magazine ’s existence was reaffirmed—the end result being the very issue before you. As it has been so aptly stated by the top man on our sequestered totem-pole, New Era is intent on promoting the convict; his problems and his needs. The problems and needs of today’s prisoner are the same as they were 53 years ago. The only difference is in the approach to the solution. “This is the Dawning of the Age of Aquarius,” sang that beautiful cast of the stage production “HAIR.” And so it is, that with the ushering in of the New Era into the Aquarian Age, we also usher in the “Now Era.” With all emphasis and concern placed on today. And tomorrow . . . PEACE, Raúl Salinas ■ ■ ■ r a ú l rsa l i n as a n d t h e ja i l m ac h i n e 68 Sometimes, Champs Turn Up in the Strangest Places • Fall 1970, 42–45 The game of handball originated in Ireland and was introduced in the United States about 1810. Today, this country can boast to having the most expert players in the sport, which functions under the regulations of the U.S. Handball Association and the Amateur Athletic Union. The game can be played either single or four-wall version. Both are as disparate from one another as they are from the European version, which is in itself...