Bix has some BLING (courtesy of BOP)

Joe Power Drutis reports that Bix has a new fashion accessory: his official Bureau Of Prisons ankle bracelet was snapped on early afternoon on February 23rd.  Bix has now joined the ranks of ankle bracelet veterans like Anne Montgomery, who also wore one after her release from prison.

     A bright spot: Bix cannot leave his house before 6 am ; but, he can go about his community building and ministry after 6 as long as he is back home before 9 pm!  Ooooh, just think of the possibilities!!!

     And for those who are wondering how long Bix gets to wear this exotic piece of ankelwear, it’s for 6 months! He is going to have a ball doing the Hokey Pokey!

Is this a fashion statement, or what???

Of family and pounds of flesh

[A note from Theresa: cub reporter, filling in for Joe]

Bix just learned that his nephew, Jimmy, died a few days ago. Many of us have fond memories of Jimmy’s laughter as he helped construct Guadalupe House and joined us in other community events. He will be missed. Our hearts go out to the Bichsel family for their loss as well as the absence of Bix in their midst. A request was made that Bix be released on Saturday for the funeral; but, this seems unlikely to be granted.

Ensuring that the BOP collects every ounce of their pound of flesh may trump any amount of comfort Bix could offer or receive from his family.

Peace to the Bichsels, the BOP, and that pound of flesh nonetheless

Bix has ended his fast… and some words from him!!!

Friends, Hot off the presses from “Guest Reporter” Theresa Power-Drutis we have an update on Bix!!!  Bix has ended his fast, and (according to Theresa) sounds very upbeat. 

*************

Yesterday I received a letter written by Bix on January 24. I believe Bix’s own words best describe how he is doing; so, here they are:

On fasting and Intentionality: “I don’t ask that I be removed from the SeaTac SHU. I find peace and connection with all of you in here.  I feel a real sense of God’s presence and a calling to nurture and live out this freedom God has given me. I’m more weak today from the fast and have decided to end the fast tomorrow in the evening. “

On gratitude and community: “Thank you hugely for the vigils – in the arctic weather – and for the tremendous outpouring of help and consciousness you have brought about. Overwhelmed and humbled am I.”

On health: “I would like to express my heartfelt love to all of you working to better my condition.  I now have four blankets and some itching cream. I did not sleep, but am not out of shape by it. I am deeply sustained by my liquid-only fast.”

Retraction/Correction Policy: Plowshares News welcomes comments and suggestions, or complaints about errors that warrant correction. 🙂

Here are 2 such corrections from Bix RE: Blake’s visit “I was asked by the Lieutenant at SeaTac, ‘Why are you doing this?’ I answered, ‘Conscience.’ She responded, ‘This has nothing to do with conscience – this is a matter of policy.’ I replied, ‘You said it well – you have divorced policy from conscience.’”

Our report printed that last line as, “What is policy for some is not acceptable to Christians.” While this is probably true, it is not the point that Bix was trying to make. “What I’m saying is that policy without conscience is not acceptable to anyone.  I’m saying that the bureaucratic stronghold of policy has squeezed conscience to a drip level.”

Re: Naiveté vs. Fully Informed Risk Taking Bix writes that the government often portrays peace activists as, “well-meaning, generous, community helpful persons – but Charlie Brown like – out in left field.”  This is not the case, as Bix’s life – including more than two years of personal experience with the inhumanity of the Bureau of prisons – has proven.

“I didn’t choose the halfway house because of trust in the BOP or “Nazi” offer – I chose it out of an unknowing cloud of things going on within me.  Different elements, such as the courage and resistance of the young ‘White Rose’ woman to the Nazi court – complete condemnation – came to me over a few weeks, thoughts of,  ‘How will the BOP violate me back in,’ were floating in this cloud.  Also, thoughts of, ‘Maybe it’s a time to get to the Jean’s House Renovation.’ ‘Maybe the BOP doesn’t want to pay for my medications anymore.’ All of these elements were playing inside – for me it was a stepping out of my comfort zone to the unknown.”

—————————————–

To each of you who added your voice in seeking basic care for Bix – whether through a letter, phone call, prayer, meditation, or other action – thank you! We never know which ounce may tip the scales of power toward compassion.

When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion. ~Ethiopian Proverb

Sunday at SeaTac – The Video

Rodney Herold captured the spirit of the day as we vigiled at SeaTac Federal Detention Center on Sunday, January 22nd. Here is his video:

Bix got blankets – his fast continues…

Dear Friends,

More than 40 people showed up yesterday.  The rain and wind were unable to dampen our spirit-filled spirits as we vigiled outside of the SeaTac Federal Detention Center in support of Bix, and of course all the prisoners incarcerated in all prisons.  We were simply reminding those in power of their moral and ethical responsibilities to their fellow human beings.  I hope that our collective Love, Compassion and Nonviolent spirit penetrated those thick, cold concrete walls and touched both prisoners and prison guards.  As Lynne Greenwald of Disarm Now Plowshares said,

It is important to note that while our circle of resisters have a wonderful network of supporters, we also remember all prisoners, everywhere, who daily suffer under this system of injustice. Most of the 700+ prisoners at SeaTac FDC are there for nonviolent crimes. Our friends in prison have witnessed cruel treatment under an inhumane structure. Jackie Hudson’s and Bix’s experiences remind us of how much work there is to do, to turn our lives around.

Vigiling outside SeaTac FDC on Sunday, January 22nd

Bix has received blankets, and both Joe and Blake will fill you in below.   Your collective good wishes, prayers and emails are a powerful force.  Thanks!!!  Rodney Herold videotaped yesterday’s vigil, and I expect to have that up here later today or tomorrow.  May the spirit of this community spread far and wide, and may everyone come to embrace its message of Mercy, Justice and Peace.

Leonard

****************

From Joe Power-Drutis

My apologies for not sending this report from Blake to you sooner; however, much was happening yesterday that prohibited me from jumping on this. Yesterday’s vigil at SeaTac was absolutely wonderful. We did sing Angels We Have Heard On High – twice; along with one of Bix’s favorites “This Little Light Of Mine”. Our line of well wishers stretched the front entrance of SeaTac Detention, as Senji and Gilberto led us for nearly an hour of meditation and drumming.

All of your efforts were well rewarded, as Bix has received extra blankets and he now reports he is much warmer. There remains a couple of other health related issues and we hope to resolve those soon through direct negotiation. Thank you so much for all of your efforts.

From:  Blake Kremer

I met with Bix yesterday, January 21st, and he asked me to pass along a message.

Bix is still in the SHU. Bix received a letter from Terry Morrison where he learned of the Tuesday vigil, and he is deeply appreciative of that.

Bix says that he has received extra blankets, and he is no longer cold.  He is able to stay warm enough in bed, and wears his blankets when he stands up to stay warm.  Bix says that he continues to not be able to sleep at all, but he no longer thinks that being cold is the cause of that. He thinks that it relates to “itchiness” that continues to trouble him.

Bix wants everyone to know that as he continues on his fast – yesterday was his eleventh day – that he feels stronger and more confirmed in his resolution.  Bix is appreciative of any who join him in his fast, the goal of which is to unite us as one and strengthen resolve against nuclear weapons.  Bix says that there are 10,000 issues that we can work on; this is one thing that we can all unite together on today. Bix says that Christians can unite in conscience where God speaks to all of us, to abolish nuclear weapons and to oppose those policies of the US that are without conscience. This was a point that Bix was reminded of when he was taken back to the BOP and told by his jailer that his re-arrest was a matter of policy, not of conscience.  Bix talked about how policy without conscience reminded him of the courage of the White Rose and their courage in protesting Nazi policies without conscience, even though they were beheaded for their resolve.

Bix talked about his re-arrest at the halfway house, and how just prior to that he was Gilberto and others drumming outside the house. Bix said that the monks looked like angels bringing songs of peace and joy to him. While Bix was re-arrested for this “unauthorized contact,” he continues to think of that and delights in the memory of what he considered wholly authorized contact. He blew kisses to them at the time, and continues to rejoice in the memory. Bix sings to himself in his solitary cell, and hopes that at the vigil today, those present will sing:  “angles we have heard on high.”

Bix is deeply appreciative of those who are thinking of him and sends his love.

Urgent: Vigil tomorrow (Sunday) at SeaTac FDC for Bix!!!

Editor’s Note:  Our dear Bix needs us NOW!!!  Please read the following important alerts from Joe Power-Drutis; they have critical time value.  I’m sorry not to have posted earlier, but I’ve just come back online after being stranded for 3 days without power or telephones.  The first part is about tomorrow’s [Sunday] vigil at SeaTac, the second is a statement from Bix provided by attorney Blake Kremer who has been in contact with Bix, and lastly an overview of the situation along with a list of government officials for us to contact to address this injustice now!  

Also, please include Bix’s Bureau of Prisons inmate number (William J. Bichsel, SJ, 86275-020) in your correspondence.

***********

[From Joe Power-Drutis]

The letters and calls made by many of you yesterday [January 19] to seek basic care for Bix from the Bureau of Prisons at SeaTac were heartening. Today we continue our efforts to inform the media and public officials of the fact that prison personnel are withholding the extra clothing and blankets prescribed by a physician for an octogenarian with severe circulatory and coronary insufficiency. Bix – held in solitary confinement – is at their mercy.

Bix’s home community at St. Leo Church and the Tacoma Catholic Worker invite you to a vigil at the SeaTac Detention Center to protest his treatment.

Date of Vigil:  Sunday, January 22, 2012 Time:  2PM – 3PM Place:  2425 S 200th St, SeaTac, WA  98498 Please bring a candle and a creative sign if you like.

Purpose:  Governments and prison authorities have a duty of care to all prisoners and detainees under their control. We demand independent verification that Bix has received the bedding and clothing he needs to assure his warmth and bring an end to the pain and suffering he has endured since returning to SeaTac on January 11th.

Parking: You may be asked to move your car if you park in the SeaTac lot or on the road leading in. I recommend that you park on or near 200th and Highway 99 and walk the short distance to the detention center.

Photography: We can take photos of the vigil, but have been informed – by prison staff – that photos of the prison building are not allowed. Pointless ruling as the entire campus is clearly visible on Google Maps, but there it is.

Car Pooling: Meet in front of the Tacoma Catholic Worker at 1417 South G Street at 1 PM; carpool departs at 1:15.

I leave you with the first in the list of prisoner rights as listed in the Inmate Handbook, (June 1, 2010, p. 52, Par. 1) and written by – and posted on the website of – the Federal Detention Center: SeaTac, Washington

“You have the right to expect as a human being, that you will be treated respectfully, impartially, and fairly by all personnel.”

Identical language is used in the Title 28 Chapter V. Part 540, Code of Federal Regulation, Federal Bureau of Prisons Policies. A good policy is in place; let’s get them to honor it!

***************

[From: Blake Kremer, January 19th]

Bix called around 2 PM today and said that he would like a visit from me. He related to me the following:

“Found out at a hearing on Tuesday the BOP’s reason for taking him in to custody.  Brought two people in from the halfway house to describe the incident when the monks came to greet me.  I did not know the monks were coming, but I threw them some kisses and that was it.  The next morning the marshal came and took me in to custody.

I am now on non-compliance and in the SHU.  I entered in to a fast – this is my ninth day.  I am amazed at how much strength I am getting. No food at all – just water.  Every morning they bring me breakfast; I just take two half pints of milk.  I feel with all of this my spirit feels great.  It is very cold for me all of the time.  I cannot sleep at all – 24 hours a day without sleep, fighting off the chill.  I have asked for a jacket or a pillow or a mattress; they do not comply.

I am very delighted in the way that this has happened.  Welcome angels singing joy and peace is the theme that comes to me.  Rejoice Rejoice Rejoice – I loved the visit from the monks that lead to his current imprisonment.  I am where I should be.  I am good.

I am cold all the time, I wear a blanket.   I am in bed all the time to stay warm.

I am deeply thankful for where I am and I feel a deep sense of god’s presence.  I would like to have others join in the fast if they want to.  There is a fast for Christian unity from 18th to the 25th.  I would like others to consider joining in or being more conscious of our call to eliminate nuclear weapons or oppose unconscionable actions and inhumane treatment.  I told BOP that  I would not comply, as a matter of conscious.  They said:  this is a matter of policy not conscience.  I said:  that is exactly my point.  And that is what I would like others to consider:  that what is policy for some is not acceptable for Christians.”

***************

[From Joe Power-Drutis]

The final line of Bix’s call yesterday [January 19th] to Blake is what I want to address. “What is policy for some (Bureau of Prisons) is not acceptable for Christians.”

It is policy for prisons to deny the cries of inmate’s for basic human needs. (See Plowshares News – May 11, 29 and 31, 2011). It is policy for prisons to keep the environment cool/cold as well.

Bix is an octogenarian. At 83, I guarantee, our physical needs are radically different than at 53, or even 73. In contrast, the age of most prison guards (from my observations) is closer to 33. Supplying additional warmth is not preferential treatment; it is simply a rational response to basic physiology.

When Bix went into SeaTac on November 11, he brought a list of his medications and a letter from his primary care physician. The bulk of the letter related to Bix’s overall medical condition and needs; but, it was prefaced by a cover letter specifically addressing Bix’s need for extra clothing and warmth due to coronary and circulatory deficits. His doctor explained, in detail, how painful it would be to Bix if his extremities are subjected to ongoing cold. This letter is in the medical file at SeaTac. It is being ignored.

Earlier this year, in response to a medical request from Bix, a guard cut off the conversation to say, “Forget about your doctor back home; I’m your doctor now.”

Yes, guards and administrators in jails and prisons can treat inmates inhumanely simply because they can; but, it also seems that the milieu of prison life is geared toward punishment. At the Knox County Sheriff’s Detention Facility, where Bix was imprisoned in Knoxville, a long document that listed the purposes of the facility was posted on the bulletin board. The first 2 items on the list were their statement of ownership and the mission statement of delivering “punishment.”

Whether or not jail and prison administrators are directly complicit in the day to day cruelty of those they supervise; they are answerable for maintaining an environment that caters to punishment, rather than rehabilitation. By dehumanizing inmates, whether at Abu Ghraib or the Podunk County jail, administrators at the top give tacit approval to soldiers/guards all the way down the line to be creative in their punishments.

It is important for us to voice disapproval of Bix’s cruel treatment. Please take a few minutes today to let people on the list below know that the community cannot tolerate this treatment of Bix or of any of the 824 prisoners held at SeaTac today. If you know of others who should hear from us, please contact them and then send me a note – I’ll add your suggestions to the list. The more letters we get out, the more likely someone with compassion will intervene.  ( I believe the issue will not be officially addressed until Monday, in the meantime we have time and incentive to speak to as many people as we can.)

Here is list of people to contact [Note: This is the most updated list with Joe’s corrections and additions]

Charles E. Samuels, Jr.
Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons
320 First St., NW,
Washington, DC 20534
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern time
Monday through Friday
For general information, call 202-307-3198.

Marion Feather, Warden
 Federal Detention Center SeaTac
P.O. Box 13901
Seattle, WA 98198
Phone: 206-870-5700
Fax: 206-870-5717
E-mail: mxfeather@bop.gov

Terry McGuire
The Catholic Northwest Progress
710 9th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
Terry.McGuire@seattlearch.org
Phone: 206-382-4560
Fax: 206-382-4840

The News Tribune
P.O. Box 11000, Tacoma, WA 98411
Phone: 253-597-8742
Matt Misterek
(253) 597-8472
matt.misterek@thenewstribune.com

The Seattle Times
PO Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111
Newsroom: (206) 464-2200
Newsroom fax: (206) 464-2261
Newsroom and Seattletimes.com staff
Main: (206) 464-2111
Accepts letters of up to 200 words at opinion@seattletimes.com

Contact your government representatives
http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

Patty Murray— www.murray.senate.gov/email/index.cfm
Tacoma Office
950 Pacific Avenue, Ste. 650
Tacoma, Washington 98402
Phone: (253) 572-3636
Fax: (253) 572-9488

Maria Cantwell — www.cantwell.senate.gov/contact/

Gov. Christine Gregoire
www.governor.wa.gov/contact/

Norm Dicks
www.house.gov/dicks/email.shtml

Archbishop Sartain
Archdiocese of Seattle, 710 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-382-4560 | Fax: 206-382-4840

Bix Called…

[an update from Joe Power-Drutis]

Bix called! I knew valuable information was to be transmitted, I found myself wishing I was Ralph Hutchinson over in Knoxville with the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance (OREPA). Back in May we took notes at the court proceedings of the Y-12 defendants. His notes delivered stories of detail and gusto; when I surveyed my puny notes, I sometimes wondered if we were in the same courtroom.

First, Bix sounded very good, his voice light and filled with spirit. He was only permitted 2 calls, one personal, one legal. He related why he was returned to SeaTac, which was not a surprise to either of us. Remember the “stipulations” I spoke of the other day? The first and main one for the Klingons was that Bix was not to tell anyone that he was leaving SeaTac. He had told them outright and repeatedly that he would never abide by such an order; well, they obviously didn’t care one way or the other, but this was basically the reason he was returned to SeaTac.

On the evening of the 10th, after he arrived in Tacoma, our most dear friends Senji Kanaeda & Gilberto Perez, Buddhist monks with the Nipponzan Myohoji Order on Bainbridge Island, walking and drumming with a group of students, on their way to the Trident Sub Base and the celebrations of today’s Martin Luther King vigil and action, made a small detour and stopped by the house Bix was in, to drum and pray for him outside the building for a few minutes.

Gilberto once told me that drumming generally has one of two effects on people; it either produces peace in one’s heart and being or it disturbs the heart in an attempt to awaken us to become aware. Both effects were to be witnessed that evening.

Bix was very happy to see and hear all who came to visit and wanted either to invite everyone in or go out and be with them. He had a strong sense they were angles, which gave him intense joy. He went onto comment that “it was so right they should be there”.

His captors on the other hand had a slightly different experience. First reprimanding him for being out of compliance (whatever that meant), he was told he was going to be “written up” and what happened was to be “reported”. The rest is history – in early morning he was suddenly awakened, grabbed out of bed, shackled, and returned to SeaTac by the marshals.

Their actions and manner of treatment made it known to him how he would proceed. Upon his arrival at SeaTac he made it clear he intended to be in complete non compliance with their demands; their recourse, which was to be expected, would be to place him in “protective custody or the special housing unit (SHU)” my words – “the hole”!

My friends Bix is at peace with all that is happening to him; and frankly, he’s in pretty good company. Yes, Steve is indeed nearby; but so is his long time companion, Saul of Tarsus, who knew something of what it meant to be in “the hole”.

He welcomes this time of solitude to pray and fast and meditate.

One meditation he shared was of the White Rose movement that came into being through a young girl and her brother and other students who came to understand they could no longer be silent while the Nazis sent millions to the gas chambers during the Holocaust. They did not want the German people’s moral failure to be there’s. They had the courage to act, at all costs, and to speak out, calling for passive resistance against Hitler’s regime. Imprisonment and death was the price they paid for speaking their truth. Bix reminds us, as we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, of Kings challenge to us “one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws”.

Now there’s a light meditation for you; while you are fasting and living in a 5’ x 10’ box!!

So many people have asked me to remember them to Bix. Please know that I did and am. A ten minute phone call comes and goes in a flash; but I shared with him how much he was loved by so many people and he very much knows and feels the love you send his way.

Then, without warning, the line goes dead!

At 10:30 AM on Tuesday January 17th Bix is to go before someone there at SeaTac, some type of prescheduled fact finding group/hearing, so that his captors can justify to themselves their reasons for treating him so unjustly. Susan Crane and I encourage as many of you that can, to come to the prison at SeaTac for an hour long vigil that will take place between 10 and 11 AM on the 17th. More on this later in the day as I talk with others and make plans. Susan assured me “you won’t be out there very long before Bix and Steve and all the inmates will know you are there and will be energized by your presence”.

Remember the Festival of Hope, St. Leo’s, tonight, at 6:30.

Happy Birthday Steve!

Bix has been returned to SeaTac!!!

[An update from Joe Power-Drutis]

My mother in law, the very wise late Mary Powers used to say “fool me
once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me”.

Oh Bix – you are always so ready to trust the enemy, even love the
enemy, fact is to do anything else but that would be contrary to your
nature – Nonetheless, did you not hear what Captain Kirk said “the
Klingons can’t be trusted”!!!

So picture this, Saturday January 7th – we’re sitting there at SeaTac
and I’m telling him the Nazi’s have something up their sleeve – Bix
says I need to work on my trust issues – I tell him he makes a comical
Charlie Brown and that Lucy invariably will always pick up the
football at the last minute and Charlie Brown will always land on his
bald head!! Well, in forty five years I can count on one hand the
number of times he has listened to my advice, a little like talking to
your children, and this wasn’t going to be one of them.

So – Bix is back at SeaTac. What can I say. I was in the process of
going to Progress House today with some supplies and a letter from his
Primary Care Doctor about medical care issues when I was informed that
he was returned to SeaTac Federal Detention, probably yesterday Jan
11th. Everyone has closed lips. So what’s new about that.

Once again, referring to my report a couple of days ago – once you are
in the custody of BOP, they own you and literally can do whatever they
want with you, providing no explanations, anytime they want.

So now, here’s the real question. Get it right and you get an “A” on
your final; it’s a tough one, a fill in the blanker, none of this true
or false stuff.

Question: Why can BOP do this to Bix?

And the Answer is: Because _ _ _ _ _ _ _ !

If you’ve answered the question correctly, it means you’ve been doing
your homework!

I’ll be back at you just as soon as I have more information. I will
say this though, based on my conversation with several of the people
in that system, I generally believe he is OK and that he remains in
good health. After all, Blake and Oratai did see him on the evening of
the 10th and he was in very good spirits. Whatever happened after
that, who knows, anything is possible with BOP and once again the only
thing that is consistent with them is their in-consistence! Once again
to Blake and Oratai, your quick action to go and see him lets us know
he is probably ok; and we are all very grateful for your timely
intervention.

And to you, our Master, Fr. Steve Kelly who lives in solitary
confinement at the Federal Detention Center SeaTac in total non
cooperation with the Klingons – wipe that smile off your face!

Bix is now in Tacoma

Plowshares news January 11, 2012 [from Joe Power-Drutis]

Bix did leave the Federal Detention Center SeaTac yesterday, January 10, sometime in mid morning and arrived at his destination, a federal transition house in Tacoma’s hilltop, sometime in early afternoon.

When we had not received any word from him by 7PM, I phoned Blake Kremer and he went to the house I was told Bix should be at, to confirm that he had arrived.

Blake and Oratai went immediately to investigate and were able to both see and talk with Bix for a short while before they were informed that he was not permitted to see anyone at that time.

Bix at his prayer sendoff, ,11/10/2010

Apparently this facility has a 72 hour “black out” period; during which time the new person cannot make contact with the outside world. It boggles the mind to understand why the bureau of prisons dictates that an 83 year old man in poor health must travel, unescorted, for a number of miles and hours, with no money in his pocket, by public transportation, and at the end of his travels cannot inform anyone
that he has arrived at his destination without mishap.

Once again, Why? Because they can!!!! Such an incredible lack of decency and commonsense.

Blake and Oratai found Bix in very good spirits. Bix reported that his journey from SeaTac to the transitional house went well and that he was feeling good.

Oratai, being Tacoma’s premier gourmet cook, took a tasty meal for Bix but was told their residents were not permitted cooked food from the outside; only packaged items. So, in the end they could only leave a bottle of water.

A very big thank you Blake and Oratai, for your willingness and speed in tracking down Bix. I am certain by your presence and gift of food, Bix was able to feel once again he was in the neighborhood of friends and all who love and care for him. You took all of us with you.

So, with the 72 hour black out period, I suspect we will not have contact with Bix until sometime on Friday, January 13th. Once I hear from him I will send out more information about his situation at this new facility. At this point in time, the above information from Blake is the only knowledge I have of Bix, other than his location, which is:

Tacoma CSC
922 South “J” Street
Tacoma, WA 98405

My understanding is that he cannot be called at this facility and that
on Friday he will be able to confirm if we can write to him at the
above address.

Bix getting ready to leave SeaTac!

[from Joe Power-Drutis]

Greetings,

I received a call yesterday from none other than Robert F. Rekofke, S.J., otherwise known by many as “Rock”; presenting residing with the Jesuit Community at Gonzaga University. Apparently he and other more wise and scholarly friends have concluded that my babble on January 2nd, in Plowshares News, left something to be desired in so far as clarity was concerned regarding Bix and his projected upcoming moves. I, in great humility, asked did or didn’t he teach Latin some years back to eager high school students? He agreed he did – and I inquired as to just how many of them were speaking in Latin today? Well – he failed to understand how his teaching Latin related to anything – and so might you! But I do! And sense the pen is indeed mightier than the sword, I shall continue; much to his and your probable dismay.

It is important to understand that when one decides to take a stroll on the grounds of one of our governments nuclear sub bases, or chooses to walk a few feet onto one of their monolithic nuclear bomb making facilities, the fed’s become very unhappy and want to own your body for a number of months or years; so, they contact their friends who run around with big shiny badges on their chest and others who wear long black robes, and work in buildings shrouded in secrecy with a statue of a woman with a blind fold on, to do their dirty work and show you who really is in charge! Would you call this a run on sentence?

Now you have to understand one other thing; Bix didn’t make my job of communicating with you any easier by deciding to take a stroll on the Strategic Weapons Facility, Pacific (SWFP AC) Nuclear Submarine Base here in the beautiful Northwest and Y-12 nuclear bomb making plant in Oak Ridge Tennessee all in one 12 month period. Actions like his just delight those people in black robes and after they are done smacking their tables with wooden hammers, who really knows all the bends and twists your life will take.

So, in an effort to be as clear as I possibly can be (which is already laced with numerous limitations) let’s press on.

This last September, Bix was sentenced to 3 months of lock up time for his part in the Y-12 resistance action of July 5, 2010. Simply put, this means for 3 months his physical self is owned by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). During this 3 months BOP can decide to move him around and rearrange how those months are to be spent; but, for this 90 day period they own you and can limit your actions to a 5’ x 10’ space, as in Steve Kelly’s case for non cooperation with evil, or let you out of the big house earlier with “stipulations”.

We have already experienced how consistently inconsistent BOP can be with their “stipulations”; when Lynne Greenwald was offered a change of status from the big house to community. Their games boggle the mind. Lynne wasn’t out but a few hours when BOP changed their plan and had those men with big badges pick her up and return her to lockup. Why? Because they can!!

Simply put, Bix has agreed to stipulations that result in a move from the Federal big house at SeaTac Detention to a smaller Federal house here in Tacoma called Progress House on Tuesday January 10th. Theoretically he is scheduled to remain at Progress House until the first few days in February and then return to live at Jeans House of Prayer until February 10th. His 3 month sentence began on November 11th and will end on February 10th. During all of this time, even at Jeans House of Prayer, he will remain under the authority of the Bureau of Prisons.

To say that I am skeptical of BOP intentions would be an understatement; however, Bix has agreed to the move, therefore it is important to support his wishes in whatever way we can. In one stipulation BOP has made, they are not permitting anyone to escort Bix from SeaTac to Progress House; he must journey alone and by bus. Go figure? Why? Because they can! We’re learning. Like you, you can imagine my delight at this particular “stipulation”.

When he is in touch with me tomorrow, I will write once again to tell you how his day has gone.