Letters

George Rhynes, Speaks to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners!

Mr. Chairman and Board of Commissioners---First allow me to apologize
for being here—on an old issue. However, you have not responded to my
26 August 2003 letter on behalf of inmates, incarcerated in the Lowndes
County Jail.

I have had a cockatiel bird for 12 years. When she have needs she
chirps, and I respond to her needs.

Between 1989-1997, Judge Hugh Lawson, U.S. District Court Middle
District of Georgia Valdosta, Division. He too, heard chirps coming from
(Some Jailbirds incarcerated in) the Lowndes County Jail.

On 21 October 1997, he issued a Court Order and Consent Decree that
inmates 1st, 6th, 8th, and 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the
United States had been violated. He gave two (2), years for Lowndes County
to comply.

However, on 26 August 2003, I stood before you because…like Judge
Lawson. I too, heard some chirps from the Lowndes County Jail. They came
in the form of signed letters, and notarized statements. Many were the
same chirps or violations---listed in Civil Action #89-54-VAL.

After standing before you on behalf of (over) eleven (11) inmates,
their parents, and former employees---for relief... You ignored our
request. All I could give them was the 35TH Psalm of David, as a symbol of
hope!

The Valdosta Daily Times reported a few days ago---that you should
work quickly to renovate the jail facility. However, no amount of
renovation alone, in my opinion will fix discrepancies inmates are facing
today.

This is my actual retirement document. It is proof, that I put my life
on the line for over 20 years for this Republic. I helped to insure
that our nation would remain a Government of the people, by the people,
and for the people. I even received several Commendation Medals.

However, if I-----cannot get a reply on the outside from you---one can
only imagine what inmates must go through in confinement. But they
have rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution. They are not
---Shiites, Sunni----or terrorists from Afghanistan, nor Iraq. They are fellow
American citizens; many are Veterans and deserve to be heard by their
elected representatives.

Attorney Robert W. Cullen for the plaintiffs of Atlanta, Attorney Oris
d. Blackburn Jr, for the defendant Lowndes County---knows of this
Decree. But the decree---seems to be Valdosta’s best kept secret---thanks
in part to the Valdosta Daily Times in my opinion.

I love this country, but I do not like the way----you have treated me,
inmates, parents or former employees. The Bible says; “As it is
written, so shall it be done.”

Judge Lawson wrote and ruled on the following violations: Moreover, the
signed letters, and notarized statements identify these same violations
remains at the jail. Therefore, no amount of renovation alone will fix
all of the following:

- Inmates personal mail being open without them being present.
(Violations and or/recommendations)
34 – Violations under Inmate Health Care.
15 – Violations under---- Access to Courts, inmates to communicate
with Lawyers and Non-Communications.
11 – Violations under------ Inmate Hygiene.
10 – Violations under------ Population.
8 – Violations under------ Visitations.
6 – Violations under-------Miscellaneous Provisions
6 – Violations under-------Food.
3 – Violations under-------Staffing and Security
3 – Violations under-------Recreation.
2 – Violations under-------Commissary
2 – Violations under--------Environmental Control.
2 – Violations under--------Racial Segregation.
1 – Violations under--------Jail Procedures and Policies etc.
1 – Violations under--------Change Provision
1 – Violations under--------Lowndes County Board of Commissioners.

Over 105 violations or corrections order! But you failed to answer my
letter addressed to you on behalf of many concerned citizens. It also
appears that a U.S. District Court Judge has also been ignored by this
body. So I am in good company. Thanks you for your time!


GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!



VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES COVERAGE OF THE MEETING, (14 April 2004).
(Renovations to Lowndes County Jail, land rezoning also discussed.

“George Rhynes questioned why Commissioners had not responded to his
letter concerning several inmates at the Lowndes County Jail. Although
the jail will be renovated, Rhynes said no amount of renovation would
help the inmates.”

Rod Casey, chairman of the board answered that an architect had been
chosen, beginning the process of renovations to improve the jail.

Casey also informed Rhynes that he could visit Case’s office to discuss
any other problems or concerns.”