One of the 1,832 rules of the Pennsylvania Department of Imprisonment allows me to have my typewriter repaired to keep it in serviceable condition. My typewriter (it's a Brother) is quite important to me. I use it everyday just to write to my wife. It's a pretty good machine, but not indestructible. The little plastic tabs which hold the cover over the keyboard broke off. Following the rule, I taped the tabs back in place, a makeshift repair. There was a shakedown. The prison was searched. Guards don't like it if prisoners do the best they can. Guards want to dehumanize and demoralize prisoners. It makes the guards feel a little less trivial. Not everybody employed in the prisons is a jerk, but they have a corner on the market. My repaired typewriter was discovered. The dire scotch-taping caused alarm. Sergeant (now lieutenant) Harner was alarmed. He seemed terrified of the scotch tape. He frantically ripped the tape from the tabs. I tried to explain that it was a typewriter and I'd repaired it pursuant to the rules. When I grieved the damage done to my typewriter I was put in my place. Prison pules don't govern what the staff does. A guard can do what he pleases. Prison rules only govern me. It must be inconvenient to be born without any personality. Rebecca's Bargain Antiques Collectible Vintage Photos Fine Prints - Old Maps Sheet Music - Old Books Elegant Antiques and Collectibles "We're the victims of a foul disease called social prejudice, my child," Thomas Mitchell in Stagecoach, 1939 You are welcome to use or republish any of our material. Please give www.prisoners.com credit as the source. Return to the Frackville Prison Grievances Menu Return to the Main Menu Go to our site's Search Engine Send us Your Comments or Input.