Lindy's
CHRISTMAS LETTER 2003
December 17, 2002
It's that time of year again and I wanted to take some time and wish you all a Merry Christmas. The New Year is rapidly approaching and I am making those new resolutions that are full of hope for better tomorrows.
Many of you know that I work with Kay Lee and the website, "Making the Walls Transparent". For those of you who don't know about "MTWT", let me explain a little. It is a website for you. We tell your stories, as reported to us. That is, if you want to go public. We keep all other stories confidential, unless given permission to go public.
Upon going public, we send emails/letters, and or make phone calls to Tallahassee and/or to other higher authorities on your behalf. If there is a problem that needs to be corrected, we will certainly alert those in charge. We can't guarantee your safety in going public, but we can tell you that many people watch this website and in this way you become 'high profile', and you become a bit safer. Now, sometimes, others will try to make you back down as they don't want the walls made transparent. You must stay in contact with us, learn that a smile is a weapon, and continue reporting.
We name names of errant guards, so they can be investigated. On the other side, we also want to hear about staff that deserves special recognition and a gold star. We would also like to hear about any random acts of kindness. Please remember we need details, who, what, when, where, why, and how, so we can investigate.
Currently, we are trying to find a grant or some type of funding to be able to get copies of public records (investigations, "dr" reports, etc.), and also to be able to make more mailings, as postage and printing can become quite expensive.
So much information can be found in the full "dr" report, that many times, when one has this report and knows what to look for, the dr is often times expunged. I know you must be thinking, "Well, there is a time limit for filing". Yes there is, so if you think you did not receive due process, file on time; and you can always file an "amended grievance" with the new discovery from public records. Unfortunately, we cannot afford to do this as often as we'd like. For one "dr" report, the cost is usually $ 5-$10. Sometimes it's less, sometimes it's more. They charge us 15 cents per page plus certified mailing costs and sometimes they charge for their time. So, the costs vary. Maybe a loved one can help with this.
The truth is essential! MTWT is proud of their reputation, as we tell the other side of the story, and with truthfulness comes credibility. One of the main reasons Kay has this website is because "We believe that it is NOT that people don't care, but that they just don't know." We want professionalism from those in uniform. We want the laws and the rules to be obeyed by you and by staff.
Now, speaking of rules, some of these rules, in my opinion, should be changed. For example, we are trying to think of a way for the grievances and requests to be numbered, so we can account for each & every grievance. If you have any ideas, please let me know. I have heard too many times about grievances being misplaced or lost, etc. So, a numbering system would be helpful, but at the same time, if they use a numbering system, this would mean you would be issued numbered grievances and I am not sure how this would work. We want accountability. A state representative will help sponsor a bill, as long as it can fit in the budget. Send us your ideas.
Recently I started a new group called Florida LOLITS. We are in the process of deciding which issues should be tackled in 2003. We want to hear your thoughts about which issues concern you the most. Feel free to tell your families and friends about these websites.
2002 presented a lot of challenges and obstacles, but we don't give up. One of our mottos for Florida Lolits is: "Don't give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying." We have hopes for better tomorrows and we won't give up. In closing, please feel free to share this letter with others and your loved ones, and as always, we urge professionalism, obeying the laws & rules, and random acts of kindness.
Sincerely,
LindyShelby
P.O. Box 12232
St. Petersburg, Florida 33733
~*~ THE LOLITS ~*~ |