At
Marquette Branch Prison in Marquette, MI more than 700 prisoners came
together to protest food served by Trinity Services Group, Inc. to the
prisoners. The action by the prisoners was also in protest of the poor
conditions at Marquette Branch Prison.
These
prisoners unified against government waste and corruption in the prison
system. They demanded food that doesn't make them sick.
This
unity among hundreds shows what people can do when they come together
over a common cause. The protest was not organized by any one
individual, but was a culmination of conditions that are unbearable at
this prison.
This
dangerous food is generally eaten by most of the prisoners, and this
leads to health issues that must be treated. Ultimately, the healthcare
costs, brought on by this corrupt system, become the burden of
unsuspecting Michigan taxpayers.
Those
on the outside do not realize the inhumanity of the prison
system. Prisoners, when released, do not want to talk about the stress
they endured while in the system. Prisoners who participate in peaceful
protests are retaliated against by the prison officials.
It
is my duty, as a reverend, as a servant of God, as an unjustly accused
man, and as a concerned citizen of Michigan, to report to you about
these conditions. I have personally witnessed seeing worms in the food
and prison kitchen workers have reported that spoiled food containing
rodent waste, maggots, worms, and bugs have been served regularly to
inmates.
Therefore,
I, Reverend Edward Pinkney, have decided I must go on a hunger strike
to personally protest the deplorable food and conditions at Marquette
Branch Prison in Marquette, Michigan.