Important Update: Felix Garcia Transfered to Va.

“I am so happy to be in Virginia. These people are real respectful and these guys are huge. I am probably the littlest guy here. I cried because I have never experienced such kindness from security. They treat me like a person.”

First Digest Post in a While

By BitcoDavid We haven’t had a digest post in quite a while, but when enough news happens in a short period of time, it becomes necessary to cover it in a single post. First off, this past Thursday, October 1st was Felix Garcia‘s birthday.  Pat Bliss sent me the following: October 1st is Felix’s birthday.

A Quick Update

By Jean F. Andrews Recently, I covered the International Congress on the Education of the Deaf, in Greece. Here’s an update on that story. In the Maryland Bulletin (Spring, 2015, p. 12), James E. Tucker, Superintent of the Maryland School for the deaf  in Frederick, Maryland wrote about the recent lack of sign language interpreters

Latest from Pat Bliss

By BitcoDavid Pat Bliss sent me the following via e-mail: Felix arrived at the Wakulla prison yesterday to begin his new venture in Special Programming known as a transitional program or Lifer’s Program. He was sent there by the parole commission at his parole hearing in November 2014. It is an 18 month program. Last

Pam Bondi, What Say You?

By BitcoDavid People often ask me why I write so much about the Florida DOC. Perhaps the best answer would be that it’s the single worst corrections system in the United States – and nowadays, that’s the same as saying in Uganda. Growing up, I was taught that here, in the U.S., we don’t torture,

This is Still Going On?

By BitcoDavid Since we launched this Web site, almost 3 years ago, we’ve been reporting on cases where the police have beaten or jailed a Deaf person, because they didn’t realize that Sign language is not a threat. We’ve called for training of officers, and tried to post suggestions for Deaf citizens during police interactions.

Some Great News

By BitcoDavid Pat Bliss has informed me that the option for clemency for Felix Garcia is not dead, after all. She states that the possibility exists for a new clemency hearing, in December. What’s more, she tells me that there’s been a renewed interest in the case, amongst members of Florida’s justice system.  She has

Boston Red Sox to Begin Training in ASL

By BitcoDavid The 2013 World Champion Boston Red Sox will begin a program of ASL training for all players, according to principal owner, John Henry. Henry said, “This has nothing to do with communication. It occurred to me and to [team manager] John Farrell, that ASL would be a good way for our players to

Progress is Being Made on Mandates

By BitcoDavid Yesterday, the Senate passed the sorely needed Smarter Sentencing Act. Supporters of the law came from both sides of the aisle, but the act is opposed by the National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys, who believe that Federal mandatory sentencing is a necessary tool for minimizing crime and aiding prosecutors. The truth is,

Massachusetts’ Saddest Day

By BitcoDavid This has nothing to do with the Deaf, or with the Justice System. But nonetheless, it’s an obituary that I am truly saddened to post. On October 20th, the legendary Hilltop Steak House will close its doors. I courted my wife there – or should I say, she courted me, being the member