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Tell us what you think.
Selected submissions will be posted here, so check back regularly.
9/17/05
doris
san bernardino county, ca
inmates need rehabs, 18 months, instead of not the proper help landing them in and out of prison. i say less prisons more rehabs, lets put the money to good use and saving lifes.
5/3/05
I would really like to thank you for this film, it really touched home. I am a "parolee", for some time now, I paroled back in 1994, and ended up discharging , somewhere in 1997. It was no easy road, no support, no help, and no hope. As I sat and watched the program, I could so much relate to the trials and road blocks, that these people faced, and even shared the heart-ache, I felt I was the only one to feel as such. I hope, this film opened the eyes of viewers, to the realism faced by many. It is not an easy road, and to this day, I still have many road blocks, to deal with, I would hope, for future positive reinforcement programs, availible to parolees. Until then, awareness, is a very important tool. Good Job on this film, I hope, others, will follow, or possiblly, follow up stories, will keep the public informed.
1/10/05
Thomas
Yucca Valley, CA
Hello. I'm currently on parole after serving 6 months in San Bernardino County Jail, and then 15 months at Chino State Prison for Domestic Violence. I hit my Mother with a hand lotion bottle, when it bounced off a wall where I had back-handed it. I did not mean for it to hit her, but it did and left a bruise on her arm. It was accidental, but I could have prevented it by not getting upset. I did the prison term for violating a restraining order. She wasn't even home, but called me and asked me to help her out. So I was there watering plants for her. And even though my deeds were good, I wasn't supposed to be there and was violated for being within 100 yards of her residence. And even though she told the D.A. that she asked me to come over to help her out, I still had to do the 15 month prison stretch. Your documentary really hit home with me because I can relate first hand. I'm just entering my 7th month of parole and know how easy it is to violate. Its very hard finding work and the bills and worries mount up everyday. But I am involved in a good church and trust that Jesus will save me and guide me through this storm. He's all I've got, and all I really need. Its not easy for me at times, but that's where faith comes in. *I thank you very much for your film. Its a great reminder for me to keep on the straight path and follow my parole guidelines, first and foremost. Jail was bad enough, but prison is a very horrible and violent place. The State of California does not really care about the inmates, and most of society feels the same way. There aren't any rehabilitation programs left due to budget cutbacks, to pay for the prison guards salary increases. They get paid an outlandish sum of money and don't really do much overall. Street cops who have to deal with the real crap get paid much less, and face a much higher risk. The entire California State Prison system is corrupt from top to bottom. The Governor needs to clean it up and actually do something to help prisoner's change their lives. The prisons are very overcrowed with petty violations, etc. Nothing will change for the better until the taxpayer's and voter's get involved and stand up to the politician's and bureaucrats of the California Dept. of Corrections. Thank's again for your insightful film. God bless us all. :)
1/10/05
Your film was insightful, powerful, and much-needed.
The closing the woman's drug rehab center (while we, as a nation, continue criminalizing more behavior, increasing sentences, and building new jails & prisons at a breakneck pace) points out one of the primary problems with our corrections system: the idiotic emphasis on punishment instead of prevention.
It takes maybe an hour to process someone into jail; yet that same person might have to wait 1-2 years to get into a drug rehab program (if one is even available.) Maybe if we reversed those time-frames, we'd have less crime...
1/10/05
Hinterman
Dallas,Wi
I just saw this most incredibly made documentary and it touched me both deeply and on many levels.
My heart went out to each of the three parolees and I want to thank the makers of this film. Though I've never been in prison, I know how hard life can be and while the film did an excellent job of showing the trials of those three it was able to step back just enough so as not to have it be too invasive and as a result it was very easy to see direct parallels in my own life and how even decisions that sometimes seem small can effect my life for a very long time.
1/10/05
THill
Winnetka, CA
This is a amazingly powerful film, it really challenges you to look past the crimes of these individuals, and to take a closer look at who they are and perhaps what potential role they can play in this society. I think that was really clear with Smiley, it is very apparent that he is so much more that just the labels that the judicial system has given him. In many respects he seems to be a very gentle soul underneath his rough exterior, and the talent that he has is uncanny, truly beautiful. I wish him the best, I wish all of them the best. There is something beautiful and special in all of us, and my greatest hope for Smiley, Regina, and Aaron is they find that, and that it gives them inner peace, and helps them achieve all of their goals. God Bless to all.
1/7/05
Jeff Adams
Center City, UH
WOW!
1/7/05
Stockton, CA
I believe that the high reentry problem lays on the system and us outside of the prison walls. Each state in the U.S. bends over backwards to keep the prisons they have and are quick to build more if needed. However the same states do not put any effort into keeping or creating more outside agencies that can help rehabilatate ex-cons. Like we saw in the film, drug treatment programs are closing left and right, as well as many other programs that can really assisst these men & women when they leave prison. Like Aaron, if the ONLY thing available to him is the same neighborhood, same people, same advisor (parole officer), how do we expect him or any others to really succed in changing? I have 3 brothers that have worked in corrections, 1 @ a youth authority,1 @ a womens facility, 1 @ the county jail. All three agree that the state has got to make some serious overhauls in our "prison reform" system. Understand that the constant return of inmates puts a paycheck in their pockets, they still want to see some major solutions put into action. Anyone with ideas should do your part and get your message to someone that can make a difference.
1/7/05
NYC, NY
I thought this was an incredible film. It was heartbreaking to see for instance that sometimes even having the potential to make it out there in the world, is not enough when you're dealing with starting out fresh without much support or direction. I found this especially true in Salazar's case. He is so gifted as an artist, it is unfortunate he couldn't make it as one without falling into his old patterns. Is there anywhere I could see more of his artwork? I was hoping there would be more pictures of his art on the People section.
1/7/05
Bobby G
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Hey Now,
I was very touched by the film A Hard Straight. It hit home with me, because I was a parolee. I put in eight years in the Department of Corrections, and I got paroled in January 2002. I want people to realize that all though it is very difficult for ex-cons to get back into society, it is not impossible. I was very fortunate to have a great support system in my life, but it's really up to the individual to motivate himself/herself. I feel that sometimes people feel like they are victims when actually they have the power to really change their lives. Thank God I am still out in the free world working hard, raising my seventeen month old daughter. My point would be that no matter what obstacles life throws at you, you just need to learn to roll with the punches. So to all my fellow parolees keep your heads up and smile for me.
1/7/05
I did not even know this show was going to be on. I just happened to be flipping through the channels and saw it and I stayed glued to the television.
It's unfortunate that Richard, Smiley and Regina have to be going through all of it and I've seen almost everything if not similar happen that happened to each one of them, because I am a probation & parole officer in my State.
It's sad to know that people like Regina are wanting the help and are willing to go to a treatment program like she did just to have it shut down in the middle of her treatment, I've seen it done in our State. There is just not enough programs out there that are well funded to keep running and sometimes we have no where to send people to get help.
Some people think that we are all about violating people and just through them back in jail and prison and don't care. What else is sad to know that a lot of people just go through the motions of complying with probation and/or parole and eventually then end up back in the system again and again and again.
I have a collegue who works as a parole officer in California and have had several talks with him about their system out there and we have come to find out that the problems of treatment programs, etc. are similar problems that his State and my state have.....there just isn't any money or enough of it for resources.
I do wish Smiley, Richard and Regina all the best, as I do with all my clients that I have come through my office, it's what every client makes out of the expierence.
1/7/05
Jason Beebe
Atlanta, Georgia
I was also exceptionally moved by Smiley's story. It's obvious he has so much talent and so much to offer, and it's frustrating seeing the way the penal system stifles his creativity, or at least appears to do very little to venerate it. I wish more people around him (especially his parole officers) could see that the world needs more people like Smiley, not fewer.
1/7/05
A.Molina
TEXAS
I am a child of a drug addict. I totally understand Regina's daughter and I understand Regina too. I lived with drug use at my house the entire time I was growing up as a kid. There are times (Months, years) when you just wonder, when will they (my mom) choose you and your needs over their addiction. Well the answer is NEVER sometimes. In my case it was never, and to this day, if my mom gets the chance to get high, she does. She might seem normal to people that just meet her once or twice, but I know different. She doesn't "use" on a daily basis, but she has never been "clean and sober". It weakens your resolve to have an addict in your family. When you encounter something that is illegal, Illegal has different degrees to it. "How illegal is it?" Smoking weed, not that bad (better than crack)perscription pills (not yours) mild, could be mandy's or Meth. Coke, pretty bad. Heroine Horrible! this drug would make you do anything. So after growing up in a family with addicts, your views on illegal drugs are skewed. I feel luck that I made it out alive. I have a major Phobia of medicine due to the fact that my mother was a pill-head, but I can take medicine if I have to, I just don't take things unless I have to under doctors orders. It could be worse, I know that it is for my sister, she wasn't as lucky, my mom had her on drugs by the age of 12. Great show, hope that it sheds light on the struggle. I loved it when Regina said that they had to teach her how not to LOVE SPEED. That is it exactly, they like the drugs too much, and the addiction is stronger than the will to want to stop. Survivor!
1/7/05
CA
My husband spent about 15 years in and out of prisons. He was first introduced to the system at the young age of 14. Being a drug addict was his problem. Something that he always tells me is that prison was his home. He knew that getting out was just "vacation" time and that sooner or later he would go back in. I thank GOD that he found recovery and therefore was able to break the cycle. O March 3, 2005 it will be 6 years since he has been out and 5 years clean on March 29, 2005.
1/7/05
Bridgette
San Leandro, CA
As I flipped through the channels, I caught a glimps of Smiley and I immediately stopped to see what the program was about, and then I saw Regina. She looks like your typical Black women from the hood. She is strong, street smart, has years of wisdom from all the pain and suffering she went through with just growing up a black women on the these hard streets. She is my mother. I tried to hard not to cry as I watched Tera and Regina. I wasn't crying for her, but I was crying for myself and my own mother. Tera is lucky to have the opportunity to be able to say all what she has to her mother, I haven't reach that point. I met my mother for the first time in 1994, I was 18 years old. I am now 28 and I cry for the mother I lost to drugs. There has to be a way to fight this war, before all the mothers and fathers are lost to it. The system is not there to help us do that. It just locks them up and controls it for the time that they are there, but when these women and men are forced back into society when they aren't ready, it is their children that have suffer. It is thier spouses that have to suffer. So what do we do?
1/7/05
Ms.Sekai J. Shakoor
Chas, S.C.
I feel that becuase of thier enviroment, that may be the reason forthe high rate of parolees returning. You can't help it if your frineds are gang bangers. That's where you have to live. You can't control just walking down the street, & out of of nowhere, a drug bust occurs. That's the really messed up part. You cannot control your surrondings. You can only control yourself. Another cause I see is that they may not have a stable place to be. If you're in prison for 5, 10, 15 years, the people that you knew may have moved, may not want you there, or you may not want to burden them & it may put you in a bad situation.
I feel the currnet parole system needs improvemant because the one that's set up now is not woking too well. I belive that if they made the rules to better suit the individual it would work. If they had a system set up for each person, I for each person, that may work better.
I had a vauge idea of what parole meant. I did not know that there were so many rules.
Such as the curfew, the drug tests, the not hanging out with negative people, & not drinking. It has changed my perspective, because the film has given me an insider veiw of whwt it's like not only for the person on paole, but the familes & friends as well.
I'm just glad that Regina is trying hard to get get her life in order & that Smiley was doing good with the tattoo gig. It just was just relly messed up that he was still aroud gang members. But they were his clientele. I hope all the folks that were fetured in the film can get thier life on thrack & do thier bset, to stay on the right road.
1/5/05
Averl Anderson
Cheektowaga, New York
I was so very moved by this movie, being a recovered substance user for over 18 years, I can relate to the feelings about being reborn again. The struggle of being in the same world with the same pressures, pains,insecurities and looking with sober eyes.Regina GOD bless you, stay on the right track. Get GOD in your life he will lead and direct your paths.He will carry your burdens of shame and guilt.Remember Rome wasn't built in a day, it took ONE DAY AT AT A TIME. lOVE YA!
1/5/05
Mike Larry
Glendale, Queens, NY
Good job, I really enjoyed watching your film, I'm sure it took a lot to get it all done but it was really good work.
keep up the good work
happy new year to you
1/5/05
Cynthia Foston
Laporte Texas
Hi this film is compeling. I have a son serving time. It matters not the charge. There seems to be a revolving door too prison. The limited programs there or needs a new all over look. Society has to understand there or people that should be lock up and then there or the ones that get caught in that system.I would like my son to reentry society and be a successful person that is part of the solution.I don't have the answers but I pray that God change some things, other wise there my not be any hope. Thanks Cynthia
1/5/05
Catherine
Nashville TN
I think the system needs improvement in many ways. Helping people deal with issues while they are inside, helping people figure out their plan before they get out. I feel so sad for Aaron especially. Once you've served your sentence inside and outside, the clock should stop (if his original sentence was one year, that's all he owed society). Part of me is angry at the system for his situation. Part of me is angry at him; it's almost like he keeps breaking parole on purpose. Mostly though I know there's a gap in his support system. He has no friends except the ones who will jeopardize his freedom. Why doesn't someone help him relocate, find a job and a place to stay, and some sort of sponsor besides a parole officer? BEFORE he leaves prison!
I am hopeful for Regina. I hope she is still doing well. I hope she is able to watch the film and see how scary her transformation was when she slowly let her addiction take over. She is so beautiful sober, really funny and warm. I hope she sees that too. Her kids are great too.
1/5/05
Bret
Texas
Well i would like to say that the story was told was a GREAT one. Many times in my life i have seen all three types of people that were showed. And it made me realize that the prison systems are doing nothing to help those who want to get better. But like most of there time they are looking for help we as free people do nothing. I hope that the story was told some people will help someone like who was in the story. Because someone knows a friend or family memeber who has taken that path in life.
BRET
PS I would to have SMiley hook me up with some INK
1/5/05
I was glued to the television through this entire episode. I was unaware of this show, and would love to see more episodes like it. It was a real look into the lives of struggling individuals, and I felt like really got to know the individual struggles that they faced. What a unique documentary. Keep more like it coming. Also, I would like to see more extensive follow of individuals featured in this program, possibly on future episodes or on web site.
I do agree that the parole system is less than perfect. I know someone who has been in and out of the system for years, and is currently incarcerated. There needs to be more support for life on the outside. I know it is impossible to help everyone, but some job training or assistance of some sort should be offered at little or no cost. Finding gainful employment is generally the first obsticle, and often the one that is not overcome by parolees. Money problems are a major reason criminals return to theft or drug dealing, causing them to reoffend and return to prison. I think that there needs to be more focus by the system on this issue.
1/5/05
MVP
I watched it and I heard what they all said. The prison system has much to be desired. Society thinks that locking people up will teach them not to do those things again and they are dead wrong. The saying goes "if you aren't a real hard criminal before you go in, you will be one when you get out" You can't put a bandage on a gash that big. We can blame it on society not giving people a second chance or we can deal with the real problem- the hurt and the pain these people can't or couldn't deal with. The self-esteem that gets squashed everyday after they get out.
What's the difference between those that go back and those that stay out?
I know it is learning to value yourself and believe in yourself when noone else will. To know inside that the good Lord did not create you to be those things, you are not what you do and many misfortunes may come into your life but you get through it and keep beleiving that life is for those who grab hold of it, cherish it and learn to live again.
If we don't overhaul the prison system we will see these people again. The system needs to Build these ruined pillars back up not tear them down.
Much love to the three, and many prayers going their way.
1/5/05
Michael Moore, Jr.
Arcata, CA
A fresh and exposing look on what it is really like to be on parole. great job!
Also, great sound track. I mean really, Mehldau, Tin Hat Trio. . .
1/5/05
Stanford, CA
What a wonderful documentary. I was particularly moved by Smiley's story, and wondered what happened to him since his return to prison. Did he get to be reunited with his second son and girlfriend (I see from the film that his first son died at age 7).
Also, reading the filmmaker Q&A was very helpful for me as an ethnographer, for I see the same skills that Mr. Toshima used in my research. Thank you.
1/5/05
Luis "EL RuDo" Vargas
McAllen Texas
hey well what can i say, it is what i had always taught was going to be. We the minorities are the more affected by this. THis does not mean that we can't survive free without getting into trouble again. YOur fil has also made my point clearer that freedom is so precious and fragile that onces is lost its wound is never healed. I still think that you should have putted a white person to balance it out. Well great documentary and hopefully we can still see more of the cruel reality thru the television and not in person. This was a rush of blood to consiousnes and to always keep in mind that freedom ain't free.
Su compa el wuicho
from McAllen TX
y siga trabajando
que lo que usted produce es mas que un solo simple documental. Es un pedaso de la vida mas alla del color rosa.
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