October 31, 1993

Dear Sirs:

I recently read your advertisement placed in the New York Times.

I found it both interesting and provocative.

I wonder if you could send me information about your group and its activities. I am especially interested in your position vis-a vis the drug war and prisons.

I am a federal prisoner, doing 20 years for a drug crime. I have worked extensively to educate inmates, their firends, and their families about the drug war - in order to create political pressure against the system. Needless to say, this has reaped a good deal of retaliation from the Bureau of Prisons.

I have filed a lawsuit in the Central District Court of California asserting inmates' right to form prison organizations to work for their release, and a change of sentencing policies. I believe that one of the most important ways that can aid the political solution of current laws against drugs is to be found among the families and friends of drug-incarcerated inmates - who number 400,000 strong. It is a potential political power bloc of millions of Americans.

I am seeking the assistance of public groups in this lawsuit; either in terms of direct representation or in amicus curiae assistance. I don't know if your organization has an interest in this sort of thing, but I would like to hear from your group about its position in regards drugs, etc.

Sincerely Yours

Ben Kalka