The 2026 elections will reshape America’s prison system: tougher sentences, restored voting rights in Virginia, and new leadership in Georgia.
How America Can Actually Reduce Recidivism
Nothing reduces crime like a paycheck — and the numbers show how hard that paycheck is to get. The Prison Policy Initiative found unemployment among formerly incarcerated people above 27 percent, compared to about 5 percent for the general public, even though 93 percent of working-age formerly incarcerated people are working or actively looking for work.
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Try staying out of trouble when you have nowhere to live. It can’t be done for long, and the data proves it: the Prison Policy Initiative found formerly incarcerated people are almost 10 times more likely to experience homelessness than the general public.
Convicted Felons with Firearms in the United States: So What?
Here is what a blanket ban really does: the only people who obey it are the ones who obey the law anyway. Those who mean harm pay it no mind.
Adjusting to Society AFTER PRISON by Wayne T. Dowdy
I am doing well, though, but do not deny what I know: reintegrating is a day-by-day, step-by-step process. I am having to relearn social etiquette, such as being polite, which I did inside as well, because I refused to allow the prison experience to define me.
Happy Labor Day in the USA-2026
Pro-war, anti-war, anti-government, or whatever, in my opinion, those brave men and women deserve praise and to be honored; especially, the fallen men and women we celebrate on Memorial Day who gave their lives.
Happy Independence Day-250 Years of Freedom
Two and a half centuries ago, a group of brave individuals gathered in Philadelphia to ratify a document that declared a radical truth: that all people are created equal, endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
How I Reduce Electronic Security RISKS by Wayne T. Dowdy
I reduced my electronic security risks by consistently updating the different security apps I use for my phone and other electronic devices and platforms needed for me to participate in online activities. The YouTube video I link shows part of the process, where I recently learned to use Microsoft’s BitLocker to add passwords to external…
The Quiet Trade: Why the Sale of Prisoners’ Bodies Should Alarm Us All
by Rebecca Flynn/Justice Stride Why the Sale of Prisoners’ Bodies Should Alarm Us All In a society that claims to value human dignity, the idea that incarcerated people’s bodies can be sold after death should provoke serious discomfort. Yet in the United States, reports have surfaced over the years suggesting that remains of prisoners—often unclaimed—have…
Women’s History Month-2026
The fight continues until the day all women are treated equal. Let us remember each day to celebrate Women’s History, not just during the Month of March.
FastComet Promo by Wayne T. Dowdy
FastComet offers plans for large and small websites that includes those for single or multiple websites. StraightfromthePen.com is one of three websites hosted by FastComet.com that Wayne T. Dowdy has used for years and written multiple Five Star Reviews on Trustpilot.com.
CRISIS INSIDE GEORGIA PRISON SYSTEM by Stephanie Navarrete
We do not need bigger prisons!
We need:Â
✔️Â A parole board that follows the lawÂ
✔️Â Wardens who know how to run institutions without abuseÂ
✔️Â Leadership that values human lifeÂ
✔️Â Transparency and accountability
Happy HOLIDAYS 2025
Happy Holidays 2025 by Wayne T. Dowdy I know this isn’t politically correct, and I don’t care: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! My hope is for everyone to find something to be grateful for and to take that attitude into the New Year. May 2026 be a year of good health and prosperity. For…
Happy Thanksgiving 2025
Thanksgiving Is a Time to Be Grateful & Give Thanks One thing I am grateful and thankful for is that I am NOT a Cooked Turkey on a Table Here are quotes from previous blogs I wrote, one of which came while serving a thirty-five federal sentence (1988-2018). Please search “Thanksgiving” or “gratitude” for more:…
Invitation to Prisoners Who Want to Be Heard
The United States Supreme Court decided decades ago that the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. The Georgia Department of Correction ignores what the law dictates, unless drastic action gets taken against prison officials, as happened in the 80’s at the Georgia State Prison in Reidsville, Georgia.
Master Number 33 by Wayne T. Dowdy
My goal is to convert my negative experiences into positive ones by sharing my experience, strength, and hope with others, as is common in Twelve Step programs.
What About Unknown Innocence?
There is a God, he thought, as he trotted down the concourse to meet them, free at last.
When Does the Day Start for Federal Prisoners?
High-security prisons that house Maximum Custody inmates, may not allow those inmates to work in certain positions where more readily-available weapons or tools may be used to aid in an escape plan, or during …
How to Overcome Substance Abuse and Build a Fulfilling Life
Each person’s path in recovery requires patience, grounded tools, and something harder to fake—purpose. Not the abstract kind. The kind you build with your hands, with your habits, with the people you let close again.
WayneT3 on TIKTOK by Wayne T. Dowdy
As a successful returning citizen, one objective is to inspire & encourage others to strive for success, whatever success may be for them and their endeavors.
Forced Prison Labor & Labor Day: Reflection on Freedom & Justice
We must raise awareness and demand change. .
Cell Killers at USP LEAVENWORTH
Cell Killers were cowards and afraid to go to the person and deal with it, face-to-face.
Report: Forced Labor Concerns in U.S. Prison System
The report draws attention to what it describes as a modern form of forced labor embedded within the U.S. justice system.
MY TiKToK-2 (Wayne T. Dowdy)
Don’t be Fooled by the Cute Little Kitty Sleeping on the Porch. …
Some people cannot handle the truth and only want to see rainbows, butterflies and unicorns.
New Beginnings on AEGRADIO
AEGRADIO Delivers a new guest speaker every Wednesday night for New Beginnings. Tune in for some inspiration!
Help Me By Accepting $10
o receive the $10 coupon, you must be a new user and download the TikTok App.
Breaking the Cycle: How Inmates Can Transform Their Lives
Addiction, pain, mental health issues… that’s the real problem. And just throwing us away for decades without help? That doesn’t fix anything.
Why Happy Memorial Day?
We aren’t happy because men and women died fighting for freedom. We celebrate Memorial Day because of the Freedom we have in America.
New SPACE
My New Space shows more promise for success.
QUORA Referral
Use my Quora Referral link to sign up on Quora.com where you can get a thirty-day free trial and help me earn a small commission. Thanks!
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY EVERY DAY in 2025
Each year I like to wish all the mothers of the world a Happy Mother’s Day and to add something different to my previous wishes.
Peaceful Protest Against GA Parole Board
Our mission is to raise awareness about the need for compassion and justice within our parole system.
Tribute to WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Powerful women throughout history influenced the shaping and transformation of the world as we know it today.
Georgia Prison Corruption by Wayne T. Dowdy and A.I.
Reform within the Georgia prison system has been sporadic and often insufficient to address the root of the problems.
Celebrating a Life and Presidential Inauguration
Celebrating the life of the Reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Inauguration of President Donald J. Trump, January 20, 2025
No GOOD in GOODWILL by Wayne T. Dowdy
Goodwill does NOT respect long-term employees, proven by paying new employees the same amount as those who invested years of their lives into the company
Wayne T. Dowdy on An AMERICAN Absurdity
But having felony convictions do NOT prevent me from running for President of the most powerful country in the world, as is evident on the 2024 voting ballots, and former President Donald Trump’s recent felony convictions. Now that is absurd!
Can FELONS Become Freight Brokers
Whether a person with a felony conviction can become a freight broker may vary from State-to-State.
Federal Prisoner Needs Help …..
Joseph R. Mayes, who was in the United States Marine Corps (1982-1990), prior to his current status as a federal prisoner, ….
Happy Labor Day 2024 by Wayne T. Dowdy
I quit Goodwill … because I felt Goodwill become a predatory company preying off customers and lower-level employees with increased prices and low wages,
Essays & More Straight from the Pen
Please support this channel by using the affiliate links to purchase products from Amazon and others. Thank you!
HAPPY JUNETEENTH DAY by CHARLES R DENNING
This post allows people to see that everyone in prison is not some ruthless beast, as is often portrayed in movies and publications.
Happy Father’s Day-2024 from Wayne T. Dowdy
Father’s Day is a special day for all to remember to honor their father and mother.
Happy Mother’s Day 2024!
Happy Mother’s Day! I hope all of you Mothers of the World have a special day filled with love and appreciation for all you have done to make life possible for those you brought into life with your pain and suffering. For more that shows how special your gender is in this world, check out…
My Opinion on SimpliSafe by Wayne T. Dowdy
I love the ability to look at the cameras regardless of where I am located; especially, when I am at work or know that a storm is in the area so I can look to see what is going on in the neighborhood.
Corrlinks Message
When I decided to change my life, I did not know if I would live long enough to become a free man because I was only seven years into a 35-year sentence, and almost 40-years old.
Returning Citizens Are Misunderstood
I stood at the podium in that photo in 1985 and failed to succeed as the one who did not return to prison, but that was then and this is now. That failure led me to today, where I am alive and free and will succeed to be The One.
Originally posted on straightfromthepen.wordpress.com
I Am SimpliSafe Now
I am SimpliSafe now in my first house that I bought in September 2023. With me being a returning citizen who served over thirty years (1988-2018) in the United States Federal Bureau of Prisons, it makes me proud to show what I have accomplished since my release. If you want to learn more about my…
Happy Thanksgiving Day by Wayne T. Dowdy
I am grateful for what I have but am sad because I don’t have more to give others in need.
Great News for Returning Citizens
I am happy to share an excerpt from the FairShake.net newsletter about FREE INSURANCE for returning citizens and their family members ….
FELONS ARE PEOPLE, TOO BY JOSEPH R. MAYS
Labels dehumanize people. Someone who falls short of glory still has the same rights as other humans.
Serving Time in Federal v. State Prison
September 29, 2023, Update: Now you can subscribe to my channel on YouTube. Please do and hit the notification bell to receive all of my posts. Fee free to suggest content you want to see in the Comment section. Thanks! https://www.youtube.com/@straightfromthepen ALL PRISONS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL Serving time in federal prison v. state prisons…
PRISON CORRUPTION in GA by Wayne T. Dowdy
Growing up in the Georgia Criminal Justice System, I know from experience about prison corruption
My YouTube Best Performers
You may be surprised to learn which videos perform the best
Not Forgotten by Wayne T. Dowdy
July 30, 2023: I haven’t forgotten the need for criminal justice reform and other issues related to the incarcerated and returning citizens. The reality is that I am still working a forty hour job, and providing content for two YouTube channels (https://www.youtube.com/@WayneTDowdy3/about and https://www.youtube.com/@straightfromthepen/about) that I hope you will subscribe to and choose to receive…
Authority by Wayne T. Dowdy
Authority by Wayne T. Dowdy Authority is one of twelve essays in Essays & More Straight from the Pen by Wayne T. Dowdy, available at your favorite online booksellers, including Amazon and Walmart, and as an eBook from numerous booksellers. Essays & More Straight from the Pen is technically a personal magazine because it also…
Corporate Greed NOT Inflation
Here is an excerpt from Videos Made At Walmart on https://straightfromthepen.wordpress.com. Ironically, I added the following content to the original post Walmart Videos. After I posted it on the other StraightfromthePen, I decided it was worthy of its own space. Please share! Thank you. Inflation: Another Name for Corporate Greed In my opinion, what the…
WALMART Videos
Shopping at Walmart is a great place for me to make YouTube videos. Two of these three on @straightfromthepen did really well, but neither can compete with the first short I did on @WayneTDowdy, SHORT SHORTS IN WALMART COULDN’T STAND THE PAIN This is my answer to one of the comments received:“Thanks for the comment….
A.I. Can’t Get It Right
In previous experiments with artificial intelligence, I used BING (Dr. A.I. Bing Redemption – STRAIGHT FROM THE PEN). This time I used a different A.I. service (ChatGPT) but the result was still the same: A.I. Can’t Get It Right, when it answered the question, “Who is Wayne T. Dowdy?” (All search engines contain volumes of…
Searching for Audience
Success Isn’t Possible Without Support
YouTube Success
WORKING ON BECOMING YOUTUBE STAR https://www.youtube.com/@WayneTDowdy3 In the last twenty-eight days, according to the average YOUTUBE SUCCESS rate for new YouTubers, I am beginning to shine, but am still a work-in-process. I listened to one YouTuber who now earns a six-digit income, who said it took one year to get the first 100 Watch Hours….
SEEKING A REAL JOB
May 21, 2023, Update: While preparing a YouTube video to post that relates to returning citizens who seek to find a job, I shared my experience with age discrimination (actually illegal for employers to use age as a factor to decide on hiring someone). After having served thirty consecutive years in the United States Federal…
W. J. Hagerty Silversmiths Pump Spray Polish
Check out the images at the end of this post to see how well the product works. Thanks!
YouTube Growth by Wayne T. Dowdy
Miracle Do Happen
Final Post on Former Site
Earlier today I posted this on https://straightfromthepen.wordpress.com as YouTube Star to notify everyone of the closure of that particular link, in hope of having more to come over to this website and to follow me on YouTube: “The time has come for this particular website to end as hosted on WordPress.com. Find me on this…
Miracles Happen
On April 18, 2023, two things happened that show miracles do happen. I will post YouTube videos below that are evidence of two miracles that happened in my life on the same day, at least, in my opinion they are miracles because I know where I came from and from where I am today. The…
Effects of Prison Interview, Part III, by Ms. Begum K with Wayne T. Dowdy
In conclusion of this series of interviews, my hope is for those who take the time to watch the YouTube videos from StraightfromthePen will find value and share with others. Thanks!
Life After Release-11(b)
Note: Life After Release-11 first posted on straightfromthepen.wordpress.com Easter Morning 2023: Happy Easter to those who celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ! I’m sticking with the Happy New Year content below that my procrastination and busy schedule did not produce on the planned timeline. I’ve since migrated the content of this website from WordPress.com to…
Wonderful Women-2023 by Wayne T. Dowdy
I do apologize ladies, and hope you will remember just how special God made each of you to be the Wonderful Women you are, just the way you are ….
Check out Wayne T’s shop on Mercari!
Simple tasks are not always easy to figure out until I stop trying so hard. For instance, when posting YouTube and More last week, I wanted to refer everyone to my particular items for sale on Mercari, but failed to figure out the process I was sure existed. Too Tired to Think! Now I know…
Life After Release -10
Life After Release-11 coming soon!
YouTube and More
I may give out but I refuse to give up as I climb the Road to Success. YouTube may be the ticket.
Personal Magazines-2
I did not know I had a personal magazine until Confrontation Magazine sent me a complimentary copy that contained an article of mine that was published.
Blogs – WonderfulThingsDone
Amazon Affiliate As an equal Amazon affiliate, this website supports WonderfulThingsDone. Please take a moment to visit the site to see how many good deals you can find to help save money by paying less for quality products. Thanks! https://wonderfulthingsdone.com/wonderfulthingsdone-blogs/ https://wonderfulthingsdone.net/
Electronic Chain-2019
Having served over 30-years in the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prison, I walked out of an era with demons and dragons trying to hold me back as I reentered a society, unlike the one I left behind in 1988.
I had never used a cellphone, been on the Internet, or experienced life on the Outside without chains wrapped around my waist, wrists, and ankles.
Revising a Life-10
Life continues to amaze me as I move along the road to Happy Destiny, wherever that road may lead. Thus far, my life continues to be different from what I imagined before my release. More on Amazing Life: For instance, when released on August 28, 2018, no one would have probably imagined that I would…
Coming Soon
My plan for the last couple months has been to post another Life After Release. The last one I posted was in December 2021. Life After Release-10 is Coming Soon. Since Life After Release-9, a lot of things have changed in my life on many levels. More will be revealed, including the story behind the…
Love and Evil are Color-Blind by Wayne T. Dowdy
Because of all of the recent hate-related, prejudicial crimes of late, I am reposting this blog and hope that Love Wins in the End.
UnHappy Turkey Day 2021
Happy Thanksgiving Day One thing to be thankful for on Thanksgiving Day is not being a Turkey. If you’re a turkey, I am sure you understand. 🙂 Last year I wrote Gratitude 2020 by Wayne T. Dowdy for Thanksgiving. My friend mentioned in that blog, Jeffrey P. Frye, is at home this year celebrating Thanksgiving…
Gratitude 2021
An Attitude of Gratitude makes a difference in my perception of life in general. Sometimes I must slow down to look at what matters most to make my attitude change from a negative perspective to the positive. Having 19-million views on Google Maps does make me feel grateful on one level, but it’s only another…
Could Be Me
I am one who falls within the study findings and attest to the accuracy of the study finding; however, I don’t live that way anymore.
BUTTERFLIES and CHANGE by Wayne T. Dowdy
When I promised to give her a copy, I asked that she please remember me as the person she met versus the person she reads about inside the book.
Freight Brokering for Felons
Having a felony does not mean you can’t apply or be granted a freight brokers license from the FMCSA. You need ONLY to be a VALID US Resident.
Life After Release
Though I cannot forget such events and my life inside the prison system, I choose not to allow those thoughts to influence my behavior in a negative manner. I prefer the positive.
Corrlinks Correspondence: Interacting with Federal Prisoners Guide
I spent close to one-hundred dollars per month on Corrlinks because I wrote blogs to post on this website, short stories, essays, and other forms of content for publication, legal purposes, and for general correspondence.
Independence Day-2019
Independence Day in USA: Patrick Henry Said it Best: Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!
Eyes of Gratitude by Wayne T. Dowdy
The AA battery exploded before he completed his instruction. Particles of the battery struck both corneas of my eyes. I screamed, blinded by tears, eyes on fire.
Fight for Change by Wayne T. Dowdy
I fought for those who could not, would not, or did not, fight for themselves. I was near the door either way but I saw the devastating effect of the new RRC policy and it really pissed me off ….
Wonderful Women by Wayne T. Dowdy
Most men are physically stronger than most women; however, the facts show women rule the world. Evidence suggests that she is more intelligent.
Mothers & Memorial Days by Wayne T. Dowdy
This blog pays tribute to those who made life possible for us today with God’s love and power.
GRATITUDE AND MORE by Wayne T. Dowdy
Each of us walked away feeling more grateful for the meal we had been blessed with because we had stopped for a moment to remember the less fortunate in life.
THE INTERNET
By Wayne T. Dowdy Originally posted on SurePleasurez Promotions in November 2013 The Internet is as foreign to me as Australia and Japan: Not by choice, per se. The federal prison system prohibits our use of most available technology. I’ve never surfed the deep-blue waves of streaming data bombarding the shores of one’s mind; nor…
AGAPE LOVE
Penitentiaries are not the typical place to learn about love; however, I attended Kairos in 2003-2004 while at the United States Penitentiary in Pollock, Louisiana. Kairos is a prison outreach program where people of different faiths come together to teach the central theme about the love Jesus Christ has for us. Kairos means in God’s…
VIOLENT CRIME MISCONCEPTION
by Wayne T. Dowdy August 16, 2023, Update: I wrote this blog while serving a 420-month (35-years) federal prison sentence and sent it to my publisher to post. Since my release to Dismas Charities in Atlanta (halfway house) many things have changed in my life, as to be expected. Becoming a YouTuber is one of…
Teaching Cons New Tricks–Creative Writing & Q.A. Apprenticeship Program
(Reprint Permission Granted by the Author) Teaching Cons New Tricks–Creative Writing & Q.A. Apprenticeship Program THE ART OF CREATIVE WRITING CLASS: When a person is searching for a theme for an article, short story or novel, some writing professionals suggest that writers take a real life situation and ask “What If?” For instance, what would…
From Where Do Writers Root
From where do you root? Many people want to know the roots of their family, evidenced by the success of such websites as Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org. For authors who write autobiographies, biographies and other nonfiction genres, having correct, verifiable data, enhances their reputation with editors, and incorrect data may ruin or damage it. Who wants…
The Truth About Incarceration, Part II
Prisoners for profit, human lives a commodity? Imagine that. My life of crime made lots of politicians and investors very rich: it robbed me of life with my loved ones, including a wife and two children, not to mention the financial ruins caused by my actions. When I am released in 2019, I have to…
A Spiritual Journey
A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY by Wayne T. Dowdy In April of 1995, I began a sober journey into a different life that has continued to this day: a spiritual, not religious journey. Part of that journey included having faith in a power greater than myself, whom I was willing to turn my will and life over…
Fighting For The Right To Write
I am in a battle that should not be: with the head of the Education Department and prison authorities over my right to type book manuscripts and other non-legal documents, such as business or personal letters, college course assignments, resumes, etc. (Technically, if something is not illegal, it would actually be “legal.” ) Imagine that…
Social Media for Writers
[January 11, 2019: In the future I will update this blog post to make it current, now that I am a free man and am able to do the necessary research to make the content more useful to those of you who wish to improve your social media experience.] I am sending this out to…