Abolition—Real And Illusory: A Response
From a prisoner in Virginia:
Subsequent to reading the Oct 11th, 2021 article “Abolition—Real and Illusory” by Bob Avakian, my takeaway from the analysis presented was that it was quite accurate. I have previously and presently engaged in conversations with abolitionists who dedicate their cause to abolishing prison structures. However, the necessary steps to bring forth such vision to reality are almost never uttered. Only a few abolitionists overtly acknowledge that it would require the overthrow of capitalism-imperialism. We cannot abolish prisons, police, and military, what I call the 3-headed state monster without the overthrow of capitalism-imperialism, just as you cannot change part(s) of a whole without changing the whole, and once the whole system is changed it paves the way for a radically different system to replace it. Capitalism-imperialism replaced by socialism and gradual transition to communism.
Another aspect of abolition which tends not to be discussed much is the need for security forces and prison-like structures [under socialism] though vastly different from the current existing ones under capitalism-imperialism. We must be as objective as possible when discussing abolition. To say that abolition would pave the way to some utopian world where there is no need for security forces and prisons, is quite frankly a dream. We can’t pretend that abolition would cause the whole world to hold hands and sing kumbaya. There will be those who cause chaos and those who are too dangerous to live in society. However, the security forces and prisons, to deal with such cases, won’t be as the present police and prison structures. I’ve previously described abolition as: “Abolition is not a Phoenix rising from the ashes. It is a butterfly, a brilliant metamorphosis into a new reality.” This metamorphosis into a new reality which I allude to is us rebuilding from what we have abolished, including security and prisons into a new reality which would envision a continuum of alternatives to imprisonment (imprisonment will solely be reserved for extreme cases, while those imprisoned are treated with humanity and dignity), demilitarization of schools, dismantling from school to prison pipeline, free education on all levels, free universal healthcare and mental health care, a justice system which deals with the root causes of crime (which most can be traced to socioeconomic disparity), investment in communities, equal job opportunities, rehabilitation, conflict resolution etcetera.
Abolition is more than possible but it would require the overthrow of capitalism-imperialism and rebuilding from what we have. Leaving things as they are would equate to anarchism, and society wouldn’t last long.
“I dream of a movement that will take us to victory, free us from all the madness.”
From a prisoner in California:
I enjoy writing, reading, sharing what I read with others. I would of never thought I would be so concern about the world events as I am now. I have learned so much from reading the newsletters [sent by the Prisoners Revolutionary Literature Fund, PRLF, of selection of revcom.us articles]. I’m a victim of this system. Yeah, it has to do with my color. I been incarcerated for 28 years for ten dollars worth of heroin. A mistake I regret dearly. My point is, what other country incarcerates individuals for life under some minor offense. I been physically, psychologically tortured during my 14 years in solitary confinement. Yeah the revolution newsletters explains everything you need to know to become politically conscious. This system can’t be trusted. I know from experience what this system is capable of doing to your soul, body and mind. A slow genocide without doubt. They talk about reforming the laws, yet 29 prisons are up and running in California alone. Screw the legislators and their manipulating ways. The prison industry learned how to exploit inmates, oppress the shit out of us for a profit. Why would they ask for reform when so much money is being made? The oppressors will never stop exploiting us on their own. We need to stop them. I personally detest what I see. I can’t understand why we continue to allow ourselves to get screwed without a fight, what happened to sacrifice? I’m fucken tired of living on my knees. I dream of a movement that will take us to victory, free us from all the madness. I get frustrated but I’m learning through the newsletters how to reverse my negativity into positivity.
I never been afraid to speak up, I’m a patriot to the people in struggle, loyal to the end!
