At the end of 2021 a survey was sent out to more than 750 prison readers of a newsletter made up of articles from revcom.us and featuring writings by Bob Avakian, BA. This newsletter is put together and sent every two weeks by the Prisoners Revolutionary Literature Fund (PRLF).

More than 150 prisoners responded even though PRLF is prohibited from sending a stamped reply envelope. In order to respond, prisoners had to use their own stamp from the small number they are allotted. The prisoners were from all over—North Carolina, Louisiana, Florida, Arizona, Texas, California, Illinois and numerous other states. Some were longtime readers and others brand new to the revolution.

While it is not a “scientific” survey, there is a lot to learn from what the prisoners had to say. One of the questions asked was simply: “What did you learn from reading the materials sent to you from RevCom?” followed by a few blank lines for the answer.

The prisoners’ responses give a glimpse of what a revolutionary people in their millions would begin to look and sound like as they grasp hold of the new communism brought forward by BA. Their humanity shines through from behind concrete walls. Prison is sometimes called the second university system in the U.S., where those cast off by society educate themselves and each other... where revolutionary theory is a lifeline.

Certain themes emerged in these responses: Minds being opened to things that they had never come across before. Concern for the world and the planet and revulsion at the crimes committed by the U.S. An understanding that there is a system: capitalism-imperialism that is the source of the horrors people confront. The importance of a scientific approach and the truth. The looming danger of fascism. Appreciation for the revolutionary leadership of BA. The need for a revolution that is aiming for socialist society and ultimately communism.

We will be posting these responses, beginning this week, grouped under the following four themes:

#1. Thinking about the world, the horrors caused by the capitalist-imperialist system and why we need a revolution.

#2. The importance of the scientific method and truth.

#3. Appreciation for BA, the revolutionary leader.

#4. Socialism and communism.

***

# 1: Thinking about the world, the horrors caused by the capitalist-imperialist system and why we need a revolution.

* I’ve learned how our government’s capitalism/imperialism not just effects our country but many other countries around the world. I got to read about issues I normally wouldn’t see on TV.

* That the world is in drastic need of Revolution nothing else and about the corruption that america has caused. and how to make it possible. and about the poverty around the world.

* That neither the Republican fascists nor the Democrats fundamentally have a solution to the various crises in this world, including people being required to flee from homelands because of the intolerable effects of poverty, climate change, and reactionary violence—except more repression and brutality.

* About the cruel and unjust things that is going on in the world and we need a REVOLUTION NOW!

* Society cannot survive under the capitalist system it has proven itself to be more harm to humanity and environment than good. Changing this system is more than critical which can only come via revolution [to] replace the system with socialism and gradual transition to communism.

* I have discovered exactly how bad the United States really is. After reading revolutionary literature, I came to this realization on how wrong I been to have serve in the military and for fighting in Vietnam.

* A lot about history is what I’ve learned, especially in the context of crimes committed by the U.S., in the name of “democracy.”  

* Mass genocide, world pollution, and global extortion are endlessly actioned by the Capitalist mechanics.

* I've learned more about the State (Institutionalized power over society embodied in the police, courts, military) and how its agents/employees/officials of the artificial entity cannot help but to oppress due to not only the foundation the U.S was built upon but because it's system is a Capitalist-Imperialist one.

* I learned how capitalism hurts others, women are treated different and blacks are stereo typed on.

* First and foremost I've learned WHY capitalism is unsustainable as an economic system and how our democracy must support that system before anything, and why our political leaders won’t even give socialist practices let alone communism a chance.

* I have learned just how dire the need for a complete revolution is. I also learned that I have to stop engaging my oppressors physically and get with a bigger revolution.

* We have a hell of a fight on our hands!