Introduction: At the end of 2021 a survey was sent out to over 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).

Over 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 from long-time readers and others from those brand new to the revolution.

While this 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.

We are sharing some of the responses, grouped under different themes (for #1, “Thinking about the world, the horrors caused by the capitalist-imperialist system and why we need a revolution,” go here; #2, “The importance of the scientific method and truth,” go here).

# 3. Appreciation for Bob Avakian (BA), the revolutionary leader.

* I just got started on reading From Ike to Mao and Beyond.¹

* The (RevCom articles) help provide dialectics. This helps one to understand the facts that are commonly distorted and hidden. The SCIENTIFIC VIEW and ANALYSIS from BA and other comrades are reasonably objective. This approach creates a second look at whatever view is being presented.... There is one who is willing to take the initiative to lead and pave the way as a scientific SCHOLAR who is actually for the people of color and the oppressed.

* I’ve learned that Mr. Avakian is a fighter for the liberation of all people.

* That Bob Avakian is someone who I’d love to meet and march alongside. And that revolution is needed! The world’s in trouble.

* I engaged in anti-Apartheid and then anti-fascist activism in the late 80’s–early 90’s. Identified as an Anarchist-Libertarian Socialist. I’ve known the basic critiques, but BA’s thinking is very interesting in developing them. Even, in my admittedly less educated opinion, when I disagree with some solution offered, the analysis & critique is solid.

* Knowledge on the world revolution. I am still a student in school, Mr. Avakian. I am into political and social struggles.

* I learn that the Constitution for the New Socialist Republic in North America² is a visionary and concrete application of the new Synthesis communism.