Hi All,
We appreciate the comments, support and questions we've been receiving. Bear with us. We love this new format but we're still learning how to handle the flow of information. We'll see if we can answer some of the questions we've received so far and will try to do this now and then as time allows.
Questions from Nick:
- Appeal: We wish we knew why the appeal is taking so long but we don't have a clue. It's very frustrating. We are at the Federal level, still it's been about 18 months and it normally takes between 3 - 6 months. Nagging the courts is not considered to be wise so all we can do is wait.
- College degree: Brandon aced two courses (art and philosophy) through the independent study program from Indiana University but at a great cost to himself stress-wise. Each time, he had to use up all of the extensions allowed to complete the work because the people at the prison who were supposed to monitor testing were rarely available and often the prison would reject the "allowed" textbooks so they would have to be sent again. Still he feels good about what he accomplished. Courses like philosophy are not easy to do as self study. For now, he has set the classes aside to focus on art, exercise, and correspondence.
- Teen program: Brandon was involved in the ROCK program (Reaching Out Convicts to Kids) at Pelican Bay but has not had the chance to participate since being moved to Tehachapi. The kids really related to him since he's young and straight forward. He felt like he was making a difference. Over the years, Brandon's also helped the many students who have done reports on his case - approving their applications to visit and patiently answering their questions. It's hard sometimes not to feel like an exhibit, but he's willing to do it because it's something positive in a negative place.
Comments from Toby:
It's nice to hear from you. We'd lost touch with you and hadn't realized you'd moved. We hope you and yours are well. Brandon will be pleased to know he's in your thoughts.
Comments from Sarah W
We are very interested in what you're saying and would like to know more. It's intriguing to know that an officer who used to work with Mr. Farris would give a talk and show a movie on the injustice of Brandon's case. Do you know how we could reach him? On our old site there was an email address where visitors could write to us. I need to ask our wonderful webmasters if it still exists.
Questions from anonymous in May:
Regarding publicity: With the exception of Charles Grodin's play, Brandon would prefer not to do more publicity. There is also an excellent documentary (see the news link on this site) that airs often on Starz and the 60 Minutes II piece was extremely well done. Publicity can be difficult to manage from inside a prison and it's easy to be quoted out of context and end up with negative responses or backlash. Since there have been so many segments and articles on this case over the years, Brandon doesn't feel that there is enough added value in doing more. We agree.
Comments from anonymous in June - and to everyone who visits and/or comments:
We wish we had more concrete ways for you to help win Brandon's freedom but, other than writing to Governor Schwarzenegger (please do!) and spreading the word, we can only tell you that your caring words and thoughts do make a difference to Brandon. He hears about all of you. After eleven years, keeping hope alive can be a challenge and that's where you come in. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Gene and Janice Hein
We appreciate the comments, support and questions we've been receiving. Bear with us. We love this new format but we're still learning how to handle the flow of information. We'll see if we can answer some of the questions we've received so far and will try to do this now and then as time allows.
Questions from Nick:
- Appeal: We wish we knew why the appeal is taking so long but we don't have a clue. It's very frustrating. We are at the Federal level, still it's been about 18 months and it normally takes between 3 - 6 months. Nagging the courts is not considered to be wise so all we can do is wait.
- College degree: Brandon aced two courses (art and philosophy) through the independent study program from Indiana University but at a great cost to himself stress-wise. Each time, he had to use up all of the extensions allowed to complete the work because the people at the prison who were supposed to monitor testing were rarely available and often the prison would reject the "allowed" textbooks so they would have to be sent again. Still he feels good about what he accomplished. Courses like philosophy are not easy to do as self study. For now, he has set the classes aside to focus on art, exercise, and correspondence.
- Teen program: Brandon was involved in the ROCK program (Reaching Out Convicts to Kids) at Pelican Bay but has not had the chance to participate since being moved to Tehachapi. The kids really related to him since he's young and straight forward. He felt like he was making a difference. Over the years, Brandon's also helped the many students who have done reports on his case - approving their applications to visit and patiently answering their questions. It's hard sometimes not to feel like an exhibit, but he's willing to do it because it's something positive in a negative place.
Comments from Toby:
It's nice to hear from you. We'd lost touch with you and hadn't realized you'd moved. We hope you and yours are well. Brandon will be pleased to know he's in your thoughts.
Comments from Sarah W
We are very interested in what you're saying and would like to know more. It's intriguing to know that an officer who used to work with Mr. Farris would give a talk and show a movie on the injustice of Brandon's case. Do you know how we could reach him? On our old site there was an email address where visitors could write to us. I need to ask our wonderful webmasters if it still exists.
Questions from anonymous in May:
Regarding publicity: With the exception of Charles Grodin's play, Brandon would prefer not to do more publicity. There is also an excellent documentary (see the news link on this site) that airs often on Starz and the 60 Minutes II piece was extremely well done. Publicity can be difficult to manage from inside a prison and it's easy to be quoted out of context and end up with negative responses or backlash. Since there have been so many segments and articles on this case over the years, Brandon doesn't feel that there is enough added value in doing more. We agree.
Comments from anonymous in June - and to everyone who visits and/or comments:
We wish we had more concrete ways for you to help win Brandon's freedom but, other than writing to Governor Schwarzenegger (please do!) and spreading the word, we can only tell you that your caring words and thoughts do make a difference to Brandon. He hears about all of you. After eleven years, keeping hope alive can be a challenge and that's where you come in. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Gene and Janice Hein
posted by Gene and Janice Hein at 8:28 PM
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