THE TEXAS PRISON LABOR UNION (TPLU hereafter) was established in 1995, by prisoners in order to provide Texas Prisoners, their families, and interested persons with a much needed social political forum from which to actively promote established principles of social justice, consistent with human rights. While the primary directive of the Union is of course labor, we understand that Texas prisoners are forced daily with multiple human rights abuses. The Union has authorized the implementation of two special committees--Special Committee on Human Rights that consists of eight (8) individuals whom are not incarcerated and the Speical Committee on Legal Affairs which are designed to consist of (200) jail house lawyers--all working on in conjunction to achieve specific goals.
We understand that no movement can be built and become successful unless a solid base has been built. The TPLU has spent the last five (5) years building its base without any financial support from outsiders so there would not be any form of reliance on others that would seek to manipulate or control the Union in some form.
During the establishment of the Union setting forth the principles that we are of necessity--bound by the Executive Board set forth the following in memorandum, to wit:
"...the committee recognizes the inherent dignitiy and inalienable rights of the human family as a whole and the principle that the recognition and adherence of said rights is the basis of freedom of all humans and requisite to peace in the world. That disregard and contempt for human rights has resulted in barbarous acts which shock the conscience of society and that such shocking acts are a daily occurrence within the Texas Penal System. The TPLU asserts its faith in the worth and dignity of all the human family and assert that the mere fact of incarceration in no manner diminishes the equality of those incarcerated, nor the requisite that every human person should be treated with respect and dignity in all cases. Human rights should be respected and strictly observed by those in authority. The TPLU undertakes to act as a guardian of said rights and freedoms while yet establishing a movement for the same. We understand that humanity, justice, and freedom must coexist equally being independent upon the other or cannot exist at all to any real and meaningful degree..."
We believe that the principles set forth in the foregoing memorandum should be the cornerstone of a progressive society. We have established the NATIONAL FEDERATION OF PRISION LABOR UNIONS so as to proliferate our goals relating to human rights. It is our position that all the human family should work together to halt the abuses of human rights. We have a vested interested in tearing down the walls of ignorance that have been erected as a direct result of intolerance, racism, and bigotry. To accomplish this we ask that people take a stance--join us in the struggle, as have many others. Consider that every oppressive law passed by both Congress and State Legislatures affects not only prisoners bur those not yet incarcerated as well.
Thank you.
".......WE FIGHT TO WIN. WE CERTAINLY DO!"
In Solidarity
FIAT JUSTITIA RUAT COELUM
