COVID CORRELATION

By Joshua Edward Wright

This virus we are dealing with, the symptoms are nearly identical to the genetic defect I was born with: Cystic Fibrosis.

Bronchial cough. Shortness of breath. Death. 

Thinking back to when I was imprisoned, I remember having to logically explain to staff what I needed and why, in terms of my medications and treatments. As if I had to present a case of life to those with the power to end mine. That I have value and I know how to manage my illness, if it would only be allowed. There were times when I had to write grievances, our only method of redress, as defending myself in an aggressive or violent manner would cause them to further censor or silence me, even when they were clinically murdering me.

Now, people that exhibit these symptoms are in mortal danger and a threat to the general, healthy public. 

I twice endured not being allowed pills I require in order to eat for three full days (medical starvation). Influenza that turned into pneumonia while they denied any care or outside consult with a real medical facility, for over two months (callous torture). And a refusal for over a month to allow any current breathing treatments, or the ability to keep meds on my person in order to eat, even after repeated attempts to explain this would cause my death if continued in perpetuity (attempted homicide).

After release, with the help of doctors and nurses and state insurance, I was able, over time, to have my chronic, genetic flaw be prevented from getting worse. I've been able to get proper care through Oregon Health & Science University, and have even somehow managed to recover from some of the seemingly permanent damage to my lungs and body.

I survived on the inside. 

And yet, this new threat to us all brings my shortened life expectancy and presented symptoms to the forefront of the public psyche. And we are heading further into a mandated stay at home policy, which is a strange feeling…

The unsettling emotions being brought up come from my time in solitary confinement, where I was placed for months awaiting trial as they deemed me a threat to both staff and other prisoners, due to a background in martial arts. Being confined to a cage for 23 hours a day, at least, only being let out for one phone call and a shower... The completely logical and socially accepted physical isolation that is commonplace now, feels to me like a weird mix of the hole (solitary) and freedom (or at least the false semblance of freedom this country offers and claims to value). Yes, we can leave for groceries and go on hikes. But we are expected to remain home if at all possible... Prisons of our own design.

When worrying about what this is changing into, or how lonely it feels, please don't forget about the forgotten homeless that have no home to be stuck in, as well as those that are behind reinforced glass, iron bars, chain link, razor wire, cement walls and solid steel.

The torment, sadness, and stress you may be feeling still comes with choice and the possibilities of peace, love and escape. We are privileged. And we are also suffering. And we are in this together. Don't allow yourself to forget the humanity in others, even if yours is threatened. Listen to the song sung by the hidden, and share the tune. Your voice speaks for me.

Mine, for you.

Joshua Edward Wright spent 50 months imprisoned. During that time, they were able to accomplish such things as co-found Liberation Literacy; name and co-create All Rise Magazine, and start the first Gender and Sexuality class in the Oregon Department of Corrections. They currently live in Portland and engage in education and activism, focusing on social justice and prison abolition.

Articles From Issue One