I’ve got a natural soft spot for people and animals. It’s not a sympathy thing, but what there is, is a respect for dignity, other people’s dignity. I believe everyone should have dignity.

In prison they’re always trying to rob that dignity.

They’re thieves, always stealing that last shred of humanity.

They’ve got it now so a man is forced to undress naked in front of female guards. That really bothers some people. It bothers me too, but I can put up a front that it doesn’t bother me.

They teach us that people aren’t allowed to have dignity. The cell searches, the pat downs - “You must submit. Damn you! Submit!” That’s what they’re teaching us. Have no respect for people, no respect for property, no respect or the rights of the individual.

Ken McIntyre
Inmate
Kent Institution

Update: I have not been able to find what’s happening with Ken these days.