I believe that even though I am locked up in prison I do not (and will not) behave like a savage. There is no reason to forgo the values that I was raised with. Now, of course, I do realize where I’m at and that not everyone was brought up to be polite and respectful, but I find it aggravating to have to live among the animals. Not everyone I’m surrounded by are animal- like, and there are actually some decent people in here, with who I choose to associate .
I do try to make the best of the situation and treat everyone with respect but at times it is almost impossible .
I have been told dozens of times that “not everybody ” was raised by people that nurtured them and taught them how to how to act.
Well all I can do is be myself and continue to act the way my parents raised me. I would like to stress though that I do not think I am better than anyone. I help those who need help (with food, learning, or advice but only those that are willing to help themselves i.e. ,if you will not work and lay around all day, connive, cheat, and lie. I work eight to twelve hours a day and don’t expect anything from anybody. I have worked since I was fifteen and up until my normal life ended when I was forty- three back in 2006 and for about twenty of these years I was an alcoholic and pot ahead but I went to work everyday that I was expected to be there.I’m not patting myself on the back just stating a fact.
Oops! sorta got off track there a bit.
There are quite a few inmates who have zero social skills and say and ask questions that normal people would never utter.
But nevertheless, I continue to be me and will never give up.

Dean Giacomo
DOC #1207157