Hello, and Thank you for reading my story.

Beginning in Summer '82, I began college courses via monitor, attending four years towards BA in Business.  I completed Rational Behavior Training, Stress Management, and Interpersonal Skills before I realized Oklahoma Pardon& Parole Board rebels against success oriented convicts.

At Oklahoma State penitentiary developed my artistic talents in drawing; five-time State Capital Art Show annual awards.  I used my drawing proceeds to purchase acrylic paint and brushes, and within six months was by invitation at my first National Competition at museum in Tahlequah.  I studied the art market through periodicals, then saved lithographic printing fees and ran my debut National Market limited edition pen & ink titled "Magic moments" reflected in October issue of Southwest Art magazine.

From that, three national market and one International Gallery contract from SOHO, NYC came in the mail.  However, ODOC policy prohibits prisoners from representation such as this, so i located an art rep 'to go between'  who left me hanging after my original art was already in NYC.  I was forced to have them identify with my being a prisoner, and upon discovery my art was returned to the rep, and I haven't seen or touched it since.

I accomplished "Best of Show" simultaneously in 'Painting' and 'Drawing' at Regional shows, then by 1994 I quit cold-turkey to study law (art wouldn't release me).

I began an intense consummation of law almost ten years ago; living in a small concrete tomb absent TV or radio.

I'm fortunate to have double comprehension, a high IQ, and near total recall memory, and I relied up on these to do the present day appeals.  ODOC came in with a policy called co-pay which charges 25¢ per copy page, mailing fees; filing fees at U.S. District Court Western distinct of Oklahoma in CIV-01-488-F, and U.S. Court of Appeals Tenth Circuit, Denver, Colorado.   My appeals are presently delayed because I owe them filing fees.

Since November 1994, I haven't had one red cent and I currently owe Trust Fund of DOC almost $2,000(for copies & mailings in my case), so my prison earnings are sized in full preventing me from even a stamp a month for hard labor.

I was diagnosed in May 1997 with liver enzymes thirty-eight times the norm, CIRRHOSIS, and was estimated I would live no longer than six months.  (Chronic terminal illness)

I need help!  I wouldn't care if it was $5.00 or $10.00; I've fought the corrupt system in my case for eight calendar years, and I'm at a stand still because these courts want their money, and I understand.

I have now been incarcerated twenty-one calendar years for a crime I did NOT commit.  I'm serious about my release so I can get medical help while promoting my art back into the mainstream, stabilize economically, and heal my heart, mind, and body.

Please write.  I would truly love to hear from you.

I sincerely thank you,
RICHARD DEAN SMITH

40619

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