Here (for the moment in no particular order) are articles about Tom, including his civil court cases and his life in general. So, I can report that at least my mail is NOT being delivered to Tom; my phone calls no longer get even as far as the operator for transfer to a human being; and my letter to the warden from several weeks ago has still not been answered. In fact, I thought they’d taken you off the count too.” A white man named Tank comes running out of the bathroom, his face streaming blood from two holes where his eyes had once been. Here is the message I received by email: “I did some research today and I am not sure why the letter was returned to you. Sil… That was the full extent of the information provided by ADX! If anyone has more news, please share it here. “Shanks” – homemade knives- enable us to walk to breakfast with a further sense of safety. Hell, man, after losing these,” Sammy holds up his right hand in a gesture of bravado, “I’m their number one ace dude. Another officer video tapes the move in case there is a scuffle. Lo and behold, I actually got through to a human being. The side of my head is bandaged and the gauze hasn’t been changed in quite a long time. “Why in the fuck did you do that?” I ask He throws up all over me, and begins to mumble something about having to go out and feed his dog. His throat was cut and he was left hanging upside down naked, in a shower stall. Thomas Silverstein, a federal prisoner whose ability to wreak havoc in even the most restrictive high-security conditions played a significant role … “Hey, wake up. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein. He was 19 years old. Tags: Art “Roundabout” ... Silverstein Thomas Rice and Associates 1000 Northlake Way, Suite B Seattle, WA 98103 Phone: 206.633.0052 Fax: 206.633.0468. Trapped in the locked cafeteria, he could only move and hide so long. Why would he feel the need to do this? We pull out our knives and wait. Sammy is nowhere to be seen. (This way, they hope to isolate the problem and let whoever are locked inside finish each other off, making it easier on them to deal with and, eventually, clean up.) Then, with a pencil, each page is painstakingly pierced until there is an even hole running from the front cover all the way through to the back cover, at both the top and the bottom, strips are ripped from bed sheets and made into crude ropes, These strips are then threaded through each hole in the magazine, binding them side by side, ending up looking something like a woman’s corset. Control Unit: nailed to the cross. I was told that the only way I could find out about Tom’s condition is by writing to him via snail mail. ... Earley wrote, including books and art supplies. Lewis tries to venture out and get him, and for his efforts is struck across the head with a lead pipe. “Yeah, but that’s only because Oakie is a serious booty bandit.” So it comes down to every man for himself – or every fraction for itself: The Black Muslims, the Mexican Mafia, the Crips, the Bloods, the Aryan Brotherhood, the American Thomas Silverstein – Official website. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein. He was 67 years old. April 23, 2019 by thomassilverstein 1 Comment. You may continue to send correspondence to inmate Silverstein at the ADX and it will get to him.”. Pete Earley, author of The Hot House, knew Tom for over 30 years, and he has written a memorial to Tom that I think every visitor to this website should read. Place: D.V.I. Act 3 ), Resolve Program Phase II Completion Certificate, Resolve Program Phase I completion certificate, Admin Remedy & Appeal re: talking to other prisoners, Article on Background to Tom’s Story 6.14.2019, https://harpers.org/archive/1972/02/war-behind-walls/, http://www.peteearley.com/2019/05/12/thomas-silverstein-held-in-isolation-cells-for-36-years-major-character-in-the-hot-house-has-died/, A Very Important Message from the Webmaster 5.11.2019, Pete Earley: The Hot House: Life Inside Leavenworth Prison, Peter Earley Interview with Tom Silverstein (1983? Rumor has it that “it” is going to come down sometime this weekend, probably Sunday, but it could happen any day, any hour, and if it does, it can easily escalate into a full-blown riot of the worst kind – racial. In my 6 X 8 accommodations, cellmate Lewis and I begin our daily routine. The following is a letter to me dated June 25, 1993 and in it Mike writes; Thomas Silverstein entered the federal prison system in 1975 after he was convicted of three bank robberies that he pulled with his father and his uncle. I can share the little bit of news I have about Tom’s condition. The white supremacist was put in solitary confinement after he killed two inmates and a prison guard in 1983. The impending riot promises to be one of the latter. Blog at WordPress.com. June 14, 2019 by thomassilverstein 5 Comments, Alan has asked that this link be added to the end of his article: https://harpers.org/archive/1972/02/war-behind-walls/. Cell for Silverstein front door to hallway that exits SAC-1 Building (USP Leavenworth). An official at ADX informed me (after I exasperatedly asked if Tom were still alive) that, yes, he is still alive. “Why aren’t you sitting with your S.F.V. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein, Cell for Silverstein (USP Leavenworth). I stand up to call out to him, and there’s a whizzing sound over my head, then a painless pressure strikes crushed off and there are only bloody stubs remaining. Three years later, he was convicted of murdering an inmate who had run afoul of the Aryan Brotherhood, the most feared white gang inClick to continue… May 16, 2017 - This Pin was discovered by Virginia Prisons Accountabilit. Here is the link: http://www.peteearley.com/2019/05/12/thomas-silverstein-held-in-isolation-cells-for-36-years-major-character-in-the-hot-house-has-died/, May 12, 2019 by thomassilverstein 16 Comments. “I don’t know, man. Breaking the chains. Hands and Rose . After receiving a bachelor’s … We reach the bottom door and zip up the old Navy “P” coats given to us for winter, and step outside onto the compound. To be caught with a shank on you is an automatic sentence of five years, but to be caught without it could easily be a death sentence! Oakie now is lying face up in a sightless stare at the ceiling, the knife still deeply embedded in his throat. Posts about STRA written by stratam. Thomas Silverstein was an inmate at the 'Supermax' prison in southern Colorado. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein . Thomas Silverstein entered the federal prison system in 1975 after he was convicted of three bank robberies that he pulled with his father and his uncle. But we’re less worried about slipping and sliding on the frozen slime than we are with what may lay waiting in the shadows and corners that we have to pass to get to the “Mainline” cafeteria. It simply comes down to animals guarding animals… a cesspool in a pressure cooker! Challenge the oppressor. Here is the complete article and comments: http://solitarywatch.com/2011/05/05/americas-most-isolatd-federal-prisoner-describes-10220-days-in-extreme-solitary-confinement/, 6 Month Review. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein. “Soon, I reply. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein. When I’m finished, I relieve Lewis from his position outside our door and allow him privacy to complete his dressing. May 2, 2019 by thomassilverstein 2 Comments, I wish I could be sharing good news about Tom, but I can’t. “You took a good one across the head. ), Susan Green May 27, 2014 Thirty-one years of solitude…and counting, The Lessons of Marion: The Failure of a Maximum Security Prison. Time: March 28, 1967 Prison authorities described him as a brutal killer and a former leader of the Aryan Brotherhoodprison gang. Meanwhile, if anyone has any information about Tom, I urge you to post it here to share with concerned readers. by Matt Clarke. Act 1: I can get them shit no one else in this rat hole can get.” Thomas Silverstein, who served 35 years in solitary confinement in a federal prison, died in a Colorado hospital earlier this month. He pissed me off. To this day he holds the record of the longest inmate kept in solitary confinement. Cockroaches make my shoes, pants, even my hair their home away from the cold. He was 19 years old. Most riots are focused on the “bulls” – guards, staff – but when it’s racial the ugliness turns inward onto the inmates themselves: rapes, beatings, mutilations and often deaths. He looks bewildered and can’t find us; I see the knife lodged just under his shoulder blade. At least, that’s what they tell me.” Thomas Silverstein – Official website. Government Enforcers Wanted. Cage inside a Cage. The cafeteria is already half full and it isn’t because of the great cuisine and atmosphere: It’s dangerous to lie in your bunk after the doors are racked open. Leonard Lewis Silverstein was born in Scranton, Pa., on Jan. 21, 1922; his father, a lawyer, became city solicitor. Thanks. While still conscious, his dick was severed and stuffed up his bleeding ass like some perverted version of your old dear grandmother’s stuffed turkey. ©Thomas Silverstein. Riot at DVI Tracy, California Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein. Besides, why are you defending any snitch?” If it kicks down maybe we’ll be able to get out before the bulls lock everyone in from the outside. There is fighting everywhere. After serving… Read More Cell for Silverstein (USP Leavenworth). His ashes will be spread in the ocean. The walkway is covered with slimy pigeon shit, frozen over in the winter-morning dew. Then repeatedly, with tag-team effort, they beat him. “Sit down before someone thinks you’re taking our order.” Cage inside a Cage. Art of Thomas Silverstein – all artwork copyright by artist Thomas Silverstein. His fingers are Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein, Cage inside a Cage. “You’re in-hock, aren’t you Fingers?” Lewis asks. Cell for Silverstein front door to hallway that exits SAC-1 Building (USP Leavenworth). “There’ll be blood on my shank before there’s any of my shit on some toad’s dick.” Art by Thomas Silverstein. Guard watching. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein. The scream comes from the back of the cafeteria and echoes all the way down the aisles. Three times I waited for a transfer to the operator, and three times, after several minutes, my line reverted to a dial tone. So, I immediately tried to call ADX. A skinny, weasel like, streetwise kid named Three Fingers Sammy walks up to our table and nervously scans the cafeteria before looking for permission from us to sit down. Sammy looks surprised, then glances over to where his friends are sitting, watching. Event: Riot He gets up, pride hurt, screams; “Fuck you!” at Lewis and storms off to another side of the cafeteria to a table where a psychopath named Oakie is eating his oatmeal with his fingers. A gurgling scream comes from the left side of the cafeteria. Because he was so strong and crazy, the blacks figured he was one of the most dangerous whites, so he was to be killed as soon as possible. Thomas Silverstein, who was the longest-held federal prisoner in solitary confinement within the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) for a period of 35 years since 1983 — has died. Thomas Silverstein’s Self-Portraits. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein, Cage inside a Cage. I am stymied as to what the next move should be. (Note: My blog announcing Silverstein’s death prompted complaints by some readers who said I was overly sympathetic. For more information on Silverstein Thomas Rice and Associates, go to our website: Guard watching. I have done that, but I fear the letter won’t reach Colorado much before Friday (I live in Canada), and I still have no way of knowing if Tom is receiving his mail, or if he is in any shape to answer it. In that capacity, Silverstein conducts investigations into violations of the federal securities laws. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein. the top of my skull and the floor rushes up to me. The options are woefully limited. Turning, I finally waken enough to realize I am in bed in the prison hospital. I was put on hold for at least 5 minutes. For over 3 decades Tommy Silverstein, has been held in the most isolated conditions, far beyond mere solitary confinement. Look, see! May 22, 2019 by thomassilverstein 11 Comments, https://www.westword.com/news/thomas-silverstein-americas-most-isolated-prisoner-dead-at-67-11342787, May 18, 2019 by thomassilverstein 23 Comments. “No big thing, man, just a little strapped.” To hear it on the compound, “One of the brothers has been done wrong, disrespected…We can’t let this shit go, man!” Battle lines have been drawn, sides taken, and the guards are taking bets. “Yeah, right “I say. ), Resolve Program Phase II Completion Certificate, Resolve Program Phase I completion certificate, Admin Remedy & Appeal re: talking to other prisoners, http://cnn.site.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&title=%27Terrible+Tommy%27, http://solitarywatch.com/2011/05/05/americas-most-isolatd-federal-prisoner-describes-10220-days-in-extreme-solitary-confinement/, Article on Background to Tom’s Story 6.14.2019, A Very Important Message from the Webmaster 5.11.2019, Pete Earley: The Hot House: Life Inside Leavenworth Prison, Peter Earley Interview with Tom Silverstein (1983? While I acknowledge some safety concerns on the part of BOP, I cannot fathom any legitimate reason for such a veil of secrecy about Tom’s condition. “You tell me.” Lewis says. Thomas Silverstein has been called “the most dangerous prisoner in America,” based on several prison murders that took place 30 years ago. His body has finally been released, his death certified, and he will be cremated. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein. I wrote Tom at least two other letters, but I don’t know the fate of those yet. Ball and Chain. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein . Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein. HeClick to continue… “Yeah, okay. I hurriedly wash my face in the chill, blackish water that dribbles from the spout. Even in death Tom is still suffering at the hands of the Bureau of Prisons. The ceiling is open to the sky but is covered by steel bars. The webmaster. “They deserve it and more. The wrong gesture, no matter how unintentional, or stare held too long, if not provoking, immediate reprisal, will most assuredly be accounted for if and when it finally comes down. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein, On Prison Life in General and in ADX specifically, Message from Tom to Visitors, March 28, 2018, Tom’s Response to Civil Case, August 9 & 30, 2014, #3 December 22, 2011 Stepdown Rejected by BOP…, #6 September 25, 2013 Federal Appeals Court …, Tom’s Achievements (education, certificates, etc. If you can, please write to Tom and express your wishes for his recovery. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein. I dress first because of the bunk bed and combination toilet and sink in the cell we share, there is hardly enough room for both of us to stand at the same time, let alone dress. He got himself locked up and transferred to Soledad.” Hightower always had a thing for pretty white-boy punks, and it wasn’t that this punk hadn’t been putting out; it was that he hadn’t been putting out to Hightower. Lewis and I don’t belong to any particular group, we try to watch out for each other, but your race tends to automatically involve you in any altercation. One died, and one vaulted the railing to avoid the stabbing blades broke both his angles on the concrete below. Breaking the chains. There exist two and only two types of riots in prison: One is literally spontaneous erupting over the smallest of incidents and spreading like wildfire. But if anyone has heard anything about Tom, please share it here. My left wrist aches something awful. With his left foot seemingly glued to the floor, he is pivoting in small movements, all the while staring upward with bulging eyes, frantically pulling at the knife handle. One man’s hand is caught between the door and the wall. But that’s bullshit. Being isolated and completely alone even for a few days can eat away at a person, but what about being isolated for decades. “So what?” Lewis says. ©Thomas Silverstein. Subscription. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein. Cat behind Bars. They caught him. Our armor is crude, but effective against the wide variety of custom – designed weapons each prisoner has fashioned for himself. “Fuck you, man,” Sammy spits at me. If anyone has any information, please share it here. I tried to access this article but was told it was temporarily unavailable: http://cnn.site.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&title=%27Terrible+Tommy%27, https://www.coloradoindependent.com/2013/09/23/denver-judge-to-weigh-how-much-is-too-much-solitary-confinement/, https://www.denverpost.com/2009/12/05/greene-prisoners-story-not-an-isolated-case/, https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/us/stories-of-survival-in-solitary-have-a-message-for-the-prison-system-1.1579688, This article appears on another page in our site (where it will be removed shortly) but without the accompanying comments on the Solitary Watch site. Then they dragged him by his heels back into the kitchen and systematically raped him, ripping his asshole wide open. Go find someone else to be your daddy.” Lewis shoves him hard in the shoulder. I nstead of being “The Man in the Iron Mask,” federal prisoner Thomas “Tommy” Silverstein spent decades in prison as the man in a concrete box. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein, Outside Recreation Area with Tom. “They stabbed every white on the tier, all of whom wore white jumpsuits, for they had just gotten off bus and had no idea they would be attacked for being white. Oakie is clutching at a carving knife imbedded in the base of his throat. I responded by posting a second blog about their criticism.) “Yeah Sammy, and we all know how they love a white boy’s butt!” The Bureau of Prisons could not be more obstructionist if it deliberately set out to be, but my anger at my treatment is far outweighed by my concern for Tom’s health. Silverstein was only 19 years old at the time of the crime. There is a sound of braking glass and I can smell something, at first sweet and thick, then gagging. ; April 26, 2019 by thomassilverstein 3 Comments. Search for: Links about Tom. It is now time to armor down and to get our shit together. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein. A black guy comes screaming out from behind the serving line with hot grease on his face, his skin streaming down like a pink river. Hidden in each of our mattresses, our shanks are made of Plexiglas, trimmed and sharpened on both sides. deadly is slow and calculated and includes well-planned physical and sexual assaults. Silverstein Thomas Rice and Associates Blog at WordPress.com. With nothing more to be said, the rest of us sit and watch as the cafeteria fills up with faces that never before braved the cold for hard biscuits and lumpy oatmeal. Besides, he keeps getting himself in debt he’ll need a daddy to keep him.” Knowing it would be useless to ask about Tom’s health, I asked if he was still getting his mail and if he could write back to his correspondents. On May 11, 2019, he was released from that confinement in the only way it seemed possible – by his death, which occurred at an outside hospital, reportedly due to complications related to heart surgery, at age 67. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein. Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein . He has been a model prisoner for all these years. I can say this: I will maintain this website as both a memorial to Tom and as a research tool for anyone interested in his long struggle with the Bureau of Prisons. And because our world is governed by adrenaline diplomacy, the threat of violence is constant. To say that BOP is doing everything in its power to frustrate any and all of Tom’s friends and family would be a gross understatement. Cell for Silverstein front door to hallway that exits SAC-1 Building (USP Leavenworth). Hands and Rose . Artist: ©Thomas Silverstein. I have sent multiple letters and multiple emails but have not had any response. He’ll be okay. He earned his name from losing the last two fingers of his right hand from cheating in a poker game. Lewis tells him. I move and feel something wet and slimy as I slide my skin across it. The guards won’t get involved – except to finally clean up the mess – because this vile, this violent, they know they’re helpless and apt to be swallowed up in the insane whirlpool. The doors are slammed shut by the guards outside before we can get out. I made my routine phone call to ADX today. The result is, quite literally, armor plates all the way around your mid-section from under your armpits to the small of your back. “So what’s up, man?” he asks. Thomas Silverstein, 67, died in a Colorado hospital after being transferred from prison with a heart condition. Art became therapy and his way of communicating his harsh conditions to the outside world. I will in the future attempt to put some kind of order to these links.