my new unit is usually for people who haven't been convicted and/or sentenced yet, so every weekday morning a few people are woken up early for court.  a few weeks ago i was one of them!  i had been asked to testify at a G20-related preliminary inquiry, the subpoena and the judge's order had been delivered to the jail, and i was prepared for a long, cold day in the court cells of toronto's Old City Hall. going to court is a big part of life at Vanier for many inmates so i thought you might be interested in what it's like.

today i'm continuing my observations of the social interactions and dynamics of Canada Geese. they hang out outside my window every day, in various combinations, small groups and pairs merging and breaking apart in a never-ending series of aggressive, defensive and protective manoeuvres. i'm starting to understand the meanings of their calls and behaviours, and to recognize individuals. there are the bullied, the injured, the ones who are allowed at the outskirts of the group -- so close and no closer. it's fascinating and heartbreaking... i want to go out there and scold the jerks, take care of the weak, and replace this whole survival of the fittest thing with a community based on mutual aid and solidarity. hey, wait a minute, isn't that pretty much why i'm in jail?

Kelly was sentenced to 11 months in Vanier July 19 for her participation in the anti-capitalist, anti-colonialist, pro-justice actions that happened during the 2010 G20 summit in Toronto. if you haven't already you can read about it here. she's been put across the hall on 2A so i can see her now and then and sneak in an illegal wave. there are some really nice folks on 2A, and i have no doubt she's doing just fine. since her release on bail almost two years ago she has been under a condition not to communicate with the G20 Main Conspiracy Group, so we haven't spoken. if we could have, i would have shared some of the things i've learned about jail with her before she came in.

June 20, 5:45 a.m.