Date: Wed Mar  4 18:17:21 1992
From: lenrose@ouddahere.com
Subject: File 2--Letters from Prison-Len Rose's final installment

((Moderators' note: Len Rose was incarcerated for unauthorized
possession of UNIX sourcecode, and has nearly completed his term in
federal prison in North Carolina. For those interested in the
background to this case, in which Len was considered by many to be a
victim of over-zealous prosecution and sentencing, a complete history,
including usenet posts, news articles, search and seizure warrant,
indictment, and other information is available in the Len.Rose file in
the CuD ftp archives. Len will return to Chicago on March 23, and
would appreciate any employment leads. Those wishing to contact him
may do so through CuD until he has a permanent address)).

++++++++++++

Greetings from Prison!

It has been a long time coming, but it looks like I will be leaving
here March 23, 1992. I never thought I would make it. I owe my survival
to a few people out there on the Net, and I will never forget what
they have done for me and my family. I have been able to keep myself
informed, reading CuD and occasional articles from the Net that have been
sent to me.

I am looking forward to working again, and perhaps with a lot of hard
work and diligence, I can once again own a home and work for myself. I
have been assigned to a halfway house in Chicago, and hope to obtain
some employment in the city (at least for 2 months). If I do not or
cannot otain work, they may not let me leave the halfway house on
weekends (to be with my family). So, if I have to, I will work at
McDonalds or clean floors.

I have no equipment left, so one of my first priorities will be
obtaining some. Hopefully, I will be able to purchase a used Unix
system and a decent modem. I will then be able to write code and work
on projects for clients. I have a lot to do and very little time to
accomplish it.

I also have much to be thankful for, and have a very good attitude
now. When I was going through the worst of it,I felt like it was
the end of the world, but now I know that it's only a temporary
setback. I have so much to be grateful for, and, thanks to the people
who have stood by me, I will be able to end up just as if it never
happened.

Nowadays, I am bouncing off the walls in anticipation of seeing my
wife and kids again. I haven't been able to see them while
incarcerated, because they couldn't afford to visit North Carolina
from Chicago, and I was never able to obtain a transfer to a closer
prison.  However, I guess it will make the reunion that much sweeter.
Anyone who says that absence makes the heart row fonder is crazy.  It
is the worst torture that can be conceived.

My leg has mended well enough to permit me to work at just about
anything. I usually walk 3 to 4 miles a day here trying to strengthen
it. Although I have nothing else to do but read and perhaps tutor
people who cannot read, I have managed to pass the time. That has been
my worst enemy here lately--boredom. Loneliness for the people I love
has been a major enemy from the beginning.

I hope to obtain an account on a system that is on the Internet so I
can re-establish some contacts. Once I am able to buy some used Unix
equipment, I will re-establish netsys.com and become a network site
again. I have so many things to do.

Obviously my family will be my primary concern. They are currently
receiving some public assistance, and let me tell you, no one can
survive on welfare. If not for a few people who cared, they would be
living on the street. I am no longer bitter. I have learned that there
are some decent folk who care, and all of ou who've helped me are
really something special. I just wanted you to know that.  Most of you
read CuD, so if I never have the chance to speak to you, please
consider this a sincere thank you for what you've done.

Let's hear it for 1992. I have been dreaming of this moment for so
long, and I am anxious to begin my life again. Although I have two
months in a halfway house and then a three year probation to get
through, I know that I will be unstoppable.  If I am left alone, and
am able to show the powers-that-be that I only wish to live my life, I
now that I will again be a success.  Family and happiness are the only
things that matter. (And Unix too ((sigh)).

Well, if anyone has a job that I can do, I'd be very grateful.  I like
to work hard and will do it right. I have a lot of catching up to do,
but feel sure that I can do so in a prompt manner.

Oh well. I have rambled enough. I look forward to meeting you all
again on the Net. Who knows? Maybe I will become famous for something
other than this....I certainly hope so.

                             Len Rose

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