the changing of the guards

We have know since our first day of CPE that starting in July, Metro would be getting a new Warden and a new Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment. Well, July came fast, and now, just as I was getting used to the system, or at least learning how to cope in it, some new head people have stepped in, and with them will most certainly come some major changes. Some might be for the good, and some for the not-so-good, but they’re coming nevertheless.

Our current warden was a man, Mr Roberts, and our new warden is Ms Seabolt, who just came from the DW of Care and Treatment position at the women’s prison in Alto, GA. Now, I actually really liked Warden Roberts, but from what I’ve heard from those women who have served time at Alto, Warden Seabolt is going to be very good for Metro. She’s very into respect, both within the staff members and between the officers and the inmates. Who knows if this will actually take hold or not, because I have witnessed some huge disrespect with the officers yelling at the women, but I sure do have hope that things will change. I have heard that wardens in the past who have tried to make changes for the better at Metro haven’t lasted very long, so we’ll see. Warden Roberts seems like a really nice woman, and I’m intrigued to see what changes will happen, good or bad, during the rest of my stay at Metro.

Although Warden Roberts officially started on July 1^st, today there was an official “changing of the guards.” It was a big ceremony that we were all basically required to attend. It took place in the ever-frozen gym, and there were several non-Metro people there. There were a lot of speeches and clapping going on, and also we had to watch some procession of the American and Georgia state flags. I can’t help it, but I thought that part was really stupid. There were three officers who marched (about one inch at a time) in with the flags, wearing white gloves and forest ranger-like hats while we stood and waited. When they got up to the front (about an hour later, it seemed), we were then supposed to say the Pledge of Allegiance. I didn’t want to, so I didn’t – why should I have to say the stupid Pledge of Allegiance? After that, someone sang the National Anthem, and then we had a scripture reading and a prayer. Apparently the separation of church and state doesn’t exist in Georgia.

Anyway, after that, many people made speeches – the Commissioner’s was especially long and rambling – and then Warden Roberts picked up the Georgia flag and handed it to Warden Seabolt, who set it back down. I guess that was their way of making Seabolt the official warden. Next, the guy who sang the National Anthem sang a religious song to the tune of Danny Boy. Then the three officers marched back up, very slowly and awkwardly saluted to the flags, then marched the flags back out.

I’m sorry to sound so cynical, but come on! How much more pomp can you get? I guess I just don’t get into being overly patriotic, but that’s just me. All that aside, I have high hopes for Warden Seabolt. I really hope she brings some positive, permanent change to Metro, because this place sure needs it.