Unanswered Mail

I've been receiving more mail than usual from people I don't know. But, I'm already corresponding with about a half dozen friends, and one girlfriend, who I have gotten to know via the mail since my arrest in 2005. So, I haven't been responding as I usually do to all the mail I receive, not even to just politely acknowledge the receipt of their mail.

I feel a little guilty about this, because all of these letters are well-wishing, and most seem like interesting people. I'm pretty sure that at least some would be genuine friends if I gave them the chance (by offering my friendship in return). But, I just don't have the time to spend on so much letter writing, and I honestly have a great bunch of friends already to keep up with, not to mention expositions to write for the Fifth Nail project.

So, I've decided to respond at once to all these unanswered letters in one “exposition” for the Fifth Nail Letters, and hope that those who have written and received no response from me will find this and know that I truly appreciate their support, and the time and effort they have taken to write to me. I read and careful consider the words of every letter I receive, so no one should ever feel ignored or unheard at least.

I have compiled the following comments in response to some recent letters, in no particular order:

P.H. from Utah: I hope your “research” is going well I responded to your last letter but have not heard from you since. So many people don't reply after my initial response that I often wonder why they wrote in the first place. Maybe I'm just not the person you expected, which makes me wonder what you expected.

D.G. of “Human Writes”, U.K.: Thank you for the X-mas card and offer to find me a pen-pal. But, I didn't reply for obvious reasons, though I support what you are doing (encouraging people to treat prisoners like people) and hope your agency prospers.

H.T. of “LifeLines” in Rotterdam: Again, I thank you for your offer of friendship, and I pray that you find meaning in your work. (Ditto for D.T. Of “LifeLines” U.K.)

L.H. of Killeen, TX: I never respond to people who want to “save my soul”, sorry; your ignorance astounds me. :(

K.F. of Battleground, WA: Wow! Dude! You really need to learn punctuation! :) But, thanks for your friendly letter.

J.S. of New Richmond, OH: You look really mean in your picture, but sound like a great guy in your letter. You seem like someone who could be a good pen-friend, so I hope you'll try writing someone else in prison who captures your interest. Good luck!

T.K. of Ohio Northern U.: I hope your research on “the popularity of serial killers in American culture” has turned up some interesting results. I'm sorry I couldn't reply to your questions, I honestly didn't know how to reply (maybe you should ask people why they are so fascinated with “serial killers” instead of asking “serial killers” why they think people are so fascinated by them; just a suggestion. :)

D.T. of Hamilton, Canada: Thanks for the fun pictures! :)

R.H. of “the Forum”, in Fargo, ND: Are you serious? If you knew anything about me (as opposed to the media image of a monster named “Joseph E. Duncan III”) then you'd know I never cooperate with people who sell a packaged and marketed version of the truth that they call “the news”. It's pure deception as far as I'm concerned, and I want nothing to do with it, thank-you-very-much.

C.J. of Augusta, ME: Love the X-mas card (cute puppy) and Santa's helper picture (nice legs), thanks!

J.P. of Brooklyn, NY: I let Judy Clarke (my lawyer) know you were asking about her, but she has yet to give me her permission to answer you. Since you don't work for any marketed media agency directly, and since you weren't asking about me or my case, I considered replying to your letter. But, without Judy's permission I can't, sorry.

M.C. of Mesquite, NV: “Criminology” is a pseudo-science at best and a religion at worst. Don't do it! (But, thanks for your support of the Fifth Nail.)

J.H. of Smelterville, ID: Yes, we had a very nice Christmas holiday meal here; thank you for asking. :) And I'd love to see some of your artwork, if you'd still like to send it, please do.

Z.M. of Lakeland, FL: Thank you for the B-day card and warm wishes. I liked the “kiddie” drawing, and thanks for supporting the Fifth Nail!

M.F. of Northeim, Germany: I hope you will continue reading the Fifth Nail and that it provides you with the insights you are hoping for. If you have any questions after reading it, please feel free to ask, and I'll answer what I can. Thank you.

Clara, of Italy! I have sent you several letters last year and this, but the card I got from you for X-mas does not seem to acknowledge my letters to you! Have you received them? Perhaps there is a problem with international mail service to Italy? I hope you see this and let me know! Your friend, Jet.

That's all for now, but, if I get more letters in the future that I cannot answer for any reason then I will at least try to mention them in an exposition like this one, and of course I will still try to answer as many letters as I can that my “heart” steers me to answer (as always).

[J.D. February 23, 2015]