I wrote "Political Prisoner" in 1982, when a local farmer, Wayne Cryts, who stood up to the financial agencies and Missouri Judicial system, by stealing his own beans, from a grain storage facility, that had filed for bankruptcy.  Wayne had rented space in the grain elevator, but when the facility went bankrupt, the banks tried to claim his crop, for collateral.  Wayne was arrested and thrown in jail... not for removing his beans, but for contempt of court, because he refused to give the judge, the names of those, who helped him remove his beans.  

It was all, political.  Wayne was instrumental, in changing the bankruptcy laws in the State of Missouri.  He and his wife, Sandy, were forced to sell their family farm and most of their worldly possessions, while millions of dollars in fines, continue to be imposed, because he still refuses to give the judge, the names of those who helped him.

 

Political Prisoner is not only a tribute to Wayne Cryts and political prisoners, everywhere, but it also honors the loyal and courageous women, who stood by them, through insurmountable odds.

 

My songs carry no expectations.  They are snapshots in time.  Stories of events, to be shared with neighbors, on a cold winter night, when folks gather to warm each other with companionship and to know that their actions have  purpose.

 

-Jeannie

 

JEANNIE HINCK'S "POLITICAL PRISONER" MUSIC VIDEO HERE! 

 

CHECK OUT JEANNIE HINCK'S "GRANDMA IS A RADICAL" MUSIC VIDEO HERE!