jj
New Arrival
Posts: 5
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Post by jj on Jun 18, 2005 9:39:33 GMT -5
I read a lot about the arguements on what each side feel prisons are like in this country. Now, I know that prisons are not to be a Hilton Inn, I also know that there are some prisons that are not fit for the humans to live in them and they get away with it.
What would be interesting, instead of just getting "points of view" of what people seem to "know" what prisons are like, to actually get some facts of conditions on the different death rows here in the US. Yes, each state is different in their rules, some are better than others.
I mostly know about Texas because of my husband. I would be interested in knowing about the other death rows, what they are or are not allowed.
Does anyone remember the great "toiletpaper" crusade a while back in Florida? I still laugh my butt off when I think about that.
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Post by mikebook on Jun 18, 2005 10:18:05 GMT -5
I will wade in here: Prisons should have decent food. It should be served hot and should be filling and good. Now, this does not mean that it is going to be catered. There should be chances for education and job training. However, prisoners should be aware that if the guards tell them to do something, that they should comply. If they do not an extraction team will be able to pound the snot out of them...
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jj
New Arrival
Posts: 5
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Post by jj on Jun 18, 2005 10:49:55 GMT -5
but what I am looking for is facts on how each death row is run now.
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Post by sally104 on Jun 20, 2005 20:45:43 GMT -5
Parhaps one could look at the doc website for each state.
What is interesting that our correctional officials although will copy some USA methods relating to single issues they hold the USA system as a whole as something they do not end up with, they prefer the British model
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Post by janet on Jun 21, 2005 16:08:33 GMT -5
Joy, I'm most familiar with the state prison in Parchman, Mississippi. The conditions are horrendous.
Prisoners are permitted thirty minutes outside daily, however, many choose not to take advantage of this, due to the new rule that they are shackled and, therefore, unable to defend themselves from guards and other prisoners.
Meals are vermin infested and, often, cold.
There is no contact visitation. It is even difficult for counsel to meet with their clients. This most often takes place in the regular visiting area.
Paper, envelopes, and pens are purchased from the Commisary in limited amounts weekly. For some bizarre reason that I can't begin to figure out, a prisoner can possess only a blue/black and red pen. Blank greeting cards are not available and a friend is not permitted to send them.
No longer are church groups permitted to bring 'extras' ... socks, small treats, etc. There have been instances whereby 'religious' pastors have gone through the unit preaching eternal damnation for inmates.
Medical treatment is grossly inadequate. A fee of $6.00 is charged to an inmates account for a doctor's visit ... if and when it occurs. There are, not surprisingly, high instances of psychotic breaks among those incarcerated.
Sanitation is almost non-existent. Toilets overflow into cells, units are filthy, and the stench of neglected humanity permeates the facility.
While there are guards capable of showing kindness, many are brutal. The worst example I have heard of this was a recent suicide of a young man. He was discovered in the morning after hanging himself. This was greeted with much laughter by several senior guards.
These represent just a few of the most obvious conditions of inhumanity. To outline 'a day in the life of' would require my writing a book.
It completely defies the imagination that human beings are kept in such conditions.
The A.C.L.U. lawsuit did enable prisoners to have fans and ice water during the hottest days. Most other improvements have not yet been made.
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Post by mikebook on Jun 21, 2005 16:26:03 GMT -5
I can understand the no contact visits from a security stand point...Unless CCTV or web-cam is used...But I do not like it from a human stand point
However, the rest is just plain wrong...Fans are not expensive, nor is a plumber to fix the problems...But food has to be improved NOW!!!!
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Post by mikebook on Jun 21, 2005 16:31:02 GMT -5
Can they order paper/office supplies from office depot or other party? Hellfire and damnation preaching went out with Elmer Gantry... Hire a few PA's if the Dr's are overloaded...They can take care of most things....
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Post by mikebook on Jun 21, 2005 16:38:13 GMT -5
I forgot to mention...Churches often minister to inmates that way...giving them little things like socks and stuff...A drug dog can sniff it...
It would not take much to allow prisoners out of cells to work or to be in the yard...What about sports teams for baseball and football, maybe soccer...
Got to allow something like that...
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Post by mikebook on Jun 21, 2005 16:53:10 GMT -5
Better access to showers and hygene items...We do not want prisons to be incubators for disease and misery...Heaven alone knows what could be there...People need to be able to be clean and healthy...
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Post by injector on Jun 21, 2005 17:22:09 GMT -5
What about sports teams for baseball Got to allow something like that... You want to give a DR inmate a baseball bat?
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Post by mikebook on Jun 21, 2005 17:24:10 GMT -5
he is on the field...with guards...in towers...with .308 rifles...ready to shoot if he clobbers anything but the ball...
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Post by sclcookie on Jun 21, 2005 18:05:30 GMT -5
What about sports teams for baseball Got to allow something like that... You want to give a DR inmate a baseball bat? Hell no!!!!
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Post by sclcookie on Jun 21, 2005 18:06:51 GMT -5
yeah, but there are many guards in those towers, not enough to control a riot. Someone could get killed, esp. with a baseball bat.
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Post by janet on Jun 21, 2005 18:07:12 GMT -5
Mike, Although you're being rather facetious, I have to admit, despite yourself, you have a few good points. Good, healthy competition and a satisfying days work are good for each of us ... help take out the frustration and foster a healthy sense of competition!
You've probably guessed that I strongly believe in rehabilitation and not retribution. Do you realize how many of these men and women have it within them to lead productive lives? Out of hardship come certain abilities. No, I'm not speaking of psychopaths. I'm talking about everyday people who due to factors in their lives beyond their control can be re-introduced into the community to make a positive contribution to society. While it 'doesn't bring the victims back', lives can be salvaged, and fewer victims are created.
Everyday, we witness better treatment in the average zoo than society affords to human beings. It's honestly monstrous.
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Post by sclcookie on Jun 21, 2005 18:09:05 GMT -5
many play handball in texas.
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