Manatory education in the prison systems may be a good part of our solution. Just a thought.

Posted by Chip Bramlage on 11/07/2008 @ 08:56AM PST

There are several programs out there to help prisoners, but the one I was involved with called Alternative to Violence Project  (AVP) was founded by prisoners in conjunction with Quakers back in the 70's.
It reduces recidivism rate by 85%.
THAT is called a successful program.
It is a program that is run all around the world now and has been used in Rwanda with victims of genocide.
It has been used in schools with gangs and for citizens with anger issues. 
It works. 

Posted by Pauline Schneider on 11/07/2008 @ 09:47AM PST

I just sent a messages about the obama administration founding the second chance act
We need more people like you and I writting his administration

Posted by Mitchell Anderson on 11/07/2008 @ 01:32PM PST

Let's face it.  A lot of prisoners are uneducated and lack the moral ability to work within the framework of civilized people. Programs must be set up to work with prisoners that are given sentences of 3 years are more.  These prisoners must be required to get an education and rehabilate themselves before being thrust back out onto the american public. Just allowing these prisoners out on parole with no skills is asking that the american people be victimized.  Let's find a better way and by helping these criminals we are helping ourselves.

Posted by delores williams on 11/08/2008 @ 05:49PM PST

I have been reading up on corporal punishment of late. Pain has acquired a negative connotation in our society, however it is an extremely effective deterrent to most of the population. I read an interesting essay by an author who sincerely endorsed corporal punishment in a specific form, which I will describe. Prisoners who are found guilty of criminal offenses are subjected to an intensely painful but non-debilitating electrical shock. Following the shock (or possibly a short series of shocks), which could be varied in potency and duration based on the severity of the crime, the prisoner is released. Repeat offenders (possibly after the third strike) and people who can not be safely reintroduced to society are incarcerated permanently. Prisons, to fit this model, would be significantly less pleasant. They would be used, not as reeducation centers, but as waste storage. The advantages of this approach are numerous, including a rapid return to normality for convicts who merely had a run of bad luck, not exacerbating economic problems by removing potential breadwinners, and by making a jail sentence a truly unpleasant prospect. Additionally, it could drastically reduce the size and cost of our prison system.

Posted by Dante Marx on 11/09/2008 @ 11:45AM PST

prisoners need to be seperated by crime and housed by crime.  then they should be taught a trade and then work an 40 hour week making a product that can then be sold to americans and reimburse the government for their incarceration.  some of the money will be held back for those that will be released at a later date.  By working while in prison and not getting a free ride maybe  they will think twice about breaking the law again.

Posted by Billy Healy on 11/11/2008 @ 05:21PM PST

The prison complex system in America has to be looked at. We are spending billions of dollars errecting privately run prisons and less on public schools, family and community supports (after school programming, in school activities--music etc)

Yes, of course we need to punish folks for crimes committed in society, but we are not doing a good job.  Prisons are warehouses for the illiterate, mentally challenged, and the poor with some affleunt folks thrown in occassionally.

Once folks are incarecerated there is NOTHING for them to do but sit and past the time.  I am not advocating a country club environment, but it is a captive audience that could benefit from programming to help them restart their lives, reconnect with community and become law abiding citizens.

Few people go to jail for life.  The majority of folks who go to jail will get out.  Would it serve society if they got out with some real purpose and ability to become what we all want...law abiding and respectful of their neighbors, or do we want more of the same. A raging broken person turned loose to commit more crimes against society.

Posted by Love Babz on 11/14/2008 @ 10:08AM PST

America's GDP includes the Prison Systems and all the means of production necessary to make it a viable commodity.  It's time for CHANGES..the entire system needs to be overhauled from bottom to top.

Posted by leatrice brantley on 11/23/2008 @ 03:04PM PST

Persons with sentences longer than 2 years, or repeat offenders should be given options other than sitting on a cot and learning to become more of a criminal. There should be some sort of funding for the prison system where there are more resources for education.  High school and college textbooks that can no longer being used should be either sold or given to the prison systems so there would be no excuse for the prison system to say that "we do not have the educational tools" to teach the inmates.  The staffs of the different prisons need to also be reformed as well.  Teaching yoga, meditating or even in a case such as Michael Vick, demand that there be a program for them to learn to take care of animals - especially those animals that have been abused.  Changing an inmates mindset to a positive is the key!!

The mental health department also need to play a larger role inside and outside of the prisons as a lot of these inmates are not real criminals.  They are simply being 'overlooked' as criminals when in reality, they have some sort of mental disability which needs to be dealt with by psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, etc. who really care.

Posted by Marsha Johnson on 11/25/2008 @ 10:12PM PST

I think something fun and exciting is to have those serving sentences 3 years or longer have to work for the public doing some jobs so more americans can spend less time working and more time with their families.  What's wrong with building a factory right next to the prison?  I figure our tax dollars should be worth that right? 

I hear some eye for an eye people out there.  So I guess death penalty is a go for you. :)  

Posted by Dirk Diggler on 11/29/2008 @ 07:06PM PST

Yeah, we kind of have something like this. It's called probation.

Posted by aaa aaa on 12/02/2008 @ 04:45PM PST

I would like to see VIOLENT offenders of any length of sentence doing something besides sitting and doing nothing, they should be required to make up their crime in some way back to the family or to society in general.  Inmates with known drug addictions should have no choice but to attend a rehab while incarcerated. Inmates should be divided into the type of crime they committed, DWI's with other DWI's. etc. The specific prison they are in should work to change their behavior while they are in, provide them with coping skills and integration back into society. I dont believe that offenders should be released back to their families but to a half way house facility for a period of time. Its not right to incarcerate an individual and not provide something for them to do. Educate them, train them, give them some skills and continue to watch them upon their release from the prison facility.
There are some violent offenders that wouldnt and shouldnt be allowed to work, or even be around other human beings because there is no hope for them what so ever, there should be something done to simply house them for the rest of their lives.

Posted by Anna McNeill on 12/02/2008 @ 04:47PM PST

blame the unconstitutional drug war

Posted by Thomas Kubica on 12/02/2008 @ 04:57PM PST

Gary Johnson for President 2012!

Posted by Josiah Schmidt on 12/03/2008 @ 12:39PM PST

Education is our best defense against crime, drug usage or small time drug dealing.  We need to restructure our high school courses to provide our future leaders with a skill or trade that they can enter the work force with after graduation or in the event they have to quit school to help family or to simply take  care of themselves. 

Let's face it, college is not a reality for a lot of our kids, so let's do our best to give them the best start in the real world that we can, instead of sitting in someone's courtroom, waiting to go into a system that doesn't give a care.

Posted by Sheryl Todd on 12/04/2008 @ 04:16AM PST

Have any of you ever worked in a jail or a prison?  Go and work there for about 2 years.  The first year work at a Transit facility and the second year work a max unit.  Transit facilites have a mix of offenders coming from county jails and those offenders going home.  So, you really have no idea if you are dealing with a violent offender or not.  Why?  Because these offenders are not classified yet.  Best part is, no cells!!  As an officer you get to walk amongest them with no weapons maybe a radio and maybe some handcuffs.
Ms. Todd almost a 1/3 of the offenders in prison are black offenders, 1/3 of whom have committed violent crimes, and more than half of the total black offender population are repeat ofenders.  The stats for the hispanic offenders are pretty much the same.
No one can get a job if they lie about serving time!  The applications ask you specifically if you have been convicted of a felony.  If they don't put that they have, and it shows up in a general background check then they are not gonna get a job.  that goes for all races and colors.  The system is to short handed, there are simply not enough people to work in the prisons and jails.  If prisons were fully staffed, there would be time and personell to help with some sort of rehabilation.  Again, if you haven't worked in prison you will never understand. 
Ms. McNeal most prisons do put their inmates to work.  However long they can go with good behavior and with no incidents determines where they work.  If they have no incidents they are allowed to work around civilans and even away from the the unit, like at food banks and court houses.  If they are bad they go out in fields and break dirt (grow crops).  There are always terms of release or parole.  When they go to a half way house their time may actually be extended if they cannot hold down a job or obey simple rules of the home.  Now, they can't go back to prison because technically they have served their time for that crime.
Ms. Johnson, MHMR case workers are probably more understaffed and overworked than the correctional officers.  Not to mention trying to reform/improve on such programs means they ( the state or fed) would cut from some where else because no one wants to pay more/higher taxes.   

Posted by mark villareal on 12/05/2008 @ 12:37PM PST

Mr Villareal, thank you for quoting some statistics of offenders being repeat offenders.  Sir, obviously you haven't tried to apply for a work position with a criminal past.  Granted some offenders repeat for reasons of habit or they just can't gain employment due to their records.

A non-violent offender should be considered as just that..non-violent with an equal opportunity at working legitimately in society.  I thought the reason for detention in the first place was for punishment and repayment to society.  The parole board had enough trust in them to return them to society for whatever reason, so why do we have some much trouble re-introducing them back into having a chance to be a productive part of our society?  In your experience, what would you do, allow them to work legally or wait for them to return to prison?

Mr. Villareal, no, I haven't been incercerated, but it doesn't take one to be incarcrated to know what one faces once on the outside.  You try to get a job with a "felony" conviction of any kind. And if you are able to get a job, the next thing that would be painfully clear is that you, are probably no doubt of Caucasian descent.

And be the way, I have family members on both sides of the law and I wish there could be a happy medium,and I hope this discussion can bring about change in the way we view some offenders.

Posted by Sheryl Todd on 12/06/2008 @ 07:16AM PST

Mr. Villareal, I'd like to ask you what is the reason again for incarceration if not for rehabilitation?  The jails as you well know are flooded with nonviolent offenders in the first place.  This is a penal problem where we allow our elected officials to clog the system with cases that you well know could be handled much differently and less expensively.  I did forget to bring to your attention as well that if you have money, you don't necessarily have this big a problem, which is why your population makeup is what is it.

Posted by Sheryl Todd on 12/06/2008 @ 07:25AM PST

I understand and agree that rehab needs to take place.  But anytime you have offenders away from there respective holding areas requires additional security and money.  Believe me, I want to have those guys learn a trade, go to anger management, and go to church in there, but that all takes staffing.  Just because a person is rich doesn't keep them out of prison.  They may have committed several criminal acts to get rich.  You can't sell me on that because I saw plenty of offenders white, black, and hispanic that came from wealthy families and still made it to prison.  The problem is with are elected officials.  We as voters don't consider if the person being elected has a zero tolerance for any type of drug related charge.  If we elect a county judge like this, he/she will put every first time offender in jail for the max time allowed based on the severity and class of the crime.  If it is a class A misdemeanor, that person will be handed as much as 18 months in jail. Don't remember exact times for sentencing on class or felony charges, but this is just an example.  Penal system cannot control that.  In this system, as an offender everything is based on your behavior.  So this should say to you is, if 66% of the population in prison is not in some sort of trade school or work program it's because they have chosen not behave long enough to qualify for those activities.  It's the choice of every offender to walk on the line to and from, or to step out line and he see how far he/she can push the system.  Everyone of those that do not want to be in or take part in anything will assault an officer.  that gets them locked away in segragation for a long time.  When they get out, they do it again as soon as they get a job assignment.  Everything that happens to them is by choice.  Ms Todd you are part of a society that will say we can't have this person among us, take them away.  When they are gone for awhile, you forget you put them in there and that they have victms.  They cry out to people like you that they are being mistreated, but you can't see the offenders list of prison crimes he/she has committed.  Now as far as working out here.  It's simple for employers.  If you are hiring for a bank teller job, and you have an app that says yes I am a convicted felon.  Then you read further to find out it was grand theft of an automobile.  Now, Ms. Todd, you are the employer, would take the risk on your own business, to hire a thief to handle your customer's money?  Even though he/she has been forthcoming enough to tell you that this happened and time was served in full no parole or probation.  That means he/she waived their rights and chose to do every bit of time they were sentenced. So, would you hire a thief to handle your customer's money, and hope that this person's honesty with you is a sincere reflection of their true feelings to start a new life?  (Not to mention that every company has already decided certain felonies will never considered for employment.)

Posted by mark villareal on 12/07/2008 @ 07:50AM PST

@Dante Marx: I like you idea, but it'll never fly - some people seem to think criminals should have rights or something...

Posted by Concerned Citizen on 12/08/2008 @ 08:33PM PST

Mr.Villareal, you haven't sold me on the fact that a non-violent offender needs to continually be a dependent of society.  I would like to think that a person with a business would be more cautious than to hire a known embezzler into their office around their money.  But to say that a (let's say for safety sake) person with a past of a drug offense(forgive me, that's where I see our country failing miserably) has a hard time getting a job at a cleaning business,car wash, lawn care, or even a more responsible position is not only profiling but you now have officially branded this person as one that is not fit for society.

The fact that all criminals do not deserve all privileges of normal society is a given.  I'm talking a generation or two of viable individuals whose only offense is trying to make it, just trying to make it in today's world.  No bleeding heart for the offenders that have no regard for human life, I'm concentrating on another generation lost if we don't recognize and REACT appropriately.

Posted by Sheryl Todd on 12/08/2008 @ 10:49PM PST

This thread makes it obvious that prison and rehabilitation are vitally important areas for improvement, whatever that may be, and that it is also a very emotionally charged area of discussion. Thanks to Change.org for offering this forum.
As a rather naive citizen, I have often wondered how prisons are allowed to become communities within the community, with drugs, gangs, knives, rape, etc. I have long advocated that prisons be geared toward mandatory education. Television should be limited to documentaries, education, and occasional light fare.
Rather than hiring prison employees, it would be less expensive to provide each prisoner with a computer that could be used for distance learning, writing papers, taking tests, etc. There could be one instructor handling many prisoners in this fashion.
Lifers could still make a difference to society by becoming involved in education once he/she obtains the necessary tools/degrees/certificates, if he/she chose to.
Three other points:
1. Education must be made a priority to all Americans, so that it is accessible BEFORE one enters the prison system.
2. We need to encourage education in the area of skilled manual labor for those who prefer to work with their hands. Other industrialized countries do this well.
3. The arts must be encouraged as well, an area which has been grossly ignored for years. Everyone needs a way to express oneself to a greater or lesser extent. Somewhere out there in the prison system is a great painter or musician who has never had the opportunity or encouragement to pursue the artistic side.

Posted by Annie Gross McMurphy on 12/09/2008 @ 10:45AM PST

I understand and agree that the system needs work.  But you people need to understand that everything the offenders are allowed to do is based solely on their behavior.  I dont care if it is a non-violent offender or a murderer.  If they can't follow the rules they don't and can't go to get a GED, trade school, or learn the arts.  It's not going to happen because those offenders are making a choice, a choice that prevents them from going to learn anything.  Most of what you guys are asking and talking about are already in place at the bigger units.  Problem is the offenders can't behave long enough to qualify for those programs.  And if you hire a thief at cleaning, lawn, or car wash business, their history (a repeat offender) shows that they will eventually steal something.  Truth is hard to accept, I know.  In this day and age you give some of those guys a computer, I promise they will not be using it for their education.  I hate to sound like a scratched record, but unless you have worked in that environment you will never understand the power struggles and the bargins that have to be made to keep the peace in there.  Being behind locked doors plays tricks on the minds of the officers and more importantly the ones that can't leave.  You will never know the feeling of walking in a room full of men that at any moment can beat and kick you to death and leave you for dead.  You will never know what it is like walking up to that 12 foot high gate covered in razor wire wondering if you will get to walk out of there and see your family or be carried out and not get to say goodbye to your family.  You (society) put those people in there and now feel sorry or guilty for them?  Why then should we have a jury if the jury is gonna feel guilty?  All those offenders have victims, please don't forget that.  Even the drug related offenders have victims, either the people they sold drugs to or they family that they stole from to get their fix.  I have said once before that when you tell an offender they are going home, they change instantly.  The bible that we watched them carry around for the past 2 years is the first thing to get tossed.  If you worked there you would have seen that with your eyes.

Posted by mark villareal on 12/09/2008 @ 12:48PM PST

Too many offences are overcharged, & due to statutes of particular states,the judges has little discretion about sentencing. Also that 3 strikes & you get life is ridiculous,if you steal a bike,then food,then shoes,is that reason to administer life to that petty thief? I don't think so! I'm reasonable,those that have mile long rap sheets & uses a weapon should be given reasonably longer sentences, but we think we are safe if we lock up everyone (unless you're wealthy or well known). What we do as a society is remove parents from homes, leaving inner city kids to fend for themselves, & uneducated, the cycle continues.I believe we take a few blocks at a time of poor families, provide education, healthcare, decent housing,& financial help that increases with set goals, we will see rapid & good results, especially if we held accountable in not reaching goals set by society. It takes a village people!!!

Posted by Geryl Barrowes on 12/10/2008 @ 01:21AM PST

The 3 strike rule mainly applies to DWI/DUI offenders, which usually comes with a pending involuntary manslaughter charge after the person or people die from their injuries in the hospital!!!  If you knew the law Geryl, you would know that stealing a bike, food, and some shoes are class c offenses and would never warrant a sentence more than 15 - 30 days.  Of those days that person would actuallly stay in jail 10 of those days.  As for the wealthy and well known, they have the money to pay the lawyers to the research and find the case law that fits their situation.  And, based on that case law yes, they get away squeaky clean!!  I ran across plenty of well off offenders that bought their safety from other inmates with ease.  The judge has everything to do with sentencing, unless there is a jury appointed to decide the fate of the offender.  If the judge is a "zero tolerance" ELECTED judge, then you (society) should have thought about that before you (society) put him/her in office.  Those judges are the ones that go overboard.  Go work for CPS Geryl, so you can see how the case loads are way too much for the case workers.  Where are you gonna get all money for housing and education?  Raise taxes?  What programs will be cut for all this?  We as a society is going to decide who is suffering the least.  That's how our government works!!  I would gladly pay more taxes to fund your ideas, but will you, Geryl?  I may not have served in the armed forces, but I did 8 years at the state and county level in security/corrections.  How many have you all done??

Posted by mark villareal on 12/10/2008 @ 10:01AM PST

I will say again that I have never been incarcerated or worked in a detention facility, and what I will say to you in detention centers that feel like you, Mr. Villareal, may I suggest that you either be part of the solution instead of the problem.  I have heard you defend the insensitivity of our penal system and for reasons you know you've caused yourself due to your treatment of "offenders".  Sir, your tone denotes immediate disgust and subhuman treatment much like the attitudes that commandeered slave ships. 

May I thank you for your 8 years in, you know you did it for job security.  Either be part of the solution or keep on in your present state.  This post is about alternatives to incarceration, I don't remember reading One alternative you have for incarceration. 

Posted by Sheryl Todd on 12/10/2008 @ 12:41PM PST

I agree that Incarceration should be removed for many non violent crimes. I also believe that once a persons debt to society has been repaid, it should not be held against them, at least especially for non violent crimes.

Posted by Michael Patterson on 12/10/2008 @ 11:16PM PST

Ms. Todd, my tone denotes frustration with the system, and i am one of the few that is providing you with an insight to the real problems inside the system which all of you have ignored.  Everything that has been suggested on this page are great suggestions.  No one is coming up with REAL solutions to the staffing issues for the programs, REAL solutions for a screening process for offenders that may want to join in such programs, and most of all where do you get the money to pay for the staffing and the programs??  That's what is bothering me.  It is real easy to try to call me out for not providing an alternative, but none you have addressed any of the real issues.  There is no defense for the system.  The offenders are racially driven, and they have to fight to survive in prison, literally!!  If you can ever come up with a way, a REALISTIC way, to stop the violence and extortion that goes on in that place, I will gladly jump on board!!  Because then you will SAVE the lives of BOTH officers and offenders!!  Everyone that has responded to my post has the best intentions, and I have the intention to open your eyes to what really goes on in prison.  Then, I get called out.  You will never get the truth out of any person that is still employed as a correctional officer.  You know why, because this is what happens to them.  We go into a place that NONE of you will EVER set foot in, but you guys sure do know what's best.  Not once has anyone asked about why I left.  Because you don't care, you have already made me the bad guy!  How many of these offender's victims have any of you talked or tried help?  None!  I have shared some your responses with a family here in Texas.  They were victims of a home invasion not to far from where I live.  They could not believe that were so many people that were more concerned about the offenders welfare.  So Ms. Todd,  that's why my tone about offenders is the way it is.  I will never forget about the victims!!  I am providing the light to the real problems.  Use what I have told you as resource to the solution.  Don't call me out because your solutions will only work in a fantasy prison!  Part of problem solving involves finding the source.  Using indicators to point you in the right direction.  The number one goal as an officer is to maintain custody, control, and the safety of everyone inside the facility.  Your solutions can not give up custody, control, or anyones safety.  None of you have given any suggestions that take into consideration the safety of the teacher/instructor that has to go in there and teach.  Most of these people are non-security (civilians) volunteers that have hearts and intentions like all of you do, but have guts enough to get in there to hopefully make a change in the life of an offender, instead of blogging from their PC at home (like all of you).  There is what you have think about for your alternatives.  You can not forget that you guys are asking more people to put their on lives at risk, put your own lives at risk first.  While all of you just sit at home a call people like me, that have been there, insensitive with an immediate disgust and subhuman treatment much like slave owners!! Get away from your damn computers and go physically change and touch an offenders life!!  Make him beleive that he can do better when he gets out!!  Tell correctional officers when you see them thank you for doing something you will never do!  Then they will take a brighter attitude with them to work!  But, I am wrong, even though I have been there.  You people are the ones that know best.  You guys are glory hounds looking for the pat on the back!!  Actions really do speak louder than words!  There is no action with any of you!

Posted by mark villareal on 12/10/2008 @ 11:42PM PST

Mr. Villareal, like I mentioned to the post previously, I have family members that are in law enforcement as well as "offenders" at one time or another.  The fact still remains with all of your hostility still showing, that we CAN do something that could deter incarceration.  Do you know that quite a few non-violent offenders are victims only to themselves?   You had the audacity to bring this conversation to a victim without all the facts. Yes, we STILL do care about the victims in crimes,  to read your post, every offender has a reason for someone to hate them because they've done a terrible wrong to someone else.  I repeat, that is the case in more cases than I care to dredge up, and I must repeat again that there are solutions we don't bother to implement because of a system that is now overburdened with the inmate/guard wars, placing people in detention as a way of generational genocide.

By the way, my family member that works in one of the toughest prisons in TX has expressed that you(the guard) are treated by the way you treat the inmates.  So, if you've had problems with inmates and worry about your security, maybe take a good long look in the mirror, you might learn something about yourself.  I  hold you and others like you responsible for the treatment/ill-treatment of some guards.  You, first of all, take the position because it allows you to run roughshod over someone  you know you wouldn't be able to touch unless they were placed in detention and you did it for money.   You try to sound like you're an angel amongst all the devils.  I feel no sorrow for you, you and your collegues created it and now you are crying you need more help!  More guns, more ..what now?  We know what you do and I for one do not feel sympathy for you. Not you, but for the guards that treated inmates like people instead of animals, I commend them for a job well done.  

Like I posted a while ago,and long before you let your ignorance and one-sidedness show, I and others STILL feel that education is our best defense against a system that is willing to lock our future away until they are seniors for non-violent crimes.  That's my stand and I'm sticking to it.  

Am I still looking forward to a pat on the back from you...not, or maybe a shackle or two for voicing my view?  You wish.







 

Posted by Sheryl Todd on 12/11/2008 @ 04:25AM PST

You see taking shots at me is all you have done.  You have not tried to rally anyone to volunteer to truly bring change to these offenders.  You have avoided admitting that you don't have guts enough to volunteer your time to really help.  I know first hand those guys loved to see someone like church volunteers because that is one of the only times they are not being told time to shower, time to eat, time for bed, time to take your meds. You have been given by me 3 of the biggest problems that need to be addressed before you can start making a difference.  All 3 take money, time, and staffing. You are the one truly deflecting and not coming up with viable solutions to this system that has failed so many.  Your family member that works for the state, ask them this.  How do get out of a building where a race war (fight) has started, while you were passing out mail?  Ask him to tell you what that policy says.  I did not get hurt because of how I treated them.  I got hurt because I was in a building that was full of racial tension while I was off.  That is what I walked into my first day back!!  I was firm, fair, and consistent in my dealings with everyone!  I showed respect to everyone in there.  Respect is all those guys have left, and I understood that.  There are John waynes that try to take that from them, but i was not one of them! The only one showing ignorance is bliss, is you!!  How can you try to fix something when you truly don't understand how it works in the first place?  You want to bring education but you don't know what has to take place or be in place for that to happen!  I know first hand how screwed up it is to be in the system.  I talked about life, love, and religion with those guys.  I saw a guy 3 times go from Harris county jail back to us for failure to render aid!!  That was his charge!  3 times in one year this poor guy was lost in this system!  He was Deacon!!  Just because someone told him they had already called 911 he left.  The arriving officer took his plate as he left, and arrested at him at work.  Why are you dead set on lashing out at me for being blunt and honest about what you and I both know does not and has not worked?

Posted by mark villareal on 12/11/2008 @ 04:16PM PST

Provide alternatives to incarceration?

How about letting free adults do what they think is right,instead of incarcerating everyone who has the audacity to think for themselves.

I got this e-mail from the change.org with a link here.

It's very telling to me that the leading opinion in the criminal justice section has to do with legalizing marijuana,but the link that is sent is to "Provide alternatives to incarceration".2600 votes and counting for legalizing marijuana,but I get the link for this topic,with a Whopping 489 votes?WTF?

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/legalize_the_medicinal_and_recreational_use_of_marijuana

The alternative IS legalization.If this administration isn't going to follow public opinion,the I trusted the wrong party.

Posted by Joe Blane on 12/13/2008 @ 03:31AM PST

you do realize people o to AA meetings for alcohol, and that dont help half of them, the drug abuse meetings dont help 3/4 of them

Posted by Chris Ray on 12/14/2008 @ 08:33AM PST

let me put youin the shoes of someone who dosnt have the money for a lawyer .and they go to prison for a crime the comitted in the age group 18- 22 . so they do there time and at this time when they get out they served there timebut now there right back out on the street , with a felony on his record , sohe finds a job and has a baby gets a 30 yr fixed before the crises, for 3 years pays his bills on time works his but off and never tried to lie about his felony.he gets laid off work because of the ressesion. he just found out 2 weeks ago his wife is pregnant who was in hair school. so they told the lady in charge of his day care assistance ,so she cancels his day care assistance. so now he cant work cause hes laid off his wifes pregnant about to finish school and theres no one to watch his young son,now i know that this sounds like my brothers fault but at some point you have to put down your t bone steak and moet and feal sorry forthe guy that shopes at aldi s for his grocerys and has a family his size food budget what they spend in a week he spreads in a month.

me i was in a situation like that  10 years ago , me i paid my dues , and started a very stable landscaping company.iworked were ever i could before that and i never put my felony on a application and got a job , so i depended on my blue eyes and young face , somepeople arent as lucky as me .

ijust wanna remind everyone that you pay taxes regardless so why does it watter that your money goes to people like my brother,, because he needs it , and some politition that tries to sell obamas senate seat are the people that souldnt get hand outs,,
think about it

Posted by chris miller on 12/14/2008 @ 06:16PM PST

A “SINGLE VOICE PROJECT” is the official name of the petition sponsored by:  The National Public Service Council To Abolish Private Prisons (NPSCTAPP)  THIS PETITION SEEKS TO ABOLISH ALL PRIVATE PRISONS IN THE UNITED STATES, (or any place subject to its jurisdiction)   The National Public Service Council To Abolish Private Prisons (NPSCTAPP) is a grass roots organization driven by a single objective. We want the United States government to reclaim sole authority for state and federal prisons on US soil. We want the United States Congress to immediately rescind all state and federal contracts that permit private prisons “for profit” to exist in the United States, or any place subject to its jurisdiction. We understand that the problems that currently plague our government, its criminal justice system and in particular, the state & federal bureau of prisons (and most correctional and rehabilitation facilities) are massive.  However, it is our solemn belief that the solutions for prison reform will remain unattainable and virtually impossible as long as private prisons for profit are permitted to operate in America.   Prior to the past month, and the fiasco of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, AIG, Lehman Brothers, and now the “Big Three” American Automobile manufacturers, the NPSCTAPP has always felt compelled to highlight the “moral Bottom line” when it comes to corrections and privatization. Although, we remain confounded by the reality that our government has allowed our justice system to be operated by private interests.  The NPSCTAPP philosophy has always been “justice” should not be for sale at any price.  It is our belief that the inherent and most fundamental responsibility of the criminal justice system should not be shirked, or “jobbed-out.” This is not the same as privatizing the post office or some trash pick up service in the community. There has to be a loss of meaning and purpose when an inmate looks at a guard’s uniform and instead of seeing an emblem that reads State Department of Corrections or Federal Bureau of Prisons, he sees one that says: “Atlas Prison Corporation.”   Let’s assume that the real danger of privatization is not some innate inhumanity on the part of its practitioners but rather the added financial incentives that reward inhumanity. The same logic that motivates companies to operate prisons more efficiently also encourages them to cut corners at the expense of workers, prisoners and the public.  Every penny they do not spend on food, medical care or training for guards is a dime they can pocket.  What happens when the pennies pocketed are not enough for the shareholders? Who will bailout the private prison industry when they hold the government and the American people hostage with the threat of financial failure…“bankruptcy?”  What was unimaginable a month ago merits serious consideration today. State and Federal prison programs originate from government design, and therefore, need to be maintained by the government.  It’s time to restore the principles and the vacated promise of our judicial system.      John F. Kennedy said, “The time to repair the roof is while the sun is shinning”. Well the sun may not be shinning but, it’s not a bad time to begin repair on a dangerous roof that is certain to fall…. because, “Incarcerating people for profit is, in a word WRONG”   There is an urgent need for the good people of this country to emerge from the shadows of cynicism, indifference, apathy and those other dark places that we migrate to when we are overwhelmed by frustration and the loss of hope. It is our hope that you will support the NPSCTAPP with a show of solidarity by signing our petition. We intend to assemble a collection of one million signatures, which will subsequently be attached to a proposition for consideration. This proposition will be presented to both, the Speaker Of The House Of Representatives (Nancy Pelosi) and the United States Congress.   Please Help Us. We Need Your Support. Help Us Spread The Word About This Monumental And Courageous Challenge To Create Positive Change. Place The Link To The Petition On Your Website! Pass It On!   The SINGLE VOICE PETITION and the effort to abolish private “for profit” prisons is the sole intent of NPSCTAPP. Our project does not contain any additional agendas. We have no solutions or suggestions regarding prison reform. However, we are unyielding in our belief that the answers to the many problems which currently plague this nation’s criminal justice system and its penal system in particular, cannot and will not be found within or assisted by the private “for profit” prison business. The private “for profit” prison business has a strangle hold on our criminal justice system. Its vice like grip continues to choke the possibility of justice, fairness, and responsibility from both state and federal systems.  These new slave plantations are not the answer!   For more information please call 415.420.3891 or visit: http://www.npsctapp.blogsppot.com or email: williamthomas@exconciliation.comTo sign the petition please visit: http://www.petitiononline.com/gufree2/petition THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!    William ThomasNational Community Outreach FacilitatorThe National Public Service Council To Abolish Private PrisonsP.O. Box 156423San Francisco, California 94115                      

Posted by William Thomas on 12/14/2008 @ 09:33PM PST

Currently there are marijuana listings on the following pages.

In Criminal Justice “Legalize the Medicinal and Recreational Use of Marijuana” it is in 1st place
http://www.change.org/ideas/browse/criminal_justice

In other “End the war on drugs” is 4th place
http://www.change.org/ideas/browse/other

In Government Reform “end the prohibition of marijuana” is in 6th place
http://www.change.org/ideas/browse/government_reform

In Economy “The War On Drugs has Failed- Decriminalize Marijuana” is in 3rd and 4th
http://www.change.org/ideas/browse/economy

In Agricultural Policy “Save family farms growing hemp for methanol production” is in 3rd and 4th
http://www.change.org/ideas/browse/agricultural_policy

In health care “End DEA classification of Marijuana as having no medical benefits!” is in 5th position
http://www.change.org/ideas/browse/health_care

It is second in Environmental conversation “Stop Deforestation, Use Hemp For Paper Instead of Trees” is in 2nd place
http://www.change.org/ideas/browse/environmental_conservation

Voice your thoughts to President Elect

Posted by shane Peavler on 12/15/2008 @ 09:14AM PST

prison for none violent crime is senseless,it does more harm than anything else.It is giving them an education on how to be violent.Non-violent offenders learn how to become  criminals by being place in the same jails with real violent criminals.
than once those none violent criminals are release they will get  a chance to perform what they learn in jail,or they may become mentally, and emotionally disturbed.this now becomes a burden for all,their children suffer,their community suffer.Youcreates a hole new problem wich becomes a cycle, that we will later have to deal with.

mandatory community service is a way better solution.
they should be committed to serve at program related to their crime ,In a different neighborhood.this will give them a chance to not only learn from their mistake but to also take responsibility and make up for what they did buy giving back to the same kind of people they offended.they should  be payed minimum wages until they have proven a real change.
that is how you stop a problem from spreading and create a real solution.it is really that simple

Posted by Sheila M on 12/28/2008 @ 06:53PM PST

Mandatory education. Occupational training. Friendly,compassionate, counseling. Morality training. ( A class that explains the difference between right and wrong, and explains how our actions hurt others even when we don't think we are doing wrong.) Mandatory environmental/social community service upon release from a correctional facility. Help finding a place to live, and a job, after serving more than a year and a half in a correctional facility.

Posted by jennifer r. on 12/31/2008 @ 12:12PM PST