Thousands of individuals are waiting in Florida’s prisons today as we speak…to die. No, these individuals are not Death Row Inmates. These individuals instead of being given a Death Sentence received a Life Sentence in prison to die by incarceration. Seems backward or contrary doesn’t it? This is the result of laws intended to keep prison cells filled. But…who really benefits from these laws? Is it society, the tax-payers, these individuals? The answer is those corporations and individuals who make a profit off of the suffering of their fellow human beings. Sadly, for a society that claims prisons are designed to rehabilitate individuals, most offenders are not rehabilitated at all. Shrinking prison budgets cause shortages of the care necessities and having a tee-shirt is a luxury. What should now be obvious to anyone except these involved in The Prison Industrial Complex, “Get Tough On Crime Laws” have not eliminated crime, in some cases and certain categories, crime rates have risen. Instead, first time drug offenders are not treated for their drug or alcohol addictions and will return to prison. This is the goal and mantra of the Prison Industrial Complex, “Keep cells full and our pockets will be full too!” What about those who received Life Sentences due to some form or another of the Get Tough on Crime Laws? The Pew Justice Institute researched prisoners who were around 40 or over who had done at least 10 years of their sentences, completed vocation, education and self-help classes, etc…. What did this research reveal? Their recidivism rate was anywhere from 60 to 70% lower than First Time Offenders’. In fact, less than 10% of these individuals reoffended. Sadly, Florida’s Prison population has thousands with Life Sentences who meet the Pew research’s Standard. Yet, due to these Draconian Laws they have no hope or opportunity for redemption based upon their merits. We need to change this situation, and give every inmate who qualifies and deserves an opportunity to re-enter Society that opportunity. By signing this Petition, you will be telling the Governor of Florida, his Cabinet, Senators and Congressman that this is the Moral and Ethical thing to do. Give those individuals the opportunity they deserve. You will be sending a message to the Prosecutors and Judges and yes, to the Prison Industrial Complex that “Enough is Enough!” With an ever increasing and aging prison population of individuals with Life Sentences waiting to die, medical and housing costs increase dramatically. This burden is passed on to the tax payers. Isn’t Enough Enough? Won’t you sign this Petition and help fix this broken system? Help the State of Florida reach the ideal of rehabilitation, and give those who deserve it, the opportunity to return to society.