James Webb Shows Leadership Regarding Prison Reform
Reader Comments
It's Not Right
How many of you have been to jail and now how it feels? Jail is an experience that will change your life forever. In jail you learn how to become a better criminal. If you ask me you’re not helping these people when you keep sending them to jail. You give them a better chance in failing in life than succeeding. The people in jail have family and lives that are being wasted and destroyed. I’m not saying if you commit a crime you shouldn’t do the time. I’m just saying that we should lessen the sentence so these people can have the chance to change their lives around. This wouldn’t be for every crime but for heavy crimes like murder and such. It's not easy watching a loved one wither away in jail. To watch their soul weaken and their love for life fade. Their hope becomes frail. Just take a minute and walk in their shoes.
The box is completely backwards
Well gene from ca.
Being an ex con myself, working, living and surviving prison. Only a person like yourself wouldn't be aware that inmates work almost all day to day functions of each facilities. Plus are only paid about sixty cents a day and some places nothing. So your box idea with now civilian workforce would most definitely increase the budget. At the same time no facilities can afford all single cells. That would double the amount of prisons in the United states. So to anyone that thinks to just put people in a hole or box not only doesnt have there financial facts right. Thier not grasping the realisation of what type of person will mentally and emotionally come out after the sentence is over. It's easy to be unforgivable and harse toward inmates without seeing first hand what those HOLES/BOXES actually do. America's judgements toward others have gone to far. Violence and sexual predators is one thing, but alot of crimes dont deserve that treatment.
The Box...
I have a plan to solve almost all of the problems when it comes to prison, prison reform, budget, crime, punishment and the weak system that continues to put volent criminals back on the streets. My system is called the BOX. Every criminal that gets convicted gets put into a small room that has a bed, dresser, toilet, shower, chair and a small opening that can allow fresh air and light to come through and that is it. 3 meals go under the door daily. There is no violence or gangs or murder in the BOX, because there is no yard to go out to. If a prisoner wants excercise, they can do push-ups, sit-ups or run in place. If the prisoner wants things like magazines, cigarettes or a book to read, they can work in the BOX for it. There are all kinds of productive things that can be done for society from the BOX. There are not tattoo shops, no first class gyms, no gangs, no communication with other inmates. There is just the prisoner and himself. When murderers, rapists, pedifiles, violent criminals and anyone who uses a gun or weapon in a criminal act goes to the BOX, it's for the rest of their life. Others that commit crime such as using or selling drugs (example) they would go to the BOX for a certain period of time and then be released. My BOX system is a place that no one would ever want to have to go back to. My box system would not be expensive at all. It would be humain and safe for every prisoner. It would reduce crime, protect the innocent and reduce taxes. Most importantly, it would punish criminals.
HOPEFULLY WAITING FOR INTELLIGENT PRISON REFORM
I'm encouraged to read there are politicians who will stand with an informed opinion on the subject of prison reform. I voted for California's "three strikes law", and it wasn't until my own son was given an inappropriately long sentence for obtaining marijuana for an informant, that I saw the "three strikes law" for what it truly is. I realize he is one of many impacted by this law, and the suffering of so many families and children is staggering. I am supportive of correction that is fair, but so much of what I have seen appears motivated by money, instead of fairness and prioritization. Public safety and the nurturing of children do not seem to be served with the current policy. Thank you.
Senator Webb and Prison Reform
This is one of the single most important issues in our society today.I personally have witnessed unprecedented violations of constitutional and human rights violations across the board within the Federal Prison System.It is time not only for reform , but for an overall change in policy and posture regarding rehabilitation in this country. I cannot bear the thoughts I have each day of those I witnessed suffer the mental,physical,and beaurecratic oppression within a justice system our leaders support in the houses of the senate and congress. If they just spent one week within the very system they have created ,I assure you they would not be able to sleep until it was rectified and dignity restored to a fair and just system of punishment where achievement is rewarded and rehabilitation is the focus. So many issues are present for our leaders to address, and it is our vote that gives them this opportunity to be "are leaders". I would hope that politics is set aside and more of our elected find the time to look behind the walls and in the hearts of those seeking rehabilitation and have none.I praise Senator "Jim Webb" for his for his stance on this most important issue and call for all members of both houses and our President elect to hear the cries of the families and those behind the walls.
Leadership the nation can support.
Political bickering and infighting aside, it is miraculous and inspiring that Jim Webb has taken this issue on. He will not be alone in fighting this battle. There are millions of people across that nation that have been adversely affected by our "Pay to Play" prison system.
Prison stocks trade on Wall Street. Therefore: more prisoners mean more profit. It that isn't the most outrageous conflict of interest, I don't know what is. There are certain things that should not be privatized and prisons and law enforcement tops the list. Where privatization has occurred, money ALWAYS trumps public welfare.
I, for one, have already written to the Senator Webb telling him that, for the task of reforming our prison policies, he has my energy at his disposal. If I lived in Virginia he would have my vote too. But more to the point, I can write, I can act, I can share, I can blog, I can network. And I will.
To Carole and Diane, I hope you have sent your touching and compelling letters directly to Jim Webb as well. My hopes, prayers (and political action) are with you.
Oh Mimi .... How can you say that??
You might be absolutely right, but then not running for re-election is sort of calculating, don't you think? I believe Jim Webb will seek re-election primarily because the reforms he's initiated will take a long time institute. If it all came together in the first 4 years of the Obama Administration, then yes Jim could kick back and get back to his writing full time (he would be 66 years young). Or a successful 2nd term Obama Administration might lure him into a senior level cabinet post .... who knows?
For sure Terry McAuliffe finds himself in a now or never situation. Putting his hat into the governor's election ring could workout. From a timing standpoint (as a former Virginia Govenor presumably) ... Terry could set himself up for a Senate run or a "Hillary Adminestration" downstream.
What Terry will find out is that the VA Democratic Party Blogo-sphere will be something to reckon with. They drove the primary outcome between Harris Miller & Jim Webb, and they're likely to drive it again in this upcoming Governors' race. He does not have their trust at this point and it will be a real factor in the primary and general election.
NETROOTS RISING .... in any race you'll want them on your side. Just ask Obama.
Good luck to the folks with loved ones away. And thank "Draft James Webb for Senate" for pushing that good man to run in the first place!!
Psss...you're right, Webb doesn't care about political ramnification...
And there is a very good reason. More than likely Webb won't be running for reelection. Why do you think Terry McAuliffe is all hot and bothered to win a lame-duck governor seat in the Commonwealth??
Too many
All around this country there are too many non-violent first time offenders who are sitting out unreasonable sentences.
Often times it is a matter of taking a plea under threat of outragious trumped up charges rather than risk the threatened maximum with only an overworked public defender standing between yourself and rotting in a staff infected cesspool we call "rehabilitation".
Yes, the prison system is a corrupt political money maker with the taxpayer toting the bill. Make room for the violent offenders and white collar criminals that can do damage to the innocent and the masses.
