James Webb Shows Leadership Regarding Prison Reform

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Webb spent allot of time in Japan, and he admires their way of handling prisoners. Japanese way is quite harsh, however and you touchy feely types would point to the constitution if Webb got his way. Cruel and unusual punishment is forbiden by the US constitution however it goes on in prison all the time with rape HIV contraction and inservitude. This nonsense is allmost nonexistant in japanese prisons unless the Yakuza own you. So the US types are their own worst enemy, allowing prisoner rights all the while scared of them. I salute Webb, but good luck with it as we got to many idiots in the way.

Mike of IL 7:12AM June 03, 2011

We should look at ourselves! Some people get caught doing bad things, and others don"t! No one can judge another person and less sentence him or her to prison for life or alot of years for drug abuse or being in the wrong place,wrong time and being with the wrong choice of friends. These people need help like reform, counceling. LOVE, a wake up lesson like touring the hospitals, jails, prisons,cementries, churchs, help like boot camp.Now when it comes to murder and serial killers, raptists, fathers of the church accused and found guilty of raping little children and BAD BAD people that"s a different story! There has to a better answer to solve the prison reform in the state of California. If you do your time with good behavier and really work in a job or get schooling so when you do get released you can fend for yourself you should be given a chance to prove to society that you are a changed and no longer that stupid to put yourself back in prison is that now you are reformed and changed!I hate putting my tax paying dollars into a person that can and is willing to change this evil and bad ways. So lewts see who can do something about the prisons and thje almighty uion the co:s have. We need the schools for the children; we need the education for the next generation we need we need we need!!!

Leticia of CA 10:21AM March 22, 2010

The prison system is completely archaic. Politicians should be ashamed to be afraid of making it a number one priority due to making themselves look bad. Prisoners are abused and killed by other prisoners every day. The conditions are unacceptable. Most of the prisoners are kids with drug problems. As a country, we need to unite, and get these folks into programs where they can be useful instead of rotting needlessly in cells. How about growing food for the poor, or learning real skills without having to wait months or years to get on a list, if at all.

Stella of VA 8:54AM January 28, 2010

My two sisters were prescription drug abusers. To keep these pills going, they were traded on the street. Petty thieves, they started long prison sentences after two years of drug abuse. Both are now dead from drug abuse - prescription drugs. If you get drugs in prison, why not send addicts to hospitals? That's what your employer might do.........

Barbara Dunn of TN 1:41AM December 19, 2009

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.

Amanda of VA 10:48PM April 02, 2009

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.

Thomas Hernandez of CO 4:38AM March 24, 2009

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.

Gene of CA 3:44PM March 08, 2009

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.

Roberta Clapham of CA 3:08PM January 21, 2009

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.

R.Taylor of CA 11:45PM January 13, 2009

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.

Tana Brinnand of 5:45PM January 11, 2009