There was a piece done about Bridgewater State Hospital in ... I believe it was the 20's or so called "Tinicut Follies" (or something of that nature, its been a while since I opined about it) which talked about how bad the hospital was at helping its institutionalized patients and how good it was at keeping them just as low as they were when they entered. Of course, as you know, Bridgewater State is now a mixed facility for Drugs/Alcohol and Sanity issues along with prison-related issues and yet still I read your story and think back to the sanitariums of old and how they just warehoused their clients without actually doing anything to 'fix' or 'help' them.
If the prison system is to work, it has to work for the individual. If someone has a drugs/alcohol problem, it needs to be conquered in a way that the inmate understands or he will forever be a recidivist. What good is it to lock people up with the intent of letting them go at some point and not prepare them for the world outside?
Scott's story is a major story that happens all too often with our institutionalized system. IT happens with hospitals, prisons, schools... Anywhere the government has their hand in. I'm not a libertarian of any sort, but the government hand is too large to help the few and too small to save the masses.
It's a pleasure to read you. I guess if a "blog" sounds like something nasty, "blogging" must be worse! But for me at least there isn't a way you're "supposed" to do it or not... when you're "blogging" you get to write in the way you want to, and about the things that interest you.
I'm looking forward to reading more of your writing. It'd be great to see some of your drawings, too!
i like your writing; it looks like mine; i like your happy faces too =). i know i'm young and more likely than not i know nothing about anything, but i think you're a genuinely nice person and i'm very jealous of you because you know how to play musical instruments. i would like to learn how to play the piano, but i don't have the time =( i'm always so busy with studying and i'm in college so i cant afford lesson, but it's alright i'm sure something will come around and it will be much better than anything i could have imagined =D
keep your hopes up Mikey, your optimism is really great.
I enjoyed reading your blog. Its great to see how politically conscious you are. I wish more people were as interested with the problems facing our nation as you appear to be.
I would be interested to hear your opinions and ideas on some other issues, whatever you feel the most passionate about. I'll be checking in
Dear Michael, Your Post #1 is fascinating! I look forward to reading more of your writing about the Pros and Cons of being connected to a Gang. I would love to know a bit more about what reforms you are saying young people should demand.
You deserve and are entitled to a fair trial. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty. I have only had the opportunity to serve on a jury one time but I can honestly tell you that the attorneys made every effort to select a fair, impartial jury that represented the defendant's peers. We all paid close attention during the trial and gave a verdict based on the evidence. I pray that you receive the same treatment. Best of luck to you. God bless.
I consider myself honored to have transcribed this compelling story. Scott and all others in his situation (for I know there are countless individuals in his shoes) are in my thoughts, and I promise to aid Timothy in spreading the word.
What a powerful posting, and with data to support your argument. Very well done.
I think offering prisoners a college education could be a deterrant to repeat offenders.
I don't think anyone, prisoners included, should be denied an opportunity to higher education. What a great program to grow intellectually. I wholeheartedly support it.
Wow! What an unbelievable story. I cried when I read it. You have certainly painted a very explicit picture of what a limited adult endures in the prison system. I am so angry right now. I can't believe your friend Scott was treated so shabbily and was set up to fail. This is just another example of abuse of power. In spite of all your hard work and concern for Scott our system failed him. I truly hope you keep us updated on any information regarding him and I will also keep him in my prayers. That being said, thank you for being such a good person to be so concerned and for helping a fellow human being.
RSS
If the prison system is to work, it has to work for the individual. If someone has a drugs/alcohol problem, it needs to be conquered in a way that the inmate understands or he will forever be a recidivist. What good is it to lock people up with the intent of letting them go at some point and not prepare them for the world outside?
Scott's story is a major story that happens all too often with our institutionalized system. IT happens with hospitals, prisons, schools... Anywhere the government has their hand in. I'm not a libertarian of any sort, but the government hand is too large to help the few and too small to save the masses.
It's a pleasure to read you. I guess if a "blog" sounds like something nasty, "blogging" must be worse! But for me at least there isn't a way you're "supposed" to do it or not... when you're "blogging" you get to write in the way you want to, and about the things that interest you.
I'm looking forward to reading more of your writing. It'd be great to see some of your drawings, too!
Best,
Peter
keep your hopes up Mikey, your optimism is really great.
sincerely,
Julian
Thanks for your entry-- I'm looking forward to reading more from you.
I enjoyed reading your blog. Its great to see how politically conscious you are. I wish more people were as interested with the problems facing our nation as you appear to be.
I would be interested to hear your opinions and ideas on some other issues, whatever you feel the most passionate about. I'll be checking in
-zeit
Your Post #1 is fascinating! I look forward to reading more of your writing about the Pros and Cons of being connected to a Gang. I would love to know a bit more about what reforms you are saying young people should demand.
I think offering prisoners a college education could be a deterrant to repeat offenders.
I don't think anyone, prisoners included, should be denied an opportunity to higher education. What a great program to grow intellectually. I wholeheartedly support it.
I also like the idea of the blogs. Nice work.