Hi Daniel, I was happy to find this blog when I googled your name - I have not heard from you via snail mail since I sent you a card and wondered if you ever got it and/or if you had been released... I will try writing again, soon. I have found a sangha in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh in my new area - that I meditate with weekly. I have also become a member of Refuge Recovery that was founded by Noah Levine who wrote "Dharma Punx." It is good to have a recovery community based on the 4 Noble Truths of the Buddha. Hope you are well - really good to find you here! Sending metta your way, Susan
I've worked with hundreds of inmates over the years, women and men - and none of them want to die behind bars. That's their greatest fear. They don't care at all about the circumstances that they find themselves in when they are released. If they are infirm and are in a terrible nursing home, hospital - whatever. They have nightmares about dying in prison - wake up in a cold sweat horrible nightmares. If they get one day outside the gates and die there - that would be what they wanted.
There is no circumstance that they might find themselves in, imo, that would be worse than being in prison - except homelessness and at that age there are agencies that would make certain that wouldn't happen. And, for sure, the medical care that they'd get outside (as bad as it might seem) is head and shoulders over what they receive in prison. Even the worst of what we offer 'out here' is better.
Keep in mind that in prison you are a prisoner - that means the nurses will not quite believe anything you say and the MD's and RN's will touch you like you are a prisoner - capable of violence. No one holds you hand, soothes you when you cry - helps you explore old photos on the internet. You ARE your crime and are seen as a potential perp. That's just how prison works. Even if you are 80 and beyond being an actual perp. Hospice in a medicaid nursing home is cheaper than keeping someone in prison - and the inmate would appreciate it more (sort of a win-win for both).
Sure, some folks need to stay locked up (remain dangerous even as 60-70 year olds) - but the research suggests that most offenders sort of mellow out and stop offending as they age. After 50 the recidivism rates nose-dive.
Thanks for writing! I finished the transcription for your post. A very important insight into how policies translate on the ground; otherwise the only thing anyone would hear were the warped statistics (e.g. the parole rate- without the number who waive their parole eligibility!) and 'assurances' of 'official' spokespeople!
Jim Morrison from Banker & Tradesman, Boston University email addy, Please check your gmail. You sent a PM & I have an answer. Tim has asked for a personal visit. Gmail.
What you say is spot on - "Something happened in their lives that created the conditions which resulted in a trip to prison. These people should be helped and healed and encouraged to get their lives back on track." BRAVO! I couldn't have said it better myself!
I'm supporting a friend who will likely spend the rest of her life in prison for murder. The above definitely happened to her. I hate to hear about the poor conditions and general bleakness that she experiences.
I wish our country would turn the prison system on its head.
Hope you are doing well and enjoying many pizza Sundays!
RSS
Hope you are well - really good to find you here!
Sending metta your way,
Susan
There is no circumstance that they might find themselves in, imo, that would be worse than being in prison - except homelessness and at that age there are agencies that would make certain that wouldn't happen. And, for sure, the medical care that they'd get outside (as bad as it might seem) is head and shoulders over what they receive in prison. Even the worst of what we offer 'out here' is better.
Keep in mind that in prison you are a prisoner - that means the nurses will not quite believe anything you say and the MD's and RN's will touch you like you are a prisoner - capable of violence. No one holds you hand, soothes you when you cry - helps you explore old photos on the internet. You ARE your crime and are seen as a potential perp. That's just how prison works. Even if you are 80 and beyond being an actual perp. Hospice in a medicaid nursing home is cheaper than keeping someone in prison - and the inmate would appreciate it more (sort of a win-win for both).
Sure, some folks need to stay locked up (remain dangerous even as 60-70 year olds) - but the research suggests that most offenders sort of mellow out and stop offending as they age. After 50 the recidivism rates nose-dive.
Jan
Please check your gmail. You sent a PM & I have an answer.
Tim has asked for a personal visit. Gmail.
I wish you success in finding that special person!
Best,
j.c.
I'm supporting a friend who will likely spend the rest of her life in prison for murder. The above definitely happened to her. I hate to hear about the poor conditions and general bleakness that she experiences.
I wish our country would turn the prison system on its head.
Hope you are doing well and enjoying many pizza Sundays!
j.c.
~Jamie