Prison Notes
There is a world that exists beyond the daily consciousness of our thinking. We are unaware of the tragedies of those who are snared by the criminal justice system. Perhaps we are persuaded to believe that no matter what happens behind bars, it's justified. What many of us do not realize is,the prisons are growing throughout the country.
Slavery was a prison for blacks in the early years of this country's development. Blacks were in positions of servitude, not allowed to leave the plantation prison except for certain conditions approved by the master.
The 6x9 ft. cells where citizens of the steel city live houses individuals who have great potential for change and positive readjustment. A mistake should not define a person's total character.
The jails they inhabit is a part of an industrial complex that generates millions of dollars. It is a cash cow.
Residents face sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse that can leave life long scars.
According to the various reports I have read the cost of housing inmates is enormous.
It is a bear market of rolling stock. Depending on the area of the country, cost can range from $28.000.00 to $40.000.00 per year.
At the high security SuperMax prisons around $60.000.00. Guantanamo prison in Cuba goes roughly $80.000.00 or more per year. These cost are at the burden of the tax payers, while profiteers make out. Those costs do not reflect the profits made from prisoners working for industries at far below slave wages. For the inmate it is a chance to leave the cell an participate in a work activity program that occupies the mind and relieves stress. Many of the incarcerated come to jail with great technical skills and abilities . They are extremely intelligent and seek ways to stimulate their minds by playing chess, cards, checkers as well as mind games on the guards.
The jail is a society of many diversified personalities. It is a complex world of anger and violence.
According to reports the United States imprisons more people than any other country in the world. Approximately 2.3 million people are locked up in the United States. Many of these inmates are non violent. We have inmates behind bars for possession or selling marijuana, while it has been legalized in certain states. In one area, millions are being made from the sale of this favorite American weed. On the other hand ,we have lives being destroyed because of individuals making bad decisions. Today there is legalized selling of marijuana. All the people that I have seen selling todays marijuana are white.
It is my opinion and understanding that most crimes that are committed in America are economic. Robbery, Burglary, Theft, Stolen Goods, Drugs, Forgery, Bribery, Hedge Funds, and various other schemes. These crimes are committed to make money. The poor are often driven by desperation. The rich are motivated by greed and power.
Complex financial operations account for difficulty, in convicting many white collar criminals.
Back door deals, out of court settlements allow culprits to go free while the poor pay the full price.
There is a class of criminal so shrewd and smooth that he is rarely caught. He is so successful at his profession, and makes mockery of the system. Top high powered lawyers are able to keep many of these slick operators out of jail. Those with passports and jets have a get-a-way plan second to none.
These are the big boys, the untouchables.
What happens when the very law designed to protect becomes criminal. How do you jail a law.
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