The View From Inside: Why We Need Prison Reform
Published March 16, 2009 @ 03:06PM PT
[Editor's Note: The post below is the first from our new regular contributor, Michael Santos, a federal inmate and the author of "Inside: Life Behind Bars in America." I'm excited to have Michael join the change.org community and hope you'll join me in welcoming him.]
I am a long-term prisoner and I welcome this privilege of introducing myself to readers of change.org. I look forward to contributing articles that offer my perspective on America's prison system. Readers can expect me to respond openly and honestly to all questions or comments.
Since 1987 I've been locked inside prisons of every security level, from high-security United States penitentiaries to minimum-security federal prison camps. I was 23 when the term began. Now I'm 45. Although I had never been incarcerated before, and I did not have a history of weapons or violence, my judge imposed a 45-year sentence. That sanction followed my convictions for crimes related to the distribution of cocaine.
With more than 21 continuous years of prison behind me, I've had considerable time and opportunity to contemplate policies that govern our nation's prisons. We need change. This system of warehousing human beings perpetuates cycles of failure.
In the Second Chance Act of 2007, the United States Congress made some telling findings about America's prison system. Taxpayers spent $59 billion each year to cover the costs associated with confining more than 2.3 million people. Despite the massive public expenditure, Congress found that more than six of every ten people who concluded their sentences returned to confinement after their release.
The costs to society of maintaining this system are many, both in financial and human terms. The financial costs necessitate the diversion of funds from education, health care, and other social programs more beneficial to the advancement of an enlightened society. The Pew Report recently published findings showing that state spending on corrections has increased at a faster rate than all agencies other than Medicaid.
Despite the high costs, recidivism rates show that corrections fail to take place. To improve these dismal results, we need reforms that would bring fundamental changes to America's prison system. Rather than relying exclusively on the threat of further punishments and more oppressive conditions, administrators ought to implement an incentive system that would encourage more prisoners to work toward earning gradual increases in freedom through merit.
This idea of earning freedom is not such a novel concept. Nor is it radical. In the mid-1980s, former Chief Justice Warren Burger delivered a commencement speech to a graduating class from Pace University. In Factories with Fences, Chief Justice Burger wrote that we needed reforms that would encourage prisoners to earn and learn their way to freedom.
More recently, on August 9, 2003, Justice Anthony Kennedy delivered a keynote speech to the American Bar Association. In that speech, Justice Kennedy called for prison reform. Specifically, he said that "A decent and free society, founded in respect for the individual, ought not to run a system with a sign at the entrance for inmates saying, ‘Abandon Hope, All Ye Who Enter Here.'"
Prisoners in the institutions where I have been confined could behave in myriad ways to aggravate the conditions of their confinement. No mechanism existed, however, that would allow the prisoners to distinguish themselves formally in a positive way. That fundamental flaw in America's prison system extinguished hope for many. That loss of hope led to poor adjustment decisions. Poor adjustments led to high recidivism rates. The cycle of failure continued.
We need prison reforms in America. Those reforms should begin with an introduction of mechanisms through which prisoners could earn gradual increases in freedom.
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Comments (52)
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Author
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Michael G. Santos has been incarcerated since 1987. He has earned an undergraduate and a graduate degree during his confinement, and he contributes to society through his writings about prisons, the people they hold, and strategies for growing through confinement. His daily entries are at prisonnewsblog.com.
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Thanks for the thoughtful post, Michael. It's great to see articulate self-advocates like yourself giving prisoners a voice. The prison population is so easy to demonize and neglect not just because of the reflexive dislike most people feel toward the imprisoned but also because they are largely faceless (and to the extent that civilians are exposed to any personality, the only they see are those who committed the most egregious crimes).
In short, I think it's powerful and important to hear a voice from the inside like yours.
Posted by Ben Rattray on 03/16/2009 @ 07:18PM PT
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I look forward to reading more. I hope you'll take advantage of the Actions feature to promote the changes you want to see. I suspect I'll want to support many of them.
I've seen too many people's lives ruined by the legal and corrections systems.
Enjoyed the read.
Posted by Clay Burell on 03/16/2009 @ 08:11PM PT
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Praise God,
Good morning Michael. I appreciate your article and look forwarding to reading more.
I agree with you Michael, we need prison reforms in America:"Those reforms should begin with an introduction of mechanisms through which prisoners could earn gradual increases in freedom".
I am going to take my responsibility to the cause and make it a public matter and include discussions about it on my radio show, HollaYo.
In All,
Love Wins,
KLJ Burke
Host and Founder
HollaYo
646-200-4983 (Station)
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hollayo
http://www.twitter.com/kljburke
http://www.tweetergetter.com/kljburke
HollaYo is a live Internet radio station -aired every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8PM (ET). We cover breaking news and top stories, while giving our listeners the opportunity to share their views and voice their opinions.
We give exposure to aspiring artists including music composers and producers, live bands, singers, rappers, mcs, djs, designers, models, photographers, and writers including authors, poets, and lyricists.
Posted by KLJ Burke on 03/17/2009 @ 07:15AM PT
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Hey Michael, I was fortunate to read Inside for a class during undergrad at Cal State Long Beach. It was one of the best readings assigned throughout my whole undergrad experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in criminal justice.
Posted by Evan T on 03/17/2009 @ 07:32AM PT
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I'm glad this blog exists. I worked with Hispanic inmates for 3 years and I know that the systems we have in place do not work. Prison is a society filled with hyperbole, dichotomies and caricature. Most people who enter the prison systems enter because of issues related to addiction and alcoholism - and few of them receive any treatment while inside. Prison has become a warehouse for mental health patients as well, since "mandatory sentencing" has stripped judges of their ability to send mentally ill offenders for treatment, and mental health "reform" has severely crippled the systems that were once in place to care for the criminally insane.
Prison is a world where the inmate can study hard and earn a college degree - yet the guards who cage him in, are denied decent pay and benefits, let alone educational opportunities or pay incentives for operating under best practices - and of course, training requirements concentrate on how well a guard can shoot, not how well a guard can speak another language or become a culture broker between diverse groups of inmates.
Prison is a world in which inmates must band together for survival - while at the same time they are punished for belonging to prison gangs. It is a world when the possession of the TV remote can lead to a fatal argument; a world when the simple inability to produce urine for a drug test at 1am can result in someone's loss of privileges for 6 months; a world where a record of "no infractions" simply earns one an earlier deportation hearing, once the minimum sentence is served.
Recidivism occurs not just because the prisons fail our inmates. Re-entry into the community is virtually impossible for any convicted felon, as almost no one will hire someone who checks the "yes" box on an employment application, regarding past felonies. We need better re-entry solutions, but more than that, we need a change in mandatory sentencing restrictions that return discretion to the judge's seat, so that treatment options can be used as an alternative to mandatory sentencing and the resultant lifetime stigma of that felony conviction on someone's record.
We must return to a system that treats the person's illnesses and addictions first, and punishes only as a last resort - and stop warehousing young men and women in the prime of their lives, who could be free, out working and contributing to society and our economy - and to their own families' well-being.
Posted by Kristen S on 03/17/2009 @ 07:39AM PT
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1000% Truth! I could not have said it better!
Posted by Sabra D on 03/18/2009 @ 06:42PM PT
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I would add to this, but how could I? Beautifully put, Kristen, and I absolutely agree, most especially to your final paragraph.
Posted by William Feagin on 03/21/2009 @ 09:55AM PT
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I, like Michael, have had the opportunity to experience the criminal injustice system first hand. After spending several years within the federal correctional system I have gained valuable knowledge on just how ineffective the system is. Today the correctional system desperately lacks major direction, somewhat congruent to a misguided missile heading towards land, full force with the shrapnel, (ex-con) propelled erratically into every crevasse. This institution is far from a well-oiled machine. Corrosion and erosion of the fundamental foundations are quite evident.
Correctional institutions, what an oxymoron, were established to punish, protect society, and to rehabilitate. Somehow they missed the most important element, rehabilitation. The question that needs to be addressed is; are these correctional institutions, (prisons and jails) arming released felons with enough education, skills, and rehab, to penetrate the reentry barrier back into society, or rather arming them to implode? I believe the latter. They say experience is the best teacher. I should have a PHD in penology now. Coming from the inside out. I witnessed these deficiencies first hand, and believe me a major overhaul is needed.
The issues must be addressed if one wants to win the war against recidivism. With approximately 650, 000 inmates being released a year we need not only to make room for them, but a room that doesn’t contain a metal door and little window. Currently 1 out of 100 people have gone to jail or prison. 90% will be released back into society. The correctional system needs correction. From more effective rehabilitation and education programs, to the most critical, reentry programs.
Instead of spending tax dollars on building more prisons, wouldn’t it be wiser to treat the underlying symptoms. We shouldn't use gauze to mask the wound. It’s time to uncover the wound before it festers. I know there is power in numbers, just look at an algebra equation, but all it takes is one to get the ball rolling, or for me, just one roll of the dice. The dice contained in my new reality based prison board game called PAROLE-BOARD, “The Ultimate Game of Injustice” www.parole-board.com. My game resonates the frivolities and deficiencies of the criminal justice system. Most of all, proceeds will be going towards inmates making that arduous transition back into society. I’ve lived it, and now I’m ready to give it, back to those that need it.
Posted by Janine Vojtesak on 03/31/2009 @ 10:43AM PT
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I agree with you! My fiance of five years was incarcerated at the beginning of this year for five years (drugs), a few months shy of our daughter turning ONE. He was locked up when she was born also (drugs). He's a good person, a loving man, but he had a drug problem. Yes, he is getting his GED, he is clean, has been off drugs since he's been locked up, but that is his choice because the drugs are in prisons also. He knows he put himself in there, we all do, but not for five years. Not only is he being punished, we all are, our daughter, me, his sons, my son, all of the family. He calls me, and everytime he hears our daughter in the background he cries, he hurts for her, and she's not able to get to know her father. YES, there needs to be a change!!! Even when he gets out, how hard will it be for him to find a job? It's hard enough for people with a clean criminal record to get a job right now, so a felon won't have a chance! Drug users, drug abusers, already feel like failures, this just gives them more reason to go back down that dead end. They can't lose this title they are given (Felon), so most go back to that same life.
Posted by A C on 09/24/2009 @ 11:06AM PT
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There is a bill pending in the Georgia Legislature that would charge inmates for their healthcare (or insurance, Medicaid or Medicare if they have it) and also charge them up to $40 a day for their incarceration - payable immediately if they have more than $100 in their prison account or payable upon release..... or their "assets" will be attached and forfeited.
Let's talk some more about demonizing prisoners! This bill will appeal to all those fussing about the high cost (but not the PROFITS) of incarceration - MAKE THEM PAY!!
But, God forbid, what ACTUAL effect would it have???? Of course no one has considered that. Isn't the effect of incarceration devastating ENOUGH on both inmates AND their families??? Yes, a crime was perpetrated, and someone (not necessarily the RIGHT someone) was convicted, but could we PLEASE focus on REHABILITATION instead of punishment?????
Posted by Robin Rathbun on 03/17/2009 @ 10:58AM PT
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The current prison system is far from being close to adequate. Reading this inmate testimonial took me to think about what is going on behind this system. I knew that costs a lot of money per year to support this system but I didn't realize that was that much. Like many other things in our "private_not_state_owned" society this system is made at the end to make money of it. I understand and I am totally aware that we have to be very careful when we give some freedom to someone that was in jail because depending on his/her crime is very likely that he/she will do it again. But let's think about this text posted by Michael Santos. I think that some inmates should acquire a gradual/control freedom. In order to do that we need to make some changes on the system for example before giving any kind of gradual freedom, we should start by giving psychological assistance to him/her and giving them while in jail (no partial freedom granted yet) some kind of program to prepare them to return to society. If they learn some professional activity they like in jail, they could start working on that and making money on their work to support (or decrease costs) their life while in jail. When this person is ready to gradually return to our society, he/she would be working under parole officer supervision for a certain time, but another change in this system has to be made. We, free society, have to learn how to receive and give opportunities to those people that paid for their crimes (there are so many outside that made much worst and never got arrested). In a tight job market like we have today, it is already challenging get a job with a crystal clean record, imagine if you were in jail? I believe that many people want the system working this way, because for each inmate or a new one, they make money on them. It is not just the person behind the bars that need to adjust and change, we need as well to accept other people mistakes and give them a second chance in life.
Posted by Manuela Rodrigues on 03/17/2009 @ 12:04PM PT
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Thank you SO MUCH for articualting the realities and challenges facing the inmates and the prison system. As an educator working in an inner-city elementary school, with some students who are highly at-risk of joining gangs (some come from generation of gang bangers), an insider voice like yours was a real eye opener for me. If there's anything you like to say to at-risk students, please post. They have NO CLUE where they are headed! THANK YOU!
Posted by Arizona's Optimist on 03/17/2009 @ 04:26PM PT
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Thank you! I see it in my family, with my friends, my relationships. It is a vicious cycle of bull crap. I personally have a clean record, but have watched this over and over again. They serve their term, get out. Then they can't find work because they are labeled as 'felon'. Well, what's left in most of their minds except 'go with what you know' which lands them right back. There is no help for people who need it in this country.
I do have to second Manuela R. We need to learn to accept people's mistakes and help them to the next level. I know too many good people who are trapped in this system unneccessarily.
Thank you again! Keep it up, more people need to hear this.
Posted by Sabra D on 03/18/2009 @ 06:39PM PT
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I have to second Manuela also, because if we keep accepting these systems that do not work, those that are most vulnerable suffer and I refer to women and children. If prisons do not fix the addicts problem or the sex offenders problem then the country is doomed. Also, the Health system needs to accomodate the mentally ill and stop dual diagnosing them as substance abusers or alcoholics. This society needs a Good Health Care System so that we can educate the young. The young are the future. Take care and I hope to read about acceptance of people's mistakes and helping them to the next level.
Thanks to all.
Posted by Mary Acosta on 03/20/2009 @ 08:32AM PT
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Thank you Michael.
I've never been in jail or prison. But, I have taught yoga to women in prison. And, the sight was extremely heart-wrenching. Those people need and deserve help. And, they really have it hard. Who's on their side? Few. What resources do they have? Little. What obstacles do they have? Many, like mental illness and drug addiction related to disadvantaged upbringing. Homeless people are another neglected group.
I don't take drugs or drink alcohol. But, I did a college report on Prohibition and the Drug War. In both cases, violent crimes and substance abuse INCREASED with the laws that made alcohol/drugs illegal. Prohibition didn't work. Neither does the Drug War. I think that making drugs legal in a careful way would inspire more control and decrease demand. It would also save a lot of money that could be used in more useful ways (like education, recovery, and mental health agencies.)
Please give my best wishes to your fellow inmates. I pray that they all realize their potential for the benefit of everyone. You all can share your compassion and wisdom with us. We want you to.
Love and Best Wishes,Beth
Posted by Beth Kathleen on 03/20/2009 @ 09:40AM PT
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Beth is correct. Prohibition of intoxicants does not work. During the Prohibition Era between 1919 and 1933 America saw the growth of the Italian & Irish Mafia's. With their rise to power came an incredible rise in violent crime. The roar of the Roaring Twenties came from Thompson Sub-machine Guns. The roar of today's prohibition comes from assault rifles. Yet we still have a government agency (DEA) dedicated to arresting people who do drugs. We need to strip funding from DEA and give it to ATF along with a mandate to eradicate illegal guns and their sellers. We cannot produce guns at a rate that allows gun manufacurers to produce enough guns for every man, woman, and child in America to have a gun. Especially considering the number of people like myself who will never have a gun in their homes. Right now we are incarcerating drug users and dealers who never possessed or used a gun. All the while the people who are arming those who do use guns in crimes go free.
Posted by Barry Considine on 03/21/2009 @ 07:49AM PT
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Drugs are not the problem. Alienation and lack of social support are what lead to drug use. Often begins as the thrill of teenage taboo, then leads to a habit. The Drug War leads to more violence in this country, and destablizes other countries as well.
Posted by Jonathan Westbay on 03/26/2009 @ 04:57AM PT
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Thank you, thank you, for caring enough to try. I have observed for years that once a person is in the "system", the "system" does everything in its power to keep them there. It does not solve any problems, rather it only perpetuates them. As a worker in a homeless shelter I see it all the time; a man does his level best, working sometimes 2 and 3 part time jobs in an attempt to get his feet back under himself, but when layoff time comes he is the first to go because he's a felon. It's the same with landlords, they don't want to rent to convicted felons and will use any little excuse not too. Sometimes I cry over all this.
Posted by Kathy Thompson on 03/20/2009 @ 09:40AM PT
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Thank you for your blog. I will be reading what you post.
I am curios what the percentage is of prisons in America that do have programs that encourage good behavior for privileges v those that don't and what the numbers for violent events in those are respectively.
Posted by Sean Larabee on 03/20/2009 @ 10:20AM PT
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My Theory of Milk:
If tomorrow, milk was scheduled so that sale possession and consumption were illegal, what would happen to milk? Milk, something that nature has made has been used by humans since before they were civilized. yes, some people may be intolerant, but to simply ban it, what can that achieve. Milk isn't for everybody, i personally don't drink it, but that doesn't mean it should be "controlled". instantly, instability would occur. those who farm cattle that produce this milk would be left without a job, and subject to federal raids of their livelihoods. and soon after, would be controlled not by responsible legitimate distributers, but criminals. those who had consumed milk in a responsible and peaceful way for most of their lives would be punished and forced to deal with criminals. These are the effects drug laws have had on citizens. these are the laws that provide the existence of powerful violent gangs. I would rather have the right to consume Milk at my own risk, than have it be controlled by criminals. i would rather spend my money to help stimulate the economy, than to provide more unregulated gain drug lords.
Posted by ryan Given on 03/20/2009 @ 01:43PM PT
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Dear Michael Santos,
My husband is a marijuana prisoners at Jesup GA Federal Prison Work Camp and I have a question regarding your chain of correspondence. Is there any tips you have regarding getting your writing published? My husband has to rely on me to post his emails and only has access to authorized people on his email list and no web browsing. As it is when he gets this article it'll happen only after I forward it to him which is great but I have the extra task of keeping track of all his postings and creating his presence via the BOP email. It can get confusing.
Also I'd like to add the following from FAMM
(Families Against Mandatory Minimums)
Great news! The first bill of the new Congress to eliminate mandatory minimums for all drugs was introduced by Representative Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) on March 12, 2009. H.R. 1466, the Major Drug Trafficking Prosecution Act of 2009, seeks to repeal mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenders and to give courts the ability to determine sentences based on all the facts, not just drug weight. It would also refocus federal resources on major drug traffickers instead of low-level offenders. There is currently no companion bill in the Senate. We are excited about getting this legislation passed, but we can't do it without your help. It will take time and effort to make this bill become law. The first step is to ask your representative to become a cosponsor of H.R. 1466. If they already are cosponsors, please take a moment to thank them. FAMM's action center gives you talking points to use in your letters and also lets you know if your representative is already on board. Contact your representative now. It won't be fast and it won't be easy, but by working together, with commitment and with focus, we can knock down mandatory minimum sentencing laws and insure that the punishment fits the crime once more. Thanks for getting involved today! My best - Julie Julie Stewart President
Sentences that Fit. Justice that Works.
For more reform news and help contacting your representatives go to famm@famm.org
Posted by Barbara McSpadden on 03/20/2009 @ 02:30PM PT
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FREE
THE
PRISONERS!
Deadline MAY 1, 2009
Action Alert: FedCURE's 100,000 Letter Writing CampaignSupport FedCURE's 100,000 Letter writing campaign to the United States Sentencing Commission.
Now! Action:
Write a letter to the United States Sentencing Commission supporting FedCURE's public comment to amend the Sentencing Guidelines toincorporate a hybrid system of parole and good time allowances.
Write a Letter - for a sample letter go to:
http://www.fedcure.ort/information/FedCURE100kLetterWriting.shtml
Posted by Barbara McSpadden on 03/23/2009 @ 02:56PM PT
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I am a firm believer that our current system is broken and in need of immediate repair. I look forward to reading more from you!
Posted by Suzanne Snurpus on 03/20/2009 @ 05:33PM PT
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Michael,
Thank you for your thoughtful blog. I look forward to reading more of your thoughts in the future.
Blessings to you and yours,
Bea
Posted by Bernice A Drake on 03/20/2009 @ 08:23PM PT
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The justice system needs to worry more about preparing prisoners to make it on there own once released then how to make it harder on them in prison. like someone else commented let's worry about rehabilitating these people and not how to demonize them.
Someone needs to make it easier for them to get jobs upon release. There needs to be some type of law disallowing employers from inquiring about criminal histories. or at least make it a time limit; like in the past 3 years or 5 years but nothing longer then that.
Posted by joy sigle on 03/20/2009 @ 08:26PM PT
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Reply to Joy;
You stated in your comment, "Somebody needs to make it easier for them to get jobs upon release." I would recommencd that you visit California Progress Report website WWW.californiaprogressreport.com/2009/02/curbing_the_cos.html and read the article "Curbing the Cost of Crime". The article was very informative to me and I live near where the program is being tested. America Works in Oakland, CA reports that through their program the participants show a recidivism rate of only 6% as compared to the statewide average of 39%. This would amount to a savings to any state using a program such as this of hundreds of millions of dollars in incarceration cost not to mention the savings of human lives and returning people to live productive live. And then think about the added benefit of reducing the crime rate in these states. I hope that you find the information useful. Good luck.
David A. Combs
Posted by Dav id Combs on 03/20/2009 @ 09:29PM PT
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Well Mr. Santos,
I feel you are very educated and sound extremly intelligent... But I have lived life, the wrong way and the right way and sometimes in between. Your have a great idea, let me say that first. And I feel that you are correct in all you said... But it takes THE PERSON to make the change not the system... I have been in situations were I have had to make a choice and we all make our own bed and if were not lucky we have to lay in them... Now if everyone in the system were as educated as yourself or even half as awesome for coming forward with your life and views we would have a better rehabilition sysem... My point is that you can't make a puppy eat only lead it to food... If it's hungary it will eat, but not till it's hungary or ready... You have an amazing concept and don't give up on it... People like you LEAD THE PEOPLE... But not all will follow... Be patient, good always has followers... Lot at the creator, he was only on mad... So please be cool. follow this belief, and always be real. Good things can only follow... Best of luck to always,
me
Posted by Michelle Zephier on 03/20/2009 @ 10:13PM PT
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Michelle Z,
I agree with you whole heartedly. Michael has the intelligence and the passion to lead the way. We ARE the system - those who are engaged and as well as those who sit back and do nothing. Our men - and now far too often are being ripped away from their families and the statistics, even disregarding the astronomical racial disparities, are deplorable.
Micheal - if you will lead, there are are many who will follow. Lead with intelligence, compassion, integrity and decency and those who follow will do the same.
My goal is to see wrongful prosecutions eliminated by educating the public about Professional Codes of Ethics and holding our system accountable for ethically enforcing them. Wrongful prosecutions can seldom take place without the misconduct of the prosecutor, law enforcement officers(s) and / or judge. With a system of support, these legal professionals will hopefully realize their careers are at stake and may think twice before trying to elevate themselves professional at the cost of an innocent persons life. I've watched it first hand.
Christi Griffin - www.TheEthicsProject.org
Posted by Christi Griffin on 03/22/2009 @ 02:00PM PT
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I think it depends, Are you only speaking about drug offenders? I don't think rapists and other violent offenders should be able to 'earn' their freedom, unless it takes 20 years. I think a drug offense shouldn't be punishable by more than a 5 year sentence unless it's a repeat offense, or it involved children. As for making drugs legal, that also depends, should Cocaine be legal? Definitely not, nor should any other that causes violent behavior.
Posted by Melissa M on 03/20/2009 @ 10:46PM PT
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I do believe he was referring to non-violent offenders like himself. Violent offenders come in different varieties, too--certain kinds, such as those who commit crimes of passion (i.e. in the heat of the moment without intending to do so), should be given a chance at rehabilitation (e.g. anger management, etc.). Rapists, serial murderers and others like them need to be put away for life, and I'd recommend solitary confinement for the worst of them; similarly, the criminally insane need to be institutionalised securely and treated in a manner befitting their condition.
As to legalising drugs, marijuana should be legalised for a couple of reasons: 1) It has been proven to not have a lethal dose; 2) it is, in fact, a real boon for those suffering painful degenerative or terminal illnesses, alleviating their pain and suffering. Cocaine and heroin should not be legalised, necessarily, but there are other ways to treat them; in England, heroin addicts are often given prescriptions for small doses of heroin that aren't enough to have them "nodding out" but will keep them in balance. Cocaine, on the other hand, is best known for its properties as an anesthetic (e.g. novocaine, which is synthetic cocaine, has been used for decades by dentists) and should be kept solely for that purpose.
Posted by William Feagin on 03/21/2009 @ 10:29AM PT
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I am hoping that you are including Prozac, and other antidepressants known to cause violent and suicidal thoughts and often behavior, in your list of drugs that should be illegal.....
Posted by Kathy Thompson on 03/21/2009 @ 07:23PM PT
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The Prescription medication you're referring to is just that. It is required to be prescribed by a doctor and serves a purpose, also, how many people actually become violent on antidepressants? How many people take them? Cocaine/Meth/Crack should not be legal. If the government legalized Marijuana, and instead focused just on the above mentioned drugs, they would get more done.
Posted by Melissa M on 03/22/2009 @ 12:26AM PT
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Those of you who say all drugs but marijuana should stay illegal, please go back and read some of the comments on prohibition. Perhaps you'll even feel inspired to check the staistics yourself.
The point is not that these drugs are bad and they need to be kept illegal. Yes they are bad, and yes they shouldn't be freely available to children. The point is that the drug war has failed, as all forms of prohibition fail. People get clean and stay clean through love, not through law. Laws simply pile criminal status on their heads. There will always be addicts desperate enough to deal.
Taking drugs out of the blackmarket, and regulating them heavily as we have done with tobacco, lowers the cost to society as a whole, not just for addicts and their families. It takes bread and butter from the gangs infesting our cities and gives adults who are addicts a way to obtain their drugs that does not require them to break the law or associate with those who do. Meth, coke, these things are sad, but they are a reality and laws make criminals of those who are already living a sad life.
Posted by Alison Murphy on 03/24/2009 @ 12:43PM PT
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I really can't agree with meth being legal, and that's exactly what keeps people from supporting legalization of marijuana. I don't smoke, but have seen people that do, and they don't bother me, they're happy minding their own business. What does bother me is meth/crack users bringing all his/her buddies into the neighborhood, stealing and fighting all hours of the night. If it were legal, they would still have to buy it. How are they going to? How many of them can hold down a job?
Posted by Melissa M on 03/25/2009 @ 11:48PM PT
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i feel that violent people should be locked up and throw away the key! people who use drugs are a different story! the drug war has failed i think we should consider legalizing drugs it will take the criminal element out of it! then we should tax drugs like smokes and booze!
Posted by tommy fuller on 03/21/2009 @ 01:49AM PT
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Hi Micheal, thank you for your Blog !!!
I am Yoke, from the Netherlands.
Yes i agree with you, my friend at Angola have sentence for life, never been incarcerated before, and he did not have a history of weapons or violence.
The system over there is not good, we have to make the INJUSTICE into Justice !
Take care Micheal, God Bless you, I hope to read more from you.
Yoke/peace4al
I make a petiton :
REFORM and REHABILITATED,inmates serving LIFE TERMS.
Please people who reading the blog from Micheal, sign for those FORGOTTEN MEN !!!!!
http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/reform_and_rehabilitatedinmates_serving_life_terms_2
Started by: peace4al yoke
This petition which needs so many signatures as possible, from people who strongly support
REFORM and REHABILITATED inmates serving life terms, be placed in the electronic monitoring or furlough programs.
They need your voices to RING OUT LOUD for them as FORGOTTEN MEN.
The voice of Law abiding, working-class,tax-paying,voters,family and friends.
As the voice of the voters were heard during the attempted Legislative pay raise, they will be heard again.
Voters have always made a difference in getting Laws implemented
And they would greatly appreciate your assistance in performing the task at hand.
This is not just for them, this is for our state and our future.
They asking you to read, date and sign.
The petition going to the House Sub Committee on Crime,Terrorism and Homeland security.
If you are able to help them, please send this petition to your friends, family etc in and other state.
And national Official or ministers that will aid in this matter
To House Sub Committee on Crime,Terrorism and Homeland security, a petition From Eligible Louisiana Citizens In Support of the Implementation of R.S 15:550 and R.S 15:833 (b) (1
In GENERAL
R.S 15.550, Approving of inmates convicted of a crime of violence as defined in 14 (2) and sentenced to a life-term to participate in Location Tracking and Electronic Monitoring Program.
And
Sub part (b) (1) of 15:833, authorizes the Secretary to grant Furlough es to deserving inmates of any adult correctional institution.
Both allows REFORMED inmates convicted of violent crimes as defined in 14 (2) to participate in these programs.
This would be greatly alleviate the State of its multi-million-dollar (burden) of caring for any offender who has shown to be no lonfer a threat to OUR Community.
The state of Louisiana now suffers from a $ 894 million dollar deficit and thus much of the tax payers monies are being spent on prisons and or housing :REFORMED AND/OR REHABILITATED INMATES.
Rather than affording quality EDUCATIONS to our children !
Please give consideration to this resolution.
Sincerely:
All inmates who's serving a life terms !!!!!!!!
Posted by Yoke Jaken on 03/21/2009 @ 03:34AM PT
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Thank you Michael. It's horrible what has happened to you. I apologize on behalf of this truly evil system that removes people's livelihoods from them unnecessarily. Glad to see you're positive and fighting the good fight. Peace. -Nelle
Posted by Nelle McKay on 03/21/2009 @ 07:19AM PT
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HollaYo Radio Station will feature Michael G. Santos' story, indefinitely
Please help!
KLJ Burke
HollaYo
347-481-0206 (Automated Voice Mail)
646-200-4983 (Station)
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http://change.org.profiles/kljburke
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Posted by KLJ Burke on 03/21/2009 @ 07:21AM PT
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Welcome to change.org, Michael. I'm glad to see that you have a voice hear. The words so much more insightful when they come from someone who is on the inside than they are when they come from someone like me who has never been in prision but has several friends and a couple family members behind bars.
Posted by Mark Thompson on 03/21/2009 @ 07:45AM PT
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Dear Michael,
Thank you, Thank you.... for starting this blog!! Yes my friend it is time to start a revolution....time to speak out...time to LEADERS of our own lives!!! YOU Michael are a leader!! I am so proud of you and what you are standing up for!! I have been frustrated with the system for years and have never (up until now!!) stated my concerns OUT LOUD!! Now I feel is the time!! I am a life coach and truly believe in people...truly believe that if a person is given unconditional love AND is open to receiving it...No matter what their past was...they can make positive changes...I have started the process of contacting individuals of how we/I can bring coaching (individual and group) to the prisons. And especially to the drug/alcohol offenders..!We've all (I'm assuming...I know I have!!)made "mistakes" in the past...and those "mistakes" can be our tools to grow from!!
NOW...I need your help, what do you feel would be benefical for inmates?
I love you Michael and believe in you..Thank you for expressing and sharing your heartful wisdom with us!!
Love, Joanie
Posted by Joanie Yanusas on 03/21/2009 @ 10:04AM PT
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I'm confused about something related to this topic. If a person commits a crime, does the going to prison pay for the crime? If going to prison pays for the crime, then why does the same person have to continue 'paying' for the same crime for LIFE by being a 'FELON'? and being a felon carries that stigma whereby making a legal living wage is almost non existent.
There is no end to the punishment of being a felon and real little possibility of reentry into the positive production methods within our Republic (a few speak for the many) society.
[If you think you live in a democracy let me be the one to tell you we don't. Consider our pledge of allegiance: "I pledge allegiance to the flag... and to the Republic for which it stands..." Yes, our flag stands for and represents the Republic of the US. Sorry to bust that bubble.]
Our society is currently structured such that if a person has a medical condition and if they were not to take their medication, they could injure another co-worker, that information is withheld from an employer. But the criminal history is out there for the world to see. As an employer shouldn't it be wise to know, not only that I may have felons working here but also people who are medicated. This way I don't put the wrong person in the wrong environment?
In reality, if we were to look at crime through the lens of race (just as so many things are done) and break the crimes into 2 categories; economic crime and non-economic crime, I think we would see a trend. I think we would see that many crimes committed within the black community are driven by some form of economics (I need [or want] money). And generally if there is that history (felon) the street is the way to make money which leads, of course ultimately to recidivism.
I've looked at this country and see that since there are more white people here, then naturally there should be more white people owning businesses, having money, involved in politics... just based on the sheer numbers.
So wouldn't it hold true that, based on the sheer numbers, that more white people would be on welfare, commit more crime just as well as own airplanes and boats? Clearly, the prison system is just flat broken.
Therefore when it comes to the commission of crime black people are in prison, in jail and on probation in numbers that do not reflect the normals based on the majority.
I wonder if we also go back and look specifically at the race of the officers who are policing the black community we might also see more stunning trends. During slavery there were many people hung from tree and the method of restraining the hands behind the back during the hanging was handcuffs. Not everyone has handcuffs, but a certain group of people are indeed issued handcuffs.
I'm not trying to get into a race conversation about how we live in America. But it is impossible to consider incarceration and surrounding factors (policing, probation, crime, punishment, recidivism, the courts, etc) without looking at it in the context of race. Only because race is such a stark constant in our American culture.
Yes there are people of all races incarcerated but overwhelmingly black. Since so much of the crime committed within the black community is based on economics it seems wise that we look at the economic factors whereby the lack thereof is one major factor clearly driving for crime (at least within the black community as I see it).
My thoughts and my observations.
Vadis
Posted by Vadis Frone on 03/21/2009 @ 10:11AM PT
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I think things are so backwards when it comes to the criminal justice system. Non-violent drug offenders do not belong behind bars. The drugs need to be regulated like any other prescription, and for those who find themselves addicted, then the physician can handle those who are addicted. Locking people up for marijuana is insane. Cocaine and other "hard drugs" are soul destroying, insidious substances. But so many times, people deal drugs just for socio-economic reasons. Regulate the hard drugs, make marijuana legal for recreational and medicinal purposes and imagine the savings of all the tax dollars that would no longer be tied up in prisons, courts, etc. and the revenue that could be brought in from the legal sales of marijuana. I don't even use any drugs or alcohol, but it just seems to make common sense.
Posted by McLovin Darnit on 03/21/2009 @ 11:28AM PT
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why are people in prison BLOGGING.... dig a hole
Posted by John Lennon on 03/21/2009 @ 06:30PM PT
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Dear Michael,
Thanks for your insightful blog. I'm praying for you and look forward to more of your posts.
God Bless
Posted by Debbie Geno on 03/21/2009 @ 07:22PM PT
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Has anyone here looked into the corporate structure of prisons and the the bond that gets posted on anyone "captured" by the "criminal justice system". Which bond gets traded on the market. If more prisoners equal more profit - then the will to reform the system will never be more than a token sentiment.
If you want to know what's going on, "follow the money".
Posted by John Land on 03/22/2009 @ 04:14PM PT
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Obviously your excellent first blog has been received as such and my compliments can only join the others.
So, instead allow me to ask you a few questions.
We know that the authorities are supposed to be running the prisons. But from what some recently released state and federal inmates have been telling me the authorities are only running the prisons on the outside, but the inmates, especially prison gangs are running on the inside. Would you say that's true or not?
Also I've read that we are actually making ourselves far less safe as a society because we send non-violent drug offenders to prison but in order to survive they end up becoming violent and gang affiliated before they are released. Do you see any evidence of that?
Finally is there any truth to the claim that the international drug trade is now being run by prison gangs already behind prison walls?
Posted by Steve Holms on 03/22/2009 @ 06:10PM PT
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I am sure that there are a lot of people who are behinds bars who deserve to be free, but the system condemn them to spend the rest of their life in prison. The system does not give those people the opportunity to redeem them selves and to be able to correct their mistakes. But instead force them to be disconnected from the rest of the world. I totally agree that the prisoners must have the right to reduce their sentences when their behavior improves and they are showing that they are ready to be part of the society again.
Posted by Monsef Benohoud on 03/22/2009 @ 09:51PM PT
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We need sentencing reform in the states also (especially California) where we incarcerate too many drug addicts. I appreciate the insight from John Land where he advises us to follow the money, because the government can sell bonds on their prisoners and profit from incarceration. No wonder noone in Sacramento wants to reduce minimum sentencing
Posted by Eileen Tracy on 03/23/2009 @ 03:57PM PT
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Mr.Santos,
I just want to thank-you,I would also like to say how proud you should be of your accomplishments after being behind bars for so many years. You are a perfect example why we should have prison reform now! I believe the Bills HR 1475,HR 1466,HR 61,and HR 1459 should be passed now! I believe they should all be retroactive! I believe you as well as many other inmates have a lot to contribute to society. I hope and pray for prison reform,maybe some of the billions saved could go to education to help our broken system and give that 2nd chance !
Sherilyn Yeley
Posted by Sherilyn Yeley on 03/26/2009 @ 10:29AM PT
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My brother spent all of his adult life in prison for marijuana - and eventually died there after a fight with non Hodgkin lymphoma. 9 years in the pin - non-violent - no prior record.
After the first 3 or 4 years he was ready to take life by the horns, come back into society with open arms of what life could have gave him - but the legal system being backward as it so often seems - he had to stay because they found something else from the beginning of his time that they could "stick to him" adding additional time with no concern for the time that was already given. And proved he wanted to make a good life on the outside, "play by the rules", start a family, and so on.
Three months before his time would be finished - he died.
His last wish was to be able to sparkle some hope for his friends in the pin, who like himself were just put there to waste away. Population control?
A couple of years back this preachers wife shot her husband in the back while he was asleep - she went to jail for not even a year and is out living free, going to court to get her kids back from the In-laws custody.
What kind of legal system is that?
Reform is an understatement!
Posted by Jessica Lineberry on 03/27/2009 @ 02:17PM PT
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It was only recently that I became more informed about the private prison system we have in this country. Prison for Profit. Thousands of young men are locked up for long sentences over petty crimes in order to keep these private prisons full - to maintain a slave labor work force! It is not only appalling - I think it's criminal. Where is the damn cop when you need them?
Posted by Christine Christian on 04/08/2009 @ 03:31PM PT
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At the core of the US Prison Muster and all that ensues is the racism imbued 'drug policy' - yes there are other matters of import but none so contributory to the matrix of social dysfunction so evident in the corporate prison industrial estate. Prison reform is masked from self examination by the veil of white privilege. There lies the social capital.
Posted by Blair Anderson on 04/12/2009 @ 06:52PM PT
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