peanut2:

You know what I think peanut? I think that SOME people have too much time on their hands! Don't you agree? I mean, why don't they just mind their own damn business? I know that I could care less what other people do, on their own time. If an inmate chooses to place an ad, and someone chooses to respond to it, that is between the two of them. Inmates are human beings just like the rest of us. All they want is for someone to care about them. What is so wrong with that?

As for underage users stumbling upon these ads, it is the responsibility of parents to be supervising their children, and monitoring their on-line activities.

I am not a parent, but to be honest I would have no problem with my TEENAGE son or daughter writing to an inmate, so long as I felt they were mature enough to handle it. And of course, I would keep an eye on things. It could even be something that we could do as a family. But I would be proud that I had raised a son or daughter that had compassion for those less fortunate than them, and wanted to reach out to someone in need of a little kindness and understanding.

I would also not want to teach my child to look down on those who have made bad choices and mistakes in their life. We are all fallable, and we are all deserving of a second chance. And as far as I am concerned, there isn't a person on the face of this earth who is underserving of care and concern.

Those are my thoughts peanut. What does everyone else think about this subject?

Oh, and no matter how hard certain people(ie "victims rights advocates") may try, I don't think that they will ever succeed in prohibiting inmates from soliciting pen pals. As far as I know, when challenged in court, such legislation is struck down, because it is unconstitutional. For instance, such a law was struck down in the state of Arizona. It is not only a violation of the inmate's right to free speech(which they still retain in prison) BUT perhaps even more importantly it is a violation of the right of a law abiding citizen to free speech AND freedom of association.

Such legislation would NEVER survive a constitutional challenge. And besides, it would be impossible for prison staff to implement these rules, and ensure that they are carried out. Not enough man power to do it.

I have also heard that some prison officials are receptive to the idea of prisoner's having "pen pals" because such relationships often lead to a positive changes in the inmate's attitude and behavior.

I think it is a wonderful idea! I mean think about it. These men and women are surrounded by other criminals day in and day out. It is a GOOD thing for them to have positive role models on the "outside" who can inspire them to turn their lives around. It also improves their self-esteem, gives them something to look forward to etc etc. There are so many benefits to prisoner's having pen pal relationships. Too numerous to mention. "Victims rights advocates" just have a beef with these sites, because they don't like the idea of inmates having even a modicum of pleasure in their lives. It is sad that some people are so bitter and hateful. They need to get a life, and stop interfering in the lives of other's.

Lisa