Seems to be drawing a lot of reaction on the news today,,,, inmates not having access to the web,,,having someone put them on myspace,,,shocking for many and their kids finding....

I would like to know what the thoughts are out here on this??? Curious

I Know It's Not Right?

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

I personally am "friends" with some DR inmates on my space as they true horror of what they are going through can be highlighted to the world.

One such inmate is in the polunsky unit in TX he has been goign through a hunger strike, due to conditions The blog on myspace keeps me up to date oh how he doing rather than wait weeks for letters.

It also highlighted the fact that, Some CO's were manipulating the truth on the hunger strike.

This I agree is a freedom of speech thing these guys and gals have the right too.

Scotslass and brokenone - I TOTALLY agree with you!

Nothing more to add really !

Thank You for the reply's ,,,I am interested in response's very much so,,


Bookworm,,,, I believe from what I know so far that the ad's said nor did nothing illegal,,,, like some on myspace try to get young kids to meet them somewhere etc,,,,it like anywhere we go ,,,online or outside world has it dangers,,,,I do not think it is always about someone having to much time on their hands though,,, it may too be, average parents shocked at seeing an ad on there to begin with and not becoming educated on this subject. I to do not agree people should mind their own business,,,only think they should really think things thru before jumping ....

All" humnan beings have a right to free speech, as long as not harming or doing an illegal act in doing so,,, which I did not hear that any inmates ad did on the news,,,,it was solely to me, the human shock of the ad being there and words of an inmate....only that is causing the stir so far.

I believe it is a good way for the public to become more educated as this very site does,,, to get a full pic from all sides ,,,not the media spin on to where they want it to go, the inmates have a lot to give to society and gives them the insight to weigh out the flaws that need to change and see thru the poliitcal propaganda ,,,, to get to the truth and really make a better system so when the ones getting out and make society on the whole safer,,, and more humane on the inside to what the DP really cost to our souls in reality.
How many inmates "no snickers" are being proven innocent too ,,,, that spent wasted yrs inside,,,,, our system is flawed and needs to come out of the dark ages....more prisons and more hate is wrong..............it is obvious it is broken and not working........................................... ......

If the inmate is doing nothing illegal he has just as much right to speak,,,, think it was in 2003 it was won again that is not legal to stop them from placing ads...while U and I are fighting for free speech at least here in the US to me so many of our rights are being taken away,,,,,scary to me....and it seems many have their heads in the sand there... thats another topic....

The parents whom are against it should be responsible too,,, for what the kids read and teach them not to fear an inmates ad,,,but,,, to fear any" ad that gives red lights of a problem, who the true predator on line may be and one who can get to them,,,,, or block them from the site,,,it starts at home how responsible,,, time with your kids to make them safe from the problems in all aspects of life ,,,including their own schools and sadly their own teachers and the church itself, as we hear on the news,,, not safe anywhere,, or anyone"title or no title" unless the right things are instilled at home,,,, can't blame and silence the world,,,

I did in a past post state I am against in the states here ,,,inmates having the right to vote,,,heck many good people outside have given up anyhow,,, they are all corrupt,,,what choices do we have anymore???? The best way to get things across and make the public think are the sites like this and many more,,including myspace and inmates with talent and intelligence to the right to free speech gets far more done now days.................to educate and find that many feel the same as we.......................... the truth is coming out ,,,it even shows on the polls ,,,so many for Bush" which I never was,,, are finding out now,,,sad....................he cost us so much.............were paying !!!!!

Do you have the links to any articles we could read? Although superficially I see no problem in general with inmates having a blog, I would like to look into this further. Thanks.

MIR

One of my pen pals has a page on myspace and I think it is wonderful the way his message gets out to the public with it. It is very well put together and very informational. Sometimes he is unable to get letters out to me so I check his site daily for updates from the person running it. I have met other DR inmates through his myspace as well that I am getting more insight and information from so I think that it is wonderful. They are not hurting anyone they are just making the public aware of things that we should know IF we want to. They are not forcing anything down our throats and they are not harming anyone so what is the big deal?
Trena from California

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Love never felt like this before...for the way he looks at me makes everything amazing!!!

What is a "DP inmate"? Not sure what the DP stands for. could someone let me know....

thanks
williamskitty

Sorry William,,,, DP is Death Penalty ,,, or DR is Death Row,,, get so used to short cuts here ....