In the letters page of the June 2009 issue of Inside Time, under the heading "Writing blogs", lifer Noel "Razor" Smith explains that under the rules, prisoners are not allowed to earn money from publishing articles in the mainstream media. But, he asked, what is the position of the prison service in relation to prisoners writing blogs in the new media, given that blogs are not covered under the rules?

The Ministry of Justice writes: "There is no specific Prison Service policy on prisoners using or posting blogs, as they do not have direct unregulated access to computers or the internet". However, the reply goes on to to say that it can be implied from Prison Service order 4411, that a prisoner cannot ask someone else to communicate what the prisoner is not in a position to do himself and which violates the rules."

However there is the human right to freedom of expression guaranteed under article 10 of the European convention, and prisoners' rights to contact the media "on matters of legitimate public interest,.

what do you think should inmates be allowed to "blog"?


BEN'S PRISON BL0G: Should prisoners be allowed to blog?

__________________
"What is the point of being an adult, if you can't be childish sometimes."

Tom Baker as The Fourth Doctor

Just asking myself how that should work out having their own blog.
At least I think why not,I mean just look at the Internet there are so many "freaks" out there,guess some offenders have much more to say and share than some of the free freaks.

Although there are some digusting blogs placed on the internet, those usually have no real content the inmate themselves put out there.

I do think prisoners should be allowed to blog, you can take away a mans freedom bodily, yet never ones mind and thoughts to share.

It helps get their thoughts over the wire, communication skills, vocabulary tends to get somewhat limited so to speak or politically incorrect over time inside. Put out there the individual experience/feelings of day to day life behind bars they would like to share like a diary or book.

Someone can place it on the blog for them and send them copies, so they know what is going on, even reply back to questions and opinions of those who on the outside would like to know.

Raw truth not media or Hollywood brushed.

__________________

Oh, odd this topic should come up when it did, I have two inmates who want to send a blog letter for me to place right here on our site in the blog area. All their wording not mine.

__________________

I just wonder if inmates are allowed to post blogs, what kind of road will we be taken down..?

What about those in prison for racist Crimes, Terrorism, pedophilia etc. Should they be allowed to post their " thoughts", which could be used to spread messages of hatred, ?

__________________
"What is the point of being an adult, if you can't be childish sometimes."

Tom Baker as The Fourth Doctor

I think ALL should have a voice, no matter what is being expressed and i think it a good out let for prisoners to be heard.They are silenced and isolated enough without any more restrictions placed upon them in my honest opinion. Look at the good Tookie Williams did later in life reaching through the bars, although others would have us believe something else; their can be NO DOUBT he helped many impoverished kids with his words. Look at how many participate in other programs some run by volunteers and have their voices heard that help make a difference to bring an awareness and truth to the community you would not find else where. You cannot have one without the other, so while you may get those that express opinions that we see as racist or extreme even repulsive in nature, you will also find those others that bring with them the message for change, hope and unity as well as the raw truths of living a life behind bars, they go hand in hand.

__________________
If you are compassionate in your approach to all tasks in life, believing that all "problems" contain valuable lessons, you will find peace of mind.
~Dr. Lee Jampolsky

English G, I know an inmate who has been inside many years now, good behavoir for years wants to blog a message to kids that are in trouble. Inside the walls he gives speeches to kids brought to the prison for the same thing. Kids bordering, a tough clear no nonsense reality of where it will take them if they think it is all a joke. That is one he would like placed in a blog.

Nothing to spread hatred by any means or racist, this mans message is good enough he has been doing this inside for years. It can be a positive if used with sense.

__________________

With the good also comes the bad.

I am sure there are lots of inmates who could inspire kids to steer away from a life of crime, and be a postive influence to stop someone getting into trouble with the law, which of course is a good thing.

Then again there is the negative side to,if there are those who want to preach hatred, racism, abuse and violence,wouldn't they say that they have as much right to put their message out as well?.Would anyone really want their kids to see and be influenced by that?

If there are good people trying to make a positive difference and getting a meaningful message out then by the same token even those locked up for distasteful and disgusting crimes can send their messages out as well.

__________________
"What is the point of being an adult, if you can't be childish sometimes."

Tom Baker as The Fourth Doctor

That's all very well and good, but lets play Devils advocate

if the inmate has changed and shows remorse, and is rehabilitated and trying to do good for the right reason then yes let them try and help others by example.But what about those who have not changed,what about those who cannot be helped, have NO intention to change,show no remorse for their crime.

Terrorists who no matter what are intent to spread hate and condone the murder of innocent people and brainwash children strapping bombs to themselves to become suicide bombers?

Would you really want to read a blog by people who advocate, death and mass murder like they did on 9/11..? or peverted sex offenders , preaching their "views",are you saying it's ok for people like that to try and make themselves the victim and gain sympathy ..?


Are you saying it is perfectly alright for kids,or even adults who have been abused or sexually molested to have the added nightmare of seeing their tormentor writing his blog , making himself out to be a poor victim of the prison system .?

Isn't the whole concept of prison to be a deterrant, and a punishment to be harsh in a way that stops anyone from wanting to commit crime and to punish those that do.?

Don't the victims have rights to..?

__________________
"What is the point of being an adult, if you can't be childish sometimes."

Tom Baker as The Fourth Doctor

i know i certainly don't want to be a member of this forum if certain members codone and wax lyrical about the rights of those who commit murder,terrorist activities,spreading racial hatred or child molestation and treat those who perpertrate such crimes as the poor victim of the penal system. when they are rightly being punished for what they did. The offender had a choice NOT to commit crime, the Victim didn't choose to be a victim.

One day it might happen to you, i wonder if your opinion will change then..?

__________________
"What is the point of being an adult, if you can't be childish sometimes."

Tom Baker as The Fourth Doctor