I was watching the news with my boyfriend the other day and they were mentioning a story on Iraqi prisoner abuse. He told me that similar events happen within our prison system. (He has served time, that is how he knows) If it is happening why isn't that kind of publicity being brought to our own prison system? Has anyone heard of this happening?:mad:

If you go to the website for Stop Prison Rape, www.spr.org (http://www.spr.org) , it is filled with stories that will sadden/sicken you. I wrote a letter to the editor of the Orlando Sentinel (FL) to ask why people aren't as outraged about what goes on in our prisons as they are about Iraqi prisoners. I only mailed it May 10th, so will be watching the newspaper to see if they even print it. My young male "eye candy" neighbor has his trial June 07, 2004 and I am so heartsick that something like that will happen to him. President Bush signed into federal law The Rape Elimination Act in Sep 2003, but that just starts the ball rolling to study the problem and come up with solutions. My friend will soon be in the system for possibly 15 years :(

If your boyfriend has witnessed this type of behavior why hasn't he come forward to expose those responsible? I would !!

As an european I was stunned about that news, not (only) because that happened but because it HAPPENS in your own prisons as well. No one in outside world seem to be interested of that. Why? :confused:

I don't think he has ever witnessed it first hand, I believe it is something that is common knowledge.

Iam aware of the abuse within our own prison system. Unfortunetely, there are some very good people who work for the BOP, but those who take advantage of their power seem to out number the good. Moveon.org/torture/ is a great place to voice your thoughts on prison abuse in the United States. Your message will be sent to Washington D.C.

You know I have wondered myself, how we can justify all the publicity on the Iraq prisoners and our prisoners are having the same thing done to them. How can they justify it? They can't. It is so sad that our country is more worried about the prisoners from another country than their own. We can scream, holler, sue, threaten that we won't vote for this person or that person, and for a while they will care. Then when they think we are calm about our prisons, then they quit looking and seeing if the co's and warden's are doing their job.

The reality is that society in general doesn't care much about what happens within are prison system. Only if they know someone or are involved in it somehow do they then care. I have met so many people even that i work with who discuss the issues at lunch break, and i have to try to defend against this, Most of the time i bring out some good issues and win, but the sad reality is that people want more jails, more prisons, and less crime. They dont' care what happens within the walls because they don't think it affects them. They don't care if they lock up people and throw away the key. I dont know for some reason they don't think that people will ever get out. I asked quite a few of them what they would think if at some point an ex felon got out of prison and moved in next door. Wouldn't they want that person to be rehabilitated, and emotionally stable. Most of them say that will never happen. And then i hit with it. "what would you say if i told you i was in prison and did a total of almost six years" and you should see the dumb looks that come accross their face. Most of the guys i had worked with knew but never said anything so when i move to a different job site or work for a new superintendent its always fun to see what kind of face they come out with.
But the sad reality is that a lot of people in society believe that if it happens behind the wall then it doesn't effect them and some even have the audasity to believe that people actually deserve it..


Peter

I have some terrible news. There is so much abuse going on in our prison system that it just sickens me. In a unit that my son was in, a cellie of his was abused by a lieutenant. It was sexual abuse. This young man just had to endure it because the CO told him that if he tried to file a grievance, he would see to it that he never saw the light of day again. What is so hard is that this young man is gay and he was taken advantage of. I talked to one of the CO's who is also a minister and he told me that this particular CO has had several accusations against him and still nothing is being done. There are many who are incarcerated because of sexual offenses, but the CO's who are committing these crimes have nothing happen to them. It is very sick. No one should be treated in this manner. Thanks for letting me vent.

If your boyfriend has witnessed this type of behavior why hasn't he come forward to expose those responsible? I would !!
Have you ever heard the saying " snitches get stitches" ? It happens everyday in county, state and federal facilities.

You keep to yourself and watch your back.

Penwife,

I have to back up Tradewiz, if you want to stay healthy snitiching is not the way to go.

You keep it to yourself.

Patti

It doesn't matter where or in what country prisoners are being abused, raped and tortured. It is just as bad.

As somebody who has no direct connection with prison and no friends or family, fortunately, ever incarcerated and who is trying to do something
as a concerned citizen who is ashamed of our penal system, sadly, I have to agree with you.
It says a great deal about the humanity and morality of our society
that so few care. I think some of it is out of ignorance....but then why doesn't the press educate the public.
If felons could vote that might help a little. At least a few politician might care a bit more.