by Jerry Riley

Yeah, now that I’ve got your attention this column is about the prison system and comments I received after my column, “Life Sentence, for whom?” which was published. awhile ago. Most people were amazed at what I had said, several did some research and found out I was right, yes, and what a revoltin’ development this is!

Some said, “Prisons should be worse than what a homeless person encounters.Upon conviction a person should lose all but the most basic human rights.” They thought that the government should provide adequate shelter, food and medical attention, but NEVER more than anyone on the outside has to provide for themselves. Prisons, even local jails, should be  places to avoid and a place no one wants to return to. One person even suggested I should cook for the inmates!

Many people got the feeling that we, the taxpayers, not only support these convicted criminals, but may encourage some people to return to prison. My research indicated this is known as becoming institutionalized, unwilling, or unable to function without supervision. This is a result of people being in prison for one long period of time, or periodic shorter periods of imprisonment.

One person thought it was wrong of me to point out the financial burden those serving life sentences are placing on the taxpayer. Well, as I’ve said before, my columns educate, entertain, and upset people. Often all at the same time.

It’s really hard to come up with answers before we really understand what the questions are.

Jerry Riley comments for the News Bulletin. He is a retired telecommunications supervisor.

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