Hello to all my wonderful group members!  I am so happy that you are a part of my group and I really would like to get some good discussions going here!

I would like to thank those who are a part of my group and would like to encourage you all to become more active here!  I need some good discussions going, not just me posting articles and my opinions. 

So please, come in and look at the topics and write stuff down!  Or get your own thread going.  Do what you can to promote this group to your friends who would be interested.

Thanks for being a part of a very important group...maybe somehow we can figure out a way to effect some change on our corner of the world?

oh ya, maybe if you feel like it, you can write some stuff about yourself here?  Just so I can get to know who you are, and who is actively coming here to read, post whatever.  I'd like to get an idea on how many ACTIVE members I have on here.  If you don't put something here, I may end up sending you an email to remind you to come to the group, as I will think that you are INACTIVE here...okay?

Thanks again to you all...see you soon...alikat

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It's me,

Spooky

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Thanks Spooky!  Looks like it is just you and me for the moment.

Where is everyone?? LOL

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I'm very lucky to work for the State. I get Presidents Day off. Plus I had to take my little cat in to be spayed and microchiped. She's doing fine.

Spooky

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I've just been busy trying to keep up with stuff and things.

I'm here. Count me!

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hey - this is my 'present' in the roll...

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Hi Noel and Iain! 

Glad to see you here also!  I do see you all on here posting, so I am thankful for your support of my group! 

Do you have any suggestions to me about this group?  How can I keep people interested and involved in discussion?  Unfortuately, I can't be here all the time to keep things going, but had hoped that the members would have enough to keep them going in between my visits here, which by the way are almost daily, but amount of time per day to devote to my groups is low.

Anyhow, thanks to Spooky, Noel and Iain for being the 1st three to respond!

YAY

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Hello, I'm new here......

Silvera

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Thanks for coming in here

we look forward to your input!  I'll be posting some stuff today...later...but look around and see if you want to comment on something.

bye for now...

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Dear Ali, et al,

Good day, all. Thanx for posting! I hope you and yours are well and will continue to be. Cool group. Good lines of inquiry and questions. One needs only to compare European crime and punishment systems with the US to understand clearly that "we, the people" are allowing our gov't, with its injustice system, to devolve our society by manufacturing a permanent underclass by which the permanent overclass only makes ever increasing amounts of gov't welfare; feeding on taxpayers. See Finland's for example! We incarcerate 30 % of the world's prisoners, while we're only 5 % of the world's population! I've never been a prisoner, yet, could have been due to my political and social work, yet, avoided it for my for my families' sake. Pass them on 
STOP CHILD EXECUTIONS: Here and abroad  A.I.
http://www.geocities.com/alabamajuveniles/AI_petition.html
CHILD EXECUTIONS: A History
http://www.amnestyusa.org/abolish/juve.html
Alabama juvenile Death Penalty Project
http://www.geocities.com/alabamajuveniles/
Death Penalty Information Center
http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/index.php
American Bar Association Juvenile Justice Center
http://www.abanet.org/crimjust/juvjus/home.html
www.congress.org or www.fcln.org
http://www.petitiononline.com/LERA/petition.html

Act Now:
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=10673
- - - - - - - - - - - -
RESOURCES ONLINE
 The Program to Abolish the Death Penalty updates the information below on
a regular basis. Follow the links below for the latest information on these topics.
 Pending Executions:
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=10595 
 Case Updates:
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=10596 
 Select State and National Updates:
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=10597 
 Upcoming Events:
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=253792&l=10598
All, what do you think? Lest "we" forget, if you don't exercise responsibility, its Siamese sister, freedom, will wither, as well. Sadly, now, it first needs to be exorcized before its exercised. Copy, share, as you will. Enjoy an estival eve'. I look forward....
 
Matutinally Yours,        james m nordlund      reality (aja)
 
Disabled Greens News and discussion
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisabledGreensNews/ ,
Abuse in Therapy  http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AbuseinTherapy/
Diffabled, Mental Health, all related issues, advocacy, and professionals:
Invite link: http://passport.care2.net/invite.html?g=880   Homepage:
http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Diffabled_MentalHealth_Action 

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Glad to see you here!  Thank you for all your contributions to my group...very cool member with lots of info!

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This forum provide the vechile for discussion on issues that relates to the many unfortunate people found within this society being imprisoned !

I do believe that with the severe budget cuts effecting many families these issues found within this forum will be all the more important to provide a voice to those silent voices who are families in need for FOOD, Clothing, & Shelter!

I'm curious will we see older people who are having to make choices for food over medicine will end up being apart of that number in prison for maybe just wanting food would steal or beg for it!

All member in this forum provides the vechile of expression for the positive ideas in creating solutions!

Within 6weeks Martha Stewart will be release, a multi-millionaire found gulity for stealing or making money in the Stock Market case shows a double edge  standard when the people trust were voliated when many hard working people invested in the stock market lose there hard earned money while she made a Profit!

But  Martha Stewarts  sentence would not compare to the descendence of african slaves who is serving Life due to outright racial biase of the laws which has imprisoned over 1.5 million black men, women, & children in prison for LIFE!

This Shame is apparent that most whites harbor deep-down hatred or  they do not Care!

And this is why I appeal  and  challedge those concern whites to support & help galvanized  a Moral & Humane Amnesty Movement for the release of those descents of Africa Slaves to be granted amnesty along with Kenny Lay!

But my condition is for them not to be a burden to the States by release them BACK TO AFRICA!

This No different for the English colony in 1500!

For Them to Atone for their Sins committed but not being a burden to the already 10 Trillion dollar deficit  & The Budget Cuts with More Out -Sourcing of America Jobs!

I would like to see the World Stand Up Against This Modern Day Enslavement of the Africa Slave's children in 2005!

Give Us Back A Life For A Life for every Africa Slave murder, raped, stolen,& lynched this would serve has a process for atonement be fore the Earths Creator for those Slave masters- children who were not bought to Justice!

And for those crimes of bombing, murdering, rape,& lynching  committed  during & after   JIM CROW!

Those who fore-parents found within the DEEP North & South who where not bought before Justice System!

   Help Us , Give Us Back A Life For A Life!

And Remove the Sins of the Slavemaster thru

 this  Atonement Process !

Wisdom2See

www.TalkBlackLiveRadio.com

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This forum provide the vechile for discussion on issues that relates to the many unfortunate people found within this society being imprisoned !

I do believe that with the severe budget cuts effecting many families these issues found within this forum will be all the more important to provide a voice to those silent voices who are families in need for FOOD, Clothing, & Shelter!

I'm curious will we see older people who are having to make choices for food over medicine will end up being apart of that number in prison for maybe just wanting food would steal or beg for it!

All member in this forum provides the vechile of expression for the positive ideas in creating solutions!

Within 6weeks Martha Stewart will be release, a multi-millionaire found gulity for stealing or making money in the Stock Market case shows a double edge  standard when the people trust were voliated when many hard working people invested in the stock market lose there hard earned money while she made a Profit!

But  Martha Stewarts  sentence would not compare to the descendence of african slaves who is serving Life due to outright racial biase of the laws which has imprisoned over 1.5 million black men, women, & children in prison for LIFE!

This Shame is apparent that most whites harbor deep-down hatred or  they do not Care!

And this is why I appeal  and  challedge those concern whites to support & help galvanized  a Moral & Humane Amnesty Movement for the release of those descents of Africa Slaves to be granted amnesty along with Kenny Lay!

But my condition is for them not to be a burden to the States by release them BACK TO AFRICA!

This No different for the English colony in 1500!

For Them to Atone for their Sins committed but not being a burden to the already 10 Trillion dollar deficit  & The Budget Cuts with More Out -Sourcing of America Jobs!

I would like to see the World Stand Up Against This Modern Day Enslavement of the Africa Slave's children in 2005!

Give Us Back A Life For A Life for every Africa Slave murder, raped, stolen,& lynched this would serve has a process for atonement be fore the Earths Creator for those Slave masters- children who were not bought to Justice!

And for those crimes of bombing, murdering, rape,& lynching  committed  during & after   JIM CROW!

Those who fore-parents found within the DEEP North & South who where not bought before Justice System!

   Help Us , Give Us Back A Life For A Life!

And Remove the Sins of the Slavemaster thru

 this  Atonement Process !

Wisdom2See

www.TalkBlackLiveRadio.com

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Hi everyone!

I am a new member here, I have just got out of the Kay county jail from a five month vacation!!   Of course I didn't have a private jet to pick me up like Martha Stewart

The worst five months of my life  I don't think there is any way to make it better 

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Thanks to all of you for coming here and letting me know that you are active members.

Unfotunately I have been sick these last few weeks, fighting flu, and eye infection, and so I haven't been around much anymore.  Also, I had realized a need to spend a little less time on Care2, so here I am, with a few minutes on my hand.

Well, I hope that you all will continue to come here and read and post, or just read...but I do encourage the discussion and interaction with each other.

That's all for now, and I look forward to seeing you on the boards..

alikat

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Well, you can all count me in here. because my brother is a prison warden and I have a cousin that is an undercover cop,police officer and thank God on the swat team if they are needed. We need justice for the true criminals, but due to lack of evidence alot of people are in prison who are not guilty. This is not fair.

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We Wish For You  A Speedy Recovery in Mind, Body & Spirit!

Sip some herbal hot tea! It has worked for me and enjoyed the healing effects!

Wisdom2See

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Where would I post a petition to stop an execution?
Well heck, how about right here... Got this from a friend just this evening. She is acquainted with this person.

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/alive205/petition.html

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I am new to this group, but not the subjects... Its 5:30 am and I am about to go to bed, just came in to read a bit ... I'll post more later.

Peace ~Barb~

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"Prison works" is something we hear from politicians and I don't know how they can say that unblushingly.  It is used to lock up mentally ill people who should be in hospital, young lads who can't cope with the rape and mayhem so commit suicide, and does not even attempt to rehabilitate offenders.  This is not the fault of the prison staff, but our government, which is too cheapskate to provide the funds to help people to build a life.  Lots of prisoners never had a chance, and some education might help them to go straight afterwards.

Those people who have no awareness or conscience over other people's welfare, are allowed to go on helping themselves to our stuff and leaving us with what they don't want.  Confrontation is a far better approach, and gives both sides of the transaction a better chance for feedback.   Some people should be in prison, but an improved system where people are not let out until they have made progress. 

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Hi I live in australia and have a brother spending four years in gail for dealing to an undercover cop.... I am finding it hard as when I go for my visit I feel that I am also the criminal.... How the %#&!*% are they suppose to learn when we the visitor gets treated like %#&!*%... Is it the same in the US

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I dont think my veiws will be liked here especially by a few I am not sure I should be here ------ I spent many years in and out----of jails ----  and have not broken a law in over 14 years I spend a ;ot of time -=-- every day somtimes volentary working with juviniles and adults in and out of the system, I will come back and listen to wat you say but I am not sure if I should stay !-

Hope you are all well !

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I do believe it is very lop sided those states which have harsher laws for drug dealers than for child molesters. The laws should be unuiformly the same all across the United States regarding this violent crime.

But how many more children will have to die before it is done?????????

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Not only do children die, but children live.  Live with the memories and the harsh reality that most children do not tell adults that they were abused.  So they live their lives in shame, thinking they did something wrong.  All the meanwhile the offenders are out doing it to other children until they are caught, and put away for a couple of years.  Oh yay, a couple of years.  What is a couple of years to a childs life that was horribly changed for LIFE?? 

I am actually trying to start a grassroots org in my area to try and stiffen the laws up here, because they are so pathetic up here. 

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Been very busy with some of the groups I co-host, so I don't always get the chance to pop in to see what is going on.

But I am still here.

Nice piece Dawud, I hope everyone has the chance to listen in on one of Wisdom2see's Internet radio shows. I have been a guest on a number of ocassions and it's worth checking out. He's a great host, and a great man attempting to get a serious message across to the rest of the world. So if you have a moment to spare click on the link he provided and add it to your favorites. As he always says, "You won't hear this on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN or anywhere else but right here on Black Talk Live Radio.

It has always been a pleasure to do a show with Wisdom2see, and I always look forward to next one we do. We discuss topics where the main stream media fears to tread. We tell it like it is, and if Bush doesn't like it he can move to Iraq!

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 ToHonorable Mr .Stephen Shannon ,

You  are great help to every decent & respectable human being on this planet that see the need to Stand Up In the Name Of Humanity!

I always enjoyed having you as a co-host  on our show which you help provide the listeners with well researched informational materials & topics that not only address the seriousness of the issues but encourage other with Hope & Solutions  !

All is invited to listen in and share comments on the on topics found within this forums and my favorite the Global Energy OIL Crisis and its Impact on the American Families!

The need for Major Prison Reform and African American Patient Prisoner Amnesty Release To Africa Reform Bill!

What comments you would like to share is your opportuny to share your thoughts with the world!

Wisdom2See

www.TalkBlackLiveRadio.com

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Hi. I'm not new to signing the petitions, but i'm new to actually going through the Care2 site. It's pretty cool. I saw this group and joined because it looks interesting.

My comment is about the ridiculous sentences child molestors receive. I saw a post here talking about how drug dealers get more time than pedophiles. It's true, and it's sick. I'm not saying that drug dealers should go without punishment, but i believe they can be rehabilitated. Pedophiles do not and can not rehabilitate without chemical castration. They can go to therapy all day long, and twice on Sunday, but they still have the desires they have. It's like telling a straight person they could never have sex with the opposite sex again. Sexual preference cannot be legislated; it simply is what it is. Pedophiles have a sexual preference..youngsters. It's not a gender-based preference, but it is a preference nonetheless.

My solution? Life sentences without the possiblity of parole. Period. Let's face it..the kids they molest are given the same sentence by the molestors.

I really hope this group becomes more active. It looks like one of the more interesting groups here, and i'd love to exchange ideas with others, and see if we can get some momentum going on getting these laws changed to provide stiffer penalties for pedophiles.

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Hi everyone - as you can see, my name is Simon

I believe everyone can be rehabilitated. And I think we can prevent crime, and eliminate the need for prisons, rehabilitation, threats of punishment, etc., by changing society, to socialize all people in very healthy ways, such that no-one desires to nor chooses to commit crimes 

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Eric A.

comment:

you are trying to reform ----- statistics my ass --- have you been there?--

--- How many people from the prison system do you know on a personal basis?


- How many people IN the prison system do you know on a personal basis?

How many have you helped PERSONALLY to rehabilitate?

How about eliminating prejudice – starting with our own!

When ideas and thoughts and statements are devoid of prejudice and all its manifestations the work will be much more affective.

answer: I agree and when you can see the reason for your support of giving  US back a LIFE for Life African Prisoner Release Amnesty Program For Them To Live Out There Lifes Sentences  in Another Country or Africa granting them a 2nd Chance in Life like to English prisoners where granted in the 1500s to come here to America to start a new LIFE which they will not get here in America!

It is real easy to sit back and talk about it and throw around statistics and biased / prejudice statements but if you have not had direct personal involvement what do you really know?

answer: YES & We Agree WE ARE DOING ONE BETTER THAN THAT WE ARE OFFERING REAL SOLUTIONS! 

FOR AMERICA 's Atonement & Reparations

We confirmed this believe thru the Million Man March & The Million More Movement has just began!

answer:
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Your augument about statistics & biased/ prejudice statements is a part of a recorded history is well known to us.

We will work day & night to see these issues be address  the plight of approximately 2.4 million Black men , women, & children which have no voice! The homelessness of the old will soon join the ranks !

But the guilt & shame of disappropiate number of african's born in american ties to the judiciary prison system in the eye sight of humanity is very important and your concerns as well but the challedge is to find a solution !

Our conclusion is that massive unemployment will continue with record housing  foreclosures hitting the banks ,with the money supply so tight upon a massive United States Deficit of 10 Trillion dollars!

We won't be surprise to find many people attempting to run on the Banks for their money will be closed to any opportuinty to a coming depression that will make the depression of the 30s look like childs play!

We are forecasting among the Great  Depression of the 21 century will be  a Great Famine Among The People Here In American!

Another Solutions Is To Get OurSelves Off The Grind & GO SOLAR!

In closing when do we become concern when the numbers of African In American Prison population get 3million ,4 million ,or 5million !

Support this African American Amnesty Release Back To African Program and you can start Saving The Tax Payers money!

And Stop The Modern Day Prison Form of Slavery!

Here We Provide Solutions!

Wisdom2See

www.TalkBlackLiveRadio.com

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Unfortunately I show no record but I do try to respond to as many as possible when time allow who may wish to contact me, the email you recieved this time outlines just some of objectives which we are strongly concerned about the economy for prevention of increaseing prison populations is dr=irectly linked to an needed job creation  efforts to insure strong families!

But due to outsourcing of American jobs overseas these issues will only grow till we can reduce this country from oil dependency to open new markets with Solar Energy to allow families more of their money back in their pockets from these High Utitlities Bills!

This Winter along could mean for many

We might not EAT & have Heat!

Are we might Eat & No heat!

This is what it is coming to the choices between paying the house note or rent to heating  or food.

An education that applies to the new trends in technology for example Solar Energy would produce over  100,000 jobs alone but would serve to change the land scape of the sick air environment we breath!

To remove the prejudice from the prison system entirely effecting the black populations by those serving out Life sentences to be Granted Amnesty and release back to Africa or country which would accept the terms of conditions!

The details for their release in basis on a behavior modication process & a completion of an educational skill to rehabilitate in Africa! This process is Not a Free LunchTicket They EARN IT!

The Truth is when comparison to the number of Africans born in America will never recieve a 2nd Chance on top of the existing economy cirumstances of the US debt of 10 trillions dollars!

And again back to my point we believe that it is criminially wrong before the eyesight of Humanity to even lock up onemillion black men ,women, or children in prison but when or if the numbers grow to the satisfaction of more than 3 to 5 million africans born in american WE HAVE AN ISSUE!

And there is no moral justification!

Whether it basis on Racism or Corporate greed of human trafficking.

It IS A Form Of Human Modern Day Slavery!

Wisdom2See

www.TalkBlackLiveRadio.com

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Prejudice is not limited to color of skin or race – prejudice also applies to —sexual, male or female—sexuality, straight, gay, lesbian, or whatever – political stances, -- financial standing (high or low), all ethnic and religious backgrounds – educational backgrounds—etc, etc.

Sorry Simon I did not mean necessarily that your statement was prejudice-- grandiose maybe but there is more to it than most people think - although I do like and admire your desire for a better social attitudes and teachings! I think it starts in the home and is more likely to be more effective on a grass roots scale.

Simon you wrote’

“I believe everyone can be rehabilitated. And I think we can prevent crime, and eliminate the need for prisons, rehabilitation, threats of punishment, etc., by changing society, to socialize all people in very healthy ways, such that no-one desires to nor chooses to commit crimes”

The statement “I believe everyone can be rehabilitated.” Is an admirable ideal yet lacks experience --- rehabilitation has to be grounded in the individual having a desire to change – that is the problem with that statement.

I realize it is hard not to make sweeping statements when dealing with political issues that entail discussion of people and their ethnic, religious, and economic backgrounds. Though there needs to be much understood on all sides of all the issues.

Now if I was mis-spoken - fine – and I will be the first say I am wrong  - but trust me they already are well aware of the need for prison reform and do not want it to happen.

To imply that a couple of policies are going to problem solve the issue of crime & Punishment  inAmerica. This would be a mistake and hubris as well.

To solve the problem of drug addiction in Fl or any other state would require involvement with Policies and Law making, as well as law enforcement (as in sentencing of convicted criminals).

As an Alumni (since 91) of the State of Fl. DOC in jail boot camp Drug and Alcohol program paid for by the state, (and one of their few remaining “success” stories / their words not mine) I have shared my story and views in rooms filled with Police and Correction officers the Governor his assistant and the Congress woman of Fl at the time, Corrine Brown.

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I have some personal insight after talking with the congress woman Corrine Brown personally between events that night –(we talked one on one for about 20 min) on the subject of drug addiction and state policies dealing with law enforcement, drug trafficking and rehabilitation along with reform.

I also spoke with a few members of official capacity in law making and law enforcement many times over the years. (I lived in Florida at the time JAX and–Tampa) I was asked by the Police dept of JAX. FL to assist with government programs for inner city kids (not as a member of NA but as a contributing citizen with special insight --- LOL)

I have also been invited to talk with young men 13 to 18 year old convicted felons in the Detroit  MI, at the Maxi School for Boys (max security felony juvenile facility)

As soon as one gets involved in problem solving at a State or Local level (NOTE Problem solving) there will be problems with affiliation, graft, kickbacks and messy situations .
. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Believe me when I say ---- I truly understand (more than most) having a sincere desire to help &/or be of service to reform of “The Industrial Prison Complex” and rehabilitation of inmates but when dealing with Government officials and policies (which always eventually boil down to $$$ --- and $$$ equals power ) it can get real tricky real quick.
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There are many organizations that bring convicts to rehabilitate facilities (some who do not want to be) without a desire (Oh God Eric, don’t go here you will catch hell for it) to change.

The jail system is filled with them and if you think a few letters / march’s / or whatever are going to slow down the $$$ that make everything run you are nuts ---

Most if not all 75% of the economy of the city of Starke is supplied by the DOC. Towns like Starke and Lawty are there because of the prisons. That’s were the income is at – that’s just to get started. So you can see how it can get real complicated real quick.

Region II Correctional Facility; Lake Butler, Florida /Florida State Prison; Raiford, Florida (commonly known as ‘Raiford’)

In all just between Jacksonville, Tallahassee and Ocala there are –

General Information (on July 29, 2005):
Major Institutions 14
Major Institution Annexes 6
Privatized Facilities 1
Forestry/Work Camps 8
Work Release Centers (WRCs) 4
Incarcerated Offenders 24,189

Do you have any idea how much revenue this creates for the small cities around those areas?

That includes but at the same time when getting involved in solving problems then it is a whole new ball game –

To be blunt, a lot of 'Prison officials' have known about all the reform issues for a long time and don’t care. I personally have been to facilities where they were not particularly happy about volunteers being there, to help prisoners get ready to readjusting to the outside.

So any answers will not be easily found nor agreed upon by most – even among people that care and are actively involved!

Even after / if we can get masses to agree upon change then the system / bureaucracy has to be addressed    --   and who is willing to step out and devote blood sweat and tears – it is easy to sit back like an arm chair quarterback and talk trash – unfortunately that is what most people want to do!

On my way to DC to help out my Uncle.  Will be off line for a little while.

Diabetes has him mostly blind now and other problems. Me and my brother are the only family he has, so I am going to go help him out – I got old recovery friends down there so all is OK ----- peace, and sanity to you all!

Maybe I can stir up something while I am there.--- not that I am the kind to stir things up

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 [ accepted]

Please accept these Stars for being a Conscious Voice For Those Reasons for Striving To At Least Find Solutions!

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Hello, just joined this group.

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I am here as often as I am able. So far, I have seen one that thinks he has the answer for some, but doesn't have the answer for the ones who would be excluded from his "movement".

Ladies and gentlemen of this group, I come to you a man who has been on the inside looking out. In the span of 3 years, I picked up a total of 11 felonies and countless misdemeanors (1993-1995).

I have been out of the trouble for 12 years, thanks to the decision that I WILL NOT GO BACK!!! I have seen the opportunity to backslide on many occasions, but have not. I have suffered, as are the 3 children I have produced between January 2003 and April 2006.

The problem is that society has demonized the covicted felon for so long that they haven't figured out how to give a man the opportunity to prove he has become a better person. Inflation goes up, gas prices rise, the cost of living goes up every year, but the minimum wage goes up with a minimal impact on the low income wage earners. Those with convictions return to society with no more than what we went to prison with, many times even less.

Give a man hope, when he returns to society, and the opportunity to rise out of where he has been all his life. Without some form of HOPE, we are forced to rethink our stand against going back to prison. If a man is released into the same society he came from, with the same skills he had before, with no way to support his family (employers ask if you've been convicted), what else can we expect from this man? A father will do whatever it takes to support his children and wife, regardless of the outcome! Drugs have become so prevalent in our society that this is the first thing a covicted drug dealer sees as an option, when the employers start to tell him they won't hire him ( due to his convictions).

We, as a society, must rapidly produce a system that revitalizes the work force, by making a way for a convicted felon to support himself and his family upon release. Give a man a chance: not many of us WANT to go back, but we will, if necessary. To watch our new families suffer because of a long gone past will make even the strongest man turn to the streets for help. We can't find a society that cares, so the streets have the answers we need, and the resources to support our families.

The estimated number (when I last looked) of convicted individuals was 1.7 million. If this many men and women are discarded by society as "outcasts", then the same society must be prepared to face a currently rising number of crimes, a constantly rising cost of keeping convicted men and women out of society, and a constant threat to the safety to those who haven't done anything to deserve to be victimized.

I am not saying that nobody deserves to go to prison for a chance to think about the crime. I am saying that, when they have served the sentence, allow him the opportunity to prove that he has made a change. Give him or her the needed skills or knowledge to BE PRODUCTIVE!!!! If we are held back from being able to do what's right, we are truly FORCED to return to a life of crime.

Sorry if I got out of control. My 3 children have seen Daddy sit at home for the last 3 months, working at Temp Services for 5.85 an hour just to feed them for a few days. I have 17 years experience in fast food: the only gap being when I was locked up. I have been refused employment, due to my "history", 7 times in the last 2 weeks, but that's only by the ones who had the decency to call back at all.

Dawuh, I am a white man: THEY WON'T ACCEPT ME IN AFRICA!! Is there an answer for the white man convicted of selling drugs, who has grown up in Detroit, where drugs are as much a part of the economy as McDonald's???? 

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Hi everyone! I thought I would join this group since I'm an ex- convict with a similar history as Eric A. I was a jailhouse lawyer during my incarceration and I self-studied criminal justice issues. In later years I got into the Bible which I now believe has the best answers to life's many problems including the criminal justice system.

Human aggression, exploitation and oppression have a long history severely affecting all the human race without exception. I figure the only possible way to break this pattern is through learning how to live communally without private property on the basis of Christ's teachings and God's commandments as the early Christian Church in Acts did. Acts 2:44,45; 4:32-35.

Under communal conditions, God's law can be instilled in the hearts and minds of man so well there will no longer be a need for an external, hierarchical legal system ineffectively applying after the fact punishment. Biblical prophesy indicates this will happen and the problems of crime and violence will become a thing of the past. Ezekiel 11:19-20; Hebrews 10:15-17.

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Hi, I'm Paula. I have been busy lately & haven't had the time to go to many of the groups I don't host. I thought I belonged to a group having to do with crime in some way & looked for it so I can post the article about the ex-prisoner who voted.

I don't consider prisoners to be bad people. I don't mean to make excuses for them, but I think a lot of them have been dealt a bad hand in life & turned to crime because of it. Drugs later on may force people to commit crimes to finance expensive habits. Someone who was on crack told me don't "f" with crack!

There are different reasons people go to jail.

I'm considering going back to school to study criminal justice.

paula

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  Hi everyone - I just joined this group.  I believe that we need to change the laws re: the "justice" system.  I had a home invasion by a guy that I dated 6 times.  When I ended things with him - he broke into my home - tried to cut my throat - threatened to kill my dogs - and only received 4 months - and then served 2!!!
  It took the police from Oct. 3/05 - Nov. 18/05 to catch him - and the police more than did their jobs on this - they came over every time I called.  We even found out that he had been "staying" in my garage for 2 weeks - watching me.  How many times I was out in my backyard with the dogs at night!!!
  I was given just 2 days notice of his release and had to relocate for my safety.  His probation for his 3 charges is up and I am back to looking over my shoulder - even in a new place.  It just isn't fair.  Perhaps if they had caught him with a few joints he would have received a much stiffer sentence. 
  Thanks - take care - De.

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I regret to tell you I have to leave Care2 and it will be forever.

My good friends always can contact me at my private e-mail-address.

I will send it to them when I still have the opportunity.

Love and peace from the old hippie.

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