Families of Prisoners Support Group
This community is dedicated to families that have been disrupted by prison. Having a loved one incarcerated or having been incarcerated comes with its own unique challenges that require support and understanding. Join the group to find others who know what you're going through, and to seek advice or share your experience.
Hillary Clinton, along with Obama, has also stated that she will use an executive order to ban the box.
The executive action would be intended to make it easier for people with criminal histories to be hired.
http://tinyurl.com/pd7zsqk
She also has stopped taking political donations from private prisons. Her campaign says she wants to "end the era of mass incarceration."
http://tinyurl.com/oajs2mx
Under the Obama administration, we have had attempts at prison reform, the War on Drugs has begun to wind down, and his administration is taking a lax view of minor drug crimes, such as marijuana.
Recently the Obama administration has announced that it will release thousands of inmates who were caught up in our ill-fated War on Drugs and received an unfair prison sentence.
The Justice Department is set to release about 6,000 inmates early from prison the largest one-time release of federal prisoners in an effort to reduce overcrowding and provide relief to drug offenders who received harsh sentences over the past three decades, according to U.S. officials.
http://tinyurl.com/pbalhsp
Whether you like Obama or Hillary or not----and I have no real opinion----we have to give credit where credit is due. Trust me, you would NEVER see these reforms under an administration of the opposite party. Conservatives are very tough on crime as that is their platform.
In fact, conservative groups, as we speak, are fighting hard against the "ban the box" proposals made by Hillary, Obama, and other more liberal minded politicians and they are having a fit that Obama is ordering a mass release of drug offenders whose sentence are far too harsh. This is how the conservatives work.
I have seen people call these people silly names, but it is time that we support the people that best represents our interests. It continues to amaze me that some people support politicians who are against their own best interests; it is just like shooting yourself in the foot.
rewdiazepam
PS Please, there is no need for a political argument here. I think these new proposals speak for themselves.
The executive action would be intended to make it easier for people with criminal histories to be hired.
http://tinyurl.com/pd7zsqk
She also has stopped taking political donations from private prisons. Her campaign says she wants to "end the era of mass incarceration."
http://tinyurl.com/oajs2mx
Under the Obama administration, we have had attempts at prison reform, the War on Drugs has begun to wind down, and his administration is taking a lax view of minor drug crimes, such as marijuana.
Recently the Obama administration has announced that it will release thousands of inmates who were caught up in our ill-fated War on Drugs and received an unfair prison sentence.
The Justice Department is set to release about 6,000 inmates early from prison the largest one-time release of federal prisoners in an effort to reduce overcrowding and provide relief to drug offenders who received harsh sentences over the past three decades, according to U.S. officials.
http://tinyurl.com/pbalhsp
Whether you like Obama or Hillary or not----and I have no real opinion----we have to give credit where credit is due. Trust me, you would NEVER see these reforms under an administration of the opposite party. Conservatives are very tough on crime as that is their platform.
In fact, conservative groups, as we speak, are fighting hard against the "ban the box" proposals made by Hillary, Obama, and other more liberal minded politicians and they are having a fit that Obama is ordering a mass release of drug offenders whose sentence are far too harsh. This is how the conservatives work.
I have seen people call these people silly names, but it is time that we support the people that best represents our interests. It continues to amaze me that some people support politicians who are against their own best interests; it is just like shooting yourself in the foot.
rewdiazepam
PS Please, there is no need for a political argument here. I think these new proposals speak for themselves.
Are there any other candidates besides Hilary that are" running? Not sure I like her, but if she is for helping inmates and criminal records with all that entails and effects then maybe she is worth thinking about. No one else seems to help us. BUT question is, even if she got in, she can't push it through alone, even as President, can she?? No one wants to help " criminals". It is not politically smart. They are afraid to help, thinking people will hate them then.
I say if anyone is helping us get things fixed in this crap justice system, then vote for them.
Hugs,
Pat
Actually Jim Webb proposed prison reform several years ago before anyone else even thought about it.
I don't care for Hillary that much as I think her and Bill are nothing but "professional politicians," but if she can help this country---and do anything to help the people I support--- then that is who we need. Inmate's families and people going through the criminal justice system need all the help they can get and I don't care if it comes from a man or a woman.
Frankly, the men of this country have done such a lousy job of running this nation, that maybe it is time to elect more female politicians. Their life experiences are much different than men's and maybe we need to try something different in this country. Sometimes females see things from a different perspective than males and that might be helpful.
I don't really care about any person's party affiliation or whether they are conservative or liberal; I would sing the conservative's praises if they were the one proposing prison reform.
I only care that someone will get the ball rolling to bring some help and relief to the millions of inmates' families. These are the people I work with and they are important to me.
Politics is a dirty and nasty business. I have been at this for a while, and for once, I see a glimmer of hope that the country is willing to address the problems in our criminal justice system.
I want candidates and politicians that will give folks like us some HOPE.
After all, sometimes hope is all we have.
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Yes, of course, Hillary is not the only candidate, but she is the only viable candidate who has shown any inclination of helping us. Donald Trump is a bully and hates minorities, Ben Carson is book intelligent, but his views are far too extreme, so that does not leave anyone else.
Trump has some good ideas, but he is not Presidential and is a loose cannon. I would fear his decisions.
Wisconsin, you said, "BUT question is, even if she got in, she can't push it through alone, even as President, can she?? No one wants to help " criminals". It is not politically smart. They are afraid to help, thinking people will hate them then."
Both Obama and Hillary plan to use an "EXECUTIVE ORDER" which bypasses Congress. Both Obama and Hillary promise to use an Executive Order to ban the box. This is an order and the only way it can be challenged is by a veto which requires a 2/3 vote by Congress or a lawsuit. I don't think Congress would pursue an Executive Order at this point.
http://tinyurl.com/pratrap
I have been in prison reform and support for the families of inmates for many years now, and I now see a glimmer of hope that conditions may change for the millions of ex-offenders and their families----the people I love and care about.
Does everybody actually understand what this would mean? A job applicant would no longer have to check the box on the applications where it says, "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?" Why? There will be no more boxes.
People like Ivan and Pat's husband and every other man and woman who has a felony conviction will now have a much better chance at getting a job so they can support their family.
It is a matter of inmate's family having real HOPE and being happy for once.
And, isn't that what this game called life is all about----happiness?
rewdiazepam
I think I will research what she has to say about this subject, more. Thanks Rew!
It seems the justice system, cops, courts, corrections are the ones out of control and this should be dealt with too.
Look at the news recently. That cop that was doing a slew of illegal things, but to cover his tracks claimed someone had shot at him. He used this as a decoy to cover the fact he was guilty of something, about to be found out, and was about to commit suicide. And he did. In the meantime he had hundreds of cops out there on a huge, massive manhunt for men that we never ever shooting at him. It was all a lie by another corrupt cop. He used money he was supposed to be spending on some youth program for his own luxuries and sick perversions.
It seems that cops are out of control. Time to figure that out and deal with it too. NOT all cops. But many. They have such power. They can do anything they want to anyone. It goes to some of their heads. I am sick of our people being imprisoned for minor violations of probation for a long period of time while these asses get away with many things for long periods of time. That cop had been stealing and doing bad stuff for 7 years that they know of. Where were his superiors? Were they blind to it? If so what else aren't they noticing?
The 6,000 federal inmates with drug charges are those inmates who were given harsh federal sentences during the War on Drugs. Yes, this only includes federal inmates as Obama cannot grant an early release of any kind to a state inmate as he does have the power to do so. The control of state inmates is up to the governor of each state and Obama cannot intrude on the state handling their own inmate problem.
Up to 40,000 federal inmates may be eligible for early release in the future.
I know this may not help many here, but it is a start in the right direction. I have been working on prison reform and inmate's rights for some time now, and this is the first glimmer of hope I have seen that the tide may finally be turning for justice for some of the guys who were convicted for long terms.
Dreams are fulfilled one dream at a time. This may not help Ivan as he will be out and it may not help a lot of people on this board, but I am in this fight for the long term, and it is important to me and the friends I have that have been unfairly convicted.
You asked, " What is going to help our people we love in state prisons??? Probably no one and nothing???"
In Wisconsin, the people might start by not electing guys like Scott Walker and Paul Ryan. These are two right wing, very conservative guys who are very tough on crime. The people of each state are responsible for part of this prison mess. When they continue to vote for these kinds of politicians, this is what they get.
There is an old quote------"The government the people elect is the government they deserve."
Many of the more radical prison policies have been enacted as a result of these kinds of politicians.
Of course the cops are out of control and have been for a long time. There is no accountability when a police officer does something wrong and DAs are just absolutely ruthless. I don't need to tell you, Wisconsin, my attitude toward cops and the system as we have had this discussion many times.
Wisconsin, you said, " I am sick of our people being imprisoned for minor violations of probation for a long period of time while these asses get away with many things for long periods of time."
You may be sick of it, but you are probably not as sick of it as I am. I went through all the nonsense, so I know close up how unfair the system is.
Those of us in prison reform are doing all we can to turn the tide. We just have to be patient.
rewdiazepam
I hate Scott Walker. I thought it was a joke when he was going to run for President. Truthfully, I don't know much about Paul Ryan. But maybe it's time I start paying attention. I do appreciate the fact you are fighting for prison reform. And whether it affects just federal prisoners, it's a start.
I do think that the war on drugs is a useless battle. We know it will never end. There are too many people making big money off it, including politicians, cops, etc. That will never end.
Drunk drivers are dumb asses and dangerous, but they sure don't have a chance of changing when society glorifies drinking everywhere you go. It's on TV, movies, commercials, and more. This state has 5 breweries, and they lobby to keep their business going and thriving. This state would lose so much money if they didn't let alcohol be sold in everything besides churches.
I will never say what Ivan did was right. I do say that prison is not helping him or changing him in a good way. And they know it won't. Recidivism keeps those prisons overcrowded, and keeps many people employed.
Prison reform has to start somewhere, so it is great you are getting involved. I know the history of what happened to you, and it is an awesome way to fight back for what they did to you. You know the in's and out's of the system more than I do. You are a smart guy, who knows MANY things, and we need more people like you to fight this fight, and explain things to us so we can be smarter and know what we can and can't do.
I am glad for those 6000 inmates in federal prisons if it does happen. I just wish they would start thinking smarter on the state level. We had a governor a few years ago, who wanted more alternatives to prison, than putting them in prison. But when Scott Walker came in, what was left of those plans all got shot to hell.
Scott Walker was hated so much, they wanted to get him fired, but somehow, he got to stay in office and even got re elected. You wonder how that happens when so much of the state's people HATED him. Makes you wonder..... do the voters really put a person in office, or are there other ways it happens??? Hmmm? What do you think Rew?
If Paul Ryan is on board with prison reform with Obama, then that is great. Obama will not be in office much longer and we need support from both parties to implement the reforms we need.
I am somewhat skeptical that, considering Paul Ryan's past political stances on issues, he would support prison reform; but at this point I will be on board with him, as we need help.
There are a couple of reasons that politicians have finally come to their senses and are addressing prison reform in this country----
There are 2.2 million people incarcerated in the United States.
The first reason is that the states and the feds have finally realized they cannot afford to incarcerate such a high number of individuals who have committed non-violent crimes. The cost has become prohibitive and this country and the states cannot afford the prison space they need to keep this many people in prison.
The other reason is that with 2.2 million people currently in prison----and don't forget those inmates who were once in prison but have since been released-----more and more families have been affected by a system that is unfair and unduly harsh.
There are currently 20 million felons in this country, so the segment of the country with a felon in the family is significant. Many felons cannot vote, but their families can. Politicians see that and take note.
If there are 20 million felons in this country and each felon has just three family members or friends that vote, that accounts for 60 million votes up for grabs at the next election. Sixty million votes are a very significant number and can easily sway an election.
We have almost reached a tipping point in that the prisons are just about as full as they can get. This is mostly the result of mandatory minimums, politicians passing laws with potentially long sentences, and DAs who would indict their mother if they thought it would help them at the next election.
DAs and detectives are some of the most cold-blood and merciless people in our country. The Higher Power will have to build a massive wing on the Auditorium of Hell to house the DAs who continually attempt to stick it to the poor and the detectives who lie, tell half truths, and even perjure themselves to ensure that everyone arrested is convicted-----guilty or not.
Injustices are many in this country. Anyone receiving a sentence which does not fit the crime, regardless of guilt or innocence, has suffered an injustice.
People like Ivan and many others are literally chewed up and spit out by the system. They receive little or no help for any problems they might have while incarcerated, yet we expect them to succeed upon their release. The fact that we make little effort to help these folks for their problems, makes their return back to prison almost a self-fullfilling prophecy in that it is predictable they will be back.
Most inmates, especially those with non-violent, non-contact crimes, are not evil people. They may have broken the law, but there was no evil intent.
We have to push for changes in this country so that those that need help, will receive that help. This revolving prison door makes absolutely no sense.
Nobody wins in situations such as Ivan's----not the state, not society, certainly not the offender, and not the offender's family.
It is time to take some of the politics out of our criminal justice system.
One of the reasons fools such as Scott Walker get elected is that people do not get out and vote. This is my and YOUR country. Look at the issues and get out there and vote these rascals out if you do not think they are serving your needs well.
Just a couple of days ago in Kentucky, the people elected an ultra right-wing Tea Party supporter, Matt Bevin, as governor. One of his major platforms was to dismantle the medical exchanges in the state which would cripple The Affordable Care act, AKA Obamacare. This would effectively put over 400,000 people without any health insurance.
He was able to get elected because the Democrats stayed home and did not vote, leaving the choice mostly up to the Republicans. We cannot afford to do that.
Reforms will come, but they will travel at a glacier-like speed.
rewdiazepam
I looked up another one about Paul Ryan. I had heard he was a good guy, but then everyone has their supporters. In that one he wants more help for inmates to succeed once out. I can't remember all of it.
I just don't trust politicians. You are right though. I said it a long time ago on here. If every family and every person that had someone in prison took a stand together somehow, we would have a lot of power. That's well over 60 million realistically, so if the word got spread to vote against someone who isn't good for our cause and TO vote for ones who are. We could help make a difference.
You say "Whether you like Obama or Hillary or not----and I have no real opinion----we have to give credit where credit is due. Trust me, you would NEVER see these reforms under an administration of the opposite party. Conservatives are very tough on crime as that is their platform. "
You have neglected to ruminate that the Blue Dog Conservative Dems throughout the south are also "tough on crime." Such a blue dog, Prosecuting Attorney Scott Ellington of the 2nd Judicial in Arkansas, has been especially tough on sex offenses, African americans, and he appears to be stonewalling a possible prosecution of a Circuit Court judge in Garland County, AR for leaving his baby in a hot car for several hours and that baby died. They look out for 'their own" and don't care about the rest of us.
I was generally speaking that the conservative, red, Republican states are generally tougher on crime than the blue states.
Follow this link------
http://tinyurl.com/qaw6utc
Then follow the link I gave in my initial post; this will take you to a map of the United States------
http://tinyurl.com/qeyun8b
If you follow the first link, you will see a discussion I started on the "Families of Sex Offender" board regarding poverty, incarceration, racism, and politics. Following my original post, there is a very interesting discussion showing the extent some people will stick with their political party----or whether they are a conservative or a liberal-----and how, even in the face of overwhelming evidence that they are wrong----refuse to change their position.
If you follow the second link, you will see an article concerning politics and incarceration and how they are related. There is also a discussion about the link between racism, obesity, and education, but we are interested in the link between politics and incarceration at the present time.
If you then scroll down the page, you will see a map of the United States under the heading "Southern states are controlled by Republicans."
The map shows the red----conservative, Republican----states and the blue----more liberal, Democratic controlled-----states.
Notice the states that are historically the toughest on crime, which passes the harshest laws, and which are generally pro-death penalty are the states we label the "Bible Belt" AND they are red, conservative, Republican controlled states.
Everyone working in prison reform knows that the Bible Belt states are toxic to inmates, felons, sex offenders, and their families.
The Bible Belt states are red----conservative states. It is no coincidence that the red states are the states that are the toughest on crime and states that are not felon-friendly.
This is my point, that conservatives or Republican pass more laws and harsher laws regarding crime, imprisonment, and the sex offender registry.
Frankly, any ex-offender or his family who votes Republican are voting against their own interest and just don't understand the fact that Republicans are their arch enemy.
And, yes, there are DAs of the Democratic Party who are tough as nails, but generally the Democratic Party is not as harsh toward felons or sex offenders as the Republican Party.
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