I have noted that the Federal Bureau of Prison has done an
incredible job of rehab and outreach. This has had very
positive results. Now, we have even more enhancing abilities.
Like the "Virtual classroom." Think of the positive results
that were coming from educating those in prison. The thing was
that we were afraid to have them out in the public realm before
they were ready to.....so a lot of this was cut back on. But
with the "Virtual Classroom" they can now do this from their
prison cells. Now as far as the GED or high school equivalency
that should be available to anyone. But for the higher degrees
(college level courses and degrees) a system of paying for this
privilege would have to be worked out. But the important thing
is it could be done right on the premises. No need to leave
their jail cell and yet we can bring them the knowledge that may
change their lives forever.
I want to work on things so our children have less burden. If
you are not healing the problems.....as we have so blatantly
seen in our own lifetime you are just adding to the burden of
the next generation (our children). Enough is enough. Maybe
the key words should be "let's start doing the right thing!!!"
No the most inexpensive thing, not the most "with-it" thing, not
the most scientific thing, but what is the right thing for
"all". Where we all come out winners.
JoanB
Date: Fri, 20 Mar 1998
18:15:53 -0700 To: vision2020@moscow.com From:
Lou Sternberg <loustern@primenet.com> Subject: Re: Prison
Alternatives
The Boise Weekly had an extensive article a few weeks ago about Idaho's move
to privatizing the prison system. One point that they made is that, by
turning prisons into 'profit centers,' we create an instant corporate lobby
dedicated to keeping the prison system filled to capacity. Another point
they made is that, across the country, as prisons are privatized, the first
things to go are the services such as drug and alcohol rehab programs and
educational programs. Rehabilitation just doesn't show an immediate profit.
Lou
Lou Sternberg, Ph.D. (208)343-0555
5017 Bel Air loustern@primenet.com
Boise ID 83705-2777