Prisoner Rights

[peacetraveler22]

Criminal psychology is a fascinating area of study, at least to me. This week, news spread that 79 year old Charles Manson filed for a marriage certificate to marry "Star," a 25 year old woman from Illinois. She was only 16 when she first discovered Manson on the Internet and immediately became attracted to his environmental philosophy, at least that's the story she tells the press. They speak almost every day on the phone, and she's permitted to visit him on weekends. However, conjugal visits are prohibited, so technically sex is not permissible unless they find creative ways to engage in the act without security guards noticing. Entirely possible! People are always finding clever ways to engage in sex in public places or under tight scrutiny.

I started thinking recently about what rights the most evil and heinous prisoners like Manson should have. Should he be allowed to marry? Have sexual visits with his soon to be wife? Some American prisoners have access to TVs, Internet and books on occasion. The most notorious of killers receive thousands of emails from women interested in pursuing romantic relationships with them. What makes a woman attracted to such a person? I can't understand it, maybe there are some psychologists amongst my readers who can explain? As you can see, Manson's soon to be wife is not some ugly duckling. She's quite attractive and well spoken, yet drawn to a prisoner who committed some of the most horrific murders in American history. Future husband with a swastika tattooed on his forehead? Apparently it's attractive to at least one person. You can hear her explain the relationship in this interview.

I know nothing about the Russian prison system, or how inmates are treated there. What rights do you think prisoners should have? Internet, TV, books, privacy for sexual relations if they're married or have a girlfriend? I'm torn on this subject, not sure how I feel...

Comments

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

What do you mean not be humiliated? The prison population usually takes care of itself, at least in America. At the bottom of the barrel are rapists and pedophiles. They are commonly killed by other inmates.

[pro100-petrov.livejournal.com]

I mean, the prisoners are also human beings

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

So you would never support the death penalty? Sorry, I think some people on earth lose the right to be called "human" based on their horrific actions towards others. But I'm not a very forgiving person.

[pro100-petrov.livejournal.com]

Are you sure that the death penalty could prevent that horrific actions?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

It can't stop the prior actions, atrocities or mental damage caused by Manson's murders. But I would prefer that my tax dollars not be spent to keep a person like that alive. On average, it costs $30,000 per year per inmate to keep them housed, fed, medical treatment...I know some people always maintain the hope that an individual can be rehabilitated at any point, but in my view there are some people who are beyond all hope. Yes, this is judgmental to say, but it's my personal opinion.

[pro100-petrov.livejournal.com]

:) So, you have got better situation than we do. Because the budget of Russia does not depend of our taxes

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

In Russia, isn't there also a flat tax rate? In America, it depends on your salary. So, I'm in a very high tax bracket. Almost 30% of earnings!!

[pro100-petrov.livejournal.com]

But the budget of Russia consists mostly of oil and gas money

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

But citizens also pay taxes!

[pro100-petrov.livejournal.com]

But that taxes are not important. It is a very small amount of money

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Lucky you! :)

[pro100-petrov.livejournal.com]

I am not quite sure about it

[south-of-broad.livejournal.com]

Amen, sister)

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Great minds think alike. :)

[south-of-broad.livejournal.com]

We have this inside joke:
- What's your thinking on the death penalty?
- Next!
Seriously , who thinks about his victims, their families, how they had to come to the terms with the loss of their children? He doesn't, this crazy girl of his doesn't, we-the taxpayers- are paying for his food, clothes and other stuff ( whatever it is they have in prisons). He is safe as far as I concern and the children he had murdered are gone. Where is the retaliation?
Every time I read about the cases where the kids got hurt and their murderer got away unharmed I cannot help to think : what if...what if those were my kids?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I think most people who have issues with the death penalty are highly religious. They believe only one power has the right to judge or end lives. The same people oppose assisted suicide, abortion....I always think of my nephew when I read about horrible cases of child molestation or murder. :( Those who harm children should receive the worst prison sentences and treatment in my view.

[south-of-broad.livejournal.com]

I am not sure about that) the religious part I mean. I believe in God, I might not go to church every Sunday anymore, but I do believe in him just as most of the people in my life. And as you know we are also the right wingers, so go figure)))

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Right wingers - steam is currently coming out of their heads after Obama's speech last night! :))

[south-of-broad.livejournal.com]

Honestly, i didn't listen, just read transcripts , I cannot bring myself to listen to his lies. I've lived through one totalitarian regime already, have no desire to do it again. What he is doing is despicable.