We all have heard or read recently that United States has a huge problem with incarceration.We heard that there are more than 2 millions people behind bars currently in US.We heard that the country (US) with about 4% of world population incarcerates 25% of all prisoners in the world.If there are 2 millions inmates then there should be about the same number of mothers (plus sisters, brothers, wives and girlfriends). There should be millions of us, suffering from from the system.What surprises me is that out voices are not hear enough, that we are not organized in a better way..Am I the only one who thinks this way?
You outlined it quite well - we need to speak to our congressmen, the media, state officials and judges. Everyone who is elected - should hear from us. In addition, a better organization of our society would help as well. I am not criticizing the current structure, by no means! I am thinking about the ways to make it stronger and make our voices heard - to make it more the changing force and not only the forum to share our emotions. What is going on behind bars is outrageous, what happens after incarceration is over (limitations of living arrangements, education, employment... you name it) is outrageous too.
so Anna, after reading these what do you think we should do to become a louder voice, is it writing to our congressmen, state officials, the media, or who ever will listen and stand up and be heard to help with the overwhelming emotions that we all have because our loved ones are incarcerated? Just some thoughts on how to get stronger--what do you think?
Lori - thank you for your comment! I agree with everything you said. And even more we should feel a need of combining, joining our collective grief and concerns and let those politicians know! We need to make sure they know that people are suffering, families are suffering.
The increase in the number of prisoners does not mean "safer streets"!
Thank you for your comments!
I think there are ways to increase our presence in the fight for a better justice, shorter sentences and less barbaric after-prison terms.
Research showed convincingly that longer sentences do not make "better citizens" - actually, the outcome is just the opposite.
US is the only country (I am talking about well-developed, prosperous countries here) that has such archaic attitude towards those who had problems with the law.
We can make a difference if we address our legislature. BTW, judges and state's attorneys are still elected positions, aren't they.
I think our voices are being heard, I think the more letters we write, the more we pray, the more we share, are steps to change. I think we get stronger through sharing and helping each other. We are making a difference and we are gaining momentum each day.
You are not alone in thinking this way. The problem is that organizing something of that magnitude is a full-time job. Most of us have busy schedules and families to care for. I think most of us come here to cope and not feel alone in our grief. Spurring that grief into action takes a lot of effort, and for some people that would be overwhelming. This site is free counseling and help for those of us who are already too pressed on all sides. This is not a political action site, so I think most of us just want support at this time. But I hear you and agree with you. It would be nice to make an impact and change our world.
Comments
You outlined it quite well - we need to speak to our congressmen, the media, state officials and judges. Everyone who is elected - should hear from us. In addition, a better organization of our society would help as well. I am not criticizing the current structure, by no means! I am thinking about the ways to make it stronger and make our voices heard - to make it more the changing force and not only the forum to share our emotions. What is going on behind bars is outrageous, what happens after incarceration is over (limitations of living arrangements, education, employment... you name it) is outrageous too.
so Anna, after reading these what do you think we should do to become a louder voice, is it writing to our congressmen, state officials, the media, or who ever will listen and stand up and be heard to help with the overwhelming emotions that we all have because our loved ones are incarcerated? Just some thoughts on how to get stronger--what do you think?
The increase in the number of prisoners does not mean "safer streets"!
I think there are ways to increase our presence in the fight for a better justice, shorter sentences and less barbaric after-prison terms.
Research showed convincingly that longer sentences do not make "better citizens" - actually, the outcome is just the opposite.
US is the only country (I am talking about well-developed, prosperous countries here) that has such archaic attitude towards those who had problems with the law.
We can make a difference if we address our legislature. BTW, judges and state's attorneys are still elected positions, aren't they.
I think our voices are being heard, I think the more letters we write, the more we pray, the more we share, are steps to change. I think we get stronger through sharing and helping each other. We are making a difference and we are gaining momentum each day.
You are not alone in thinking this way. The problem is that organizing something of that magnitude is a full-time job. Most of us have busy schedules and families to care for. I think most of us come here to cope and not feel alone in our grief. Spurring that grief into action takes a lot of effort, and for some people that would be overwhelming. This site is free counseling and help for those of us who are already too pressed on all sides. This is not a political action site, so I think most of us just want support at this time. But I hear you and agree with you. It would be nice to make an impact and change our world.