Prison Strike in Georgia

[InkL0sed]

Georgia — On Thursday morning, December 9, 2010, thousands of Georgia prisoners refused to work, stopped all other activities and locked down in their cells in a peaceful protest for their human rights.

The December 9 Strike became the biggest prisoner protest in the history of the United States. Thousands of men, from Augusta, Baldwin, Hancock, Hays, Macon, Smith and Telfair State Prisons, among others, initiated this strike to press the Georgia Department of Corrections (“DOC”) to stop treating them like animals and slaves and institute programs that address their basic human rights. They set forth the following demands:

* · A LIVING WAGE FOR WORK
* · EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
* · DECENT HEALTH CARE
* · AN END TO CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENTS
* · DECENT LIVING CONDITIONS
* · NUTRITIONAL MEALS
* · VOCATIONAL AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
* · ACCESS TO FAMILIES
* · JUST PAROLE DECISIONS

Despite that the prisoners’ protest remained non-violent, the DOC violently attempted to force the men back to work—claiming it was “lawful” to order prisoners to work without pay, in defiance of the 13th Amendment’s abolition of slavery. In Augusta State Prison, six or seven inmates were brutally ripped from their cells by CERT Team guards and beaten, resulting in broken ribs for several men, one man beaten beyond recognition. This brutality continues there. At Telfair, the Tactical Squad trashed all the property in inmate cells. At Macon State, the Tactical Squad has menaced the men for two days, removing some to the “hole,” and the warden ordered the heat and hot water turned off. Still, today, men at Macon, Smith, Augusta, Hays and Telfair State Prisons say they are committed to continuing the strike. Inmate leaders, representing blacks, Hispanics, whites, Muslims, Rastafarians, Christians, have stated the men will stay down until their demands are addressed, one issuing this statement:

“…Brothers, we have accomplished a major step in our struggle…We must continue what we have started…The only way to achieve our goals is to continue with our peaceful sit-down…I ask each and every one of my Brothers in this struggle to continue the fight. ON MONDAY MORNING, WHEN THE DOORS OPEN, CLOSE THEM. DO NOT GO TO WORK. They cannot do anything to us that they haven’t already done at one time or another. Brothers, DON’T GIVE UP NOW. Make them come to the table. Be strong. DO NOT MAKE MONEY FOR THE STATE THAT THEY IN TURN USE TO KEEP US AS SLAVES….”

When the strike began, prisoner leaders issued the following call: “No more slavery. Injustice in one place is injustice to all. Inform your family to support our cause. Lock down for liberty!” So calls to the warden’s office of the following Georgia State Prisons expressing concern for the welfare of the prisoners during this and the next few days are welcome.

Macon State Prison is 978-472-3900.

Hays State Prison is at (706) 857-0400

Telfair State prison is 229-868-7721

Baldwin State Prison is at (478) 445- 5218

Valdosta State Prison is 229-333-7900

Smith State Prison is at (912) 654-5000

The Georgia Department of Corrections is at http://www.dcor.state.ga.us and their phone number is 478-992-5246

http://newsone.com/nation/newsonestaff2 ... rs-guards/

[Preditor]

Not a problem..... Chain gang there ass on the roads in Afghanistan and Iraq picking up trash. Plenty of health care and a great way to pay society back for the mistakes that have been made. Security will not be a problem with a striker team in the rear.

[HapSmo19]

[They set forth the following demands:

* · A LIVING WAGE FOR WORK
* · EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
* · DECENT HEALTH CARE
* · AN END TO CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENTS
* · DECENT LIVING CONDITIONS
* · NUTRITIONAL MEALS
* · VOCATIONAL AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
* · ACCESS TO FAMILIES
* · JUST PAROLE DECISIONS

What, no world peace?

[BigBallinStalin]

I'm OK with this.

[MeDeFe]

* · A LIVING WAGE FOR WORK

This makes sense, if they're made to work they should be compensated fairly for it, no?

* · JUST PAROLE DECISIONS
* · AN END TO CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENTS
* · NUTRITIONAL MEALS
* · DECENT LIVING CONDITIONS
* · DECENT HEALTH CARE

None of these should even require a discussion. It appears obvious to me that these things must be provided.

* · EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
* · VOCATIONAL AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
* · ACCESS TO FAMILIES

These may seem somewhat far-fetched, but in the long term they can do everyone a world of good. By letting inmates stay in touch with their families they will have a social net to catch them when they get out of prison, this greatly reduces the chance that they will commit further crimes in the future. The same goes for educational and vocational opportunities, if they can learn something that makes it easier for them to get a job when they get out they are, again, less likely to commit crimes in the future.

[TA1LGUNN3R]

A LIVING WAGE FOR WORK

This makes sense, if they're made to work they should be compensated fairly for it, no?

* · JUST PAROLE DECISIONS
* · AN END TO CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENTS
* · NUTRITIONAL MEALS
* · DECENT LIVING CONDITIONS
* · DECENT HEALTH CARE

Outside of these expenses, what need have they for "living" wages? If these are provided (which I agree they should be), then what else do they spend that is necessary?

-TG

[strike wolf]

"Hell no we won't go [to jail]". In all seriousness after that lame joke. Most if not all of their demands make sense. Practicality aside, I would think that even prisoners deserve much of what their demands mention.

[InkL0sed]

A LIVING WAGE FOR WORK

This makes sense, if they're made to work they should be compensated fairly for it, no?

* · JUST PAROLE DECISIONS
* · AN END TO CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENTS
* · NUTRITIONAL MEALS
* · DECENT LIVING CONDITIONS
* · DECENT HEALTH CARE

Outside of these expenses, what need have they for "living" wages? If these are provided (which I agree they should be), then what else do they spend that is necessary?

-TG

They're made to do various jobs apparently in Georgia, but they're not compensated at all.

[MeDeFe]

A LIVING WAGE FOR WORK

This makes sense, if they're made to work they should be compensated fairly for it, no?

* · JUST PAROLE DECISIONS
* · AN END TO CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENTS
* · NUTRITIONAL MEALS
* · DECENT LIVING CONDITIONS
* · DECENT HEALTH CARE

Outside of these expenses, what need have they for "living" wages? If these are provided (which I agree they should be), then what else do they spend that is necessary?

-TG

Since they are imprisoned they are under the care of the state. This means the state has an obligation to provide the basic necessities mentioned above. A prison sentence does not mean you're supposed to work for nothing and destroy jobs which people would otherwise get paid to do.

[targetman377]

REALLY?? THEY ARE IN PRISON FOR A REASON! dont break the law then you dont have to go to prison i say you give them less

[maasman]

REALLY?? THEY ARE IN PRISON FOR A REASON! dont break the law then you dont have to go to prison i say you give them less

I would be fine with this, however they should not be used as slave labor and compensated as such. Basic needs should be met, but luxuries should be taken away.

[Ace Rimmer]

I say pay them the minimum wage IF they agree to repay the costs incurred by the government in security costs, court costs, transportation of them, etc. They lost their legal rights when they decided to break the law, and they owe a debt to society. I disagree with inhumane living conditions, but all they need are three meals per day, cover, and heat/cooling. They do not need TV, weights, books, etc. I think they should be given educational opportunities as this can decrease the number of people returning to prison, but that is another issue.

[thegreekdog]

I think the state should just let them sit in their cells and not work. I think that's the appropriate solution (and one that would be acceptable to the prisoners).

[Borderdawg]

A living wage- Okay, give them minimum wage. Then charge them for all costs incurred for their trials, lawyers fees, clothing, and room and board.

Educational opportunities- sure, if they pay in-state tuition

Decent health care- no problem! sell them a policy

An end to cruel and unusual punishment- I agree there should be no floggings and such, but solitary and loss of privileges is still on the table for breaking the rules. (It's prison, which is a punishment for wrongdoing, DUH!!!)

Decent living conditions- the best prisoners deserve is the worst our troops are enduring overseas.

Nutritional meals- fine, but no reason they should be tasty. Make them bland, and super healthy. (minimal sodium, no sugar, no spices, fat free, etc)

Vocational and self-improvement opportunities- again, charge them what any other person would be charged.

Access to families- 30 minutes weekly, no conjugal visits. (prison is a punishment, remember?)

Just parole decisions- This one makes me laugh! I mean, how stupid can they get? The only decision a prisoner would consider "just" is the one that puts his punk ass back on the street!!
They should consider themselves fortunate that most states give "good time". I think they should serve their sentence day for day.

[TA1LGUNN3R]

Since they are imprisoned they are under the care of the state. This means the state has an obligation to provide the basic necessities mentioned above. A prison sentence does not mean you're supposed to work for nothing and destroy jobs which people would otherwise get paid to do.

But they're asking for a "living" wage, as if they incur costs while in jail. What are they going to spend their money on?

They're made to do various jobs apparently in Georgia, but they're not compensated at all.

The citizens of Georgia are made to pay taxes to feed, quarter, and sometimes the legal defense of the convicted.

-TG

[Juan_Bottom]

But they're asking for a "living" wage, as if they incur costs while in jail. What are they going to spend their money on?

I'm assuming that they want minimum wage, which is 'the living wage.' They spend their money on Commissary, and most states have a savings program for the money that they are not allowed to spend. That way, when they get out of prison, they have some money to find a place to live and buy the basic necessities like food and shampoo. This is preferable to mooching off of their friends and breaking the law again.

The citizens of Georgia are made to pay taxes to feed, quarter, and sometimes the legal defense of the convicted.

The people in prison have been tax-paying citizens too. Often they make shit-wages as the state takes what they consider to be a fair cut.

Just parole decisions- This one makes me laugh! I mean, how stupid can they get? The only decision a prisoner would consider "just" is the one that puts his punk ass back on the street!!
They should consider themselves fortunate that most states give "good time". I think they should serve their sentence day for day.

There is no definitive answer to the question of how many innocent people have been executed in the U.S.; however, Northwestern University School of Law's Centre on Wrongful Convictions (CWC) documented 38 executions carried out since the mid-1970s where there was compelling evidence of innocence or serious doubt about guilt. Another 130 death row inmates were exonerated, instead of executed, between 1973 and 2008 due to emerging evidence, including DNA analysis. A smaller number of people have been exonerated posthumously.

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_inno ... z18DRLG91m

Just because the system exists, does not mean that it is in ANY way fair. The truth is, that it's not. Cops lie all the time, and so do guards. I have a strong felling you're not speaking with any knowledge on the subject.

What you guys want, is to punish PUNISH PUNISH! You're not thinking about tomorrow. If you don't give prisoners an outlet, and HOPE that they can get out with good behavior, and make a fresh start for themselves with money they saved while in prison, and the education they got, THEY WHY wouldn't they end up back on the streets? Why wouldn't they kill a lying guard? Why not start riots? You already took their future away. Hell:

The U.S. incarceration rate on December 31, 2008 was 754 inmates per 100,000 U.S. residents, or 0.75%.[6] The USA also has the highest total documented prison and jail population in the world.[4][7][8]

According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS): "In 2008, over 7.3 million people were on probation, in jail or prison, or on parole at year-end — 3.2% of all U.S. adult residents or 1 in every 31 adults."[9]

The vast majority of these are drug charges. Some dude gets busted with weed 3 times and you want him to stay in a cold dungeon getting raped twice a day, while paying Johnny Taxpayer for it. I'd also like to add that these charges fall heaviest on the Black American minority, due to some kind of ingrained racism. SUFFER YOU NON-WHITES! SUFFER IN DUNGEON HELL!

[Juan_Bottom]

Violent crime was not responsible for the quadrupling of the incarcerated population in the United States from 1980 to 2003. Violent crime rates had been relatively constant or declining over those decades. The prison population was increased primarily by public policy changes causing more prison sentences and lengthening time served, e.g. through mandatory minimum sentencing, "three strikes" laws, and reductions in the availability of parole or early release. These policies were championed as protecting the public from serious and violent offenders, but instead yielded high rates of confinement for nonviolent offenders. Nearly three quarters of new admissions to state prison were convicted of nonviolent crimes. Only 49 percent of sentenced state inmates were held for violent offenses. Perhaps the single greatest force behind the growth of the prison population has been the national "war on drugs." The number of incarcerated drug offenders has increased twelvefold since 1980. In 2000, 22 percent of those in federal and state prisons were convicted on drug charges.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incarcerat ... ted_States

[Borderdawg]

Just parole decisions- This one makes me laugh! I mean, how stupid can they get? The only decision a prisoner would consider "just" is the one that puts his punk ass back on the street!!
They should consider themselves fortunate that most states give "good time". I think they should serve their sentence day for day.

Let me clarify! The prisoner says one thing, the pigs/DAs say another. Opposite ends of the spectrum, both lie in their own favor. this is why I laugh!!


Just because the system exists, does not mean that it is in ANY way fair. The truth is, that it's not. Cops lie all the time, and so do guards. I have a strong felling you're not speaking with any knowledge on the subject.

Actually, I have some knowledge of the subject. Many years ago, I spent several weeks in lockup, fighting an Assault with Intent charge. Fortunately, I proved the DA,s witness' to be liars, resulting in a dismissal with prejudice verdict. I am fully aware that most cops and DA's are lying f*cking scumbags. (Really pissed the DA off when I smiled at him and checked my package after the verdict!)


The vast majority of these are drug charges.

If you've read many of my posts, you would know that I favor full legalization of Marijuana, and decriminalization of Cocaine. Of course, I also favor open carry for any non-felon, LEGAL resident of the USA!!

[Juan_Bottom]

The vast majority of these are drug charges.

If you've read many of my posts, you would know that I favor full legalization of Marijuana, and decriminalization of Cocaine. Of course, I also favor open carry for any non-felon, LEGAL resident of the USA!!

You made no distinctions between violent, dangerous criminal offenders and non-violent ones. You reap what you sow.

Of course, I also favor open carry for any non-felon, LEGAL resident of the USA!!

Felonies in this country are a joke. I have a felony for a traffic accident. My BF has a felony for hitting a parked car at Wal*Mart and leaving her contact/insurance information behind. Illinois lowers the bar as to what is a felony to incur more fines and fees to help with the state's debt.

[Tisha]

A living wage- Okay, give them minimum wage. Then charge them for all costs incurred for their trials, lawyers fees, clothing, and room and board.

Educational opportunities- sure, if they pay in-state tuition

Decent health care- no problem! sell them a policy

An end to cruel and unusual punishment- I agree there should be no floggings and such, but solitary and loss of privileges is still on the table for breaking the rules. (It's prison, which is a punishment for wrongdoing, DUH!!!)

Decent living conditions- the best prisoners deserve is the worst our troops are enduring overseas.

Nutritional meals- fine, but no reason they should be tasty. Make them bland, and super healthy. (minimal sodium, no sugar, no spices, fat free, etc)

Vocational and self-improvement opportunities- again, charge them what any other person would be charged.

Access to families- 30 minutes weekly, no conjugal visits. (prison is a punishment, remember?)

Just parole decisions- This one makes me laugh! I mean, how stupid can they get? The only decision a prisoner would consider "just" is the one that puts his punk ass back on the street!!
They should consider themselves fortunate that most states give "good time". I think they should serve their sentence day for day.

♥

[BigBallinStalin]

They should give them a workshop, and have one of them teach a few about carpentry, and then sell it on the internet.

Have a media room where they make music videos.

If you want people to be "rehabilitated" and hit the ground running as good citizens, then teach them the respectable skills they need.

So far, prisons tend to pump out undergrads and PhD's in drug distribution.

[Juan_Bottom]

I think that it's by design, the Military-Industrial complex has many faces. I'll give my favorite example, the gun trade. Statistically, when it comes to gunshots wounds, America is more dangerous than Iraq for Americans. ATF sends out about 800,000 requests for traces every year. That's just the ATF. 800,000 requests and yet no one at Smith & Wessen and Co. have realized that a large portion of their clientele are criminals. Or have they?
Steven Fox, a hero to all Americans, was shot in the head by a mugger - permanently paralyzing him. He can remember feeling portions of his brain shooting out of his skull, and how it felt. Mr. Fox hooked up with Eliza Barnes, a do-gooder who had a bone to pick with the Big Firearms dealers. For years she toiled away compiling statistic and figures, in an effort to bring them all down. She worked out that each of the big companies works to saturate the market with faaaar too many guns than could ever be sold through legal markets. And they do this saturation, only in states that have few rules on purchases. They dumped millions, MILLIONS of weapons into these states knowing that they would end up being sold to criminals. The saturation of weapons ensured it, yet it also increases their profits dramatically. Eventually, they all flow to black market hot spots like New York and Chicago.
So Steven Fox and Eliza Barnes sued the gun manufactures in a large suit. These two Dudley do rights and their tort reform went after everyone. And how did the gun manufacturers respond??? Disinformation, buyouts, and something that would make Roosevelt (both of them) roll over in their graves.Wild Bill Frist (R) and Harry Reid (D) worked together to pass a law on July 29, 2005 giving immunity to gun owners. Despite having won several battles earlier in court, the law suit was effectively thrown out. So were similar suits brought by the NAACP and the City of New Orleans. The reason we have sooo many people in the system is because there is sooo much money in it. Bob Barker & Uncle Sam aren't the only one's cleaning up.

[thegreekdog]

So, just to be clear juan, if I purchase a weapon and shoot someone with it, it's the gun company's fault?

"Mama said the pistol is the Devil's right hand"

- Johnny Cash

[Juan_Bottom]

No, of course not.
However, if the gun company knowingly put the gun into the hands of a man who would pull the trigger (like the mugger who shot Mr. Fox) then they share the burden of responsibility.

[MeDeFe]

So, just to be clear juan, if I purchase a weapon and shoot someone with it, it's the gun company's fault?

No.

But if the gun manufacturers flood the market with their goods in places with little to no regulation, and can even reasonably be expected to realize that the weapons are going to end up in the hands of felons, then they are effectively aiding and abetting crime.