In Hobbs, New Mexico, some Lea County Jail inmates started breaking toilets and windows, banging on cell bars, and yelling in what the sheriff described as a temper tantrum. The reason: They were told they would only be allowed one sausage at dinner instead of two. 33 of the inmates were in on the disturbance while the other 300 had no problems with the new portion. Because of the ruckus, the jail was locked down Tuesday night.
On one hand, this is hilarious that the authorities called it a temper tantrum. Just imagine big burly men in orange corrections department outfits whining because they're getting a little less food.
On another hand, what is this country coming to when criminals feel they're entitled to extra food? Jail isn't supposed to be an extended vacation. It's there for people who have obviously done something wrong. I think inmates have it too easy anyway. They have heat, air, three meals a day, and access to some TV and weight lifting and reading and free time. Some get work release. There are several thousand, if not a million, American people living in poverty that are doing good things and working to support their families, but just can't afford to get ahead, yet criminals can live better than they do. That makes me angry.
I think that convicted criminals should have to work 8-12 hour days and earn their keep. Criminals shouldn't be allowed to watch TV or lift weights or do anything luxurious. Rights are for people who obey the laws. Once a convict has his or her fair and speedy trial, they need to go straight into incarceration. Criminals should not have the same rights as free people.
And, for those of you who read my death penalty blog from Thursday, I feel that everybody on death row needs to work 8-12 hour days and spend their days in isolation. They have NO rights after taking the life of another person.
Why is America so lenient on its criminals?
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That brought an amusin mental picture to my mind. Just because they are in jail isn't going to make them feel any less entitled. If they are used to getting something one way, they are going to be angry at the decrease. It doesn't mean that they deserve it, but I doubt they are sitting there saying to themselves, 'well I am in prision and I already have a lot of rights, so I guess I can let this one go'
I'm glad they are getting less sausage though, for the reason that there will be that much less sausage consumption in the world.
i agree that the system is way to lenient, but i think that prisoners should be treated humanely, with enough food so as to not go hungry, and enough human contact, so as to not go crazy.