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MrsPJB2007
MBA at your service!
Member since 7/06 12020 total posts
Name:
MJ
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Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
just posting a question--my office sends out packages via UPS daily---and we allow customers to bring in boxes to send out. Ocasionally we might have to seal them up or help pack them.
Today, one of our customers came in--and every month she sends a box to her son who is locked up for murder. She sends things like cheese, doritos, chips ahoy, spam, soups, beans, yodels, etc. and sometimes clothes & sneakers...but mostly lots of snacks and stuff for him to cook. We have a bunch of clients who do this.
Every time they come in, my boss will say how he thinks its 100% wrong to allow people who are serving time in prison to receive such care packages. That by committing a crime--they have given up their right to such luxuries--and their family should NOT be permitted to send things like this to them. (Letters from family, drawings from your kid, okay--but double stuff oreos, not to much)
What do you thinK?
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Posted 2/14/08 11:15 AM  |
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CathyB
Member since 5/05 19403 total posts
Name:
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
I can see his point, but sending them oreos doesn't really bother me.
It did make me really angry when it was disclosed in the paper that Amy Fisher was able to get her undergraduate degree for free while in jail. She's the same age as DH and I are, she was in his class a few years in elementary school and middle school. It really hit home since we knew a few people from high school who barely were able to pay for college or couldn't go until they were older due to financial reasons. They were good people, and they couldn't get what she got after being convicted of trying to murder someone. It's not right.
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:20 AM |
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MsSissy
xoxoxo
Member since 3/07 39159 total posts
Name:
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
As long as the family pays for it I don't see anything wrong with it. I wouldn't want anymore of my tax money going to them for these little "extras".
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:23 AM |
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CroatianBride
Our Angel Ivanka Rose <3
Member since 7/07 2031 total posts
Name:
Tat
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
I don't think a care package makes them feel any more "comfortable" in prison. I wouldn't go as far as sending them things to take their minds off of what they're there for, but food and clothing IMO is fine.
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:23 AM |
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2BEANS
wow time is going fast.
Member since 9/07 16106 total posts
Name:
Tina
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
i understand they are human, but its JAIL. they are supposed to deprived of things.so they learn there lesson. jmo
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:24 AM |
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headoverheels
s'il vous plaît
Member since 6/07 42079 total posts
Name:
LB
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
although people are in prison to do time for their crimes, they are also there to be rehabilitated, if possible. treating them as normal human beings can only be beneficial in the long run - and treating them like animals will only make them more likely to commit crimes again once released. treating them like humans, IMO, should also improve their behavior while in prison.
prison is no picnic - a few oreos is not going to change that.
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:29 AM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
As long as we're not using taxpayer money to do it and as long as they aren't sending in contraband, they should be allowed to receive care packages. And I think the costs of having someone inspect the packages is de minimis.
Everyone, even the most heinous criminal, deserves to have at least one person who loves them. It doesn't have to be me or you, but who are we to judge if someone wants to send them a care package? As much as we like to think criminals are on vacation b/c they have cable and can get care packages, they are STIILL IN PRISON -- and prison, despite what you may think, is NOT a nice place to be.
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:31 AM |
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Lisa
I'm a PANK!!!
Member since 5/05 22334 total posts
Name:
Professional Aunts No Kids
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
No I dont think they should be able to get any extras in prison, especially someone in prison for murder.
They are in there for a reason, to learn a lesson and if they are "comfortable" being in there...then the lesson is not learned...
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:32 AM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
Posted by CathyB
I can see his point, but sending them oreos doesn't really bother me.
It did make me really angry when it was disclosed in the paper that Amy Fisher was able to get her undergraduate degree for free while in jail. She's the same age as DH and I are, she was in his class a few years in elementary school and middle school. It really hit home since we knew a few people from high school who barely were able to pay for college or couldn't go until they were older due to financial reasons. They were good people, and they couldn't get what she got after being convicted of trying to murder someone. It's not right.
We send people to prison to punish them, yes, but also to rehabilitate them. If they spend their time actually getting an education, then there is a much better chance they'll be able to become productive, contributing members of society -- and a much lower chance they'll end up back in jail.
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:34 AM |
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Christine
2nd verse same as the 1st
Member since 5/05 15287 total posts
Name:
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
Posted by Kara
As long as we're not using taxpayer money to do it and as long as they aren't sending in contraband, they should be allowed to receive care packages. And I think the costs of having someone inspect the packages is de minimis.
Everyone, even the most heinous criminal, deserves to have at least one person who loves them. It doesn't have to be me or you, but who are we to judge if someone wants to send them a care package? As much as we like to think criminals are on vacation b/c they have cable and can get care packages, they are STIILL IN PRISON -- and prison, despite what you may think, is NOT a nice place to be.
I agree. I don't think doritos will make someone forget where they are and why they are there.
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:34 AM |
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Shelly
She's 7!!!
Member since 8/05 14624 total posts
Name:
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
Posted by Lisa
They are in there for a reason, to learn a lesson and if they are "comfortable" being in there...then the lesson is not learned...
I don't think any one is comfortable in prison because of a care package sent from home. In fact, it probably reminds them of what they are missing on a daily basis. Lets face it, if you want Doritos or Oreos, you just go to the store and get some. They don't have that freedom.
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:36 AM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
Do you honestly think that the occasional package with a magazine and some chips in it is going to make prison comfortable? 
I've visited several (as an attorney and as research) -- Trust me, it will take a lot more than reading materials and chips to make prisons comfortable.
ETA - and to those who complain that they shouldn't be allowed to get an education, have things to read and keep them occupied, etc... We have to remember that we have good, solid citizens in our prisons every day working as prison guards, food service, and medical workers. If we don't channel the energy of the people who are locked up and keep them busy in somewhat constructive ways, they are far more likely to be dangerous and pose a threat not only to other prisoners, but to prison employees as well.
Message edited 2/14/2008 11:37:34 AM.
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:36 AM |
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~Colleen~
my loves...
Member since 5/05 9129 total posts
Name:
guess
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
Posted by headoverheels
although people are in prison to do time for their crimes, they are also there to be rehabilitated, if possible. treating them as normal human beings can only be beneficial in the long run - and treating them like animals will only make them more likely to commit crimes again once released. treating them like humans, IMO, should also improve their behavior while in prison.
prison is no picnic - a few oreos is not going to change that.
ITA.
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:36 AM |
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PotofLuck06
Our Baby Boy Is Here!!!
Member since 11/06 13241 total posts
Name:
Betsy
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
For those of you who have visited prisons, do the prisoners actually receive the full package their families send. I'm assuming (I could be wrong) that each package is carefully inspected by guards and things may disappear (just as the miliatary does to its mail to soldiers)?
I'm on the fence re: the question. I don't think it changes the fact of why they are there, and it may make them realize all that they are missing.
However, as something else to think about. Prisoners get paid for work they do (it may only be pennies/hour), but still it's tax dollars. Is that fair?
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:40 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
Absolutely.
Let's not forget, people in prison are HUMAN. They are just like you and me, but they weren't born into similar circumstances as we were, or they fell on hard times, are mentally instable, just plain stupid, or, just made a BAD choice. Should they be punished for their mistakes and bad choices? Absolutely. And, prison serves that very purpose, in and of itself. There's no need to take it one step further in demanding that they never receive a package, or to demand that they cannot make any attempt to better themselves while in prison.
The goal of the American prison system is not just punative - it is also rehabilitative. Don't forget - these people are our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, children, and are mothers and fathers themselves. It serves many, MANY interests to help them back on their feet, and to prepare themselves for the real world when they are out again.
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:45 AM |
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Christine
2nd verse same as the 1st
Member since 5/05 15287 total posts
Name:
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
Posted by PotofLuck06
However, as something else to think about. Prisoners get paid for work they do (it may only be pennies/hour), but still it's tax dollars. Is that fair?
I think holding "job" is part of the rehabiliation and may help them assimilate back into society after they have done their time. I am not familiar with the earnings and how it works, but in my head the money is generally used to purchase items in a commissary of sorts so it goes right back into the system. I can't imagine the prisoners are building up a substantial savings.
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:47 AM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
Posted by PotofLuck06
For those of you who have visited prisons, do the prisoners actually receive the full package their families send. I'm assuming (I could be wrong) that each package is carefully inspected by guards and things may disappear (just as the miliatary does to its mail to soldiers)?
I'm on the fence re: the question. I don't think it changes the fact of why they are there, and it may make them realize all that they are missing.
However, as something else to think about. Prisoners get paid for work they do (it may only be pennies/hour), but still it's tax dollars. Is that fair?
1. re: packages -- There is corruption in many prisons, but not all. Whether the guards steal their package contents or not, I can't say. I wouldn't say it's the norm, but it can happen. Additionally, they will only receive things they are actually allowed to receive. Prisons have strict rules on what the prisoners may and may not receive. Additionally, prisons have rules on how many things prisoners can have in their cell at a given time. So, for example, the prison's rules might be one religious text (Bible, Quran, etc.) and two reading materials at a time. If they get a box with 6 books in it, they cannot have all of them at the same time.
2. Re paying them to work. Again, we're talking about rehabilitating people. Letting someone out of jail with no work skills, no work experience for the past several months or years, and absolutely no money or education only stacks the deck in favor of that person promptly turning back to crime and landing him or herself back in prison. So, no, even as a staunch fiscal conservative, I think paying prisoners to work is a GOOD idea. I actually want people to have a fighting chance of assimilating back into society when they get out.
Also keep in mind that work is a privilege in prison, though those who are allowed to work are often obligated to do so. Not all prisoners are allowed to work - as punishment sometimes and other times as a matter of policy (some violent offenders aren't allowed in with the general population, etc.). If we give people who are getting out an opportunity to get some work experience, a little bit (even though it's basically NOTHING) of money, and some skills to take into the real world, then they are at least getting a fighting chance of becoming contributing members of society.
Another thing - Prisoners are doing jobs that have to be done. We aren't paying them 25 cents an hour to twiddle their thumbs. They are doing things that would otherwise cost the government a lot of money to accomplish. They'd have to pay anyone else at LEAST minimum wage to do the job -- so while you see it as a waste of taxpayer money, it's actually a savings of taxpayer money.
And, once again, keeping prisoners busy in a constructive way actually makes our prisons themselves safer, not only for the prisoners, but also for the men and women who work there.
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:48 AM |
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lucyloo
nope
Member since 1/06 9758 total posts
Name:
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
Prison is no picnic, I think they should be able to receive care packages.
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:50 AM |
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Lisa
I'm a PANK!!!
Member since 5/05 22334 total posts
Name:
Professional Aunts No Kids
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
Posted by Shelly
Posted by Lisa
They are in there for a reason, to learn a lesson and if they are "comfortable" being in there...then the lesson is not learned...
I don't think any one is comfortable in prison because of a care package sent from home. In fact, it probably reminds them of what they are missing on a daily basis. Lets face it, if you want Doritos or Oreos, you just go to the store and get some. They don't have that freedom.
I think that prison should be a scary place that NO ONE wants to be in. And cable TV, workout rooms and gifts from home do not make it that type of place!!
I think that prisioners should have a great library (with NO internet access), access to a High school/college education and computer courses.
Whereas, I do beleive that some prisoners are rehabilitated, there are many that do not and prison can be a better place for them then their home....which IMO is not the message that going to prison should convay.
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| Posted 2/14/08 11:52 AM |
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DRMom
Two in Blue
Member since 5/05 20223 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
I think it's OK. Lets not forget the 100's of people released from prison after many years that did NOT commit the crimes they were accused of. There are so many variables. As a few other posters said-they are still in prison-some snacks do not make up for that.
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| Posted 2/14/08 12:04 PM |
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laurabora
LIF Adult
Member since 4/07 2712 total posts
Name:
Laura
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
I am conflicted about this. I would've said definitely no, these people committed crimes and deserve no perks or extra joy in their lives until they've served their time.
But I recently started reading a book of essays written by women in prison (Couldn't Keep It to Myself, edited by Wally Lamb) and it has changed my mind a bit. I will say it has opened my eyes to the fact that most people who commit crimes have had very horrible things happen to them in their lives that most people can't even imagine. Most of them are truly people who have been broken by the events of their lives.
I think hearing about these experiences has softened me a bit, and while I still don't think it should be a pleasure cruise by any means, I am not really opposed to a care package of whatever minimal "treats" a prison will deem acceptable.
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| Posted 2/14/08 12:08 PM |
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neener1211
:-)
Member since 4/07 22952 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
They can have all the oreos and doritos they want to send their kids.
But I want to stop having my taxes pay for their Cable TV and College educations.
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| Posted 2/14/08 12:14 PM |
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CallaLily
Thank you, Saint Gerard!
Member since 10/07 4937 total posts
Name:
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
Posted by Lisa
No I dont think they should be able to get any extras in prison, especially someone in prison for murder.
They are in there for a reason, to learn a lesson and if they are "comfortable" being in there...then the lesson is not learned...
I agree. They should not have any extras.
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| Posted 2/14/08 12:16 PM |
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Janice
Sweet Jessie Quinn
Member since 5/05 27567 total posts
Name:
Janice
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Re: Should prisoners be able to receive care packages?
I bet his mom feels so good for a few minutes each month about the situation at the thought of her son receiving this.
His mom must be in hell over this...all the gosspiers, missing her son, conflicted feelings-I think she deserves a nice moment once a month.
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| Posted 2/14/08 12:17 PM |
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mtnmama
Member since 5/06 4794 total posts
Name:
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Message edited 10/7/2009 11:41:05 AM.
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| Posted 2/14/08 12:17 PM |
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