Andrea Yates found not gulity!

[somerfrost]

Originally Posted by irishtrekker

I found it remarkable that her husband supported the ruling, too -- there aren't many people in the middle of things like this who could see the "bigger picture" and recognize what's legitimately best for all involved.

I worked in prisons, too, although in more of an outreach/tutoring capacity and not for nearly as long as you, Somer...but it's amazing how much your perspective changes when you spend time behind those walls. I have a really difficult time explaining it to people who've never been there...but my views on incarceration are considerably more thought-out and nuanced than they would ever be if I hadn't seen it. It's one of the most hidden-away parts of society, and I'm not sure that's right.

I agree totally! People hear about the cable TV and the "special treatment" and some of that does indeed go on and is frustrating but the big picture...the one where decent folks are turned into animals, isn't seen. Loss of freedom is the price one pays for violating the laws of society but subjecting folks to brutality should never be acceptable! There are a lot of good people who work in our prisons, it takes a strong will to step through those gates every day...but the environment is NOT one of rehabilitation but learning to be more vicious, more uncaring, more dangerous...and when those folks get out, and most do...we've done nothing but created our own monsters! And sending mentally ill folks into that world....well, it's simply wrong!