Prison vs. Work

[Katerina Val-Kyrie]

... IN PRISON you spend the majority of your time in an 8x10 cell...AT WORK you spend most of your time in a 6x8 cubicle.
IN PRISON you get three meals a day... AT WORK you only get a break for 1 meal and you have to pay for it.
IN PRISON you get time off for good behavior... AT WORK you get rewarded for good behavior with more work.
IN PRISON a guard locks and unlocks all the doors for you... AT WORK you must carry around a security card and unlock and open all the doors yourself.
IN PRISON you can watch TV and play games... AT WORK you get fired for watching TV and playing games.
IN PRISON you get your own toilet... AT WORK you have to share.
IN PRISON they allow your family and friends to visit... AT WORK you cannot even speak to your family and friends.
IN PRISON all expenses are paid by taxpayers with no work required... AT WORK you get to pay all the expenses to go to work, and then they deduct taxes from your salary to pay for prisoners.
IN PRISON you spend most of your life looking through bars from the inside,wanting to get out...AT WORK you spend most of your time wanting to get out and inside bars.
IN PRISON there are wardens who are often sadistic...AT WORK they are called managers.

Isn't that the truth!

 

[Deborah]

IN PRISON everybody does anal, one way or the other, and smiles about it afterwards.

AT WORK being stabbed in the back has an entirely different connotation.

 

[Greg Lee Hunt]

LMAO at katerina and deborah

 

[Wizard]

Hey hold on there Deb. some of us get it up the ass at work too ....Hard and raw....

 

[Savage Kitten]

... IN PRISON you spend the majority of your time in an 8x10 cell...AT WORK you spend most of your time in a 6x8 cubicle.

the key word here is 'majority' which could be 11 months of a 12 month sentence... you get to go HOME after 8hrs of work

IN PRISON you get three meals a day... AT WORK you only get a break for 1 meal and you have to pay for it.

In prison... you eat when where how and what you are told.. and the food rarely varies, the one thing you can count on is it being bland .... At WORK.. you decide where/what you eat... and then again.. its only 1 meal

IN PRISON you get time off for good behavior... AT WORK you get rewarded for good behavior with more work.

IN prison.. you can get more time added to your sentence and/or your 'gain time' taken away just for using the wrong tone or looking at an officer the wrong way.. AT work.. you get rewarded for good behavior.. by being able to count on your paycheck for atleast 1 more pay period...

IN PRISON a guard locks and unlocks all the doors for you... AT WORK you must carry around a security card and unlock and open all the doors yourself.

IN prison.. you have no choice what doors are opened or when they are opened... if you need your cell door popped you are at the mercy of the officer and his mood at that moment.... AT work..... yeah.. i guess that security card can get heavy.......

IN PRISON you can watch TV and play games... AT WORK you get fired for watching TV and playing games.

IN prison the TV schedule is made by the rec coach and is not changed no matter how much the inmates whine and cry (usually for springer and wrestlin haha)and the games are limited to chess, checkers, and cards..... AT work.... boohoo .. u mean u actually have to do something to earn your pay??? hmmmmm

IN PRISON you get your own toilet... AT WORK you have to share.

IN prison.. you DON'T get your own toilet.. at the very best u only have to share with one other person... but usually there r 6 stalls for a dorm of 71 inmates.. u do the math

IN PRISON they allow your family and friends to visit... AT WORK you cannot even speak to your family and friends.

IN prison... you are allowed a small list of visitors (must be related) and have designated days in which they can visit.. usually sat and sun from 9am-3pm ....AT work.... don't tell me you aren't on that phone every chance you get with friends and family *lol*

IN PRISON all expenses are paid by taxpayers with no work required... AT WORK you get to pay all the expenses to go to work, and then they deduct taxes from your salary to pay for prisoners.

IN prison.. most inmates have job assignments unless they are in school all day or have medical reasons they can't work... some institutions require more labor from inmates than others.....

Actually.. there wasn't much truth to any of it.. take it from someone for whom work and prison are the same

[This message has been edited by Savage Kitten (edited 05-10-2000).]

 

[Magic Merlin]

Very well said, Savage....

mm

 

[Cg1369]

Hi All:

Thiught long and hard about respondint to this thread. Finally decided i HAD to.I understand where the previous posters are coming from. Now let me attempt to enlighten you on prison life. The following is all true, experienced by me, every month.

My intended is incarcerated in the "Great State of Oklahoma", not for a violent crime, not for drugs. Just for trying to feed and clothe her kids. She wrote some (well to be honest) a lot of "bad" checks, was arrested and sentenced.She was in a VERY abusive relationship with her hubby at that time. He refused to provide $ for food, clothing, etc for kids. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't approve of what she did, but I can understand a mother doing that if it's the only way to provide for the kids.

ANYWAY, let me tell you honestly what it's like to visit an inmate. (And I visit her once a month) Don't sound like much visiting does it?? But I am in South Carolina and she's in OK

This is a true and accurate statement re. my visits with my lady. (And yes, I met her while she was in prison, fell IN LOVE with her, and asked her to marry me, to which she, thankfuly, said yes.

FIRST OF MONTH: start checking for affordable airline tickets.
MID MONTH: usually find one
END OF MONTH: FLY TO MY LOVE
Saturday: arrive at prison at *:15 AM. Am subjected to metal detector search.(No problem there btw)
Finally am allowed in.. She enters visiting room/area. Am allowed ONE kiss and Hug at first greeting. Anything more than that is a sexual misconduct, and she loses her "good time" We are, however, allowed to hold hands during the visit, unless the Correctional Officer (and they are the FINAL say) decides that it is excessive touching. We are allowed a kiss and hug when visiting hours are over. Bear in mind, now, that this is a MINIMAL security place.The same routine follows the next day when I visit. I am allowed to take one pkg of cigarettes, my car keys, and two rolls of quarters in (to buy lunch from a vending machine)

I am allowed a two day visit because I live out of state, and the travel distance involved. On National Holidays, I am allowed a 3 day visit. BUT I can only get approved for a two day visit every 30 days.

As I said earlier, I don't condone what she did. But I love her, and, together, we WILL have a beautiful life, fulfilling in all respects.

BTW for those that might be interested (and I'm sure there arent many) cost breakdown for a visit:
Airline ticket: $300-$350 (rt)
Motel: $150
rental Car: $80.00
Meals: (including at prison) $100

I guess what I'm trying to say, all, is before you poke fun, degrade, or riducle inmates..think for a moment. The only difference between us and the inmates, really, is that we haven't been caught and sentenced.

Sorry for the excessive post, but had to get that off my chest.

Kisses to the ladies, hand shakes to the gents.

BUD

 

[Cheyenne]

per cg1369: "The only difference between us and the inmates, really, is that we haven't been caught and sentenced."

???? Speak for yourself. My guess is that most of us on this bb have done nothing illegal.

I can't help but wonder if there wasn't a shelter for battered women that your girlfriend could have gone to with her kids rather than write those bad checks in the first place. We all make choices. When we make bad ones, we have to accept the results.

 

[Laurel]

cg1369: It's interesting that you'd post that this week... I just read a blurb in the new Gear magazine about a website (womenbehindbars.com) which helps women in prison meet up with men on the outside. Kinda cool to actually talk to someone who's in a relationship like this... For my own personal curiousity (and of course you don't have to answer), how did you meet her and when's she going to be released? The experiences of people here on the BB never cease to amaze me... Take care, and I wish you two the best!

[This message has been edited by Laurel (edited 05-13-2000).]

 

[Cg1369]

re Cheyenne: "???? Speak for yourself. My guess is that most of us on this bb have done nothing illegal"

Then I admire you Cheyenne, if you've never done anything illegal. Ever violated the speed limit?? Ever littered? True, not serious offenses, but still you could be sentenced to jail time for it.

As I said, I don't condon what she did. And no, there were no battered women shelters where she was living at the time. Yes, she made her choice. She did the crime, now she's doing the time. That's something we both will have to live with for the rest of our lives. In OK, you can get as little as 2 yrs for manslaughter, yet the average sentence for bad checks is 4 yrs. Go figure.

Laurel, thanks for the kind words. I'd be happy to share the circumstances of our meeting, but not on the bb. If it's ok, I will e-mail you.

I was NOT looking for sympathy when I posted. It's just that a lot of people have misconceptions of prison life. I could go on and on about what inmates have to endure. The fact is that it's not an all expense paid vacatioin. Well, enuff said. I'll just go back to lurking now.

Bud

 

[Svedish_Chef]

I have to say, Bud that Laurel isn't the only one incredibly interested in the who you and your fiance hooked up (Congrats anyway)... and I'm surprised you can keep so far removed from the BB when everyone else seems to be sucked in so completely inc me. All the best
da Chef

 

[Cg1369]

I honestly hadn't intended to post on this subject again, but after re-reading savage kittens post, I just have to.

Thanks SK for your words. I assume (maybe wrongly) that you're in corrections work or have someone close incarcerated.

Anyway: to the point:

These are actual examples of what inmates go thru, have to endure, and can not fight (at least in OK) These actually happened to my lady:

Loss of canteen privileges for 15 days. Reason: Laundry put another inmates clothing in her laundry bag-----which was unopened on her bunk when Correctional Officers did an unannounced shakedown.

Loss of 14 days "good time" for leaving her Bible on her bunk when the bldg. was evacuated for a fire drill. (she wasn't only one)

Loss of 30 days "good time" because another inmate accused her of "not doing her job" Never had a chance to face accuser, totally arbitary decision on part of Correctional Officer.

FREE MEDICAL CARE: what a joke. Especially in OK, can't speak for other states. Anyway, actual events:

Budlady complained of lung congestion for 3 months. Was told by nurse, no reason to see Dr. Later, due to overcrowding in OK prison system, was transferred to TX. Diagnosed as lung cancer. Removed 1/3 of her lung. Her heart stopped on the Operating Table, but thankfully, after 20 mins. they brought her back.
MOST RECENT:
Complained of lung congestion for 3 wks before Medical would see her. "Nothing wrong" they said. Three days later was taken to civilian hospital and diagnosed as advanced pneumonia. NOT good when you already lost 1/3 of a lung.

Requested to see Dr. re constant headaches. The nurse kept telling her ther was no reason to see the Dr. it was probably stress. When eventually she saw the Dr. her BP was 210/180. STROKE TIME, Big time. Dr. placed her on BP medications. Took the system 30 days plus to get the ordered medications, and this for a potential life threatning situation. Since then BP meds are available off and on. They have given less than the prescribed dosage saying "strength ordered by the Dr is not available". Come on folks, I spent almost 27 yrs in the Navy as a medic, and even us dumb enlisted men knew that if the prescribed strength was not available (ie 180 mg of a certain drug) and all you have is 90 mg, then you give two tabs instead of one and make a note in the patients record.

FREE MEDICAL CARE: Bussshit. At least in OK. She's charged for each Dr.'s visit, each prescription (whether it's provided or not) I know 'cause I send money each month to pay for this "free" care. This may not be the case in every state, but it is in OK.

Yea, sure, prisoners (I prefer inmates) live the life of Riley.

Sorry for the long diatribe. Just that this subject REALLY pushes my button.

Peace, Love and Happiness

Budman

 

[Cg1369]

katerina, i realize your original post was done in a sense of fun. Sorry if I offended you by getting on my high horsr on this subject.

BTW love your poetry.

Hugs and Kisses

Budman

 

[Cg1369]

OK, this may be my last post on this topic.

For those of you who might be interested, If you have acces to the COURT TV network, they are running a week long series on women in prison.

At 1 PM (ET) check out CRIER TODAY. She had the lady that Ken Starr had jailed for 2 yrs, for refusing to talk to his kangaroo panel, on today. An eyeopener for everyone re conditions in jails.

At 10 PM (ET) they are running a series "WOMEN IN PRISON"

BTW did you know that in Texas, female inmates on outside work details who couldn't keep with the detail for any reason were locked in cages ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, in 100 degree plus heat, until the work day was finished. True folks.

You all know that this subject has special meaning to me, but I urge each and everyone of you, if you have access to COURT TV, spend that 2 hrs a day and be prepared to be shocked and disgusted. I will defenitely be watching both segments.

Savage Kitten, if I may, I would like to e-mail you re. your post. You don't know how good it made me feel to see someone stand up for the inmates. Bless You Lady.

End of diatribe.

Peace, Love and Happiness.

Bud

 

[Savage Kitten]

Bud: your welcome...

the way I feel is that everyone has their story... My job is not to condemn or punish.. I am there to make sure inmates do what they are suppose to while serving their sentence.. a glorified babysitter with high risks... I will not, can not, allow myself to feel sorry for them.. that is what you are there for.

What got me about the post... even if it was in jest.. is that it seemed to be saying you were better off going to prison than holding down a steady job.... thats what got most inmates where they are... the race ofter that almighty 'easy' dollar

I'm not all that special.. and certainly not a voice speaking up for inmates... just doing my job the best way i know how "firm and fair"

 

[Laurel]

Thanks, Budman for showing us all a different take on this subject...

When we think of criminals and the jail system, we picture mass murderers and rapists and are disgusted by these "animals" and appalled at the "free ride" they're getting off "our tax dollars. What we need to remember is that the majority of those in prison aren't violent offenders - they're people caught with a bag of pot, people who shoplifted, people who piped into their neighbor's cable line, people who refused to pay their parking tickets... None of this is admirable (except for the pot thing - I'm not going to get into that right now), of course, but does it mean these people should be dropped into the deepest pits of hell? Of course not.

All I have to say is Remember Attica. If we treat prisoners as animals - if we abuse them, mistreat them, torture them, degrade them - then we're no better than Turkey or China. How can we be appalled by the acts of a murderer when we're drooling at the prospect of seeing him whipped and beaten in public?

The law is not meant to be an agent of revenge. The purpose of the law is to prevent people from harming each other.

Did you know that it costs much more to put a man to death than it does to keep him in prison for life? Yeah, I know - the jails are overcrowded. That's because their full of people who shouldn't be there, or who shouldn't be there very long. Frankly, I'd rather they shortened the sentences of first-time bad-check-writers and kept the murderers & rapists in jail forever. If a life sentence was REALLY a life sentence, I don't think many people would support the death penalty. That's my two cents. Flame away!

[This message has been edited by Laurel (edited 05-15-2000).]

 

[John1965]

Well to be honest I have done some things that could have well landed me in prison. Nothing that hurt anyone but definitely against the law. I was young, stupid and lucky that I didn't get caught!

 

[Cg1369]

HONESTLY, I never intended to post on this topic again. BUT:

Savage Kitten: I think i owe you an apology. I NEVER intended to insinuate that you coddle the inmates. Hell at the time of that posting, I'd never read your profile, didn't know your job, really, but kinda had an idea. I agree with you..... or at least your inferences. Treat them firmly, by all means. It's not supposed to be a country club. But at the same time, treat them fairly. Sympathy for their plight? NO. Compassion for the wrongs that a few CO's do, yes. Surprising coming from someone that loves an inmate huh? My feelings are that if budlady, knowing the rules and regs. violates them, then she deserves punishment. No problem.

I have met a few CO's where budlady is incarcerated. One in particular has become a good friend. BUT she won't tolerate an inmates BS. She supports them when they're in the right, but at the same time, will hammer them if they're wrong. I admire and respect her for that. She and I share erotic stories. Wrong? Maybe. But believe me if budlady screwed up and she was on duty, she'd hammer her and rightly so. And I'd support her decision to hammer budlady. BTW budlady knows we share stories and has no problem with that. I always send budlady a copy of anything I write to this CO so it can't come back and bite her in the ass.

Again, Savage Kitten, I apologize if I came across as thanking you for coddling inmates. What I was really was trying to express, and must of done a bad job of it, was to thank you for REALLY telling it like it is. If only more would do so, maybe .............

Ah, well. Wishing you peace, love and happiness Kitten. Keep up the good work that I know you are doing, and that I'm sure a few of the inmates, at least, appreciate. Never coddle, but always listen. Be firm, but be fair.

BUD

 

[Savage Kitten]

thanx bud *smiles* i now understand what you were trying to say... your CO friend and I sound much alike.. i will listen to their (inmates) stories.. and try to be understanding when they r upset about events that happen on the 'outside' that they have no control over.. but they all know... if they try me... disrespect me.. or violate.. i WILL nail them to the wall

best of luck to you and your ladyBud

Laurel... your a totally different story all together *wink* I won't flame ya... will just say that you don't truely know what it is like until you are behind that razor wire.. and people RARELY go to PRISON on their first or even second offense

 

[Cg1369]

Savage: thanks for the reply.. It might be true in FL that someone seldom goes to jail on first or second offense, but NOT in OK. Budlady was charged with bogus checks on 3 counts. First Offense EVER. Was sentenced to 10, 10 and 6 respectively. I looked it up on OK's DOC net and it's true.Oh btw they also have a conviction listed for her there in 1999, and she never was in court for that. GIGO?? Think so. She's been in prison for 6 yrs. If you'd like I'll give you the addy for OK DOC and her DOC# so you'll know I'm telling the truth.

If I could ask only one thing of CO's, it would be: If the inmate is in the right, say so. Not only to the inmate, but to the hearing board, or whatever, that hears the accusation.

My CO friend has stood up for the inmates several times when the accusation was false, and has been threatened by other CO's for doing so. Doesn't stop her tho, and I truly admire her for that.(AHHHHHHHHH if I were 20 yrs younger, and not totally committed to Budlady, I might make a try for her LOL)

Laurel: ya speak the truth babe. Non-violent, non drug offenders spend more time in jail/prison (on average) than killers and rapists. Hell, if budlady had killed that abusive SOB, she'd probably be free now, although on a LONG probationary period.

Well enuff. I'm getting wound up again.

Peace, Love and Happiness all.

Bud