THE NYTIMES IS GOING TO PUBLISH MY LETTER TO THE EDITOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 year ago
In response to this article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/13/us/13prison.html
My Draft:
Georgia Inmates Have it Right
Georgia inmates contend that if they have access to better educational opportunities beyond the GED to prepare them for release, violence and recidivism will go down. They’re not the only ones who know this to be true. Countless reports released by the US Department of Education, the Department of Justice and state DOCS across the country who have conducted research on this very issue recognize the myriad benefits of higher education on the inside. However, as a result of a 1994 Crime Bill that created a ban on Pell Grants for incarcerated students, the great majority of inmates across the country are denied opportunities for education beyond a GED, despite the fact that postsecondary education is the most successful and cost-effective method to prevent crime and increase public safety. Access to higher education programs has proven to contribute to safer, more manageable prisons, significantly reduced recidivism rates and increased public safety. However, despite the success of prison-based college programs, public funding for these programs remains largely unavailable. As a former director of the American Correctional Association once said, “If you’re sitting next to a convicted felon on the bus, would you rather he spent seven years in prison opening his mind and learning a skill, or staring at a crack in the wall?”
Final Draft:
Georgia Inmates Have it Right
Georgia inmates contend that access to educational opportunities beyond the GED will better prepare them for reentry and decrease crime and recidivism. They’re not the only ones who know this to be true. Reports released by the U.S. Department of Education, the Department of Justice and state Departments of Correction all recognize the myriad benefits of educating prisoners. Since 1994, incarcerated students have been barred from receiving Pell Grants despite the fact that prisoners received fewer than 1% of all Pell grant dollars awarded and that postsecondary education has proven to be the most successful and cost-effective way to reduce recidivism and increase public safety. Access to college inside also results in safer, more manageable prisons. It has been said in the past, and many agree, “Education equals prevention. Diplomas are crime stoppers”.
1 year ago
I’m a member of NAMSLA: National Association of Man/Snake Lover Association. “No one has the right to tell me who to love.” - Founder
1 year ago
Me, saying goodbye to my old roommate’s brother after I moved out —
Me: I’ve got three words of advice for you Luis, that will carry you through your college years, okay?
Luis: Okay…
Me: Use. A. Condom.
Roommate (shouting): WRAP IT UP!
Me: Wrap it up!!!
Job done.
1 year ago
Me: What are you doing today?
Landlord’s son (age 11): I have to read for two hours.
Me: Do you think I’m pretty?
Landlord’s Son: Yeah (Lies, all lies!)
Me: Okay, well, pretty girls like guys that can read. We don’t play that stupid man bullshit.
Landlord’s son: Really? Hey Muhammad (little brother, age 9), if we read, girls will like us.
Little brother: What?
Job done.
1 year ago
