When celebrities like Jay Leno sign a letter supporting the California’s prisoners hunger strike, it calls into question the general public’s lack of sympathy for people behind bars. Although some are wrongly convicted, they are all considered criminals, many of them sentenced for killing someone. The families of the victims, and the victims of non-lethal crimes, have a legitimate disdain. So why is that celebrities, intellectuals, religious and community leaders signed the letter sent to Governor Brown, and some of them will fast on Wednesday in solidarity with the strikers?
The strike, which enters on its 4th week, is basically demanding an end to the long-term and indefinite solitary confinement, which they consider a form of torture. This is the letter:
Another prisoner’ hunger strike claiming that we are violating human rights is at the Guantanamo Bay prison. According to Amnesty International: “The United States’ detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, have become emblematic of the gross human rights abuses perpetrated by the U.S. Government in the name of fighting terrorism.”
The treatment of prisoners shows interest insights of a society. Political prisoners linked to terrorists related actions, are subject to controversial interrogation techniques, and held indefinitely. Common prisoners may not be subject to physical abusive interrogation practices, but they end up in an environment that will probably dehumanize them. There are pros and cons arguments of the current system prison. One is that the” California’s justice system appears blind–blind to the inhumanity of its prison system….The U.S. has more inmates in prisons and jails than any other country. Prisons have become big business through privatization, and they have real economic and social consequences.” These are the words of a Latino, Luis J Rodriguez, who has experienced some of the causes bringing people in contact with the judicial system. He does not only describe negative situations, but he is engaged in changing them. He proposes that restorative justice is needed, “why it is important to the individuals behind bars and those getting out…learn what others are doing to prevent incarceration, especially among young men living in urban communities of color”
His outlook on justice reminds me a famous case in Chile, a peasant murdered his family while he was drunk. In prison he learnt to read, got educated and became a different man. He would not have committed the crime he did. He was executed anyway. A movie was made based on this event, and it is one of the most well-known movies from Chile. The purpose of restorative justice in prisons is to assist with the prisoner’s rehabilitation, and eventual reintegration into society.
This approach could help to get so many people out of the overcrowded jails, especially young people. One of these young people is Jesus Aguirre, the Buena Park teenager serving life in Pelican Bay prison. When I met Jesus’ father last week, at one of the demonstrations, I felt his anguish and pain for the situation of his son. His anger was also directed to this description of his son:
“If there is a living poster face for the extraordinarily steep cost of California gang life, it’s Orange County’s Jesus Aguirre Jr. At the age of 16, Aguirre—a deceptively baby-faced but low-level member of the Eastside Buena Park gang—participated in the hunting down of a man and an incredibly stupid, non-fatal, shotgun shooting. Following a 2012 jury trial that found him guilty of street terrorism, assault with a firearm and attempted murder, plus five felony enhancements, the young man more concerned with achieving gangster status than focusing on 10th grade learned too late there are consequences to bad life choices.”
I share Jesus’ father scorn at this biased, sensationalist description. I do not condone gang activities, they are unacceptable and we should make every effort to eradicate them. Gangs and crime are legitimate concerns no matter where we live. Applying sensible solutions to this problem, require understanding its root causes.
Let’s hope that Governor Brown read the letter of the hunger strikers, and stop this inhumane practice.
References:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carole-travis/california-prison-hunger-strike
http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/security-and-human-rights/guantanamo
http://luisjrodriguez.com/blog/
http://www.ocweekly.com/2013-07-11/news/moxley-confidential-jesus-aguirre-jr/
“Pro Omnibus Iustitiam, Libertatem Ac”
It is philosophical reasoning that not all prisoners become or make themselves reinvented or become anew from any given conviction. I think most of the real energy and synergy of enacting a hunger strike by many notable figures, and folks, who have personal ties to the problem, is more of a Humanitarian exclamation point and a check and balance approach to the Justice System. One knows from case studies and notable cases which have made the media, that in true essence, the Justice System can be skewed to say it lightly. Take for instance the famous case of O.J. Simpson murder trial in the mid 90’s. His wealth and the corrupt Detective, whom ruined substantial evidence at the scene and the racial element within the communication with the very authorities working the Crime Scene, consequently excited the Riots that followed suit of no convictions for the corrupt police officers and detectives when THEY were acquitted. Also, the wealth and power of the dollar proved O.J.’s innocence. I think a Hunger Strike is in my humble opinion is merely to promote justice overall. Yes Recidivism is a high outcome and most inmates do not rehabilitate. One would need to do Statistical research to give justice to true figures. However, if a Hunger Strike is evidently targeted for a cause unworthy of public support and is in fact false propaganda, then it holds no value and in my opinion and is a waste of time and media exposure. For example, if a Hunger Strike was due to empirical evidence say for example, due to Correction Officers being corrupt, or misses use of power, then such Hunger Strike is indeed quite warranted! Now given the State Budget crisis which I believe is now settled, now the State and Governor focus is working towards exciting a surplus at the cost of the situation cited by “stop the torture in California prisons” Open Letter memo. At this point, you must create momentum and unfortunately, a PRISONER truly loses ones rights and is escalated to the lowest strata to Societies order of business. One should ignite this fire and combat such injustice! How? First, set up a Non Profit, generate funds, and build the balance sheet of the Non Profit because this is again power of the DOLLAR! Build momentum and find due process and justice for all! From such Non Profit and funds which is a simple formula, the greater the FUNDS $$$ the greater the power to resist and achieve justice for those of the lowest strata casted by incidentally themselves. It is unfortunate to many inmates but let the lesson be learned
Blue Demon, thanks for your comment. I don’t think that there were any riots on the OJ Simpson’s trial. Did you mean Rodney King’s?
What do you mean by “non-profit”? Isn’t this the private prisons which have become big business, according to many studies
.
“According to the American Civil Liberties Union, numerous other studies indicate that private jails are actually filthier, more violent, less accountable, and could be more costly than their public counterparts. They claim that the for-profit prison industry is “a major contributor to bloated state budgets and mass incarceration – not a part of any viable solution to these urgent problems.”[91] In fact, the primary reason Louisiana is the prison capital of the world is because of the for-profit prison industry. According to The Times-Picayune, “a majority of Louisiana inmates are housed in for-profit facilities, which must be supplied with a constant influx of human beings or a $182 million industry will go bankrupt.”[92] (Wikipedia)
Clearly, Mr. Toro has never been to Pelican Bay State Prison.
Perhaps Mr.Aguirre, should have taken notice of his Son’s plight after one of the DOZENS of interactions with the police.
As I remember, there were six incidents on his record – mostly bicycle related – riding without a light, letting a friend ride on his handlebars; a “graffiti” bust for CHALKING on the sidewalk, and a going along on a “joyride” in a car borrowed without permission but never reported stolen – both the latter thrown out. Did Moxley dredge up even more minor stuff? Wow, a real hard case, that Jesus.
You’re right. I have never been inside of the Pelican Bay State Prison. Would you mind elaborating on your point?
Mr Aguirre may have taken notice of Jesus encounters with the Police, or may be not. Does this justify a law that condemn a young person to prison for life, even when no fatal occurrence took place?
If Mr Aguirre were a powerful politician like Fabian Nunez, Jesus would’ve had his sentence reduced.
My point is simple Ricardo, and let me preface this by saying I mean no disrespect, or am trying to be argumentative. Having said that, I HAVE been in Pelican Bay, and a dozen other penal institutions in the state.
I am generally a critic of public employee union exploitation, but I have found the CDC to be exemplary in my experience. There is a reason they “run” California politics. The environment at PBSP is such that it is difficult to grasp, just like living on the moon is for me. But I have seen the BEASTS, that live there face to face.
As for Mr. Aguirre, I feel his pain. But clearly he failed as a Father, he has to live with that. Unfortunately, Mr. Aguirre is merely a mechanic or a gardner or even a lawyer, sales rep or nurse…….NOT PROTECTED BY POLITICS.
Fabain Nunez, Bob Finer are from the same bunch, let’s STOP accepting these A-HOLES for the sake of winning.
Thanks for your explanation. One of the prisoner’s complaints is the abusive practices of the CDC. I haven’t read what the correction officers’ labor group has said about these accusations. I would think that a combination of workload, draconian policies, corrupt behavior by some officers and the reluctance of Governor Brown to confront the inhumane conditions of the prisons, perpetuate these conditions.
Mr Aguirre’ s parental responsibility, as any parent, played a role in Jesus upbringing. However, peer pressure plus the conditions of the environment where one grows up also play a relevant decisive role. Even if Mr Aguirre failed, does this justify that Jesus will have to spend life in prison? The law used to sentence Jesus needs to be revised.
Richard,
I consider myself a reasonable man. We will have to agree to disagree on Mr. Aguirre’ s parental responsibility. Peer pressure and the environment is all the more reason to protect your child. But, I understand your argument and take it in good faith.
I am tired of my “progressive” colleagues continually defending reprehensible behavior in a knee jerk reaction facet, Democrats (especially bloggers) need to understand that it’s OK when a TEACHER is accused of rape, it’s ok to condem her on moral grounds, when Bob Filner abuses (now ten??) women, it’s OK to say we fucked up, we were greedy and wanted him at all costs, never mind if we KNEW he was a pig, Julio Pere is my favorite local meltdown, the bloggers fucked this guy from here to next Wednesday. STOP IT.
Some never tire of the debate and the games. I think especially as I age, it is better to be forthright and straightforward: Jesus Agguire was dealt a shit hand. He fucked up his life and his Father let him do it. It might be fair to say his Father Fucked it up for him.
There are 100,000 Jesus Aguirre’ s on the streets of Orange County. I resent the do gooders making excuses for bad behavior so their guys can look better than the GOP’s. Same shit different bucket.
I had read that he had 26 or more encounters with the police. Regardless, Shotguns and teenage gang members don’t mix. This is what ends up happening. Right or Wrong.
By the way, I saw a GREAT company logo in the Bay Area last week:
WRIGHT OR WONG PAINTING
Pick Us, Either way it’s a good decision
Mr. Toro you are quite right! I am referring to the Rodney King Beating. Horrible to be at work Anne not focus on my response. Greatly apologise. Regarding Non-Profit Organizations, one can establish one and time such Organization with the IRS as tax exempt, meaning that if your Non Profit Organization is accepted it can be exempt from paying taxes from earnings generated.
Blue Demon, apologies accepted. What do you think about the demand of the prisoners to end the extended solitary confinement, which is considered a form of torture? What about Jesus, a young person, having to spend life in prison even though he did not commit any fatal crime?
Nameless, I appreciate that you take my argument in good faith and that we can disagree in a civil manner. I don’t think it is fair to say the Jesus’ father messed him up. No matter how responsible a parent can be, sometimes external pressures are overriding. People who were dealt a bad hand, raised in negative environments and experiences, can survive and live a productive life, like this person, whose father had been a school principal in Mexico, and here in the US worked hard as a manual worker:
“He began stealing at age 7 and joined a gang at age 11. He began using drugs at age 12. He dropped out of high school at age 15 and was also kicked out of his home, eventually becoming homelessness until he returned to live in the family’s garage. From ages 13 to 18, he was arrested for numerous crimes, including stealing, fighting, rioting, attempted murder and assaulting police officers …At age 18, he faced a six-year prison existence, was hooked on heroin, and by then 25 of his friends had been killed in the barrio gang life. Because of his new-found participation in community work, and after members of the community wrote letters on his behalf, Luis was given a lesser conviction and a county jail term…After taking classes in East Los Angeles Community College Luis began work as a reporter…and accepted at UC Berkeley….”
He is now an acclaimed writer and leading advocate of restorative justice, helping to create a Gang Intervention Bill introduced to the Congress this July. I posted a link to his website in the references of this post. He could’ve have been sentenced to life in prison, if the law applied to Jesus was in effect then.
I am not making excuses for bad behavior. My point is that the conditions that create bad behavior, and the barriers that do not give people a second chance, can be changed.
Mr. Toro,
I beleive solitary confinement is structured for the organized Mafia, Aaron Brotherhood, African mafia, all which unfolds in Prison Politics. The power and horrible life of crime inside Prison is why an inmate is confined in such form. If one is believed to be involved in the latter then such is the punishment in an effort to deter ordered crimes within the Prison. Ultimately if one would rehabilitate and learn horrible lesson that Prison must bring, one would not be a statistical person of such confinement. It is easy for me to say however given that I’ve been a law abiding Citizen and which I only speak from media and newspaper recurrences!
Thanks for your comment .The mainstream media often does not give a complete picture of the situations. Fortunately there are alternative media resources that provide the additional or complete information. The use of solitary confinement has been questioned not only for its negative impact as a form of torture, but also for the reasons used to justify this practice.
“The strike was first called by prisoners at Pelican Bay State Prison, which has achieved some notoriety for its Security Housing Unit (SHU), otherwise known as solitary confinement. Over 1,100 prisoners are in the SHU, where they spend at least 22 hours locked in their cells each day. Prisoners are placed there either for a fixed term—for violating a prison rule—or for an indeterminate term for being accused of gang membership. Such accusations often rely on confidential informants and circumstantial evidence, which means that prisoners can be harshly punished on the most dubious grounds. Hundreds at have been confined within the SHU for more than a decade. Until recently, the only way to be released from the SHU was to “debrief,” or provide information incriminating other prisoners, who are then placed in the SHU for an indeterminate sentence.”
One of the demands of the strikers is to end this practice:
. Abolish the debriefing policy and modify active/inactive gang status criteria.
Prisoners are accused of being active or inactive participants of prison gangs using false or highly dubious evidence, and are then sent to long term isolation (SHU). They can escape these tortuous conditions only if they “debrief,” that is, provide information on gang activity. Debriefing produces false information (wrongly landing other prisoners in SHU, in an endless cycle) and can endanger the lives of debriefing prisoners and their families.
Some alternative print and radio information on this subject:
http://www.thenation.com/article/175565/one-prisoner-dead-will-california-listen-hunger-strikers#axzz2avwk6EVY
http://www.prisons.org/hungerstrike.htm
https://soundcloud.com/sojournertruthradio/sojournertruthradio-report
http://ianmasters.com/content/july-10-texas-republicans-escalate-their-war-women-growing-hunger-strikes-californias-prison
http://uprisingradio.org/home/?s=california+hunger+strike&subm