Tuesday, April 30, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.
What about the sister shot to death in the desert? No mention of her or me, as the victim's family. At least he has his family to turn to for the money to receive those "luxury items." I was not ever told that clothing in prison was a "luxury." I would hate to know what he would wear if his family was not paying for him twice. Yes, I said twice. Not only from property taxes, sales tax and DMV tax but from their very own please-pity-me-mommy-I'm-a-convict tax.
I agree that prisoners should be required to work for their own keep, but should they benefit as well? Should they receive money to pay for that tobacco, coffee and snacks? Or should that money go toward the walls that will house them while the state gives them three meals a day, a place to sleep and watch TV?
I ask who are the real convicts of crime? The murdered, raped robbed or the families of those who were? All of the above. I am sorry that those in prison must just sit. It is better than lying on the coroner's slab. Life is about choices. Patrick, make the choice not to return. Don't place the blame for your return on us, the law-abiding public.
Andrew M. Farris
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