Sam’s Jail Blog: Wednesday, May 13

May 18, 2009 by Sam Dodson
Filed under: Issues, Obscured Truth Network, Outreach, Personal Freedom, Update

Wednesday, May 13:
Sam
Yesterday I wrote about the “MPR,” the group of prisoners who work, and specifically the work release program where some are allowed to leave for outside jobs. While I’m sure all of their rules exist for a reason, government involvement typically results in a never ending series of unintended consequences. Despite the best of intentions, government solutions often end up missing the forest for the trees. The MPR is no exception.

The idea is a simple one. Take prisoners about to be released, and acclimate them to a structured work environment similar to what they may encounter once released. Unfortunately, the punitive authoritarian environment makes this objective impractical if not impossible.

To begin with, jobs in the private market are voluntary in nature with both parties understanding the terms and agreeing to the relationship. Ignoring the fact that most prisoners re held against their will, the jailers attempt to duplicate this by allowing those in the MPR, some of whom were put there involuntarily, the “opportunity: to work. Anyone who declines the “opportunity” to work gets lugged. That means two jailers come in, handcuff you, and take you to the hole for 15 days.

That’s the maximum secutiry “E-block” where you are in solitary confinement and only let out for a shower and the federally mandated 1 hour per day to a slightly bigger room (I was denied this unless I processed). In the private market I work out of choice and desire to create things I want in life. The jailers fail to simulate this because they use a fear-based punitive system of motivation.

In the private market I typically sign an employment agreement or statement of work which outlines the job’s roles, responsibilities, job tasks, travel requirements, hours, and compensation. I’m free to ask any questions and negotiate better terms related to salary, assignments, vacation time, or any other job perk. The jailers fail to simulate this by assigning a guard, Ms. Bacala, to dole out work assignments as she sees fit. There is no disclosure, no negotiation, no choice, you take what they give you or face 15 days in the hole. While most are happy to take whatever job they can get, successful people understand their perspective value, strengths and abilities. Evaluating one’s position and gaining the courage to ask for what you want is an invaluable character building experience. The jailers fail to teach this as well.

We’re just getting started, but I want to get these out today, so I’ll continue this comparison in the next post.

SamIAm

Comments

4 Comments on Sam’s Jail Blog: Wednesday, May 13

Markus on Mon, 18th May 2009 11:55 pm

Thanks again Sam for pointing out yet again what an absolute disaster those in government are capable of creating when given a chance to think and operate. Too bad the Sentinel won’t do a story exposing how incredibly wasteful, inefficient and just how bad the Government is at doing the job, they are supposed to be so good at.

And it’s this gang that the majority of the public trusts and let’s “educate” their children. You want to think about a crime and a shame…it’s difficult to imagine a bigger one.

Cliff on Tue, 19th May 2009 9:48 am

I sent an email to Mr. Bantz today thanking him for the article he wrote about Sam and pointing out the lack of legitimacy of the very “order” which was used to initiate Sam’s arrest. He wrote back the following:

“I’ve tried to address the issue of the order in previous stories: According to Laura Kiernan, a spokeswoman for the N.H. judicial branch, Sam or Ian or anyone else who thinks the order banning photography in the court’s lobby is unlawful may file a motion (argument) with the court and request a decision on the merit of that order. Otherwise, the order stands, she said. So far, to my knowledge, no motion has been filed questioning the order. I hope this helps. And in subsequent stories, I will try to include a line or two explaining this.”

I am not in N.H. yet so there isn’t much I can do on that front; but I hope that one of the FSters will run with this since Sam cannot at the moment. I know many FSter are out of the system folks but for those who wish to dabble, this is probably a safe place to start. Even though they are not arresting people for this at the moment, they can restart if it goes unchallenged.

Mike on Tue, 19th May 2009 11:20 am

I don’t know Bantz, but it sounds like he does more reporting than thinking. If we must file a motion with Judge X to challenge his unlawful order, why would we expect Judge X to rescind his unlawful order? He could just rule on the motion in favor of his order.

And then there’s the liberty angle: if Judge X (or anyone) can declare a new rule and everyone else must follow it under threat of force *unless* they file paperwork and spend money and time to challenge this bogus and unlawful new rule, how are we in a free or just society?

Markus on Tue, 19th May 2009 12:06 pm

Mike said:
“And then there’s the liberty angle: if Judge X (or anyone) can declare a new rule and everyone else must follow it under threat of force *unless* they file paperwork and spend money and time to challenge this bogus and unlawful new rule, how are we in a free or just society?”

We’re not. Well said Mike. Isn’t it amazing how just because someone says something (America is Free) that people still can believe it to be true, in the face of the opposite?

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