tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post6625219334707496352..comments2024-03-15T05:45:01.402-05:00Comments on Grits for Breakfast: Internal TYC staff disputes aired in Dallas NewsGritsforbreakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-52954881883490105772008-01-21T16:22:00.000-06:002008-01-21T16:22:00.000-06:00Dionne, have you actually witnessed this happening...Dionne, have you actually witnessed this happening to your son? If you have not, then there is the possibility that he is lying to you. Of course he could be telling the truth too. One thing I do know, is that if an inmate, youth or child, goes into TYC and stays quiet and respectful to the officers, "Yes sir, no sir, etc." Then that inmate will not have any problems with the gaurds. The inmates that have problems with the gaurds are generally ones who won't be quiet, argue with the gaurds, curse at the gaurds, etc. Not that this is any excuse for a misbehaving gaurds, but it is also not an excuse for children either. Children need to know how to behave, if they did then they would not be in the system in the first place.<BR/><BR/>I have to agree with the comments made earlier in this post about the majority of problems being with administration. All of my problems did, and I worked with TYC for many years. I still remember my first day there. I went to the unit with the idea that I was going to role model for those boys and girls what it meant to be a man of integirty and character. After years of being lied upon by the inmates, fighting with inmates that hate you for no reason other than that you wear a plastic name-badge, putting up with administrators blaming the staff and officers for their problems, I became calloused. it was because of this callousness that I ended up leaving TYC. This was a hard move for me because I had worked my up through the ranks to be in a decently paid position. After leaving I had to start over completely. Now, almost three years later I still wake up in the middle of the night screaming, cursing, and fighting. My wife can not sleep next to me some nights, because I strike out in my sleep. I am suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, and it has ruined my life. You guys who talk about TYC and its employees do not understand what its like to work there. I was constantly under investigation for allegations of abuse, but I never abused a child. Do you know what its like to have to face an investigator who automatically thinks you are guilty until proven innocent? One time I was accused and found guilty of refusing to give medical treatment to an inmate who was in the infirmary being treated by a nurse. other than basic first aid and CPR, I am not medically qualified to give someone medial treatment, and I had even driven the young man to the hospital. Can you imagine what that is like to constantly live in fear? Afraid that you will be attacked by an inmate and constantly having to watch your back? Afraid of making a decision which even if it is right will cost you your job because the administrators would rather hang one of their staff than face a possible unit wide investigation, even if the investigation shows the staff was correct in his actions. I went into TYC with the idea that I could help people. I came out cold and bitter. I worked with those youth for almost 8 years, and all I have to show for it is an injured shoulder and sleepless nights.<BR/><BR/>The real travesty is that neither side, the kids or the gaurds is being treated fairly. The administration is working hard to keep itself looking clean and good, and is trying hard to roll the "crap" downhill. The kids and the gaurds are both caught in the middle. I feel for them both.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-84620637148057779602007-04-24T23:32:00.000-05:002007-04-24T23:32:00.000-05:00Either people have no idea or those who find thems...Either people have no idea or those who find themselves involved with the juvenile “justice” system, and The Lubbock County Juvenile Justice Center more specifically, don’t understand their children do have some rights and there is recourse when they are violated.<BR/> <BR/>My 10 year old boy had to experience these abuses first hand and he hadn’t even been charged with a crime. He was kept at the LCJJC for 10 days before we could get a hearing to get him out. During his time there my little boy was given a shot without our consent or notification. He was deprived of his “promised” 10 minute phone call allowed each Wednesday. Despite their claim ( on their website and handout) to be a safe and secure environment my son was hazed and tormented multiple times by the probation officers and guards.<BR/> <BR/>The first night one guard took him out in front of all the older offenders and with a pair of electric clippers said he would be cutting Richards hair. When he began to cry the guard said “I always love hazing the new kids they always fall for it.” All the other kids laughed. The next day while my son was playing checkers the same guard told Richard to go to his pod and get on his knees with his hands against the wall for a drug search. Of course he did because he’s only 10 and believed he really was being checked. The guard came in , acted like he was patting my son down and then began laughing again. He told Richard that if he mentioned this to me, my wife, or his attorney that another 2 months would be added to his “sentence”. Luckily he chose to tell his mom regardless.<BR/> <BR/>On 2 separate occasions, after not “clasping his hands properly behind his back” he was confined to his pod alone with the lights out and the door locked. One time he was left there for 2 hours, the other time 3 hours plus his bed was stripped and everything removed but his mattress. Apparently the employees don’t care that besides being a scared little child they were also violating the Texas Administrative Code (TAC 343.7 d) that specifically states a child may not be confined longer than 1 hour. They also failed to give us the legally required handout titled, “Texas Juvenile Probation Commission on abuse, neglect and exploitation of children and its grievance policy.”<BR/> <BR/>Despite multiple complaints to Director Les Brown he did not do anything, but he did make the following comment to my wife, “OK, I’ll investigate this but you won’t like my findings.” This is hardly the level of objectivity that should be demanded from someone entrusted with the responsibility of investigating allegations of abuse by his staff. I would hope that LCJJC wouldn’t condone such behaviors and abuses but the sheer number of humiliations and hazing against just my child makes me suspicious.<BR/>I believe that this was not an isolated case, we just happen to be well educated and able to afford proper representation for our boy, Richard. Most kids (and by extension most parents) are ignorant of what remedies are available to them. Parents who complain are ignored since they obviously “cant fight city hall” and their kids suffer hazing by those in authority because what choice is there? Many are housed there for extremely long periods because their court appointed attorneys are too busy, uninterested or under funded. If they cause any disturbance or trouble they lose any remote activity that causes them pleasure. And you can forget about due process or innocent until proven guilty in juvenile justice. Those rights only apply to adults. The whole process is more frightening than a Steven King novel.<BR/> <BR/>My hope is someone with conviction and tenacity will help us expose this travesty. Apathy will only ensure other less fortunate kids will continue to be mistreated and ignored. I contacted both my State Representative and State Senator who both seemed appalled. I hope you are too.<BR/> <BR/>Thank you,<BR/>DionneDionnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00144918855837578775noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-82389669864082765852007-04-24T20:54:00.000-05:002007-04-24T20:54:00.000-05:00SIGN: Opinions wanted, inquire within, only if you...SIGN: Opinions wanted, inquire within, only if you think the same as us.<BR/><BR/>NEW HEADLINE: Internal TYC staff dispute ends, widespread ethnic cleansing dominates.<BR/><BR/>FUTURE PREDICTION: resistance/insurgency imminent.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-86176941561198071762007-04-20T19:59:00.000-05:002007-04-20T19:59:00.000-05:00My two cents for what its worth. In an article fou...My two cents for what its worth. In an article found at mysa.com 4/10/2007 Mr. Jay says that he has suffered from survivor's guilt for the past 40 years due to the war and now his sense of purpose is to wreck all the lives he can at TYC. At 19 Jay how much wackie weed did you smoke to get away from all the killing. You should have gotten some help before now. You say you lay wounded for hours. Well maybe the man I love who was in the same war, at the same time you were and at the same location you were and who was a medic, well hell he may be the one that bandaged your sorry gut and help save your sorry ass. Now you might fire him for something that he did years ago just like you have done to some of the guys that served in the same war with you. How low can you go? Did you know that Mr. Jay is the man that rated out the Democrate House members that went to Okiehoma in 2003. Yep one in the same. He called the cops and the feds. He was director of homeland security at the time and seems money from there was diverted for this little event. Did you know that in 1997 when he was playing God at another state job that agency gave a private security guard license to a convicted felon who later killed a man at a bar where he worked. Maybe thats why he is out to get all felons. In 2006 he oversaw state agents who seized evidence from a federal court as part of a criminal investigation. Greg Abbott passed it off as "miscommunications." The federal judge accused the state of behavior bordering on the criminal. Boy what a leader... Owens even has more nonos than this guy. Oh well it's just lives that they are detroying.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-25702279602327368792007-04-19T16:59:00.000-05:002007-04-19T16:59:00.000-05:00My concern is all of this "finger pointing" should...My concern is all of this "finger pointing" should perhaps be pointed back at the ones pointing. While I agree that some of those with felons should not suffer these drastic consequences, I wonder if the fox that is barking the loudest perhaps has something he himself is hiding in the henhouse.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-21992775872598391612007-04-19T14:20:00.000-05:002007-04-19T14:20:00.000-05:00To Whitsfoe-What's going on at Marlin? You said yo...To Whitsfoe-<BR/><BR/>What's going on at Marlin? You said you didn't want to mention names, but can you say what it's about?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-40799473668742421052007-04-19T12:49:00.000-05:002007-04-19T12:49:00.000-05:00I seem to be taking up a lot of blog space. I prob...I seem to be taking up a lot of blog space. I probably need to be quiet for a while and let others jump in with whatever is on their minds. <BR/>Back to work.<BR/>PinpointAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-31036483185025104752007-04-19T12:35:00.000-05:002007-04-19T12:35:00.000-05:00To 10:29/12:33Regarding your statement that the in...To 10:29/12:33<BR/><BR/>Regarding your statement that the investigations and information you stated at Crockett should be available and a matter of record- <BR/>The new investigators are not part of TYC's old system and do not know the workings and most of the past "underground" information. Unless they are told what to look for they don't know it's there. Some of the things you stated would not be in an investigative report, but are legitimate concerns none the less. It's just my opinion that they should be formal complaints, not just aired here where someone can later say "we didn't know". <BR/>PinpointAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-72012215249419708222007-04-19T11:41:00.000-05:002007-04-19T11:41:00.000-05:00Pinpoint,Hope I didn't come across as attacking. I...Pinpoint,<BR/><BR/>Hope I didn't come across as attacking. It was late and I was getting sleepy. My diatribe about children was more appropriately directed at those who appear to label the youth as innocent victims and villify staff indiscrimately. I believe that a balanced view should be taken and that how we frame our thoughts/beliefs structures our reactions and responses. So I meant the use of the word children in the figurative sense. It is unfortunate but most of these children have long lost their innocence. <BR/><BR/>I agree that some youth have been sent to TYC for annoying his/her communities, in some cases political reasons, or for other inappropriate causes...but counties have always been inconsistent with commitments to TYC, but largely many youth have been committed appropriately. <BR/><BR/>I agree with you whole heartedly how good staff have been treated and often all that is left is sour milk. <BR/><BR/>I suspect that we agree on far more than we differ. <BR/><BR/>I just hope that those currently in charge take cleaning up/out the agency slowly and seriously and don't do politically expedient changes for the sake of appearances (it is Dwight all over again) and throw the baby out with the bath water. <BR/><BR/>10:29Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-37041726929133048712007-04-19T09:11:00.000-05:002007-04-19T09:11:00.000-05:00To 10:29-I refer to them as children because the l...To 10:29-<BR/>I refer to them as children because the law defines them that way until the age of 18. Even if it did not, a 10 year old is a child and TYC has many. I agree that an 18-21 year old is not a "child". I don't believe they should be in TYC at that age. Regrettably, they are. We all also know that a 16 year old can kill his parents just like a 40 year old can. Calling them children, youth, students, criminals or whatever else you want to label them does not change the fact they are there.<BR/>I do agree with you on all aspects that the "children" are to be held accountable for their acts. Crimes have to have punishments or consequences. I in no way want to hug the little necks of all of them and set them free. Some would most likely take the chance to cut mine if I did. However, I will also add that many there did not do serious crimes, just really annoying ones no one wanted to deal with within their communities (or did not have the resources). Labeling them a child, criminal, or any other name should not minimize their acts or their responsibilities to be accountable. What ever you or I call them, it does not take away the fact that TYC is an agency full of ADULTS. Adults responsible for the care and protection of the "children" within it. However, many of those adults chose not to do that. They knew right vs. wrong, what the laws are and looked the other way. The "children" were not protected by many of the "adults". <BR/><BR/>Regarding contract care or privatization of TYC, I have already stated my opinion on this in previous posts. There is good and bad in every option. I do not support one over the other, I only support the best option we have that does the best job with the best oversight, resources, etc.<BR/><BR/>I also have a "love/hate" feeling of TYC. I know TYC has good people, good programs and can do what it is intended to do. TYC could have an enormous positive impact on the youth and their communities if done right. The problem is knowing what it could be vs. knowing what has been in the way of that for countless years. The people who really want it to work right, to have the effect on the students it was meant to and do a good job have been held down. They have been prevented from rising to the top or driven out of the agency. Instead of the cream rising to the top, TYC got those who felt political ties and self perpetuation was a better goal. To do that they surrounded themselves with like minded others. They had to keep a few good ones here and there in non-authority type jobs so they could overhear or take their good ideas and make them their own. But, they did not allow them to actually be in any position that could challenge their personal agendas and goals. That is my opinion anyway.<BR/>PinpointAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-51209855467465717452007-04-19T01:11:00.000-05:002007-04-19T01:11:00.000-05:00Pinpoint, (10:29 again)Just one more comment on a ...Pinpoint, (10:29 again)<BR/><BR/>Just one more comment on a personal pet peeve of mine. I believe that it is wrong to characterize or think of the youth in TYC's care as children. Before you jump down my throat, let me explain. Many of the youth in TYC's care have committed very adult crimes and I have found that a person who characterizes the youth as children often tends to minimize and excuse youth for their behavior and see them as victims. They may have been a victim of previous crimes, poor socio-economic status, or myriad of issues which many of the youth face...however, in the majority of cases they have committed a crime and have victims of their own and are responsible for choices they make and should be held accountable. <BR/><BR/>Also, despite of the fact that they have committed a crime, I also believe it is a mistake to characterize them as criminals... my experience is that persons with this perspective tend to believe that it is his/her job to punish the youth in their care, often leading to abuse. I prefer the term student or youth because it is TYC's job to model appropriate behavior and mentor the youth/students in the agency's care. They should be held accountable for their behavior but never abused. <BR/><BR/>Also, regarding previous posts about the privatization of TYC. My experience has been that there have been many more cases of rampant abuse, neglect, and misconduct in privatized facilities. Coke County around year 2000-2001 comes to mind. I am not sure why anyone thinks privatizing social services is a good idea. In social services the persons being served should be the focus not the bottom line/margin.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-73049855332161758522007-04-19T00:33:00.000-05:002007-04-19T00:33:00.000-05:0010:29 responds,Pinpoint, it is not my desire to de...10:29 responds,<BR/><BR/>Pinpoint, it is not my desire to defend Curtis only to comment on observed behaviors. I have heard of rumors of misconduct but nothing I could ever substantiate. I have observed that when it comes to controversy he rather not stick his neck out and draw attention to himself. You can draw your own conclusions as to what this means.(I am not Curtis Simmons)<BR/> <BR/>A correction, Lydia is not gone, but she is no longer over Juvenile Corrections. My opinion is that she should be fired as well. She took over the supervision of Crockett from Marie Murdock. I was told that Marie did not want Freeman to return so she was replaced. <BR/><BR/>Regarding whether or not I should let investigators know... the investigations should be available and a matter of record. At Crockett the problem was not the investigations, or the investigators involved, but how it was handled administratively afterward. Also, there has been at least one article by the Dallas Morning News on the subject. Just surprised that this has not been brought out further. <BR/><BR/>As my relationship with the agency goes, lets just say I have a love/ hate relationship. Many people, including myself, saw where TYC was heading once Dwight took over the agency. It really began when he took over as Assistant Executive Director. Dwight always seemed to care more about numbers how things appeared than reality. <BR/><BR/>I truly respect many of the hard working and dedicated people who work towards the best interests of the public and youth in their car at all levels of the agency. The problem really isn't the programs or structure but of poor management, retirement of administrators who remembered the sting of Morales vs. Turman and the subsequent sunset reviews and the importance of doing things the right way, underfunding, resulting in under-staffing and dangerous student/staff ratios, and poor design of facilities (i.e. student populations over 300 and open bay dorms). In addition, TYC loses many good and well qualified staff due to the good old boy bureaucracy that does not want managers/employees who will think and act ethically but will jump when they say jump, serving their own selfish ambitions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-10587271422391175852007-04-18T23:29:00.000-05:002007-04-18T23:29:00.000-05:00To 10:29-Are you speaking on behalf of Curtis Simm...To 10:29-<BR/>Are you speaking on behalf of Curtis Simmons as to what he is or is not doing (stating he was trying to lay low and out of the line of fire)?<BR/>Unless you are Curtis Simmons or have his permission to speak of what he is doing, how about we let him speak for himself (should he so choose). Saying there are others out there worse than he is isn't exactly a shining defense.<BR/><BR/>You appear to have some pretty detailed information about Mr. Freeman and the Crockett facility that most would not know or have access to. I hope you have shared this with the current investigators. <BR/>PinpointAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-40610897996394672932007-04-18T22:49:00.000-05:002007-04-18T22:49:00.000-05:00Lydia Barnard is gone?Lydia Barnard is gone?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-22508080976893698982007-04-18T22:46:00.000-05:002007-04-18T22:46:00.000-05:00Sorry- forgot to sign that one (10:45)PinpointSorry- forgot to sign that one (10:45)<BR/>PinpointAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-86748234561270379762007-04-18T22:45:00.000-05:002007-04-18T22:45:00.000-05:00"I am not saying the 1% (if this is the case) is n..."I am not saying the 1% (if this is the case) is not relevant, one again the point I am trying to make and it is not taking hold is the sensationalism that is being portrayed to justify the hunt. If we applied this same type of scrutiny to any State agency you will find 1% error".<BR/><BR/>Chuy- "the sensationalism...to justify the hunt"- Can you name something more important than sexually molested and abused children that would justify the hunt? How about the death of a child? Let's not forget those issues are still being looked at as well. <BR/>You are correct; if you applied that 1% to other state agencies you would find the same error rate. And, when that error rate has occurred that cost the lives of youth, puts them at risk of sexual abuse, etc, they made news too and huge agency changes and legislative input has happened (for example CPS). Throwing every state agency in this 1% error ratio would not be (in most cases) a fair comparison as most state agencies are not responsible for the direct care, lives and safety of children. <BR/>I agree with you that there should be absolute, eagle eye scrutiny on the elected officials who are making the changes right now. They are just as accountable as everyone else. They made the move to become part of this; they have the responsibility to make changes that actually address the issues. It is in their hands and on their shoulders to better the system and do it with procedures that are fundable, workable, legal, and progresses the agency in a direction that ensures this abuse either never happens again or at least never has a safe haven within it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-71881881867456021212007-04-18T22:29:00.000-05:002007-04-18T22:29:00.000-05:00If Curtis is guilty of anything it is of trying to...If Curtis is guilty of anything it is of trying to lay low and stay out of the line of fire by keeping his mouth shut. <BR/><BR/>Heck with that, what about Crockett and Don Freeman. Curtis is small potatoes when it comes to a ladies man compared to Mr. Freeman, if rumors are to be believed.<BR/><BR/>But how about the stuff that is not rumor and could be uncovered by looking at investigations of Crockett going back to Fall of 2002. Mr. Freeman had mid-level employees giving him expensive gifts (artwork , rifle scope), restrained a youth without writing an incident report, told staff to throw a "f#$%ing kid of the roof" <BR/>appeared to have sanctioned along with his Assist. Supt. Blu Nicholson staff using excessive force against problem students. Heck, a PA II (a former Associate Clinical Psychologist) was caught on video tape slapping and choking a youth...and she still works at the facility. There were many cases of confirmed abuse at the facility. Yet, Don Freeman and Blu Nicholson still work at the facility. <BR/><BR/>In addition, many students were suddenly cured of their "emotional disturbance" and transferred to other campuses. He systematically fired older and/or overweight staff and replaced them with his cronies from Mart or with young persons, many attractive young women. Guess he was telling the truth when he claimed that he was a close to Dwight Harris and Chester Clay and could do what ever he pleased. <BR/><BR/>Dwight, Chester, and Lydia needed to go because they often protected their friends and often threw every one else to the wolves. AKA John Hopkins, Marian Michael Deans, and others. <BR/><BR/>Curtis Simmons and Jerome Parsee are not Saints but in comparison to a superintendent like Don Freeman they "walk on water."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-80248749719958800192007-04-18T22:11:00.000-05:002007-04-18T22:11:00.000-05:00I am not saying the 1% (if this is the case) is no...I am not saying the 1% (if this is the case) is not relevant, one again the point I am trying to make and it is not taking hold is the sensationalism that is being portrayed to justify the hunt. If we applied this same type of scrutiny to any State agency you will find 1% error. Lets apply this to our elected officials who are on this band wagon who cannot tell the difference between Family Law and the Penal Code when trying to resolve Juvenile issues.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-48135321581945977092007-04-18T20:44:00.000-05:002007-04-18T20:44:00.000-05:00Chuy- "Pinpoint, the reason you will not read this...Chuy- <BR/>"Pinpoint, the reason you will not read this in the papers is because this info will ever make the papers. If it did it would be hard to justify what is taking place today at every TYC facility".<BR/><BR/>I will have to disagree with you on this. Just one case hit the news (West Texas) and has turned the agency over on its head. One case was enough to justify what has happened to many people within the agency (who participated in it). We have yet to see what the additional cases can or will do. Again, with your request of the MSM to do an open records request to prove your 1%, are you saying that 1% (25 or more cases) are not worth investigating considering what has been found that led to all of this? Is it not worth looking to see if more has occurred? I would rather error on the side of looking rather than not.<BR/><BR/>Assumptions are being made everywhere regarding the tapes. The person responsible may have very well been walked out already (Worsham), but unless someone saw who separated the tapes from the case file, we'll never know. The fact that Hinajosa's aid is the one that requested the tapes does not make the staff in place at TYC liable unless they already knew the tapes were missing and made no effort to look or purposely failed to provide them. From the way the information appears, when they were notified of the missing evidence, they looked, found it and provided it. I am also wondering why it took a legislative aid to realize there were tapes available when the D.A. had a copy of the same report that mentioned the tapes. Where was his effort to secure all the evidence in his case and review it before prosecution and presentation to the Grand Jury? I think I would want all evidence available to see if my witnesses were credible. He may have requested "all information", but after reading the report, shouldn't the missing videos have been pretty apparent? Video is one of the most convincing things a jury can see, I think I would have made a pretty earnest effort to have them or sure have raised hell that I never received them before the case was even presented to the Grand Jury. I believe if the current people doing the investigations within TYC had been attempting to hide anything the tapes would have never surfaced again. <BR/>I don't know what would have happened if Hinajosa's aid had not requested the tapes. Unless you can state that the current people within TYC had knowledge that the D.A. didn't have the tapes and were purposely sitting on that information, I don't see how anyone could have known the D.A. did not have what he needed (since the case and tapes were separated).<BR/>Regarding your statement that the former staff have no way to defend themselves- they have just as much access to the media as anyone else. If they choose not to speak on their own behalf (for personal reasons or at the advice of their attorney), they certainly could have their attorney or a representative make a statement for them. Even then it would be up to each person to decide what to believe or not.<BR/>PinpointAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-45799234472301969492007-04-18T20:02:00.000-05:002007-04-18T20:02:00.000-05:00Hey grits, I bet we keep this thing entertaining h...Hey grits, I bet we keep this thing entertaining huh? You know what we should do? We should say "OK TYC staff, you're getting pretty vocal now and the opinions are of interest. So let's debate the issues live, here in Austin. Town Hall meeting. Scott Henson will be the moderator. Please bring your $10.00 admission fee to join the debate. Time and place TBA." We can have it in a parking lot somewhere. The Salvation Army might be available for food, but the easels for the “parking lot issues” will need to be purchased. But for Heavens sake, don’t bring in the police. Or, for that matter, The National Guard. <BR/><BR/>Make sure it's an open keg event because when these guys get to debating, it'll go on forever. We might even make you enough money to get you a ham and eggs breakfast instead of those grits you've been eating! Enjoy!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-10972581754663019192007-04-18T19:34:00.000-05:002007-04-18T19:34:00.000-05:00Pinpoint, the reason you will not read this in the...Pinpoint, the reason you will not read this in the papers is because this info will ever make the papers. If it did it would be hard to justify what is taking place today at every TYC facility. For those of us who work at a facility and speak with the investigators (AG office, TDCJ, Ranger) they are the ones making these statements, I for one asked for the MSM to do an open records act to show this to be the case, those would be my facts. Do you really believe this will ever come out (the actual cases) unless it is forced from their grimy little fingers. Secondly the papers stated Hinojosa's aide requested the info on the tapes, what would ahve happened if she did not. The point I am making is why blame a TYC staff who is no longer able to defend themselves, it must be convenient to have this crutch to fall back on. Lets say if this same scenario would have occurred and the person responsible for not producing the video was a TYC staff, would they be walked out in handcuffs for trying to cover up??Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-35653802210376856542007-04-18T19:32:00.000-05:002007-04-18T19:32:00.000-05:00We have one that's about to explode at Marlin... s...We have one that's about to explode at Marlin... stay tuned... don't ask, I'm not going to drag the accused through the mud because he/she could very well be innocent (but I have my doubts)... and you're right pinpoint, any incident of abuse is one too many. Absolutely.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-73505449943524311882007-04-18T18:23:00.000-05:002007-04-18T18:23:00.000-05:00Sorry, I had to go earlier before I was able to sp...Sorry, I had to go earlier before I was able to speak to something that keeps being repeated. It is regarding the number of "new cases" or new hotline/internet complaints that have been received since this started. It keeps being stated by a couple of people that 99% of these "new cases" are bogus. As many here have pointed out several times- where is the data you use to support this? Please provide the article, link, paper, source or whatever it is that supports this 1% number. I will agree with you that (most likely)there are a large number of cases that do not involve what would be called serious things (like not having shoe laces) and many may not even be relevant to TYC (complaints about detention centers and contract care not within TYC control). However, let's say that you are spot on or absolutely right- that only 1% of these 2,500 cases have real merit and are really worth looking into. That's 25 cases. That's 25 cases that were never reported because people either feared retaliation, more abuse or felt nothing would be done due to the corruption in place. That 1% could be 25 more sexual abuse cases, 25 assaults or broken bones, 25 more medical neglect cases, etc. That's 25 different cases of things done to someone or groups of people. Is that number ok? That's just assuming that 1% number is accurate. If it is, are you saying those 25 new cases and the people involved in them don't deserve to be heard? And, if this big investigation and change had not taken place- are you saying you would be ok with those 25 cases never seeing the light of day? I am just curious why or how you let that number, even if you consider it small, discredit the changes that have been proven to be needed within TYC (regarding how things are investigated and removing individuals who covered things up). I don't agree with all the changes being made (firing employee's with old records or non-violent or non-child related misdems., making changes to programs that work, etc.). I support change, but I want to see it come with checks, balances and integrity. <BR/>PinpointAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-11172572633421578862007-04-18T14:36:00.000-05:002007-04-18T14:36:00.000-05:00Anthony- Thanks for helping me clear that up (that...Anthony- Thanks for helping me clear that up (that I am not you). For whatever reason you have, you always post your name. I choose not to, but more power to you. Thank you for providing the info. on the alternative bill.<BR/>PinpointAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-59141936541102699512007-04-18T14:26:00.000-05:002007-04-18T14:26:00.000-05:00Good Lord Anthony, did you have to throw in the "c...Good Lord Anthony, did you have to throw in the "chick magnet" part?? That makes me want to puke.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com