Emily DePrang at the Texas Observer says the question shouldn't be whether the Dawson State Jail in Dallas should be closed, but why in the world, given its shoddy record, the Texas Legislature would consider keeping the privately run prison unit open?
When will everyone get the message? The group in Austin has correctional issues on the back burner.
ReplyDeleteYOU GOT THAT RIGHT!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so tired of having to push changes based on fiscal savings. There are so many moral components to this, and it is wearying, to the soul and the spirit, to have to continually refer to how much money will be saved by closing a place that destroys humans. When will we change?
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ReplyDeleteAre in custody deaths at state jails and prisons reportable to the Texas A.G.'s office like they are in Texas county jails?
If no, why is there a double standard?
I feel you, Jarenaud. Over the years I've accepted the cynical reality that ONLY loss of lot of money spurs real change. It's rare for prisons, DA, cops, corporations, and all govt entities to step up and do the right thing, for itself. Texas- and Texans- have gloried with pride in a brutal prison system for decades, but ONLY now that our draconian injustice system is costing so much money do our leaders seem to suddenly notice that fact. We Texans are not a people particularly known for compassion or even simple kindness. But we do worship business and profits. Now that the horrors we created are sucking up so much money for fixes, suddenly even Tx Business Assoc has an epiphany and wants changes. It's only to save them some money, but it's the best chance to "do the right thing" in ages, so reform minded folks need to grab this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteDawson state jail needs to be closed they have poor Medical,the showers are nasty they have mold problems there mats are hard you might as well sleep on the floor thats how hard they are and if u have laundry done u dont get it back half of the time laundry is done 2 times a week there so if your laundry does't come back then your S.O.L. it sad that a baby died there n they wanna keep that hell hole open what more can happen before someone says enough is enough i know what goes on there cuz i have been there my heart goes out to everyone in there n i pray that this will be over and families can be at peace knowing there loved ones are safe and Dawson State Jail be no more.
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