Medical Furlough Act.. Please say No !!

quote:

Originally posted by ShugaPush:
I'd say that makes you family or close friend of the victim. Some of us have lost relatives to violence, including FV and myself, and haven't let it warp our souls like you have.

Bless her, she is family and is crazy, crazy, crazy. They are eat-up with hatred. I understand their loss and hate it but they never move on. They allow the people that took their relative to control their lives and well-being on a daily basis. And they train new victim's family members to follow the same destructive path. I hope and pray the local victim advocate's group one day gets to the business of helping victim's families move on with their lives.

FV's response was reasoned and well put. lilmisschatte. . . . just can't seem to help herself. Pray for her.

This may not be the best bill to address the issue of the cost of terminally ill inmates but it is a start. People who want criminals in prison for the rest of their lives never want to pay the cost. If we keep them all locked up forever, somebody has to pay for them. Then they argue for death and those cases cost the state far more than housing and feeding an inmate for the rest of his or her life. The State can't afford to care for these people for ever unless we as citizens are willing to pay for it and so far, we aren't.

BubbLuck , WoW , I had though of you as , someone with a little more compassion, but for you to say someone is Crazy for helping other Victims ,and Speaking up when we feel a law would not be good for any Victims now or in the future. Or we have so much Hatred in our Hearts for not wanting a Law that would favor any Murderer. What is Moving ON ?? What is Getting Over It !! Or Closure , To Each family it maybe defferent . I guess it would be easy for you or some to Craw under a Rock , For Give & For Get in How these Victims Family lost there Dear Love Ones Life , in some of the most UnHuman Ways !! Thank Goodness we have a wonderfull VSO , Some D.A's sure don't. The Few Laws in Favor of the Victims Family did not Just drop out of the SKY !! After Familys had gone thru the Justice System , even at it's best, learned of how unfair the System was for the Victims Familys , Fighting for the rights of Future Victims is not CRAZY , I pray none of your Family ever has anything close to what has happened to some of the very Victims in our Area , & Not untell it happened to them ,they had no Ideal of what they would be facing after they put a brother, son , daughter, mother , or any dear Love Ones to rest !! As any Group no one is Forced to be a Part of it .Maybe we should just say . OK it's been a Month , 6 Months or a year we go back a Normal Life. It becomes a New Normal at some Point but trust me Never the Same . I guess the workers at Homicide Surivors in Huntsville that helps Hundreds of Victims thru out N W Alabama or The Healing Place , should Lock the Doors. Even tho they even Help young Children after losing a Mom , Dad or sister , or brother . I guess to you they be Crazy too. I have no problem with ones who are for the Law , I sure would not call you Crazy, just because you have not walked in a victims familys shoes. I started this Post for anyone that may not know of this Law, & only ask to make a call to Gov. Riley if they agreed for him to not sign that "Bill" & if not so be it. Forgive my Bad Spelling & Grammer, 0ooops no worries I am Crazy !!

Bama, my family has been victimized and I do understand what that is like to some degree. I do not mean to suggest that one can ever "get over it" or "move on" but some sort of healing is possible. And when one's entire focus in life becomes the person that hurt them, long after they are away in prison, there is nothing more than pain. That is allowing the criminal to destroy the lives that are left as well.

My comments were directed at one particular individual whom I have witnessed spew hatred and encourage vengence for many many years. I fear her pain has made her crazy. I am sorry but I do not see that as helpful for that individual or anyone she attempts to help. The actions I have seen are irrational and seem only to make the wound fester more.

Lauderdale County's victim services officer is a very fine person and she does a wonderful job. When a victim's support organization says they are there in part to tell new victims what to expect and victims get to court and are horrified that the person charged and maybe even convicted of the crime has never even contacted the victim family to apologize somebody is allowing them to expect something that will not and can not happen during a pending case. I see it every time I am called on to be at a sentencing and I wonder, why didn't those victim support people tell that mother, or daughter, or son or father or friend that the person charged with hurting them or their loved one can't and won't contact them, apologize before that day or show up on their door with a ham or a pie. If they knew that they would not have harbored that little part of the resentment for so long.

I have long admired your work and voice for victims and I am sorry to have offended you. I did not mean to. I just see so much sickness in my work that sometimes lands me in or around the courtroom and the perpetuation of hatred and pain and sickness makes me mad when some claim to be there to help.

And no, I can't spell wworth a hoot either.

I believe Bubba was referring to lilmisschatterbox when he used the word crazy, not to all family of victims of violent crimes. I also believe Bubba is totally correct when he says VOCAL does nothing to help the families to move on with their lives. The very purpose of their group is to promote punishment for those who have committed such crimes--on the surface this is not pathological, but it seems to have become so for at least some of its members.

I will also say that while many, many in the Shoals area have lost loved ones to violence (I once lost a cousin, a cousin who left a toddler and pregnant wife, not to mention scores of others who cared for him), the Sledge family are always the ones who come forward when something of this ilk is proposed. I see that some of them have stooped to a new low when criticizing defense attorneys who were appointed to defend the accused pair of brothers.

Yes, I'm human and I also have thoughts about others that I'm sure are not acceptable to God. The difference is that when I pray I ask God to cleanse my heart of such thoughts and ask Him to make my thoughts pure and my hands holy. It's hard for me to comprehend how anyone could live with the hate I've seen expressed by some members of the family mentioned.

If prisons are overcrowded put the death row inmates to death. if prisons are overcrowded build new prisons instead of golf courses. do not let prisoners out of prison because they are terminally ill or incapacitated. who cares except for the prisoners families, certainly not the victims. and if you insist on having this then let the families of the vicitms decide if the prisoner should be released. me I am all for letting them rot in prison. If you can't do the time don't do the crime. Who will be there to release the vicitms from their terminal grief? Protect yourself and your families no one else will.

butterflier, are you willing to pay lots more taxes to finance the suggestions you have made. You say build more prisons and put criminals to death but that costs millions upon millions of dollars. You say do that instead of building more golf courses. Golf courses are built to raise money - prisons don't - all they do is cost. Everybody wants to keep them locked up forever but nobody wants to pay for it. Nobody is letting prisoners out to be kind, or nice or sympathetic. Nobody is pushing for alternative sentencing for those reasons either. The fact is, we can't afford it. So, if you want what you call for, write your Governor and tell him you are willing to pay twice the taxes you pay now. Go on, do it and then what you suggest will be reasonable.

Once again, Bubbaluck has brought a voice of reason to this argument. I have just read Dana Beyerle's article on the subject in today's TD. There is a glaring error:

Rippey states (at least I infer the info came from her) that the young man convicted of non-capital murder in her brother's case will not be eligible for parole for decades. Parole hearings are scheduled 15 years into such sentences. That does not mean the man will make parole, just that he will be considered. Since he has served nine years so far, he will be considered for parole in 2013, if not earlier. Prisoners who have proved themselves in prison can be rescheduled after five years.

I have read the posts on this topic, and sorry I'm a little late but I just returned from vacation. From what I can tell, FV is either a Boyd attorney or family member so she's gonna uphold these monsters at all cost. My father was brutally murdered at the hands of BOTH OF THE brothers, whether admitted or not. And yes, one of them got a lighter sentence based on a technical issue, that makes him no less guilty than the other. The state is going to have to pay for medical care for prisoners, whether in prison or out, they do not come out of there with a good BC/BS, or any other ins coverage, they have to get on medicaid/medicare because they haven't had a job in a long time, or in some cases ever. I did not get to be at my father's side while he laid there dying, so why should their family get to be there. Personally, I hope they rot and suffer in their cells, as that is still too good for them. I have tried to be a "bigger person" thru all this, but crap like this makes me be just the way I am today. Until you have personally been the victim of a violent crime, you have no idea what its like to be here, and therefore have no right to judge us for our feelings on issues involving the release of monsters back into society. I can only hope that the right decisions are made and these people are kept right where they belong...LOCKED UP. As for the older brother being released on parole, FV, sounds like we'll all get to meet face-to-face one day soon, because if the lord is willing, I will be there to protest his release along with the whole family. Whether the victim of circumstance and bad decision or not, he was there, he knew what went on, he knew my father lay dead on that floor, and he did not try to help. He joined in the party at the sports bar on my daddy's money along with his brother and had a great time too...so to that, I say GUILTY! And before I go, if there are any grammar/spelling mistakes, sorry.

Why say no? I thought you like tax breaks? This would be a tax break for the state.

quote:

Originally posted by nstaremt:
From what I can tell, FV is either a Boyd attorney or family member so she's gonna uphold these monsters at all cost.

I am sorry for your pain and you horrible loss but I think FV is a nurse and I am pretty sure she is not a member of the Boyd family. This debate is not about the Boyds or the Sledges - it is about the State of Alabama's inablility to pay for inmates in prison for the rest of their lives when they become terminally ill and their medical costs are outrageous.

I do not know any of the Boyds. I have know several of the Sledges for many years and think highly of them. I don't understand why all such debates about victims and criminals turn into debates about the Boyds and Sledges. I hate that both of these families have been destroyed and I pray for peace for both of them. Peace and reconciliation are available though the Love of Christ. I hope you find it now.

quote:

Originally posted by jetboy:
[QUOTE] Honey if you're not full of hate, then I recon I haven't ever saw hate before.

I guess you sit up in church on sunday yelling out vengeance is mine sayeth the lord.

How cruel, uncaring, mean, and vicious can you be? It has been explained that this person has lost a child to violence and yet you want to berate him for his feelings on this bill???? Clearly...you have never lost anyone the way that Bamafnatk and countless others have...and furthermore...all of us who have lost loved ones in that manner hope that you never have to experience what we have. ONLY then could you possibly begin to know what our feelings are. When you go through a horrible tragic loss at the hands of another person...most of us do not have the energy left in us to hate the guilty person. It is the absolute deepest and most intense hurt you will ever experience. And, no one that has experienced it wishes that kind of hurt on anyone else. Hate…no, we do not hate but we do want justice for our loved ones.

I would have dearly loved to have been by the side of my loved one as he died...but, I did not get that chance.

nstaremt, no, I don't know any of the Boyd family and I am a BSN/RN, not an attorney. I am extremely sorry for your loss. I don't pretend to know if one brother is innocent or not. If he is, I hope he makes an early parole; if he isn't, I hope he remains incarcerated if that is where he needs to be. I certainly don't intend to participate in his parole hearing whenever it may be. I was at a bit of a loss to understand why your aunt thought it would not be for decades.

This topic started out as a discussion of the Medical Furlough Act and its benefits or lack thereof. Bruce Larson brought the subject of your father's death into it. I'm not quite sure why you think the older brother's lighter sentence was due to a technical issue. The accounts in the TD indicated this was the verdict the jury handed down. Along that line, you should realize that it would in all probability be unethical for any defense attorney to comment concerning the case in this public forum.

I would ask you one question--if you believe in the Devil, do you think he wants you and your family to hold this hatred in your heart or let it go?

I've been trying to find some information from other news sources and surprisingly can't. I'm going to guess the Shoals lady was the only one who got any press out of it.

I was looking for info from Cullman (my home) and did find a small article from Dothan.

I hope it became law today. We pay enough taxes.

nstaremt. I have lost a loved one to violent crime,gunned down murdered. That is why I too think that the prisoners should not be released from prison by this ACT. some of these forum members obviously have not lost anyone to a violent crime. As to it costing more to put prisoners to death. Excuse me,arrested,tried,sentenced,carry out the sentence,Period.Other Countries actually do carry out the Sentences that the Judge Passes Down to those who BREAK the LAW. Costing more to build prisons,let those good for nothing prisoners build their own prisons, let them live in tents, i don't care what kind of facility they live in they broke the law let them rot.They shouldn't have any rights. To bubbaluck I would pay every dime I have to keep the MURDERING ___
in prison that gunned down and MURDERED my loved one.Does that answer your question about me willing to pay?And I did contact the Governor and will continue to do so along with everyone else I know that obeys the law and wants prisoners to serve the sentence they were given.

Sorry, butterflier, actual costs don't support your theory:

THE FINANCIAL COSTS OF THE DEATH PENALTY

Death penalty cases are much more expensive than other criminal cases and cost more than imprisonment for life with no possibility of parole. In California, capital trials are six times more costly than other murder trials. [1] A study in Kansas indicated that a capital trial costs $116,700 more than an ordinary murder trial.[2] Complex pre-trial motions, lengthy jury selections, and expenses for expert witnesses are all likely to add to the costs in death penalty cases. The irreversibility of the death sentence requires courts to follow heightened due process in the preparation and course of the trial. The separate sentencing phase of the trial can take even longer than the guilt or innocence phase of the trial. And defendants are much more likely to insist on a trial when they are facing a possible death sentence. After conviction, there are constitutionally mandated appeals which involve both prosecution and defense costs.

Most of these costs occur in every case for which capital punishment is sought, regardless of the outcome. Thus, the true cost of the death penalty includes all the added expenses of the "unsuccessful" trials in which the death penalty is sought but not achieved. Moreover, if a defendant is convicted but not given the death sentence, the state will still incur the costs of life imprisonment, in addition to the increased trial expenses.

For the states which employ the death penalty, this luxury comes at a high price. In Texas, a death penalty case costs taxpayers an average of $2.3 million, about three times the cost of imprisoning someone in a single cell at the highest security level for 40 years. [3] In Florida, each execution is costing the state $3.2 million. [4] In financially strapped California, one report estimated that the state could save $90 million each year by abolishing capital punishment. [5] The New York Department of Correctional Services estimated that implementing the death penalty would cost the state about $118 million annually.[6]

kfarby
New Kid on the Block
Posted 09 June 2008 12:22 PM Hide Post
"It is amazing to me all those who have opinions about a subject they know nothing about. If you are not a victim of a violent crime or had someone in your family murdered, you don't have a horse in this race. You are talking out of ignorance and it shows. Those who have dealt with a robbery, home invasion, attempted murder, and murder understand the anger, fear, and down right injustice this new law would give to these victims. So those of you who have not been affected directly by one of these monsters-- HUSH!!"
______________________________________________

The above quote appeared on the other thread that was started after this one. I think it demonstrates the emotional point from which victims come. It remains misguided and terribly misinformed. This is a debate about fiscal responsibility - about how to cut costs of housing inmates that is skyrocketing and balancing that with public safety. It is not about a sympathetic move to help poor dying inmates. It is not about being soft on crime and it is not about ignoring victims.

Butterflier says that she would spend everything she has to keep murderers in prison. If that is so, those murderers have murdered her as well. She would have no life separate from that of murderers. They win. They control her life. That is what I mean by my earlier posts that have been interpreted as saying "move on" or "get over it" What I mean is do not let these horrible people ruin the rest of your life too. They have taken the life of your loved one - must you give them yours as well. Again, there is peace and healing available. I love FV's question about believing in the devil. If you do, you can bet he or she wants you to spend the rest of your life with a heart filled with hate.

There are many of us who have lost loved ones to murder and we do not hate the guilty party. I can't say that I really have any feelings one way or another toward the guilty party in our case. The shock, hurt, and emptiness that you feel after losing someone to murder literally drains you. You (at least I) have no feelings left in me for the guilty party. THAT does NOT mean that I don't have feelings for the rest of my family. My feelings for my family are stronger now than they have ever been because we have experienced how very precious life is and how fast it can be gone. We don't hate...we just try to deal with our everyday lives until we can see our loved ones again.

I do hope this bill does not pass...not because I'm full of hate for anyone but because these people committed a senseless and selfish act when they chose to take another person's life. They have been found guilty in a court of law (or plea bargained) and they were given a sentence. They should have to serve ALL of that sentence no matter what. There is nothing in this world that will bring our loved ones back but we do take comfort in knowing that we've done all we could to get justice for them. It is all a part of the healing process for some of us. To let a convicted person out because of health reasons.....is sort of like letting them off scott free due to a technicality. To me...it's just wrong. AND, who is to say that letting them out is going to guarantee that our tax money does not end up supporting them anyway?

alsoutherangel wrote...

quote:

There are many of us who have lost loved ones to murder and we do not hate the guilty party. I can't say that I really have any feelings one way or another toward the guilty party in our case. The shock, hurt, and emptiness that you feel after losing someone to murder literally drains you. You (at least I) have no feelings left in me for the guilty party. THAT does NOT mean that I don't have feelings for the rest of my family. My feelings for my family are stronger now than they have ever been because we have experienced how very precious life is and how fast it can be gone. We don't hate...we just try to deal with our everyday lives until we can see our loved ones again.

I do hope this bill does not pass...not because I'm full of hate for anyone but because these people committed a senseless and selfish act when they chose to take another person's life. They have been found guilty in a court of law (or plea bargained) and they were given a sentence. They should have to serve ALL of that sentence no matter what. There is nothing in this world that will bring our loved ones back but we do take comfort in knowing that we've done all we could to get justice for them. It is all a part of the healing process for some of us. To let a convicted person out because of health reasons.....is sort of like letting them off scott free due to a technicality. To me...it's just wrong. AND, who is to say that letting them out is going to guarantee that our tax money does not end up supporting them anyway?

_______________________________________________

hate Audio Help /heɪt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[heyt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, hat·ed, hat·ing, noun
–verb (used with object) 1. to dislike intensely or passionately; feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward; detest: to hate the enemy; to hate bigotry.
2. to be unwilling; dislike: I hate to do it.
–verb (used without object) 3. to feel intense dislike, or extreme aversion or hostility.
–noun 4. intense dislike; extreme aversion or hostility.
5. the object of extreme aversion or hostility.



Too much PC around today!

quote:

Originally posted by jetboy:
alsoutherangel wrote...

quote:

There are many of us who have lost loved ones to murder and we do not hate the guilty party. I can't say that I really have any feelings one way or another toward the guilty party in our case. The shock, hurt, and emptiness that you feel after losing someone to murder literally drains you. You (at least I) have no feelings left in me for the guilty party. THAT does NOT mean that I don't have feelings for the rest of my family. My feelings for my family are stronger now than they have ever been because we have experienced how very precious life is and how fast it can be gone. We don't hate...we just try to deal with our everyday lives until we can see our loved ones again.

I do hope this bill does not pass...not because I'm full of hate for anyone but because these people committed a senseless and selfish act when they chose to take another person's life. They have been found guilty in a court of law (or plea bargained) and they were given a sentence. They should have to serve ALL of that sentence no matter what. There is nothing in this world that will bring our loved ones back but we do take comfort in knowing that we've done all we could to get justice for them. It is all a part of the healing process for some of us. To let a convicted person out because of health reasons.....is sort of like letting them off scott free due to a technicality. To me...it's just wrong. AND, who is to say that letting them out is going to guarantee that our tax money does not end up supporting them anyway?

_______________________________________________

hate Audio Help /heɪt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[heyt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, hat·ed, hat·ing, noun
–verb (used with object) 1. to dislike intensely or passionately; feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward; detest: to hate the enemy; to hate bigotry.
2. to be unwilling; dislike: I hate to do it.
–verb (used without object) 3. to feel intense dislike, or extreme aversion or hostility.
–noun 4. intense dislike; extreme aversion or hostility.
5. the object of extreme aversion or hostility.



Too much PC around today!

jetboy, did you read my quote????? I think not. I said I DO NOT hate the guilty person. I have no feelings toward this person one way or another. How does that translate to hate????? On the other hand...I feel your post on here has been hateful.

For the the ones who have Voiced their Opinion of "V O C A L" , but Please understand , we are no defferent than any other Service Providers , as "Rape Response" , "Safe Place" and others, ones working with & for them , most are ones who have the Storys to Tell & thank goodness most have lived to tell it but sure not without Scares for life ! but the share, educate & help the New Ones to live a better life same as VOCAL trys to do. I am proud of our past President of VOCAL , Yes she speaks out for all Victims , I have meet some of the most loveing & wonderfull people because of the worse reasons, the Love & Understanding we have for any Victims from the past, Now & the Future to help in any way to make this unwanted Journey just a little less painfull . You would never get this kind of help from ones who haven't walked in our shoes . I have never heard from any member of VOCAL From the Top to the bottom that teaches Hatered. Or that holds people back from moving on. By doing the things I do ,it has helped me Move ON . I have read on here of some saying VOCAL is Political , Tell me of any Groups fighting for a True Cause to make it better for the Members , now & for in the Future that is Not to some degree, So Yes if a D.A. as we have or a D A..like from Dothan Al. who help raise $50,000 from a Golf Outing & then Give a $1,000 to each VOCAL Chapter & other Victims Support Groups thru out the State out of his Pocket, or an AG that supports our cause and attends Parole Hearings with Victims familys from all walkes of life ,as Most all Law Inforcements do, Yes as a Victim they Have my Vote , not because I was told to Vote in one way or the other, But trust me ,a Gov. Riley will or would never get my Vote. And to me it is not about what Party he belongs to . 25 years ago they was not one Law in Favor of The Victims, These Laws don't Just Fall out of Sky ! Trust me some Victim has had to Fight very hard to get the simplest Law in place to help future Victims ,but because of VOCAL now they are over 23 Laws in Favor of Victims, I say in favor, to just make it a half way fair Playing field when it comes time for Court. Things as Little to some as when a Judge only though he saw Tears from a Mother sitting in the back of the court room , when showing Autopsy Pictures of her daughter that had being Brutality Murdered & was ordered out of the court room . Now the victims family memeber can sit up front at the Prosecutors table. Just one exsample. Just in our case , we woke up & read in the News Paper of a Hearing in our Case , By Law we should have been contacded & had a choice to be there same as the deffendants family. We welcome anyone to our meetings & Join us . But Please don't put VOCAL down, unless you really have been involed and not what you have only heard from others. Oh yes some defence Attorneys don't like us to be there, but I do beleave some repect our cause , & I will speak for myself as I have learned to repect some in how they conduct their self & not dragg the Victim thru the Mudd . These very Laws may be of help to you or your family in the future. Janet Carr .. AG Troy Kings VSO =Victim Service Office, is a Victim -her brother Coffe Co Sheriff Neil Grantham --was Murdered over 29 years ago , The Murderer was Convicted for Capital Murder , Sentence to Death And is still walking, breathing , after many Appeals & 29 years Later , Please Call Gov. Riley , Save Alabama Tax Payers Money , if ya'll really care . "Get Er Done" for over 29 years this Scum Bag , we are paying to feed, doctor & cloth him. This isn't Hate from me, it is that the Law in Place is not being Followed !!

quote:

jetboy, did you read my quote????? I think not. I said I DO NOT hate the guilty person. I have no feelings toward this person one way or another. How does that translate to hate????? On the other hand...I feel your post on here has been hateful.

Wanting people to die in prison is hatful!

not as hateful as willfully taking a life. if you murder someones mother, father, sister, son, daughter you lose the liberties that law abiding, civil citizens enjoy. that includes the right to die where you choose. die in prison, die behind bars, die on a cot and die around the people who keep you there knowing your only escape is a celestial one.

quote:

not as hateful as willfully taking a life. if you murder someones mother, father, sister, son, daughter you lose the liberties that law abiding, civil citizens enjoy. that includes the right to die where you choose. die in prison, die behind bars, die on a cot and die around the people who keep you there knowing your only escape is a celestial one.

Please read the bill/law before you coment it. The type people you describe wont be released.

capitol offenses or not, let em serve their sentence.

Please say YES! The candidates for these furloughs are over 55, are terminally ill or are permanently incapacitated, are taking up space in an already very overcrowded system and will not be a threat to others if released. In addition, their release from the system will save a good deal of money for the state. I can not figure out why there are so many persons in this state with an unrestrained attitude of "throw 'em in jail and throw away the keys." We have far too many citizens incarcerated within a prison system that is woefully deficient in offering even sensible basic things like drug withdrawal programs that would materially reduce recidivism. We refuse to allocate funding to build adequate capacity for prison populations. We seem, as an allegedly "Christian" people, to have forgotten what Jesus said about those in prison. Look it up; it might surprise you.

The only person on this whole thread who makes any sense is Bamafantk....... he reported from sitting inside the court room..... how dare anyone tell any family who lost a loved one to a violent, useless crime to just move on...... why?.... because YOU said so?....... it amazes me at how quick some people on this forum jumps in and tells other people what they can feel and what they cant feel....... amazing!..... This is sickening!.......

quote:

Originally posted by TheTotalTruth:
The only person on this whole thread who makes any sense is Bamafantk....... he reported from sitting inside the court room..... how dare anyone tell any family who lost a loved one to a violent, useless crime to just move on...... why?.... because YOU said so?....... it amazes me at how quick some people on this forum jumps in and tells other people what they can feel and what they cant feel....... amazing!..... This is sickening!.......

Your friend Bamafantk says: "Trust me some Victim has had to Fight very hard to get the simplest Law in place to help future Victims ,but because of VOCAL now they [sic]are over 23 Laws in Favor of Victims, I say in favor, to just make it a half way fair Playing field when it comes time for Court."

You and Bamafantk need to consider just how level a playing field we have in Alabama when accused and indigent suspects are foisted off to court-appointed lawyers who are paid peanuts by the state and who usually just work to get some kind of plea bargain and get back to more lucrative private work. Plenty of prisoners incarcerated today in this state were NOT guilty but were intimidated into plea-bargaining by this sorry system.

quote:

Originally posted by beternU:

quote:

Originally posted by TheTotalTruth:
The only person on this whole thread who makes any sense is Bamafantk....... he reported from sitting inside the court room..... how dare anyone tell any family who lost a loved one to a violent, useless crime to just move on...... why?.... because YOU said so?....... it amazes me at how quick some people on this forum jumps in and tells other people what they can feel and what they cant feel....... amazing!..... This is sickening!.......

Your friend Bamafantk says: "Trust me some Victim has had to Fight very hard to get the simplest Law in place to help future Victims ,but because of VOCAL now they [sic]are over 23 Laws in Favor of Victims, I say in favor, to just make it a half way fair Playing field when it comes time for Court."

You and Bamafantk need to consider just how level a playing field we have in Alabama when accused and indigent suspects are foisted off to court-appointed lawyers who are paid peanuts by the state and who usually just work to get some kind of plea bargain and get back to more lucrative private work. Plenty of prisoners incarcerated today in this state were NOT guilty but were intimidated into plea-bargaining by this sorry system.

So... when a 23-25 year old punk violently kills your wife,,, kid,, parent,,, you are all for letting them go when they reach age 55 after all the other violence they learned during their 30 year tenure in prison.... guess that would level your playing field, right? ... unbelievable!....

Each of these Attorneys , knew if it came there turn , a Judge would Appoint them , I watched that last week Attorneys one by one was told by Judge Jones that they had this case & I did see some strange looks on their face when they saw what Case they had be handed . But each Attorney knows how much they would be Paid win or lose , sniff sniff , same as I would know in my Profession when taking a Job .Oh I am sure if they could get the same deffendant if he or his family had the money , he would make much more for the same work. Yes a High # of drug addicts if not all can't afford an Attorney , unless their family will hire one . Should the Victims Family want any less Justice and say the poor Scum Bag that had Murdered a dear love one , And most of these have a long record of wrong doing , with many chaces & with only a slap on the hand , many times. Untell they Murder someone & most of the Victims are inocent, only gulity of having worked hard to have what some want to rob or steal for. Some of these Deffence Attornys do a great Job knowing their deffendant is Guilty , but by Law they have to Try very hard . I do beleave very few cases , just maybe some have being pushed into a plea agreement, but I allso beleave as I have saw in 2 cases, I could Name, that a Scum Bag has walked out of the court room Free as a Bird same as OJ, And One even after ammitting more than one time to many people what he had did , "Murder"

quote:

Originally posted by TheTotalTruth:

quote:

Originally posted by beternU:

quote:

Originally posted by TheTotalTruth:
The only person on this whole thread who makes any sense is Bamafantk....... he reported from sitting inside the court room..... how dare anyone tell any family who lost a loved one to a violent, useless crime to just move on...... why?.... because YOU said so?....... it amazes me at how quick some people on this forum jumps in and tells other people what they can feel and what they cant feel....... amazing!..... This is sickening!.......

Your friend Bamafantk says: "Trust me some Victim has had to Fight very hard to get the simplest Law in place to help future Victims ,but because of VOCAL now they [sic]are over 23 Laws in Favor of Victims, I say in favor, to just make it a half way fair Playing field when it comes time for Court."

You and Bamafantk need to consider just how level a playing field we have in Alabama when accused and indigent suspects are foisted off to court-appointed lawyers who are paid peanuts by the state and who usually just work to get some kind of plea bargain and get back to more lucrative private work. Plenty of prisoners incarcerated today in this state were NOT guilty but were intimidated into plea-bargaining by this sorry system.

So... when a 23-25 year old punk violently kills your wife,,, kid,, parent,,, you are all for letting them go when they reach age 55 after all the other violence they learned during their 30 year tenure in prison.... guess that would level your playing field, right? ... unbelievable!....

Very OBVIOUSLY, you are not reading very carefully what I have posted . The proposed furloughs would be granted in very limited circumstances and only to dying or incapacitated persons whose capacity for violence is essentially nil. They would not be available to hale and hearty veteran prisoners with demonstrated propensity for violent behavior and expectation of return to criminal activity. There is a principle of reason that applies in such circumstances, but you are running on a full tank of emotion and thus are not able to rationally consider the matter.

beternU , The same Mr Allen over the Department of Corrections , placed 13 Convicted for Murders of all types , convicted by a Jury as you or I . was put in a work releace in Decatur not long ago , & yes they was out in the Public during the day and doing , who knows what, untell one Victims family found out by chance ,the very Scum Bag that Murdered one of their Love Ones was working in and around their neighborhood, Yes after The Decatur Daily was Notified, Mr Allen had them placed back into Limestone Corrections. Of all the Thousands of Imates , why let Murders out on , day work releace ? Right here in Florence Al. an inmate that should have never been releaced , but was , in less than 3 weeks , Kicked the door down , Raped & Murdered Olivia Barrnet ..a 78 years old sweet church going lady, ask her Daugther if she is over that ? Ask Gov.Riley or Mr Allen what back Ground Mr Allen has or had , before the job he has now ,and that most likly was appointed ? Now these are just a couple of Mistakes made , in our area ..what about other parts of Alabama we don't hear of ? Oh Yes this Bill was signed , but trust me --you or I will never see any savings of that 6 to 8 Million a year, we will still pay for 95 % of the cost , if not more .

Bama, what is the status of this Bill? Has the governor signed it?

quote:

Originally posted by Bamafnatk:
beternU , The same Mr Allen over the Department of Corrections , placed 13 Convicted for Murders of all types , convicted by a Jury as you or I . was put in a work releace in Decatur not long ago , & yes they was out in the Public during the day and doing , who knows what, untell one Victims family found out by chance ,the very Scum Bag that Murdered one of their Love Ones was working in and around their neighborhood, Yes after The Decatur Daily was Notified, Mr Allen had them placed back into Limestone Corrections. Of all the Thousands of Imates , why let Murders out on , day work releace ? Right here in Florence Al. an inmate that should have never been releaced , but was , in less than 3 weeks , Kicked the door down , Raped & Murdered Olivia Barrnet ..a 78 years old sweet church going lady, ask her Daugther if she is over that ? Ask Gov.Riley or Mr Allen what back Ground Mr Allen has or had , before the job he has now ,and that most likly was appointed ? Now these are just a couple of Mistakes made , in our area ..what about other parts of Alabama we don't hear of ? Oh Yes this Bill was signed , but trust me --you or I will never see any savings of that 6 to 8 Million a year, we will still pay for 95 % of the cost , if not more .

Bama, I believe Mr. Allen was an Assistant Attorney General under Troy King before being appointed to this position in the DOC. As for those convicted of murder on work release, only a few qualify. Candidates cannot have murdered a child, committed a heinous murder, or killed in vehicular homicide. I believe there are more restrictions, but I cannot recall them at this time.

As for the subject of hate, I recently found a clipping that I thought I had tossed over a year ago. I found it odd that it concerned something so pertinent to this discussion. Mike Goens reported on the sentencing of a man convicted of non-capital murder in March 2001. Among other things the family commented:

Sister One: I hope you rot in prison.
Sister Two: ...cheated out of a capital murder conviction. I hate you.
Sister Three: I ask God to make every day of the rest of your life a living hell.

These remarks were made more than two years after the murder. Should people filled with such pathological hate in their hearts have so much influence over the judicial system of this state? I remember the only time I was called for jury duty. When asked the question had any member of my family met a violent death due to crime, I replied yes. I was immediately disqualified. Yet such are they who seek to make vengeance the law.

Yes Bubba he signed it, & I never though he wouldn't. He was behind getting the "Bill" Pushed thru and Passed from the very Start , "His Bill" you might say ..And to my friend FirenzeVeritas , how do you know all these requirements and where could I get that imformation of what Murders are releaced to a out in the Plubic Daily Work releace programs as Decatur . For one you are wrong on the ones in the work releace , DUI Murder is two steps above above Vehicular Homicide, #1 is Murder # 2 Manslaugter & #3 Vehicular Homicide , the young man the killed our son was Convicted for Murder & was one of the 13 MURDERS working out on the streets , or where ever during the day. Most likly having dinner with some of his Family once or twice a week . For some reason you continue to Deffend these Murders on the Programs . I am Sure Gov. Riley Appointed Mr Allen , my Point was what had he did before that, other than what you said work under A G Troy King , to have that much Power over who is or not put in any Program. On the Hate issue, I can sure understand that in some Cases , where it be 1 year , or 10 years or even a life time , each of us deal , cope and handle the Most unthinkable, most horrible thing in our lifes! In knowing how a Monster has taken what is so special to them . I have met & talked to Hundrens in the last 8 years , I do beleave it is Normal for most to have them feelings at some point & some longer than others. I will ammitt ,myself & wife probley have . But then again a DUI Murder , it is hard enough to deal with, but for any love one to be Brutality Murdered & even Plained , OMG that has to do something to any love one knowing in how & why a family memeber has been taken away.

Bama, I could not find the requirments (other than no HIV), but I did find an article concerning Don Siegelman's change in Work Release policy in 1999. I don't believe this has ever changed.


SIEGELMAN REMOVES 63 INMATES FROM WORK-RELEASE PROGRAM

Source: Associated Press
Gov. Don Siegelman ordered 63 inmates removed from work release jobs and returned to traditional prisons Friday as his administration tightened the guidelines on convicts who can work in regular jobs. Siegelman said 27 of the inmates had been convicted of homicides while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. ``A murder is a murder is a murder. It doesn't matter if they were killed by a knife, a gun or a car,'' said Siegelman, whose wife lost an

Published on February 13, 1999, Page C4, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (GA)


The Decatur Work Release Center, as I understand it, houses more than work release prisoners. It also houses minimum-in and minimum-out prisoners. If Soule' is still wearing white while he works outside the center, then he is not work release, but minimum-out. As I understand the law, he could never be part of the work release program (this could have changed under Riley, but I've not read anything on it).

I would think if you called the Decatur or Hamilton Work Release Centers they could give you the exact guidelines.

Maybe I'm different from others but I don't have the energy left in me to hate the person that murdered my loved one. After dealing with the shock, heartache, guilt, unbelievable hurt and emptiness, all the court proceedings, all the painfull craziness...I just don't have energy left for hate.

Here is a link to the story of 13 prisoners based in the Decatur Work Release Center who were returned to Limestone Prison. The article states that none of the 13 was on work release-they were living at the center preforming community service work at various state agencies.

I neither agree nor disagree with this. I do know that most individuals want these prisoners to work for various city and county governments, providing janitorial service, trash pick-up, etc. The alternative is the prisoners sitting around day rooms watching television for most of the day. Is that preferable? This type of prison labor saves the state hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

http://legacy.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/050929/killers.shtml

quote:

Originally posted by alsouthernangel:
Maybe I'm different from others but I don't have the energy left in me to hate the person that murdered my loved one. After dealing with the shock, heartache, guilt, unbelievable hurt and emptiness, all the court proceedings, all the painfull craziness...I just don't have energy left for hate.

I don't know what you have experienced but I think that realizing that you have no energy left for hate is a good thing. Hate takes an unbelievable amount of energy - energy that is always wasted. The person that took your loved one is not worth that energy. Bless you for using the energy you have left in a more positive constructive way.

quote:

Originally posted by FirenzeVeritas:
Here is a link to the story of 13 prisoners based in the Decatur Work Release Center who were returned to Limestone Prison. The article states that none of the 13 was on work release-they were living at the center preforming community service work at various state agencies.

I neither agree nor disagree with this. I do know that most individuals want these prisoners to work for various city and county governments, providing janitorial service, trash pick-up, etc. The alternative is the prisoners sitting around day rooms watching television for most of the day. Is that preferable? This type of prison labor saves the state hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

http://legacy.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/050929/killers.shtml

I'm glad they get them to work. Its good for the state and the prisoners. I see them on the side of the road in Marion County and all over Decatur and Morgan. I'd say it saves closer to a million dollars a year. But I know they've started to pay them .50 an hour so that may cut into the money saved.