About us
Welcome to OsoShameless, a platform dedicated to addressing critical issues in our society. Our focus today is on our Justice and Corrections systems, which are undeniably failing all of us. The consequences are alarming, with staggeringly high rates of repeat offenses. Let’s approach this with some common sense and examine the truth behind these statistics:
Imagine you had a dog that occasionally nipped at your heels, and you decided to send it to obedience school to correct this behavior. However, upon its return, the dog came back even more aggressive and prone to biting. Whom would you blame in this situation? Can we really consider the obedience school effective if the majority of dogs it trains return with worsened behavior? This analogy mirrors the state of our Justice and Corrections system.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that this failure may not be deliberate, but as a public, government-driven entity, it becomes OUR system and OUR responsibility. As taxpayers, we are the ultimate owners of this system. Therefore, if we allow it to persist in its shortcomings, we bear the responsibility. We must not only correct it but also take action to prevent ourselves from becoming victims of this short-sightedness. The responsibility lies with us, and it’s high time we take steps to fix it.
The real truth
Occasionally, former convicts face an uphill battle in gaining the recognition they deserve when they try to shed light on the injustices they endured during their time behind bars. Society often brushes off their narratives, quick to brand them as untrustworthy individuals willing to fabricate stories for sympathy. It’s true that instances of deceit exist, and I, too, once fell into the camp of those who dismissed such accounts, firmly believing in the effectiveness of our justice system—until I found myself entangled in a personal ordeal.
Throughout my life, I had always been an upstanding, law-abiding citizen, never entangled in legal troubles and always striving to assist others. I cannot emphasize enough how profoundly my perspective transformed when I directly experienced the truth. I comprehend the skepticism that might greet my own encounters. That’s precisely why I diligently documented every intricate detail for your scrutiny, even making my handwritten prison journal accessible for review. I don’t anticipate you taking my word at face value right away, for some of the experiences I’m about to recount may seem nothing short of unbelievable, yet they undeniably happened. To be candid and forthright, I would find it challenging to believe my own story had I not lived through it myself.
1) Twisted Facts: People in the Department of Corrections sometimes bend the truth about prison conditions. I’ve even seen it on TV, where they made incorrect statements about our situation.
2) Communication Control: The Department of Corrections closely watches and controls all communication, keeping the real story from getting out. They open and check every letter, monitor every phone call, and I’ve had letters not even reach me.
3) Unfair Accusations: Corrections Officers can make serious accusations against inmates, and their colleagues often support these claims, even when they’re not true. I’ve been a victim of this many times myself.
4. Constant Fear of Violence: Inmates constantly live in fear of violence. Some officers deliberately stir up conflicts, tragically leading to inmate injuries and even deaths. I had an officer incite other inmates against me, resulting in an attack.
It’s important to note that most officers and employees are genuinely trying to do their jobs. However, in a closed system without oversight and checks, those who choose to do wrong often get away with it. These injustices persist because of a lack of transparency and accountability in the system. We must shed light on these issues and work towards a fairer and more humane prison system. Let’s bring about change together.
Our Goals
Correct Injustice
We are dedicated to exposing and fixing the many injustices in our legal system. Our goal includes ensuring the freedom of those currently in prison for actions that are no longer considered crimes, such as marijuana use. Additionally, we are determined to stop the troubling practice of passing laws that can convict individuals who didn’t know their actions were illegal or were told by the law that they were lawful.
Provide Rehabilitation
Today’s prisons often fall short when it comes to effective rehabilitation. Educational programs, in many cases, leave much to be desired. Inmates are handed a thick book, asked to read only a fraction of it on their own, answer simple multiple-choice questions, and then rushed through the process. True education should be about genuine learning, not just going through the motions.
Furthermore, job opportunities within prisons are extremely rare, with fewer than 10% of inmates having access to employment. These jobs aren’t designed to help individuals acquire valuable skills but are typically reserved for those with prior experience. They primarily benefit private companies, which exploit inmates by paying them a mere $0.19 an hour. To put this in perspective, an inmate might have to work a grueling 12-hour shift just to afford a basic necessity like deodorant, which can cost $2.35. As a result, most inmates leave prison ill-prepared to meet even the simplest job requirements, having never held an 8-hour job. It’s time to change this system.
Eliminate Mandatory Sentencing
There is a strong and growing movement against mandatory sentencing, a cause we wholeheartedly support. In the realm of justice, every case is unique, with distinct circumstances and motivations that must be considered during sentencing. Mandatory sentencing removes this critical element of discretion, leading to injustices and wrongful sentences.
We take pride in being champions of democracy and a symbol of fairness. Yet, through inflexible mandatory sentencing, we unintentionally condemn individuals without truly understanding their individual situations. It’s time to reassess our approach and uphold the principles of justice and fairness that our nation stands for. Let’s make this change together.
“Just because something is policy or even law does not mean it is right, or even legal”
– D. Morgan
Give us your voice
These prisons are owned by us, the public, and we carry a moral duty for their condition. We urge you to join our cause, to stand with us in unity, and help bring about significant change.
This isn’t a call for revolution or tearing down the current system; it’s a plea for correction and enhancement, a change that will benefit all of us. The end result will be a noticeable decrease in the crime rate, making our society safer for everyone.
