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Prison health-care revelations lead to a shocking silence

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050930/OPINION11/509300336/1112/OPINION

The extraordinary four-part News Journal series about myriad problems within the
Department of Correction health care system cries out for response from the governor
and state lawmakers.
The series detailed the spread of AIDS and other infectious diseases inside the
prisons, high-rates of suicides and AIDS-related deaths, minimal oversight of medical
care and numerous reports of inadequate medical attention to inmates' conditions.
But instead of outcries, with only a few exceptions, the public is confronted with a
deafening silence. Those whose legislative record would suggest they would embrace
concern for the plight of inmates victimized by substandard health care are mute.
Where are the liberal Democrats like Sens. Harris McDowell, Karen Peterson and Robert
Marshall? Where is Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, who vowed last year to aggressively address
prison correction officers' low pay and mandatory overtime?
So far, we've heard from two potential Republican gubernatorial candidates, Sen.
Charles Copeland of Greenville and House Majority Leader Wayne Smith of Brandywine
Hundred, and conservative Sussex Democratic Sen. Robert Venables of Laurel. They
certainly aren't among the usual cast of characters lobbying for prisoners' rights.
The three called for various levels of investigations.
Democrat Rep. Hazel Plant of Wilmington wants Correction Commissioner Stan Taylor
fired and an outside investigation. Two other Republican officials, U.S. Attorney
Colm Connolly and state Public Defender Lawrence Sullivan spoke out. Mr. Connolly
said he passed on complaints. At least Mr. Sullivan has standing on the prison health
issues since many of his clients have been affected.
The silence of Gov. Minner and her Democratic leaders brings to mind the governor's
comment last year in the wake of a kidnapping-rape-hostage incident involving prison
counselor Cassandra Arnold. "This isn't something that is unique to Delaware," the
governor said. "In prisons, you almost expect this to happen."
No, governor, we didn't then, and we don't now

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I intend to last long enough to put out of business all *****-suckers
and other beneficiaries of the institutionalized slavery and genocide.

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"The army that will defeat terrorism doesn't wear uniforms, or drive
Humvees, or calls in air-strikes. It doesn't have a high command, or
high security, or a high budget. The army that can defeat terrorism
does battle quietly, clearing minefields and vaccinating children. It
undermines military dictatorships and military lobbyists. It subverts
sweatshops and special interests.Where people feel powerless, it
helps them organize for change, and where people are powerful, it
reminds them of their responsibility." ~~~~ Author Unknown ~~~~
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