lou ...this could also apply to the
law system here in australia

and perhaps elsewhere?

with that thought in mind, your title, and
first line, could possibly read,
"They don't give a flying fuck"
(not necessarily a suggestion ...just a thought)

cosey ~ cosy

reading this, i felt
a great level of anger /frustration?

harnessed so well in the main

a couple of areas i would tweak structure
for a tighter picture ...but that's
just me

cheers
p

lou,

it would be a good balance to also write from the individual who despite their actions, need the Human Rights act to help them.

A good example is the right for a convicted criminal who is in jail, to be able to vote during an Government election. Just because they are incarsarated doesn't mean they stop having an opinion, especially if the new government voted in makes changes to the way prisons are run which directly affect the individuals who had 'previously' no right to vote.

I am not siding with either side, just a poem from the other perspective would be an interesting challenge.

regards,

HS

Innocence is misspelled, Lou.

But I ask you: did you have a choice to be who you are and by definition who you are not?

Did you begin your life with any given promises that held your life in perfect balance, in check?
No, none of us are fortunate enough. We are products of our genes, our society, our nature and nurture, and most importantly, the world that lives in our minds.

When you find that balance in you, Lou...you will have arrived at that place where you see yourself *again for the first time* and you will have been the poet you are destined to be.

~A

I don't think we're talking about *rights* here, Lou, we're talking about living embellishments.
And certainly it is true that the imprisoned have hospitalization, dental, 3 squares, exercise equipment tv, books and programs. Not so the homeless, especially with the recent downturn of global living standards in *affluent* countries. Some folks don't even have cars to sleep in.

However much I agree with the disparity between innocent and guilty, how society treats their elderly, children, citizens and prisoners speaks of them. So far it seems that prisoners have a higher standard of life than many of the disenfranchised.

Lastly a prison full of men rioting is not a good thing. It's happened before, they *exercise* more clout than the common folk.

~A

I love this, It speaks loud and clear, and I have no criticism.

You are quite right, in western countries in general convicted criminals serving time are provided for in ways that honest citizens are not entitled to. But I think that this is only right, given that government, through law enforcement and the judicial system, takes responsibility for their well-being - their human rights - when it convicts and incarcerates them. I myself would prefer that a murderer or rapist be provided for within the confines of a prison, than have them outside, roaming the streets, looking for another victim.

Someone said convicted criminals doing time should be able to vote. I say, only after they get out of prison, since the whole idea of prison is to take away the convicted person's civil rights - in other words, their freedom to participate.

And I do agree, that things such as game consoles and other luxuries should be denied convicts, or at least only allocated for use as a special priveledge.

An excellent poem, Lou. I always enjoy it when a good piece of writing elicits such responses!
Thanks.

I agree with Jim on this one.

Government rewards the aggressor
protects his human rights.
Whilst the victim becomes the villain,
And goes through Hell.

Well stated!!!

love, Cat

An emotional commentary on a tough situation.
They - the invincible "they". And always its the little guy who pays dearly.

You have certainly conveyed anger and disgust in this piece.

~Pamela