Prison "Life"

You've heard it said that our prisons are often training grounds for more junior criminals. But did you know they now have a monthly text book of sorts?

An American magazine about gangster life that was originally aimed at prisoners is selling so well

Or that the text book is going to start being sold to would be Gangstas on the street?

that it is to go on sale in major stores.

It even comes with a set of rules written by an inmate at the encouragement of a prison Psychologist. Great therapy, I'm sure:

Rule 15: Fight the Man. Don't fight other prisoners. The guy with the keys is the enemy. He's the one who takes your freedom and your dignity. The Man stays in control by keeping prisoners divided. As long as prisoners are fighting among themselves, the Man is free to screw us all. If you have a beef, take it to the Man. Of course, physical combat is always foolish. The Man has the National Guard, for God's sake. Fight him with paper and with words. Don't cooperate in your own destruction. Nothing about prison is for your good.

Critics say the glossy quarterly - which carries the warning, "Parental Advisory: Gangsta Content" - glamorises and promotes violent gangland lifestyles. Its supporters say the coverage reflects the reality, and consequences, of crime: perpetrators end up in prison or dead.

h/t B

Comments

[Smokey]

Thats why this is America buddy, freedom of speech, if you dont like it, dont read it, no one is forcing anybody to read this mag, so I dont see what the problem is.

Yes I understand it glorfies the street, but the reality is there is a market for it, and everyone wants to make money right.

The point is so what, who cares,
I'm sure there is people who read the Don Diva mag. that are totally against Home Improvement, but they are not complaing about the Better Homes & Gardens mag. If you dont like it dont read it

[FloridaPatty]

Actually I'm into Bondage Bi-Weekly and those fantastic 50% coupons good at any Pleasure Palace but that's just me.

Thanks for bringing us OTHER news Dan.

[TheAlamo]

Thats why this is America buddy, freedom of speech, if you dont like it, dont read it, no one is forcing anybody to read this mag, so I dont see what the problem is.

Posted by: Smokey | Nov 1, 2005 5:52:04 PM

All of our freedoms are based upon the foundation of doing no harm. You, or I should be able to do whatever we wish, as long as it does not harm the person, or property of another.

Promotion of destruction of persons or property automatically excludes this from the liberties that were given us by our founders. It cannot be called "freedom" when it denies the very same "freedom" to others. Crime infringes upon the freedom of the victim, and those that promote that infringement are just as culpable as the perpetrator.

People don't read "learn how to," books for pleasure or expanding their knowledge base, for the most part. When you have something that is promoting the damage of property and or persons, then the freedom of speech idea is not valid, simply because if one person utilizes the information in this "manual" to violate the freedom of another, it is automatically excluded from being a "liberty" or freedom, since liberty and freedom themselves have to promote themselves as universal-not just for a few.

If someone wrote a book on how to slit someone's throat with the least resistance, and a 15 year old reads the book and goes out to "practice" on you or your daughter, is the writer culpable?

There is a difference between freedom and recklessness. Liberty and freedom have to be tempered by morality, because if they are not, then you have chaos and anarchy...and the result from that is the total loss of freedom to government control. (which is why we need to question why this government for the past 40 years or more, has run antagonistic to the basic foundations of America and "allowed" some "immoral" freedoms, while denying others that are not.)

My guess is that this outfit will end up in court after some kid alludes to the fact that he/she learned the "tips" on how to rob, kill or cause mayhem--from the book. It is just a matter of time.

Meanwhile, we should also have some introspection as to just how important making money is. The publisher of this junk has put the dollar above the lives, property and morals of others, many...in fact my guess is most...in the juvenile age range. If this person has any talent, then there are plenty of other ways to make money.

[Dan]

Actually I'm into Bondage Bi-Weekly

Is that BI-Bondage Weekly, or Bi-Weekly Bondage? There IS a difference. And for the first amendmant drivel - it just aint so. Also, those prison subscribers are buying their mags on the taxpayer's dime.

[Smokey]

Well High Times seems to be doing well Mr. Alamo, and too bad you weren't nominated by Bush for the open spot on the supreme court, because I really wanted to go back to the book burning days.

[TheAlamo]

Well High Times seems to be doing well Mr. Alamo, and too bad you weren't nominated by Bush for the open spot on the supreme court, because I really wanted to go back to the book burning days.

Posted by: Smokey | Nov 1, 2005 7:33:35 PM

Fine Smokey, just explain how it is that one "group" that promotes the harm or destruction of property and/or people are exercising their "rights"?

How long we keep our freedom depends on how long we are willing to police ourselves. Once that gets to a point where other "groups" demand that the antagonism stops, and people do not do so themselves, then I promise you government will. Now that is not bad if you consider that the only "right" they will impose on are those who are causing harm, but that is never the case.
If you want a prime example, read the "patriot" acts. We had a band of criminals murder 3000 or so people on 9-11. What happens? The ENTIRE NATION is penalized by the complete destruction of the fourth and fifth amendments to the Constitution, and the perpetrator is still running loose.
And so, the only people who have been punished are the "free" people of the United States.

It is an historical fact, that when the population refuses to police themselves, then the government will end up doing it for them. If you don't believe me, check China, Cuba, Russia, N. Korea etc.

When "rights" cause harm (and being "offended" is not harm like so many claim) to others, or the property of others, they are no longer rights, they are crimes. Hell, that is just common sense.

[!]

Ignorance is cureable, but stupidity is a lifestyle.

As usual you always have those that take up for the criminals. What losers !

[Netjunky]

Alamo, I agree totally. You cant offer up freedoms that take away from freedoms of others..thats just wrong. Freedom of speech is just that...freedom to speak or express whatever viewpoints one may have. When this speech influences people to harm others, this goes against the principles of the Bill of Rights. And if there is any doubt, the Government WILL gladly step in when Free Speech gets out of control. They're always standing the shadows waiting...

Little by little, Government is chipping away at our freedoms until they can have total control of us, and make us the good obediant taxpayers they think we should be. Gun Control is a perfect example of this.