January 23, 2013
Stiglitz on inequality
Today, SJN offers a penetrating analysis of why economic recovery is slow and stagnant. Columbia economics professor and author of Freefall Joseph Stiglitz suggests growing inequality of both incomes and opportunities for the vast majority of people below the level of income of the top 1%. This is an analysis that brings us beyond pro-business vs pro-social conscience economists statistically flailing each other to a standstill and the loss of all direction for poor and middle income people. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/19/inequality-is-holding-back-the-recovery
CBC News
Prisoner death sparks new allegations of guard neglect
Kinew James, 35, a federal prisoner with both mental health issues and a history of self-harming behaviour, has died of an apparent heart attack, though her mother is doubtful about whether she had appropriate medical care. “My understanding from the other women who were in the cells next to her is that she was trying to get the staff’s attention,” says Kim Pate, executive director of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2013/01/22/kinew-james-inmate-death.html
CBC News – Saskatchewan
Woman found unresponsive in Psychiatric Centre dies
Saskatoon police are investigating the death of a 35 year old woman found unresponsive in her cell at the Regional Psychiatric Center. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/story/2013/01/20/sk-psyche-center-death.html
Globe and Mail – David Clayton-Thomas
Youth prison almost destroyed me. It must change
Musician (lead singer for Blood, Sweat and Tears) and advocate Clayton-Thomas knows first hand what drives people in jail to the edge. He thinks this time we need to change the indifference that has allowed the Ashley Smith death. Clayton-Thomas concludes: “Now, as a coroner’s inquest reconstructs her last moments, all of Canada is watching. Will we fail her once again? Will we do nothing once again? The cold gears of our justice system are tearing apart others like her at this very moment. Why do we remain unmoved?” http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/ashley-smith-could-have-been-me/article7637939
BBC News Magazine – Danny Robins
Johnny Cash and his prison reform campaign
Country western singer Johnny Cash was a passionate advocate for prisoner’s rights, though his experience of prison was limited to countless prison concerts. “He identified with the prisoners because many of them had served their sentences and had been rehabilitated in some cases, but were still kept there the rest of their lives. He felt a great empathy with those people.” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21084323
BBC News Magazine (UK) – Brian Wheeler
Why are vandalism rates falling?
Contrary to what you may expect after the 2011 riots in England, vandalism rates are falling more than any other crime. Less reporting or more vandal proof building materials do not seem adequate to explain the drop. Some are suggesting the anti-social behaviour programs are working. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21041160
CBC – Rick Mercer Show
Rick’s Rant – No Charity in Prison
Rick’s Rant for January 22, 2013 recalls the silliness around the denial of the pizza for prisoners. http://www.cbc.ca/player/Shows/Shows/The+Rick+Mercer+Report/ID/2328229412