The willingness of Britain's Upper legislative chamber, the House of Lords, to continue to employ members on their release from prison warms my heart.
If only other enterprises were so open minded...
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Ben
Lecturing
About Me
- prisonerben
- United Kingdom
- Previously known as "one of Britain's best known prisoners...he constantly questions authority and exposes the futility of the system" The Times, Ben was finally released from prison after 32 years in August 2012. Pleading guilty to the murder of a friend when he was 14 years old, he renounced violence and fought for the recognition of the inherent dignity of all human beings. As a result of speaking truth to power, he served far longer than the recommended 10 years, leading Education Secretary Michael Gove to argue that he had "been punished excessively for a crime committed as a child". One of the more intellectual of prisoner-campaigners, Ben chose to educate himself from schoolboy level to having both undergraduate and post graduate degrees. He is currently one of very few prisoners in Britain ever to attempt a Doctorate. Ben's speciality is non-violent action and the Human Needs Theory. Now on Life Licence, He is forging a career as a CJ policy consultant, writer and - as ever - campaigner.
Thats the state - for the people, of the people, by the people.
ReplyDeleteWhile 'other enterprises' are just - from the people, use the people, dump the people.
I do find this puzzling. Members of the upper house are unelected, and are allowed to keep their seats no matter what they are convicted of.
ReplyDeleteMembers of the lower house are elected, but you are not eligible to be a member if you have a criminal record.
Surely this should be the other way round, let people decide if criminal convictions are sufficient to warrant exclusion from public office on the basis of democracy.
@tallguy, yes, you articulate it well and with stark accuracy, but to my mind so many things are upside down in this society, the scenario at the Lords doesn't surprise me in the least. Its a funny kind of democracy we've got here, it leaves much to be desired.
ReplyDeleteThe more ex-cons in either House the better, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteIt always makes me smile when I compare how understanding (of just how broken our jails are!) these people suddenly become once they have spent a few (invariably) weeks behind the door.
Who, (if not former inmates!) could be better placed to initiate positive changes in a broken system.
He made it!
ReplyDelete@ Darby, while its true that an understanding of the (in)justice system is clearer for those who have been on the receiving end of it, people change, and although there may be some who stand steadfast for progress and democracy, (while holding office and positions of power) others, I am sure, will be persuaded otherwise by a handsome backhander.
ReplyDeleteCorruption runs deep and is heavily embedded into the corridors of power; speaking out against it all takes some almighty strength.
While there are some that can do it, it won't necessarily be an ex con.
Change subject: Yay! for Ben, Good luck m8
Sophie, As someone who runs out of cerebral puff after a post or two, I certainly wasn't suggesting that it's only ex-cons that have the ability (energy and strength) to change things for the better.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do believe very strongly that their are only 'two sides to the fence of life', and unless you have dwelt on both. You'll only ever be in possession of half the picture.
Glad you made it Ben. You're on the 'back straight' (again) now!
You don't know that I have only dwelt on "one side", Darby.
ReplyDeleteFor those who know what its like on "both sides", is there is a duty therefore, to inform and educate? And will those in the know necessarily do this?
Its getting a bit surreal in here
Sophie.
ReplyDeleteApologies for not making myself clear.
'However, I do believe very strongly that their are only 'two sides to the fence of life', and unless you have dwelt on both. You'll only ever be in possession of half the picture.'
The 'you' and 'You'll' in the paragraph above are meant in the context of - one; anyone; people in general:
I can't type ('point and peck' I think Ben calls it!?) anywhere near as my fast as my brain would like. And as a consequence, I've forgotten most of the points I want to get across before I get to the end of the post - and often make mistakes.
Apologies again.
No worries Darb x
ReplyDeleteDear lord, thank goodness. Happy for everyone. Best of luck from Babs
ReplyDelete