The Controversy of Compassion

A very interesting and controversial thing happened in Scotland last week.

Kenny MacAskill, Scotland's Justice Minister, released, on grounds of compassion, the convicted bomber of the PanAm flight that blew up over Lockerbie in 1988, killing 270 people. The convicted bomber, Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, has prostrate cancer and, according to British doctors, has about three months to live.

A portion of MacAskill's statement and a pretty hard-hitting BBC interview can be found here. I urge you to watch both videos. It's a glimpse at justice in terms we don't usually hear in this country.

So... Uh, yes... Release of a convicted terrorist on compassionate grounds is, well, pretty ballsy.

And when al-Megrahi returned to a very public hero's welcome in Libya, people already angry about his release got even angrier. Even people in support of his release - and indeed MacAskill himself - were pretty angry about that display.

In our country, i.e. the United States, we don't have the element of compassion as part of our justice system. We have a "fuck 'em" attitude toward our prison population, embodied most clearly and cynically in the death penalty. In Scotland, however, compassion is a requisite part of the justice system.

President Obama denounced the decision, and FBI director Robert Mueller accused the Scottish government of giving comfort to terrorists.

So it's no surprise that there's a movement in the U.S. to boycott Scotland. Don't visit. Don't take advantage of its legendary golf courses. Don't drink its fine whisky. As someone who enjoys Scotland, its beauty, its food, its drink, and its women (or at least one particular woman), I think that taking this sort of action is really only punishing the people who participate in the boycott.

My heart goes out and always will go out to the victims of the bombing of PanAm Flight 103. It's incredibly painful to lose someone anyway, and losing someone through an act of violence, terrorism, or other means in which someone else can be fairly blamed must cause tremendous anger. Assuming justice was done and that al-Megrahi did indeed blow up Flight 103, I will never defend his horrific act of murder.

But by releasing al-Megrahi so that he can die with his family at home, MacAskill has said something about our humanity that you don't hear very often. We can rise above people who do us harm. We can recognize that people who commit horrific acts are still human, if not humane. We can value something larger than punishment and firmly grasp the moral high ground.

As the missus asked rhetorically and succinctly over the weekend, "Why is compassion controversial?"

I expect that the missus and I are in a small minority of people in this country who think the Scottish Justice Minister performed a beautiful, profoundly spiritual act of humanity.

A Couple of Approaches

The death penalty, or the abolishing thereof, has once again (twice again?) been in the news this week.

First, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, whose office is being investigated by the FBI to such a degree that he withdrew his nomination for commerce secretary, abolished the death penalty in his state. He called it the toughest political decision he's ever had to make (although it almost had to have been harder to go with that Obama endorsement over Hillary in the primary).

In his announcement he said that he'd visited the prison where people serve life without the chance for parole and deemed it worse than death. So that's good enough. No more death penalty in New Mexico.

Meanwhile, B&E man-crush Russell "Damn, you" Feingold of the great state of Wisconsin, pulled his long-time favorite death penalty abolishing bill out of his back pocket, just for the pure fun of it. He cited that only China, Saudi Arabia, and Iran put to death more people than the United States. That's some good company!

Long-time B&E readers already know that I'm an anti-death penaltier. I'm a pretty cynical person, but nothing is more cynical than the death penalty. I believe in the power of redemption. I believe that even a person who's committed a terrible, terrible act has the potential to come to terms with that terrible, terrible act, and feel genuine remorse over it. And even if they have to stay in prison and live with that, the potential for redemption makes saving the life necessary.

Oh, and of course, sometimes justice screws up, and people on death row are innocent. Yeah, and the state shouldn't be in the business of murder.

So props to Governor Bill for getting rid of the death penalty and all, but what's with this, "Life without parole is worse than death"? Why you gotta make the death penalty sound like it's all weak on crime? Get outta here. That's just stupid. Get rid of the death penalty because it's wrong, Guv. Don't cop out on the issue, for crying out loud.

And real props to the stunningly and substantively attractive Russ "Your Policies Are" Feingold for putting up a good bill without any need to make excuses for it. God knows it won't pass, mostly because politicians are cowards. But it's nice to get the issue back on the table for discussion.

It's time, America. Let's grow up here.

Origami. The Answer Is Always Origami.

Trolling other people's messaging boards is not usually something I do or recommend, but this conversation offers valuable information for us all to live by. I've edited the material down and, of course, removed the names to protect those unaware I was looking in. (Based on their experience, which you will read below, it would be unfair to call them innocent.)

Subject: pencils for psychiatric patients
------------------------

From: Forum Starter
Date: Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 8:56 AM
To: Group

A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it.

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From: Responder 1
Date: Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 9:38 AM
To: Group

Just a suggestion.....consider using any felt tip markers instead of pencils. They are less likely to pierce skin or contribute to serious self injury. They also won't require a sharpener. It is difficult to predict behaviors of in-patient populations.
Good luck.

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From: Responder 2
Date: Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 10:14 AM
To: Group

What is your concern about pencil safety? I use pencils with children all the time.

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From: Responder 3
Date: Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 10:30 AM
To: Group

I currently provide services for individuals diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness and I have never had any problems with providing them with pencils. If you have a concern, which you really shouldn't, incorporate and educational segment into your group demonstrating the proper use of pencils.

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From: Responder 4
Date: Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 10:40 AM
To: Group

I treated a boy who did in fact stab other children and adults with pencils and did kill his cat with one. Your instincts are right to be concerned regarding inpatient treatment, pencils and safety.

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From: Responder 5
Date: Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 11:00 AM
To: Group

Although I don't know where to find them, special small flexible pens are available. They have been used inside the max prisons. I have seen them in prisons I have worked in. They are supposed to be safer because they bend under the slight pressure. I have used them and the flexible and the small size can be annoying and takes a bit of getting used to. If you feel concerned about supplying regular pens or pencils, these may be an option.

Here is a tongue-in-cheek article that actually has a link to where one can purchase these pens. However, at $10 each, I doubt any Dept of Correction is paying that much. Maybe try calling prisons to request more information about this. Good Luck.

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From: Responder 6
Date: Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 11:02 AM
To: Group

Hi may I suggest offering oil pastels as an alternative for your patients to use independently. That way you'll sleep better!

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From: Responder 7
Date: Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 11:17 AM
To: Group

I am aware of an woman who stabbed herself with a pencil and another woman who rubbed her skin raw with the eraser; scars remained. Both were inpatient at the time. If you are working with folks who self-harm, some will find most any way to self-injure.

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From: Responder 8
Date: Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 11:22 AM
To: Group

I think Responder 1 & Responder 6 have some good suggestions, as this is a valid safety concern on an inpatient unit... Soft Pastel pencils, may also be an additonal option to consider.......

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From: Responder 9
Date: Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 12:53 PM
To: Group

I worked with inpatient children and adolescents and this was always a concern. Before and after group sessions, I always counted my pencils to make sure no patient took one. They were only allowed to use them during structured group with supervision. A fellow staff member was stabbed with a pen, and adolescents had stolen pencils in the past to cut themselves with the metal that held the eraser. You can NEVER be too cautious on an in-patient unit. Always yield on the side of safety.

------------------------------
To: Group
From: Responder 1
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:38:43 +0000

Just a suggestion.....consider using any felt tip markers instead of pencils. They are less likely to pierce skin or contribute to serious self injury. They also won't require a sharpener. It is difficult to predict behaviors of in-patient populations. Good luck.

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From: Responder 10
Date: Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 2:27 PM
To: Group

We use the small miniature golf pencils on our psych units because a previous patient stabbed a dr. in the ear w/ a regular pencil. I will give the pts., crayola markers (fat ones) as they are not sharp and wash off the walls w/ soap and water; pencils and crayons do not.

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From: Responder 11
Date: Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 4:21 PM
To: Group

I understand the concern, but I do end up using regular pencils. Another option is golf pencils, kind of too short for really effective stabbing and without the metal at the end that could be removed and potentially used for cutting.

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From: Responder 12
Date: Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 4:25 PM
To: Group

You might try woodless pencils if you are looking for something erasable. You can get them at the art supply store near the drawing pencils. They might be a little thick for writing, but there is no metal or wood. It might not be ideal, but they can be sharpened enough just by rubbing the side of the pencil on the paper. If you broke them in half they would be pretty safe.

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From: Responder 13
Date: Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 11:43 PM
To: Group

Just a quick side note regarding giving patients markers vs. pencils. We once discovered that a pt was given markers to use in his room unsupervised and later discovered that the pt put a marker in his anus. I do not allow pts to have anything unsupervised with the exception of golf pencils. However, having said this, I have never had such an experience like this before or after this particular incident.

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From: Responder 14
Date: Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 7:22 AM
To: Group

THanks for everyone's ideas about the pencils. I am enjoying this
conversation about materials.

What's so special about golf pencils? I believe you could put one in one's anus or stab someone with them. I often work with drawing materials. For drawing I tend to use markers, oil pastels, charcoal, or crayons, regular or super fat for kids. I suppose in a hospital setting, almost anything is possible to use for some abusive purpose to self or others.

I've been wondering for some time how to safely use fingerpaints, even in a private practice setting, without ending up with a huge mess - thrown paint comes to my mind. (My space has a carpeted floor.) Maybe it has to be used in a space where a water based clean-up of EVERYTHING is easy.

THanks again to all for their input and ideas.

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From: Responder 15
Date: Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 5:20 PM
To: Group

One thing to consider regardless of the art tools used is that if there is a real concern with a patient using them then you should get the psychiatrist to write an order allowing the use of such tools. That way the doctor, and hopefully the treatment team, would be aware of what you're doing. Plus it would probably get you off the hook if something were to happen.

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From: Responder 16
Date: Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 5:54 PM
To: Group

Markers... patients in psych setting will swallow them. It does a real number on them too. I really love those peeling crayon pencils. I think in the catalogue they are listed as crayons, you could also get grease pencils. Stay away from the charcoal, the noise would drive you nuts. For journaling the golf pencil might be the least frustrating for them.

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From: Responder 11
Date: Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 6:23 PM
To: Group

it's only that golf pencils are short, and this makes it harder to grip them as one would have to in order to use them as a stabbing weapon it's true, if there is a will, there is a way...one can make weapons of many things

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From: Responder 17
Date: Sat, Feb 21, 2009 at 6:36 AM
To: Group

I noticed that so many people responded to Forum Starter's questions, which I found very important. I have been working for adult psychiatric inpatients for a while. Thus Forum Starter's question is not foreign to me. My experience resonate with some of your responses as well.

There are few things that I consider when I pick art materials for acute, psychotic patients with unpredictable behavior. Of course we can not work with them unless their doctor believes that person is ready for therapeutic activities and treatment. It may depend on where you work.
1. How many people in your group or individual?
2. Functioning level of the person in your group, individual session?
3. Is there any system for calling for assistance? Do you work with another staff member or assistant?
4. Combination of group members. (What kind of unpredictable behavior may happen?)
5. Facility policy on safety. (Only use of nontoxic materials ...)
6. What material you find comfortable to use?
7. My ultimate suggestion is just use paper, which people might swallow, or get paper cut but less hazardous comparing traditional art materials. etc.

I found it useful to use Origami as a tool for my patients which may not suit you and your population. It seems, touching colorful paper has soothing effect also. If only you know how to fold origami and you are comfortable presenting...

I'm not sure that origami is ideal for journaling, which was what Forum Starter was initially asking about, but Responder 17's heart is in the right place.

What's amazing to me about this exchange is that these are legitimate, professional concerns for some people in the world. At my job, I sometimes wonder if I've brought enough food for lunch. Occasionally, clients aren't crazy about what I've written for them. My computer crashed last week, and I've felt a bit discombobulated this week, while we worked toward a solution.

I never - never - look at my Slinky full of pens and wonder if I should stab a cat or shove one up my anus (although now it'll be hard for me to resist thinking of those things, even if I still have no desire to actually do them). If I did, I'm not sure my colleagues would be equipped to handle it like the fine professionals above.

But I finally understand why they use golf pencils at country clubs around the nation: they keep stabbings to a minimum.

Greed in Privatization? No Way!

I've been meaning to get to this little story since last week because it's really grossly offensive. The short of it:

A couple of judges pleaded guilty to taking millions of dollars in kickbacks from privately run juvenile detention centers in Pennsylvania. In other words, they threw kids in prison for cash. Well done, justices, you unbelievable pricks.

But while the focus is on these corrupt Dickhead (now Shitbird) judges, maybe we should take a bit of a timeout and remember that the privately run juvenile detention centers in Pennsylvania gave a couple of judges millions of dollars. You see, the privately run juvenile detention centers get paid per head by the state of Pennsylvania, so they need bodies. What better way to get bodies than to pay off the people who decide what bodies go there?

Kids who did little more than deserve perhaps an at-home suspension ended up spending months in freakin' juvie.

Call it a few bad apples, they got caught, and blah blah blah. The fact is privatization in prisons is a breeding ground for corruption.

I know this is America, but seriously, not everything here should be for-profit. Prisons - especially prisons for kids - shouldn't be for-profit. Come on, privatizers. That's enough.

I'm Looking Forward, Too, Buster

So there's this debate going on about whether or not to prosecute the war crimes of the Bush Administration.

Obviously, the danger politically for the Democratic Party is that if they go after the war crimes, they look like vindictive pricks (not that looking like vindictive pricks has ever stopped the Republican Party).

Almost-President Obama, for his part, wants to "look forward" rather than back. Instead of punish the people in the government who broke the law, he seems content to simply reverse their decisions and stop performing those certain actions.

OK, so let's give this Nearly-President Obama fella the benefit of the doubt. Let's assume he won't break the law (through wiretapping, torture, and preemptive wars) at the rate that the outgoing administration has. Let's forget the bad times and keep positive moving forward.

Fine, but I'm looking forward. Let's say I look beyond an Obama Administration. At some point, we'll end up with another overreaching executive branch. And because we didn't hold a previous executive branch accountable for glaring illegalities, this future executive branch will assume that they can get away with anything. Because apparently, the president's office is above the law. I call horseshit on that, bitches.

Hell, man, I think it might be ugly, and I don't doubt that those on the right will scream that we're all vindictive pricks. But sometimes being a vindictive prick is what's necessary to do what's right.

I say we go after the crimes of the outgoing administration. I'd like to think that our government officials follow the law, too.

That goes for Jack Bauer, too.

Go, Jim, Go!

Senator Jim Webb of Virginia was elected after the George Allen "macaca" moment. Without the macaca implosion, Webb wouldn't have won. On the campaign trail, he's not great at connecting with people. He's a bit harsh and cold. He doesn't want to kiss babies.

When he was on the longer of the short lists for Vice President, some groups on the left weren't crazy about the idea, particularly because back in 1979 he wrote an article called "Women Can't Fight," in which he lays out an argument against women in the military. Now, he says, he supports women in the military.

But Jim Webb has what so many Democrats don't: balls. He was a loud and early critic of the Iraq War. He's an outspoken economic populist. He's not afraid to state clearly and succinctly why he supports particular issues and stands against others.

Now he's taking on prison reform.

Prisons in this country are a disaster. We over-incarcerate; we under-rehabilitate its occupants; we over-sentence; we mis-sentence; etc., etc.

Then why is it that so few politicians take on prison reform? Well, first of all, in most states the incarcerated can't vote. In many states, those formerly incarcerated can never vote again. Publicly, if you're anything but "lock 'em up and screw 'em" about people who commit crime, you're perceived as "soft on crime." And yet, no one seems to see that the crime rate isn't going down any faster with mandatory minimum sentences, the death penalty, brutal prisons, and more.

So in walks Jim Webb, balls first, to take on the issue. And Jim's from Virginia, which is second only to Texas in putting people to death. Hell, Virginia even abolished parole in 1995. This is not a state famous for a soft prison/judicial system.

We'll find out in four years when he's up for reelection whether his prison reform legislation comes back to bite him in the ass politically. But I'm sure glad that he doesn't care about that at the moment.

As the very wise "they" say, you can tell a lot about a society from how it treats its prisoners.

[Thanks to Talking Points Memo for the heads-up.]

You Know What? Screw the Children, Too.

I know we've got a real "fuck 'em" attitude toward the incarcerated in this country. And I'm not one to try to understand law, lawyers, judges, or sentencing. But this sentence of Nixzaliz Santiago, a.k.a. the mother of Nixzmary Brown, sounds downright counterproductive to me.

What happened to that little girl was truly horrible, and you won't find me defending the terrible violence. (In case those readers outside of NYC haven't heard about the case itself, the short version is that a 7-year-old girl lived a life akin to torture, primarily at the hands of her stepfather Cesar Rodriguez, until she was finally beaten to death. Rodriguez dealt the final blow, and Santiago did nothing. Yes, truly horrible.)

Santiago's defense centered at least partially around that she too was a victim of Rodriguez's violence, which tends to be a rationale I believe. This judge and jury didn't, and they gave Santiago more years in prison than Rodriguez. But even this isn't even my biggest problem here.

As long as Santiago is in prison, she's not allowed to see her other children. Her children can't visit her for 43 years. This is a punishment for her children as much as it's a punishment for her. Why should her children be denied what little love their mother might be able to provide from prison?

And if we accept that the purpose of prison is rehabilitation, how is cutting Santiago off from the love children offer going to help that process?

I mean, really, I'm cynical. But our prison system is utterly lacking in hope, if not downright destructive and nihilistic.