With over 1,000 men locked up together 24/7, it is actually kind of ludicrous to think that violence and assaults will not happen. We can’t threaten most of these guys with sanctions and more time. They got too much time already. This happens in every prison in America, every day, not just Valdosta State Prison.
There are several places in the area for men and women to get help for substance abuse. Do a little research before saying something you know nothing about. Anyone can get help if they really want it. You can’t use the excuse there is no place to get help. That is ridiculous.
Concerning Valdosta State Prison. They say that VSP is the worst prison on state because of the types of inmates now housed at the prison. Run-off from Autry, Calhoun, Reidsville and Jackson are now housed at VSP. At last count, there was approximately 1,500 inmates housed at the prison. With furloughs and no pay raises in sight for who knows how long and the pressure of working understaffed with ill-trained officers and supervisors that have forgotten what it is like to be a line officer, I see only a bad day on the horizon for those of us that work at VPS.
Would Lake Park Elementary please do something about the morning car rider line? It is very aggravating to have to pass the school, be stopped by the crossing guard, make a U-turn on a four-lane highway, be stopped by the same crossing guard again before finally having to sit in a long line that snakes through the parking lot and down the four-lane highway. It is a one-way driveway with two lanes. Why can’t both be utilized? Children are tardy, missing class and parents are late for work. Surely there is a better system.
The Georgia Department of Corrections is staffed by outstanding and committed officers and administrators. They are taken for granted, underpaid, and work in a dangerous and unsafe environment. Budget cuts to the DOC have drastically increased the chances of a full-blown riot. I encourage all citizens to demand better pay, more staff, and increased budgets of their elected officials. Pray for the staff as the future will not bode well if more resources are not provided.
I’d be careful about barring that Times staff writer from Cleveland Field. Considering how much attendance is down at VHS games, I don’t think I would want to turn away anyone.
What We Think
Rant & Rave for Monday, Nov. 9, 2009
- What We Think
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Books: A part of summer adventures
Summer should be a time for swimming, playing, camping, trips, pursuing interests and fun for youngsters taking a break from the school year. It should be a time to recharge their batteries.
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Memorial Day: A solemn occasion
Memorial Day has taken on many meanings through the years. The unofficial start of summer, a day off from work, a day to honor family and friends who have passed away.
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
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Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
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Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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Books: A part of summer adventures
