Issue: On July 1, inmates at the Pelican Bay State Prison (Security Housing Unit) in Del Norte County, California began a hunger strike to protest the "inhumane" treatment by the prisons' system and staff towards the inmates. In addition, inmates in many other California prisons have joined the effort. The strikers in PBSP have 5 demands which are for the prison to stop group punishment, cancel the "debriefing" policy and change the prison's gang status criteria, serve better food, expand programs and privileges for long-term SHU residents, and comply to a 2006 report by the U.S. Commission on Safety and Abuse in America's Prisons. Around 1,000 protesters are still striking, and it seems nearly certain that some strikers will either be forced fed or will die. The strike has also put an intense strain on the medical staff at the facility; as many are working around the clock hours to deal with the crisis.
Blind Take
There are no child support violators in Pelican Bay. No DUIs, suspended licenses, dog fighters, or ounce a week dope dealers. Pelican Bay houses the two-time violent offender that clears the block while attempting to hit an enemy. Who not only does that but hits a child standing near the target. Those who are locked in SHU are there for even more disastrous acts. The individuals that the rapper glorifies and the mother curses dwell here. Their debt to society most likely can never be repaid; seldom they find forgiveness for victims' families.
With this, it is plausible to believe that the consequences correctly justify the brutality these men experience. What can one do to show apology to the mourner for murder and rape? Can a killer, living with 24 hour florescent lights, white walls, and no windows; soothe the pain of the teenager wearing his brother's hat in memory? Does he, being served food through the door of a cell, stop the nightmares the college girl has of the disfigured head and the slumped body of her boyfriend? Can families suffering through loss be restored if the murderer sees the sun two hours a day through a partially opened roof? Is dignity the price for killing? Is inhumanity to cost for a homicide?
I am solid the Great God above has reserved these decisions for His Wisdom, whether it appears in the form of a judge or jury. As "peers" may decide who will die or live in earthly hell by the law's letter, the justice of the Lord can't be contained within legal documents. It is wise not to assume that cruel treatment is wrong, as we know earthly retributions for evil is a reality, even if only for a season (Judges 3:7-8). And the conditions they endure, regardless of severity, still leave an opportunity to find Christ.
I praise God that I was saved from having to find Jesus in this type of situation. And because of that I ask that you join me in lifting up the inmates in prayer for health, forgiveness of offenses, and that those that have not would now seek the Savior of the planet through this historic time. I ask that we plea to the God of Heaven that the PBSP gather themselves and enter into a true negotiation with the inmates concerning a change in policy; and that the members of this organization who don't know the Son would come to know him as well. I lastly implore that we partition the Lord to empower the children; using all available resources of love through Jesus Christ--so they will not have to starve for the right to starve.
Peace
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