DOC RESPONDS TO TOILET PAPER SHORTAGE IN FLORIDA PRISONS
or WE'RE ALL LIARS NOW...
MOORE PLANS TO GIVE TOILET PAPER FOR PRISONERS TO 'CHARITY'!
OPERATION WIPE-OUT has stirred tremendous interest and packages of toilet paper from around the world are now on their way to Florida's Governor Jeb Bush because prisoners are being told there is a shortage and they must wipe with their hands. Of course, as is par for the course, the DOC suggests prisoners are lying again, and there is no shortage.
Governor Bush plans to send all toilet paper received to Secretary of 'Corrections', Michael Moore, who informs us that the prisoners don't need it and all toilet paper we send will be turned over to 'charities and schools'!
We vehemently protest such action as long as any prisoner in Florida is without the basic grooming necessities!
Kay Lee
From: Secretary Moore [mailto:secretary@mail.dc.state.fl.us]
Sent: Monday, August 12, 2002 12:25 PM
To: 'kaylee@idiom.com'; 'John Garner'
Subject: Response to concernsYour mail to Governor Bush regarding inmate hygiene and specifically the availability of toilet tissue for inmates, has been referred to my office for response. The Department of Corrections has centralized much of its purchasing and distrubution of health and comfort items to include toilet tissue. I think you will agree that it is incumbent upon all agencies in state government to conserve resources and control expenditures and in general manage its fiscal resources in a responsible and efficient manner.
I appreciate your concern when you state that DOC rules or policies ration "each two man cell to one roll of 1-ply toilet paper per week", however, no such rule or policy exists. Additionally, I am not able to find any institution that has published a local policy or memorandum to that effect.
Prison wardens have always had the authority to dispense health and comfort items on an "as-needed" basis and that remains the case today.
I have contacted the Governor's office and asked that any donated toilet tissue or other health and comfort items that they receive be forwarded to our Department and we will make them available to local charities or schools in your name. I appreciate your interest but your concern in this instance seems misplaced.
Mr. Moore:
You must be receiving lots of mail about the toilet paper problem for you to actually respond. I've mailed you thousands of problems in the past few years and have never heard a word from you before. Or is possible ramifications of the 'Operation Wipe-Out' project are bothering you?
Well, something you said really bothers me. You stated in the letter below, "Prison wardens have always had the authority to dispense health and comfort items on an "as-needed" basis and that remains the case today."
Therein may lie the problem, Mr. Moore. Florida prisons have no uniformity. Not only does each prison seem to have its own rules, but each shift of guards makes up their own rules too. I don't mean to criticize, but you may be delegating too much authority to people who are not able to handle that authority in a proper manner, including people acting as guards.
Some of the DOC personnel have intimated that all prisoners are liars. But, I can go back through all my old postings and letters and files and find hundreds of responses from the DOC - every single one of them suggesting that, whatever ex-employee, dead employee, family member, advocate or attorney is complaining against the DOC, they are all liars too. Do you realize that it sounds like the only people whom the DOC don't consider liars are the guards we are complaining about?
But then, you may honestly not know what goes on inside the institutions. If you'd like, I can try to get the families, ex-prisoners and ex-guards to contact you about how many of the basic necessities are being denied to Florida prisoners. Or we could have a summit at your place. All we'd ask that you bring is an open mind.
This may, once again, be improperly supervised 'officers' finding new punishments; or maybe they are taking this stuff home with them to share with their friends and covering up the shortages by denying the prisoners. But whatever is happening, the prisoners are doing without enough coats, underclothing, food, grooming items and yes, toilet paper.
Why don't we here, in this election year, stand against crime under the color of law, crime being committed by people in positions of authority over others? When we talk about reform, lets talk about DOC budgets, inventory, theft by staff, shortages, and all the costs that we, the taxpaying public incurs from sloppy oversight. In fact, let's talk about rehabilitation. With over two million prisoners, you might find that a very popular issue.
A Very Disillusioned Citizen,
Kay Lee, MTWT
Pacific Institute of Criminal Justice
1868 San Juan Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94707PS: MR. MOORE: WE DO NOT WANT THE TOILET PAPER COMING YOUR WAY GIVEN TO ANY 'CHARITIES OR SCHOOLS'. WE WANT IT GIVEN TO PRISONERS OF FLORIDA'S DOC!!!!!!! This is exactly the attitude you had when the churches of Florida tried to donate ink and ribbons you said you couldn't afford, so prisoners could keep access to typewriters.
Kay,
This is the e-mail that I sent to all of the people listed on your e-mail list.
It is a mystery to me as to why there was a sudden uncomfortableness among the Florida officials.
Sounds like we need to work this with organizations like the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons). An article questioning rehabilitative methods in Florida that comes out in their magazine just may scare folks planning on retiring to Florida.
Let us work the senior citizen circuit for a while and see what happens. After all, who wants to retire to Florida with a population of criminals who have not been rehabilitated but instead have been hardened in prison?
Anyway, something upset them, didn't it?
John Garner
To: <parker.dixie@MAIL.DC.STATE.FL.US>; <moore.michael@MAIL.DC.STATE.FL.US>;
<Schuknecht.fred@MAIL.DC.STATE.FL.US>;<newriverci@MAIL.DC.STATE.FL.US>;<Jeb@Jeb.org>
Sent: Friday, August 09, 2002 1:04 PM
Subject: Fw: USE YOUR HANDS!Dear Florida officials,
What a WONDERFUL State.
Just how do you think these inmates are going to behave if they ever get paroled? Do you think that there may be a crime problem at that time when this is the type of rehabilitation that you offer in your penal system?
John Garner
August 11, 2002
To: fl_governor@eog.state.fl.us
Subject: Florida Prisoners Not Provided With Toilet PaperDear Governor Bush:
I find it appalling inmates were told by 'officials,' to use their hands. To my knowledge, every State's Prison System has contracts with companies. And, the facility receives these basic materials much cheaper than the general public.
Isn't there something you can do regarding this situation? I am forwarding part of an e-mail message I received. Thank you for your time.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Name Withheld, Florida Residentsupply toilet paper, and have even created a new rule to cover their own butts (pardon the pun): Each two man cell will receive 1 roll of 1-ply toilet paper per week. Period! Staff have been telling the prisoners to wipe with their hands!
P.S. Seems the Florida Department of 'Corrections' cannot 'afford' to
From: Belcher, Judy [mailto:Belcher.Judy@mail.dc.state.fl.us]
Sent: Monday, August 12, 2002 7:12 AM
Subject: RE: Florida Prisoners Not Provided With Toilet PaperMrs. XXX:
Governor Bush asked me to thank you for your message and your interest in the Department of Corrections. There is no toilet paper shortage in Florida prisons and any rumors to the contrary are simply untrue.
Judy Belcher,
Liaison for Governor's Correspondence
Florida Department of Corrections
From: Belcher, Judy [mailto:Belcher.Judy@mail.dc.state.fl.us]
Sent: Monday, August 12, 2002 7:12 AM
To: 'Babange777@aol.com'
Subject: RE: Florida Prisoners Not Provided With Toilet PaperI should also add that not only is there no shortage, but all inmates are provided ample hygiene items, including toilet paper.
From: Charles H. Martin [mailto:charlesmartin14@hotmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2002 9:08 PM
To: fl_governor@eog.state.fl.us
Subject: "FOR THE PRISONERS OF FLORIDA, TO HELP PREVENT DISEASES IN PRISON"Florida Governor Jeb Bush
The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Fax:(904)488-9578
Tel:(904)488-4441 11/98It has recently come to my attention the Florida Department of Corrections has decided not provide Florida prisons an adequate amount of toilet
paper.It is virtually beyond comprehension how a civilized society would deny someone such basic needs to prevent the spread of disease? Prisoners are sent
to prison as punishment, not to be punished.Charles H. Martin
Hialeah, FL
From: "Belcher, Judy" <Belcher.Judy@mail.dc.state.fl.us>
To: <charlesmartin14@hotmail.com>
Sent: Monday, August 12, 2002 6:54 AM
Subject: RE: "FOR THE PRISONERS OF FLORIDA, TO HELP PREVENT DISEASES IN PRISON"Mr. Martin:
Governor Bush asked me to thank you for your message and your interest in the Department of Corrections. Florida prison inmates are provided ample hygiene items, including toilet paper, and any rumors to the contrary are simply untrue.
Judy Belcher, Liaison for Governor's Correspondence
Florida Department of Corrections
Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 17:54:35 -0400
To: Belcher.Judy@mail.dc.state.fl.us
From: Flacan <cowboy@jug-or-not.com>
Subject: Toilet paper ShortageMs Belcher:
I have followed with interest the concerns raised by the prisoners in certain institutions about a shortage of toilet paper.
I have questions about how much you really know about the day to day happenings inside any of your facilities. You assume that your employees might actually admit that they were doing something wrong. If I were in charge of a facility and got a call from Mr. Moore's office, I would also give the response that there is no shortage.
Ms. Belcher, I think what this all boils down to is a lack of supervision and accountability for OUR employees, from the guards to the wardens.
There are no safeguards in place to ensure that these folks are treating inmates in a humane manner. I feel this is what is upsetting to us on the outside.
Perhaps there are records of how much toilet paper each facility receives, I would assume that these records are also public and available under the Sunshine Laws of this state. It would also be interesting to look through the records of distribution in each facility, especially the problem facilities.
I think you would find it an incredible waste to have to fulfill such a request for inspection of public records. I think a better thing for all of us is to know that the system is free from abuse and that there are safeguards in place to reduce the likelihood of abuse.
What are you willing to do or provide us with that will eliminate doubt that our employees are treating prisoners in a humane manner?
There is one thing that bubbles up in my mind when the issue of prison conditions comes to my attention and that is: Does the way prisoners are treated in prison, effect the way they interact with the general public upon release?
I certainly do not want to think that the system is creating more dangerous criminals, and people who have little to no regard for
authority. Remember you have these people now, but they are eventually coming back into society.Thanks for your concern
Scott Raymond Bledsoe
7056 Ponce De Leon Ave #3A
Jacksonville, FL 32217
From Mr. Bledsoe: This was my response:
From: Secretary Moore <secretary@mail.dc.state.fl.us>
To: "'cowboy@jug-or-not.com'" <cowboy@jug-or-not.com>
Subject: E-Mail response
Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 14:47:27 -0400I have received your e-mail regarding the availability of personal hygiene items for Florida's prison population. However, your concern is misplaced. The Florida Department of Corrections does not have a shortage of toilet paper for the inmate population.
From: franz kurz [mailto:franz_kurz@web.de]
Sent: Sunday, August 11, 2002 9:56 AM
To: fl_governor@eog.state.fl.us
Subject: Help prevent disease in prisonFlorida Governor Jeb Bush
The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399 U.S.A.Dear Governor Bush:
News tell of several companies distributed manipulated reports, and all about.
Commendable refer to ask for all that useless paper US people get in order to supply Florida poor prisons so prison staff must not tell the prisoners to wip with their hands. Let them use criminal US managers' paper of no use anymore.
Just one proposal in a urgent matter. Will read The Rational Manager by Kepner-Tregoe again, and go on thinking about if need be for your support.
Overseas call for overseas aid is given in a honorary capacity, welcome any time.
Respectfully Yours,
FRANZ KURZ
BERGSTRASSE 35
74392 FREUDENTAL
GERMANY
"Belcher, Judy" <Belcher.Judy@mail.dc.state.fl.us>
schrieb am 12.08.02 19:01:35:Mr. Kurz:
Governor Bush asked me to thank you for your message and your interest in the Department of Corrections. Florida prisons do not have a shortage of toilet paper. Inmates are provided ample hygiene items, including toilet paper, and any rumors to the contrary are simply untrue.
Judy Belcher, Liaison for Governor's Correspondence
Florida Department of Correction
MR. MOORE, I HAVE READ THIS LETTER, (BELOW), THAT HAS BEEN SENT TO MS. KAY LEE AND I AM ALSO NOT PLEASE THAT YOU STATE THAT YOU WILL GIVE THE TOILET PAPER THAT I SENT TO YOUR GOVERNOR TO BE SENT TO FLORIDA PRISONS TO CHARITIES OR SCHOOLS!!
SIR I SENT THAT TOILET PAPER TO THOSE PRISONS!!!! THAT IS WHERE I WISH IT TO GO! IF YOU WISH TO GIVE TO CHARITIES OR SCHOOLS PULL FROM YOUR OWN POCKET NOT MINE!
YOU WILL NOT FEED YOUR PRISONERS FIT FOOD SO THAT THEY DO NOT SICKEN AND
NEED EXTRA TOILET PAPER...YOU DO NOT EVEN GIVE THEM NEW UNDERCLOTHES...
YOU JACK THE PRICES OF YOUR CANTEENS UP SO THAT THEY MUST GET MORE AND MORE MONEY FROM THEIR FAMILIES TO BE ABLE STOP BEING HUNGRY AND EVEN TO CLOTHE THEMSELVES!!
YOU WILL NOT EVEN LET THESE FAMILIES THAT HAVE TO WORK TWO AND THREE JOBS TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES AND THEIR LOVED ONE INSIDE ONE OF YOUR PRISONS SEND IN THINGS THAT WOULD SAVE THEM AND YOUR TAX PAYERS MONEY AND ALSO THE DOC AND YOU SAY THAT THE TAX PAYERS ARE PAYING FOR ALL THIS!!!
WELL SIR I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WERE ALL THIS MONEY THAT TAX PAYERS ARE GIVING OUT TO YOU IS GOING?!
IT LOOKS LIKE THE CONGRESS IS LOOKING INTO THE WRONG COMPANIES THEY SHOULD BE LOOKING INTO THE FLORIDA DOC BUDGET!
MR. GOVERNOR A NOTE FOR YOU, THIS IS THE VERY FIRST TIME IN MY 25 YEARS OF VOTING THAT I AM ASHAMED OF WHO I VOTED FOR! YOU MAY TELL THAT TO YOUR BROTHER FOR ME!
From: "Secretary Moore" <secretary@mail.dc.state.fl.us>
To: "'Deb'" <dtuffree@actionnet.net>
Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2002 1:54 PM
Subject: Response to e-mailI have received your e-mail regarding the availability of personal hygiene items for Florida's prison population. However, your concern is misplaced.
The Florida Department of Corrections does not have a shortage of toilet paper for the inmate population.
AND RIGHT ABOUT HERE THE DOC DEVELOPED AN AUTOMATED EMAIL RESPONSE
From: Secretary Moore [mailto:secretary@mail.dc.state.fl.us]
Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2002 6:36 AM
To: 'kaylee@idiom.com'
Subject: e-mailI have received your e-mail regarding the availability of personal hygiene items for Florida's prison population. However, your concern is misplaced. The Florida Department of Corrections does not have a shortage of toilet paper for the inmate population.
Kay Lee,
I know for a fact that the toilet paper shortage is true. The inmates in the kitchen, when I worked at Washington C.I., always tried to steal it from the kitchen to take back to the dorms so they would have some, they always said that there is never any in their dorms!!! So for all those that say it is not true, they do not know what they are talking about!!!
And what's the governor's response to all this?
I appreciate hearing from concerned citizens like you. Please feel free to continue to keep me informed on issues that are important to you. Thank you again for writing.
Sincerely,
Jeb Bush
| FDOC 'RESPONDS' TO TOILET PAPER CRISIS | |
|
OPERATION WIPE-OUT |
|
Don't forget, You're invited to join us
Send a roll of toilet paper to Jeb Bush marked:
"For The Prisoners Of
Florida:
To help prevent diseases in prison today
from becoming epidemics in our society tomorrow."
Jeb's address is:
Florida Governor
Jeb Bush
The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
MAKE YOUR STATEMENT
Jeb Bush
Fax:(904)488-9578
Tel:(904)488-4441 11/98
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
fl_governor@eog.state.fl.us
