Inmate Letter to the 3 Judges

[Madhatter]

This is a letter my son wrote to the judges, that I thought I would share with all of you.

Madhatter


Your Honor(s):
As an incarcerated human being in the United States, and as a barely qualifying layman of the law, I must bring a surprising and somewhat disturbing dilemma to your attention.

That outside the fundamental, yet vague stipulations of the constitution, animals are provided a more detailed, and factual protection under law than human beings, namely humans who are incarcerated.

Laboratory non-human primates are granted greater protection than humans in prison.

I question the court on the precedent this sets, that Federal Law grants greater protection to lab apes than human prisoners.

I draw the courts attention to the existing crisis in America and offer precedent to correct it.

Or are we less deserving?

The actions in Plata, Coleman, Armstrong, and the other 50+ related court orders, or lack thereof give the apparent opinion that in California at least, prisoners do not.

Your Honor(s), I and many others ask for relief from the court, in relation to a unique circumstance of mental stress.

ENVY OF AN APE

Animal Welfare Act 1966 (AWA)7USC§2131
This and amendments under the Standards for Laboratory Animals Act 1985, oblige researchers to provide a balanced diet of wholesome food, “environmental enrichment” such as toys and socialization, “minimum requirements” for a physical environment to provide and promote “psychological well-being”, and “clean and adequate housing”.

Note that under the AWA, two 66 pound apes are required to have MORE square footage than two human prisoners who share a typical prison cell.
Facilities housing NON-HUMAN primates MUST have full time veterinary care on site, and must establish a program of regular veterinary care, including regular examinations.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is allowed to make regular and unannounced visits to such facilities. “Corrective actions” including confiscation of animals and/or Civil penalties for the researcher/facility are possible for violations of the AWA.

There are NO such laws providing uniform regulations that give HUMAN prisoners enforceable rights related to the amount of living space, diet, medical care, living conditions, or psychological well-being.

Although a non-human primate, not having the skills to advocate for itself needs sound advocacy for humanitarian reasons, does not a human being deserve at least the same tools/laws/regulations to advocate for themselves?

Or does a human being and citizen of the United States, not warrant at least the same protections as an ape in a zoo or a laboratory?

Are prisoners in America’s prisons not as deserving of EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW as an ape in the zoo?

Your opinions, rulings, or at minimum understanding are and will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Sincerely,


S. Lee

[kima]

Amen!!!!

[Judeca]

Wow, if that doesn't put it into perspective I don't know what would. Hell, even Arnold could probably 'get it' (if someone read it to him).

[sidewalker]

Judeca......lol


I say bravo. Well written.

[judean07]

You should be very proud. Praying that it is read.

[liroje]

Great letter, thanks for sharing, bet you're a proud mama!

[GsMom]

I would start sending this letter out to any newspaper that would accept it! I would send it to newspaper reporters with contact info. Maybe the Sac Bee reporter that isn't afraid to print it!
Very good job your son did!

Maybe likening jail to lab animals will open an eye or two

[Madhatter]

I'm very proud. I just faxed a copy of his letter to Donald Specter of the Prison Law Office and Michael Bien. These 2 men are the lead attorneys for our loved ones in the trial to relieve overcrowding. I sent them the information I found on the size of dog cages in a kennel in comparison to the size cells our loved ones are in also.

[nitamac]

Great letter!

[DavidsGirl4Ever]

That letter is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing.