Do Prisoners Deserve Christmas Gifts and Cookies?

[Acklander]

Yes, unless they are in for rape, molestation or murder. Then no.

My mom knows someone who is in prison for murdering the man who molested/raped his step daughter. Maybe he could get half a cookie?

 

[Cantw8]

yes...of course they do. I'm not going to say anything else

 

[katespade]

Ummm, they're still breaking the law repeatedly. It's really not that hard to follow the rules. Violent or not, someone that violates probation, still seems to not be able to follow the rules or the law. It's really not rocket science (for the criminal) you're verbally told and given a paper telling you in writing what the "rules" are...follow them, and you won't have an issue.

That makes sense to a point. Example: John Smith gets arrested for possession. He gets released and is arrested for violating curfew. He gets released again and is arrested AGAIN for curfew. Third strike. Life sentence. He repeatedly broke the law, by your thinking, this is what he deserves.

5 Years later, Ted Johnson the child molester gets arrested and is sentenced to 15 years. He gets out in 4 because the jails are too crowded with John Smiths. Who would you rather walking around your neighborhood? John Smith the stoner without a watch or Ted Johnson the kid toucher? It makes no sense to lock up a person that has committed multiple victimless crimes which then in turn allows a monster to roam free because he only did it once.

Sometimes, and this is one of them, the rules are just plain stupid. There is a lot to learn about these so called good ideas. A lot of them, like sex offender registries, do way more harm then good. The core idea behind them is genuine, but they've been so manipulated and over reaching that they are now detrimental.

 

[lustergirl]

That makes sense to a point. Example: John Smith gets arrested for possession. He gets released and is arrested for violating curfew. He gets released again and is arrested AGAIN for curfew. Third strike. Life sentence. He repeatedly broke the law, by your thinking, this is what he deserves.

5 Years later, Ted Johnson the child molester gets arrested and is sentenced to 15 years. He gets out in 4 because the jails are too crowded with John Smiths. Who would you rather walking around your neighborhood? John Smith the stoner without a watch or Ted Johnson the kid toucher? It makes no sense to lock up a person that has committed multiple victimless crimes which then in turn allows a monster to roam free because he only did it once.

Sometimes, and this is one of them, the rules are just plain stupid. There is a lot to learn about these so called good ideas. A lot of them, like sex offender registries, do way more harm then good. The core idea behind them is genuine, but they've been so manipulated and over reaching that they are now detrimental.

Someone who gets locked back up because of a parole or probation violation for the reasons you stated does not get a life sentence if it is their third strike. These violations are not considered felonies or misdemeanors in the correctional system, they are simply violations. More time will be given and once they do that time they will be out on parole once again.

 

[DopeyDame]

It's easy to be kind and generous to people who "deserve" it. How wonderful of those kids to be kind and generous to those who don't. It sounds like they understand the true meaning of Christmas.

Absolutely, perfectly, beautifully said.

"Deserve" has nothing to do with it. These kids are living out their beliefs to love thy neighbor and comfort the imprissoned. That's fantastically awesome.

 

[YodaGirl]

I don't deserve Christmas cookies, either. Makes it nice to get them, though.

DH works with our church's jail ministry. Attendance was down his last Sunday there. One of the guys said that it was because a lot of them get depressed and spend the vast majority of their time in bed.

I think what the church is doing is nice.

I think if I was to answer completely, this would become a religious thread which isn't allowed. I would be asking myself WWJD...did He think the lost sheep was worth finding?

 

[violetrose]

I think it's nice too, and what churches are supposed to do. Especially at Christmas.

 

[violetrose]

I am trying my absolute hardest to say this in a non-snarky manner but really:

Christmas = celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ

The man (God), who for Christians, forgives all sins and acts with love?

KWIM?

But by all means, if you feel the prisoners aren't deserving of forgiveness and love on the holiday that celebrates the Savior, then get out your baking sheet and bake some cookies for the Nursing Home in the name of Jesus. I'm sure he'll appreciate your efforts.

I think you said that very well. A lot nicer and less snarky than I ever could have said it.

 

[Muushka]

I think if any organization is willing to make the effort to give gifts and cookies to prisoners, no problem.

As long as they are not asking the tax payer to fund it.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

I am suprised this thread is still going.

As a Christian, I do not see how one would have a problem with this. The foundation of our belief is that our Savior provides for us what none of us deserve. And in His eyes, none of us are any more deserving than any of the rest of us. I am no less a sinner than the guy sentenced to a life in prison.

 

[Deb in IA]

I am suprised this thread is still going.
As a Christian, I do not see how one would have a problem with this. The foundation of our belief is that our Savior provides for us what none of us deserve. And in His eyes, none of us are any more deserving than any of the rest of us. I am no less a sinner than the guy sentenced to a life in prison.

I thought it was done for just a few minutes ago, when it appeared to be locked, but then suddenly, it became unlocked.

I assume there is a Webmaster or two out there who is doing some housekeeping and maybe got carried away . . .

 

[Angelhalo]

I participate in a cookies mission for prisoners through my church. Because of my faith I believe that every person has the ability to redeem themselves in the eyes of God. It's a great opportunity to minister to people and it also teaches us a lot about ourselves and our ability to be compassionate and forgiving.

I really don't give a hoot whether anyone else thinks it is "right" or doesn't think they "deserve" it. No skin off my nose. It's not like anyone is being forced to participate.

 

[Principessa1284]

Whether they deserve it or not, I think this is a very nice gesture on both sides. It's nice for teenagers to see what it's like to do something nice and selfless for someone who may not deserve it, and it also shows the prisoners that there are still compassionate people out there on the "outside." You never know how small a gesture could change someone's outlook.