New Haven Independent

Posted by: nfjanette | August 30, 2006 10:19 AM

He said he was picked up on the street for selling drugs and ended up in the “super max� facility at Northern Correctional Facility not because he was violent but because he was insubordinate.

He therefore presented a potential security problem for the institution and was handled accordingly. Is one really expected to feel sympathy for a drug dealer - one of the primary causes of violent crime - that mouthed-off at prison guards and was dealt with accordingly? Not even close.

Posted by: Ned | August 30, 2006 10:47 AM

People who sell alcohol and cigarettes are also "drug dealers," but I don't see them being hauled off to prison and having their property seized - despite the fact that alcohol is much worse for one's health and the public peace than marijuana. Some figures from the CDC:
"In 2000, there were approximately 85,000 deaths attributable to either excessive or risky drinking in the U.S., making alcohol the third leading actual cause of death." Let's not even get started on cigarettes. Drug prohibition is the real crime.

Posted by: charlie | August 30, 2006 10:54 AM

First time drug offenders should be rehabilitated in well-funded programs. Small time drug dealers should face shorter sentences, coupled with very large fines.

However, violent criminals, even first time offenders, should have their sentences tripled or quadrupled, if not locked up for life. The social impact of a violent crime is much larger than most people realize.

Posted by: Biagio | August 30, 2006 12:48 PM

I find it hard to express sympathy for those prisoners who have difficulty dealing with serving their time.

You continually hear about prisoner's who constantly complain about how cruel they are treated in prison. When did they forget that they are in prison because they committed a crime?

And, lest we forget, what about the family of that murder victim who doesn't have the opportunity for parole from their grief?

As for NFJANETTE's comment, if he was being insubordinate, than he should be considered a security risk. Chances are, he was discussing his complaints with other prisoners and potentially insighting them into acts of violence.

Posted by: TChris | August 30, 2006 4:40 PM

"Mouthing off" is a security problem that is best addressed by locking someone down for 23 hours a day in a supermax? Nonsense, as is the claim that drug dealing causes violent crime. If drug abuse were treated as a health problem, not a law enforcement problem, there would be no violence associated with drug dealing at all. It sounds like this group is encouraging reality-based thinking rather than the platitudes served up by people like nfjanette.

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | August 30, 2006 6:13 PM

Nfjanette Is call Fair Justice. Ask your Self How
Come the mayor of bridgeport A Coke use Is still
Mayor. John Rolland Got One Year For Using the state as His Own Atm Machine. The Good Gov. REll
Son Stole A Jet Ski. It Call Fair Justice!!!

Posted by: BJFair | August 30, 2006 8:52 PM

Nothing sickens me more than the stench of indifference that prevails in society today. Mr Lewis is someone's son, father, brother and friend and a human being and should be treated accordingly. The previous comment implies two things: that all drug dealers commit violent acts, and that one should accept abuse and injustice with a bowed head and a smile. In all my years of advocacy one thing that has never failed is that those who turned a blind eye to injustice when it was happening to others were quick to seek help them when injustice knocked at their door. Unless there is someone out there who has never made a bad choice in life I would suggest not living in a glass house when throwing stones at others. Should anyone have empathy when others are suffering? Only if you have a sense of humanity.

Posted by: Sally Joughin | August 31, 2006 2:08 PM

Let's get some facts straight here. 70% of CT prisoners were convicted of non-violent crimes. Many could be rehabilitated in a setting other than prison. Some were wrongfully convicted and some are detained because they couldn't afford bail. But whether a violent or non-violent crime, all persons should be treated decently while serving their time. They should get healthy meals, good health care, opportunities to exercise and socialize, and rehabilitative programs. They should not be dehumanized or abused by anyone while incarcerated. Those who are mentally retarded, mentally ill, disabled or addicted should get the treatment they need. Even those of you who feel that people who committed crimes don't deserve what I have described should consider this: Well over 90% of prisoners will be released back to our communities. If treated decently in prison, they will be better neighbors. Isn't that what you want?

Posted by: Miriam Johnson | August 31, 2006 10:03 PM

We should thank men like Rodney Lewis for their courage and strength to tell a story like his. If we listen and not judge we would see the importance of his testimony which to educate people. The citizens of Connecticut should be irate and want an explanation. Instead they are brainwashed to accept this so-called "system" we have. He is not the only one that has a story, he is one of thousands. He was a victim while in prison. A drug dealing charge does not warrant the same punishment of a murderer or extremely violent crime. Inhumane treatment is not a method of rehabilitation, which our prisons were supposedly built for.
Yes, Lewis said he was insubordinate, but he was only according to their definition. In our prisons today insubordinate could mean not wanting to eat, shower, or blink when a CO tells you to. These men are being degraded and treated like animals. The Commissioner of DOC should be ashamed of her current position as well as the Conn residents who agree with this disgusting system. And like BJFAIR said in a previous comment, people only agree with the injustice until it comes knocking at their door.

Posted by: Mike | October 14, 2006 8:37 PM

I have no sympathy for drug dealers. They are low life scum who help ruin more moms kids than any other convict except child molsters.

Moms, I feel sorry for you. 99% of you raised your sons and daughters to be good people. But THEY CHOSE to be low lifes!

How about you moms getting with the victums of drug abuse, you know, the victums who robbed, raped, and murdered because your "loved one" had to sell drugs.

Please spare us all and go help the victums of drug abuse.