Letters to Legislators by F.G.

A few weeks ago, I gave the addresses of the state Senators to Inmate #1 and her husband. I also gave them the addresses for their local U.S. Representatives in their district. The recent posts that she was talking about involved the receipt of communication from one Senator and one Congressman. Thankfully they are investigating her concerns. We don't know what will come of it, if anything, but we all agreed that at least we have to try. Nothing gets done if no action is taken, and in the case of Inmate #1, there are multiple factors that need to be addressed.

How can they send people to a prison that is labeled as a Federal medical center that exists for the purpose of inmates with specific medical needs...yet they give these people poor advice, they prescribe the wrong medicines, or they withhold required medications that have been prescribed by doctors prior to sentencing??? And what kind of medical facility is not equipped to meet the needs of people who are on special diets, including Inmate #1's bariatric diet??

These ill-equipped medical facilities are expected in regular state prisons, but not in special Federal prisons that are labeled as medical facilities. Basic civil rights are being violated at both the state and Federal level in the United States prison system. While people are incarcerated as punishment for crimes, do they honestly deserve to eat child's portions of food, meat that is 90% fat, spoiled foods, food that comes from kitchens infested with rats and/or cockroaches, to live with visible mold, and to be prescribed the wrong medications? Prisoners are still humans.

Not every prisoner has committed a violent crime. And what about those who are innocent who are sitting in prison while waiting on appeals? Do innocent people deserve this inhumane treatment? Imagine your meal only offering 2 thin slices of roast beef that contain 90% fat and 10% edible meat, a piece of bread, and approximately 2 tablespoons of beans? Sounds really nutritious and satisfying, doesn't it??

Inmates are compensating for the loss of calories and proper nutrition by spending money once a week for commissary. Most are buying junk food like chips and candy just to sustain themselves. Inmate #1 purchases chips occasionally, but most of what she buys are items like oatmeal for breakfast, granola, nuts, and fruits. To the reader who doesn't know Inmate #1, this sounds great. However, bariatric patients need to eat 6 small meals a day. She still is not receiving the daily recommended caloric intake for a healthy body, even with her commissary purchases. The human body is fragile, and it needs proper nutrition and hydration to maintain good health.