Silence Broken

I swore never to be silent whenever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. - Elie Wiesel

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Send Our Elderly and Severely Disabled to Prison

A bit late getting this one to the press due to a rather unsettling five days. Visited Rob at his present place of residence on Wednesday (29th June) about 6pm. Immediately he said to take a look at his right foot. Horror!!! It was red and twice the size of the left and when I lifted the towel covering his legs his leg was red up till the mid of his shin; severe cellulitis infection and spreading fast. He did not have it on Sunday when I last saw him. I won’t repeat what I said. Or what I had to say to certain people.

So I’ve had a rather hellish and emotional week leaving me behind in my writing for this site and other advocacy matters while Rob has spent the past few days in hospital on a drip. I had contemplated including a couple of pictures of Rob’s foot but most would not be able to stomach the sight. But such photos will be uploaded into cyberspace shortly as I’m in the process of making Rob his own blogspot.

Until this coming Saturday a reader sent the following in; makes for interesting pondering. I’ve often thought prisoners have it good in comparison to our most vulnerable – the aged and/or disabled. I have made a couple of alterations just to make it more reflective of many nursing homes and prisons in Australia, USA and Britain.

Grumpies of the World Unite.

Let's put the pensioners in jail and the criminals in a nursing home.

This way the pensioners would have access to showers, hobbies and walks.

They'd receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatment, wheel chairs etc and they'd receive money instead of paying it out.

They would have constant video monitoring, so they could be helped instantly, if they fell, or needed assistance.

Bedding would be washed twice a week, and all clothing would be ironed and returned to them.

A guard would check on them every 20 minutes and bring their meals and snacks to their cell.

They would have family visits in a suite built for that purpose.

They would have access to a library, weight room, spiritual counselling, pool and education.

Simple clothing, shoes, slippers, PJ's and legal aid would be free, on request.

Private, secure rooms for all, with an exercise outdoor yard with gardens.

Each senior could have a PC, TV, radio and daily phone calls.

There would be a board of directors to hear complaints, and the guards would have a code of conduct that would be strictly adhered to.

The criminals would get cold food, be left all alone and unsupervised.

Lights off at 8pm, and showers once a week. Live in a tiny room and have no hope of ever getting out.

No comments:

Post a Comment