THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, August 27, 1994 TAG: 9408270008
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
Gov. George Allen has submitted a plan to abrogate Virginia's ``lenient'' parole system. Dubbed Proposal X, it does not seem a feasible deterrent to crime.
Allen's incumbency did not result from his determined effort to resolve the problem plaguing Virginia, but his entire political potpourri rested upon a demagogic strategy implicating crime. Virginians are apprehensive concerning crime, and Governor Allen mainly targeted that to gain a victory.
Abolishing parole, longer prison sentences or ``truth in sentencing'' will not resolve the problems in our communities. If these coercive tactics proposed by Gov. Allen are so effective, why is crime incessantly increasing?
In incarcerating any human being, society also needs to realize the psychological effects within that individual. Some inmates are remorseful for their actions and put forth sincere effort to modify the negative behaviors that put them in their predicament. Most want to return to society and live a normal lifestyle with their families.
Parole offers a positive reinforcement. If this incentive is revoked, regressive rehabilitation may result. Instead of allowing opportunities for modified behaviors, inmates may be discouraged to the point of embitterment, so society is confronted with an individual who has accumulated a grudge, and the chance of recidivism is greatly enhanced.
The Virginia Department of Corrections does not have one constructive program to assist inmates once their time to be released is at hand. They are released with $25 and a bus ticket and told to survive to the best of their ability. If that inmate does not have a supportive family, the chance for survival is lessened.
Eliminating parole will heighten petty violence within the penal system. Because of the current debate, most inmates have a hostile attitude toward being incarcerated and feel preyed upon by politicians. If Gov. Allen's Proposal X succeeds in September, Virginia may be confronted with more problems on a larger scale.
While I have been incarcerated for nine years, I have made daily assessments of the penal institution and the actions of inmates and employees. Gov. Allen's perception of rehabilitation is extremely distorted. Even though we have erred, and punishment is mandated, we all deserve a chance for improvement. Give us the same opportunity that was extended to Oliver North, who is running for a seat in the Senate.
Parole says to most inmates, ``If you correct yourself and behave accordingly, you can go home and make amends.'' No parole says, ``No matter how much you're trying, or what you do, there's no chance for you to change.''
Do not be manipulated and allow George Allen to cash in on your fears. We deserve a second chance.
ROBERT FIDDEMON
Saint Brides Correctional Center
Chesapeake, Aug. 17, 1994 by CNB