Every year we hear about a prison hunger strike somewhere. Today I heard about one locally, in a prison housing illegal immigrants awaiting deportation. I never understood why prison hunger strikes are "a thing". Who_Cares??

If someone in prison decides not to eat, that's fine with me. Provide water to the cells, and let them know they are welcome to come to the dining area, any time they wish to resume eating. And that is all! End of story. If they are dumb enough to starve to death, that will save tax-payers a lot of money. Why does this stuff make the news? Who cares??

Unless there's a reason to keep them alive, let them starve themselves as much as they want.

Of course the issue is that they are wards of the state.
So by law they're responsible for their well being.
But I've never seen anyone on a hunger strike that went full term.
And after 21 years as a prison guard, I've seen my share of attention seeking idiots go on & off them and it's always in Segregation.

Once an entity incarcerates them, they own them... & all the liabilities that go with that.

What would prison inmates go on a hunger or any other strike for, anyway? What are they going to protest? Their white wine being served at room temperature?

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
What would prison inmates go on a hunger or any other strike or protest for, anyway? Their white wine being served at room temperature?

Anything & everything but legal issues & protests of treatment is the usual issue.

Bobby Sands was the only one I've ever heard of going through with it. Granted, not in the USA.

I think hunger strikes should be encouraged

with all the money we save we could build a few new federal detention centers for all of the illegals that need to be warehoused

quote:

Originally posted by GrumpyBiker:
Of course the issue is that they are wards of the state.
So by law they're responsible for their well being.
But I've never seen anyone on a hunger strike that went full term.
And after 21 years as a prison guard, I've seen my share of attention seeking idiots go on & off them and it's always in Segregation.

Once an entity incarcerates them, they own them... & all the liabilities that go with that.

Right. But if "We" the taxpayers (ie-The State) tell the strikers they are welcome to eat whenever they decide to resume eating....why should "we" care if they eat...or don't eat??

quote:

Originally posted by vinnybass:
Bobby Sands was the only one I've ever heard of going through with it. Granted, not in the USA.

I believe a few other IRA members, too. Early '70's.

quote:

Originally posted by GWbiker:

quote:

Originally posted by vinnybass:
Bobby Sands was the only one I've ever heard of going through with it. Granted, not in the USA.

I believe a few other IRA members, too. Early '70's.

Now THAT is "Old School" defined.

quote:

Originally posted by FishOn:

Right. But if "We" the taxpayers (ie-The State) tell the strikers they are welcome to eat whenever they decide to resume eating....why should "we" care if they eat...or don't eat??

This. They're adults. As long as food is available to them, there should be no forcing them to eat. Just like they should not be forced to take any medicine, it just needs to be available to them if it's necessary.

Exactly. Offer inmates their meds, and food they need to survive. If they want to quit eating for a hunger-strike...F-'em. They can eat, if they want to survive. I suggest to deny them access to "The Media", including TV, and video games etc.

Inmates should have continued access to the book cart, and any other source of helpful info. I support ANY resource for inmates to better their situation.

I guess I am harsh, and just do not understand.

Life should be all about trying to improve your situation.

I toured Alcatraz. Now THAT, was hard-living!!

Just my take. Feel free to flame me.

quote:

Originally posted by FishOn:

quote:

Originally posted by GrumpyBiker:
Of course the issue is that they are wards of the state.
So by law they're responsible for their well being.
But I've never seen anyone on a hunger strike that went full term.
And after 21 years as a prison guard, I've seen my share of attention seeking idiots go on & off them and it's always in Segregation.

Once an entity incarcerates them, they own them... & all the liabilities that go with that.

Right. But if "We" the taxpayers (ie-The State) tell the strikers they are welcome to eat whenever they decide to resume eating....why should "we" care if they eat...or don't eat??

Care ?
We don't.
We the individuals fell the same way.
The inmates are grown men, "do what you do"!
But the State, the Dept. They do care because we live in a litigious society.

quote:

Originally posted by GrumpyBiker:

quote:

Originally posted by FishOn:

quote:

Originally posted by GrumpyBiker:
Of course the issue is that they are wards of the state.
So by law they're responsible for their well being.
But I've never seen anyone on a hunger strike that went full term.
And after 21 years as a prison guard, I've seen my share of attention seeking idiots go on & off them and it's always in Segregation.

Once an entity incarcerates them, they own them... & all the liabilities that go with that.

Right. But if "We" the taxpayers (ie-The State) tell the strikers they are welcome to eat whenever they decide to resume eating....why should "we" care if they eat...or don't eat??

Care ?
We don't.
But the State, the Dept. does because we live in a litigious society.

Agreed. And THAT...is the problem.

FishOn, you'll get no argument from me or my fellow officers.

Link to original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF56VO0qqLQ

Here's another puzzler: why do we try to keep death row inmates from committing suicide?

Had a prisoner go on a hunger strike.

Sheriff said "He's not serious, just wait a couple of days"

Couple of days went by and the Sheriff started a rumor about getting a great deal on steaks and that's what was for supper.

This guy was first in line and was he ever pissed when he ended up with a loaf.

At a certain point, the feds will actually insert a feeding tube. Also, they closely restrict publicity so the strike does nothing.

It's just one more element of the 24 hour a day, seven day a week entertainment cycle.

Hey look, Guys starving. Cool. What time's 'Survivor'?

I've had to weigh inmates daily and strap em down for the feeding tube when they lost too much weight. Some inmates do it for fun and attention. 99 percent of them will get hungry and get a meal tray on their own when they are done with their temper tantrum.