[Ppnews] What crimes and offenders are acceptable and which are not?

[Political Prisoner News]

April 30, 2006
TO: Political Prisoner News
Freedom Archives


Some weeks ago, I received a list-serve communication on the 
excellent Political Prisoner News website run by Freedom Archives. 
This particular communication came from a political prisoner who was 
reporting about his prison situation. In it, he reported, 
matter-of-factly, that he had beaten up a "pedophile" who was in the 
same prison. While I know and respect this prisoner, I found his 
report very troubling.

First, let me say that I know nothing about the "pedophile" spoken 
about: who he is, what he was convicted of, whether he was actually 
guilty, nor how he has conducted himself while locked up. Nor, am I 
defending pedophiles or pedophilia. I am concerned about how easily 
and broadly the term is sometimes used (and how it is too easily 
associated with homophobia). But there is no doubt that the abuse and 
exploitation of children is, in all its respects, reprehensible to me.

What troubled me in the original communication is understanding what 
is acceptable in prison (or anywhere else) as "acceptable" crimes and 
"acceptable" offenders. If you are a pedophile, however that is 
defined, is it then perfectly okay to be beaten by other prisoners? 
Is it because their crimes are against children or other vulnerable people?

In NYC, an already convicted alleged "drug kingpin" is about to go on 
trial for ordering the murders of 7 people. It has been alleged (and 
accepted by a previous jury) that he was responsible for the 
distribution of thousands and thousands of kilos of crack cocaine. I 
do not know whether the people who were murdered were drug rivals, 
innocent bystanders or somewhere in between. It goes without saying, 
however, that the massive distribution of drugs destroys entire 
families and communities; countless number of people - the addicts, 
their children and families, the children who are recruited to sell, 
and the others who were killed or maimed over disputes about 
territory, power or respect. How does a drug kingpin get treated in prison?

What about the man who was just sentenced in NYC for a beating of a 
gay man (allegedly by 3 men) that was so vicious that the victim is 
brain damaged and will be partially paralyzed for the rest of his 
life? How about anyone that may get locked up for the unintentionally 
killing of a 2 year old boy who was in the way when someone opened 
fire when another group of men stared at him too hard? What about the 
person who came to a middle school party on Long Island and, 
apparently angered over being asked to leave, came back with a gun, 
opened fire and killed a 14 year old honor student?

What crimes and offenders are acceptable and which are not? How are 
these decisions made? By whom? Using what standards? What are then 
the sentences for what we determine are crimes? How do we determine 
punishment? I do not presume to have any of the right answers. I did 
not feel, however, that it was okay for me to be so troubled and say 
nothing. I would hope that my concerns can initiate a conversation 
that can be helpful to us all. Thank you. Susan Tipograph (NYC)

Susan Tipograph is a New York based criminal defense attorney who has 
defended political activists for over 30 years and has been a 
committed member of the movement for social justice.


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