Prison Phones

“Inmates Do More Than Phone Home” (April 25) couldn’t have been written better by a prison or jail guard. At a time when Amnesty International has focused attention on the abuses that are going on by guards in U.S. prisons and jails, the article should do wonders to fuel some paid-off-by-the-prison-guards politician to introduce legislation to curtail telephone use by prisoners that will help keep even more of the guards’ abuses in the dark.

DOUG KIESO

Los Angeles

*

It’s troubling to read that some feel we should be more concerned about prisoner morale and possible unrest than preventing convicts from murdering witnesses and hurting honest citizens. After all, isn’t the idea that prison is supposed to be a lousy place and criminals should feel very bad about being there? Phone calls, while needed, should be limited to very little time and to only perhaps an attorney and immediate family. As far as talking with friends, they can use the U.S. mail, or is that too cruel?

ROBERT McVERRY

Laguna Hills