In October of 2011, Charles Manson was sentenced to 15 months in solitary confinement. According to Magic Bullet Records, he was caught with an eyeglass frame wire in his possession. He had been using the wire to assist him in creating his art. Manson is not allowed to have such an item as it is considered contraband. Possessing contraband is not usually met with such severe consequences.
Magic Bullet Records has been issuing new or previously unheard music by Manson. I've been purchasing these records as I am a fan of his music. In past years various albums of old songs have been put to CD and sold. As a lover of folk music, I have immense admiration for good song and Manson's music isn't too shabby. Some songs are great, some aren't. All are performed with raw grit and a solid voice.
Although, I am a fan of his music I am not a fan of Manson. No doubt Manson was an evil and dangerous person. He has no remorse and continues to defend himself. Manson has been glorified and marketed. Fans have been known to purchase t-shirts, tattoo his face onto their bodies and write the man himself to express their admiration. Celebrating Manson as a superstar is a twisted concept and unfortunately a popular one.
So, here's the question. Does the 77 year old inmate deserve to be put in the hole? I'm sure there are many that believe he deserves a lot worse. There are many that wish he was tortured and killed. I am not one of those people.
I believe there is no need to place Manson in solitary confinement as he is already imprisoned and kept from the main population.
Manson does not belong on our streets but he doesn't need to be tortured either. Why? To put it in elementary terms, "two wrongs don't make a right."
When we wish ill upon others it hardens our spirits and creates more anger. Just as I oppose the death penalty I oppose torture. I believe that solitary confinement is a form of torture. We do not heal when we want to harm others or make them pay in gruesome ways.
Yes, Manson did not respect the life of others, but what does it say about us as a society if we return that same sentiment? Blood lust. How does that help us?
If you wish to contact the CDCR officials and petition against this injustice, visit Manson Direct and print out and mail the sample letter. The letter can be edited to your liking.
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