Why is providing adequate air conditioning in correctional institutions important?
Providing adequate air conditioning in correctional facilities offers numerous benefits. Beyond addressing the humane treatment of prisoners and countering negative public perception, there is a strong moral and ethical responsibility to ensure inmates’ well-being. Air conditioning prevents heat-related illnesses and improves hygiene, reducing the risk of infections and diseases that thrive in humid conditions. Additionally, cooler environments can mitigate mental health issues, as excessive heat often leads to increased aggression and outbursts, potentially endangering both inmates and correctional officers.
Furthermore, air conditioning contributes to better morale among correctional officers, resulting in reduced turnover and fewer heat-related health problems among staff. Failure to provide adequate air conditioning can also have legal ramifications, potentially leading to lawsuits and legal action against prison authorities.
South Dakota: In February 2023, the legislature approved $400 million for new prison construction, including air conditioning, though progress remains unclear.
Louisiana: The state is using its repair budget to install air conditioning in some prisons. Although legislators have not yet fully funded the project, $550,000 was appropriated to begin planning and engineering work.
Florida: Proposals have been made to make air conditioning mandatory in all state prison housing units, but funding and implementation remain uncertain .
Barriers to Progress
Three major factors contribute to this ongoing issue:
Punitive Attitudes: Many legislators, despite recognizing the cruel and unusual conditions, avoid supporting prison air conditioning to minimize appearing soft on crime.
Political Priorities: Legislatures often prioritize other political agendas, such as banning abortions, expanding gun rights, and reducing welfare, over improving prison conditions.
Missed Opportunities: The availability of inmates with HVAC expertise, or ones that want to enter this profession upon release presents a training opportunity that could benefit prison systems and society, yet it remains underutilized.
Call to Action
Although there are numerous prison conditions that fail to protect the health and safety of convicts, It is crucial to address the pressing issue of air conditioning in correctional facilities now. Legislators must prioritize the health and safety of inmates and staff by ensuring proper climate control in correctional facilities.
Adding air conditioning to prisons is not just a matter of comfort—it’s a matter of life and death.
Perhaps its time for the federal government to step in?
This might include:
Drawing attention to the challenge and advocating for change
Sponsoring research and data dissemination on the lack of air conditioning
Providing financial incentives and grants
Passing legislation and regulations
Challenging the public health problems and lack of safety standards that these situations create, and
Issuing court orders and legal pressure
The time to act is now.
Photo Credit:
California Department of Corrections
San Quentin Prison -Overcrowding in California State Prison
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2024-07-04-at-8.53.21 PM.png8481266Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2024-07-06 23:11:052024-07-06 23:11:05How many correctional systems does it take to install air conditioning?
After Thursday’s presidential debate, not only are Democratic-friendly political analysts and pundits seriously questioning Biden’s run for the presidency, but there’s also increased handwringing among the Democratic Party faithful.
Understandably, no election, regardless of jurisdiction or importance, is won or lost solely based on a political debate between the leading candidates.
And it’s unrealistic to assume that most voters carefully weigh the pros and cons of contenders, their positions, party platforms, and accomplishments.
Mundane issues, such as weather conditions or childcare responsibilities on election day, can impact electoral outcomes.
More significant is the last-minute discrediting and often false information, that candidates reveal about their opposition to sway potential voters.
The deciding factor, however, is that election outcomes often depend on emotional feelings people have about candidates and their parties long before the official campaign begins.
If we consider the emotional aspect, Biden’s performance at the recent debate was disappointing.
He came across as a thoughtful, but forgetful grandfather—endearing in a family setting, but not necessarily the image of a strong leader.
The challenge of Biden’s age and its impact on his electability versus Trump has been a known issue for quite a while, not just among Republicans, but among the Democratic Party leadership, and Democratic voters.
And if age was really the issue then why aren’t we calling for Republican Senator Chuck Grassley (90) or Democratic Party representative Grace Napolitano (87) to step down. The issue here is the fossilizationof the American political party system that thinks it’s okay to keep running senior citizens for important political positions and thereby holding back younger, more diverse, skilled, and energetic candidates with new ideas to address the challenges of this country.
That being said, there are many factors at play, including the Democratic Party’s decision and strategy for supporting Biden. But from the day Biden was elected, the party should have been seriously considering an alternative ticket for when his term ended.
Few Americans want to see either a kind but forgetful elder statesman or a highly controversial and polarizing figure (not to mention convicted rapist, felon, etc.) like Trump with a problematic past as their commander-in-chief.
There are lots of alternative presidential tickets that might work. But the Democratic Party has to act now by supporting other electable candidates for the presidency. And Biden needs to fully support such new leadership.
If this is not done, then if Trump wins, the Democratic Party will have no one to blame but themselves.
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2024-07-01-at-12.27.47 AM.png11962120Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2024-07-01 06:20:112024-07-01 10:13:37No Country for Old Politicians
In 1959, blues musician Elmore James wrote and released the song “The Sky is Crying.” This piece quickly became a blues standard, celebrated for James’s soulful slide guitar and heartfelt vocals. The song’s melancholic message, conveyed through a deeply engaging tune, captures the essence of the blues and resonated with many listeners.
“The Sky is Crying” did not go unnoticed and was soon covered by several well-known musicians. Artists like Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Gary B.B. Coleman, and Eric Clapton each performed their own versions, adding their unique interpretations to this classic. For a notable female rendition, check out Susan Tedeschi of the Tedeschi Trucks Band who delivered a powerful performance at Royal Albert Hall, showcasing her intense and emotive vocal style.
What sets Johnson’s version apart from the others? It’s difficult to explain precisely why it resonates with me so deeply. Among the thousands of blues songs I’ve listened to, Johnson’s interpretation uniquely conveys the imagery of a sky cracked open and raining. It evokes the mood of numerous film noirs I’ve seen and cold winter nights walking (or running) along deserted, wet streets.
I may also be drawn to this version because this was the first time I heard the song, long before I encountered Vaughan’s and Clapton’s versions. It’s like enjoying a bottle of wine at a restaurant with good company, only to find it tastes different when you purchase the same vintage to enjoy at home. The context in which I first experienced Johnson’s rendition undoubtedly shapes my perception.
The emphasis Johnson places on particular notes, and his interpretation of the lyrics, and the musical arrangement all contribute to the song’s appeal. The lyrics are simple yet evocative, and his soulful delivery makes the rendition hauntingly beautiful and undeniably catchy.
Would Johnson’s rendition of the song have been as impactful to me if I hadn’t heard his before Vaughan’s or Clapton’s version? Perhaps. However, the first encounter with a piece of music can profoundly influence subsequent experiences.
This leads to several important insights:
The first probably concerns the role of Subjectivity in Art. A person’s first encounter with a piece of music can be profoundly influential, coloring all subsequent experiences. My first experience with Johnson’s version of “The Sky is Crying” set a benchmark for all others.
The second highlights the Role of Context. Just as a wine might taste different at home than at a restaurant, the setting and circumstances of an individual’s first encounter with a piece of music can play a crucial role in its impact. Hearing Johnson live in an intimate blues club created a unique and unforgettable experience.
The third involves the Essence of Blues Music. This genre specializes in conveying deep emotions and personal stories. Johnson’s melancholic message and soulful delivery exemplify how blues can resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level, reflecting universal human experiences.
And finally, Nostalgia significantly shapes our preferences and perceptions. The first version of a song you hear often holds a special place, influencing how you perceive other renditions. This speaks to the lasting impact of initial impressions and the role of nostalgia in shaping our tastes.
All this to say, is that personal preferences are not always rational but often come from deep-seated memories that are often accompanied by emotional experiences. It’s important to be conscious of our biases, but we must avoid letting this awareness prevent us from making decisions and exploring new pursuits, ideas, and goals. Striking a balance between awareness and action allows us to grow and adapt without becoming paralyzed by self-reflection.
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2024-06-23-at-8.27.16 AM.png13541022Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2024-06-23 07:27:242024-06-23 07:27:24Whose Version of “The Sky is Crying” is the Best?
How many correctional systems does it take to install air conditioning?
/by Jeffrey Ian RossA year has passed since widespread news and social media attention highlighted the lack of air conditioning in many city, county, and state prison systems in the United States, and several deaths that resulted from this state of affairs.
This crisis, which affects inmates, correctional officers, administrators, and staff, is the result of nonexistent cooling systems, aging HVAC systems, and rising temperatures due to climate change, worsening the situation.
Why is providing adequate air conditioning in correctional institutions important?
Providing adequate air conditioning in correctional facilities offers numerous benefits. Beyond addressing the humane treatment of prisoners and countering negative public perception, there is a strong moral and ethical responsibility to ensure inmates’ well-being. Air conditioning prevents heat-related illnesses and improves hygiene, reducing the risk of infections and diseases that thrive in humid conditions. Additionally, cooler environments can mitigate mental health issues, as excessive heat often leads to increased aggression and outbursts, potentially endangering both inmates and correctional officers.
Furthermore, air conditioning contributes to better morale among correctional officers, resulting in reduced turnover and fewer heat-related health problems among staff. Failure to provide adequate air conditioning can also have legal ramifications, potentially leading to lawsuits and legal action against prison authorities.
The Issue at Hand
Despite known issues with excessive heat in state correctional systems, efforts to pass legislation to appropriate funds in state legislatures and assemblies and to install or upgrade air conditioning often stall. For example:
Barriers to Progress
Three major factors contribute to this ongoing issue:
Call to Action
Although there are numerous prison conditions that fail to protect the health and safety of convicts, It is crucial to address the pressing issue of air conditioning in correctional facilities now. Legislators must prioritize the health and safety of inmates and staff by ensuring proper climate control in correctional facilities.
Adding air conditioning to prisons is not just a matter of comfort—it’s a matter of life and death.
Perhaps its time for the federal government to step in?
This might include:
The time to act is now.
Photo Credit:
California Department of Corrections
San Quentin Prison -Overcrowding in California State Prison
No Country for Old Politicians
/by Jeffrey Ian RossAfter Thursday’s presidential debate, not only are Democratic-friendly political analysts and pundits seriously questioning Biden’s run for the presidency, but there’s also increased handwringing among the Democratic Party faithful.
Understandably, no election, regardless of jurisdiction or importance, is won or lost solely based on a political debate between the leading candidates.
And it’s unrealistic to assume that most voters carefully weigh the pros and cons of contenders, their positions, party platforms, and accomplishments.
Mundane issues, such as weather conditions or childcare responsibilities on election day, can impact electoral outcomes.
More significant is the last-minute discrediting and often false information, that candidates reveal about their opposition to sway potential voters.
The deciding factor, however, is that election outcomes often depend on emotional feelings people have about candidates and their parties long before the official campaign begins.
If we consider the emotional aspect, Biden’s performance at the recent debate was disappointing.
He came across as a thoughtful, but forgetful grandfather—endearing in a family setting, but not necessarily the image of a strong leader.
The challenge of Biden’s age and its impact on his electability versus Trump has been a known issue for quite a while, not just among Republicans, but among the Democratic Party leadership, and Democratic voters.
And if age was really the issue then why aren’t we calling for Republican Senator Chuck Grassley (90) or Democratic Party representative Grace Napolitano (87) to step down. The issue here is the fossilization of the American political party system that thinks it’s okay to keep running senior citizens for important political positions and thereby holding back younger, more diverse, skilled, and energetic candidates with new ideas to address the challenges of this country.
That being said, there are many factors at play, including the Democratic Party’s decision and strategy for supporting Biden. But from the day Biden was elected, the party should have been seriously considering an alternative ticket for when his term ended.
Few Americans want to see either a kind but forgetful elder statesman or a highly controversial and polarizing figure (not to mention convicted rapist, felon, etc.) like Trump with a problematic past as their commander-in-chief.
There are lots of alternative presidential tickets that might work. But the Democratic Party has to act now by supporting other electable candidates for the presidency. And Biden needs to fully support such new leadership.
If this is not done, then if Trump wins, the Democratic Party will have no one to blame but themselves.
Whose Version of “The Sky is Crying” is the Best?
/by Jeffrey Ian RossIn 1959, blues musician Elmore James wrote and released the song “The Sky is Crying.” This piece quickly became a blues standard, celebrated for James’s soulful slide guitar and heartfelt vocals. The song’s melancholic message, conveyed through a deeply engaging tune, captures the essence of the blues and resonated with many listeners.
“The Sky is Crying” did not go unnoticed and was soon covered by several well-known musicians. Artists like Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Gary B.B. Coleman, and Eric Clapton each performed their own versions, adding their unique interpretations to this classic. For a notable female rendition, check out Susan Tedeschi of the Tedeschi Trucks Band who delivered a powerful performance at Royal Albert Hall, showcasing her intense and emotive vocal style.
In my opinion, the best rendition of “The Sky is Crying” is the version performed and recorded by blues musician and singer Jimmy Johnson (1928-2022). During the 1980s, I enjoyed seeing Johnson play live at B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted Street in Chicago. I was with my girlfriend, now wife of 33 years, and the experience left a lasting impression on me.
What sets Johnson’s version apart from the others? It’s difficult to explain precisely why it resonates with me so deeply. Among the thousands of blues songs I’ve listened to, Johnson’s interpretation uniquely conveys the imagery of a sky cracked open and raining. It evokes the mood of numerous film noirs I’ve seen and cold winter nights walking (or running) along deserted, wet streets.
I may also be drawn to this version because this was the first time I heard the song, long before I encountered Vaughan’s and Clapton’s versions. It’s like enjoying a bottle of wine at a restaurant with good company, only to find it tastes different when you purchase the same vintage to enjoy at home. The context in which I first experienced Johnson’s rendition undoubtedly shapes my perception.
The emphasis Johnson places on particular notes, and his interpretation of the lyrics, and the musical arrangement all contribute to the song’s appeal. The lyrics are simple yet evocative, and his soulful delivery makes the rendition hauntingly beautiful and undeniably catchy.
Would Johnson’s rendition of the song have been as impactful to me if I hadn’t heard his before Vaughan’s or Clapton’s version? Perhaps. However, the first encounter with a piece of music can profoundly influence subsequent experiences.
This leads to several important insights:
The first probably concerns the role of Subjectivity in Art. A person’s first encounter with a piece of music can be profoundly influential, coloring all subsequent experiences. My first experience with Johnson’s version of “The Sky is Crying” set a benchmark for all others.
The second highlights the Role of Context. Just as a wine might taste different at home than at a restaurant, the setting and circumstances of an individual’s first encounter with a piece of music can play a crucial role in its impact. Hearing Johnson live in an intimate blues club created a unique and unforgettable experience.
The third involves the Essence of Blues Music. This genre specializes in conveying deep emotions and personal stories. Johnson’s melancholic message and soulful delivery exemplify how blues can resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level, reflecting universal human experiences.
And finally, Nostalgia significantly shapes our preferences and perceptions. The first version of a song you hear often holds a special place, influencing how you perceive other renditions. This speaks to the lasting impact of initial impressions and the role of nostalgia in shaping our tastes.
All this to say, is that personal preferences are not always rational but often come from deep-seated memories that are often accompanied by emotional experiences. It’s important to be conscious of our biases, but we must avoid letting this awareness prevent us from making decisions and exploring new pursuits, ideas, and goals. Striking a balance between awareness and action allows us to grow and adapt without becoming paralyzed by self-reflection.