"Maybe if our jails weren't set up like vacation get-a-ways criminals might not be so eager to be sent there. They have more benefits, free services, and better medical care than a large portion of the taxpayers."

Jim have you ever spent any time in a prison? The only people who think a prison is a vacation get-a-way are people who haven't been there.

I get the the willies just visiting clients there.

"They have more benefits, free services, and better medical care than a large portion of the taxpayers."

Jim if you think its so great I can probably arrange a stay for you. About that medical care you think is so great. My firm is currently representing many prisoners in suits against the state most of which are based on medical malpractice and complete denial of medical care. I have one guy who had a hernia operation which never got closed (until he was released and he went to another doctor) -- I mean the guy was walking arounfd with a hole in his stomach -- you could look right in. I have another client who was having a tooth removed when it ruptured his sinus cavity. All our experts say that is not malpractice -- it happens sometimes. The dentists told the prison that the patient needed to have the rupture treated. The prison refused him medical treatment despite pleas from his criminal attorney. I am happy to say that we were able to get him medical treatment and a large settlement.

These are just a few of many stories.

Medical care in prison is sporadic at best. Regardless of what you think of people who commit crime (and lets face it most prisons are filled with drug related crimes -- crimes caused by a ridiculous government policy of prohibition) these are people and they should not be denied access to basic medical care.

I understand that when you watch tv prison looks like fun, but it ain't. I'm not saying it should be, but it shouldn't be barbaric.