DEAD FLORIDA PRISONER CLEARED BY DNA
Dear Jeb:
Just another reason for you to take a look at Florida's penal practices. Sound obscene? Believe me, it is! This poor man lived for nearly 15 years on Florida's inhumane Death Row, condemned to death for a crime he did not commit. He was subjected to the same treatment as the guilty. Most death row inmates are reportedly beaten when they arrive at Florida State Prison or Lake Butler just to show them who's boss, with repeated beatings that (as in the case of Frank Valdes) sometimes lead to death.
Death row inmates in Florida had contact visits taken away this year-they can never again hug a loved one (denying the loved ones as well), even though no incident has ever happened to warrant the new restrictions, and studies show that threatening misbehaving inmates with loss of visitation makes guards' jobs easier. Medical care for not only death row inmates, but all of Florida's prisoners, is substandard and negligent, but then who cares, anyway? They all "get what they deserve!"
Death row inmates and their families watched helplessly this year as Michael Moore took away all crafts, benefits, and resemblance to human life, and DOC continues to turn their heads as the abuse grows. Frank Smith endured our hatred and our apathy, just as if he deserved it.
Why are DNA tests not standard operating procedure? As a society, do we feel anything at all about this man dying a most horrible death, devoid of dignity and treatment, for a crime he did not commit? Or does DOC suggest Frank Smith is "an isolated incident," unfortunate but necessary in our pursuit of an eye for an eye?
As governor, Jeb, how does it make you feel to know that up to 15% of our two million inmates are estimated not guilty of the crime they are convicted of? Are you THAT sure that Frank Smith is the only innocent kept in Florida's unprofessional prisons?
I wonder if this stuff ever crosses your mind in the darkness of your dreams.
--Kay Lee, <kaylee1@charter.net>, 2613 Larry Court Eau Gallie, Florida 32935