Saturday, August 1, 2009

011: Another Address "Lowndes County Board of Commissioners on Inmates Inhumane Living Conditions. Do they Care?

011---COMMISSIONERS IGNORED INMATES, (RHYNES SPEAKS OUT ABOUT TIMES ARTICLE

Posted by George Rhynes on 4/14/2004 20:19:42

George Rhynes, Speaks to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners!

Mr. Chairman and Board of Commissioners---First allow me to apologize for being here on an old issue. However, you have not responded to my 26 August 2003 letter on behalf of inmates, incarcerated in the Lowndes County Jail.

I have had a cockatiel bird for 12 years. When she have needs she chirps, and I respond to her needs.

Between 1989-1997, Judge Hugh Lawson, U.S. District Court Middle District of Georgia Valdosta, Division. He too, heard chirps coming from (Some Jailbirds incarcerated in) the Lowndes County Jail.

On 21 October 1997, he issued a Court Order and Consent Decree that inmates 1st, 6th, 8th, and 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States had been violated. He gave two (2), years for Lowndes County to comply.

However, on 26 August 2003, I stood before you because like Judge Lawson. I too, heard some chirps from the Lowndes County Jail. They came in the form of signed letters, and notarized statements. Many were the same chirps or violations---listed in Civil Action #89-54-VAL.

After standing before you on behalf of (over) eleven (11) inmates, their parents, and former employees---for relief... You ignored our request. All I could give them was the 35TH Psalm of David, as a symbol of hope!

The Valdosta Daily Times reported a few days ago---that you should work quickly to renovate the jail facility. However, no amount of renovation alone, in my opinion will fix discrepancies inmates are facing today.

This is my actual retirement document. It is proof, that I put my life on the line for over 20 years for this Republic. I helped to insure that our nation would remain a government OF, BY, AND FOR the people. I even received several Commendation Medals.

However, if I---cannot get a reply on the outside from you---one can only imagine what inmates must go through in confinement. But they have rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution. They are not ---Shiites, Sunni----or terrorists from Afghanistan, nor Iraq. They are fellow American citizens; many are Veterans and deserve to be heard by their elected representatives.

Attorney Robert W. Cullen for the plaintiffs of Atlanta, Attorney Oris Blackburn Jr. for the defendant Lowndes County---knows of this Decree. But the decree---seems to be Valdostaç—´ best kept secret---thanks in part to the Valdosta Daily Times in my opinion.

I love this country, but I do not like the way----you have treated me, inmates, parents or former employees. The Bible says; as it is written, so shall it be done. ・BR>
Judge Lawson wrote and ruled on the following violations: Moreover, the signed letters, and notarized statements identify these same violations remains at the jail. Therefore, no amount of renovation alone will fix all of the following:

- Inmates personal mail being open without them being present. (Violations and or/recommendations)
34 ・Violations under Inmate Health Care.
15 ・Violations under---- Access to Courts, inmates to communicate with Lawyers and Non-Communications.
11 ・Violations under------ Inmate Hygiene.
10 ・Violations under------ Population.
8 ・Violations under------ Visitations.
6 ・Violations under-------Miscellaneous Provisions
6 ・Violations under-------Food.
3 ・Violations under-------Staffing and Security
3 ・Violations under-------Recreation.
2 ・Violations under-------Commissary
2 ・Violations under--------Environmental Control.
2 ・Violations under--------Racial Segregation.
1 ・Violations under--------Jail Procedures and Policies etc.
1 ・Violations under--------Change Provision
1 ・Violations under--------Lowndes County Board of Commissioners.

Over 105 violations or corrections order! But you failed to answer my letter addressed to you on behalf of many concerned citizens. It also appears that a U.S. District Court Judge has also been ignored by this body. So I am in good company. Thanks you for your time!


GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity!



VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES COVERAGE OF THE MEETING, (14 April 2004). (Renovations to Lowndes County Jail, land rezoning also discussed.

George Rhynes questioned why Commissioners had not responded to his letter concerning several inmates at the Lowndes County Jail. Although the jail will be renovated, Rhynes said no amount of renovation would help the inmates.・BR>
Rod Casey, chairman of the board answered that an architect had been chosen, beginning the process of renovations to improve the jail.

Casey also informed Rhynes that he could visit Caseç—´ office to discuss any other problems or concerns.・BR>

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