My topic is about prisons today and how they differ from the prisons in the past. My friends and I were discussing this subject and I thought it would be interesting to research a bit. Prisons have become more like country clubs rather than places of punishment. Prisoners are allowed large cells with showers, lamps, and cable televisions. Back in the day, prisoners were not allowed such privileges; they didn't get all of the amenities that the prisoners get now a day. I do think some amenities are necessary for the inmates to release energy but, I think movies and cable TV are going a little too far. For the most part, I think prisoners have it too easy.
             Dana Tofig "Jail: Rough Road or Easy Street? Prison Amenities Important, Prison Officials Say" 4 August 1997 10 November 2004 www.strengthtech.com/correct/issues/mediais/hartford.htm This five page article states the importance of prison amenities from the prison authority's point of view. "This breaks a lot of the monotony of the day," a guard states. "And it relieves some of the stress." The corrections officials state that the weight rooms, televisions, radios, and basketball courts are 'powerful management tools' and 'they occupy prisoners time.' Many prisoners find God and peace with themselves through the activities they do in prison. While the corrections officials support amenities, most of the public opposes them. This article opened my eyes to another side of the story and helped me understand why prisoners get the things that they do. The amenities are more of a privilege thing rather than an entitlement.
             "History of the American Penal System" 9 November 2004 < courreges.freeservers.com/prisons.htm> This web page talks about prisons dating all the way back to the 1700s. Back in those days it
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