Prisoners Food

Forced to sit through a Radio 4 discussion on prisoners food last night, which turned the air blue (at least at my end). Some woolly liberals discussing the appalling state of prison food and the prisoners eating conditions. With the NHS and schools generally dishing out slop, what are people worried about? People who have transgressed the law and are being punished!! Would you believe it. Whilst I know prisons currently resemble luxury hotels rather than places of punishment, retribution and hopefully reform, I don't see the requirement to open 5 star restaurants in them.

For those not familiar with prisons, they are supposed to be for punishment. They are not supposed to represent free luxury bed and lodging for the criminally minded. Rather than complaining about the food, the inmates should be pleased they can't feel a tightening noose about their necks, which in some cases is amply deserved. Various of the 'experts' expressing opinions showed they clearly live in areas not blighted by crime, creating every excuse under the sun for the criminals behaviour. Poor diet = greater propensity for crime. Try telling that to Ernest Saunders. The suggestion was that those who commit crime often come from sections of the community with poor diets. Well, unless we now start giving free veg etc. with the dole, how exactly are we to fix this? People must take some responsibility for themselves. If they eat rubbish, it is often because they choose to do so. Should the government instead enforce strict menus on the population in general to avoid said bad diet? No longer will you be able to eat what you like, but only what the government stipulates. Sounds about right for the current lot.

One of the contributors claimed some people objected to prisoners getting Chrismas meals. Well, bearing in mind they have undoubtedly spoilt someone elses Christmas, this seems entirely appropriate. Another of the contributors had just finished 22 years!! Probably a repeat speeder with this governments priorities. However, exactly how he can comment I don't know. Due to the boredom of prisons, meals were claimed to be something to look forward to, but the quality spoils this for the poor loves. Well, they are right about one thing. Meals should be looked forward to as a break from the hard labour prisoners should carry out. A chance to rest and be pleased about getting fed, regardless of the quality. Something their victim may not be able to do.