kilos, no argument with your observations about the lack of consistancy the Qld "justice" system. There is a lot of stuff that I don't like about it - I've never understood why someone wrongfully charged should have to pay for their own defence (unless they are a member of the current government). The government cares a lot more about appearances and dollars than actual people, I'm not sure how much their attitudes are reflected in our courts but the example you raised fits. I'm not sure what those observations have to do with the issues I and others raised about the tone of your article nor do I see how your 18 years have in anyway paid the debt to those you may have traumatised with your decision to use armed robbery.

Then I guess prison sentences don't really do much to help anybody, at best they keep a criminal out of circulation for a while and may provide some incentive not to repeat (or possibly keep them out of circulation long enough for a change of heart).

Were the extra hardships associated with your sentence a consequence of your own behaviour in prison or a result of prison officers throwing you in there for the hell of it?

I may have missed something but have the impression that most of you who suffered those additional hardships and served full length terms did so in part because of your own actions and attitudes during imprisonment. Is that a fair observation?

Thanks for your responses to the earlier posts.

R0bert

I can see why Bernie Matthew's excellent journalistic piece was published.

There are plenty of foolish people in society who think that abuse of prisoners never was.

Then there are those who think that it (prisonerabuse) should be. These people have a true criminal mindset and are just looking for a way that is regarded (wronly so) as legitimate or politically correct to folk. The mainstreams's indifference to the plight of prisoners is used by supporters of prisoner abuse (bullies) to legitimise their behaviour so they can get their sick little rocks off and pretend to be heroes of a Law that they have, indeed, rejected. (Letters from Home)

Bernie (kilo),
As a member of those who put people in jail, I wish to express my appreciation for your writing. You address an issue that weights upon me in doing what I do, particularly in your previous post to R0bert.

I have always acted in what I believe to be a fair and open minded approach but one can never know if the suspect truly is guilty. One can only hope that the system works. For me, I believe I have always acted in a way that would protect me, the victims and the suspects from any wrong.

I would also like to acknowledge that the insides of jail are both horrendous and hypocritical. I know that what goes on inside can be illegal, immoral and downright wrong. I think you would agree that it is a dangerous, difficult and obviously thankless task. That there are some (or more than just ‘some’) who abuse their position is a blight on our society – as much as those who find the need or desire to commit acts that hurt and cause harm to others.

I feel (and this is only my opinion) that perhaps a prelude acknowledging your past would perhaps have blunted some of the attacks against your piece. I understand that it was not the drive of the article and that it may have taken precious space left for other information, however (and I mention this with good intentions) I think that perhaps your past colours another’s view. Whether the colouring is right, wrong, judgemental or not, it does happen. That you may need to do it is a sad reality.

I commend your efforts to inform and hope that you will continue to prove three things:

1. That you are personally an intelligent and articulate person;
2. That you are an inspiration and motivator to many who would otherwise be lost forever; and
3. That no person should be doomed to judgement on their past.

Keep writing…

Its a pity many try to force connotations where they don't exist. Especially in attacking the writers person. I consider it special and noteworthy when anyone makes a drastic change in their lives. To make the changes Bernie (kilo)did, you have to want it pretty bad and its a big step. That step can take years, crime can become an addiction to some, so you have to change all aspects of your life, not just a couple.

Whilst I agree with Reason, I think not putting Bernie's past up was a good move. At least it drew out those wannabes who can't see beyond their manic bigotry. Those with the of knowledge of what goes on behind the walls, would instantly recognise the reason this article was written. Jails don't create bad people, it just allows some to express their flaws without restraint, on both sides.

The problem is in how the system is implemented, the move to privatise prisons is a backward step. Jails should be places for life education and restriction from society. The nature of your crime, should determine the direction of your education and how it unfolds. There are many who have been placed in tracs, for minimal or non reasons, screws who've started rumours about certain inmates to see them get banged up, beat up or knifed. Theres a lot of people in jail for crimes they didn't commit, luckily today with the techniques they have, its almost as easy to prove you didn't do it, as it is to prove you did.

Theres many who should be in jail that aren't, like politicians, judges, police, bureaucrats, business owners who've ripped of millions from people, get let off, a fine or short sentence. Aren't those that've lost because of the lies and deceit of these people traumatised and hurt.

What can I say Bernie, you write well and appear, prima facie, to have a remarkable recall of the events and horrors you apparently endured and witnessed during your two years and eight months, forced incarceration in the 'Blockhouse'. No doubt, Katingal's demolition will indeed generate both a relief and awaken a loathing in your life, of thirty years ago...golly, is it that long ? I guess it was indeed a malevolent influence on the lives of those inmates and staff alike, who had to 'exist' in the place. Yes Bernie, as one of those correspondent's who passed an earlier comment,..."it would be nice to hear the other side of the story..." or words to that effect. You see Bernie, I spent in excess of thirty months there too, but I wore blue. Take care of yourself.

Kilos “Col, you are a true master of the semantic somersault. I am in awe of you. You serve up self-opinionated views without substantiating them with facts…. – I too was wrongfully imprisoned on two occasions. And those are the facts Col. Cheers for now”

Attack the system when the system is at fault. However, anyone who wants to attack the system should first be sure they have admitted to all their crimes.

I doubt many of those you name have the character to admit they have been guilty of far more crimes against society and their fellow men and women than those they have been found guilty of.

As for the rest of the bluster and righteous indignation, why should I care what you think of me, the opinions of those who I know, (and really know me) and with whom I share respect is all that matters.

I know, for a fact, when asked to do so I had articles published (in fact serialised - despite not doing a degree in word-smithing) Yet I also know that because of matters like police character checks, you would be barred from earning an income in some of the manners I presently do.

Put up all the hyperbole you want Bernie, it makes no difference to me but remember, some of us see little substance in those who seek to excuse their failings as “failings of the system”. We accept our failings as failings in ourselves and grow by working to overcome them.

Oh and finally, think me old fashioned but the views I hold are the views of the overwhelming majority of the honest law abiding population, You might be consider me as simply a mouthpiece for the silent MAJORITY.