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Jeb Bush Inaugurates Faith-Based Prison

Check out Jeb Bush's comments as he spoke to the inmates Wednesday at the inauguration of Florida's first faith-based prison:

During the dedication ceremony, many of the prisoners jumped to their feet, smiled brightly and clapped in rhythm as a gospel singer performed "His Eye is on the Sparrow." Some shouted "Sing it!" and "Amen!"

Bush told the inmates, "I can't think of a better place to reflect on the awesome love of our lord Jesus than to be here at Lawtey Correctional. God bless you."

While many prisoners loudly applauded Bush, some remained seated throughout the ceremony, staring straight ahead with no expression.

We're surprised no one booed. Oh, right, those who didn't want to participate were given the option of transferring out before inaugural day. Where's the ACLU on this? Right here:

Howard Simon, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, called the prison program part of "a major constitutional showdown on the legality of his preference to replace government programs with religious programs." He said the ACLU is waiting for the results of a test case challenging a state law authorizing school vouchers, which 85 percent of recipients use to enroll in religious schools.

So how is a faith-based prison different from all other prisons? Here's the revised daily schedule at the prison according to Palm Beach Post columnist Frank Cerabino.

PRAISE THE LAWTEY CORRECTIONAL INST.

"Where convicts get convictions."

Daily Schedule of Events

6 a.m. - Cock crows three times. Good morning, sinners!

6:30 a.m. - Sunrise service; weight room.

8 a.m. - Breakfast: scrambled eggs, bacon*, hash browns; dining hall

(*Muslims substitute tofu sausage).

8:30 a.m. - Cellblock psalms.

9 a.m. - The 700 Club; TV lounge.

9:30 a.m. - First shift reports for work; "Choose Life" license plate building.

10 a.m. - Lecture: Speaking in tongues for confidential informants; law library.

11 a.m. - Class: Bible Study for Burglars (inmates may be asked to share books due to pilferage from previous sessions); Classroom 1.

11:30 a.m. - Bringing in the shivs. Last chance to turn in weapons; no questions asked; north tower.

11:45 a.m. - Fellowship of Christian Convicts Luncheon (National Football League will provide speaker); dining hall.

Noon - Radio club: Learning from Rush "Talent on Loan from God" Limbaugh; detox unit.

1 p.m. - Seminar: Snake Handling for Dummies. One slot has suddenly opened up for this seminar. Admission: one cigarette or two candy bars. Not for beginners; Classroom 2.

1:30 p.m. - Careers seminar: How to run a faith-based school in Florida and get state funding, with Gov. Bush on satellite linkup; Classroom 3.

2 p.m. - Afternoon shift reports for work; Ten Commandments monument construction center (counts for gain time on any outstanding Alabama sentence).

2:30 p.m. - Support group: The End is Near, for Jehovah's Witnesses with less than 6 months remaining on their sentences; Classroom 4.

3 p.m. - Bingo

3:30 p.m. - Baptisms. (Note: Due to the recent escape, we will no longer be going to the lake for this event.)

4 p.m. - Book discussion group: Chicken Soup for the Criminal Soul; rec. room.

5 p.m. - Free time for prayer, contemplation, dropping a dime.

5:30 p.m. - Confessions; state attorney's conference room.

6 p.m. - Evening meal.

7 p.m. - Hard Time Players holds open auditions for annual Lawtey Christmas pageant. Still casting for Three Wise Guys (organized crime conviction a plus) and Virgin Mary (protective custody assured). Due to the seizure of myrrh-flavored hootch after last year's production, the props for this year's show will be limited; all-purpose room.

7-9 p.m. - Evening visitations.

7:30 p.m. - Organ practice; chapel.

8 p.m. - DNA sample matching; lab.

9:50 p.m. - Prayers; calls to defense lawyers.

10 p.m. - Lights out.
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