I'VE BEEN following the discussion about the death penalty for the four kids in the Jason Sweeney murder. The system would be doing them a favor by executing them.
I have been in and out of state prisons for 20 years, more in than out. I struggle with addiction and, by the grace of God, I haven't killed anyone yet. But if I did, I would never, ever consider doing life in a Pennsylvania state prison.
I would either take another life, or my own.
Life in prison sucks. Pennsylvania prisons don't even give a guy getting out hope, they will keep you down at every chance.
I don't wish life without the possibility or parole in Pennsylvania on anyone. And I can't even get help from people out there. In May, I wrote to several state legislators asking for some information on job training, jobs, anything as I max out in seven months and don't know what I'm gonna do.
I haven't heard anything. Do they care? Does anybody care?
At least my mother loves me, so I'm grateful.
John Flaherty
Huntingdon (Pa.) State Prison
