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Letter: Reflections On The Lee Correctional Institution Attack

Dear Editor, I find it appropriate as we end this week to look back on some of the intense moments in which politicians and the like seemed confused (the nicest word I could come up with) in response to the violent attacks that left seven peopled dead and seventeen more…

Dear Editor,

I find it appropriate as we end this week to look back on some of the intense moments in which politicians and the like seemed confused (the nicest word I could come up with) in response to the violent attacks that left seven peopled dead and seventeen more injured at Lee Correctional Institution.

First: The press conference with S.C. Department of Corrections (SCDC) director Bryan Stirling and governor Henry McMaster.  Stirling delivered the right tone for the situation.  He looked exhausted and defeated, which was the tone a director of SCDC should have after seven inmates have died.  His defeated face seemed absolutely genuine.

Second: A reporter asked “have the feds been involved?” Those may not be the exact words but they were something along those lines.  So, feds – when I hear “feds” in relation to an SCDC melee that killed seven people, one would assume I’m talking about the FBI.  But no, not Henry,

“No, I have not called the president,” he responded.

Wait, what?! That was almost a spit-take moment. Of course we don’t expect that you’ve called the president. Are you kidding me? (SMH) Then there was the old “we do the best we can” from Henry, which was cringeworthy at best.

Third: Many Democrats effectively said “Henry isn’t doing anything, this all falls on Henry.” Really? I don’t know if you’re all looking at the same watch I’m looking at but this problem didn’t arise all of the sudden when Henry McMaster assumed the role of governor.  So, let’s be honest, this was an issue inherited from Nikki Haley.  And don’t worry, I don’t “get confused” either (Nikki, I’m loving the new mantra so here I shall use it girlfriend!).

I truly mean this was a problem that arose at least in part during the Haley administration – and probably was there before she even showed up.

And last but not least there were the tweets … the tweets y’all!  Cringeworthy!  I literally shook my head when I read Catherine Templeton’s “I would ban cell phones” tweet  …umm okay but they’re actually already banned and considered contraBANd, much of what Stirling has cried out about for at least the last year!  They ain’t handing out cell phones at the door, Catherine.  You appeared completely uninformed on the topic.  You realize there are also shady guards that bring in the contraband as well, girl, yes they do (enter surprised face emoji here!)

No matter where you stand politically, if you have any respect for the laws of this nation and any remote conscience, you will agree that criminals have a right to humane treatment.  We have taken them into our custody and regardless of their past transgressions it is the state’s responsibility to ensure their safety while serving out their sentences.  These inmates have mothers, fathers, sons, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters – just like the rest of us.

It is not fair that these very people should have to stay awake at night wondering if they will wake up to hear their loved one serving time is deceased and even more horrific – taunted, mocked, and laughed at as they were taking their last breaths.

Sincerely,

Kaylee Landrum
Columbia, S.C.

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