Jerry was there for Maurice. Who’s there for Jerry!

The year was 2003. Marcia received an unusual daytime prison call. It was Maurice Carter’s bunkie. Jerry Talison called to tell us that Maurice was experiencing a medical emergency due to Hepatitis C. Marcia was a savvy RN, immediately grasped what was happening, and between the two of them, I believe they saved Maurice’s life! 

Well, Maurice died in 2004, just three months after being released from prison. 

Jerry remained in prison, and then he started experiencing his own health crises…plural! 

First, he had a stroke. The lack of medical care that resulted in Maurice’s serious condition then affected Jerry. The stroke brought high blood pressure and balance problems. The man who helped Maurice survive a medical crisis now requires an aide to assist him as he does his best with a wheelchair, a cane and hand brace. Due to kidney failure, he undergoes dialysis sessions three times a week. 

Trips to a local hospital are not uncommon. 

We’re going to try to help his handful of friends who try to remain in touch with him, but who are finding it more and more difficult to receive health updates and condition reports. 

But, there’s an elephant in the room. Jerry was given a sentence of life without parole in 1968. That means he has been behind bars for 54 years. He was 20 years old when arrested. He’s 75 now. 

I’d like an explanation as to the importance of keeping Jerry Talison in prison. Does anyone really think he might reoffend?  From his wheelchair? 

With all of Jerry’s needs and problems, how does the state justify his continued incarceration? Consider

- the number of old-timers like Jerry who are ill and afflicted

-who have spent decades behind bars

-whose costs for medical care have skyrocketed! 

How much money could the State of Michigan save, how much could the prison population be reduced, if we started granting releases to these elderly special needs inmates? 

Important matters for our newly elected legislators to consider. 

Pastor John Pavlovitz has a bi-weekly newsletter called the Damn-Giver Dispatch. He says it contains news for people who give a damn. 

For all the Jerry Talisons in prison, let’s give a damn!



Comments

ABC said…
Agreed! One of the crazy ways the system works (actually NOT work!). How many other things make absolutely no sense?
December 1, 2022 at 3:05 PM
Louise Reichert said…
54 years! Shouldn't that have been plenty of time for the state to have "rehabilitated" this man? Life sentences, death sentences...seem like such a waste. Lengthy terms in prison when better health care could be received elsewhere. I am very proud of the men and women behind bars who use the time to improve themselves, but we, as a nation, could do so much better! Such a grand waste.
December 8, 2022 at 1:20 PM
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