Friday, December 10, 2010

Work at a private prison (or used to) and wanna talk to NPR?

John Burnett of National Public Radio asked me to post this, so here you go:
To current and former guards & wardens at private prisons,
 
         John Burnett, Austin-based correspondent for National Public Radio, is working on a story about private prisons and he’d like to speak with you.
jburnett@npr.org or cell 512-585-5559

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why am I not the least bit surprised you collaborate with NPR, Grits? Birds of a feather...

Anonymous said...

To see what kind of place NPR is, pull up the interview of NPR President and CEO Vivian Schiller.

In her comments about why she fired Juan Williams for not towing the politically correct line, she said that Juan’s feelings were "between him and his psychiatrist.”

Look carefully at Ms. Schiller’s face throughout the interview. She maintains a serious, even stern demeanor except when speaking about Juan and his psychiatrist, at which point she positively smirks. It is painful to watch. Very revealing about the axe they grind.

Jane L. Van Praag said...

Er...smirking is what you seem to be doing with Grits, Anonymous.

From my perspective, Grits is providing a public announcement; since my aim is shutting down the private/for-profit prison industry, which thrives off human misery, I'm grateful for all the media attention possible.

Gritsforbreakfast said...

I'm pretty sure John Burnett had nothing to do with firing Juan Williams.

As for whether this post makes us "birds of a feather," I have done the same for other reporters, and don't recall turning one down (if the subject matter was on topic). I'd have done the same if asked by the National Review.

Anonymous said...

What I'd like to know, is why do you two annies have a problem with a former employee talking about private prisons? Got something to hide? It always makes me suspicious when gov. folks don't want the public hearing about what goes on inside one of your little departments.

austex1151 said...

I would also like to see the eradication of private prisons. It strikes me as unconstitutional for govt to outsource such a vital, sensitive, intrusive role to a company for profit. And, BTW, NPR is far more than just the Juan Williams. Isn't it time we quit painting with a broad brush every organization/person with any faults whatsoever? It is just political correctness at its worst. And right wingers are as guilty of being PC as the left. Maybe more.

Anonymous said...

It is impressive that you have those connections Grits. I listen to NPR on a daily basis.

Prison Doc said...

NPR is interesting, and I think it is safe to listen to as long as you accept the fact that it is strongly slanted toward the radical left. I enjoy listening to a variety of political opinion, and NPR is my go-to station for left wing views.

That being said, I've thought of contacting Mr. Burnett since I have worked both in private (7 yrs) and state (3 years) prisons, albeit in medical, not security.

Frankly I've seen no difference in the two, and I doubt that is what he wants to hear.

Anonymous said...

NPR is not the radical left. There are some shows which are but overall NPR in Texas is pretty mainstream democrat.

Anonymous said...

...NPR in Texas is pretty mainstream democrat.

Yes, they promote the democrat party. Glad they don't take any tax money from us Republicans. Otherwise, that would be hugely unfair, wouldn't it?

Anonymous said...

Jane
I need assistance educating myself regarding privatized prison in TX. Is there a way to connect one-on-one with personal email etc?
If you are a person working in social justice/advocacy we have more in common than you know.
Peace
M