What would have Jesus done with Michigan mentally ill inmate Tim Souders
February 12, 2007
After watching the 60 Minutes story last night about the death of Michigan inmate Timothy Souders, I felt numb. Something is horribly wrong in our state when something like this is allowed to happen.
Technorati Tags: Jennifer Granholm, Michigan Department of Corrections, prisons, Timothy Souders
Souders, a 21-year-old who was suffering from mental illness, was in Jackson Prison because of a shoplifting offense.
The Michigan Department of Corrections decided to deal with his illness and the voices he was hearing by "four-pointing" him to a table where his legs and his arms were clamped down. Then he was left alone during the humid part of the summer without the necessary fluids or the ability to get them.
A video tape records his final hours and his death. It was gripping. But for those of us who have kids who don't suffer from these maladies, it's too easy to forget.
I read the words of Jesus Christ from Matthew 25:36 where he tells his disciples and each one of us that what we do for those in prison, we do for Him.
What happened to Tim Souders was shameful and its needs to be dealt with fully and openly. It would be easy to say that the offenders against Souders need to be brought to justice.
That verse from Matthew assures us that they will be. I don't want to be there when that happens.
Watch the online video tape of his death and share your thoughts. Agree or disagree with me?