Happy little Vegemites.. as bright as bright can be...

I'm no expert on prisons but it is fascinating to think that prisoners, who have no 'right to privacy', are able to refine Vegemite (and numerous other foodstuffs) into alcohol. Such a problem apparently, that they are now to be deprived of this spread. I personally object to the fact that those who DON'T sacrifice their toast and Vegemite for a swig, are now going to suffer with those who'd prefer to get legless (why would you want to drink in prison, I wonder?).

I've got an idea (picture lightbulb)! Why not consider supervising prisoners to prevent this 'secret' activity? The authorities might just be able to use this same revolutionary idea to monitor other behaviors, such as bashings, rapes and other harms to these incarcerated people, for whose safety we have a responsibility. After all, we put them in prisons (acknowledging that the crimes committed were their actions - if the guilty verdicts were correct - and leaving aside the societal ills that may have led them to these crimes) where they are unable to leave, or control their environment, so shouldn't we make sure they're not punished beyond the letter of the law for their crimes? Incarceration is the penalty under the law. Perhaps those running the prisons should take a quick peek at the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights - just in case they give a damn.

Article 5.

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.