Karlene Faith's book The Long Prison Journey of Leslie Van Houten: Life Beyond the Cult touches on many issues including sensational crimes, the media and punishment. Prison News. Mumia commentary.
Stark Raven Media Collective - Emily Aspinwall, Tiffany Chong, Louise Croft, Marge Lam
[4:28-35:35]
We don't have to look far to find examples of the corporate media's obsession with sensationalistic crimes. It is the stuff that sell papers and keeps the media in the money making business. In 1969 this phenomena was not as widespread as it is today. But the story of the Manson murders in California was cause for an intense media frenzy. One of the so called 'Manson Girls' was Leslie Van Houten. She was sent to prison at the age of 21 for her presence at one of the famous Tate-LaBianca murders. More than 35 years later Leslie remains in prison.
Activist and author Karlene Faith has written about Leslie's life. Karlene met Leslie shortly after she was sent to prison and they have been friends ever since.
Karlene's book The Long Prison Journey of Leslie Van Houten: Life Beyond the Cult follows Leslie from her time as a 'Manson Girl', through her process of recovery from the Manson cult to her work toward accepting & taking full responsibility for her actions. The book follows her three trials, her experience in prison and highlights her current struggle for parole. The book looks behind the intense sensationalism to challenge commonly held notions of justice, responsibility, brainwashing and punishment.
Stark Raven interviews Karlene about her book. Karlene has been an activist and advocate for prisoners rights for over 40 years.
Link to the book:
http://www.upne.com/1-55553-481-3.html
[40:03-48:56] Prison News
CANADA:
-Fewer Youth Behind Bars
-ADQ jumps on the Tough on Crime Bandwagon
-Tories Talk Tough on Crime to Get Votes
-Torture Documented at Afghan Prisons Where Canadian Military Sends Prisoners
-Defence Dept Considers Court Challenge to Block Investigation into Handling of Afghan Prisoners
US & INTERNATIONAL
-Court Decision Denies Habeus Corpus to Guantanamo Detainees
-US plans prison expansion in Iraq
-South Carolina considers allowing prisoners to donate organs in exchange for time off their sentences
[50:49-53:42]
Commentary From Mumia Abu Jamal
'Anniversary of Disaster'
http://www.prisonradio.org/AnniversaryWarIraq.htm
**Show includes intro/extro, show & station IDs, music and announcements.
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Stark Raven covers prison issues weekly on Vancouver Co-operative Radio, CFRO 102.7 FM. Online at http://www.coopradio.org. (The first 3 Mondays of each month from 7-8pm, Pacific Time).
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Stark Raven Show: Mar 19th, Karlene Faith on Leslie Van Houten
