Votes for Prisoners ... Why?

I have followed the arguments about whether prisoners should be given the vote or not with some interest, partially from the point of view as to whether we should continually bow to the diktat of the EU and partially from a human rights perspective. I must say that I am pleased that the government have voted against following the EU demands on the issue.


When people commit crimes, particularly those of a heinous nature, then they show amongst other things, a total disregard and lack of respect for people, property and the law of the land. I believe that, in disregarding the human rights of their victims, criminals relinquish their own rights. In simple parlance, 'You cannot have your cake and eat it.' 


In past times the franchise was fought for and finally won. Respect is something which needs to be earned. You do not get respect by demanding it or by using bullying tactics, and once you earn it then you keep it by showing respect to others. 


For too long this nation has had to bow down to the EU and their all-too often ridiculous notions and demands, and it's high time that we pulled out of the Club altogether. Of course this is highly unlikely to happen, for the EU provides a great 'Gravy Train' for failed politicians to jump on when the electorate finally sees through them and votes them out. You only have to look at people like Neil Kinnock, the failed labour leader, to understand that point.


It is necessary to understand Human Rights in the right perspective. With Rights come Responsibilities, and one of the fundamental responsibilities that all people have is the need to respect life, limb and property of others. Despite the attitudes of many people, the fact that you desire something that someone else owns doe not give you the right to steal it, nor does the fact that you are bored grant you the right to use someone as a kicking post or human punch bag.


Prison is intended to be corrective, and if it fails in that then it fails altogether. To take away someone's liberty because they have broken the law is correct, but many of the things that non-criminals view as their human rights are part of human liberty. Voting rights are one such liberty, and I believe that they should be withheld until such time as they have been re-earned by those disenfranchised being rehabilitated into society, and the showing of respect for others, for property, for the law and for themselves.