The American Spectator

Reader Mail

Word Possessors

7.13.05 @ 12:01AM

PROFESSOR OF TERMINOLOGENESIS
Re: William Tucker's The American Chamberlain:

Recently I had the opportunity to read an article dated October, 12, 2004, entitled "The American Chamberlain," by William Tucker.

In the article, Mr. Tucker utilizes the term "deprisonization" in describing a political backlash against wanton imprisonment.

I am writing to inform the Spectator that the word "deprisonization," and its definition were copyrighted in 2002.

I am sure the utilization of the term in the article is simply an oversight, as I am well aware of the Spectator's professional reputation.

As well, in this particular case the appropriate term to use would have been "decarceration."

If the Spectator, or contributors thereto, utilize the term "deprisonization" in the future, I would appreciate due credit for the coining and defining of the term (simply put, it is the completion of Donald Clemmer's concept of "prisonization," coined and detailed by Clemmer in his 1940 work The Prison Community).

The book in which the term "deprisonization" is issued and defined for the field of criminology and criminal justice is entitled: An Examination of Donald Clemmer's Concept of Prisonization and Its Future Role in the Development of Penal Policy in the United States.

It can be found in the library of the University of Southern Mississippi.

I appreciate your time and professionalism regarding this issue.

Please direct any further inquiries to this email address, as I am out of the office for the summer.
-- Jack W. Brown, Ph.D., Criminal Justice, Program Coordinator, Glenville State College
Glenville, West Virginia

INACTION IN THE HOUSE
Re: James G. Poulos's A Jones for Timetables:

I am all for staying in Iraq until the job is done, but I would love to see some private accounts for Social Security. Just wish they had been around for me. AARP is very two-faced about fighting against the private accounts, way to risky they say, but sure do push their stock plans to us. I am getting very upset with the weak-kneed Republicans.
-- Elaine Kyle
Cut & Shoot, Texas

HANDICAPPING BEN
Re: Ben Stein's Desert Stars:

Ben's article about his new home at Morningside Country Club is, like most of his writings, very interesting. But I couldn't help but notice that he mentioned nothing about playing golf! Could it be that Ben's game is nothing to write home about?
-- unsigned

Letter to the Editor

topics:
Business, Social Security, Religion, Catholicism, Islam, Law, Military, Iraq, Iran, NATO, Oil