A note to Loam and anyone else reading - please don't re-edit staff edits. They're always done for a reason, and if you believe they were done in
error use the complaint feature or a U2U to discuss it - we usually keep a copy of whatever we're editing, so it can be undone if it was done in
error. Thank you.
On topic - That is mighty strange. The treatment they're using is not allowed for adults in the prison system - it would be considered cruel and
unusual punishment.
I guess the message being sent in Massachusetts is that if you want to train a human like a dog, you'd better get them young.
This facility has traditionally had the support of very powerful people, and they've dodged the executioner's blade a number of times over the
years. A bill to ban aversive therapy continues to pop up and get knocked down. Here's a history of the place, in their own words. The paste below
is from a section detailing an effort to shut them down.
www.judgerc.org...
In 1987 the bill passed its initial committee and even passed the entire House of Representatives. Fortunately, because Michael Dukakis was running
for president in 1988, the legislative session was abbreviated to help him spend more time on the campaign trail and the bill was not taken up by the
Massachusetts Senate.
So if it wasn't for Dukakis, that place and their therapy would be a memory - or so it appears.
Multiple regulatory agencies have tangled with the owners/operators of the place, and the oversight duties have been passed like a torch from one
agency to another.
It's a fascinating story, and I've got to look into it more. There's a lot going on here, beyond the initial revulsion. I can't even argue
against the results, but clearly there's a lot more to the issue than just results. If all we need is results, with no consideration given to the
methods..well, let's just not go there.
Thanks for bringing this up Loam, I had no idea there was such a facility so close to me.