uploaded Feb. 19, 2017.
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HARLAN RICHARDS
February 6, 2017
Robert Pollard—RIP
I knew Robert (Bob) Pollard for about five years. He had the ability to create amazingly realistic models out of trash—cardboard cracker boxes, paper, Q-tips, and whatever else he could lay his hands on. Everyone who had the chance to see one of his creations was impressed. He worked without plans or schematics, used materials other people threw away and made precise, detailed models of motorcycles, boats, trucks, tractors, and other items.
The downside to this phenomenal talent Bob had was that model-making using scrap materials was not an authorized hobby. Every times guards caught him with a finished model, he had to throw it away. Few of his projects ever survived. He always tried to give them away to someone getting released soon in the hopes that the prison could sneak the model out with him when he left. Otherwise, the models were thrown away.
Bob developed a sore throat which wouldn't go away. He delayed going to see the doctor and, when he finally did, he was diagnosed with cancer. He had surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation—all to no avail. It was too late. He recently died in prison, away form his family and all alone.
He had tried to gain compassionate release, but it was not to be. I had heard he was in prison for a sex crime and, if so, that was why they would not release him. They would rather see him die a miserable death in prison than be seen as soft on crime.
We are a cruel nation, devoid of compassion or mercy, and those at the bottom of the social structure will always be the ones to bear the brunt of our cruelty.
✖
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Replies (2)
My condolences to you and everyone who knew Bob. He sounded like he had a very special talent in constructing models. I wish there less stigma surrounding these types of issues so that there could be more measures in place to help people rather than punishing subsequently. Thank you for writing.