Ponderings

Well, what do I write about now? I think I have covered most topics and am in danger of repeating myself. I will admit that it would be easier to write if a dialog existed instead of having to write a sermon each and every time. I ask questions that never get answered and make statements that should engender outrage from those who do not agree with me. In prison, one is isolated from outside contact so most subjects one will write about stem from what they read or see on TV. So when mail is slow or nonexistent and the news doesn't truly show anything new, it becomes difficult to generate commentaries on the current views of life. The doldrums of summer are closing in as I write this and I have not yet been inspired to write on a specific subject yet.

The attitude of those that are hired to keep watch over us is somewhat ridiculous, in that their presentation of hatred for us is counter-productive to their mission of rehabilitation. Inmates should be steered to an attitude of compassion and concern for their fellow man, not one of hatred and belittlement. So often I hear from other inmates that I should have been a cop instead of an inmate because of this attitude of mine. I do not completely disagree with this but there is nothing that can be done about it now. The idea of a battle existing within these walls between the inmates and custody staff, offends me greatly. This is the thinking that perpetuates the problem of people trying to get away with whatever they think they can instead of acting responsibly and looking out for the needs of those around them before their own selfish desires. I do realize that this line of thought is counter to the primary view of society today, but it is the only way people will be made fit for release back into society. This is the reason parole boards are reluctant to give lifers a date for release. The failure of the system they are married to, is not unknown and that is why they so often deny inmates a release date. If you are reading this then you will see some of us released back into your neighborhoods and your fear will only be abated if you are able to have any confidence in the system that so often is mismanaged and ineffective. 9/25/12