No Life For Me

I have taken a liking to the First 48, Prison Wives, and everything else involved in incarceration.  I don’t know if it’s the fact that it makes me more appreciative in the state that I’m in or is it the interest in trying to find the root cause of other’s misfortune.

I was watching one episode of the First 48 and this young man was so remorseful for taking a life of an innocent guy. He was crying and just distraught. Of course I felt bad for him but the moment he changed into jail attire and the handcuffs were put on, he turned into an animal.

That episode reminded me of the movie Planet of the Apes. It made me so sick to my stomach that even though that’s a movie, it is real in our day in age. Don’t get me wrong; I believe everyone should pay for the crimes they commit. I just wish there was another way.

From my view on the outside looking in, prison is a whole other world. It’s a world of no freedom and a daily struggle for life. People are literally caged! I’m sure boarded dogs have better treatment!! I guess I’m just sensitive but I know the moment someone violated me, I would want him or her behind bars.

I've watched many inmates interview about raping other inmates as well as being raped. Of course some of it is for pleasure but a lot of it is to instill fear and show dominance. That just hurts me! For men, the being that we view as all powerful, to be broken down due to rape is so sad. 

I just want to see something positive come from incarceration and prison.  Prisons were initially established to give criminals time to reflect upon their actions but I personally don’t think that’s enough. I’m sure they have programs in prison now that helps promote a better way of life but I also think proper support system is needed. I think good prison ministries and great communication with family can help but still more is needed. We have to start preaching forgiveness no matter how hard it is.

Even when people are released back into society, we act as if we don’t want them here. On EVERY job application it request criminal background information. 9 times out of 10 no one wants to hire a felon no matter what they have done! It’s such a catch 22! I have heard of farms that hire individuals with criminal backgrounds and I think that's awesome. I'm sure there are more business avenues out there that can be taken that helps a business as well as the individual settle back into society. The streets will always be there unfortunately, but if we can show that we care more and want more for them, hopefully that will be more appealing.