The other day I met with a guy who spent “16 years in prison” and was often transferred to different maximum facilities in different cities. For the current moment I will simply refer to this guy as “M.” We had an extensive talk about what life is “really” like for most inmates. “M” did extra years behind bars because of his reluctance to snitch on anyone, but he said that was the “only way he could survive.” During his time of incarceration he was somehow able to keep his cell phone and a knife (which he said he needed). He told me an interesting story. He said that while there are many bad men behind bars some of the “nicest” people he ever met were also in prison. He claimed that no one cares to check up on those locked away and death is a very “real” issue. “M” also claimed that some of the most talented and gifted men were behind bars. Some of these people could sculpt a small statue out of a bar of soap. Some were excellent musicians and singers and many were “extremely smart.” I asked him how an intellectual man could end up behind bars and he said “The only difference between you and these other guys could just be ONE mistake that took them over the edge.” In other words, “any of us could be jailed for a mistake” even if we lived a good life. He said that “MANY” people are jailed simply because they can’t afford good legal counsel. If you are accused of a crime and can’t afford a good attorney then you are “bound” to go to jail. “M” said that there are “MANY innocent men behind bars whether we want to believe that or not. I asked him if there is any chance for a prisoner to turn his life around after his release from prison and he said “Not without a support system.” Once you have a prison record employers “don’t want to hire you.” That record follows you everywhere. Being free from jail doesn’t mean that you can survive in society. Depending on how long someone was incarcerated they might have to learn how to use a cell phone or a computer. They are unprepared because they have been kept from society for so long. “Even if people wanted to turn their lives around their chances are not good unless they have a great support system in place.” “M” had been shot 16 times but he survived it all. He is older now and just wants to keep a low profile and stay out of trouble. He feels he could give advice to the young kids who are going through the same tribulations growing up. He said “Unless the system changes there will be many more victims of this system.” Do you have a family member or friend who is incarcerated?” If so, now might be s good time to check up on him or her. Thank you for checking out my Thought for Today and as always I wish you the very best that life has to offer.
Public Enemy lead rapper Chuck D performing in concert with Brett Jolly (slight left” behind him
brettjollydotcom 