Lunacy
Sticky, of San Diego, California
As
of late, I find myself writing about this subject more and more often.
A pattern, maybe? Not too long ago, I got a new cell mate.
Before he came, I prayed for a roomie with Christian values, which is exactly
what I got. Over the course of the first week, I learned he has been
doing time since 1984. I was still in high school then. We
are both from south Cali and have lots to talk about. The part that
infuriates a piece of me is the raw deal the citizens of this state passed
upon him, changing the course of his life.
Sure,
the man killed a couple of drug dealers, in self-defense, but there were
many extenuating circumstances with his case. For one, the two of
them were shooting at him. It sounds to me as though he was punished
for being a better shot. At the end of his trial, the jury found
him guilty, "beyond a shadow of a doubt," naturally ignoring all the shadows.
Their recommendation was (1) 25 to life sentence. But, the judge
concluded this to not be enough, adding an additional 25 to life, making
them consecutive, thus: 50 to life. The judge wanted to break
him off with life without the possibility of parole but, because he was
under the influence of narcotics, the death penalty and life without were
illegal and off the table.
In
1987, my cellie appealed the sentence, and won ... sort of. At least,
they like to have you think he won. The sentence was changed to 25
to life + 25. The only change was the elimination of one "L".
Well, slap me twice and call me a dumbass. I guess I'll be dipped
in shit as soon as it's explained to me how this was a win. Still,
he's happy and convinced he will receive a parole date when he goes to
his first board hearing, in 2020. I hope he is right.
I
believe prison sentences should be on a sliding scale, for everyone.
Those who continue to wallow in their old ways should remain in these places.
But those who, like my cellie, are no longer the person they once were
should be granted freedom. Or, perhaps half-way house freedom.
It is understandable to sentence a 20-year-old murderer to life, but how
do you look the same man in the eyes, 30 years later, knowing he is no
longer that punk kid, and keep him locked away? As human beings,
we all learn from our mistakes. Some learn faster than others, but
we still learn. I live with a man who has done just that.
As
I wrote this, my new cellie was outside trying to catch a view of the "Super
Moon". It was special, not because the planet seemed closer, but
because he felt closer to it. That night was the first time in 31
years, having been to eight different prisons, that he was allowed to go
to night yard. Therefore, it was the first time in as many years
he had been able to stand on the dirt and have an unobstructed view of
any nighttime celestial entity. I hope he can one day share the same
vision with his dad. Years ago, he made a promise to the man he'd
do everything necessary to get out, before his father passes. I think
he has and will continue to do so.
God
Bless.![10x5 Page Background GIF Image](../../Images/10x5_Page_Background.gif)
Justice
Sam Aurelius Milam III
I'm
no longer convinced that disputants are more likely to obtain justice from
lawyers during a trial in court than they are to obtain it from Champions
in a trial by combat. Who knows? Maybe God really would intervene
and strengthen the arm of a Champion in a righteous cause.
I
don't know if justice is available either way, with a Champion or with
a lawyer, but it certainly doesn't seem likely to me that God would ever
strengthen the arm of a lawyer, and their mouths are already strong enough.![10x5 Page Background GIF Image](../../Images/10x5_Page_Background.gif)
Stray Thoughts
Sam Aurelius Milam III
The
truth isn't a bulletproof vest. Actually, the truth is more like
a target on your back.
The
judges are afraid of a man who can defend himself. He might defend
himself against the judges. That's why men who successfully defend
themselves are sent to prison.![10x5 Page Background GIF Image](../../Images/10x5_Page_Background.gif)
December 2015 |
Frontiersman,0c/o
4984 Peach Mountain Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30507
http://frontiersman.org.uk/ |
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