C’mon, Man

C’mon, Man

It deeply saddens me that what has become institutionalized hypocrisy is rapidly leading to the erosion of civility and free speech in this country. Opposing views are rarely debated with substance and intellectual force. They are attacked with ritual humiliation and...

Recycle Me

Recycle Me

With over 2 million citizens of this country locked in cages, one can't help but feel as though our lives are dispensable. One can't help but feel as though our society deems us not worthy of correction that would send us back to our communities as assets rather than...

The Ripple Effect

The Ripple Effect

For too many years of my life I assumed my actions affected me and only me. So what if I chose to drink away my pain? So what if I messed up, got arrested, and got sentenced to many years in prison: I'm the one doing the time, or so I thought. I couldn't see beyond...

Prisoners Need Love, Too

Prisoners Need Love, Too

I cannot tell you how many times I have witnessed or have heard about men in this situation either meeting a woman via a pen pal website — or otherwise — and developing a strong relationship or even getting married, only to have it go awry. The euphoria of knowing...

Addiction: A Choice Or A Disease?

Addiction: A Choice Or A Disease?

Many have exclaimed, "Addiction is NOT a disease — it's a choice!" A disease, they'll say, is something that you have no control over; it suddenly afflicts you when you least expect it and wreaks havoc on your life. People don't do anything to bring about disease in...

Learn, Baby, Learn

Learn, Baby, Learn

I was on the yard today simply enjoying the 75-degree weather. I'd taken a seat on one of the metal benches located on the inner edge of the track when a guy walked up to me, took it upon himself to sit down and start chatting. Now, I'm one of those people who...

Good Enough

Good Enough

Human brokenness is a universal aspect of the human experience, right. I mean, we are all messed up a little. It's the common denominator that links us all and levels the playing field to a certain extent. There are countless variations, but we all feel it with great...

My Unique Dilemma

My Unique Dilemma

As of 2018, I have a little over eight years left before I go before the board of parole and potentially release back into the community. Although I'm admittedly a bit apprehensive, I do feel prepared. I've put in considerably effort improving myself not only...