In November
4 days ago
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Ya Can't Win for Losing
I've been trying to help a young man who has made just about every mistake a guy could make. I am stunned by the incredible obstacles the "system" puts in the path of a person who wants to change his life. I am embarrassed by judges who sit in their robes and insult young people with their sarcasm and jibes. I am incensed by probation officers so jaded by their clients that they believe nothing, acknowledge nothing, offer no hope, no encouragement and no support. I am enraged by landlords who charge outrageous rents for roach infested rooms - because folks with records can't get anything else. I am dumbfounded by courts that impose fines that people can't pay and then send them to collections who compound them with maximum interest. I am dumbfounded by a jail sentence for not paying fines. I am furious with a system that asks a guy with no drivers license and no money to travel 200 miles from his home twice a month to "report" and then return 200 miles within 24 hours to "report" again to his probation officer in his home city. You can't win for losing.
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7 comments:
The parole officer I understand. He has been lied to his whole career. The other stuff, not so much. Glad your friend has you to help him keep his head above water.
Your friend is so lucky to have you. I am so sorry about all that he is experiencing. My words do not seem enough - but all I have.
And...... I am thankful for people, such as yourself.... who care....love and keep on trying!
Thanks.
Have missed you, LR. You haven't lost your master's touch. This is a wrenching tale.
(I know, I know, where have I been???)
It sounds to me that your friend is very lucky to have you on his side..
So glad you are helping. If he is recovering from Alcohol or drugs, there should be half way houses, programs, and new friends in the program that will get him at least to his probation officer.
Yes, we did over do it with the ornaments over the years. I'm sure it is some form of overcompensation for losing them all. We still have too many but they are all good ones. And I have ALL the stripey ones. LOL
PS: I missed you. How are you doing....OK we hope.
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