Does it make me a terrible person if I feel almost no sympathy for this guy, who was sent to prison for getting three DUI’s, getting raped in prison? (SFW, unless the words “rape” or “sodomy” get flagged by a filter or something. In which case, I guess this page is NSFW). I know it’s not how I should feel, as a Christian or as a civilized person or as a nice guy or for whatever reason. But I mean, really, three DUI’s? That should carry at least the same prison sentence as attempted murder, since that’s pretty much what it is. Anyone who’s been to middle school has heard what goes on in prisons. If this guy were imprisoned for something basically victimless, I would feel bad. If he were falsely convicted of something, I would feel bad. And sure, I don’t think it’s good that this happens in prisons. But as for feeling sorry for this guy? He is where he is as a result of his own actions and choices, and if he did not have an idea of what he was in for that is more than just ignorance. The Human Rights Watch should have used someone else’s letter to make me feel sympathy. In fact, the only part of that whole article that really made me feel sympathetic was the statement that he probably has AIDS now.
Go directly to jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.
February 13, 1:48 pm
I could mention that “attempted murder” implies intent. I could mention that there’s a difference between reckless stupidity and malice. I could mention that a prison official is violating the Eighth Amendment by not providing “humane conditions of confinement” (see FARMER v. BRENNAN).
Instead, I’m just going to say that I’m shocked by your callousness.
February 13, 2:57 pm
I’m not claiming to be a lawyer, I’m sure it’s not attempted murder in the sense that you could prosecute someone for that. My point was that it’s beyond reckless and irresponsible; a prison sentence is appropriate. I’m also not saying that this is how prisons should operate. This guy willingly committed a very serious offense (multiple times) for which he had no excuse to be ignorant of the consequences (which could have worse, had it resulted in vehicular homicide). That is why I feel very little sympathy for him.
February 13, 6:24 pm
A prison sentence is appropriate, of course. Getting gang-raped in prison is not.
February 13, 8:00 pm
Here’s an old joke from the Two Guys Named Chris radio show in Greensboro:
(A poem by Maya Angelou for her friend Oprah.)
Roses are red,
My friend is Oprah,
If you’re in jail,
Don’t drop the soap-rah.