Criminal Paradox

 John G. King

 “If only the judge could see me now.”  I constantly think and on occasion, say aloud. These are really the only words I can find to justify, rationalize these places they call houses of 'corrections". Places where society has a need to use as a "holding pen" for me, for the next three years. A site where I’m supposed to pay my debt to society for crimes I committed₁ was prosecuted for, convicted of, and shall be reminded of, daily, for these three years.

 The crimes of credit card fraud and receiving stolen property are serious offenses in the eyes of the general public but are yet minor infractions in comparison to the felons that surround me.  I do, however, have to remind myself that no one is really to blame for my placement here except myself, John G. King, who is now simply   Inmate #T-35536. Granted, I made the choice to commit the crimes, and was sentenced accordingly. However, I've found myself in an institution with murderers, rapists and a variety of other violent deviants, all of whom live together in a surreal, deranged, and unharmonious fishbowl. with most of these individuals never seeinq the outside world again. And rightfully so, because most of their crimes are simply heinous in nature.

 There are, however, a select few who have found themselves "victims" to the system which guards them. For example, men who found themselves sentenced to life under the "third strike" law, for simple possession of narcotics. But there are others who found themselves killing another during a prison riot, simply because of the color of their opponent's skin. Then there are the inmates who are "weak" and joined one of the many prison gangs in order to fit in, thus they end up killing another for acceptance. A recognition within a false brotherhood₁ where not to take a life will result in the loss of theirs.

 The rules here are simple: don't associate outside of your race  don't be a homosexual (or associate with one), and never, ever tell on anyone or anything. These "rules" are considered gospel commandments, and any deviation from them will result in possible death  or at the very minimum , great bodily injury. So the chances of individual reform are slim₁ based upon the aforementioned "rules". The lifestyles here are not based on the outside society's₁ but instead delegated by the social outcasts which run this world; the strong survive, and the weak perish. Intelligence is feared most, because a man who is capable of thinking for himself will decipher the difference between right and wrong, so this poses a threat to the foundation of this surreal society. No thinking, just action. Considering the average inmate possesses a sixth grade education, they're even more dangerous simply because they know no other way of resolving issues than violence.

 The California Department of Corrections understands this and utilizes it to their benefit. They promote racial tension in nearly every institution by instilling the segregation of white, blacks and Mexicans₁ a premise they  say is used to "keep tension down", but in actuality is precipitated in order to keep the violence among the races and not directed towards them. Prison staff are quite aware of the cultural differences and will continue to segregate based on this guarantee of inmate-on-inmate end result.

 Divide and conquer appears to be the C.D.C.'s rationale. And it will continue until someone who can invoke accountability steps in. There really is no difference between these men, except for the color of their skin. And now that I sit among these men I realize I don't care what the color of a man's skin is. Their attitudes and characters is all I wish to see. Color means nothing. Racism is just a small factor in reform, because eventually people will come around and see the error of their ways. Unfortunately, the tools needed to enlighten them are no and will not be, provided.

 The system's idealism for "reform" is to "learn a trade". However₁ the vocational training classes, which are an imposed facade for rehabilitation₁ are outdated and understaffed. For example₁ classes in vocational dry cleaning, welding₁ automotive and electronics are ideal on paper. But what actually transpires is completely different. In dry cleaning, you're rudimentarily trained to dry clean clothes; the majority of these garments are officers' uniforms, administrators' suits and dresses, etc.. All at no cost to the "customer". And then there's the auto body class, where we're taught how to do basic body work and painting. The cars, boats, campers and trucks are conveniently provided the C.D.C. staff, for the low, flat price of around fifty dollars. They can get a complete body and paint job, which would normally cost thousands of dollars, for pittance. I hope I made my point there.

 Now, getting an actual job in one of these fields on the outside is a near impossibility. We're taught simple basics, enough to give us the hope that someone will hire us. But realistically, we're given just enough skills in these fields to where we may get a job as a "helper", period. The system is supplied with more than enough money to ensure our proper training and give us the needed tools, but yet₁ they continually cut the school's budget, while their salaries continually climb to sublime amounts.

 During their shift an average staff member will play board games or talk on the phone for eight hours. And this is on top of their ritualistic contemptuous attitudes to all inmates. Take into account the fact these guards actually placed bets on inmates fighting each other at Corcoran State Prison's Security Housing Unit. All just so they could feed their warped egos and have some entertainment.

 These are just a few examples of the corruption, and ultimate failure₁ of the prison system. This is a problem which simply cannot be overlooked. People need to understand what actually happens in here, a place where billions of their tax dollars are wasted for no apparent reason. Is this simply because no one cares? Can every governor be bought by the highest bidder? Can we afford to waste human lives at this rate? Hate breeds hate, you know. Some of us can be saved, but we're not shown how to save ourselves.

 I began this story with “If only the judge could see me now", and I honestly wish he could, so he could view the corruption, lies and cover-ups that happen everyday. Maybe then something could be done. People need to, and have a right to₁ know where their money goes. They deserve to know what they're up against, and why this system is failing. We as felons are not trained and given the needed tools_, but yet, they continually cut the school's budget₁ while their salaries continually climb to sublime amounts.

 During their shift₁ an average staff member will play board games or talk on the phone for eight hours. And this on top of their ritualistic contemptuous attitudes to all inmates. take into account the fact these guards actually placed bets on inmates fighting each at Corcoran State Prison's Security Housing Unit. All just so they could feed their warped egos and have some entertainment

 These are just a few examples of the corruption, and ultimate failure, of the prison system. This is~ a problem which simply cannot be overlooked. People need to understand what actually happens in here, a place where billions of their tax dollars are wasted for no apparent reason. Is this simply because no one cares? Can every governor be bought by the highest bidder? Can we afford to waste human lives at this rate? Hate breeds hate, you know. Some of us can be saved, but we're not shown how to save ourselves.

 I began this story with "If only the judge could see me now"  and I honestly wish he could, so he could witness the corruption, lies and cover-ups that happen everyday. Maybe then something could be done  People need to, and have a right to, know where their money goes. They deserve to know what they're up against, and why this system is failing. We as felons are not totally at fault. When all I see around me is corruption₁ what I suppose to believe? Where am I to turn? 

These are the questions. Where are the answers?