June 2, 2020: Dispensing a little wisdom about protest violence

Friends,

George Floyd's recent murder, the knee of a Minneapolis police officer asphyxiating him, crushing his carotid artery until he lost consciousness, has altered our country, and indeed the world, like few events have. The one place that most people would think would respond to Floyd's murder by expressing pain, outrage and wrath through violence and destructive behaviors would be prison. You would be mistaken.

I have witnessed the inmate population respond to similar atrocities over the years, controversial trial verdicts, police brutality, too lenient/too harsh sentencing, tainted political elections and the like have angered the country but have been little more than a pond ripple at MCI.

My fellow amateur sociologists have suggested the following theories to explain the subdued response:

• Inmates have no where to hide if they throw frozen water bottles

• Inmates are fearful of retaliatory action

• Like we see on television, much of the outcry is from young people, most idealistic and with few life experiences.

MCI is no different, our society has young inmates calling for anarchy, older inmates explaining how poorly that could end as they tell stories of prison riots based on practices and policies that have long since been abandoned by ODRC. A little wisdom dispensed can prevent irreversible consequences for all.

To all the MCI Lifelines readers, watch your children closely and talk to them about the consequences of chucking a water bottle, or posting inflammatory items on social media. One small action can lead to a lifetime of misery, incarcerated and isolated. Share the writing of your favorite contributor with them, let them experience the real pain that prison causes.

Be The One, but for the right reasons. Share your talent and energies with the world, don't fall victim to peer pressure, have your own voice.

Relatable Song of the Week - War, Edwin Starr