My job is great and in only a week I've been given so many different opportunities!
Yesterday I visited Oregon's only maximum security prison. I got to walk through the courtyard while a bunch of the inmates were doing recreational activities. I also spent some time in the cafeteria where 800 inmates were eating their lunches. That was probably the moment that got me the most. There were so many eyes in our direction and I couldn't help but think about the fact that a handful of these men were rapists and murderers. You just can't think about it while you're there -- it's too scary. Mark was, I'm sure, THRILLED that I was gawked at all afternoon by inmates. He said, "Just show them your ring!" And I was like, "Baby, I don't think these are the kind of guys who respect the whole sacredness of marriage thing."
We also spent time in the Hobby Shop, where inmates get the opportunity to produce jewelry, leather goods and art. These inmates were talented -- like really talented. The officer heading the shop said that every inmate in there came into prison with not a single talent, but after so many years of doing nothing you just start to acquire certain artistic talents. I was unaware of this at the time, but I apparently was in the same room with the I-5 Killer when I was in the Hobby Shop. I've read so much about it and honestly never thought I'd be standing in the same room as him.
An interesting ethical question has come into my mind since the visit. I chatted for about 45 minutes with a convicted murderer. And to my surprise, he was the nicest man. He smiled, he laughed, he was friendly and helpful. I just couldn't believe that this man had murdered two innocent people. He said he has spent most of his adult life in prison, and when I checked the records, he was right. He was in his 60's and had been admitted in his early 20's. Should this man really spend his whole life in prison?? I highly doubt he is the same man he was in his 20's. There is just no way. He had a great talent for making leather goods, which could be marketable out in the real world. Do we really have to keep him locked up, costing the Oregon government $80 a day!? I say...ugh...I don't know what I think. Odd, I know. On the other hand I feel for the victims. It's really a fine line. Anyway -- something to chew on I guess.
(Mark's Update -- just about to pin down a job and start working. As for now he is loving living with my aunt and her adorable puppy. He even got to babysit the puppy all week while she was out of town. Lucky boy!)
5.09.2008
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3 comments:
I am loving hearing about your experiences!
When I was a Senior, I did a piece in my college writing class about the death penalty. I visit the prison then with my group and it was the first day in my life that I woke up and intentionally tried to look like crap (wasn't too hard......) I wore really bagging clothes and a hat, etc. It was funny because you always think that male attention is flattering.....but not always. Kind of creepy. Hysterical that Mark thought your ring would make a dang bit of difference!!
it's interesting when you actually see it from the other side (i mean, seeing convicts doing their crafts, etc.). i guess it gives them more of a personality, and less of what they've been labeled as because of what they've done. i've never been to a prison, but that's what i think.
and funny what mark said about the ring! i loved your response.
lindsay, i miss your blogs! you should post again on some weekend when you have time...
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