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Prison Twist Isn't Fun
You might remember a letter to the editor written by a state prisoner a few months ago concerning the drug problems and general lack of responsibility among the youth in Butler. I really hoped that pointing out the major consequences of overdoses, drunk driving and the sort would be taken more seriously. Unfortunately, the news still continues to reference the number of deaths among young people who have made really bad decisions. So now, I'll try again with a new perspective that I would like to call the Prison Twist.
You see, it's hard to understand the seriousness of poor judgment until you've felt the absolute wrath of its most serious consequences. Since the public's attention to the physical effects namely death hasn't stirred any great reaction, maybe a look at what could happen to someone legally will.
Let's say you get arrested. First of all, you have the fines and court costs, which can range from a couple hundred to thousands of dollars for each offense. If that's not enough, you still have the pleasure of asking your parents for the money.
If you can't get the money or you think that you can blow off fines, let's see if prison opens a new world to you.
Do you like doing what you want, when you want, with whom you want? Forget all that. You now eat what they give you, sleep where they tell you, and hope that you don't make the wrong person angry.
That's still not enough for you?
How about having to see friends and family through glass, with no hugs? Don't worry, they'll be back in a week.
How does it feel being away from your friends, family and video games for a year or two? Keep snorting, smoking or shooting up and chances are you'll find out.
Like to drink and drive? How's one-to-three grab you? I am talking years, not months.
Do you think that your friends would never turn on you if they get busted? Wrong! I'm sure the Butler County Drug Task Force, which seems to be making large busts lately, can tell you of people who would rat on their own mother.
The drug game is dog-eat-dog, and it doesn't matter who is top dog.
I could talk all day about where drug use leads. However, I have a suggestion: Why don't parents and concerned citizens inquire about a tour of the county prison, or even hold a group discussion here at the Mercer state prison, on what drugs and other mistakes can lead to.
I'm no public relations representative, but if a person wants to do something about the county's problems, he or she needs to learn from the people who have been through the worst.
At the Mercer Regional Correctional Facility, I am a peer counselor for many addicts, and most are willing to share the most heartbreaking accounts of where their decisions led them.
I am certain that their testimonies will help the next person.
It's just a suggestion. Take it or leave it.
However, I would like to know of any way possible to help my children before I was facing five to 10 years without them.
Timothy McCalman
State Regional Correctional Facility, Mercer
Formerly of East Butler