Leavenworth, Vickless
Prisoner number 33765-183 walked out of the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas this week. He’d been sentenced to 23 months but he got out a bit early for good behavior. He’ll serve the last two months of his sentence in home confinement.
The point is – prisoner number 33765-183 did the crime and he did the time. Now, what will the rest of Michael Vick’s life be like?
Vick was, of course, an NFL quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons when it was revealed that for five years he’d been running a brutal dogfighting operation from his 15 acre country home in Virginia. Why he’d be involved in such a blood lust venture is anybody’s guess.
Vick In Better Days
He certainly didn’t need the money. He had a 71 million dollar contract with the Falcons, 50 million dollars worth of endorsement deals and 20 million in bonuses. He had fancy houses and cars and the world gave him that royal-like treatment reserved for athletes incorrectly called sports ‘heroes’.
Now, he’s lost just about everything. The 28 year old Vick has filed for bankruptcy. His court approved after-prison plan includes a ten dollar an hour construction job, a far cry from the gridiron-to-the-nightclub life Vick once led. Like so many prisoners who do their time and gain their freedom Vick must start over.
Vick’s future will be ultimately rosier than other just-released prisoners. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says he’s willing to rethink Vick’s status, “when the legal process (is) closed.” Although the Falcons shut the door, let’s face it, Vick is a proven football player. If he can demonstrate he’s still got it, another team could pick him 
up in a wink. And his P.R. blitz includes working with the Humane Society to stamp out dogfighting. Sweet re-entry to life on the outside.
It’s clear Michael Vick is no angel but what he went to prison for is considerably less serious than countless other convicts. Many of them are career criminals and their readjustment to life on the outside doesn’t go so smoothly. They deal drugs, rob and kill helpless people and commit sex crimes. And after they get out, the latest figures show, about 60% of males will re-offend and be back in prison within 3 years. That’s the bad news about our in-prison rehabilitation efforts.
The good news is that leaves another 40% of ex-prisoners who I’d like to think really, earnestly want to be better
Not Me
people, to build better lives. Okay, my name isn’t Pollyanna and I know a good chunk of that 40% likely returns to crime and just never gets caught. But a percentage of criminals, who’ve paid their debt to society, truly want to become whole, functioning, taxpaying citizens. The question is what are we doing to help them? After all, their success would be to our benefit, right?
As it stands now we convict them, we house them, we spit them back out on the pavement and except for some probation officer checking on them once in a while they mostly hit the streets in the same state of preparedness for life as when they went in. Except after prison they’ve got that unmistakable taint of ex-con on them that never goes away.
Unlike Michael Vick who has a group waiting to take him under a protective wing, many of the offenders we release hardly have a clue where to start their new lives. They’ll face housing and job discrimination, they’ll forever be asked on applications Have you ever been convicted of a crime? And while a majority of them have the brains to work out the high finance of major crime deals few will ever be nurtured in the ways of legitimate business. No wonder the recidivism rate is so high! There is no such thing as the deal Eddie Murphy got as an ex-con in the movie Trading
Only in the Movies!
Places when two millionaire brothers suddenly gave him the chance to run their enterprise.
I’m a firm believer in the idea that you make your choices, you live with the consequences. But these people are a drain on all the rest of us. And, we’re about to get a double barrel shot of reality. There’s now a wave of aging baby boomer prisoners getting out and budget cuts are forcing states to grant early release to tens of thousands more.
We didn’t think ahead. We spent so many billions on locking up people – housing, feeding, clothing them – that we forgot to prepare them for how to fit in once they got out. Shame on us.
Unless we refocus the justice system’s priorities and figure out better ways to incarcerate and deal with those who commit crimes we are going to continue to pay the price for them long after they re-join us here on the legit side of life.
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
ABQ Journal Reader Paul B. of Los Lunas, NM writes:
"I just want to commend you for your 5/23/09 article in the Albuquerque Journal, and to urge you to pursue this topic vigorously. I feel strongly that this nation needs to stop treating those who've done their time as though that had not repaid their debt to society. The scarlet letter approach is self-defeating and ensures many will return to crime rather than use their skills to contribute productively to society. Keep up the good work."
I can share a story of injustice with you that I have fought for over 13 years and nothing was ever done. My cousin who molested me and raped me when I was 10 years old has been diagnosed as the poster boy for one of the worst “Sexually Violet Predators” yet he has been released over and over again only to rape and destroy more lives.
He raped me again and almost killed me in 1989. He has raped over 10 women that are known, but I know of more that he was never convicted of. He is now free and visits the city where I live on a weekly basis. There is so much more I could tell you but it would take too much of your time, but I personally know of how the justice system can fail.
I became a private investigator because of the man who almost destroyed me in everyway you can imagine. A matter of fact, I was betrayed by all of my relatives because of him. My mother even married him after he raped me and was sent to prison. I spent much of my life feeling like I was not worth being loved. I fight everyday for my rights and the rights of my clients while dealing with so many loops holes and the failures of a system that is suppose to protect us. I get frustrated but I never give up. Thank you for taking the time to tell about one man’s judicial system failure.
Becky
Your story is chilling. And I firmly agree that there are some criminals who should NEVER be let out of prison. Tops on the list of those who are NOT salvageable to live in society are the sexual predators like the one you describe. God bless you, your struggle and what you do for others! DD
I think the key phrase in your article concerned making choices and paying the consequences, unfortunately in America, applied consequences seem to vary according to your social status, and this is especially true with talented athletes and other entertainment celebrities as well. Many times we have seen second chances afforded to so many superstars, at least Mr. Vick did actually do some extended jail time which will just serve as a delay to his career, he will be reinstated by the NFL, just as Pacman Jones was and given a second chance to amass another multi million dollar bank account.
Consequences are something we all except as the result of our decision making. I recall a commercial from many years ago, in which Charles Barkley, former NBA superstar, remarked that he was not here to "raise our children". Nobody is asking for these superstars to raise our kids, but as ticket purchasers and the main support of their incomes, we do have the right to expect them to perform as role models, a consequence of their decision to become professional athletes or entertainers.
If these superstars cannot police themselves and since they seem to be above the normal justice system, then it might be time for the average American citizen that supports them to have a nationwide tea party, boycotts can be a very effective tool in getting the attention of those who want us to spend our money on their products.
Jeff! I\\'ve think you\\'ve got it.
I for one am perfectly willing to boycott all NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB events in which a player in trouble with the law appears!
You guys with me? GUYS? …..Uh, guys????
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/press/rsorp94pr.htm
Highlights include the following:
* Released prisoners with the highest rearrest rates were robbers (70.2%),
burglars (74.0%),
larcenists (74.6%),
motor vehicle thieves (78.8%),
those in prison for possessing or selling stolen property (77.4%), and those in prison for possessing, using, or selling illegal weapons (70.2%).
* Within 3 years, 2.5% of released rapists were arrested for another rape,
and 1.2% of those who had served time for homicide were arrested for homicide.
* The 272,111 offenders discharged in 1994 had accumulated 4.1 million arrest charges before their most recent imprisonment and another 744,000 charges within 3 years of release
Yep – that\\'s exactly how bad it is.
So, while we\\'ve got them locked up … held as a captive audience – shouldn\\'t we be teaching them to do something other than commit robberies, burglaries, larcenies, steal cars or other property or sell illegal weapons?
As far as M. Vick goes – he deserves to lose everything after what he did. He had it all – I would love to see him rot in hell the rest of his life but alas that won;t happen. Anyone who is involved with dog fighting or any other cruel goings on should be severly punished. I have not one ounce of sympathy for this horrible man….I don;t care that he's done his time. He is just disgusting. Whatever happens to those who have paid their debt to society – nothing is ever going to be right . I feel sick just writing this so I will stop.
Our nation does not believe in rehabilitation or forgiveness (just look at some of the comments), and the current state of criminal justice reflects that fact. Most inmates will never see a program before they leave prison, then society makes it next to impossible for released felons to get a job or get housing. I guess Vick should be thankful it wasn't one of those crimes that land you on public shaming registries. Then we'd be dictating where he can live and who he can live with, among other things. But how we treat those who have finished out their sentences, not just Vick, but ex-cons in general, determine whether or not they REMAIN ex-cons. That's something society needs to think about when they deny an ex-con a job.
In reply to the comment from "The One". Diane's column was not about rehab or forgiveness, it was about paying for your digressions. If one chooses to break the law, then should they not have to pay the consequences, for example having difficulty finding a job or housing. I may have empathy for their plights, but certainly not sympathy, they made the choice of criminal behavior and must live with the resulting consequences In the case of Mr. Vick he will return to his former status and not have to worry about jobs or housing and that is just the nature of the beast for celebrity offenders.
http://sexoffenderissues.blogspot.com
Out society is hell bent on punishment. Putting someone in jail/prison for their crime, is okay, as long as the sentence matches the crime. Pretty soon, if you steal something, you will be in prison for many years.
People should be punished, but they should also get treatment in prison, which in most cases, never happens, they usually get treatment once outside prison, and that is just backwards, IMO. While they are in prison, they have a lot less stress than once outside, and they will be more likely to reoffend once on the outside, if they've not received the treatment they should be getting on the inside. Prison is just a place to lock someone up into a 8 x 8 cell for many years, driving them insane, then we let them out and expect them to magically be law obeying citizens again.
We should be working on prevention, and when a crime does occur, work on preventing another by helping people. WHen you treat them like animals, many will act like animals, because when you are seen as less than human, you will eventually lash out and act like people perceive you as. If you are treated with respect, and helped, like should be done, IMO, then people are less likely to reoffend.
But no, we are hell bent on seeing people suffer for life, like one user above suggested.
That is the problem….
Web site reader Dan Hanks from Los Angeles writes:
"actually, they do train them. however, because most occupations these days require an "occupational license", they are often denied the license to pursue the career they were trained for.
Once again, our government at work! In order for me to get a private investigator's license some 30 years after I had paid my debt, I had to sue the state of California.. Most ex-cons don't have my skill or patience, and opt for returning to a life of crime. believe me, they would rather do an honest days work and not have to look over their shoulder…"
Dianne, this Vick guy will do fine if he changes his so called friends. Life is totally based on who
you run with. If your a Christian, and your friends are Christians, you'll be a Christian. It doesn't take
a rocket scientest to figure this out. But you'll have to admit that these kind of guys makes lawyers
rich. — Johnny
Facebook Friend David J. writes:
"Perhaps for Mr. Vick…it's time to reinstate the day of the Gladiator…put him in the ring and let the spectators enjoy! The Superdome…filled with fans…Michael Vick in the arena…filled with Rabid Pitbulls!"
Facebook friend Ralph L. writes:
" This is a crazy country!, to watch the national media cover this guy … to report he is traveling with his security team back to Va. The whole idea of giving him this type of attention,takes away from the real issue of people's release after serving their time with no cameras or hope of rehabilitation. In this case only their victims are the ones who will end up on the 6 PM news."
Facebook Friend John B. writes:
" On the front end, 4th grade literacy correlates directly to prison population. It's that simple.
Once they're in, literacy has to be recovered – along with relevant social and job skills.
But, people are disinclined to (fund) turn prison into a (second chance) free education so the criminals can more successfully compete with "honest people". It violates their sense of "fair and just". … Read More
That's the emotional (voters) response, while the accountants' response would be that educating them is cheaper than the revolving door program we've got now."
FaceBook Friend Gramma Shirah writes:
"I think most all criminals and even regular everyday people could use some skills in managing their thoughts and feelings. Prisoners, especially need some counseling. We could all use a check up from time to time on our Mental Health.We spend so much time on our physical well being. Most of these crimes against children come from parents who have mental issues. Love Gramma Shirah"
I have to very much agree with the comments of John Shelton. One of the first thigs that I did after prison was move to a new are and find a new set of friends. When you go back to the old crowd, you go back to the old ways. And, unless it is required to do so, don't advertise your past. Let your new friends judge you by who you are now, not who you were. The comment about education is also very important. Don't wait for the government to help you. start getting an education now. Every prison has a library. Use it.
Without going into a long diatribe about what I think is wrong with the prison system, which would take me awhile, a few ex cons have written that they put their lives back together, and I say to them great job. A little basic common sense, even if you don't learn a trade skill while incarcerated should keep basically normal human beings from becoming repeat offenders. I think those that re-offend are the more hardened persons anyway. I know some ex cons who did some white collar stuff and I knew when they went in for their short stints that they were not really bad people. I once thought about the robbery of a convenience store when I was unemployed and looking to feed my family, but I made the proper choice of not going through with it. Some of your writers talk about self help within and administered by the prison system, well some of those self help programs are available to keep you from going in before you commit a crime. That is why it is so difficult for those of us that have not committed criminal behavior to accept a lenient attitude towards those who have. Daily living exposes us all to hardships, some more than others, but none of us are exempt from the act of doing the right thing, even when it is not wrapped up in a neat little pretty package.
WOW…..Michael Vick working with the Humane Society as rehabilitation? Isn't that like allowing a child molester to work with children? Yeah…it is pretty screwed up. I live in a …I guess ..special kind of world. I say NO!
Kobe Bryant is a sports "hero"……..after the fact of his rape allegations. Yes he got off..(excuse the pun)…but he is still put out there to adore. Barkley says that the kids that look up to them are not theirs to raise…well no, but they do look up to them as role models.
My husband is a recovering alcoholic (17 years) when he got out of treatment I was told that I needed to learn to live with an alcoholic…I could not do certain things that would upset him and maybe lead him to drink again. My answer to that was No…he needs to learn to live in my world. He needs to learn to deal with pressures that would lead him to drink. So I guess what I am saying is that no matter how much treatment and/or counsel you get it all depends on the choices you make when its done. We as a society did not land them in jail.
DD Web site reader E.m. writes:
" well, they try the best they can, but it ain't easy.
it's likely that their childhood "role models", their father / grandfathers spent time in the slammer.
while they're in prison, their "role models" – the screws – just want them to shut up and stay in a straight line.
when they get out of prison, it's impossible to get a job that will support you, much less support a family. "
The irony is America is such a hypocritical country we live in. The nototion of “paying your debt back to Society” is a lifelong statement. The Housing and Job discrimination and the hardships a ex-con faces when released are not even fair or even acceptable. United States is the only country in the world where they hold a Felony conviction until one is deceased.The contradiction to this is that how can ex-con become rehabilitated? I speak from first hand experience; where I was sent to prison for 3 years at the age of 18; even though It was my first time ever getting into trouble( people of new york vs Jordan castro 2001) was convicted for attempt burg 2nd degree; I was never offered probation but a jail cell. Now 8 yrs fast forward I have a B.A in Business Management but no employer wants to hire me.
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