Injustice?

Recently many people celebrated the Easter holiday with friends and family. Typically there are traditional dishes, gathering around a table filled with appetizers, and some species of entertainment. For my family, this meant my Father’s delicious grilled filet mignon, my stepmother’s cream cheese and chutney dip, and golf. Well, the men gathered around the big screen and the females walked the property (several acres that what we fondly refer to as “Raymond Ranch.”)

Being animal lovers, their property has several lush turtle refuges, an impressive chicken coop, owl nesting boxes and a large aviary. In addition, there are fruit trees, trails, and view decks. So as the fellas watched golf, the ladies took a walk around the terrain looking at the new baby birds, picking fruit and collecting a colorful basket freshly laid eggs. The air was fresh and clean, being a good 30 minutes outside of the city proper and there is a certain peace in the atmosphere up there that calms even the most frazzled of nerves. For the most part, it was a lovely day.

Unfortunately this day was also a reminder of an injustice and a topic I find disturbing. I am sure there are people who will disagree with my opinion. Growing up in a law enforcement family, I could not count with all fingers and toes combined how many holidays we had faces missing around our supper table because someone had to work their regular shift at the jail or prison. I find it quite disheartening that convicted criminals are permitted family visits on legal holidays (even the banks and post offices are closed!!) causing sworn staff to miss the celebrations with their own loved ones. On this most recent holiday my stepfather, once again, had to work his normal shift at the jail, checking in guests, assigning visit rooms, and accepting money for the inmate accounts.

Please do not misunderstand… I know how beneficial a visit is to an incarcerated person. I know this because, as my regular readers are aware, I have a brother who is confined behind the walls of a California prison. After our father pays him a visit, his spirits are raised significantly and his letters are more positive and full of hope instead of despair. Said brother agrees with me regarding the frivolous visit schedule. I don’t begrudge a prisoner a chance to see their loved ones and keep the lines of communication open. Ultimately this type of bond to the outside world may help them upon release; closeness to friends and family may encourage them to live within the legal limits of the law.

I believe there is a fine line here. I reckon a law abiding, tax paying, hard working citizen deserves the holiday merriment with their kin considerably more than a convicted criminal.