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Essay: "Parole"

by Charlie Rodriguez
Parole

This word 'Parole' is and can be a very, very interesting topic whether it be between us individually, or speaking with the parole committee. Everyone has the answers, yet they're still here. This word parole, as they say, is a privilege not a requirement. And they mean that to a certain degree, what I mean by that, take one for example; I'm here for buying stolen property. I've got 12 years on a non-agg case I've got an 18 yr sentence my second offense for buying stolen property. Of course that's the same as stealing it yourself, I understand.

Every time I come up for parole I am told 'you're not ready for society yet,' they dismiss me. They are not interested in the fact I've learned six trades since I've been incarcerated. Yes, I've had fights but this is prison, it's going to happen whether you are looking for trouble or not. But I've got no major disciplinary in 12 years, yet they believe I've not earned parole. There's nothing I can do but keep maintaining my way of just staying occupied and staying level headed. No use in giving them an excuse, to hold me more and more and if they do, there's nothing I can do about it.

You have those who completely go off the rocks when they are turned down and in return they get pushed back further and further, then they try and blame the state but in reality they know they messed it up themselves. No one quite knows how they go about granting parole, yes, we know the requirements but when we meet them only to be turned down it really baffles us. Amazingly enough some even try to use Christ as means to getting parole, I reckon someone actually got a few to believe if you go Christian then you'll get parole. Amazing, I tell you, when they are turned down they curse Christ, not such a good move if you ask me. I am not a Christian but I do believe in God and know that's not a very bright thing to do.

So as for this word 'Parole," well, ladies and gentlemen you got me, but I do know it exists because I've seen dudes with worse crimes than mine granted parole. Go figure, huh!? ; )