A few years ago, while attending the Chinese Basic Course at the Defense Language Institute, a good friend of mine ran into quite the conundrum. While dressing for the day, he forgot to put on his belt. This may be a common occurrence in everyday life, however, in the military, it is a huge faux paus. While making our way to class, careful to dodge anyone in the position of authority lest they try to correct this obvious disregard for regulation, I consoled my friend. I suggested the solution was very simple. Just hop on over to Clothing Sales during lunch and pick up an oversized, regulation, Cardigan sweater. That way, the bottom of the sweater would hide the fact that no belt was being worn (this was a dress uniform).
Or, my good friend Sean interjected, you could just go to Clothing Sales and buy a belt…you moron.
I cannot begin to explain how incredibly stupid I felt at that moment. Yes, the story is amusing and, it still makes me chuckle to this day. However, at the time, my lack of logical reasoning simply dumbfounded me.
I bring this up because I get the sense that many people are suffering from the same phenomenon. Today, at work, I mentioned that the United States now has the highest prison population of any country in the world. Nearly 2% of our population is currently behind bars. If you are a black male, you have a 1 in 5 chance of being incarcerated at least once in your lifetime.
My audience was wholly unsympathetic. One answer to the problem was this:
Yeah, well how many people would commit crimes if we just, you know, started chopping off hands or poking out eyes for various offences?
I have no doubt this person was being totally sincere as I have run into the same opinions over and over again while discussing this issue. My answer is always the same.
Or, we could endeavor to decriminalize victimless crimes like prostitution, gambling, and drug use, just for starters.
While mulling that over I then ask
Is justice really served by incarcerating people for smoking a joint in their own home? Do individuals really deserve to face a prison term with all the possibilities of assault, rape or AIDS because of an act that affects no one but himself?
I am usually scoffed at but there are times, albeit few and far between, when a person is actually intrigued enough to continue the discussion.
“I never thought of it that way” some end up saying.
That’s the most gratifying statement of all.
