Am I the only one that feels this way?

Question

The prisons and jails of the U.S. are full of young men who want to carry guns and fight for "their turf" why not give these gang bangers the option to be trained and sent to combat instead of jail or prison? I have a son in prison wasting his life and would rather much see him defending his family and country than these drug infested streets where he chose to live. If God were to take him from me for defending and fighting for his country I could sleep easier at night rather than worrying to death that some other punk would kill him in a some senseless act. Am I alone or wrong to feel this way, including about my own son?

Answer 1

No, I think you are right to feel that way. Basically you see that he has passion and intelligence, which makes for great potential. But you feel like he's wasting it by focusing his energies on negative activities, and only wish he could redirect his talent to make a positive impact on the world.

I hope he is doing well. Do you know what kinds of rehabilitation programs are offered to him right now in prison? I have always been interested in working with inmates in terms of counseling and rehab. Many people might think this sounds stupid, but I've always believed that music therapy would be great in terms of getting through to people and helping them refocus, bc I think a lot of people who end up in jail are brilliant in terms of potential. They just made some poor choices somewhere along the way.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Answer 2

Well they do offer the option to many, the thing is many do not agree, or are not fit to be given weapons of any sort. It's been done, but it's a poor way to raise a good army, most of the time (I'm not picking on your son) these individual don't like authority's and also would not take the training regime well. The only group that was able to get away with it was the French Foreign Legion. but they put them though hell and back in North Africa. No matter how bad Iraq is, it is nothing like North Africa during the heyday of the FFL...no ac, motorized vehicles. these guys marched through the Sahara, or were dragged. The US is not prepared to do that to its soldiers, and would prefer to have better citizens than that fighting. Your own son may be up to it, but the problem is, many are not.

Answer 3

Unfortunately I feel you are wrong. In theory it sounds like a great solution. It solves the over crowding of the prisons and gives the prisoners a purpose greater than sitting around with nothing to do than try to survive prison life. However, what put those prisoners in prison in the first place. Drugs? How would this fair with the strict discipline that is needed to be a member of the armed forces? No offense to you or your son but I would not feel as safe knowing a bunch of criminals were given the option to sit in prison or go to war. Hired guns lack the desire needed to protect a nation as great as ours. Sorry. I hope your son receives a second chance and if he choses to defend our country I would feel safe having him a part of that.

Answer 4

I think it would be a good idea to give people sentenced to prison the option of doing service to their country. Having the experience might turn their life around. I think the purpose of prison should be rehabilitation. Obviously, the prison system is not doing that since we have so many repeat offenders. I am sorry that your son is in prison. I can understand the agony you must go through on a daily basis worrying about his welfare. I wish you peace.

Answer 5

I can see your point of view. It is an interesting question.

Prisoners will never be sent to war against their will, that is immoral and unconsitiutional.

However, for some prisoners or those facing jail, it might be plausible to suggest a panel, made up of probation and parole officers, who can decide on a request if such an option were to be made available.

Obviously, many prisoners cannot serve their country as they may commit the same crimes while enlisted. But, those near probation/parole or were close to receiveing parole/probation/community service sentences--that would be a plausible option. You should write to your local legislature.

Answer 6

I think you r not asking the proper question. What kind of society, privatizes prisons, pays low wage guards that allow inmates to be raped intimidated, abused. When poss-ion of a narcotic will get you more time then a violent rapist. A society that does not try rehab only punitive measures. The only western country with death penalty, that will give death to retards and minors. Their is a cancer. Can you not see?

Answer 7

No you are not alone. However, your logic is faulty. Just because they WANT to carry guns and "defend their turf" doesn't mean they should be allowed to. If they're in jail, obviously they don't have the capacity to exercise proper judgement which is essential when entrusted with a deadly weapon.

Answer 8

No. I think it is a fine idea. Maybe joining the military would get young men such as your son to start thinking outside themselves, and if they make it out of the combat zone, it could change their lives forever, and for the better.

Answer 9

YOU GET MY VOTE, BESIDES WHAT YOU MENTIONED, THEY SIT THERE WASTING OUR TAX MONEY FOR THEIR CRIME.
I'VE ALWAYS SAID THAT WE SHOULD SEND HIGH SCHOOL GRADS INTO SERVICE FOR 1 YEAR AFTER GRADUATING, AND WE WOULDN'T HAVE HALF THE TROUBLE ON THE STREETS, THAT WE DO, BECAUSE FROM WHAT IV'E SEEN MOST PARENTS ARE SCARED TO DISCIPLINE THEIR KIDS IN FEAR OF THE GOVERNMENT(CHILD ABUSE) SO THEREFORE LET THE GOVERNMENT TEND TO THEM AND MAKE THEM MODEL CITIZENS, AND THEY WONT BE OUT HERE BEING GANG BUSTERS, AND LEARN SOME RESPECT

Answer 10

no, i think youre right. wouldnt it make sense that gang members would be better fighters? im sure theyd be able to handle death better than your average guy. if they want to fight, then put them in the war. our streets would be somewhat safer without so many gang members running around.