“An imprisoned father went to his dying daughter’s bedside Wednesday, a visit federal authorities allowed only after being deluged with letters and phone calls from across the nation.” (KETV-Omaha) This story speaks to the needless heartache of our drug laws, jailing those who commit victimless crimes (and providing hardened criminals for company), rather than rehabilitating them — and letting them recover in halfway homes near their dying family members… What do you think?
Thanks to Graciela for submitting the link.
I have mixed feelings on this.
I believe that drug use is NOT a victimless crime. A person that uses drugs does have victims; their families. They take money, time, and memories from their families by giving in to their addictions. While going to straight to jail isn’t always the best solution and many can recover in a halfway house or the like, there are others who require a stronger hand in order win out over their addictions. And then there are some that never win.
In this particular case though, I am glad that the authorities allowed him to see his child. He would not be classified as “dangerous” were he to be in public. I do appreciate the mercy and compassion that was shown to the little girl by allowing her father to come see her.
But I disagree with intent of the post, that the imprisoned father is the victim. He’s not. His daughter is the victim, not only of the disease killing her but of her fathers actions. He’s having to deal with the consequences of his actions which put him in the situation of being separated from his family in the first place.
I think the justice system needs to be approached with more compassion and reason all the way around. When we focus more on “punishment” and less on “rehabilitation,” everyone loses.
Speaking as someone who has a drug-addict family member, maybe it’s different state to state. My uncle got his chance. Went through “rehabilitation” three times. Each time he decided his addiction was more important than his family. The man has made his choice.
In this case, the article did not describe the father’s history. Has he tried rehab before and it didn’t work? Then maybe jail was the right answer? Was he selling drugs to others, if so jail is the right answer. I think there are too many unknowns here to just assume the justice system wasn’t compassionate towards him, and in the end weren’t they? They let him see his daughter. Yes, it took some persistence on the part of citizens, but that’s what the country is about.
I just don’t think the justice system should be totally bashed when he’s the one who made the choice to do drugs.
Prison is never “right” for drug offenders. They need help not incarceration with violent criminals!
I wouldn’t want to consider myself a victim just because of my father or uncle’s choices.
But I wish I would have described it as “non-violent offenders” rather than victimless crimes.
Education and compassion and finding someone’s REAL passion so they don’t have to do drugs to make their world worth living… THAT is the only answer to drug use.
The war on drugs has ruined more families than it ever helped, and for that reason marijuana should be decriminalized. More money put into finding people’s passions in the arts and services, rather than wasting money on throwing people in prison to rot from the inside.
Why is this important? I know it is very considerate, but how does this effect our world or society? Are all jails going to let their prisoners out when they have a sick relative? The world would be a very bad place if this were to happen. I want some reply input. Tell me why this is important.
Thanks