Published: February 20, 2008 02:58 pm            

Letter: Society needs a value change; young people need direction

To the editor:

I am writing to encourage the people of Hamilton County as well as the splendid public schools to educate the youth and the parents on criminal thinking and drug use.

I sit in prison because of my criminal thinking and drug use. The social liberties I took for granted have been replaced by humiliation and loneliness. This is not a place to be glamorized as you may view in movies. The community needs to become less insouciant and begin in action, not just prolix speeches.

When I was arrested, my mind was focused on one thing: FREEDOM. At that point, I had two choices; I fight the system and become useless or I find myself and see the true nature of my actions and begin to try and rebuild my life and change for the better.

Most of us have made some bad choices and, for some like myself, I have changed my methods of thinking and now have no interest in drugs or crime. I want to help others, especially the youth in the community.

In closing, I reflect on my crime and ask for forgiveness, but it is time for the public to realize that building more prisons does not cut crime. Society needs to change its values, and young people need direction. Support educating our children as well as the parents, it is a start.

Life has been hard behind the walls and razor-wire fences. Even tougher for our families. We have made some bad choices.

For some such as myself, when I return to Hamilton County, the hardest part will be seeking forgiveness from those who I hurt by my actions. There is nothing more demoralizing than to rev yourself up to change your life, overcoming all doubt that past experiences have instilled in a person, pushing on yourself to make a plan of action and not have the essential support system to help you make it through the transition.

Thanking you for your time and remembering what is important: our youth.

Chris Campbell

FCI Milan

Milan, Mich.

        

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