You’re a Shocker, Barefoot (Part 2)

Scott,

Your article ‘Prisoner’s Last Chance’, about the prisoner coming into a six-figure sum of money, is the most disrespectful article I have ever read. You tell the guy “good on you for learning how to manage your money” and give him advice on how to invest, then gloat about how you donated your books to prisoners. How shallow are you?

What about telling him to clear his conscience and pay back the money he probably stole from victims, or compensate those he has offended against. Come on! I’m disgusted in you not telling him to give his six-figure sum to victims he most likely never had the mind to compensate.

I challenge you to say in one of your articles that you offered wrong advice on this matter and should have told the person in prison to compensate those he did wrong by. Bet you won’t.

Ricky

Hi Ricky,

I bet I won’t either, cobber!

It sounds like you (or someone you love) has been wronged by someone, and you’re still bitter and beat-up about it. Here’s how the prisoner described his situation:

“I have spent most of my life in institutions, from boys’ homes to jails (I’m 59). My goal is to have enough money to buy my own home before I die, with no debt and maybe some savings. After all, isn’t that every man’s dream?”

Now, here’s my thinking:

I don’t know what crimes he did … and neither do you.

Though I do know one thing: after doing their time, everyone deserves a chance to put their lives right.

And if he can achieve financial security, he’s more likely to stay straight and not end up back in the clink.

That’ll potentially save the taxpayer the $110,000 a year it costs to keep a prisoner locked up.

That’ll also help keep the community safe.

And it may just give this bloke some peace after a lifetime of pain.

Scott