You need to take care of Me

Recently, an individual that I was talking to, protested at the quality of the food served in the local Hampden County of Corrections. What really ticked me of about his comments was the entitlement tone of voice in which this individual made his demands. "We need better food in jail !!!". My reply to him, " if you do not like the food in jail, don't go to jail !!!". Before I get call insensitive or inhumane, I realize that people in jail have real needs and need all the help that society can provide to them to help them reintegrate into society as productive members of society. The problem is that, in my opinion, the system suggests or even removes the personal responsibility from individuals. Statement like "drug use is a victimless crime", or "you fell through the cracks", encourages people to walk away from their personal responsibility. I firmly believe that government can be a positive influence in people's lives, an influence, an instrument of good, an instrument, not the solution.

If we make jail too comfortable, we in turn are removing the element of determent that jail provides. Unfortunately, as we all know, there are people that are institutionalized. Why should my tax money be used to support people that choose a life of crime? Personal responsibility holds truth regardless of ethnicity or social class.

Here in Springfield, we have a crime niche that needs to pack up and go. Of course, we have the professional scavengers, lurking in the shadows to jump at the first opportunity to drain government. Then we have the undesirables. People that thrive committing quality of life crimes. Drugs, brake ins, loud speakers, public intoxication and the list goes on. Sorry, do not expect me to advocate for better food when these people negatively impact the quality of life of the city.