Well I haven't written anything in a while so I thought I would post something.
Guardian Knights
My Motorcycle Club (The Guardian Knights) have had a very productive couple of months. On October 10 we packed 80 boxes full of various items including first-aid kits, toiletries, snacks and other goodies to go to PA National Guard and Reserve Troops currently deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. On November 18 we again came together and packed 108 boxes full to bursting with home-made cookies and other goodies to go to the troops for the holidays. We are often praised for the work that we do on behalf of the troops or other community support, but I must say that the reward of knowing that you put a smile on someones face almost makes it seem like an act of selfishness.
On October 23rd the GKMC helped with the first annual Katye's Helping Hands Fall Foliage Run. We did traffic control for the ride as well as helping with route planning and general safety. Katye's Helping Hands is a non-profit organization started by a then 15 year old Katye Trexler to help the children of fallen Law Enforcement Officers. The GKMC has adopted this cause to help her where we can. We also attended a Thomas Kinkade event on 11/13 where over $9000 was raised for Kayte's Helping Hands.
We are now working towards two Christmas Parties for Units of the PA National Guard and their families. The parties will be Dec. 11, 12 at the Hershey Armory and Fort Indiantown Gap. The Knights provide funds to help pay for the meal as well as gifts for the kids and provide a visit with Santa. Last year was a great success and this year looks to be better yet. We are currently raising funds to purchase toys. We need about $1700 to provide the 175 - 200 kids with a gift from Santa on those days. People have been very generous, but we are still a long way from the goal. Monetary donations may be made at the club web site http://www.guardianknightsmc.org. If you can spare a few dollars, any gift is appreciated.
Work
As the end of the year approaches it seems harder and harder to want to go to work. I think the shorter days add to the lack of motivation. Yesterday we held our annual shift and days off bid. I was unfortunate enough to lose my prized Fri/Sat days off. It seems that they decided to move one slot from night shift (my shift 10pm - 6am) to daylight (6am - 2pm), and the slot they chose was mine. It took me 19 years to achieve the Fri/Sat only to lose it a year later. I have to admit that I am a bit bummed about the whole situation. Especially in light of the fact that two of the guys that have those same days will likely retire in the next few months, but the administration will likely not see fit to make their days off available until next year. Oh well, with all the other problems going on in the world... who am I to complain? I should just be happy to have a job and benefits.
Other than that, work has been OK. But, I am wondering if I need a change of venue in the near future. I have been working "the hole" for about 10 years now and have to admit I am starting to get tired of the disrespect and childishness of today's "young punk" inmates. It seems that the new generation of inmate has no respect for anyone or anything. Many of them live like animals making pig sties out of their cells and the cell block. Because of our inability to issue "attitude adjustments" they believe that they can act anyway or say anything they want. While many, who have not had the "privilege" of dealing with these people, believe that all they need is a little understanding and guidance, the fact is, they laugh at the "do gooders" and think you are just weak. They will play along to get what they can from you, but, once you have served your purpose, they revert back to the predator animals that they are.
In the "good old days" you could take an individual aside and make him realize that he is not so tough and teach him a little respect (something that should have been done by his parents, but wasn't). Now, we are just forced to take their behavior and brush it off. The political correctness and understanding just perpetuates the behavior and we see them come back to prison for ever increasing levels of crime. Isn't this all counter productive? Prison is not a punishment today. It is merely a place to keep the bad people away from the nice people. While there, they feed on each other's negativity and go back out to be an even bigger threat to society. They do their time proudly while bragging to one another about what women they have demeaned and how many. They even trade addresses for women to take advantage of. They call them and write to them, all the while talking about them like they are nothing but two-bit whores to be "played" then tossed away. One inmate bragged that at the age of 19 he has 14 children to as many "baby's mommas". These people are not fit for decent society and without "correction" will never be.
Well... What started as a positive review of the last couple months has turned into a rather dark commentary on the state of our prison system. I guess that is the dichotomy of my life. I find that in order to stay away from that "dark" place, I participate in positive things through a group like the Guardian Knights. That seems to be a feeling that runs through a big part of the membership. You must bring balance to your life. So, when you put yourself in a negative environment like a prison, or working the streets as a cop, you must find positive active outlets to bring that balance.
