Let's work out a deal.

Last month the NYT sent me into a prison to photograph inmates. Turns out that in order to save some dirt, Minnesota and Wisconsin are bartering with a few items. State budgets are tight and disappearing in some cases. Rather than close prisons and lay off officers and state employees, etc..., the neighboring states are coming together to make certain items cheaper. Think buying bulk, like some people do at Sam's Club, or Costco.

It makes sense. So, to show that in photos, they sent me into a prison to show inmates working on license plates. MN inmates will be making Wisconsin plates soon. It was quite an experience. I was shaking hands and rubbing elbows with some (formerly) dangerous dudes. Being a level 4 prison (out of 5) meant that these were not purse-snatchers. They were murderers (alleged, they' like you to remember), serial rapists, drug dealers, etc...

Guards had no weapons, as "whatever you have on you can be used against you" I was told. A weapon would be a liability to a guard. So, I was armed with nothing but my wit. Which luckily I did not need to use. These guys were all quite well behaved while I was there. Some of them were even gentlemen - for which I thank them.

It made me a little sad that a series of wrong decisions had landed these guys in a very hopeless situation. They could not see the beautiful pond beside the driveway into the prison- peppered with ducks feeding and red-winged blackbirds flitting around under a perfect, blue sky. The lucky ones would get a few quick minutes of sunshine each day, but not even that was guaranteed. They might have a job inside, but pay starts at 25 cents an hour. There are not enough jobs for everyone, so those without a position sit in their cells all day. It's a terrible existence, really.

Of course, I recognize that their actions were deemed unacceptable in our society and that they really ought to be punished. It is just sad that it has to happen that way in our flawed world. Too bad that anyone can find themselves in that situation. On the other hand, I would not rest easy knowing that one more murderer, or child molester, or rapist was out roaming my city waiting to unleash their terrible, uncontrollable habit on someone I know and love - or don't know or love... Just sad.

Just behave yourselves, all of you.

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