Editor’s note: Recently in The Voice, the announcement was made of the death of the conductor of the column, Ask Grandpa, which provided readers with 503 weeks of sage advice, humor, and continuity. Below is the repeat of the April 8, 2021 column. The Voice will continue to offer previous columns. We invite special requests of previous columns.
Grandpa,
I am not sure what to do. I am in (Grandpa withheld which county) jail awaiting trial. One of the other guys in here was telling me about a (crime) he committed in (another state). I want to work out a deal with the state’s attorney here to report what he told me in exchange for a lessor sentence on my crime. Here is my problem: Jail snitches don’t always live long enough to testify in court. I do not trust my public defender to handle this situation for me (with discretion). I can’t say anything to prison personnel because of the gang affiliations here. Would it possible for you to contact (This information is withheld by Grandpa) for me?
Grandpa says: No need for me to contact the authorities you asked me to contact. The internal affairs of your jail already did. Surely you realize that outgoing mail is read by jail officials. I confirmed with the police investigators in the jurisdiction where the other inmate allegedly committed the crime. They will be in contact with you. Grandpa agrees with your responsibility to pass along the information, Grandpa does not agree with your stated motive. If the court determines you committed your crime and need to pay your debt to society, don’t shoulder that on to a fellow inmate. You do your time and should you have information that will help another family bring closure, do it as a part of your rehabilitation. It is called civic responsibility.
Think about this: If you get a reduced sentence, the other man’s attorney could get the jury to see that you are not a reliable witness and cast a shadow of doubt on your information. Then what good have you done for the family of the other man’s victim? Man-up and do what is right because it is right, not for your own personal gain.
Grandpa,
In all the debates about the constitutionality of carrying guns, in all the stupid statements made by both sides of the issue, I don’t think anyone really has bothered to actually read the wording of the U.S. Constitution. The wording is that the right to bear arms shall not be abridged. It does not define arms. The Bill of Rights does not mention firearms. One can be armed with a knife, a bow and arrows, a sword, a pitchfork, or any of hundreds of other weapons. All some individuals are trying to ban is certain forms of firearms that our forefathers never even could conceive. No one is trying to prohibit baseball bats, axes, or broken bear bottles.
Grandpa says: I will withhold personal comment and open the floor to discussion by interested parties. Readers, please write in and get voice to your thoughts.
Grandpa says: Spring is here! Time for a new awakening. Flowers soon will be blooming and joggers will soon be jogging. We will see an increase in foot and bicycle traffic. Please, as you drive be more aware of all the non-motorized neighbors with whom you share the roads. Please be especially conscious of the children who will be playing outdoors. Have a safe Spring!