The irony of Charles Richardson
The story of Charles Richardson, the young black Bermudian who has gone from prisoner to lawyer in 11 years, is a perfect example of what could be achieved by any of Bermuda’s angry young men. It’s ironic that Mr. Richardson himself won’t acknowledge this.
In an interview in today’s Royal Gazette (not available online) he says,
“People often point to me and say ‘look at what he’s done’. Yeah, but I am the first to do it in history, I think, and no-one knows when it will happen again. I can’t be used as the rule.”
Mr. Richardson’s reluctance to hold himself up as an example of what a disadvantaged man can achieve if he puts his mind to it is unfortunate. All he has that others lack is the determination to improve his situation. Thus, while his achievement was impressive, there’s no reason that it couldn’t be replicated by someone equally determined.
Yet instead, Mr. Richardson wonders aloud about a plan to keep black people down:
“Opportunity in Bermuda is still reserved for the favoured few – for those black people whose family have connections, have money and have aligned themselves with certain political opinions. Let’s be real, the ‘economic first’ links in Bermuda are still controlled by one group… It almost makes you wonder if there is some predetermined plan to ensure some segment of the population remains as second class citizens.”
But Mr. Richardson’s own experience contradicts this. His opportunities did not come from family connections, money, or politics. He created them for himself. He is living proof that while success may not come easily, it's attitude that is key.
The irony continues:
“I think the media prints what people want to hear about. Do people really want to hear about the positive young black man who opened up his own business? Do people really want to hear about that? Would they buy papers if that was on the front page?”
Yet Mr. Richardson’s own story has appeared on the front page of the newspapers even before today’s interview.
Something is wrong when even a self-made black man won’t acknowledge the implications of his own success.
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Mr. Richardson, in my opinion, could only be an attorney in Bermuda. Nowhere else. As crooked as my country is....he would never have made it to law school much less become a lawyer.
Posted by Jamaican Q on 07.08.06 at 17:29
Limey,
It's good for us to be cautious in converting anecdote (a single story) to the status of rule (every story). I'm led to believe there are aspects of Mr. Richardson's story that are not public knowledge. And the story isn't over yet.
If we trust Mr. Richardson's capability to make the transition he has, we ought to trust his analysis. He may have very valid reasons for not wanting to be seen as a "poster boy" for 'disadvantaged' blacks.
You may be correct that "something is wrong". I'm not sure, though, we can assume to know just what that something is...
Posted by stuart J Hayward on 07.08.06 at 17:40
Mr Richardsons story may not be told in full but this much we know.
We the lawabiding taxpayers have paid to house feed him and look after his health for 7 years following his shooting incident for which he was convicted and sentenced.
In my book he is indebted to us for doing so and allowing him the opportunity to study law etc.
Until more of the unknown is known about his circumstances I will reserve judgment but if it turns out he is unappreciative ungrateful and criticises lack of opportunity I will take him to task as I am sure will others.
Posted by Bill Cook on 07.08.06 at 19:23
Bill,
People pay their debt to society by doing their time. That's part of the contract with society. If someone is convicted and imprisoned for a crime, we as a society undertake to house and look after them in prison. Conviction and imprisonment are not an open-ended contract to hang on someone's shoulders for the rest of their lives.
I don't know the case, so can't comment on details, but maybe this young guy's attitude has a lot more to do with a reticence to be put up on a pedestal, either to be held up as an example to other young black men, or simply to be knocked off it again. Wouldn't be the first time, and if I was in his position, it would worry me.
I don't think its a question of his ungratefulness or unappreciation, but even if it was, that's still irrelevant. He owes no-one anything except those that have helped him directly. But most of all, by the look of things, he's beholden to no-one but himself. If he chooses to use this media opportunity to point out the difficulties that others face, I for one am impressed by his sense of common humanity, and his common sense.
This young guy faces enough pressures without people threatening to take him to task about anything. He's one person, not the Voice of Blackhood. It's deeply unfair to discuss him in any terms but his own.
Posted by selkieman on 07.08.06 at 19:44
I will await further information.
After working in the system I have another view of PAYING ONES DEBT TO SOCIETY.
Its a misleading term in my opinion.
Criminals are a boil on the ass of society that we are forced to deal with so how one can pay a debt if we pay for it with our taxes ?
You are entitled to your opinion and so are we all.
If I detect a negative aspect rely on me I will make my voice heard.
I have no wish to comment further until we know all the facts.
There have been numerous articles and stories in all the local newspapers about Mr Richardson so we should be aware of what they were.
The voice of Blackhood ??? whats THAT all about ?
Posted by Bill Cook on 07.08.06 at 20:04
Bill, I've worked in Barlinnie Prison, and Carstairs high security Hospital in Scotland. I've no illusions about what criminality is. Some of the things and people I saw in Carstairs were well past the edge of evil and truly disturbing...
But the vast majority of inmates were people in a mess. They'd done stupid, criminal and often violent things, but they were people first, not boils on anyone's ass.
I would just be very careful about jumping on the guy's case. Or criticizing what he has to say about the relevance of his story to anyone who's in the position he may have been in 11-12 years ago.
As far as the V of Blackness's concerned - Limey's original post expressed his concern that by speaking as he spoke, he somehow refused to acknowledge the implications of his success for other black males. It may simply be that he wishes to have some control over *whose* implications are relevant to him, and not allow himself to be setup as anyone else's exemplar of what everyone else think people like him should be.
I'm quite suprised by your attitude on this one -I think you make quite a lot of sense normally, but some button's being pressed here.
Either the original crime was so heinous in your eyes that he's beyond redemption, or you're upset at an individual who has transcended his disadvantage, got himself an education and a politics.
If it's the latter, then good on him. If it's the former, shame on you.
Posted by selkieman on 07.08.06 at 21:00
I can fully understand Bill Cook's opinion stated above. Mr Cook served for many years in the Prison Service here in Bermuda and has probably seen hundreds of young men come and go with no change in their outlook or approach to life.
I know Mr Richardson and in my opinion he stands heads above most inmates in the system for no other reason that he took the opportunity and bettered himself, against all odds I might add. The vast majority of inmates just do their time and 're-enter' society with the same or worse mindset they had going in. Many will take courses or educational opportunities purely for the purpose of their 'resume' when parole time comes around. Charles Richardson is one of the very few that has done it all for the right reasons and should be used as an example of how a man can turn his life around. The question of whether he has paid his debt to society will never be answered to everyones satisfaction but there is no doubt in my mind that I would rather someone serve their time and come out a better man than serve their time and become a more sophisticated criminal while doing it.
From the interview in today's RG I cannot figure out if Mr Richardson actually doesn't want to be used as an example or simply wants to put that part of his life behind him, but surely he knows that he is an example to other troubled young black males and perhaps should capitalize on that and help them.
Posted by RedOnion on 07.08.06 at 22:10
Is it me or do the quotes stated by Limey make him look as if he is a bit pompous. I got the impression that either he does not want to be a role model or that he feels that no other young black prisoner can accomplish what he has. This is especially shown in the first quote.
Posted by Jimmy on 07.08.06 at 22:41
Nah, this individual's 'redemption' is not the issue, other than good for him.
What's interesting is the exceptionalism that's being put forward here.
Apart from Stuart Hayward's post, everyone, including Limey's original, have taken his exceptionalism as a given. And a contentious one at that. I'd like to know what that means. It just strikes me as really wierdly ....propertorial.
Having just re-read the RG piece about the rally and his part in it, I'm now wondering if it's just because what he's saying might be putting some people's noses out of joint.
After all he's walked the walk, come out the other side and made his life his own. You can't knock him on that. He's built his own authority upon which he speaks. Then he starts saying things which people are uncomfortable with.... And he can't be knocked on that either. But I think it's upsetting people. I'd like to know what that means too.
No-one, ever, should be used as an example of anything. None of us are that simple. Just an idea....
Posted by selkieman on 07.08.06 at 22:46
Selkie,
I agree with you on this. What he has done is absolutely amazing. Maybe I am taking his words out of context, but I do not think he is the first black man in history to accomplish something like this. Why the self-imposed props on his part?
Posted by Jimmy on 07.08.06 at 22:50
Just a personal thought: why should someone who has broken the law be able to better themselves for free? If someone shoots my son i surely dont want them studying to become a lawyer/doctor etc. If they have to go to jail why not make it 'miserable' for them? Let them work out for an hour or two, but keep them alone the rest of the time. Dont let them have these pleasures we work hard for. He's got an education that would have cost close to $100,000 and now owes nothing. Id rather see the inmates locked up, keep to themselves, and not be able to 'better themselves'. He has paid his 'debt' yes, but why is he able to do something he wouldnt have been able to if he was a normal person, one who doesnt break the law?
Posted by youngin' on 07.08.06 at 22:52
maybe they're not self-imposed... sometime's life's a balance of the art of the possible.
maybe they're more a recognition of the environment he's in.
maybe its how his words are being 'framed' and his recognition of the political discourse he's in.
He's saying he's not he first,last or any other position anyone cares to stick him in, which I think is a cool way to deal with the situation he finds himself in.
Because as sure as shooting a lot of people want to put him in one of those positions.
Posted by selkieman on 07.08.06 at 23:00
Jimmy
He may not have been the first black man in history to accomplish something like this, but his accomplishment is still the exception rather than the rule. As RedOnion points out, most inmates leave Bermuda's prisons little better than when they came in.
youngin'
What does denying inmates the ability to better themselves achieve? When released from prison they're much less likely to return to crime if they've had an opportunity to educate themselves while they're there. Rehabilitation is surely just as important as punishment if the aim is actually to reduce crime.
Posted by Phil on 07.08.06 at 23:03
Limey,
I agreed that his accomplishment was exceptional and I give him full props. I just guess that I have a large disdain for conceit and I hope that is not what he is about. What I would fear most is that at some point he would choose not to mentor a guy in a similar spot down the road because he is too good in his own eyes to do such a thing.
Posted by Jimmy on 07.08.06 at 23:09
he didnt get his education for free. You cant study law, never mind become a barrister in Bermuda. That education happened elsewhere, and was paid for by someone or some group, or even him for all I know. It certainly wasn't the hard-done-by Bermudian tax payer.
You know what ? I think there's a lot of envy going on here as well. You don't know what this guy thinks about his experience. I'm led to think that you're jealous of him, and resent his success.
Normal people break the law. Only some of them learn from that experience. I really dont get this.....nastiness against someone who's done everything you could have expected of him to pay for his crime, and not only that, turns himself into a highly-educated politically aware human being.
And you still go at him....
No wonder boys want to sit on walls with wee bags of dubiety in the hands, laughing at the Man.
Maybe you could ask him, in all humility, what he would do to change things, so that more people do get a better life.
Posted by selkieman on 07.08.06 at 23:16
All,
Also I have to mention that I am not bringing this fellow down. I have never met him and do not live in BDA currently but did 14 years ago. Most of my RG articles are a day old and I am just making comments on my perceptions that I read on this blog.
Posted by Jimmy on 07.08.06 at 23:19
Look at his comments from a political perspective because the PLP are recruiting him and he is auditioning.
In that light he's just repeating PLP mantra that the great white conspiracy is alive and well and can't be overcome, despite his own story which doesn't reconcile with that view.
Posted by hurricane alex on 07.08.06 at 23:22
selkieman
In the article he says he went away to sit the bar knowing that he had only enough money to last until the end of the first term. He hoped that he would do well enough such that when he returned to Bermuda, someone would give him some money. Apparently that's exactly what happened (he mentions the Excel foundation and the Department of Education, although it's not clear whether they were actually the ones who gave him the money).
(It's unfortunate that, once again, the Gazette has managed to put some on the other stories in today's paper up online but not this one. Sometimes you can find those stories using the search feature, even if they're not directly linked from the home or news pages. However, today the search is not working either.)
Posted by Phil on 07.08.06 at 23:35
@HA>>>>>>>>well I wondered how long it would take for that wee piece of lalala to come up. how you reveal yourself sir. And with such alacrity.
why can't you accept that he may be describing no-one's experience but his own. why is it so difficult to accept that the political points he made may actually be based in the truth of his experience, and in fact have nothing to do with what is in your mind, PLP 'propaganda'.
If you're going to have a go at someone else, some wit, imagination and more than a bit empathy would do a lot more good than empty political posturing on another's man's back.
This is cheap, it's so cheap.
OK Limey - (yeah I tried the search thing already). I still don't see what the problem is. He did it on a wing and a prayer. He must have been good enough academically to get the grants, so what's the problem ? His rehabilition is its own answer. No justification required.
The only point I can take from what your saying is that perhaps if the many others like him who are presently going through the system were to be helped to find the sense of presence as this young guy found, then maybe Bermuda would go a long way to solving its crime problem. That they dont, say's more about how unexceptional the prison system is than any exceptional and wonderous abilities of this young man.
Posted by selkieman on 07.08.06 at 23:47
I understand Charles all to well when he doesn’t wish to be placed on a pedestal. It’s so hard to speak from a space of humility and have any. It would safe to say on this issue he must be counting his blessings and gives thanks he is no longer on the walls of Devils Hole hustling, juggling etc. That in itself is something to sing about, but, in that light he is not special, as many others “get out the game” so to say. His story is one of attraction and needs no promotion imo. Let the man lead by silent example that his ego not mess it all up. It would be easy to get up there and gloat about how he did it, but, he lives in BDA he knows full well that it isn’t easy and not all will make it even if they want to.
I am surprised to hear him speak of a plan to keep blacks down though. If he is reading I hope he gets that the conspiracy route is not the one to take. Be it true or false. Its cloudy waters that can mislead opinions and views!
Bill Cook sometimes I really think it can be possible at times for society to be the ass boil that creates certain criminals.
youngin' Thanks for sharing! Boy am I glad you have no power to implement your ideas.
Posted by Ethiops on 08.08.06 at 00:37
As I stated before it is unwise to comment on the story about Mr Richardson until we know further.
If he is ungrateful and full of resentment it means he has further work to do esp if he is unwilling to work to prevent others getting into trouble.
It should be obvious that it is satisfying to see someone leave prison equipted to be a useful member of society many of us worked hard to have many prisoners do so and can see that success.
To the extent that he was able to study while his food accommodation and welfare were paid for by the taxpayer unlike others of modest means who had to pay for all those things he should at least be grateful and have a sense of giving back to society as so far it seems he has to date given himself a well paid profession but little to society TO DATE.
But as stated it is unwise to comment without the full story which to the best of my knowledge no one here seems to know.
There are some stories of other inmates who have set up to assist and give employment to inmates upon release and it is unfortunate that they get so little support in this unselfish endeavour.
Let us hope that Mr Richardson does become a role model and acknowledges the cooperation he received to develop his talent.
Posted by Bill Cook on 08.08.06 at 07:20
"Lawyer in Bermuda may be self obsessed prick, shocka!!"
Hold the front page, Mr Cudlipp.
Posted by Pompous G. Winbag III Jnr. on 08.08.06 at 07:22
Ethiops of course it is possible for society to be the boil but that does not help the victim and it may well be that the boil has to be dealt with by many more than those who break the law.
In the final analysis a great deal of human behaviour comes down to the CHOICES we make however and the best we can collectively do is to contribute to correcting the flaws in society while protecting the law abiding public to the best of our ability.
Posted by Bill Cook on 08.08.06 at 07:27
selkie
I'm not criticising Mr. Richardson's achievement at all. Quite the opposite. I wish more inmates of Westgate did the same. I do think what he did was impressive, given his background.
My problem is with the apparent contradiction between his statements about Bermudian society and his own accomplishments.
Posted by Phil on 08.08.06 at 08:19
What I got from Mr. Richardson comments about being the exception not the rule, wasn't arrogance or being pompous. I felt that he meant that most inmates are not going to push themselves, or put themselves on the path to greater success. He is the exception in that regard. I didn't get the impression that he meant that he was the only one that could possibly do it, but moreso that most inmates won't make themselves available to the opportunities that may be presented to them.
Posted by ken on 08.08.06 at 08:37
Bill Cook has it right...and cheers to Richardson for turning his life around but not for his ignorant comments.
I would add this question: If he doesn't want to be put up on a pedestal why speak to the press at all?
Press coverage is not the best way to put something behind you the last time I checked.
Posted by silencedogood on 08.08.06 at 09:18
I personally see no contradiction between what he's saying about his accomplishments and Bermudian society. As far as I can see he's telling it like he sees it.
The only apparent contradiction lies between his political analysis and what other Bermudians want to believe. That's not coming from him, but from those who want him to fail on their expressed terms. The expressed outrage at an ungrateful black man supposedly turning on his society which did nothing for him except push him down the road to crime and then incarcerated him is nothing more than a hysterical deep-seated racism.
Personally, without invoking any kind of conspiracy theory, I can see all the points he's making as valid. You may not agree with his politics, but he is as entitled as anyone else to his opinions. The fact that he has been in prison is completely irrelevant.
Anyone who is taking him to task for that is being disengeneous in the extreme. He paid his debt to society by completing his sentence. He is beholden to no-one except himself. He owes no-one anything. It is not incumbent upon him to become a role model for anyone.
I see a number of the posts on here as little more than an attempt to set him up as a whipping post which with to keep other men in his position down. It may be wrapped up in pretty liberal language, but that dont make it any the less nasty stuff. I'm tempted to be a lot more explicit, but I've promised myself, I'm going to *try* and not get people's backs up.
and SDG, maybe he spoke to the press because they asked him. None of us have any control over how the press present either us or our arguments in public. What's this guy got to do to right in your eyes ? Because as far as I can see he's damned if he does, and damned if he don't. And to mark his arguments as 'ignorant' is specious in the extreme. Look to yourself sir.
Posted by selkieman on 08.08.06 at 09:38
No one pushed him into a life of crime. He made a choice. Seems to me he could have avoided prison and trained as a lawyer from day one?
Does he offer free legal advice to the victims of his crime(s)?
Posted by sandgrownan on 08.08.06 at 09:42
Mr. Richardson was fortunate to have the opportunity to study in prison and I applaud him for taking advantage, although I would not go so far as to call him a 'prominent lawyer'. He is right in saying that he is the exception. The prison system should put all prisoners to work so that a. they contribute to rather than drain the system ( There's a lot of trash that needs picking up for a start) and b. they develop a work ethic so that when they come out they know how to work and have some idea of real life. This holiday camp they call Westgate doesn't do anyone any favours.
Posted by Ali on 08.08.06 at 09:47
Maybe he’s reluctant to claim he has special gifts, as what he has achieved is extremely difficult to do. (I’ve done some prison work too). I understand his reluctance from that point of view. There are simply very few who can change their lives to that extent. Got to get to them earlier. It’s not just determination, it’s also an ability to imagine an future, other than what one is sunk in, and to find ways to get there.
Other than that, he sounds angry. I hope he can turn that attitude into something more helpful to all the others who need a vision of a positive future in their lives.
Posted by Raptor on 08.08.06 at 10:07
Raptor writes:
It’s not just determination, it’s also an ability to imagine a future, other than what one is sunk in, and to find ways to get there.
Imagination is a key ingredient, one I hope will find a home in some of the more punitive-minded among us.
Several years ago I wrote the following in response to a comment that “many black families seemed intent on ruining any chance of success for their youth.”
It would be great if we can move beyond judgments and retributive attitudes to thought and action for intervention. Mr. Richardson's example can provide inspiration -- I thank him for that.
Posted by stuart J Hayward on 08.08.06 at 10:42
I too give him props for his personal accomplishments. Well Done.
However, I am not sure I agree to have him as a spokesman. With the coverage he has received and the mentality of those that only look at the front page, one could come to the conclusion that its cool to shoot someone six times and become the hero of the day.
Again, it is like Glenn Blakeney assaulting someone then hosting a anti violence rally.
Posted by save d cut on 08.08.06 at 11:37
Some of the comments being made here about the young black male that has made something of himself are starting to make me wonder how some of you really think. Most of you don't know what it is like to be brought up around the type of environment that Mr. Richardson talks about. After all that he has been through and accomplished, he stills feels the same about how things work in Bermuda as a whole which is something we need to be concerned about as there are many more of us that feel this way.
Posted by ABP on 08.08.06 at 11:52
Oh the poor thing.."after all he has been through"...wonder what his victim(s) think?
Posted by sandgrownan on 08.08.06 at 12:06
selkie
I’m not sure to whom you are responding with your entire post but surely it all isn’t relating to me if you actually read what I said, so I’ll be as brief as possible in my reply:
1) Never did I criticize Mr. Richardson’s accomplishments—they are commendable. Regardless of what help he had along the way I’m sure he had to work quite hard to get where he is. The credit is his.
2) Saying the only way to get ahead is through personal connections or following the “right” politics or being one of the “favoured few” is bunk. If he had focused on education prior to prison we probably wouldn’t be talking about him now, but his success would almost certainly be equal or greater. Sorry, but his comment was ignorant no matter who or how many agree. This type of rhetoric is only popular because it absolves people from responsibility for their actions. Only one case to the contrary (i.e. his) is required to prove the whole theory wrong. And yes, I think it’s wrong to discourage others from following one’s own path to success. Stuart makes a good point that many people may hold themselves back and need better role models. While Mr. Richardson’s early life is not a path to follow, the fact he turned it around and achieved positive goals for himself is. That could probably help a lot of kids. As it is, he sounds like Homer Simpson “You tried your best and failed. The lesson is, never try.”
3) No one pushes anyone into a life of crime. Even in poverty people make a choice. My family comes from a background of poverty and there are many people around the world lacking the advantages of even the poorest Bermudian who are not criminals. It may be easier to go down that road, but pushed? No.
4) Even if the press asked he does not have to agree if he, as you postulate, truly wants to be removed from his past and the resulting limelight.
I don’t want to get your ‘back up” either and am not interested in prolonged debate just giving my views (i've been taking a break from LIB). I will say that you seem to have a big chip on your shoulder for whatever reason and to have read a lot into a very short posting as well as assuming a lot about Mr. Richardson which Bill Cook rightly warned against. That’s not my problem so don’t take it out on me. Cheers.
Posted by silencedogood on 08.08.06 at 12:22
Is the prevailing view here: Once a criminal, always a criminal? And is it also the prevailing view here: that victims should be preferred to offenders?
Well, taking a look at those prevailing views, I think the Black community in the Diaspora and around the world have an ample case for writing off white people as criminal and unworthy of our respect or acknowledgment.
Blacks have accused the white society of being unfair. Blacks contend that they were made historical victims. And Blacks further contend that whites currently victimize their communities. Blacks have undisputably proven that claim.
Do you still think society should prefer the victim? Do you still think the philosophy that once a criminal always a criminal is correct?
Not in the context in which I put it, right? Too many negative implications for your lives.
Posted by PREFER THE VICTIM on 08.08.06 at 12:28
Having apparently turned his life around whilst in prison I would totally understand his desire not to be placed on a pedestal until he has proven himself to be an deserving citizen. The fact that he has a criminal record will always hang around his neck but I commend any person who goes straight and makes a life for themslves. I also commend the individuals that helped him see the better way. I would hope that he will indeed offer a great deal of pro-bono work in an effort to show appreciation for being given the opportunity largely paid for by the people of Bermuda.
Posted by SmokingGun on 08.08.06 at 12:48
In the land of OZ the perp is the REAL victim
problem with that mindset how do you move forward with rehabilitation ?
I have already mentioned the area that I came from and my involvement with it earlier.
Posted by Bill Cook on 08.08.06 at 12:52
Prefer the victim,
I was with you, for the first bit.
Then the generalizing started and you proved yourself to be just as bigoted as those you rail against.
And what kills me, is you generalized BOTH SIDES!
Yes, once a debt has been paid, it's done. We agree there, but to try to make the analogy you did is disingenuous as best, manipulative and self-serving at worst.
Posted by The Right Reverend Uncle Elvis on 08.08.06 at 13:12
"Yes, once a debt has been paid, it's done"
In principle I agree - however, the sentences being meted out for crimes (at least here in Canada) hardly leave the general public feeling that the debt has been paid. I do not know the specifics of Mr. Richardson's crime, but often the victims of violent crime do not see justice being done. An offender may get an education, "rehabilitate" ones self, etc., but if the sentence did not satisfy the victim(s) and the public at large, the efforts of the offender will still come up short. Fair? Perhaps not, but that is reality.
Posted by ian on 08.08.06 at 13:47
"Yes, once a debt has been paid, it's done"
only for the criminal, the victims and their families have to live with it for their whole lives.
Posted by wyrdsister on 08.08.06 at 14:22
Interesting point there.
Some time ago a little Portuguese girl Connie Furtado was raped and murdered by a paedophile who was imprisoned and released.
People worried about their children did not want him in their neighbourhood and made a fuss as we know there is NO CURE for such people to date.
His friends complained that he had PAID HIS DEBT TO SOCIETY. but the family of the little girl felt the only way to do so would be to return their daughter which of course was impossible, its cold comfort getting the law but not justice.
Posted by Bill Cook on 08.08.06 at 14:36
Here's the thing.
These people have paid their debt to society as set out by society's current rules.
What you're doing is complaining about the rules. I agree with you on that. The punishments AREN'T always fair or just. However, those are the punishments that these guys receive. To punish them further is unfair.
It's like selling a sweater. You sell it for $20 and someone buys it. Now you're complaining that you should have charged $50 for it and you expect the customer to fork over the extra thirty bucks.
If you don't like the price your charging, raise it.
If you don't like the punishment meted out, get it changed. We ARE a democracy, no matter what some people say.
You have a voice, use it.
Until then, you can't really punish these guys after they have fulfilled their obligation as set out by society's rules.
Posted by The Right Reverend Uncle Elvis on 08.08.06 at 14:47
Stuart,
Very well put.
I hope the attention paid to Mr. Richardson brings more focus to the macro situation and the work that needs to be done with a significant number of disadvantaged young Bermudians who are not reaching their potential. It's a bad situation for them and for the entire community and should be addressed as such, and fast.
Posted by Raptor on 08.08.06 at 14:48
To punish them further is ILLEGAL whether it is unfair or not depends on your definition of fairness.
How fair is it to endanger the lives of children by releasing a convicted paedophile who is incurable and has been proven will re offend because he has no control over his behaviour ?
Our priority in a civilised society is the protection of its law abiding citizens in my opinion that others disagree is unfortunate.
Posted by Bill Cook on 08.08.06 at 15:04
Mr. Cook, I agree with you 100%.
However, having fulfilled their time and having received their punishment, these guys ARE law abiding citizens.
Paedophiles are sick people. They need help. We agree on this, I think.
But we're not talking about a paedophile.
If an armed robber is caught and punished, then he's punished. End of story. He abided by the law.
Not all crimes are the same and not all criminals are the same. To bring paedophilia into the discussion is muddying the water.
Posted by The Right Reverend Uncle Elvis on 08.08.06 at 15:24
I thought we were discussing crime and punishment in a general sense so it is just some crimes and not others oh ok then.
Posted by Bill Cook on 08.08.06 at 15:54
I thought you were interested in debate.
Little games like that prove you're not.
Dismissing the rest of the points in my posts show you're not.
That's fine. I guess I misunderstood. Sorry about that.
Posted by The Right Reverend Uncle Elvis on 08.08.06 at 16:07
Bill, I think it’s pretty clear that Bermuda’s laws need some updating. I do not think a murdering paedophile ever should see the light of day again. He should not have been released. It’s just crazy. There was a time, not that long ago, when it was thought paedophilia could be cured or contained. But a child murderer on top of that? I don’t think so. Lock him up and throw away the key. However, here we are not talking about a paedophile. I agree with Elvis that it’s “muddying the water” in this discussion, which, although it is about crime and punishment and rehabilitation, is more in the context of Richardson.
I agree with you that the protection of law-abiding citizens is a hallmark of a civilized society and is essential to its reasonable functioning. And those who have committed crimes need to take full responsibility for what they have done.
After that, we all need to move forward as best we can. That will absolutely be difficult for victims of crimes. But beyond that we need to examine social situations that contribute to crime and work with young people to see they don’t go down that path. There will always be some that do—misguided, selfish, whatever--as well as those who are genuinely evil. But there are many who can change their lives with the right support and contribute to community instead of to crime statistics.
Posted by Raptor on 08.08.06 at 16:11
Charles Richardson is only recently called to the Bermuda Bar ... from a legal perspective he still has a long way to go in his training ... I know that being admitted to the Bermuda Bar Association was a great hurdle for him to overcome, but I for one will reserve judgment on whether he is truly to be regarded as a success until he becomes a notary public (five years after call) ... then we will all able to review what he has made of his training ... many a talented lawyer in Bermuda (I don't think I need to name them) has fallen prey to the ethical temptations that client trust affords ... the above being said I do wish him well on his continuing career development.
Posted by Darkside on 08.08.06 at 17:10