Beat up In Baltimore (559 hits)
Category: NewsRating: 1.5 on 6 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by John Byrne <highersound.at.gmail.com> (View user info) at 2005-05-23 17:34:54 EDT
hmmm.....not sure what category to place this in for the appropriate audience. Sorry if this is
off topic. Otherwise enjoy.
When the Cut Kills
It was an experience that I had not stopped to relive for quite some
time. I read over the email a second time to make certain I was
recalling from memory the same incident he was making reference
to:
"Jb....like me, do you have a tinge of guilt for not reporting
to someone what occurred to you in Central Booking?"
My friend was referring to an evening in 2000 when we were arrested
and taken to Baltimore's Central Police Station for processing and
booking. More specifically, he was recounting the reaction that a
guard had towards something I presumably said. Presumably only
because my friend and I were too intoxicated to recall afterwards the
exact details of what actually took place.
It struck me as odd that this would come up some 5 years later.
That night was past history too me, therefore, it must certainly be too
him as well. Apparently not, and I could not help but ask myself what
had motivated him to bring this up to me now? Within the next few
minutes I had my answer.
"Baltimore detainee dead after struggle
with guards", http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/05/16/detainee.death.ap/
- CNN.com. Monday, May 16th, 2005
It only took a glance of the headline for me to know the story that
followed. Nonetheless, I passed over the words, but was unable to
focus on the details. A sensation stirred within me and I withdrew
inward in an effort interpret my emotions. Was it guilt? No, it was
not. It was something else, a sensation others might have more
difficulty understanding. What I felt was the cut.
You may ask, "what is the cut?" Metaphorically speaking, the cut
is the negative consequence of an action which the aggressor had
hoped would result in the realization of some other more desirable
outcome. Stealing can lead to the possession of a car at no cost, or,
if apprehended, it can lead to incarceration. The consumption of
alcohol can lead to a night of good times, or, upon having had one
one to many, it can lead to the type of outrageous behavior that
leaves you apologizing to friends for your lack of self-control and
thoughtfulness. In both cases, the only way to avoid being cut is by
not picking up the knife to begin with. This is done only by
choosing a different path, one that is more certain to lead to a positive
outcome for both you and those around you. Unfortunately, it is
unrealistic to expect that we will one day live in a society free of
crime or the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. This leaves us with the
inevitable challenge of how to manage the harsh reality that is created
when personal decisions become societal problems.
On the morning of September 4, 2000, I stepped out onto E. Madison
Street a free man. The cut, however, was more then dealing with the
repercussions outlined in the litany of charges in my hand. My black
eye and lacerations were a form of justice served outside of the
judiciary system. Over time I would accept personal responsibility
for all that occurred that evening. I would hire a lawyer, my wounds
would heal, and today, I choose to abstain from the use of drugs,
including alcohol. I am thankful to God for gving me the will and the
chance to change my ways. As for Mr. Smoot, he won't get the chance.
In his case, when the cut kills, we as a society are the only ones left to
ask the hard questions, investigate thoroughly and see to it that
changes are made. Only perhpas it would be different if others,
including myself, had taken some initiative to do so before it cost
someone their life. Sadly, this not the case, and worse, it may not be
the lesson that we learn from and correct.
My experience at C Bookings was no the first morning that I had
more then a hang-over.
User Reviews
Submitted by joedaddy (user info) at 2005-06-02 19:22:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Now, I understand.
I cannot tell you how many people have found Jesus when arrested.
And when put in jail or prison?....the number increases geometrically.
<praisethelord>
Submitted by Siren (user info) at 2005-05-24 05:45:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by SilvrWolf (user info) at 2005-05-23 18:05:45 (#)
Ranking: 2
well written
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
B-more's rough, hon!
Submitted by thecaes (user info) at 2005-05-24 00:28:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
What Maddog said. I'm not averse to a drunken asshole suffering a minor kicking as a consequence of being an idiot, but said asshole shouldn't be sent to the hospital. And for Chrissake they're cops and should hold themselves to a standard higher than that.
Submitted by wookie (user info) at 2005-05-23 18:16:58 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Baltimore's CB is a rough place indeed.
Submitted by Maddog (user info) at 2005-05-23 18:08:39 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
I applaud you for taking responsibility for your actions. In this society of "blame everyone else" it's refreshing. Sorry for your beat-down, though.
Submitted by SilvrWolf (user info) at 2005-05-23 18:05:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
well written