As I understand it, the controversial private company that has been overseeing those on probation in Rutherford County will close up shop at the end of this month. There has been much protest against the operation over the years, and a recently filed class-action lawsuit, along with the widespread coverage of that, seem to have been the knockout blow for Providence.
It sounds like we need to elect some new judges and legislators as well. Let’s replace the people who set up this crooked system, who legalized its existence, and who continually and repeatedly sentence people into this broken cycle of injustice.
But they need some way to pay for that new multi-million-dollar judicial building; let’s extract $9,000 from anyone caught with a suspended license, or anyone pleading to underage consumption. . . .
Has American democracy officially failed? It probably sounded like a good idea to the founding fathers to charge the people with the responsibility of electing the best candidates for positions of governmental authority. I’m not sure the voters are up to it, though. Look at Sheriff Arnold, look at the current Republican presidential frontrunner, look at all of the presidents of my lifetime, look at the bunch of career politicians in Congress passing convoluted legislation that benefits whichever of the corporate cronies who bankrolled their last campaign.
Looking at the candidates the majority of people select to lead our country, I’d be willing to try another system . . . but until then: Snowden 2020!
What will fill the void left by the probation company’s closing?
I’ll run it. I’ll throw my hat in the ring to oversee those guilty of minor offenses. It would be more of a community service model, and less of an extortion model.
I think I’ll also run a gun take-back operation, too . . . bring me your unwanted firearms and you get a prize.
On to food; behold, the doughnut shops of Murfreesboro.
Now, full disclaimer, the Pulse is not recommending you eat a dozen doughnuts every day or anything. There are even some concerns out there as to whether flour and sugar should really be considered people food. Make real, raw ingredients a big part of your diet, too, but enjoy a couple of fresh doughnuts from time to time when you feel like a little dessert. Then, not long after, head over to the Murfreesboro Athletic Club, Ascent climbing facility, Murfreesboro Greenway or Championtone Fitness to burn it off, blast the fat and get yourself into even better shape than you were before.
Remember, as this month’s piece by Ms. Jennifer Durand reminds us, you have everything you need. Be still and know. . . .
Beyond that, if there is something you want, I believe that you can obtain or achieve it if you connect with the right people, take small, focused steps towards your goal, remain of strong faith with your eyes on the prize and keep your intentions true and just.
Do it!
Keep on doing that in which you excel—and let the Pulse know about it!
As Stephen A. Smith said, do what you have to now, so you can do what you want to later.
Peace,
Bracken Mayo
Publisher/Editor in Chief
