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I find this story intriguing, as well as the thousands of other stories of rehabilitation and change within the American justice system. It is obvious that while incarcerated, Jonathan Nobles took the time to regret and become remorseful of his actions. Unfortunately in America, this is irrelevant to most people in society. We often label individuals, who have made a mistakes in their lives. Their identity is associated with the crime that they committed; and hopefully, learned from while in prison. An example would be Stanley "Tookie" Williams, co-founder of the notorious street gang, The Crips. He was also executed for murder, disregarding the years of rehabilitation he went through. He negoitiated a truce with the Crips, and rival gang the Bloods; wrote children books; and was even nominated for a Nobel Prize while in prison. Not only in a Williams's case, but people closer to me. I have friends and family members, who have paid thier debt to society. When they arrive home, all they find is unemployment and discrimination. I dont believe the American society is accepting of change, unless it brings celebrity or fortune.
- Brandon Jones's blog
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A Death in Texas Reply
Brandon, I agree with the things that you've mentioned, but I will also say that sometimes when people make choices they really don't understand the impact that it may cause. Sometimes it's hard to forgive and forget; which makes it difficult to believe that people are capable of changing. In the story it was obvious that Jonathan became remorseful for his actions and did change over time, but not everyone who has committed a hanus crime can honestly say their sorry for what they've done, and our justice system is designed to protect us from those type of people. The one's with "no remorse". The idea is to keep them off the street, which prevents them from repeatidly breaking the law. Parole is designed to give an individual the opportunity to "straighten up" and 9 times out of 10 those on parole usually will violate it. So, I wouldn't say that the system doesn't believe in second chances. Sometimes people must be held accountable for their actions and deal with the consequences. I think the character in this story would have been a great example of someone who's been rehabilitated and deserved a second chance, but unfortunately that didn't happen.