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;void(0)) One of this country’s fastest growing “industries” happens to be the prison “industry”. Private companies are literally falling over one another in desperate attempts to win contracts to either open their own prison or to provide some service connected with the growing numbers of us who are in some way under the supervision of the federal, state or local department of corrections. Why are we committing crime in such growing numbers? Well, some sociologists refer to the “Market Structure of Crime” theory. According to this theory, most criminal behavior is profit motivated and in our current consumer culture we are encouraging some individuals that are predisposed to an acquisitive nature, to try illegitimate means to obtain what they feel they “need”. We may recall the spate of shootings over certain highly advertised sneakers and “bomber jackets” during the ‘90s. Last year we were all astounded to hear the former CEO of Enron, apologetically, give his reason for profiting from the pain and heartache he caused so many investors and employees through his illegal practices. He said something to the effect: “It’s hard to give up that lifestyle after having lived that way for so many years (referring to the opulent lifestyle he took on with his ill-gotten gains)”. It sounded more like a variation on the hit rap song “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp”, than something out of the mouth of a man who had rubbed shoulders with presidents and statesmen. From the time that we enter this world we all seek to feel safe, loved, and powerful. We start out with mother’s milk, then it’s toys, then friends, and on it goes. We want to feel good. Yet, the more we acquire of these things and their facsimiles, the more we crave. Every fortune that we acquire, every drink drunk, every crime committed, and, yes, every murder committed, is just to get some relief – to feel safe or powerful. Perhaps an important realization of our lives is when we come to the realization that, nothing in this world can ever bring us true peace and happiness. There are people who acquire considerable power, success, fame and riches that they thought they wanted, and instead of being happy, they soon destroy themselves. We don’t have to look very far for examples: Elvis Presley, John Belushi, Jimi Hendrix, Marilyn Monroe, Anna Nicole Smith, and the list goes on. What clearer reminder do we need that if we’re not at peace with ourselves, then we’re no better off than the unfortunate souls filling the jails and prisons throughout this great country. Most prisoners fantasize about how wonderful their life on the streets was or about how great it will be once they get out. However, those businessmen who are aware of the fortune to be made in the burgeoning “prison industrial complex”, know that if things are so great out here, why are so many people returning to jail or prison within a couple of years after discharge from the system. We’ll go further into “Prisons of Our Minds” in next month’s Aton Project. Oh yeah, don't forget your autographed copy of “The Ackee Chronicles”. Tony VanSluytman - the Author  Newsletter Directory The Aton Project - Home Page Tony VanSluytman info Tony VanSluytman - the Author | Return Home | The BOOK DOCTOR | The BANYON NETWORK | The Banyon Buzz Newsletters | The Aton Project Newsletters | Contact Us | |
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