Go to prison

….

When we return, it is time to go around the circle and hear from the
men.  The statements are amazing – as Janine tells me, many of these
men will never be released from prison.  Their statements do not go to
the parole board, and they often wouldn’t help them anyway.  Almost all
of them start by thanking the women for speaking, many of them are
crying and talk about their own loss and vicitimization as part of what
got them to prison in the first place.  Here is a sampling:

“I want to apologize to you.  I belong here and you have helped me understand the hurt that I have caused.” 

“I will take your story and try to change the world for good.” 

“I used to think that victimizing someone after you have been a
victim is power.  But this is real power, the power to help others, the
power to help change.” 

“I used to view myself as the victim and blame others.  I never saw the ripple effect.” 

“I was hurt so I wanted to hurt others.” 

“Males are born but men are made – and this is one of the starting points.”

Read the whole entry.