Dear Catholic Wise Guy,
I’ve been following you for your years. I’m a fallen-away Catholic and don’t go for your heavy-duty religious stuff. Still have a little faith, though I know the Fellow Upstairs ain’t too happy with me. Street-smarts are my only wisdom, and I see street-smarts in some stuff you write.
I’ve led a life of bars, of drinking bars and prison bars. Know a lot of cons and we hang together, inside and out. Formed a little group called UCC (United Criminals and Cons). Sometimes we pool our funds and lobby for changes we want. UCC is kind of a union; we birds of a feather flock together and we want to feather out own nest. Hey, everybody does it, why not us? It’s a free country, isn’t it?
We are so excited about the “Defund the Police” movement. This movement is a God-send – it almost makes me want to return to the faith. “Fewer cops in the streets means we get more treats.”
Some of the guys want to commit all our funds to the DFP and don’t mind a little publicity and drawing attention to ourselves. Others, like me, feel we should move cautiously – don’t want to leave any tracks and alienate the DFP supporters, especially those with political clout and deep pockets.
So, Wise Guy, what should we do?
Con-Man
Dear Con-Man,
First, thanks for being one of my followers – I don’t have many.
I started composing a preachy piece about following the laws of God and man but pitched it. You’ll answer God’s call (and He is calling you) in your own time.
I must admit your question perplexes me. It’s a con-undrum.
I have never considered the idea of convicts pursuing criminal justice “reform,” but what you’ve said makes sense. Why can’t you participate in the political process like everyone else? Just don’t make a fuss – the average Joe might not see it your way.
I side with you, my friend. Support Defund the Police, but quietly, cautiously. Don’t draw attention to yourselves if you want fewer cops on the streets.
Peace,
CWG