I really need to understand what people mean when they say “productive member of society.” Where are the units of measurement for this sentiment located so that I can firmly grasp where folks that spew this phrase are coming from?

You probably heard on the talky box or ear-hole unit about the 16 year old Baltimore-area resident that is on trial for murdering his mother, father, and 2 siblings when he was 15. They say he “just snapped” and shot them all, then, calmly sat down and played video games, or something to that effect. This week, the lad’s lawyer’s had him plead guilty to get some sweetheart deal- something like two 25-year consecutive terms where he could get the possibility of parole is 26 years, I think. This horrific incident and subsequent case aren’t my, point, however. What is at hand is the folks that are coming out saying “well, good…there is a chance he will be rehabilitated and become a productive member of society.” WTF?

When it comes to criminals and rehabilitation, there is a very fine line. Rehabilitation, in the “justice system,” can curb behaviors, and that’s it. Much in the same way that your golf swing sucks (mine too) because you are doing it wrong- bad form/behavior-, you can be taught to do it better or even correctly and become a local link legend in your own mind. If you injured your knee (probably in a fight after bragging about your now sweet golf swing), you may walk a bit funny. People would probably say you “lean to the left a little” and wouldn’t be talking about your political views. Hearing this, you’d get your knee rehabbed and be good to go. People “in the system” for stealing cars, being a chronic litterer, and even the business person that burned his losing restaurant down for an insurance write-off can be rehabbed. As a society, we say to them “that was uncool- sit in this dry, comfy place and get free food for a while to think about it” and we call it a day. Murderers, violent sex offenders (is there any other kind), etc., that’s either a lifestyle choice or a brain misfire (or a lethal combination of the two); they can’t be rehabbed.

Who in their right mind sits around and says “John X may have murdered someone, but, in a few years, he will have great wisdom to impart to society about why you shouldn’t kill people.” Seriously, what does this type of criminal offer us as a society? Why would we want this type IN SOCIETY at all when they have told us by their actions that they do not agree to the very rules that keep society in place. Maybe it’s just me, but, if someone does something I don’t like, I don’t hang around them anymore.

So, help me understand.