Letter: Society is not responsible for people’s bad personal decisions | Letters to the Editor

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Regarding the letter Incarceration has a traumatic impact on the whole family (January 12): I agree with the author of the letter on the harmful effects on children when a parent is incarcerated. It opened my eyes to their possible future trauma that I had never thought about. However, I disagree with his conclusion.

I personally believe that the choices a parent (or anyone) makes directly affect their future, as well as that of the person’s children. Society is not to blame when a parent commits a crime. Far more parents in identical social and economic situations choose a crime-free path than those who do not.

If African American children are disproportionately affected by incarcerated parents, as the letter writer claims, I believe the parents are to blame, not the criminal justice system. It seems to me that we have already reformed the criminal justice system. For example, no cash deposit and no prosecution for thefts up to a certain amount. When we eliminate the consequences of wrong choices and illegal actions in the name of racial justice, I believe we as a society go astray.

I believe the article referenced in the letter, The Adverse Childhood Experience, should be read by all parents, but I know that will never happen. What will happen, unfortunately, is a continuation of the adverse effects on their children.

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