Inbox

[June 3rd, 2009]

A LESSON IN CAUSE AND EFFECT
This is a difficult time for the people of Oregon. There are too few jobs, too little money, and hard times ahead. Soon, out of necessity, hundreds of prisoners may be released from the state’s overcrowded and underfunded prisons. I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to the citizens of Oregon for the chaos my comrades will be creating in your neighborhoods.

They aren’t rehabilitated. (The prisons do not have programs for that.) The prisoners released are going to use drugs. And, they will be stealing your property. Please, don’t blame them. Prison is not a cure for drug use or criminal activity; it is simply an enormously expensive “pause” button. That is a lesson I hope we have learned.

Now, the lawmakers are about to hit the “play” button in a major way. All hell is going to break loose. When the dust settles, the politicians will be pointing fingers and looking for someone to blame. Don’t blame the prisoners. (Everyone knew they were criminals when they were released early.) Blame a broken, outdated, and money-hungry system that simply does not produce the desired effect. You can push the “pause” button a hundred times, or hold it down for hours…and it still won’t make the channel change. Let’s try another button!

The citizens of Oregon have often shown a willingness to look outside the box for new solutions to old problems. This is the time for that resolve to manifest itself. Advances in technology have opened new doors in inexpensive tracking and monitoring systems. That’s a possible option. One of many. I don’t have the final answer. I am part of the problem. But I do know from personal experience that when you spend less on education and productive social programs, you feed the prison monster. Its favorite food is your children!

Dale Hardt
Inmate, Oregon State Penitentiary

VIRGINIA CAFE IS HERE TO STAY
Those of us at the Virginia Cafe feel we should clear up an inaccuracy in WW’s WW’s report that our new home [might] soon see the wrecking ball is not correct. We are comfortably settled at 820 SW 10th Avenue, serving our faithful clientele daily. We have a multiyear lease in our building, and other new business neighbors are filling the building as well.

The owners of the Virginia Cafe took great strides to ensure that the legacy of the Virginia Cafe would continue for many more years. We are thankful for the continued support of the community that watched us, encouraged us, and aided us in our journey from our old home on Park Avenue to our new home on 10th Avenue. We couldn’t have done it without all the support we received. We will be here today, tomorrow, and as long as our “family” continues to stop by and pay homage to an old lady who loves her new facelift. Cheers!

The Virginia Cafe Family