Remember the suicide scene from Shawshank redemption?
Where old dude Brooks gets out of prison after forever, tries to acclimate to this alien world, and just hangs himself instead? He’s like “fckk this noise, I’m out this bish.” I remember seeing that as a kid and not understanding fully. I mean, the guy was finally free. Why end it now? In my child-mind it was hard to consider what a mind blow all the technological advancements must seem like. Or what a reminder of all the years lost. Or what an adjustment in general after a lifetime spent in prison.
That’s why a wrongfully convicted man who just spent 25 years in prison is suing… for $162 million.
No, f’real.
Jonathan Fleming insisted he was in Disney World with his family when he was accused of murdering Daryl Rush decades ago. Now, only after he’s served the sentence, was it realized that he was indeed innocent. When proof of his original alibi came to light, the shiz hit the fan.
So, is that massive figure fair?
Um, yeah. I think it is. Aside from the fact that he missed the whole evolution of the internet – from being a thing in our homes with slow dial up, to the beginnings of social media, to it being at our fingertips – he’s missed years with his family. One of the best parts of a man’s – especially a family man’s – life.
And let’s not forget the psychological assault of being in a prison. It’s not like he was convicted and subsequently sent to an ugly dorm room with a T.V. where it’s kinda depressing but nobody bothers you. You’ve got to form armor in prison. Fleming may have been innocent, but a lotta guys in there sure weren’t. From one day to the next, you dunno if you’re going to shanked or ass raped. I’m sure at least one of those things probably happened to him. Can you imagine getting threatened, beat up, or anally violated every day – all the while knowing that you really don’t deserve it? That’s enough to make anyone wanna end it all.
So give this mofo his effing money.
Let him and his family live out what time they’ve got left together comfortably.
That’s my ruling.
#retrobynes