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‘Anger, Tantrums’ on Both Sides in Jones Case Dismays Scruggs, Likens to Prison Life
Photo courtesy UM Communications
When I returned to civilization last year from six years in prison, I found that civilization wasn’t how I remembered it. Something had changed. Gradually, it began dawning on me that folks were angrier. And not just about specific issues or things, but pissed off seemingly at everything.
Surely, you ask, it must have been worse in prison, where tension constantly percolates and inmates are all ganged-up to fight each other on sight. To be sure, there are “joints” like that. Not so, however, in the minimum security camps where I did most of my time. Instead, the emphasis was all on courtesy and respect. The fastest way to get into trouble — and possibly shipped to a truly tough prison — was to get into a loud argument with another inmate. And God forbid a fist-fight, which would automatically earn the participants a dose of “diesel therapy,” which is prison slang for a one-way ticket on a “chain bus” to Leavenworth — no matter who started it. One learns to “walk away” rather than risk serious confrontation.
Now prison is not where you want to go. The beds are little more than steel racks, the food’s inedible, and the medical and dental care are better in Haiti. Yet perversely, folks seemed happier than out in the civilized world. They found ways to get along. The shared misery of incarceration somehow spawned tolerance and cooperation.
A good example of the anger I’m talking about was triggered during the recent controversy over the IHL’s decision to let Dan Jones go as our Chancellor. I think it stinks and am on record to that effect. But I don’t think that the individual Board members are stinkers, and I am dismayed by the tantrums that some of Dan’s supporters have displayed toward others in our community who participated in or supported the Board’s action. It is done. There’s nothing more to do than lower our voices and rationally cooperate in attracting and welcoming a new Chancellor.
No, I don’t want to go back to prison where life was harsh but simple. I do think, however, that I learned something about getting along, taking a deep breath and facing the next day. I think that Dan Jones would want that, and I’m sure that the future of our great institution requires it.
Richard Scruggs is a former Oxford attorney and was indicted for bribery in 2007 and 2009. A novel on the situation, “The Fall of the House of Zeus: The Rise and Ruin of America’s Most Powerful Trial Lawyer” by veteran journalist Curtis Wilkie, was published in 2010. His sentence was completed in September of 2014.
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Louis Brandt
April 9, 2015 at 9:56 am
Dick, well said. Thank you!
Glenda Foster
April 9, 2015 at 10:25 am
I am sorry that you had to go through all you did. I know that it had to be horrific . Yiou helped me and so many after Katrina. For that I am,eternally grateful. Go live, love and enjoy life to
It’s fullest .
Ashley Meena
April 9, 2015 at 10:49 am
Thank you for this. I have been so saddened by the loss of civility these last few weeks. I have always felt that kindness and friendliness is what set us apart.
tom ford
April 9, 2015 at 10:50 am
in the truest sense, “A True Gentleman”. proud to be your brother in the bonds.
Scott Jones
April 9, 2015 at 11:10 am
I like your attitude. High road exemplified.Thanks!
JW
April 9, 2015 at 11:18 am
Thanks for writing this. I have been dismayed that Dr Jones and his supporters did not call for a shut down of the awful Facebook pages demanding boycotting of Board Members. One Facebook page in particular was spewing venom. I agree that Dr Jones is a fine man and is deservedly respected by both Faculty and Alumni, but his governing board voted not to renew his contract. Fair or unfair, without rewriting the State Constitution, they have that power. We need to move forward peacefully and find a new Chancellor.
Emily Fagan
April 9, 2015 at 11:21 am
Great post!!! So grateful for your positive outlook on life! We need more people like you!
-Emily
judie tjepkes
April 9, 2015 at 12:17 pm
Enjoyed this. I did not realize the inmate was you until the end. I had moved away from Mississippi for a time. Sorry you had the prison experience. I agrer our world is much changed in many ways, increased anger is certainly one.
Gerald Hinton
April 9, 2015 at 12:40 pm
Blue Ribbon writ this was.
Robert Lucas
April 9, 2015 at 12:45 pm
If we just take a deep breath and move on every time injustice occurs, the very pillar of justice will be eroded. Many times, this is the best response. In the Case of the IHL board and Dan Jones, taking a deep breath and moving on will only set a precedent for injustices of this sort to continue to occur. In this case, it seems that a reasonable response would be to take thoughtful action- perhaps it is time our constitution was rewritten..
Robert B Irwin
April 9, 2015 at 12:50 pm
Wise Counsel !!!
Laura Gillom
April 9, 2015 at 12:50 pm
Well-spoken and enlightening.
Tim
April 9, 2015 at 1:03 pm
“Dissent is the highest form of patriotism. “
Julie Sample
April 9, 2015 at 1:42 pm
thank you for your wise words!!!! I agree that we do have to move on….
Jack Lazarus
April 9, 2015 at 3:03 pm
Thank you, Dick. You might recall that I had lunch with you and Diane at “The Revolving Tables” in Mendenhall. We were the only customers in the place. Circa 1990
mark h stowers
April 9, 2015 at 3:48 pm
….what I was trying to say when folks started attacking me…
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/mslife/2015/04/03/civility-missing/25240559/
gg
April 9, 2015 at 4:27 pm
Thanks for a thoughtful article. We should all learn to disagree without hurling insults.
X Ranger Ben
April 9, 2015 at 9:12 pm
Sounds like you have gone from trying to save the world to accepting it. You seem to have achieved a higher zen an (even) larger wisdom. As a close witness in good and bad times it has been my honor to know you and your family. If I ever grow up (doubtful) you have provided another hard yardstick for me to measure myself against. Thank you.
Liz Ford
April 9, 2015 at 9:51 pm
Very well said
ralph braseth
April 13, 2015 at 1:36 pm
Remarkable insight and correct I think. We are angrier. We live in a polarized society where political views and different ideas can knock us to corners we can’t escape. How sad.
Ettienne Barnes
July 3, 2015 at 4:14 pm
Typical DS horseshit. Why can’t we all get along? I am so civil that I would stab my mother if she was standing on a dollar bill.