The following is a completely true, first-hand story.

A doctor in the State Prison in a certain state was reviewing requests for medical parole. In particular, one man caught his eye. The inmate was dying of Pancreatic cancer. The doctor decided he would approve the parole, in order to let the man die in peace with his family. Unfortunately, he could not approve it by himself. He needed a few other opinions as well.

First he called in a male Health Unit Manager. A top dog of the prison's hospital. The Manager gave his approval as well.

Next he called a head Warden. He too gave his approval.

Finally, he called another Health Unit Manager. She was the head of all nurses at the prison. She was not familiar with the inmate, so she met the doctor to review the case file.

"He's dying," the doctor said when she entered the meeting room. "Pancreatic cancer. He's been in here for several years. I think he's served his time, and we should respect his death, and his family."

But the Health Unit Manager wasn't as easily swayed. She looked up and down his profile, reading his crimes, past medical treatment. Everything.

Finally, she spoke.

"Sixteen," she said. "Sixteen counts. Of Drunk driving. Did you see this? Most people have a hard time getting back into work after a single drunk driving offense. Sixteen? How could the justice system even let THAT happen?"

The doctor said nothing.

"His file says he's from Wilmer," she continued. "That's about fifteen minutes away fromy my home. I drive through there on my way to and from work. My daughter drives through there on the way to work. And when my son comes home to visit me, HE drives through Wilmer.

"So I tell you what. I'll approve his parole. I will. But only if we release his in your Neighborhood. So he can be driving in the area that your kids play in. Through the parks. Through the suburbs. Sixteen counts of drunk driving. He's had enough second chances. He is not getting my approval."

And without another word, she turned and left the office.

The doctor thought about it some more, and after a while, he changed his mind.

The inmate died in prison.

Sometimes, the justice system doesn't work, like allowing Anyone to go free after fifteen offenses. No system is perfect. Now, this guy wasn't the Lockerbie Bomber. He wasn't a murderer. Was he dangerous? Absolutely.

So just remember, even though the system isn't perfect, there's always people trying to make it work.