No Tears for Felons, Even the Famous

Whenever someone near to us is convicted of a serious crime, it is almost unbelievable to comprehend the true gravity of such an act and the impact that act ultimately has on us.

The Darryl Henley saga is a prime example of such a case. From the onset, many of Darryl’s friends couldn’t believe that this friendly, outgoing and charming young man could possibly be involved in such an ominous act. Upon learning of his conviction, Darryl’s friends reacted with shock, surprise and alarm. Included in these responses should be outrage, but that is rarely the case. Most of his friends felt sorrow for him and spoke of him as if he had just died, and not as if he had just been convicted of a serious felony.

Darryl’s friends should be incensed that this convicted drug dealer had gained their confidence and friendship, intertwined in their lives and professions and all the while was engaged in the procurement, distribution and sales of “white death” to the people of this community and other communities just like ours, throughout the country.

I wonder if Mr. Henley cared into whose hands his “white death” fell, as long as he was able to live the lifestyle his “side job” afforded him.

Yes, this story is a tragedy, but I think part of this tragedy is the fact that we find it difficult to put aside our personal feelings when we learn that we have been living with, and taken in by, evildoers. Have we lost the inherited instincts of self protection and the protection of our families because we cannot see, hear or feel our predators; predators that kill without tearing claws or piercing fangs, but with a smile and promises of an “ultimate high.”

JIM QUEZADA

Irvine