Is there a reason why the U.S. stands alone in imposing a sentence like (LWoP)? Yes, period, full stop. LWoP, like its older and more diabolical brother, the death penalty, is a failed human experiment. LWoP has its roots in the abolishment of the death penalty is the 1970’s, when the powers that be were grasping for a way to replace the death penalty with something equally as cruel, unusual, arbitrary and capricious, so was born a sentence that now hangs around the proverbial neck of the U.S. like the sword of Damocles.
LWoP was meant to be for the “worst of the worst”, those cast away by society as being beyond repair and hope, and through the years it has devolved into a sentence handed out to anyone and everyone. As time has passed, as the rest of the developing world has followed a tried and true mantra referred to as “the evolving standards of decency” (where when you know better, you do better), the U.S. has stood still and allowed the LWoP issue to ultimately become an epidemic.
For someone serving LWoP who goes above and beyond to improve, seeking out any and all opportunities to do and be better, to rally against the odds and rehabilitate, there must be a trail clearly cut into the criminal justice reform pathway to allow for a fresh look. I’m one of countless inmates in the U.S. that fit this, yet under the archaic rules of LWoP I can’t even be considered, no matter what I do. Since my rescue more than 34 years ago I’ve come such a long way, not only being 100% accountable for my actions in the murders of Mr. Parker and Mr. Young, but also in participating in and completing every self-help and self-improvement program I could get involved in, I even became an advocate for crime victims. LWoP in Missouri, as in most other states, means just that, zero chance of even cursory consideration.
Though I’m legally burdened by LWoP it doesn’t stop me from doing all that I can to do and be better, even to help those around me do and be better, because the sentence is life without the eligibility or possibility of parole, I retain and exercise the right to have hope!
Contact Info:
Robert Shafer #990101
Write to him via email:
https://www.securustech.net
Step 1: Click the link above
Step 2: Create a Securus account (if you don't already have one)
Step 3: Go to "Contacts" ---> "Add Contact"
Step 4: Search for Robert Shafer in the state of Missouri. The facility on Securus is listed as Missouri Department of Corrections.
You may also contact Robert, see more pictures, and learn more of his story at https://wireofhope.com/prison-penpal-robert-shafer
God is good
It will be okay hang on brother I don’t know what the circumstances but you keep brewyhot
I will share your post
The book Death By Prison does an extraordinary job of covering the evolution of this unusual (it is outlawed in Europe) punishment, today virtually unique to the US. None of us would opt to be judged by our worst deed……forever……yet, LWOP does just that. Such a tragedy masquerading as justice.
I hope they see how you’ve changed and give you chance to live like a normal person again. Everybody deserves a second chance as long as we change for good.
This is why I believe testimony like yours needs to be shared with young minds. So many kids around the age of 12 or so live their lives thinking they are invincible. Although it goes to our natural instinct, it destroys so many lives. We don’t hunt and gather anymore. Our bodies don’t match society. If you share your testimony with others, you could save them from similar fate. This may be inappropriate but unless magic happens immediately, you will continue your lwop. But how beautiful could it be that you saved even just one youngster by your story. I’m speaking for you here but I imagine that would be a beautiful gift to give. and receive honestly. Hope I didn’t offend.
Message from Bob Shafer posted by Jay Trevorrow for Patunia.
Patunia~
Thank you for your kind and considerate words in response to my blog about LWoP, I’m grateful for your grace and candor!
You are spot on, in sharing my story I endeavor to change even one life trajectory. I don’t need awards or rewards for working to inspire others, my ultimate pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is simply knowing that I made a positive difference in the life of someone else, the beauty is absolutely in the giving. LWoP is what I have, it’s darn sure not who I am!
So, let me share a poem with you that you may be able to share with the youngsters you work with. This poem helped to open my heart and eyes.
The Guy In The Mirror (Man In The Mirror)
By: Dale Wimbrow (1934)
When you get what you want in your struggle for self,
and the world makes you king for a day,
then go to the mirror and look at yourself
and see what that man has to say.
For it isn’t a man’s Father, Mother or wife,
whose judgement upon him must pass,
the fellow whose verdict counts most in life
is the man staring back from the glass.
He’s the fellow to please, never mind all the rest,
for he’s with you clear to the end,
and you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test
if the man in the glass is your friend.
You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
and get pats on the back as you pass,
but the final reward will be heartache and tears
if you’ve cheated the man in the glass.
You said something about how 12 year olds think they’re invincible, something that I can relate to, and considering what you do I want you to know that if I can help you, in any way, then just please reach out and let me know.
Patunia, be well and blessed! Thank you for your comments, and thank you for working to make a difference!
Best Wishes,
Bob
I would love to print anything you may would like to share with the guys here in Bama.
I’m going to print this out with your permission!
That is just fine, Patunia. We are all in this together.