Time To Opt Out Of Crime
There was a recession brewing in the wind.  A veteran businessman saw the telltale signs as he continued to get report after report, and economic forecast after forecast.  Instead of cutting his costs by laying off his workforce like his competition, he called his workers together for a brief, but powerful announcement: "Men" said the businessmen, "I know that a recession is coming our way.  I have decided that this company is not going to participate in it! The businessman knew that his success--nay, his company's very survival depended upon the mental attitude of his employees.  Not only did the company survive, but lived on to hire more workers and became more of an asset to his community.

Time For US To Learn The Same Lesson
Brothers, this is not going to be an easy column to write.  I, like you, continue to watch in awe at the numbers of our young men who have chosen to get involved with the criminal lifestyle. However, I applaud those young brothers whom we seldom see on the television news who manage to opt out of crime, and go on to get their diplomas and degrees, and head out into the workforce and community with their heads held high.  They made the choice to stay away from crime. And, they continue to reap the rewards of a jail-free life. If we are honest, many of us know those on the fringes of the criminal justice system. The man who sells drugs, or bootleg clothing, hot jewelry, or other ill-gotten gain.  Some of us support these men out of willful ignorance! We need to look them, straight in the eye, rebuke them, and let them know that, eventually, if the police don't catch them, other thieves and crooks will.

Brother-to-Brother, we need to urge our young people to make the decision not to participate in crime, or criminal activities.  We can say NO!

Mike Ramey is the author of a column written monthly for men from a biblical, business, and common-sense perspective. 
Copyright © Mike Ramey. The opinions expressed are those of the author and are used by permission.