It's been over two years since the elusive Ralph "Bucky" Phillips was captured and the state's largest five-month manhunt came to a suspenseful conclusion.
???He pleaded guilty to murder, attempted murder and escape charges and is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
???Philips will never again taste freedom and will spend the rest of his life locked up in a tiny concrete cubical, reminiscent of the dorm rooms in Goodyear Hall.
???After two long years he's back in the news, but this time he's trying to reverse his fate. The life-long criminal is now appealing his convictions, stating that his court-appointed lawyer gave him bad advice.
???On Oct. 20, Phillips's lawyers will argue on behalf of the inmate and attempt to overturn his convictions, allowing him to stand trial.
???Are hardworking faithful Americans supposed to truly entertain this debacle?
???Even if this appeal isn't pushed through, Phillips can appeal as many times as he would like if he can come up with a different reason each time. I'm sure he will; inmates have plenty of time to do mischievous thinking.
???I understand there is a system and we must follow the rules of this almighty system, but this is a slap in the face to all upstanding citizens.
???Since beginning his life term in 2006, Phillips has been charged with 11 counts of inmate misconduct. Phillips has spent close to 50 percent of his entire life in and out of penitentiary institutions and the scum of the earth is right where he belongs. ??????However, even the worst humanity can produce are given conveniences and rights. Convicted criminals are allowed to file unlimited civil suits against the state for pretty much anything.
???"That officer hit me," or "He pushed me up against the wall too hard." Of course, the inmate never mentions that he threw the first punch and resisted his superiors. As long as these grievances make it past administrators, the case goes to court.
???The cost of time and money for these cases is very draining on the system, especially states that are facing budget problems. New York, are you listening?
???Sometimes the system needs to be abandoned and common sense must be allowed to flourish. Lock up these elite criminals, like Phillips, and throw away the key.
???Anyone who has a record like the infamous "Bucky" should be stripped of his humanity. Take away every right that he was ever given as a member of society and reduce him to the animal he is.
???Don't allow him to appeal and waste everyone's time. Give him only enough to survive. It's not inhumane because he will still be healthy and living, but nothing more.
???These criminals should be thankful to be alive and in a state that doesn't support the death penalty. Each breath they take is still one more than their victims.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
