Beginning Chapters Discussion - Through Chapter 7

[Stephanie]

The police initially think that LaShawn Tompkins was murdered due to his drug-dealing past. But what evidence is there that LaShawn had changed his ways?

Do you think criminals can truly reform?

This thread is appropriate for those who have read through Chapter 7 Please be mindful of spoilers about any material beyond Chapter 7.

[KathyS]

First, I do think that criminals can reform. Just one country's perspective....http://news.xinhuanet.com/employment/2002-11/18/content_633180.htm

As far as LaShawn, up to this point in the discussion, I think the police are always looking for the facts, basing them on the 'past' life of a victim. Trying to connect the dots to the criminal element which may have still been a part of his life. (Less complicated to solve the crime that way)

But looking on the surface as we see LaShawn now, after coming out of prison, there is evidence that he had changed. He seems to have had a 'sense' of faith...One: in his mother (grandmother). Two: connects with her own faith in God - had to have been influential in his route, during, and after leaving prison. I felt he wanted to give something back to that faith - with his helping others regain their own faith in themselves, and society. At this point, Beau, as well as the rest of the law enforcement community, seems to want to keep him in his past role of the criminal.

Kathy S.

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Stephanie wrote:
The police initially think that LaShawn Tompkins was murdered due to his drug-dealing past. But what evidence is there that LaShawn had changed his ways?

Do you think criminals can truly reform?

This thread is appropriate for those who have read through Chapter 7 Please be mindful of spoilers about any material beyond Chapter 7.

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[LeftBrainer]

From his perspective he has a real faith and is concerned about his grandmother. Bo hasn't found any hint of drug dealing. He seems to be very well like at the mission. I'm wondering if the mission is hiding something sinister. Nancy

[KathyS]

Pastor Mark does sound suspicious, doesn't he? I wonder what he is trying to protect, or hide?

Kathy S.

[kiakar]

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LeftBrainer wrote:
From his perspective he has a real faith and is concerned about his grandmother. Bo hasn't found any hint of drug dealing. He seems to be very well like at the mission. I'm wondering if the mission is hiding something sinister. Nancy

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I hope this turns out brighter than it seems at this point. I guess there has to be evil in everything, but why do missions draw evil doings. It is such a good thought when a mission on the street is really helping people. And I know there are alot that do, hoping this is one, maybe. I feel that LaShawn was a good guy that got a bad deal.
And he probably turned to this mission because of his bad luck and bad decisions.And his mom seems like a gutsy lady! Apparently she doesn't like this mission that her son was involved with. why?

[LeftBrainer]

Pastor Mark does seem suspicious and how does he bring that much to pressure to the police?

Nancy

[kiakar]

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LeftBrainer wrote:
Pastor Mark does seem suspicious and how does he bring that much to pressure to the police?

Nancy

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I know Nancy , there is more to it than meets our eyes right now, I believe.

[kiakar]

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KathyS wrote:
First, I do think that criminals can reform. Just one country's perspective....http://news.xinhuanet.com/employment/2002-11/18/content_633180.htm

As far as LaShawn, up to this point in the discussion, I think the police are always looking for the facts, basing them on the 'past' life of a victim. Trying to connect the dots to the criminal element which may have still been a part of his life. (Less complicated to solve the crime that way)

But looking on the surface as we see LaShawn now, after coming out of prison, there is evidence that he had changed. He seems to have had a 'sense' of faith...One: in his mother (grandmother). Two: connects with her own faith in God - had to have been influential in his route, during, and after leaving prison. I felt he wanted to give something back to that faith - with his helping others regain their own faith in themselves, and society. At this point, Beau, as well as the rest of the law enforcement community, seems to want to keep him in his past role of the criminal.

Kathy S.

---

Stephanie wrote:
The police initially think that LaShawn Tompkins was murdered due to his drug-dealing past. But what evidence is there that LaShawn had changed his ways?

Do you think criminals can truly reform?

This thread is appropriate for those who have read through Chapter 7 Please be mindful of spoilers about any material beyond Chapter 7.

---

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You know, Kathy S., This is a job stigma I believe. In order to keep their minds on the criminal, The Police do not believe anything good about past criminals only the bad stuff they have done, because the police do not want to come out looking bad in the eyes of the public.If by chance, the criminal is really still bad as always.

And yes, I think that LaShawn did want to change. The author let us in on alot of his thoughts before someone killed him. To me, he had changed by what he said then, but this could be for some other reason like his being in drugs earlier in his life.

[Stephanie]

Nancy,

I was wondering what was going on at that mission too- very suspicious behavior there! I wonder why good people would stay there though, if there were shady dealings?