[GH85Carrera]

Back in the early 1970s the federal courts took over the Alabama prison system. They were massively overcrowded. 8 prisoners in a cell made for two. I was the photographer along with a reporter for Time magazine as the press got a tour of the prison.

I can tell you, I never had criminal tendencies, but hearing that massive steel door slam shut behind us was sobering. I was standing next to a guard, and a state trooper, and I knew for sure, I got to leave when the tour was over, but it is a kick in the nuts to hear and smell the place. Constant yelling and cussing and insults. One of my photos made it into Time for the article.

Next we toured the cafeteria. I will need to be really hungry to eat that slop. And the stench was just horrible.

After that, I have long said that "troubled youth" should be locked in a cell away from the prisoners, but fed the same food, and listen to the noise and smell the smells for 48 hours. Then have the judge explain, one more offense, and I will send you to that prison.

I was scared straight, and I was already straight as can be, and a very honest taxpaying citizen, and had no plans to ever be a criminal. I never spent a penny on dope of any kind. Beer was all I wanted. Still the same way.