DannyBoyinExile

They say that everything is bigger in Texas. Now that the inmates in TDCJ are allowed to grow their hair and beards out, I guess they’re out to prove it.
There was a federal court decision that basically said to TDCJ: “Thou shalt not infringe on the religious freedoms of your inmates by forcing them to look clean-cut and civilized – it’s unconstitutional. Or words to that effect.
And, of course, once you give a right to anyone, you have to give it to everyone – ” equal protection under the law” – so now we are free to grow our hair and beards as long as anyone in the other 49 states who already had the right to do so.
I’m just wondering which religion mandates that you grow your hair and beard? Tradition may have led to that outcome, but I don’t think that God ever commanded anyone to do so. Then again, we don’t talk as often as we should… I mean, I’ve been busy, and clearly He has, too. (Hopefully He has, too!)
I come from an era when they would write you a case or even deny a visit for not shaving for a day or two. So it is downright strange for me to see so many inmates with either a) huge afros, b) pony tails, c) long beards, d) any combination of the above, or even e) all of the above!
I even coined a new term, as I’m quick to do. When I see a guy sporting his new pony tail (complete with a “pony tail holder”, which they sell on commissary now), I’m sure to ask him,” Is that a love handle?”
All kidding aside, I respect the religious views of any and everyone, as well as their right of self-expression, to style their hair any way they choose. But I also have a right to my own opinion about it, and I just can’t help but wonder why a person in 2023 would want to look like, say, a member of the Jackson Five? Or a Civil War general?
As for me, I guess I’ve gotten old. I remain strictly clean-shaven, with a nice haircut to match. If I haven’t shaved in a few days, or had a haircut in a month, I just don’t feel right. After looking civilized for so long, maybe it rubbed off on me. For a change, maybe I can stand out around here for the right reasons, instead of the wrong ones. So says DannyBoy.