My View on Words of Speech

Words only mean something at the moment being spoken because they invoke a certain feeling or reaction - ultimately, it's the actions behind those words that will make you shine.

I stand by my cell door for thirty minutes listening to this guy preaching up a storm about God, the power of education and knowledge, and the oppression and exploitation of the U.S. government in his broken English. It's the third time I've listened to him without making any comments until he finished his ranting.

I listen because I know he needs to vent to someone because he's stressing about his detention and because he feels good.

Each time, I speak for two minutes at the end of his tirade. I express to him that his words sound logical and have some depth. However, I emphasize to him that it's imperative to lead by example and apply what he has preached. Calling his wife a bitch and whore and having a mistress doesn't coincide with his words of wisdom.

He agrees with me and walks away dejected each time.